Five years after the move…

The scene opens with Agnes and James in the dining room. Agnes is busy cleaning around James, and trying to make polite conversation. James is rude to her.

AGNES: So how was work yesterday? You are really putting in long hours these days. I didn’t even hear you come to bed.

JAMES: (sneering) It was same as it is every other day; it was bloody work. I am really not in the mood to talk about nonsenses this early in the morning. Where is my coffee?

Agnes hurries to the kitchen, and comes back with a tray.

AGNES: Here is your coffee … I’ll just add the sugar and milk quickly.

James grabs her arm, Agnes flinches; a frightened look crossing her face. Ignoring her reaction, James takes the cup out of her hand.

JAMES: Leave it! I’ll do it myself. (Adds milk and sugar to his coffee.)

AGNES: Uhm … yes of course. I’ll go finish up in the kitchen. (She leaves the room.)

His phone rings and James smiles when he sees who is calling him.

JAMES: Well hello there, sweetheart …

Agnes appears, carrying a plate of food, pauses at the door.

JAMES: (whispers seductively) I was just thinking about you. I can’t wait to see you. Behave yourself.

Agnes enters, places the food on the table, looks at her husband suspiciously. He avoids her gaze. She sits across from him.

JAMES: (Noticing the suspicious look on his wife’s face.) Look, I’ll have to call you back a little later. (clears throat) Uhm … yeah, me too.

AGNES: (Hesitant, staring at her plate of food.) Uhm … here is your breakfast James. So … uhm … who was that on the phone?

JAMES: (glares at her) That was a friend, not that it’s any of your business. (Sips his coffee then pushes his plate of food aside.)

AGNES: Okay … but that didn’t sound like you were talking to a friend, to me.

JAMES: (angry) I don’t care what it sounded like to you! In fact, you should learn to stay out of my business.

He stands up and moves to where Agnes is sitting, turns the chair she is sitting in to face him, then leans down until they are face to face.

JAMES: (menacing) How many times do I have to tell you that you should watch what you say to me, huh? I–

AGNES: (interrupting) No honey … I didn’t mean to disrespect you. (looking up at him nervously) I mean, you didn’t sound like you were talking to a–

He slaps Agnes across the face, hard. She clutches her face in shock and fear. He grabs her by her upper arms and pulls her out of her seat.

JAMES: Who the hell do you think you are?! I don’t have to explain myself to you. How dare you? (shaking her vigorously) I am your husband and you will respect that, and know your place. (Pulling her closer and whispering threateningly.) Do we understand each other?

AGNES: (sobbing and stuttering) I d … didn’t mean to–

James lifts his hand to hit her again. She gives a little scream. They are interrupted by Lebo and Dumi who walk in, arguing. 

James quickly lets Agnes go, looks in their direction, and takes a steadying breath. He gives Agnes a warning look. The other couple stop their arguing as James storms out, past them, without a word.

LEBO: (Concerned. Walks over to Agnes and pulls her into a warm embrace, then notices that she is crying.) Oh Agnes, what has happened now? Are you okay? Oh shame … please stop crying.

AGNES: (Attempting to dry her face with her hand. Pulls out of Lebo’s arms.) I’m fine. It’s nothing serious … just an argument that went out of control.

LEBO: Are you sure? I mean, we all notice how much you and James argue. He really has a temper.

AGNES: Yes Lebo. But I am sure it was just a misunderstanding. Excuse me. I have to go finish up in the kitchen. Morning Dumi!

Gathering the plates of food, she walks out of the dining room. Lebo stares after her with deep concern.

 ***

Tell us: What do you think Lebo should do about Agnes and James? Or is it none of her business?