4pm. Kevin picks up his phone and dials a number.
Kevin (tired voice) – Hi, Andrew. It’s Kevin. Hey. Yeah, um, I’m just calling in about my shift tonight. I won’t be making it in unfortunately…I’ve been trying to nurse this flu for some time but it’s just getting worse. I thought I could come in but then I napped and now I’m even more fatigued…I do apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you, I hope so too.
Kevin hangs up the call and begins to play sounds of the rainforest. He lays back down onto his bed. He stretches out his arms and closes his eyes.
4.30pm. Kevin’s door slowly opens. Simi enters. She runs to the bed and jumps on Kevin’s stomach.
Kevin – Arghh
Simi – Hello
Kevin (groaning) – Hi
Simi – You should be at work
Kevin – Get off me
Simi – No. Why are you not at work?
Kevin bear hugs Simi. She screams.
Lillian (Offstage) – Simi?!
Kevin lets her go and pushes her to his left.
Lillian (Offstage) – Simi?!
Simi – Mummy’s calling
Kevin – Tell her I’m here
Simi – Ok
Simi jumps from the bed and steps just outside of Kevin’s room.
Simi (shouting) – I’m with Kevin
She runs back in and jumps backwards onto the bed. Pause. They turn to each other and nudge fists.
Kevin – Simi
Simi – Yeah?
Kevin – Between me and you
Simi – Yeah
Kevin – I quit
Simi – What?
Kevin – I don’t work anymore
Simi – Why?
Kevin – I wasn’t happy
Simi – Like mum?
Kevin – No. Yes, like mum.
Simi – So only Aisha has a job?
Kevin chuckles.
Kevin – Yes. Only Aisha.
Simi – Should I get a job?
Kevin – Doing what?
Simi – I dunno
Kevin – Well, what are you good at?
Simi – I dunno
Kevin – You do know
Pause.
Simi – Um, Judo. And, I’m good at spelling, and I’m good at writing too
Kevin – Ooo, ok. Well, I don’t know any Judo jobs but you can use your writing and spelling skills
Simi – To get a job?
Kevin – Yeah
Simi – Where?
Kevin – Anywhere, you can even start by working for me
Simi – Ook, doing what?
Kevin – You can edit with me
Simi – Edit?
Kevin – Yeah, you can help me edit my stories and stuff
Simi – How?
Kevin – Oh. I actually don’t know
Simi – Silly
Kevin – Ok, maybe you can help me write them down
Simi – Um, no I’m ok
Kevin laughs.
Kevin – Ouch, ok. So, what do want to do?
Simi – I would like to. Um, I dunno.
Kevin – Ok. Maybe don’t look at it as a job. How can you help me?
