LIFE AFTER ELOÍSA

Jorge Chavarría
English translation by the author.
 Cast of Characters
MILO, a middle age man. Narrator of the story.
ELOISA, In the first act, she is a young woman around 20 to 24 years. In the second act she is an
adult woman. Older than 37. Both played by the same actress.
LEONARDO, In the first act, he is a young man around 19 to 23 years. In the second act he is an
adult man. Older than 35. Both played by the same actor.
MICAELA, household mother. Around 50’s or 60’s.
ESMERALDA, a teenager girl.
XIMENA, an average wife. About Milo’s age.
ELIZABETH, a middle-aged woman. Played by the actress who plays Esmeralda.
The play takes place in an empty space. Giving hints of locations in Mexico City and its
surroundings.
 ACT I
At RISE: (An empty space).
MILO Enters
MILO:
If you were expecting a romantic play, about a couple, in their twenties or thirties, with a good
economic position, a corny plot and an ending with a wedding… I´m sorry. This is way too far from
a love play. (Pause). Today, I´m going to tell two tales: The tale of Leonardo and mine. In a place in
time and space where everything can be possible. In theatre, of course. This whole mess began many
years ago. (Pause, ESMERALDA Enters).
ESMERALDA:
Milo…
MILO:
What´s the result?
ESMERALDA:
It´s positive, Milo. What are we going to do?
MILO:
Mom’s going to kill me!
ESMERALDA:
Mi parents are going to kick me out of my house. What the hell are we going to do, man?
MILO:
We can do something. I’m going to get a job, we can lease a room, we are going to take care of
him… We’re going to do something!
ESMERALDA:
What are you saying? It’s stupid. You’re not even sixteen, Milo. Where are you going to work?
We’re freshman!
MILO:
I could get a job in Walmart, in a gas station, I don’t know. Don’t worry. We´re going to sort this all
out. You better chill out if you don’t want your parents to find out. Okay?
ESMERALDA:
I’m so worried Milo, it’s not a toy. It´s a person!
MILO:
I know. But… well… hey! Why don’t you take the morning after pill?
 ESMERALDA:
We did it two weeks ago, moron.
MILO:
Oh, god. (Pause). Look, don’t let this upset you. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be okay.
ESMERALDA:
You promise?
MILO:
I promise.
ESMERALDA:
Look, honey. I’ve been thinking about it…life is growing inside me. And I love you so much. I know
we’re young to feel this and doing this kind of things. But I want to marry you, I want to have a family
with you. It’s very challenging, but we are going to do our best.
MILO:
Are you sure?
ESMERALDA:
Yeah. Milo, I love you.
MILO:
We’ll be a very happy family! Have you been thinking names?
ESMERALDA:
If it’s a boy I want to name it after pops: Leonardo.
MILO:
Well, cause if it’s a girl I want to name her Sofia. (ESMERALDA exists).
MILO:
I wanted to make things better because I fucked up. I wanted to do my best, or at least the best I
could. (MICAELA enters).
MICAELA:
So, what’s the thing you wanted to talk about?
MILO:
Look, mom. Esme and I…
MICAELA:
What?
 MILO:
Well, we… well…
MICAELA:
What’s the matter? Why are you…? Oh god.
MILO:
IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! We didn’t know what are we doing!
MICAELA:
This can’t be possible! How you can’t know what are you… Jesus, Milo, Jesus. What the fuck did
you just do!?
MILO:
I love her! And I want to marry her!
MICAELA:
What the hell are you saying? You’re so young to fuck.
MILO:
Mom, I want to marry her. I want to live with her.
MICAELA:
That’s stupid. That’s daydreaming, you stupid. Where are you going to work? Who the hell will
hire you? How will you feed the baby, idiot!
MILO:
I will get a job.
MICAELA:
(Pause). Okay. Just tell me. How many months is she pregnant?
MILO:
Three months.
MICAELA:
Three months?! THREE MONTHS?! We can’t pull it off her, you idiot! (Large pause). Look. I don’t
want you to fuck up your life and child’s. We are going to do something. The lord is great because
I’m going to help you. I’m this close to kick you out. Very, very, very close to kick you out. (Pause).
We’re going to talk with her mother about this. But I’ll make her a deal: When the baby is born, we’re
going to act as if the child is mine and you’re his brother. You can still date your girlfriend, but he’ll
be her brother in law. And you will get a job as soon as possible, or else I’ll kick the fuck you out of
the house. Because if you want to be a man, you will be a man, and provide this child with everything
he will ever need, ever. WE. HAVE. A. DEAL?!
 MILO:
It was the hardest decision of my life. But I didn’t want to give him an awful care with my ignorance
and immature mind. With tears in my eyes I accepted the deal with my mother, the parents of
Esmeralda also agreed. Esmeralda too. Some months later, in a beautiful august morning Leonardo
was born. My son. Or my brother, which I love more than anyone or anything. (Pause). Unfortunately,
Esmeralda couldn’t make it. She died in labor. (Pause, LEONARDO enters, acting as a little child).
LEONARDO:
Hey Milo. Do you know dad?
MILO:
Yeah. A little bit. Why?
LEONARDO:
How is he?
MILO:
You know… He looks like you. Like me. He’s kind of old. Tall. You know. A dad.
LEONARDO:
Why I don’t know him?
MILO:
He left when you were a baby. He is working and I don’t think he is coming soon.
LEONARDO:
It’s not fair! You know him. I want to meet him!
MILO:
But he loves you! Look, he bought you the game you wanted.
LEONARDO:
He only left a letter next to the box and nothing else. I wanted to see him. Not a letter.
MILO:
But you loved that game.
LEONARDO:
But I wanted to see him. Kids make fun of me because I don’t have a dad. Father’s Day is coming
and I wanted to spend the whole day with him.

MILO:
 Don’t listen to them. They’re dumb.
LEONARDO:
I made him a card. It’s very cool and I wanted to give it to him and give him a hug.
MILO:
I know, champ. But you have to be patient and…
LEONARDO:
You know what? I don’t want to meet him anymore. (Exits).
MILO:
But Leo… Leo! (To public). I didn’t know what else I can tell to him. I know. (Pause). It was a stupid
idea bullshiting him for so many years. But watching him cry and suffer without relief broke my
heart. Back when I was in college, I didn’t get enough sleep or foo… (MILO Starts to faint. XIMENA
enters to help him).
XIMENA:
Are you alright?
MILO:
What’s going on?
XIMENA:
You almost fainted. You look so pale. Did you eat already?
MILO:
No…
XIMENA:
Let me get you something.
MILO:
No, I don’t want to bother you.
XIMENA:
Don’t worry. You must eat something before you faint or something worse. By the way. What’s
your name?
MILO:
Milo. (XIMENA helps MILO to exit. Immediately enters to proscenium, pause. MILO enters).
XIMENA:
Milo!
 MILO:
Ximena. I’m glad I could see you. Look. I wanted to thank you for your help. I don’t know what
could happen to me without you. Let me pay you. I want to take you out to eat something.
XIMENA:
You’re welcome, silly. (Pause). I’m glad to help you. But okay, you may buy me pizza. (XIMENA
kisses MILO in the mouth, then exits).
MILO:
It couldn’t be possible. Love was knocking at my door once again. And I was a poor devil who didn’t
knew if he should follow his instinct. Ximena and I fell in love hopelessly. Our relationship was very
nice. But she didn’t know Leo was my son. And things would be fine like that. In our fourth year of
relationship, Leo was a sixteen-year-old young man. (Shouts out to the wings). Wake up buddy. It’s
getting late for school. Mom left your food in the microwave. Wake up! It’s getting late. (Pause,
LEONARDO enters).
LEONARDO (off):
Yeah, Milo. I’m coming. Hey, by the way. Could you lend me your watch, please?
MILO:
And why you want to use it, sport? (LEONARDO enters).
LEONARDO:
I’m going to talk with a girl, and I want to look nice.
MILO:
Finally! It was a matter of time that you would have a girlfriend. I thought you were gay. All right.
See you later. Oh, I forgot. (MILO gives LEONARDO a watch that he was using). Keep it. Take
care of it. Good luck with your friend. See ya! (Exits).
LEONARDO:
See ya, Milo. Take care. (Starts to groom up. Pause. ELOÍSA enters).
ELOISA:
Hey Leo! How are you?
LEONARDO:
I’m fine. What about your class?
ELOISA:
It was awful. I can’t believe bean face got us to write everything he wrote on the board.
LEONARDO:
Yeah, it was boring as hell. I got a class with him in my freshman year and… (Talking in sottto
LEONARDO and ELOISA exits. Then MICAELA and MILO enter).
 MILO:
Mom. Ximena and I are getting married!
MICAELA:
That’s great, honey! Oh my god, I’m so happy! (Hugs MILO).
MILO:
I know! We’re getting married in a couple of months. We’re not going to do a big deal about it. A
little and intimate celebration –
MICAELA:
Why you would do an intimate celebration? We have to do something bigger. Your aunt from
Monterrey must come!
MILO:
I don’t even know her.
MICAELA:
You’re going to love her, sweetheart.
MILO:
Mom. I wanted to tell you something. (Pause). When I get married, I want Leo to live with me.
MICAELA:
And why the fuck would you want that?
MILO:
I can take care of him.
MICAELA:
So what? Leo is my son. And you can’t take him off me.
MILO:
I conceived that kid. And I won’t leave him!
MICAELA:
Well, in his certificate of birth says I’m his mother whether you like it or not. He is my son. You
left me with that responsibility because you were so stupid. And you know it!

MILO:
I want to amend the mistake I made.
MICAELA:
And he is going to believe you? You’ll hurt him even worse telling him that. He would ting that is a
lie or a prank. He is my son, and if you want to take this to the court, bring it on. I DON’T
FUCKING CARE!
MILO:
You can’t let me go without him. He’s is the reason I didn’t left this fucking house.
MICAELA:
And this is how you thank me all the sacrifice I made for Leonardo? I love Leo as much as you. We
made our best to raise him. You just can’t pull this bullshit because you had an idea. No way. You’re
not leaving with Leo. Period.
MILO:
You could’ve kicked me out. That’s why you helped me? To shove it to my fucking face?
MICAELA:
I did it because I love you two, asshole. I looked sooo cute when I told everyone that I didn’t knew
who was the father of the child. You’re my son and I won’t leave you alone with Leo I’m his mother!
You can’t take him off me! YOU CAN’T – (LEONARDO enters).
LEONARDO:
What’s going on?
MICAELA:
(Pause, MILO and MICAELA look at each other). Honey, I have great news. Milo is getting
married!
LEONARDO:
Really? Congratulations! (Hugs both MILO and MICAELA).
MILO:
Thanks, pal. How was your day? What about that girl?
LEONARDO:
Great! She is a nice girl.
MILO:
What’s her name?
LEONARDO:
Eloisa.
MILO:
She has a pretty name. (Pause. LEONARDO and MICAELA exit). Right after my fight with mom we
celebrated. We played videogames and ate junk food. Well, I wanted to do the best of the last days
with him. My boy was falling in love. And I was setting up my wedding. In fall, it was usual to hear
Leo talking a lot about Eloisa. Both mom and I were scared about the fact he was his boyfriend. Well,
that didn’t bother me so much. Leo was a very mature boy for his age.
LEONARDO:
Milo. Can I tell you something?
MILO:
Sure. What’s going on?
LEONARDO:
I love talking to Eloisa. She showed me a very cool band.
MILO:
Man, that’s the millionth time you talk about Eloisa. Tell her you like her.
LEONARDO:
No way! She will reject me.
MILO:
So what? You won’t live with that living in your chest, right? If you don’t pull it out it will be too
late. You have the no right now. Now go and get the yes.
LEONARDO:
You know what? You’re right. I’m going to tell her what I feel. I swear it!
MILO:
I don’t think so. Anyways. It’s getting late for me. Take care and good luck. (Hugs Leonardo, then
exits).
LEONARDO:
I’m gonna tell her I love her! I swear! (ELOISA enters with a backpack).
ELOISA:
So, what was the thing you’re about to say?
LEONARDO:
No-nothing. It was just something stupid. (Checks his watch). O h man. It’s getting late for my class.
ELOISA:
Stay with me another moment, please. Just another couple of minutes. Please?
LEONARDO:
Uh… Alright.
 ELOISA:
You’re so lovely. (Pulls a plastic bottle from her backpack).
LEONARDO:
Do you mind if I take a sip?
ELOISA:
Sure. Go ahead. (LEONARDO takes a sip from the bottle, then spits right after). You liked it?
LEONARDO:
What the hell was that?
ELOISA:
You liked it?
LEONARDO:
No way. That’s… alcohol?
ELOISA:
Give it another shot. It’s tasty. You’ll gonna love it. (LEONARDO gives another sip. Then
ELOISA).
LEONARDO:
You liar. It’s very tasty but I’m getting so dizzy. Milo just called me and I don’t remember what I
told him.
ELOISA:
I guess you’re getting drunk. Take a nap on my lap. It will help.
LEONARDO:
Well. If I don’t have another choice… (LEONARDO puts his head on ELOISA’S lap. Sleeps. Pause,
wakes up and looks ELOISA).
LEONARDO:
Good morning, Elo.
ELOISA:
Good morning, big boy. How did you sleep?
LEONARDO:
It was the best nap ever. Whoever is your boyfriend must be so lucky. Sadly, I can only see you as a
friend. I like you so much. And this is the first time I skip class, so I can be with you.
 ELOISA:
I like you too –
LEONARDO:
No way –
ELOISA:
I swear –
LEONARDO:
No, really –
ELOISA:
I like you, Leo.
LEONARDO:
You like me.
ELOISA:
I like you. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.
LEONARDO:
No way! I can’t believe it.
ELOISA:
Do I really really like you?
LEONARDO:
More than anything. (LEONARDO and ELOISA kiss each other. Then LEONARDO tries to throw
up).
ELOISA:
Oh fuck. I’m going to call a cab. You’re so drunk. (ELOISA and LEONARDO exit. THEN MILO
enters with a suit jacket. Then MICAELA enters).
MILO:
When Leo came back home mom grounded him for three months. She was getting easy with him. If
I would do that. Mom also would beat the living crap out of me.
 MICAELA:
I don’t like the fact Leo is hanging out with that broad.
MILO:
Go easy on her. It’s his first girlfriend.
MICAELA:
That’s the matter. It’s his first girlfriend. What if she breaks his heart? Even worse. The broad
would get knocked up? (Looking at MILO).
MILO:
Well, thanks a lot, mom. Take it easy. He won’t do anything stupid. He’s going to be well. (Pause).
In November I got married with Ximena. It was all set up. Leo invited Eloisa to the party. And in the
middle of the celebration, he would ask her if she wanted to be his girlfriend. (Milo puts his jacket
on. MICAELA him).
MICAELA:
Okay. Don’t move, honey. (LEONARDO and ELOISA enter).
LEONARDO:
Hey ma. This is Eloisa. The girl I was talking about this whole time.
MICAELA:
Micaela Macias. Glad to meet you.
ELOISA:
Eloisa Rossetti. Nice to meet you.
MICAELA:
Okay. I will go straight to the point. Eloisa, a word?
ELOISA:
Sure. (MILO and LEONARDO exit).
MICAELA:
So. You’re my baby’s girlfriend.
ELOISA:
Sure. I’m dating him. Why you ask?
MICAELA:
That’s fine. Take care of him. Because my boy is special. He didn’t had friends until high school
and I guess you’re his first girlfriend. Don’t break his heart.
ELOISA:
 Alright. I won’t promise anything. I’ll do my best. (MILO goes to the center of the stage).
MILO:
Mom didn’t like Eloisa’s words. The wedding was beautiful. The feast was delicious. My wife looked
so gorgeous. Leo and Eloisa had a very good relationship… for a couple of months. They broke up.
I tried to cheer up Leo but it didn’t work. Leo met Amanda. A very cute girl, and they were so happy.
Even mom liked her. (LEONARDO enters).
LEONARDO:
Amanda is such an amazing girl. Beautiful, smart and talented. I haven’t spoked with Eloisa. She
even has a boyfriend. Well. I’m not going to talk to her anymore. (ELOISA ENTERS)
ELOISA:
Leo?
LEONARDO:
Hey.
ELOISA:
How it’s going?
LEONARDO:
Fine. I guess. How about you?
ELOISA:
Fine, thanks. (Pause). Look. I can’t hold this anymore. I’m so sorry for being rude to you. You were
so lovely. I’m sorry.
LEONARDO:
I don’t know why you left.
ELOISA:
I miss so much spending time with you.
LEONARDO:
So am I. But I’m dating Amanda. And you are dating that asshole. I don’t want to disrespect you
like that. You know?
ELOISA:
I’m no longer dating him. I miss you so much. I was such an idiot for letting you go. I don’t know
what I were thinking.
LEONARDO:
I miss you so much. Really, a lot. But it hurt a lot when you left.
 ELOISA:
Let me repair the damage I made. (Kisses LEONARDO).
LEONARDO:
I love you, Eloisa. I’m gonna break up with Amanda.
ELOISA:
I love you, Leo. (Exits, then MILO enters).
MILO:
What’s up man? How it’s going?
LEONARDO:
F-fine thanks. What about you?
MILO:
Why so nervous. What’s going on?
LEONARDO:
What did you just do? What did you break up?
LEONARDO:
I’m fine. I’m just a little bit nervous because Eloisa is coming.
MILO:
Oh sh… I see. And I’m interrupting. I can leave if you want to.
LEONARDO:
No, you can stay. It’s just…
MILO:
What? Are you going to tell me that you’re just going to watch a movie?
LEONARDO:
No, man. You know I don’t do that kind of things. I want my first time to be very special. Not just
to fuck.
MILO:
Damn, calm down Romeo. I was kidding. But I want to ask you. Why did you break up with
Amanda? Honestly. Why do you love her?
LEONARDO:
 Many things. The way she looks me, how we enjoy each other. I know I like her and she likes me. I
don’t need to have many things in common with her to have chemistry. I’m in love, I think I want
to… (a knocking sound is played. Then MILO goes to the wings. Pause. MILO and ELOISA enter).

ELOISA:
Hey Leo.
MILO:
Long time no see you.
ELOISA:
I came for Leo. We’re leaving.
MILO:
Where, exactly?
ELOISA:
To Cuernavaca1, with some friends. We’re going to a party.
MILO:
He didn’t tell me anything about it. Mom is gone for a couple of weeks and I am in charge. (Pause).
So, that was all about… Leo. Come here. (LEONARDO and MILO go to the wings). Look. Dude, go.
But it’s all your responsibility. You’re old enough to need a babysitter. This is the kind of things that
doesn’t happen often. (MILO pulls up a credit card). Here. Happy birthday.
LEONARDO:
Thanks a lot, Milo!
MILO:
There. Take care. Call me when you arrive. (Says goodbye to LEONARDO. Pause. Leonardo and
ELOISA exit). And that was the beginning of Leo’s trip. All the trip was great until the stalker of
Eloisa’s ex -boyfriend appeared. Leo stood up against him… but he was beaten up. When Leo came
back, I snitched on him with mom. Telling her that he went to a party and went back the day after.
So, his black eye and light tan make sense. Mom grounded and whooped him. But as I told him. “A
big hit requires a little sacrifice”. Leo and Eloisa were in senior year. My boy wanted to be a
veterinarian and my daughter in law… well. (MILO exits. Pause. LEONARDO and ELOISA enter).
ELOISA:
Sweety, I’m sorry I can’t go out with you lately. This final exam is driving me crazy.
LEONARDO:
I can help you if you want to.

1. Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. The city is located around a 90 min drive south of Mexico City using the
Federal Highway 95D. It’s a great place to take vacations or holydays.
 ELOISA:
Just a couple of favors. I don’t want to use you.
LEONARDO:
Everything is going to be okay.
ELOISA:
Leo, I’m so nervous.
LEONARDO:
Don’t worry. You will ace the audition exam.
ELOISA:
You’re always so sweet. I love you. (MILO enters).
MILO:
Both finished high school without any major problem. Both Leo and Eloisa studied in the National
Autonomous University of Mexico. Leo studied veterinary and zootechnics. Eloisa studied
Dramatic literature and Theatre. They couldn’t catch up very often. They were very busy.
ELOISA:
Babe. I missed you so much.
LEONARDO:
I missed you a lot. This college thing is a chaos.
ELOISA:
I know. Look, I’ve got something to tell you. (Pause). I’m going to study in New York in a couple
of months.
LEONARDO:
Oh my god! Congratulations! I’m so proud of you.
ELOISA:
Yeah. I got accepted in the scholarship. I don’t know what will happen next.
LEONARDO:
What will happen next, it’s that you will become a great actress and you’ll be the best of your
generation.
ELOISA:
Leo, you’re so cute.
 LEONARDO:
I’m so happy for you. I can’t believe it.
ELOISA:
Thanks a lot. For everything. Really. Thanks a lot.
LEONARDO:
Babe, you’re welcome. I love you, and we’ll talk everyday –
ELOISA:
Leo… (Pause). I don’t think this is going to work.
LEONARDO:
I see. Look. I don’t agree. It would be so hard, but we can work it out… (Pause). Here.
(LEONARDO gives ELOISA his watch). I want you to keep it. So, you never forget me.
ELOISA:
You can’t, Leo! That’s your brother’s watch.
LEONARDO:
It’s my most valuable possession. But it holds all my love for you.
ELOISA:
I don’t know what to say. I love you, Leonardo. I love you. (Pause). And I will see you again. I
swear. (Pause. Blackout, curtain and end of first act).
 ACT II
SCENE 1
(Fade in, MILO is sitting in the middle of the stage).
MILO:
How can anyone live up like that? Trying to live after you loved someone who you thought you will
marry and live with. Honestly, I don’t know. After Leo saw Eloisa one last time. Nothing was the
same. It was a shadow who stalked him. It was a living memory who was there, but he can’t have.
Attachment is an awful demon. While you try to keep away a person from you, you keep that person
closer. He had the hope to see her again. One tries to go on with his life but that beautiful memory
appears again. As a mirage, as an illusion. After many years Leo fell in love again. With a girl called
Elizabeth. They got married and had a baby girl named Danae Eloisa. By the way, me and Ximena
tried to write many letters to the white stork. But it never delivered a baby. Later we found out that
Ximena is infertile. It doesn’t matter. I love Ximena no matter what. Elizabeth was a nice girl. But
when she married Leo, she became rude. Both mom and I didn’t like her. Having my granddaughter
in my... (Pause, sighs) Niece, in my arms made me realize that I must tell Leo the truth. Leo must
had to know who was his real father. (Pause, XIMENA enters).
XIMENA:
Honey. Dinner is ready.
MILO:
Ximena, can you do me a favor? See, if I die before you. Could you give Leo this letter?
XIMENA:
Sure. But what is about?
MILO:
It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. (MILO gets dizzy).
XIMENA:
What’s going on? You’re not alright. Tell me, why are you so sad? (Realizes MILO is getting dizzy).
Oh god, Milo! (MILO and XIMENA sit down).
MILO:
Leo is my son.
XIMENA:
Why you didn’t tell me? Why you didn’t tell him?
MILO:
I was sixteen at the time. It was a very big responsibility. I did not know what to do.
 XIMENA:
You should tell him the truth face to face, instead of a letter. He will understand.
MILO:
What if he thinks I’m joking?
XIMENA:
Of course not. He loves you a lot. It will be very hard to grasp, but eventually he will understand.
Don’t worry.
MILO:
I don’t think I have the balls to do it. Honestly.
XIMENA:
You better pull it off your chest. You’re getting sick again.
MILO:
I guess it’s the best for me. I love you.
XIMENA:
I love you. Let’s get some dinner. (Exits).
MILO:
Ximena was right. I tried to tell Leo the truth in so many times, in many holydays or special
ocations. The last time I tried was in little Eloisa’s fifth birthday party (LEONARDO enters).
LEONARDO:
So, what was the thing you wanted to talk about?
MILO:
Look. It’s very complicated… look… well… (ELIZABETH enters).
ELIZABETH:
Leonardo, what are you doing? Help me! I need help, I need to serve the food to our guests and
you’re there sitting.
LEONARDO:
I’m coming. You don’t need to talk to me like that.
ELIZABETH:
My co-workers haven eaten yet and you don’t help at all.
LEONARDO:
I’m doing my part. It’s just… (Talking in sotto. Pause. MICAELA enters).
 MICAELA:
That broad is getting me on my nerves. I saw her flirting with a colleague.
MILO:
It’s his marriage. Not ours.
MICAELA:
I know. But god. She’s so fucking rude with him. If she hates him. Why don’t they are getting
divorced?
MILO:
You’re right. Leo says she’s not so warm with him. If you know what I mean.
MICAELA:
I’m worried that she can cheat him. Look how she looks so happy with that guy. I can’t stand it
anymore. I have to do something.
MILO:
It’s none of your business, ma.
MICAELA:
It’s my son, so it’s my business. Leo looks so upset. Look at him.
MILO:
Mom. Leo knows what he’s doing.
MICAELA:
I don’t like how she treats him.
MILO:
Mom. You know how is Elizabeth. You’re gonna cause trouble to Leo if you talk to her.
MICAELA:
Someone has to do something.
MILO:
Sure: not you.
MICAELA:
Honey, you know how stubborn I can be.
MILO:
I know. That’s why I’m telling you to stop. (MILO exits. Pause. ELIZABETH enters).
 ELIZABETH:
It’s everything okay? You need something?
MICAELA:
I’m alright. Thanks.
ELIZABETH:
There are plenty of drinks in the table if you want to.
MICAELA:
Yeah, honey. Thanks. Look, I wanted to tell you something.
ELIZABETH:
Sure. What’s up?
MICAELA:
I see you’re so kind with your colleague and Leo was attending the guests of the party. I don’t want
to meddle in your affairs, but don’t disrespect Leo. Respect Leonardo, he is your husband and
you’re his wife.
ELIZABETH:
You’re right, madam. A marriage is from two people. So, don’t mind our business, you nosy old
fart.
MICAELA:
Excuse me!?
ELIZABETH:
You heard me. If you don’t want me to be rude, mind your own business!
MICAELA:
Careful with the words you’re using to talk to me.
ELIZABETH:
It’s my house, and I can talk to you as I want. You can leave if you want.
MICAELA:
You don’t need to tell me twice, you bitch. (Exits while MILO enters).
MILO:
What’s going on?
ELIZABETH:
Shut up. (Exits).
 MILO:
Mom and Elizabeth never talked to each other after that evening. I tried to talk with my daughter in
law, but she was so mad she wasn’t listening any reasons. (LEONARDO enters).
LEONARDO:
And why you are trying to fix my marriage?
MILO:
What are you talking about?
LEONARDO:
Mom and Elizabeth argued and you wanted to calm down things.
MILO:
Leo, calm down. I was just trying to sort things –
LEONARDO:
I’m old enough to live my life by myself. I know what am doing. For the better or for the worse.
Fucking mind your own business.
MILO:
Leo, I w –
LEONARDO:
Shut up. Leave us alone. (Exits. Pause. MICAELA enters).
MICAELA:
Your brother just called. He’s fine. But he is busy so he can’t come to dine with us.
MILO:
Leave him alone, everything is going to be okay. He just needs some space.
MICAELA:
And all of this because I fought with that broad.
MILO:
That’s why I told you to leave them alone. (Pause). It doesn’t matter anymore. Go to sleep. I will
come tomorrow to get some lunch.
MICAELA:
Yes, honey. I’m a little bit tired. (Exits).
 MILO:
I was so joyless because I didn’t spoke with Leo in a long time. I missed him so much. But what
can I do? He wanted to do his life all by himself and I had to respect his decision. (Sits down.
Pause. ELOISA enters).
ELOISA:
Milo? Milo Macias?
MILO:
I can’t believe it. Is that you? (Pause, greets and hugs ELOISA). What a miracle! I thought you
were living in America.
ELOISA:
I just came back in January. Tell, me Milo. How its Leo doing?
MILO:
He’s fine. As anyone. But he has many marital problems.
ELOISA:
Oh. I hope that everything gets better.
MILO:
I hope the same. But tell me. How was all the experience?
ELOISA:
A lot of work. A couple of movies, television, theatre and all that. But now I only do theatre.
MILO:
Yeah? Why?
ELOISA:
I don’t know. It was overwhelming all that showbiz stuff. I didn’t like what was being a celebrity, a
star was all about. Theatre is the only thing I need.
MILO:
I’m so happy for you, I swear. What about you? Did you get married? Had kids?
ELOISA:
If you can call my three dogs kids… yes. I can’t lie to you. It might sound stupid, and ridiculous, but
I couldn’t forget Leo all these years thinking about him and spending my life by his side. (Pause). I
tried to forget him with a pathetic excuse of an actor because he reminded me of Leo. But it was not
the same. We argued all the time. Then, the son of a bitch cheated on me. That’s why I came back to
Mexico.
 MILO:
Life is a fucked-up mess…
ELOISA:
Amen. (Pause). I have to go. Tell Leo I said hi, please.
MILO:
Sure. Take care.
ELOISA:
Thanks a lot, Milo. (ELOISA exits).
MILO:
It was nice to meet Eloisa and hear from her again. She and Leo matured and did very different things
with their lives. I just hoped that Eloisa did not run with my same fate and Leo really wanted to talk
to her. Unfortunately, though. One day Leo came back home earlier on a Friday, and it turned out that
he found Elizabeth in his bed with someone else. Deep down, Leo knew she was cheating on him.
After divorcing his wife, Leo met Eloisa again and it was a very different thrill. (Exits. Pause.
LEONARDO enters and sits down. Right after, ELOISA enters).
ELOISA:
Leonardo?
LEONARDO:
Yeah, that’s me… Eloisa?
ELOISA:
Yeah, Leo. I’m so happy to see you again.
LEONARDO:
It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see you again.
ELOISA:
My dreams came true.
LEONARDO:
I’m glad to hear that. I watched the kings of illusion. It was a very good movie.
ELOISA:
Thanks. It means a lot to me. But, tell me more about you. How it’s going.
LEONARDO:
Fine, I guess.
 ELOISA:
Sure? I don’t think you mean it.
LEONARDO:
Well. I have to be honest. I got divorced. I haven’t spoke with Milo and mom in a while and my ex-
wife might keep the custody of my daughter. (Pause). I’m sorry. I don’t want to bother you with my
problems.
ELOISA:
I’m so sorry. I wish I could help you. You’re not alone in all of this. You can count on me if you
wish.
LEONARDO:
Thanks. I really appreciate it.
ELOISA:
I’m here for you. Leo, I can’t hold this anymore…
LEONARDO:
What is it?
ELOISA:
I never forgot you.
LEONARDO:
I also never forgot you. You’re still in my heart.
ELOISA:
Would you go on in a date with me?
LEONARDO:
Sure! It would be awesome. Let’s – (Pause, LEONARDO’s phone starts to ring. LEONARDO
answers). Hello. Yeah, I’m his brother. Who are you? Oh. I’m coming. (Ends the call, tries to exit).
ELOISA:
Are you okay? What’s going on?
LEONARDO:
Milo. (LEONARDO and ELOISA exit. Blackout).
 SCENE 2
(In stage right, MILO is lying on the floor with a white sheet on top of him. MICAELA and XIMENA
are next to him. LEONARDO and ELOISA enter from stage left).
MICAELA:
Oh, sweetheart. My boy… m’ijo2 (Hugs LEONARDO).
LEONARDO:
What happened?
MICAELA:
The doctors tried their best.
LEONARDO:
No, please, no. It can’t be possible!
MICAELA:
Sweetheart. I’m so sorry to tell you this. But Milo… Milo… is gone. (Pause. LEONARDO hugs
ELOISA and MICAELA. Large pause9).
LEONARDO:
I feel like shit. I’m so sorry. I lost touch with you guys. I’m sorry. I don’t want to leave you alone
again.
MICAELA:
Don’t worry honey. I love you. We’ll be together. We are gonna be closer than ever.
LEONARDO:
I’m sorry mom. I love you.
MICAELA:
Say good bye to your brother. I’m going to sign a couple of forms. Okay? (MICAELA exits).
LEONARDO:
Okay.
ELOISA:
I guess you want to stay alone with him. Let me help your mother. (Exits).
XIMENA:
Leo. I’m so sorry.

2. M’ijo (Pronounced mijo) It’s the fusion of the Spanish words Mi and Hijo. It translates to my son. It’s a way mothers
refers to their sons. It’s the equivalent of Honey or Sweetheart.
 LEONARDO:
I’m gonna miss him so much. I don’t know what to do. (Hugs XIMENA).
XIMENA:
Leo. Milo wanted me to give you this. (XIMENA gives LEONARDO a letter). I’m so sorry. I’ll
leave you alone. (Exits. Pause. LEONARDO goes closer to MILO).
LEONARDO:
I can’t say how sorry I am. I love you so much. I was such a shitty brother. You gave me the best,
and I was an asshole. You tried to help me to be happy with Elizabeth. And now you’re gone. I’m
sorry, I want you back! I want to repair all the damage I made. Please, come back… (Pause). I LOVE
YOU MILO! I love you… And now, you’re gone. (Long pause, reads the letter). It can’t be possible.
No… For real?! For fucking real!? Jesus Christ, Milo. Get up. I SAID GET UP! YOUR PRANK IS
OVER. “A responsibility that I deserted?” FUCK YOU. WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME? (Exits).
MILO:
(Stands up and puts off the white sheet). I died on March 13. I suffered from anemia and a chronic
depression. I was working. I didn’t had lunch that day. I was climbing down the stairs when I got
dizzy and fainted. Needless to say, I fell down the stairs and died from a hemorrhage. I know. (Pause).
I was such an idiot. I caused my own death, you know? I never had the courage to tell Leo the truth.
I fell in that horrible depression; thus, I didn’t eat so much and… there you go. (Pause). Eloisa stayed
with Leo in his grief. It was a tough time for him. Even Eloisa met her namesake. That was the first
step to the next step on his life. (Exits. Pause. ELOISA and LEONARDO enter).
ELOISA:
How do you feel? Are you still mad at Milo?
LEONARDO:
Not at all. I realized he loved me so much. I just. (Pause). I just didn’t know how life can be so
fragile and I spent so much days trying to forget my pain. But life continues no matter what.
ELOISA:
This kind of things can be so tough. But you’re not alone.
LEONARDO:
Sure. You know what? I won’t let down mom again, I will visit her every Sunday. Thanks a lot.
You came when I needed you the most, you helped me trough all of this.
ELOISA:
We’ll be okay. I swear. Do you want to take a drink tomorrow night?
LEONARDO:
Sure. It would be great.
 ELOISA:
Call me when –
MILO:
(Pause. LEONARDO and ELOISA froze). Sorry to interrupt. I wasn’t supposed to enter anymore. All
of this was narrated with my memories, with all I knew. It would have been beautiful. Don’t you
think? Leonardo and Eloisa would still be dating. They would fall in love again. After two months of
dating, they would decide to marry and live together the life they had promised each other for years.
(Pause). And why I tell all this and you do not see it yourselves? Because nobody is safe in this
country. (Pause, moves to proscenium). After boarding a taxi. Eloisa never returned home. A
murderer never asks permission or schedules a date on the calendar to destroy a woman's life, or
fracture a family. All of Leo's efforts to find Eloisa were in vain. Eloisa was found dead on abandoned
land. Out of respect for his memory I will not go into more detail. In this story it was planned that my
death would be the reason why Leonardo would try to live his life to the fullest. Although he never
knew from me that he was my son. My death and hers (MILO touches ELOÍSA, she defrosts).
destroyed his soul. This ending is not fair. Neither for you, Leo or Eloisa. Now Leo will have to learn
to live without his father or the love of his life. So, it begins. An eternal mourning, insatiable solitude,
life after Eloisa. (MILO picks up ELOISA, they exit. Fade to black and end of Life after Eloisa).