Averting a Tragedy

Question

A. Gautam

LILY, a seventh grader
CASH, a seventh grader
ANGELLE, Cash’s best friend
RAUL, Cash’s best friend

Scene I

[School night. Curtains open to Cash and Raul in Raul’s room. Raul is helping Cash with Algebra.]

CASH: [Checking his phone and gasping] Oh no. No. No. No. No.

RAUL: [Puts the books aside] What’s wrong?

CASH: Angelle sent me a text, and I think I sent it to Lily instead of Lyla. Lily’s going to spread it like wildfire. It’s all over. I can see the ashes of our friendship. Angelle will hate me now. Why was I so--

RAUL: [Gets up] What's the text?

CASH: A picture of her arm. She thinks there’s a weird discoloration, and she wanted Lyla to take a look.

RAUL: Lyla as in Doctor Lyla? You never told us she was your sister.

CASH: Why would I? Everyone in school would ask me to ask her about their skin. I can’t do that. Angelle is my best friend. I couldn’t say no to her. What’s going to happen now?

RAUL: Why do you even have Lily’s number?

CASH: Who doesn’t have her number? You need to know who’s spreading gossip. [Paces back and forth as curtains close]

Scene II

[Curtain opens to school gym.]

RAUL: It’s all good. I called Lily and went over to her house and did her Algebra homework for her. She let me delete the text and deleted the folder where the photo was saved.

CASH: I owe you, buddy.

RAUL: Please pay attention next time. It’s not just a toy, you know.

CASH: Not now. I’m already half dead with guilt. You are punching a fallen soldier.

RAUL: Why. [Throws arms in the air] Why do you have to talk like that? [Quickly gathers himself] Oh, here she comes. Hey, Angelle! [Smiles big]

ANGELLE: [Hugs Raul and points to Cash] Can I talk to you in private? [Watches Raul go to the balcony] Why are you shaking like a leaf about to fall off? Are you okay? [Feels his forehead]

CASH: I need to beg for your forgiveness. I accidentally did something terrible. Raul fixed it, though.

ANGELLE: Oh, the picture you sent to Lily? She told me about it. We’re cool.

CASH: [Turns pale as a ghost] What do you mean she told you?

ANGELLE: Lily’s not as bad as you think. I know it was an accident. She has deleted it. She told me about how bad you felt and how quickly you took action. She was so jealous that I have friends like you and Raul.

CASH: So, you aren’t mad at me?

ANGELLE: [Tries hard to seem serious and bursts out laughing] Well, you could help me memorize my lines for the play. I'm sure you know yours already.

CASH: Let me catch my breath first. [Pretends to gather strength, breathes deeply, and smiles] Okay, I'm ready. [Curtain closes.] How do the different perspectives of Raul and Cash affect the play?
Responses
A Cash’s lack of action and helplessness unlike Raul’s ruthless actions create tension. Cash’s lack of action and helplessness unlike Raul’s ruthless actions create tension.
B Cash’s embarrassment about the mistake and Raul’s accusatory claims cause a falling out. Cash’s embarrassment about the mistake and Raul’s accusatory claims cause a falling out.
C Cash’s carefree attitude about the wrong text and Raul’s carefulness results in a resolution. Cash’s carefree attitude about the wrong text and Raul’s carefulness results in a resolution.
D Cash’s dramatic and emotional behavior and Raul’s calm state and swift action create a contrast.

Answer 1

The most suitable response regarding how the different perspectives of Raul and Cash affect the play is:

D: Cash’s dramatic and emotional behavior and Raul’s calm state and swift action create a contrast.

This response accurately highlights the tension between Cash's high emotional stakes and sense of guilt regarding the mistaken text, as well as Raul's more level-headed approach and proactive steps to resolve the situation. The contrast between their reactions ultimately drives the narrative forward and leads to a resolution.