A garage sale can be a good way to find a little money for a pet project, but not if the seller is reluctant to part with possessions.
GARAGE SALE by Michele Lourie, c 2019
ACTOR 1: I hope I can sell all of this today. If I do, I’ll be able to afford to take those riding lessons during the school holidays.
(moves a few sale items around)
Someone’s coming.
(ACTOR 2 enters and looks at the items)
Hello, aren’t you the girl who just moved in up the street.
ACTOR 2: Yes, I’m ……………..
ACTOR 1: I’m ……….. Welcome to the neighbourhood.
ACTOR 2: (looks around) (Actor 1 crosses fingers) You’ve got some very nice things here for sale.
ACTOR 1: Some of them I’ve had for years and years, since I was really little
ACTOR 2: I like that teddy. (picks Teddy up)
ACTOR 1: That’s Paddy. My Grandmother gave me Paddy for my third birthday. He’s always slept on my bed and I cuddle him when I’m sick. He helps make me feel better.
ACTOR 2: He’s lovely. He has such soft fur and what a cute little face he has. I’ll take him.
ACTOR 1: Are you sure? He has lost a little fur off his back, from all my cuddling, I suppose.
ACTOR 2: That’s nothing. I’ll take him. How much?
ACTOR 1: Umm, he’s very expensive.
ACTOR 2: Whatever. My birthday’s coming up and Dad said I could spend what I like.
ACTOR 1: (takes Paddy back and holds him tightly)
Well, ah, I’m sorry, but I’ve changed my mind about selling him.
ACTOR 2: That’s disappointing. (picks up scarf) How about this scarf. It would go well with my favourite coat.
ACTOR 1: The scarf. Yes, my mother brought that back from a trip she had to Melbourne. She said the colours reminded her of my eyes.
(She strokes the scarf and puts it up to her face)
ACTOR 2: It’s lovely. I’m sure it will look great with lots of my clothes. And you’re asking $3 for it?
ACTOR 1: Actually, I put it here by mistake. It’s not for sale.
ACTOR 2: I see. Well (looks around again) I don’t see anything else I’d want… (sees the book) except that book. I’ve been meaning to read it for ages.
ACTOR 1: (grabs the book and puts it behind her back) Oh, I haven’t finished it yet. I only brought it out here to read while waiting for customers. It was a Christmas present from my Dad.
(pause)
ACTOR 2: You don’t really want to sell anything here, do you?
ACTOR 1: No, I don’t, sorry.
ACTOR 2: That’s alright, I understand. See you around.
ACTOR 1: Yes. (sighs, then smiles) There go my riding lessons. Oh well.
