Act 1 Scene ii

“But his soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself and, by heavens I tell you, it had gone mad.”

-Joseph Conrad, The Heart of Darkness

“What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”
― William Golding, Lord of the Flies

It was when Jen began to unpack that her phone first buzzed. It was a text message from Caitlyn; perfect timing. "Hey babe, you in town tonight?" the first text read, followed by a second, "was thinking of grabbing a pizza and some drinks in town. You free?" Jen's first thought was that Caitlyn needed something if she was reaching out like this. Usually it was just that she wanted Jen to listen while she complained about a new boyfriend or her boss. But somehow, spending time with Caitlyn, even if she could be self-centered and small, always seemed to cheer Jen up.

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Frank was standing on the porch of his ex-wife's new house, struggling to push the doorbell. Clarissa had taken the girls this weekend, and Frank had come to pick them up. To be honest, after everything that had happened, Rachel and Marissa were all that Frank could think about. He was numb to everything else, and needed to be back with the only light that really kept Frank going. Perhaps he had gone home and unpacked first; unloaded the van and even showered, or perhaps Frank had driven straight to Clarissa's.

But the ivy green front door opens even before Frank can press the doorbell button. Standing in the doorway was Neil, handsome Neil, with his strong jaw, perfectly trimmed brown hair, and **** eating pearly whites. "Hey Frank," Neil said through that same grin, "you're back early! Uh, good to see ya."