1

ACT I

On the side of the road surrounded by thick woods.

[ENGINE DIES] (DENNIS AND ERIKA HAVE STEPPED OUT OF THEIR BROKEN DOWN CAR)

ERIKA: (WALKING AWAY FROM THE CAR) I told you, you should've gotten the car fixed days ago.

DENNIS: (FOLLOWS ERIKA) Don't change the subject! I told you I was not comfortable seeing you with him!

ERIKA: (STOPS WALKING AND TURNS TO FACE DENNIS) I told you he was just a friend.

(DENNIS STOPS WALKING)

ERIKA: (FROWNING) Why can’t you trust me? I trust you do I? I trust you even if you're with other girls I don't know.

DENNIS: (ANGRILY TAKES A STEP TOWARDS ERIKA) I don't care! You are to do exactly as what you are told!

ERIKA: (TEARY EYED. BROKEN VOICE) Dennis! He was just a friend! How many times do I have to tell you?

DENNIS: (SHOUTS) No! You are not to meet with him ever again!

ERIKA: how can I not meet with him if he's the one arranging my flight to Europe?! (PUTS ON AN INSCRUTABLE FACE)

DENNIS: (SUDDENLY LOOKS CONFUSED) What are you talking about?

2

ERIKA: (TURNS HER BACK AT DENNIS) I was going to tell you before you started scolding me about my friend.

DENNIS: Tell me what?

ERIKA: (FACES DENNIS) A letter came. You have to understand that I’ve been waiting for this opportunity all my life. (PAUSES) I've been granted for a scholarship at a culinary school in Paris.

DENNIS: (SILENCE, STARTS TO GET ANGRY AGAIN) You can't. I won't let you.

ERIKA: (STARTS TO GET ANGRY) What?! You’re being unreasonable! You know that all my life it’s been my dream to become a chef. And now you’re telling me I can’t go? Of all people, I thought you’d understand! You're being selfish.

DENNIS: (RAISES VOICE) I told you, you can't!

ERIKA: (STARTS TO CRY. TAKES A STEP BACKWARDS) I can't believe you. I’ve just had enough of you! (TAKES A DEEP BREATH) If you can't support me with my dreams then I guess you're not the guy for me.( REMOVES RING FROM FINGER, HOLDS UP THE RING) Here’s your stupid ring. (THROWS THE RING TO DENNIS) I can’t believe I said “yes” in the first place. (RUNS OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INTO THE WOODS.)

DENNIS: (PICKS UP THE RING FROM THE GROUND)(SHOUTS) Erika! Stop! (FOLLOWS ERIKA INTO THE WOODS)

DENNIS: (SHOUTS) Erika! Wait!

ERIKA (Offstage/VO): (SCREAMS FRANTICALLY) Dennis! Help! Please Help!

DENNIS: (STARTLED) Erika... (SHOUTS) Erika! I'm coming! (STARTS TO RUN)

3

[WOODS START TO GET DARKER, WIND BLOWS, LIGHT THUNDER]

DENNIS: (STOPS RUNNING) It's snowing? Can't be. It's August.

ERIKA (Offstage/VO): (SHOUTS) Dennis! (SCREAMS)

DENNIS: (SHOUTS) Erika! Where are you? Erika!

4

ACT II

Dennis finds his way out of the woods and gazes upon the castle of ice.

DENNIS: (ASTONISHED) What's with the weather? Where did this castle come from? This place... I've never known such a place in the woods existed... Everything seems so... Unreal... [THE CASTLE DOORS OPEN] (CAUTIOUSLY WALKED TOWARDS THE DOORS. LOOKING AROUND THE FROZEN SCENERY. HE FINDS ERIKA LYING DOWN ON A STONE TABLE, FROZEN SOLID. HER CHEST IMPALED WITH A SILVER DAGGER.)

DENNIS: (RUNS TO ERIKA) Erika! (TRIES TO WAKE THE FROZEN GIRL) Erika! Please! (STARTS TO CRY) How did this happen? Who did this to you?

ICE WITCH: I did! [LACRIMOSA REQUIEM PLAYING SOFTLY] (WALKING DOWN THE FROZEN STAIRCASE) Oh don't worry she’s still alive.

DENNIS: (SURPRISED) She is?!

ICE WITCH: (CONTINUES WALKING DOWN THE STAIRCASE) She is. But we don't know for how long... Such a pity... She was a very beautiful girl... Beautiful hair, beautiful eyes, beautiful lips and beautiful skin. And she had such a beautiful heart. But unfortunately, she did not have a beautiful relationship. (STOPS WALKING, POINTS AND GLARES AT DENNIS) You? Who are you to ruin something so beautiful?

DENNIS: (ANGRY) Me? I did not ruin her! You're the one who did this to her! Who are you anyway?!

ICE WITCH: Who am I? (STEPS DOWN THE LAST STAIRCASE) I am the keeper of broken hearts. The overseer of torn spirits. The frost mistress of this castle. I am the Ice witch! (GRACEFULLY RAISES ARMS) And who might you be? No! Don't tell me. (APPROACHES DENNIS) You are this girl’s... (LOOKS AT FROZEN ERIKA) pathetic excuse for a partner. (GLARES AT DENNIS AND TURNS HER BACK)

DENNIS: (GRIMACES) I didn’t want this to happen... I love her!

5

ICE WITCH: (FACES DENNIS) How much?! [THUNDER CLAPS] How much exactly do you love her?

DENNIS: (SINCERE FACE) With all my life... With all my soul... (CARESSES FROZEN ERIKA'S FACE) I'd give Anything for her...

ICE WITCH: (RAISES CHIN) Prove it. (APPROACHES DENNIS, PULLS OUT A SILVER DAGGER)

(DENNIS STEPS BACK)

ICE WITCH: (HOLDS THE DAGGER IN HER PALMS) This is Sica de visum, The dagger of sight. It is the twin of Sica de verum, The dagger of truth. (LOOKS AT ERIKA) The one impaled in your beloved one's heart. (LOOKS BACK AT DENNIS) Her heart is broken into parts. These parts that were beclouded by the spirits of hate; stab your heart with the dagger of sight and your hearts will be as one. You will be able to see what's inside of you and your lover's heart. (EXTENDS ARMS TO PRESENT THE DAGGER TO DENNIS) Your love for Erika will be tested. Once you have seen, known and accepted the truth, you are one step closer to reviving your partner.

(DENNIS HESITATES TO TAKE THE DAGGER. BUT TAKES IT ANYWAY FROM THE ICE WITCH'S HANDS)

ICE WITCH: You know what to do...

(DENNIS' HANDS ARE SHAKING WHILE LOOKING AT ERIKA. DENNIS STARES AT THE DAGGER FOR A MOMENT. HE RAISES THE DAGGER ABOVE HIS HEAD, HANDS STILL TREMBLING AND FINALLY, HE STABS HIS CHEST WITH THE DAGGER. DENNIS GRUNTS AS HE FALLS TO THE FLOOR.) [LOUD THUD]

[LIGHTS AND MUSIC OUT]

6

ACT III

Inside the heart of anger.

[ALL VOICES ECHOES]

DENNIS: Erika! (LOUDLY KNOCKS AT THE BATHROOM DOOR) When are you going to come out?! I have no plans of being late for this meeting! (ANGRILY LOOKS AT WRIST WATCH)

ERIKA: (STEPS OUT OF THE BATHROOM) Babe, (HOLDS OUT TWO PAIRS OF EARRINGS) Which looks better on me? (SMILES)

DENNIS: I don’t know! Just pick one!

ERIKA: You pick one! Please. You always know what looks good on me. (SMILES)

DENNIS: (ANGRY) I have no time for this! You’re being immature! Come on! Let’s go!

[ECHOEING VOICES STOP](SAD ERIKA BOWS HER HEAD DOWN AND FREEZES IN HER SPOT) (DENNIS WAS SHOCKED AT THE SCENE)

DENNIS: (CONFUSED) Where am I?

SPIRIT OF ANGER (Offstage V/O): You are inside the heart of anger!

SPIRIT OF ANGER: (STEPS OUT BEHIND FROZEN ERIKA, CONTINUES TO WALK AROUND DENNIS) You were always short tempered even at little things. You always shouted at your lover even if it was not her intention to make you angry. (STOPS WALKING TO FACE DENNIS) Tell me, why are you always angry?

DENNIS: I’m not! It’s her fau…

7

SPIRIT OF ANGER: (ANGRILY INTERRUPTS DENNIS) Liar! It was never her fault! It was all on you! You have no control over your temper!

DENNIS: (ANGRY) No! It’s not my fault! I’m not always angry!

SPIRIT OF ANGER: (FURIOUS) Silence! I know an angry man when I see one because I am the spirit of anger! (THROWS ARMS UP IN THE AIR) Who are you to lie to me?! (ANGRILY STARES AT DENNIS) You! The one who does not know when or when not to be angry! You! Who were blinded by your own fury that you do not know you are hurting the one who holds you close to their heart! You are not worthy to be with Erika! Be gone foolish one! (SWIPES RIGHT ARM) Your anger shall consume you!

[LIGHTS TURN RED, BURNING SOUNDS PLAYING]

DENNIS: (SCREAMING ON THE FLOOR WRITHING IN PAIN) I’m sorry Erika! I should’ve not shouted at you! (SCREAMS IN PAIN) I should’ve been calmer, I should have been more patient! (CONTINUES TO SCREAM IN PAIN)

SPIRIT OF ANGER: (ANGRY) Erika wouldn’t have ran into the woods and have been cursed into a freezing slumber if you hadn’t been so mad at her! She did not see a kind and patient heart she was greeted by a heart of malevolent fury!

DENNIS: (SCREAMING) I’m sorry!

SPIRIT OF ANGER: How much do you love her?

DENNIS: (DENNIS CONTINUES TO SCREAM IN PAIN) I love…

SPIRIT OF ANGER: I repeat, (SHOUTS) How much do you love her?!

DENNIS: I love her that… (SCREAMS) I would be… Argh! A better man! (CONTINUES TO SCREAM) A more patient man for her! I would not let my anger (SHRIEKS IN PAIN) consume me anymore! I love you Erika! (SCREAMS)

8

SPIRIT OF ANGER: Then you have seen the truth. (SWIPES ARMS)

[LIGHTS TURN OFF] (SPIRIT OF ANGER AND FROZEN ERIKA GOES OFF STAGE) [LIGHTS TURN BACK TO NORMAL]

(DENNIS STANDS UP FROM LYING ON THE FLOOR, LOOKS AROUND. HE FINDS THE ICE WITCH HOLDING SICA DE VISUM IN HER HANDS)

[LACRYMOSA REQUIEM SOFTLY PLAYS]

ICE WITCH: (LOOKS AT DENNIS) Love does not bear burning fury, but it possesses endless patience. By relinquishing your rage, you have cleansed the heart of anger. (HOLDS OUT SICA DE VISUM) Are you ready for the next step?

DENNIS: (GRIMACES BUT TAKES THE DAGGER IN HAND) Erika, just wait for me… (HOLDS OUT THE DAGGER, POINTS IT TOWARDS HIS CHEST, SCREAMS, THEN STABS HIMSELF)

[MUSIC FADES OUT] [LIGHTS OUT]

9

ACT IV

Inside the heart of selfishness

[ALL VOICES ECHOES]

ERIKA(Offstage V/O): : (ON PHONE) Babe, can you come over tonight. I miss you…

DENNIS: (ON PHONE) Sorry babe, I can’t come over tonight. I’ve got to finish these piled papers on my desk. Maybe next time okay?

ERIKA (Offstage V/O): (ON PHONE) But babe, I don’t get to see you very often. I really miss you. Please come over? Please? (FROWNS)

DENNIS: (ON PHONE) Look, Erika you’re being too needy. I’ve got work and that’s that. You know I don’t want to do this but I’m doing this for us. When are you going to realize that?

ERIKA (Offstage V/O): (ON PHONE) I’m sorr…

DENNIS: (HANGS UP) Okay people! Coast is clear! Let’s par-tay! Wooohooo! [PARTY MUSIC STARTS PLAYING] (DANCES WILD WITH FRIENDS)

(EVERYONE FREEZES EXCEPT DENNIS. HE OBSERVES HIS TIME FROZEN FRIENDS AND MAKES HIS WAY OUT OF THE CROWD)

[ECHOING VOICES STOP]

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS (Offstage V/O): Tsk… Tsk… Tsk… You are one hell of a liar… No wonder your relationship is on the rocks…

DENNIS: (LOOKS AROUND) Who’s there? Show yourself!

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS (Offstage V/O): Why should I tell you who I am? Why should I show myself? Get out of here! I don’t want you here!

10

DENNIS: (WALKS AND LOOKS AROUND) Then please tell me how do I get out of here.

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS (Offstage V/O): Why should I tell you?

DENNIS: I thought you wanted me out of this place? (LOOKS AROUND)

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (APPEARS BEHIND THE DENNIS) I do.

(DENNIS JUMPS FROM BEING STARTLED)

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: Welcome to the heart of selfishness and I am the spirit of this domain. (WALKS AROUND NOT EVEN LOOKING AT DENNIS) The exit is that way. (POINTS)

DENNIS: (RUNS TO THE POINTED DIRECTION) There’s no exit here!

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (CONTINUES TO WALK AROUND) I lied.

DENNIS: (SLOWLY APPROACHES THE SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS) Why would you do that?

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (STOPS WALKING) Guards!

(TWO FACELESS ENTITIES GRAB DENNIS BY HIS ARMS)

DENNIS: (STRUGGLING TO BREAK FREE) Let me go you freaks! Let me out of this place!

11

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (FACES DENNIS) How does it feel to be deprived of freedom? How does it feel to be deprived of the truth? (WALKS BACK AND FORTH) You lied to your lover. You didn’t give her any of your time. She asked so little, yet you could not give her what she wanted, what she needed. She wanted to pursue her dreams but you could not support her, you only thought about yourself! You were selfish! (APPROACHES DENNIS) Are you still worthy to be her patner? (BRINGS OUT A WHIP AND ORDERS THE FACELESS ENTITIES) Show me his back! Hold him down! [CRACKS WHIP] Do you love yourself?

DENNIS: (STRUGGLING) I… [WHIP CRACKS] Argh!

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: Do you love her? [SPOTLIGHT AT STUPORED ERIKA] (POINTS AT ERIKA) Bring her here!

(TWO FACELESS ENTITIES GRAB ERIKA AND HELD HER BESIDE DENNIS)

DENNIS: (LOOKS AT ERIKA) Erika! Wake up! Please wake up!

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (LOOKS AT DENNIS) Do you love yourself?

(DENNIS DOES NOT RESPOND) [WHIP CRACKS] (DENNIS SCREAMS IN PAIN)

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (LOOKS AT DENNIS THEN ERIKA) Do you love her?

DENNIS: (LOOKS AT ERIKA) Yes… I do.

(SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS HOLDS UP HIS WHIP AT ERIKA)

DENNIS: (RELEASES FROM THE ENTITIES GRASP) No! (LUNGES AND SHIELDS ERIKA FROM THE WHIP BY HUGGING HER) [WHIP CRACKS] (DENNIS SCREAMS IN PAIN) I love her! I love her more than anything! I love her more than myself! (STARTS SOBBING) I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.

12

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: Then you have seen the truth. (SWIPES ARMS)

[LIGHTS OFF] (EVERYONE GOES OFFSTAGE EXCEPT DENNIS) [LIGHTS ON]

[LACRIMOSA REQUIEM SOFTLY PLAYS]

ICE WITCH: (APPEARS IN FRONT OF DENNIS) Love is never selfish. Love always has an open palm, always ready to give what your partner may need. True love is, loving your partner more than yourself. You have endured the heart of selfishness.

DENNIS: (SITTING, PUTS HIS HEAD DOWN) I never knew I was like this to Erika. I feel so stupid… (STANDS UP)

ICE WITCH: (BRINGS OUT SICA DE VISUM) You still have a long way to go.

DENNIS: (SLOWLY REACHES FOR THE DAGGER) I guess so…

(HOLDS THE DAGGER ABOVE HIS HEAD, WITH LITTLE HESITATION DENNIS STABS THE SICA DE VISUM IN HIS CHEST) [MUSIC FADES OUT]

[LIGHTS OUT]

13

ACT V

Inside the heart of Pride

[VOICES ECHOES]

(DENNIS ARRIVES HOME LATE)

ERIKA: (SITTING ON THE DINING TABLE, NOT FACING DENNIS) Where have you been? You missed my birthday party. (FACES DENNIS) Didn’t I tell you to come home early after work? (STARES AT DENNIS)

DENNIS: (STARTS TO GET ANGRY) What’s with that look? (WALKS PASS ERIKA NOT LOOKING AT HER) Maybe if you stop looking at me like that and stop nagging me all the time, maybe I would come to your party.

ERIKA: (STANDS UP) Dennis! It’s my birthday! You’re my boyfriend! You’re not supposed to miss my birthday!

DENNIS: (FACES ERIKA) Don’t tell me what I’m supposed to do! You’re not the boss of me!

(ERIKA STARTS TO CRY, WALKS OUT, GOES OFFSTAGE)

[VOICES STOP ECHOING]

THE SPIRIT OF PRIDE (OffstageV/O): You could’ve avoided this argument so easily yet you prefer to do things the hard way…

DENNIS: (LOOKS AROUND, GOES UP A HIGH PLATFORM) Who are you? Where are you?

THE SPIRIT OF PRIDE: (APPEARS ON A PLATFORM ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STAGE) I am the spirit of pride!

14

(ERIKA APPEARS ON THE MIDDLE OF THE TWO PLATFORMS)

DENNIS: Erika!

SPIRIT OF PRIDE: She waited for you; she wanted to be with you but you came home late and instead of apologizing and making it up for her for missing her birthday you just let your pride rule you, you were too proud to say a simple sorry!

ERIKA: (AWAKENS) Dennis? Dennis! (RUNS AND TRIED TO TAKE DENNIS’ HAND FROM THE HIGH PLATFORM) Dennis! Help me. Please. (STARTS TO CRY)

DENNIS: (REACHES FOR ERIKA’S HANDS, GRABS IT) It’s going to be all right! Everything’s going to be fine! I’m here! I’m here Erika!

(FACELESS ENTITIES APPEAR AND TRIES TO TAKE AWAY ERIKA)

ERIKA: (FRANTIC, HOLDING DENNIS’ HANDS) Wha? De.. Dennis! Don’t let them take me away! Please! Help me Dennis! Help me!

DENNIS: (FRANTIC, HOLDING ON TO ERIKA’S HANDS) Erika! Don’t let go!

SPIRIT OF PRIDE: (WATCHES ERIKA AND DENNIS) She ran off into the woods because you held your pride too high! You could’ve just said sorry!

DENNIS: (HOLDING ON TO ERIKA) Erika!

SPIRIT OF PRIDE: How much do you love her?

ERIKA: (HOLDING ON TO DENNIS) Dennis! I’m slipping!

15

SPIRIT OF PRIDE: How much do you love her?

DENNIS: (STRUGGLING TO HOLD ON) I love her with all my heart! Please let her go!

SPIRIT OF PRIDE: How much do you love her, Dennis?!

DENNIS: (STRUGGLING) I love her with all that I am, I love her that I would consider her feelings rather than my pride! I love her that I would be her humble lover! I love her enough to say “I’m sorry” and mean it! Please let her go!

ERIKA: (SLIPS HER GRIP) Dennis!

DENNIS: (FRANTIC) No! Erika!

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: Then you have seen the truth. (SWIPES ARMS)

[LIGHTS OFF] (EVERYONE GOES OFFSTAGE EXCEPT DENNIS)(DENNIS STEPS DOWN THE PLATFORM) [LIGHTS ON]

[LACRIMOSA REQUIEM SOFTLY PLAYS]

ICE WITCH: (APPEARS, FACES DENNIS) Love does not stand high on the platform of pride and obstinacy; rather it bows down on bended knees of humility and understanding. You have conquered the heart of pride.

DENNIS: (CRYING, FALLS DOWN ON KNEES) I’m so sorry Erika, I’m so sorry… (CONTINUES SOBBING)

ICE WITCH: (APPROCHES DENNIS) Your tears can’t do anything.

DENNIS: (STANDS UP, WIPES HIS TEARS AND FACES THE ICE WITCH) Witch, why must i endure this great pain?

16

ICE WITCH: You won’t know happiness if you don’t understand pain and happiness comes from love. Love is life. Everything is connected. Everything has its purpose. (HOLDS OUT SICA DE VISUM) Fight for your happiness, fight for your love, fight for your life.

(DENNIS LOOKED AT THE ICE WITCH’S EYES AND SLOWLY TAKES SICA DE VISUM FROM HER HANDS) [MUSIC FADES OUT]

[LIGHTS OUT]

17

ACT VI

Inside the heart of doubt

[VOICES ECHOES]

ERIKA: (SITTING INSIDE HER OFFICE CUBIBLE, GOING THROUGH DOCUMENTS, TALKING TO RAF) Yes, yes… Thank you. You’re a real lifesaver.

RAF: (STANDING IN FRONT OF ERIKA) Anytime. Have you talked to your fiancée about this?

ERIKA: (TAKES A DEEF BREATH, SIGHS) I’m still waiting for the right time.

RAF: (LEANS ON THE CUBIBLE, ARMS CROSSED) You have to tell him sooner or later… You have to tell him that the wedding will have to wait. (SIGHS) You know what, I’m saying this as your high school best friend, sometimes I wonder why you’ve said yes to him. No offense, but I’ve known you to dislike “bad boys” and when I say “bad” I mean it that it’s not just the style…

ERIKA: (SIGHS) There’s something about him that I really love and it’s not just the charming eyes, the pretty face or the gorgeous hair (GIGGLES, LOOKS BLANKLY ON THE FLOOR) The way he treated me when I met him at a diner on a rainy day, I felt at ease with him. He asked for my number, I gave it to him. (STARES BLANKLY IN THE AIR) He called me every night, I mean “every” night since the day we met just to check up on me and ask how my day went…

(RAF SCOFFS AND ROLLS HIS EYES)

ERIKA: (LAUGHS) We would talk for hours on the phone. We always found ways to make time for each other. His soft voice, his welcoming arms his mild scent I would smell every time he hugs me tightly… those are just a few things I love about him. (LOOKS AT RAF) And on one sunny day; in front of that giant stone fountain in the city park, with many people bear witness. He got down on bended knees, opened a little black box and inside it contained a shining rock. (HOLDS UP HER RIGHT HAND, LOOKS AT THE DIAMOND RING) He proposed to me.

18

ERIKA(CONT’D): No words could explain the joy I felt that moment. (SMILES) I broke to tears and said yes, he hugged me tightly and spun me around as the people around us clapped and cheered….

RAF: (SMIRKS) That doesn’t sound like Dennis at all.

ERIKA: (SMILES WIDELY) Love moves in mysterious ways doesn’t it?

(DENNIS ENTERS THE CUBICLE AND GIVES RAF A SINISTER GLARE)

RAF: (AVERTS HIS EYES FROM DENNIS) Well, Erika. I better get going. (GLANCES AT DENNIS) Dennis. (STEPS OUT OF THE CUBICLE)

DENNIS: (TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND LOOKS AT ERIKA) Heh. (GLARES AT ERIKA)

ERIKA: What? (LOOKS AT DENNIS, CONFUSED)

(DENNIS WALKS OUT OF THE CUBILE) [VOICES STOPS ECHOING]

THE SPIRIT OF DOUBT (Offstage V/O): Doubt and jealousy. The Perfect ingredients for a recipe for disaster. (LAUGHS)

DENNIS: (LOOKS AROUND, TAKES A DEEP BREATH) I’m ready. Show yourself!

THE SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (APPEARS IN FRONT OF DENNIS) Ho ho! Eager are we? (SWOOPS AROUND TO DENNIS’ SIDE) I guess you don’t need a lecture from me… On with the test! (SWIPES ARMS)

19

(7 GIRLS FALL IN LINE WEARING THE SAME CLOTHES ERIKA IS WEARING COMES OUT WITH BURLAP SACKS COVERING THEIR HEADS AND EACH ONE IS HOLDING A DAGGER IN THEIR HANDS)

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (ARMS BEHIND BACK, WALKS BEHIND THE GIRLS) Choose which one is Erika. Choose correctly, you save her life. Choose wrongly, she kills herself. (STOPS WALKING BESIDE DENNIS)

DENNIS: (STEPS BACK) (SHOUTS) No! I can’t!

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (LOOKS AT DENNIS) Can you trust yourself? Can you trust your love for each other? Can “you” trust her? (SHOUTS) Doubt and she will die!

DENNIS: (FALLS ON KNEES AND STARTS TO CRY) I… don’t… Which one is… Erika? (BREATHING GETS HEAVY)

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (STARTS TO COUNT DOWN) (SHOUTS) Five!

DENNIS: (FRANTIC) Please! Give me more time!

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (SHOUTS) There is no time! (PAUSES) Four!

DENNIS: (STARTS TO SOB) No! Please! Please!

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (SHOUTS) How much do you love her?! (PAUSES) Three!

(GIRLS RAISE THE DAGGERS IN THE AIR)

DENNIS: (SOBBING FRANTICALLY) I love her! I love her! Please stop!

20

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (SHOUTS) How much do you love her?! Choose! (PAUSES) Two!

(GIRLS PRESSES THE DAGGERS AGAINST THEIR THROATS)

DENNIS: (SOBBING HEAVILY) None! None of them is Erika! (CONTINUES TO SOB)

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: One! (POINTS AT THE GIRLS)

DENNIS: (SCREAMS) No!

(GIRLS SLIT THEIR THROATS AND FALLS TO THE FLOOR) [LIGHTS OUT] [SILENCE]

ICE WITCH (Offstage V/O): Before you can trust others, you must possess great trust within yourself. Once you have learned to be confident towards yourself, bestow your trust upon your partner. There is no room for treachery or doubt between you and your lover for it takes up the space of where love must reside. To trust, and be trusted of the love you share is a great responsibility both must uphold. You have triumphed over the heart of doubt.

(ERIKA APPEARS FROM THE DARKNESS) [SPOTLIGHT ON ERIKA AND DENNIS] (DENNIS AND ERIKA EXTENDS THEIR ARMS OUT FOR EACH OTHER)

SPIRIT OF DOUBT(Offstage V/O): You have seen the truth.

[LIGHTS OUT]

21

ACT VII

Inside the frozen castle

(DENNIS WAKES UP ON THE ICE COLD FLOOR, ICE WITCH STANDING ABOVE HIM)

ICE WITCH: (LOOKS AT DENNIS) Welcome back.

DENNIS: (STANDS UP AND LOOKS AROUND, SEES ERIKA STILL FROZEN IN THE STONE TABLE) Erika! (CLENCHES CHEST AND GRIMACES) Argh! (RUNS TO ERIKA, TRIPS, RECUPERATES AND REACHES THE STONE TABLE) Wha? I thought she would be awake by now! (TO ICE WITCH) You told me she would wake up!

ICE WITCH: (WALKS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STONE TABLE) You have one final task to do. (LOOKS AT SICA DE VERUM IMPALED IN FROZEN ERIKA’S CHEST, HOLDS THE DAGGER’S GRIP AND PULLS IT OUT OF ERIKA’S CHEST, PRESENTS IT TO DENNIS) You are the final ingredient to her revival. [WIND BLOWS] Do you have what it takes to make the ultimate sacrifice? [THUNDER CLAPS] Are you willing to give your life for her? [LIGHTNING CRACKS] How much do you love her?!

DENNIS: (LOOKS AT FROZEN ERIKA) I love her! (CARESSES ERIKA’S FACE) I love her more than anything (PAUSES, LOOKS SERIOUSLY AT ICE WITCH) I love her more than my own life. [THUNDER CLAPS] (TAKES SICA DE VERUM, STEPS BACK FROM THE STONE TABLE, RAISES THE DAGGER IN THE AIR WITH BOTH HANDS) Erika, I love you enough that I would give you my endless patience. [LOW-TONED BELLS RING]

SPIRIT OF ANGER: (APPEARS) You have seen the truth.

DENNIS: I love you enough that I’d give you all that I am. [LOW-TONED BELLS RING]

SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS: (APPEARS) You have seen the truth.

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DENNIS: I love you enough that I’d be humble and understanding. [LOW-TONED BELLS RING]

SPIRIT OF PRIDE: (APPEARS) You have seen the truth.

DENNIS: I love you enough to trust myself, trust you and trust the love we share. [LOW-TONED BELLS RING]

SPIRIT OF DOUBT: (APPEARS) You have seen the truth.

DENNIS: I love you enough that I would lay my own life for you. [LOW-TONED BELLS RING] (DENNIS SCREAMS AND STABS HIS CHEST WITH SICA DE VERUM)

THE SPIRITS OF ANGER, SELFISHNESS, PRIDE AND DOUBT: (ALL TOGHETHER) The sacrifice has been done. [LIGHTS OUT]

ICE WITCH(Offstage V/O): You have seen the truth.

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ACT VIII

On the side of the road surrounded by thick woods

ERIKA: (STARTS TO GET ANGRY) What?! You’re being unreasonable! You know that all my life it’s been my dream to become a chef. And now you’re telling me I can’t go? Of all people, I thought you’d understand! You're being selfish.

DENNIS: (LOOKS AT HANDS, GRIPS CHEST AND LOOKS AT ERIKA) I… I… I’m sorry. (BEGINS TO GET TEARY EYED)

ERIKA: (ANGER SUBSIDES) Dennis…

DENNIS: (STARTS TO CRY) I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for everything . (CRYING, HANDS COVERING HIS FACE)

(ERIKA SLOWLY APPROACHES DENNIS)

DENNIS: (SOBBING) I’m sorry if I always get angry, I’m sorry if I get jealous and I’m sorry if I don’t want to let you go to Paris…. It’s just that I’m afraid to lose you. (CATCHES BREATH) But if it’s your dream, I won’t stop you… (CONTINUES TO SOB) Just don’t forget to write okay? I love you so much…

(ERIKA HUGS DENNIS TIGHTLY, DENNIS SOBS IN ERIKA’S SHOULDERS) [WIND BLOWS]

ERIKA: (WHISPERS IN DENNIS’ EAR) I love you too…

DENNIS: (HUGS ERIKA TIGHTLY) I love you with all my heart.

[LIGHTS FADE OUT]

END

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