The Quiet Ones (A Play in One Act)

Dramatis personae

MAN, a customer
DOUCHEBAG, another customer
JOHN, a customer, apparently afflicted with a dreadful disease from darkest Africa and in no mood for anyone’s crap
BARISTA, a barista

Other customers

Scene: A neighborhood coffee shop in a metropolitan area, morning

[Enter DOUCHEBAG, who attempts to slip in line, unnoticed, between MAN, who is being served by BARISTA, and JOHN, who is deep in thought.]

MAN
Actually, I think that fellow there was next in line.

DOUCHEBAG
Really? Well, he shoulda said somethin’.
It’s the quiet ones who get left behind, ya know.
[Moves to end of line, behind JOHN.]

JOHN
[Whispered, to DOUCHEBAG.]
It’s also the quiet ones who’ll cut your throat in your sleep.

[Exit DOUCHEBAG.]

BARISTA
[To JOHN.]
May I take your order?

Finis