Nighty-Night

By Brian Jaime
THE FIRST NIGHT
A childs room at night. There is a bed
at the center of a square room that is
illuminated by streams of moonlight
entering through a nearby window. A
rocking chair is somewhere nearby. The
entire room is cast in shades of blue
and dull white. SOFIA, an eleven-year-
old Latin girl dressed in a nightgown,
sits up in bed. Shes got pigtails held
together by dainty ribbons and wears a
rosary around her neck. She closes her
eyes and sighs. She pushes the covers
off and kneels next to the bedthe
moonlight streaming across her eyes as
she looks up into the night sky. She
holds her hands together and prays.
SOFIA
Dear God, I know youre probably busy. But I know you will hear my
prayers. I just know you will. Cindy Johnson says that you only
listen to the prayers of white kids and that kids like me shouldnt
even pray. That we should just be grateful being alive in the first
place. Like dogs. Or rabbits. I dont even believe her, though.
Sister Albertina says that you love everybody the same. Shes a nun,
so I am guessing shes right. I mean, next to priests, nuns are like
super, holy people.
She blesses herself by making the sign
of the cross.
Anyway, the other night I wished on a shooting star for something
that I know is impossible but its a wish and wishes can be
impossible sometimes. Right? Only nothing happened. At least not yet.
Sister Carmen says that sometimes when nothing happens, that is your
way of telling us No.
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She blesses herself again.
But, I figure youre like the inventor of stars and so why rely on
them when I can go right to the one who made them. And, if you dont
say No, I promise Ill be good forever and ever. I promise I will
do all my homework and say all my prayers and wont smoke cigarettes
like Jennie Baker and Sasha Chang do after school behind the convent.
And I promise to clean my room when I am told, which I already pretty
much do but I figure it doesnt hurt to throw it in there. Amen.
She makes the sign of the cross a third
time and begins to hop back into bed.
Half way into bed, she stops and jumps
back down onto her knees again.
Oh, and God bless mama, and daddy, and Yessica, and abuela, and tia
Iolite. And also help tio Jessie to get a new leg from the government
because his old one is all messed up ever since he got runned over by
the paleteros truck. It wasnt his fault, dear Lord. He was just
crossing the street. And, Sister Monica says that Jesus helped all
sorts of peopleeven the handicapped. Amen.
Her bed room door opens. MAMA enters
dressed in a flowing nightgown and
slippers. SOFIA sees her and smiles
brightly. She runs to her and throws
her arms around her.
SOFIA
Mama! I was just praying to the Lord and
MAMA
(Sweetly.)
I know, I could hear.
SOFIA
You could?
MAMA
Of course. Now get back into bed. Walking barefoot on hardwood
floors
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SOFIA
is a good way to catch a cold. I remember.
MAMA
Good girl. Now up into bed.
SOFIA climbs into bed and snuggles
under the covers. MAMA tucks her in and
kisses her on the forehead. She sits
next to her on the bed, moonlight
bathing them both in an almost ethereal
way.
SOFIA
Mama?
MAMA
What is it, mija?
SOFIA
(Looking up at her mother with tired eyes.)
Sing to me? The song I like.
MAMA
Of course.
MAMA smiles and smoothes SOFIAs
forehead while she softly sings Dream
a Little Dream of Me, music by Fabian
Andre and Wilbur Schwandt and lyrics by
Gus Kahn.
STARS SHINNING BRIGHT ABOVE YOU;
NIGHT BREEZES SEEM TO WHISPER, I LOVE YOU
BIRDS SINGING IN THE SYCAMORE TREE;
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME.
Lights slowly fade to black, except for
the cracks around SOFIAs bedroom door.
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THE NEXT MORNING
SOFIA is sleeping in bed. We now see
her room lit in morning hues. Her room
seems largerless ethereal. The room
looks tidy. DADDY enters. He is wearing
a t-shirt, sweat pants, and socks and
his shirt is stained with pancake
batter. He gently shakes her awake.
DADDY
Sofia, princesstime to wake up.
SOFIA
(Yawning.)
What time is it, daddy?
DADDY
Time for pancakes! Why are you so tired? Were you up reading again?
Youre lucky its the weekend.
SOFIA
Mama was telling me all sorts of stories. And she sang to me
DADDY
(Uncomfortable.)
Sofia, I made you an amazing pancake breakfast with crispy baconjust
how you like. I even put happy faces on the pancakes and powdered
sugar.
SOFIA
Daddy, remember I told you about the wish? Well, this time, I sent it
to God and he listened. He listened and she was here
DADDY
Sofia, stop this. Your mother was nothere. It was probably a dream.
A very beautiful dream.
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SOFIA
(Upset.)
It was not a dream! It was real. She was here. She told me stories.
She said you met at a ball game and that you sang to her on your
first
DADDY
(Very uncomfortable now.)
Enough! Thats enough. Its time for breakfast.
(He stands and points at the bedroom door.)
No more talk of this. You and I both know your mother is gone. The
best we can do is to be there for each other. We have to
SOFIA
(Standing defiantly.)
I know it was real. God sent her to me!
DADDY
(Sitting on the bed, he scratches his head.)
God?
(Laughs uncomfortably, not knowing what to say.)
SOFIA
(Glaring at him, she bursts out of the room,
slamming the door behind her.)
Dont laugh, daddy!
Lights fade to black.
THE SECOND NIGHT
Sofias room once again looks like a
dream. She is wearing pajamas and is
kneeling next to the bed with her hands
folded.
SOFIA
and Sister Teresita said that you forgave Mary Magdalene. So, Im
thinking that you could do the same for my cousin Letty. Shes a good
person, even though tia Iolite calls her a cochina. And, God, bless
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my Daddy. He doesnt believe you answered my prayers. Please, send
him an angel, Lord. Amen.
MAMA seems to appear from the darkness
into the light. She is wearing the same
outfit as the previous night. SOFIA
sees her and the two embrace.
MAMA
Mija, youre trembling.
(She ushers her into bed and tucks her in.)
What are these worries on your mind? Mija bonita.
SOFIA
Daddy says this isnt real. That you arent real. That God didnt
answer my prayers. He says this is all a dream.
MAMA
Am I not holding you? Are we not here together now?
(SOFIA nods.)
Then, why question the Lord?
(She looks up at heaven as if she is in on some
sort of joke.)
He works in mysterious ways. Your father, he is just sad. Grieving.
His heart hurts. Mine does too.
SOFIA
But you are here with me, mama. My heart hurt too until you came
back.
MAMA
I know, but I wont be here forever. Three nights only, mi amor.
SOFIA
(In horror.)
No! But my wish
MAMA
was answered. Im here. But soon you must be strong for yourself and
your father. He needs you, mija. You need each other. That is why I
am here.
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SOFIA
But, mama, without you
MAMA
I know, but life goes on, mi corazon. Life always does. You are going
to grow up to be a beautiful woman. And you will have boyfriends, and
go to dances, and graduate from schools, and get married, and have
babies of your own someday. And I will be there with you. Always.
SOFIA
You will?
MAMA
Si, mijita.
SOFIA
I miss you so muchDont leave me again.
MAMA
Never. Ill always be with you.
Several moments of silence go by,
during which MAMA cradles SOFIA in her
arms. And then
SOFIA
Mama, can you tell me the story about how you and daddy fell in love
again?
MAMA
It was on our first date. We were at a dance at the Auxiliary Hall.
In those days, they would have dances every weekend. I told your
father I would meet him there. He was so handsome. We danced all
night. I didnt want it to end so I never told him my feet were
aching. We just danced and danced. Then they played our song. He held
me close in his arms and thats when I knew. I justknew. It was
magic, mijita. Thats how we fell in love. Me in his arms, and he
singing in my ear
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She soothes SOFIAS head and begins to
sing
SAY, NIGHTY-NIGHT, AND KISS ME;
JUST HOLD ME TIGHT AND TELL ME YOULL MISS ME;
WHILE IM ALONE AND BLUE AS CAN BE;
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME.
Lights slowly fade to black, except for
the cracks around SOFIAs bedroom door.
THE NEXT AFTERNOON
DADDY is standing in SOFIAS room
holding a laundry basket. He puts the
basket on the bed and begins to fold
clothes. A phone is cradled between his
ear and shoulder.
DADDY
(Into phone.)
I know, its just a phase. But, I dont think its healthy.
(He sits on the bed contemplating this.)
Even Yessica has been saying that her mother has been rocking her to
sleep.
(He listens to phone, nodding at times.)
I know, theyre childrenIm just not good at this. Gloria would
know what to do. What to sayThe other day I made them pancakes and
all Sofia could talk about was her mother. It drove me insane but
what could I do? She kept bringing up old storieslike our first
dateMemorieslike razors
He drops the phone to his lap. We can
hear faint mumbling on the other end.
He wipes tears from his eyes and takes
a few deep breaths. Unwillingly, he
returns the phone to his ear.
I know. You mean well. Everyone means well. I am empty inside and
everyone means wellsorry, Im just going a little crazyFuck church.
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Im tired of hearing all about how God has a plan and a reason for
everything Fuck salvation. God died the night my wife did.
(Beat.)
Look, sis, Ill be fine.
(He begins to break down.)
I just got all of this laundryyeah, I love you too.
He hangs up the phone and sits on the
edge of the bed staring at nothing. He
looks up and then
So you have a plan and a reason for everything? What was the reason
for some bastard getting behind the wheel of a car when his blood
alcohol level was three times the legal limit? What was your plan
behind that? Was this it?
(He stands up, addressing his maker.)
I cant do this alone! How can I be their rock when I am nothing but
a pile of ash? Who is going to teach them how to be womenand
mothers? Who is supposed to be our pillar of strength?
(Beat.)
If you exist, prove it.
SOFIA enters unnoticed and listens.
What kind of God are you? JUST LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE! WE DONT NEED
YOU!
SOFIA
(Furiously.)
Take it back, daddy. Take it back! You dont mean it!
SOFIA runs out of the room and slams
the door behind her. Lights slowly fade
to black, except for the cracks around
SOFIAs bedroom door.
THE THIRD NIGHT
SOFIAs room is once again illuminated
like a beautiful dream. She kneels next
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to her bed and makes the sign of the
cross.
SOFIA
God, I know mama said she could only visit for three nights. But,
please let her stay forever. I would do anything to make her stay.
But, if not, please make heaven beautiful for her. Sister Thelma says
you work wonders and Mama says you work in miraculous ways. And you
answered my prayers. So I know you can do anything! And, please watch
over my daddy. Hes a good guy whose heart is broken. Oh, and help
tia Iolite to get her cheese because the government owes her some and
all she got last time was butter. Amen.
She blesses herself and hops into bed.
She sits up, looking around the room.
SOFIA
Mama?
She climbs out of bed and walks around
the room slowly.
SOFIA
(Whispering.)
Mama?
She looks out into the quiet hallway.
Seeing nothing, she closes the door.
She turns back toward her bed. MAMA is
standing next to it on the opposite of
the room. SOFIA brightens and runs to
her, arms wide open.
MAMA
Mijita!
(She hugs her fiercely.)
Mi amor, my love. I am so proud of you. Youve been saying your
prayers like a good girl and have been taking care of your sister.
SOFIA
Yessica said you went to her too.
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MAMA
I did. She prayed for me too. In her own way.
SOFIA
And daddy too?
MAMA
He doesnt pray too much anymore. But, I am always around youall of
you. You have to be strong, mi vida. Your father needs faith. He
needs love. You and your sister must give that to him. Even when it
seems impossible to give. Do you understand?
SOFIA
I think so. Mama?
MAMA
Yes, mija?
SOFIA
Whats heaven like?
MAMA
Its different things to different people.
SOFIA
Whats it like for you?
MAMA
Its the most beautiful
A knock at the door. MAMA quietly
disappears into the shadows.
DADDY
(Entering the room.)
Sofia, you know you have school tomorrow. I could hear you talking to
yourself
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SOFIA
No. It was mama
(She turns to see that MAMA is gone.)
No! She was here! She was right there! You made her go away! This is
my last night and you made her go away! I didnt even get to say
goodbye.
DADDY
(Rushing to her side and hugging her.)
You already said goodbye to her. Remember? In the hospital. We all
did.
SOFIA
(Pulling away.)
No. Like a real goodbye. With hugs and everything. You ruined it. You
ruined my last night.
DADDY
Enough. You know your mother is always with you. She always will be.
Now, it is time to go to sleep
SOFIA
But, daddy
DADDY
No But-Daddys. Sleep.
(He tucks her in and kisses her on the forehead.
She pouts but obeys.)
In the morning well have French toast. Mmmm. How does that sound?
(She says nothing. She turns on her side away
from him in protest.)
I am going to sit in this rocking chair until you fall asleep, young
lady. We both need to get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is a new day
for us both.
He sits in the rocking chair. His eyes
slowly drift off untilhe is asleep.
From the blue shadows beyond, MAMA
slowly appears. She leans over the bed
and nudges SOFIA awake. She sits up and
begins to speak but MAMA hushes her.
The two embrace.
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SOFIA
(Whispering.)
I love you, mama.
MAMA
(Whispering.)
I love you too. So very much.
Lights fade around the bed, leaving
DADDY and the rocking chair surrounded
by darkness. MAMA enters the light and
reaches out to touch DADDYS cheek, as
if not knowing if she will be able to.
She is almost surprised as her hand
makes contact and caresses his face. He
stirs and slowly opens his eyes. Their
song begins to play softly in the
background. He sees her. This has to be
a dream, but he can feel her touch. She
places her hands in his and ushers him
to his feet. Tears roll down his face.
She leans in and wipes them away.
MAMA
Enough. No more of that now.
She reaches down and grabs his hand and
places it on her chest, over her heart,
and then places her hand over his
heart. He understands. The music begins
to crescendo and she pulls him in
close. They begin to dance, his cheek
against hers. She sings into his ear
MAMA
(Almost a whisper, but not quite.)
SWEET DREAMS TIL SUNBEAMS FIND YOU;
SWEET DREAMS THAT LEAVE ALL WORRIES BEHIND YOU.
BUT IN YOUR DREAMS, WHATEVER THEY BE,
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME.
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They stare at each other and finally
kiss. She holds him for a second longer
and then slowly pulls away, their hands
still clasped. The music crescendos
once again as she pulls further away
breaking their grasp. She slowly backs
into the darkness, her open hands
reaching out for him. He is left at the
center of the light. He closes his eyes
and smiles. A small hand reaches out
from the dark and takes his. It is
SOFIA. She steps into the light,
looking up at him.
SOFIA
Everything will be alright, daddy.
He bends down and wraps his arms around
her. The two embrace and then
we are left in darkness.
THE END
December 2012 by Brian Christopher Jaime
Note: First performed in Mt. San Antonio Colleges 2012 student one act festival of the same name. No
portion of this play may be copied, printed, displayed, or sold without prior consent of the playwright.
No portion of this play may be performed or re-enacted without previous consent of the playwright. No
portion of this play may be altered in any way without previous consent of the playwright. This play
contains copyrighted material that can only be performed at educational institutions or for non-profit
purposes under a BMG educational usage agreement.
Original 2012 Cast:
Sofia Monica Soto
Mama Hester Kim
Daddy Julian Joseph Fernandez
Copyrighted material: Dream A Little Dream Of Me music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt and lyrics
by Gus Kahn