Black Cat

Scene:    In the living room at Tom’s grandmother’s house with “Columbo” playing on the T.V. in the background.

Bill:        It sure is hot in here (picks up his jacket from an armchair and puts it on)

Tom:     I’m kind of cold (takes his jacket off)

Bill:        Why did you take your jacket off?

Tom:      The question is what did you go and put your jacket on for?

T.V:        (Columbo with hands up) you don’t have to answer.

Bill:        I’m going outside and it’s cold out there.

Tom:      Whoa, hold on a minute, I know it is cold out there. I just came in. That’s why I took my jacket off; because you’re right, it is hot in here.

Bill:        (Takes his jacket back off and sits down on the couch) All your grandma said was to wait for you.

T.V.        (Columbo) Lieutenant! I think I’m crazy.

Tom:      I know, she told me that you would be here.

Bill:        Well, why did she want me to wait for you?

Tom:      I don’t know, did she say where she was going?

Bill:        She said she was going to get you.

T.V:        (Columbo) isn’t that something.

Tom:      Hmm, she told me that she was going to pick up her clothes at the laundry mat and then she would be right back home.

Bill:        Oh, well, I was in the neighborhood and I just thought that I would stop by to see if you were here.

Tom:      O.K. what’s on your mind?

Bill:        Do you know anyone who would like a cat?

Tom:      Your cat?

Bill:        Yeah, Toby; the new management says we can’t have pets anymore.

Tom:      Hmm, that stinks; maybe the neighbors would be willing to take in another one.

Bill:        Your grandma’s neighbors?

Tom:      Yeah, but maybe twelve is already enough.

T.V:        (Columbo motions at his dog) He just sits around and drools.

Bill:        I guess the only way to find out is to go over there and ask.

Tom:      You feel like coming with me?

Bill:        Sure (They both get up and put their jackets back on)

T.V:        (close up of Columbo) I’m just trying to do my job.

                {Just then Tom’s grandmother (Louise) comes in the front door.

Louise: Oh, good, you’re both still here. I can’t believe what just happened (shaking her head back and forth)

Bill & Tom:          (in unison) what?

Louise: (changing the channel on the T.V.) I hit a cat.

Bill & Tom:          (in unison) Oh, no!

Tom:      Is it O.K.?

Louise: I think it is dead!

Bill:        Was it moving?

T.V:        (Master’s Golf Tournament; a South African guy just got a double eagle on a par 5 hole)

Louise: (Tears in her eyes) no and there was blood (still shaking her head).

Tom:      Here, let me get your jacket for you (puts it on the armchair)

Bill:        Was it a black cat?

Louise: No, a white one.

Bill:        (sighs in relief)