HOT PINK BALLOON

She dies again.

Everyone applauds.

She was a nasty character...

...The end of another exhausting show. She goes to her dressing room and wants to collapse, but sits down to remove her make up - it's been irritating her face for hours.

In the dressing table mirror, she is surprised to see the door open.
She forgot to lock it.

She turns around, "Who is it?" she asks.

A stranger to her eyes walks in the room.

"Do I know you?" she asks. (What she means is; who the hell are you?)

"I know YOU," he smiles, "Seen every show you've been in."

"How charming," she laughs, but alarm bells start ringing; EVERY show, she thinks - that can't be normal.

"I like you," he says, then he looks coyly away for a moment, "I like you a lot."

She feels uncomfortable. "But you don't know me."

"I know the characters you've played - they differ so much, so you must be a great actress," he smiles, "I think you're excellent at what you do. Some actors seem like the same character, no matter what they appear in, but you, you're something else."

"Thanks," she replies, "That's a nice compliment."

"Aren't compliments always nice?" he says.

"Well," she begins, "Actually, if you don't mind, I'm really tired and I was just-"

"Oh no," he moans, "Surely you're not turning me away already? Do you know how long I've waited to meet you, how long I've dreamt of this very moment?"

Her mouth feels dry, "Um, I need to-"

"I need to as well," he tells her, moving closer, "You have no idea how much I need to, baby."

"That wasn't what I meant. And don't call me baby."

"It's not an insult. It's a term of endearment," he replies. "After all, you do mean the world to me - I spend nights thinking about you. I
can't even sleep properly."

"You need a doctor," she says, "That's called insomnia."

"No it's not," he stresses, "It's called love."

"Love?!" she laughs, trying to figure out how to get this 'weirdo' out of the room.

"Yes," he says, "I love you. You and me - we're meant to be together. It's something I feel, so strongly - at times I swear I could explode from the emotion I have for you."

She looks away, "No - you're being silly."

"It's not silly, darling," he says, stroking her face, "I know you want me as much as I want you, deep down."

She pushes his hand away, "Get out."

She comes across as convincingly strong - as although part of her is nervous of the situation, her fighting spirit knows this shouldn't be
allowed.

He clasps his hands excitedly, "Oh wow!"

She is annoyed, "What are you 'oh wowing' about?"

"It's great," he smiles, "You believed it."

She frowns, "Are you insane?"

"No," he beams, "I'm an actor. Well, I'm a would-be actor. Trying to break into it all."

Her mouth opens but no words come out.

"See, I'm gonna try for the part of an obsessed, disillusioned fool," he chuckles.

"Right," she laughs - out of relief more than anything. "Well, you play the role very well!"

"Thank you," he smiles, "If you think I can, then I can! You're such a respected actress."

"Ooh, I don't know about that," she blushes.

"Well, I respect you," he tells her, "Even if it might not have appeared so - when I was trying out my little act on you."

She nods understandingly.

"I didn't make it up though," he reassures, "About me saying you're a
great actress. You're certainly my favourite. That's why I value your opinion so much."

She smiles, "Thank you. I appreciate that."

"Well," he says, "I'll leave you to continue with...your winding down, after show, thing."

She laughs.

He turns to walk out.

"Um," she stops him, "You didn't seriously see all my shows though, did you?"

He gives her an honest expression, "Yes," he replies, "I most certainly did."

"What," she says, "Even that dreadful 'Hot pink balloon'?"

"Yes," he answers, "That was your first show."

"First and worst!" she laughs.

"You were still a good actress back then - just in a bad show!" he smiles. "Besides, we all have to start somewhere."

"Well, you're very kind," she tells him.

He smiles warmly and walks through the doorway.

"I don't even know your name," she exclaims.

He looks back, "Not many people do," he winks;

"Yet."

Around 2004