Simple Frustrations

SIMPLE FRUSTRATIONS
By Ave Messer

MEL, a woman, in her 30s

          (Int. home.  MEL is sitting on the couch, reading.  After a moment, she puts down her book.)

                                                   MEL
Well, I should probably get out and actually do something worthwhile today.  I should go for a run.

          (She stretches and winces from it.)

                                                   MEL
Ow.  What the heck?

          (She grabs her back.)

                                                   MEL
Ow.  Crap, now I can’t get up.

          (MEL struggles to get up anyway.  She rocks back and forth, finally making it to her feet.)

                                                   MEL
I can’t go running like this.  I need a chiropractor.

          (MEL shuffles to the phone and searches around it.)

                                                   MEL
Now where’s that phone book?

          (MEL searches with increasing anxiety through drawers.)

                                                   MEL
Screw it.  I’ll call Information.  They can direct me.

          (MEL picks up the phone and dials.  There is a pause before she speaks again.)

                                                   MEL
Yes, I’d like to know the number for a chiropractor. (Pause) What?  There aren’t any chiropractors in town?  What kind of a place is this?

          (MEL slams down the phone and grabs her back again.  She looks to the couch for a couple seconds and shrugs.  She shuffles back to the couch, flops onto it and picks up her book again.)