The Spare Key
Format: Two-person drama
Approx. length: 1-3 minutes
Original audition scene

INT. FLAT HALLWAY - NIGHT

MARA stands by the door with a small envelope. ELI opens the door, half-asleep.

ELI
Mara? It’s nearly two.

MARA
I know. I counted every minute after midnight and each one got more embarrassing.

ELI
Are you all right?

MARA
No. But I’m physically intact, which everyone keeps telling me is the important part.

ELI
Come in.

MARA
I’m not staying. I just need to give you this.

She holds out the envelope.

ELI
What is it?

MARA
Your spare key. The one you said I should keep in case I ever needed somewhere safe.

ELI
You did need somewhere safe.

MARA
That was the problem. I started thinking safety was a person. That’s too much weight for anyone.

ELI
You’re allowed to lean on people.

MARA
Leaning is one thing. Moving in without boxes is another.

ELI takes the envelope but does not open it.

ELI
You could have posted it.

MARA
I wanted to see whether I could stand here and not ask you to fix me.

ELI
And?

MARA
I’m shaking, but I’m standing.

A beat.

ELI
That counts.

MARA
I thought so too.
