Cast of Characters
MIKE: the firstborn son in a family of three.
EVE: the only daughter in a family full of boys.
SETH: the little brother who is also the lastborn in the family.
DAD: the father of the three siblings.
Setting: The three siblings have just had their breakfast in their living room, which has four couches each at every sidewall of the spacious living room. At the center stands a large screen and projected on it is a secular song. Both Seth and Eve have their eyes glued on the big screen. Mike is seen to be in deep thoughts but throws a glance at the screen once in a while.
Mike
What is wrong with you, guys? It’s on a Good Friday, but you still cannot help but watch some secular songs? I’m very sure that God is delighted by your deeds. (In a somewhat sarcastic tone). Just look at how they are dancing? Can you even hear the words they are using in their songs? (he holds his head and seems to be in deep thought).
Eve
Yeah, He must be very pleased. (not realizing that Mike was sarcastic). (there is a sudden change on her face as she realizes that her brother’s comment it is meant to be sardonic.) At least we are having a good time unlike you, who is just sitting over there and being all judgmental.
Mike
Ooh, dear sis you too naïve, this is what you call time of your life. (pointing at the big projection on the screen of some erotic dances on the secular songs). I wish you could just put on some film on the sacrifices made by our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Seth
You do have the nerve bro. How could you be so harsh on EVE when all she did was listen to some harmless music. When was the last time you went to church, huh!? It is very unfair Mike that you just sit over there and throw shade to her character, yet you haven’t self-examined your personality.
Mike
Small bro what don’t you understand it’s all in black and white your own body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. That said, it dictates what you see or do; going to church doesn’t mean you pious. And who said that I don’t put myself on a close check? Who is being censorious now?
Eve
There goes pastor Mike again. (this time a smile is written all over her face). Who made you our tutor on religion? It seems that your new clique has given you too much authority. That now you are even acting like our spiritual father. (Seth chuckles as he covers his face with his hood). Thanks, Seth, for letting him know he is sipping his own medicine. (as she claps).
Seth
(talking to a somewhat agitated Mike). You did bring all this to yourself Mike don’t get angry. You should just mind your own business next time. Hold on to your lane, bro.
(Mike walks towards Seth, ready to pounce on him. Before he gets to him, their dad gets into the room. Eve quickly runs for the remote and changes the channel. On see in this, mike gets back his seat and laughs loudly to signify victory.)
Dad
What’s up with your kids. (shouts the dad in a rather angry tone). I just wanted to get some sleep. You all know I worked on a night shift last night. Can someone explain to me why there was too much noise in here? I could hear you shouting like madmen over here. If you are arguing, just do it outside. Also, consider that you are not the only person in this house. Is that understood? (asked the dad n a furious tone)
Eve
(in a low tone knowing that their dad’s question required no answer.) He started it. (pointing at Mike) I was just listening to some music, and then he came with some absurd argument on the type of music everyone should listen to or watch.
Mike
(to a somewhat disappointed Dad) Ask her the type of music she was watching and what argument I brought. I just pointed out that they were wrong, but she couldn’t stand it.
Dad
Eve, the floor is all yours. (making a gesture of welcoming one on stage).
Seth
But dad
Dad
(annoyed) Did I call your name Seth? It is a problem with you rarely follow simple instructions.
Seth
I’m a very sorry dad that won’t happen again. I just felt that Mike wasn’t supposed to lecture us on our behaviors, yet he isn’t that righteous as he also has his mistakes.
Eve
It was just regular music, dad. it is healthy once in a while that the youths listen to pop. (putting on a smile) but pastor Mike over here couldn’t stand that. (being sarcastic).
Mike
If they were reasonable and innocent, why did she change the channel upon your arrival? Is that not proof enough that they were not as “normal” as she is suggesting? Explain to dad the kind of videos you were watching. (reaching for the remote and changing the channel to the previous on that Eve was watching.)
Seth
Mike, you are always trying to cause trouble. All this because of some music? If you can not stand it, just leave instead of coming to us guns blazing for nothing. If you want to pick a fight next time, have your facts right, and be sure you will emerge the winner.
Mike
I’m just looking after your interest, little on. You should be grateful.
Eve
Grateful, he says. How can one be happy with all this criticism? Give us a big break, bro.
Dad
That was very rude, Eve. You shouldn’t talk to your elder brother in such away. I will echo Mike’s words. You should be grateful you have someone looking out for your interests and also guides you. He might not always be right, but at least he does have a little more exposure than you are. Now let’s get to the cause of your argument. Just for the record, I do not approve of the kind of music you have been listening to. It’s very wrong of you to watch such music, yet you have some Christian values instilled in you.
Mike
I just suggested that we should watch a film on the life of Christ instead of the music and that is how it all started. Since it is on a good Friday, we ought to watch such a film in commemoration of the sacrifice made by Christ. They couldn’t stand me, pointing out that they were on the wrong. Or did my suggestion upset you? Since the argument started, you have been against religion very much to the extent of calling me a pastor.
Seth
And what made you feel that we were on the wrong? It is just music Mike, and it is not like we were the once making the dances?
Mike
That is what dad said. He just said that he did not approve of the kind of content you have been viewing. That is what I have been trying to say, but all you did was be defensive. Since you also knew you were on the wrong. And watching such content makes it more likely for you to practice it. I have also seen you make a few moves as theirs in your rooms. With the current moral decadence n our society, I could help but question the type of music you enjoyed. (smiling to both Eve and Seth, they both look uneasy as Mike just told them the naked truth. They both try saying something, but their dad has already started speaking).
Dad
I’m not taking sides, Mike, and I did not agree with you either. (Eve and Seth are snickering while staring at mike). You two seem to have ganged up against your wrong brother, considering he was just trying to correct you. And you, Mike, thinking that you have any moral authority to judge your siblings was also very wrong. (Mike reaches for the remote and switches off the screen). All of you should learn to be openminded, and that will make life very easy for you. You may have conflicting ideas, but you should learn how to embrace the right ones. In the scenario today, you two were doing something wrong, but you couldn’t admit to it. That shouldn’t be the case. You should always own your mistakes and be ready to change for the better. Being dynamic and understanding is very important as you will be dealing with people of a different culture and character in life. Therefore, you should always use the most suitable means to resolve your disputes. I’m delighted with the way you conducted yourselves as the argument did not end up to a fistfight. That’s very commendable as you managed to keep your calm all through the discussion despite having conflicting ideas. It is, however, wise to avoid getting into arguments as they at times bring rivalry, which destroys even well-established empires. I also recommend that you should watch more educational films and songs. These will help you learn more and thus allow you to make sound decisions during times of hardships.
Mike
But dad, I was not pleased with the content they viewing and pointed it out. However, I own my mistake of the approach in which I gave the matter and also promise to do better next time. And for you two next time, try and be more receptive and not view it as criticism. Thanks, Dad, for your guidance.
(In unison both Seth and Eve) we are very sorry big brother, and we promise to take heed of your advice next time. Unless it is misleading, we shall always follow it. We also promise to watch more appropriate and educational films in the future. Thanks, dad, for the excellent advice. (the siblings get up and hug as the dad smiles)
Dad
Now that we are all on the same page, we should go and have fun. I had planned on a family fun day since it’s on holiday. We shall be visiting the animal’s orphanage the later go to church, after which we shall all come back home. (they all nod in unison as a sign of agreement and then rush towards the door with a lot of excitement. Lights out)