MR. SILVER'S CHILDREN(The Haunted Musical Fantasy)

Book, Music and Lyrics byDerek Childs

copyright 2016

ACT II

SCENE 1. THE HESTERMANN HOUSE

19. THE HOAX SOCIETY

(Curtain is opened revealing the inside of The Hestermann Orphanage. DR. REVENSMETSON, followed by THE HOAX SOCIETY approach the back door and knock. HANNAH enters from hall door, followed by SILVER.)

HANNAHOh, I do hope that is them and not the banging prankster again. This house certainly could use a good examining. (she opens the

door)

REVENSMETSON(enters, followed by the others) Good day, Ma'am. Thank you for calling on the paranormal investigative team, The Hoax Society. I am Dr. Revensmetson. My company and I have come to rid you of your unwanted guests. (holds out his hands and sniffs the air,

his eyes closed) Oh! Yes! We definitely should make a day of this one… gives me chills! Now…

WHAT IS THE STORY AND WHAT IS THE CASEGIVE US THE SCOOP ON THE HESTERMANN PLACE

INVESTIGATOR 1DO YOUR CHAIRS SEAT THEMSELVES IN DIFFERENT ROOMS

INVESTIGATOR 2DOES YOUR FLOOR GET SWEPT BY A WALKING BROOM

INVESTIGATOR 3WHEN YOU SING BY YOURSELF DO YOU HEAR A DUET

INVESTIGATOR 4HAVE YOU HEARD ANY SPEECHES FROM LINCOLN YET

INVESTIGATOR 5IF YOU'RE UNWILLINGLY HOUSING MEMBERS OF THE SPIRITUAL RACE

THE HOAX SOCIETYYOU CALLED THE RIGHT PLACE

WHATEVER DEVILISH FIEND IS HIDING HEREWE'LL CAST IT OUT, NO DOUBT

SO YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEARWE ARE KNOWN TO THE WORLD OF ALL THAT'S UNKNOWN

AS A PARAPHENOMINAL AL CAPONEIN OTHER WORDS WE CAN SEND BACK TO THE GRAVE

ANY OLD SET OF BONES

INVESTIGATOR 1I SMELL A STENCH IN THE AIR

SILVERTHAT'S PROBABLY SOMETHING SHE'S COOKING IN THERE

INVESTIGATOR 2SUDDENLY I FEEL A CHILL

HANNAHSTAND BY THE WINDOW AND LIKELY YOU WILL

TWO INVESTIGATORS / TWO INVESTIGATORS / TWO INVESTIGATORSTHERE'S A PRESENCE THERE IS A PRESENCE YES, I FEEL A PRESENCETHERE'S A PRESENCE HERE HERETHERE'S A PRESENCE PRESENCE IS VERYTHERE'S A PRESENCE NEAR

THE HOAX SOCIETYBUT HAVE NO FEAR

THERE IS NO SPOOK WHO DARES TO OUTWIT USNO VAPOR WE CAN'T BUST

WE'LL TAKE THEM OUT IN SURPLUSWE'RE THE COPS ON THE BEAT, THE SPIRITUAL STREETAND WE DON'T MESS AROUND WITH NO GUY IN A SHEETIN OTHER WORDS WE PUT THEM RIGHT IN THEIR PLACE

IF THEY LACK THEIR HEART BEAT

AN INVESTIGATORCOME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD

ONE FALSE MOVE AND YOU WILL REGRET YOU'RE DEADWE HAVE COME TO TAKE YOU ONWE'LL STAY 'TIL YOU ARE GONE

SPOOKS BE GONE

THE HOAX SOCIETYARMED ARE WE THE HOAX SOCIETY

NOTHING TO US REMAINS A MYSTERYTRIUMPH WE THE HOAX SOCIETYCOME TO BANISH ALL OF IMPIETY

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF HOMEOWNERSWHO HAVE SUFFERED WHILE THE DEAD PLUNDER

YOU WOULD THINK A LIFETIME WOULD BE LONG ENOUGH TO LIVEI'D SAY THAT THEY HAVE HAD THEIR CHANCE

AND NOW THEY TRY TO WRECK YOUR HOME WITH FEARBUT WE'RE HERE

LARGE AS LIFE THE HOAX SOCIETYEND ALL STRIFE WE'RE THE HOAX SOCIETY

ALWAYS RIGHT THAT'S OUR PHILOSOPHYOUT OF SIGHT WE'RE THE HOAX SOCIETY

AND OUR MOTTO IS DON'T WRITE THE FOLKSIF SOMETHING'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

IT'S PROBABLY A HOAX

(SILVER and HANNAH back against the wall as THE HOAX SOCIETY begins their investigation. Lights come up on KREI in the upper bedroom. TYRANNIS and his TROUPE appear before him.)

TYRANNISWhat is it, Krei?

BAMIAN We weren't expecting so soon a return.

KREISome paraphenominable people… downstairs… may be trouble.

(LOCS and CHESTER look at each other.)

LOCS/CHESTERTrouble?

KREISay they've come to clear us out.

LOCS/CHESTERTouche!

TYRANNISClear us out?

BAMIANThe probability of that, not a likely possibility.

TYRANNISOn guard then! It will be interesting to see who clears who out.

CHESTERTHIS SIR COULD BE A PROBLEM

TYRANNISNONSENSE HOW COULD WE BE BOTHERED BY THEM

LOCSTHESE PEOPLE GET ON MY NERVES

TYRANNISWE'LL SIMPLY GIVE THEM JUST WHAT THEY DESERVE

TWO INVESTIGATORS / TWO INVESTIGATORS / TWO INVESTIGATORSTHERE'S A PRESENCE THERE IS A PRESENCE YES, I FEEL A PRESENCETHERE'S A PRESENCE HERE HERETHERE'S A PRESENCE PRESENCE IS VERYTHERE'S A PRESENCE NEAR

(TYRANNIS laughs wildly. THE HOAX SOCIETY nervously looks about.)

TYRANNISI NOW DECLARE THIS HOUSE A ZONE OF WAR

TYRANNIS/TROUPENOW LET THE GAMES BEGIN

TYRANNIS WELL, GOSH, YOU THINK THAT WE'LL WIN

TYRANNIS/TROUPEWE'RE PREPARED FOR SOME FUN

WE'VE ALREADY WON

TYRANNISSO WHY SHOULDN'T WE MILK IT FOR ALL THAT IT'S WORTH

LET'S HAVE US A ROLLICKING DANDY OLD TIME

TYRANNIS/TROUPEMILK IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTH

(TYRANNIS, TROUPE and KREI beginning planning their strategy. INVESTIGATOR 3 approaches SILVER and HANNAH, a paper in his hand.)

INVESTIGATOR 3Ma'am, Sir, could I get you to sign this form?

HANNAHWhat is it?

INVESTIGATOR 3Well, it's simply a formality. In the event that a ghost with a wicked temperament shows up, a poltergeist type, this form states that we are in no way responsible for any damages to the property. Also, if you take note, at the bottom of this form is a clause which states that should anything happen to those with weak hearts during the course of our visit, it is not the responsibility of The Hoax

Society.

SILVERWhat's that?

REVENSMETSONJust formalities. Please.

(REVENSMETSON grabs the paper and gives it to the SILVERS, who sign.)

AN INVESTIGATORCOME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEADCOME OUT AND WE'LL JUST SEE IF YOU ARE DEAD

WE HAVE COME TO TAKE YOU ONWE'LL STAY 'TIL YOU ARE GONE

SPOOKS BE GONE

TYRANNISI HAVE NOT HAD THIS MUCH FUN SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY

THE HOAX SOCIETYARMED ARE WE THE HOAX SOCIETY

NOTHING TO US REMAINS A MYSTERY

TYRANNISLET'S SHOW THEM A DEVILISH TIME BOYS

YOU TAKE THE OTHERS THE OLD TIMERS MINE

(SILVER and HANNAH exit hall door. A dance follows. During the dance, THE HOAX SOCIETY meet with TYRANNIS, his TROUPE and KREI. LONDON "the water man" appears at one point, shooing them away as well. By the end of the interlude,

TYRANNIS has called in many SPIRITS who antagonize THE HOAX SOCIETY in slow motion. HANNAH and SILVER re-enter as THE HOAX SOCIETY is moving to exit out the front door. TYRANNIES and TROUPE and DARK SPIRITS exit.)

THE HOAX SOCIETYGONE ARE WE THE HOAX SOCIETY

SO FAR ONLY WITH ONE SMALL CASUALTYABRUPTLY THE HOAX SOCIETY

LEAVES YOU BE TO ENJOY YOUR COMPANY

(THE HOAX SOCIETY, minus REVENSMETSON, exits front door.)

REVENSMETSON(quickly and nervously) I'm afraid we must bid you good day. See, actually, The Hoax Society has never really dealt with the real thing. All the other times it's been some trickster who is very easily detected and very human. Sorry. Call us again if you've got

some make believe fabrications needing unraveled. Good day!

(THE HOAX SOCIETY re-enters, dragging REVENSMETSON off as the sing.)

THE HOAX SOCIETYOUR NEW MOTTO IS 'TIL IT'S UNCLOAKEDIF SOMETHING'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

IT MIGHT NOT BE A HOAX.

(After THE HOAX SOCIETY exits, ABIGAIL approaches the back door and knocks.)

HANNAH(rolls her eyes and opens door) Did you forget something? (startled at seeing ABIGAIL) Oh, pardon me. I thought you were one of

those people.

ABIGAILNo, ma'am, though perhaps I could assist you with your problem.

SILVERWe have no problem. It was all a misunderstanding, that's all.

ABIGAIL

No? Are your ghosts content?

HANNAH(walks away from door, fed up) This town is the perfect portrait of lunacy! You can handle this, Silver. Content? Really!

SILVER(to ABIGAIL) They're not content. (to HANNAH) They are not all evil spirits you know. (back to ABIGAIL) Can you help them?

ABIGAILIt's really not up to me. You are the owner of this house. Can you help them?

SILVERI'm trying. Can you help me?

ABIGAILI want to, but I'm not sure if I can. (peeks inside house) I must go for now. I'll return. You know, when a ghost wanders, something

remains unsettled. Do what you can to settle it. (she steps back from the door)

HANNAH(runs over and pulls the door shut) This is, without a doubt, the queerest town we've ever lived in.

(Lights dim on the inside of house. SILVER and HANNAH freeze as ABIGAIL sings outside the house.)

20. IF WE ALL COULD BEGIN AGAIN

ABIGAILHERE'S A GHOST OF WHAT ONCE WAS

A GHOST OF ONCE UPON A TIMELOST UNDER THE DUST OF HERE AND NOW

IF YOU CAN MEND THE PAST I WONDER HOW

HERE ARE MEMORIES STILL ALIVETHE GHOSTS OF ONCE UPON A TIME

SOMETIMES THOUGH WE TRY WE CAN'T FORGETTHEY HAUNT US WITH WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

IF WE COULD ALL BEGIN AGAIN

WE WONDER IF IT WAS OUR FAULTWE WONDER WHAT WE COULD HAVE DONE

WAS THERE A TURN THAT WE MISSEDHOW DID IT COME TO THIS

HERE LIE PIECES OF THE WHOLETHE GHOSTS OF ONCE UPON A TIME

HARD TO LEAVE BEHIND I WONDER WHYTHE SADDEST THINGS TO STRIKE OUR HEARTS

MUST BE RECALLED BEFORE THEY DIE

WE WONDER IF WE HAD A CHOICEWE WONDER WAS THIS MEANT TO BEWAS SOMETHING ELSE MEANT TO BE

ONE CHANCE TO MAKE IT WORKIF THERE'S A WRONG HOW DO YOU RIGHT IT

ONE LIFE AND WHEN IT'S THROUGHSOMEONE ELSE MUST DO

ONE JOB STILL LEFT UNDONEHERE IT LIES WILL YOU BE THE ONE

NOW WE ALL SAYWE COULD DO A FINER JOB JUST PLEASE DON'T LET IT END

IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW HOW FIGHT IT COULD HAVE BEENIF WE ALL COULD BEGIN AGAIN

(ABIGAIL exits. Lights come up on SILVER and HANNAH who unfreeze.)

HANNAHWell, what shall we do now, Silver? I suppose that if we were to sit here long enough the next show would begin.

21. SEEING THINGS (REPRISE)

HANNAHI HAVE COME TO THIS CONCLUSIONAND AS MUCH AS I HATE TO ADMIT IT

OUR FATE IS CERTAINYOU MY DEAR HAVE BEEN ENLIGHTENED

AND WE SHOULD WEAR THE SHOE IF IT FITS

SICKNESS AND HEALTHWE VOWED TO SEE IT THROUGH TOGETHER

AND SO WE HAVE DONETHOUGH LIFE COULD NOT HAVE DEALT A BETTER HAND

ONCE PICTURE PERFECTA PORTRAIT OF HEALTH

NOW COMES THE PUNCHLINEYOU ARE SICK AND I'M NOT QUITE WELL MYSELF

AND IT'S CLEAR TO ME NOWYOU'VE BEEN RIGHT ALL ALONG

IT'S INEVITABLEAND CANNOT BE PROLONGED

SO TO TRUTH I'LL SUBMITAND GO FIGHTING NO MORE

SAD TO SAY IT BEFITSWE WERE ONCE LOVE BIRDS WHO TACKLED THE SKY

NOW WE'RE TWO LOONS AND OUR VIEW IS COCKEYEDSO LONG TO SENSE AND TO REASON GOODBYE

SANITY WAS MY PRIDEAND THEN I START…

AND THEN I START SEEING THINGS

(HANNAH exits hall door, with SILVER trailing her. Lights out.)

SCENE 2. LATER THAT NIGHT

(Lights come up on SILVER who picks Abigail's diary up off the desk. He examines the cover. Unseen by SILVER, LONDON, from the darkness behind him reaches over his shoulder and tugs at a label on the front corner. SILVER pulls it the rest of the way off.)

SILVERBanks?

(LONDON flips some pages of the book in SILVERS hand and a newspaper clipping falls out. SILVER recovers it and unfolds it.)

SILVERTragedy at sea? (scans the page… reading) Banks.

(VICTORIA enters hall door in her nightgown. She is visibly upset and runs to SILVER crying, clinging to him.)

VICTORIADaddy.

SILVERVictoria, what is it? What's wrong? (he put his arm tightly around her)

VICTORIAOh, daddy, I dreamt about the boy again, the same dream I've had every night since I've been here. He was calling out for his

mother and… it was me. I was his mother. I keep hearing him call and I turn corners through the house, room after room, desperate to find him. Finally, I see him, but I can't reach him. I never can reach him. And he cries to me. He can't reach me

either.

SILVER(comforting) Victoria…

VICTORIAI want to meet your ghosts, your children. I know about them. Maybe he is one of them.

SILVER(excitedly) Maybe he is. You really want to meet them? (He shoves the book under some papers on the desk.) Let's go, but keep

quiet so we don't wake your mother. She'll think we're off to have a seance or some sort of thing.

(SILVER and VICTORIA tip toe up the stairs.)

VICTORIAAren't you frightened?

SILVER No. They're only children.

VICTORIAYes, only children. But they are dead, aren't they?

SILVERShhh… (he enters upstairs and calls out) Children…

(VICTORIA follows SILVER into the room. The CHILDREN appear. They all gather around VICTORIA and are obviously excited to see a "mother figure".)

VICTORIA(gasps) Oh, my.

SILVERChildren, this is my daughter, Victoria.

JAYLAHello, Victoria.

SILVER(to VICTORIA) Well, is he here?

VICTORIA(still stunned) What? Oh… no… but this is amazing.

DAYEFascinating. Who exactly were you looking for?

VICTORIAA boy.

WHISTLE(excited) To take home?

VICTORIANo… I just… (to SILVER) He's not here.

CHAISIs it your boy?

VICTORIANo. I don't have a boy.

SILVERShe thought perhaps a boy she saw was one of you.

MILLIEAre you a mom?

VICTORIANo, I'm not.

DAYEIt is awfully difficult to find a mom around here.

VICTORIA(to SILVER) I have to go. He's not here. This is too… spooky. Sorry, children. I'm sorry.

JAYLAVictoria…

(VICTORIA turns to her. JAYLA gazes at her, walks to her, and puts her hand on her stomach. VICTORIA shudders.)

JAYLAEvery child wishes for a good mother, deep down. You'll make a good mother, Victoria.

VICTORIA(stares at JAYLA, speechless, then turns to go) I have to go! (runs down the stairs and exits hall door)

SILVER(starts after VICTORIA and turns back to the children) She's just not use to "mother" yet.

JAYLAShe'll get used to it.

CHAISGoodnight, Mr. Silver.

(SILVER starts down the stairs. HANNAH enters hall door, sees him, stops, and puts her hands together as if praying and shakes her head violently. She exits hall door. SILVER follows her. Lights dim on lower level.)

JAYLA(tucking WHISTLE into bed) Just because you don't have a mother doesn't mean you don't have to go to sleep.

WHISTLEYes, but I'm dead. I should be able to stay up a little later, right?

JAYLACome on. You don't need a mother to tell you to get to bed. That's why you have me. I suppose that's good enough.

WHISTLESometimes I pretend you are her. That's good enough I suppose.

JAYLAI suppose.

(WHISTLE lays back. JAYLA shuts the window and sits on the bed next to him. The other CHILDREN are in bed as well.)

22. MOTHER MAKEBELIEVE

JAYLACOLD IS THE CHILL OF THE NIGHT

SEE THE AIR YOU BREATHESEEK TO FIND THE WARMTH OF THE DAYS SWEET EMBRACE

REACH OUT FOR THE LIGHTFIND THE LONELY NIGHT

DAYECOLD IS THE WORLD WHEN YOUR WORLD

NEVER SAW YOUR NEEDSSEEK TO FIND THE WARMTH OF A SAFE STRONG EMBRACE

REACH OUT FOR SOMEONENO ONE EVER COMES

MILLIECOLD AND ALONE WE HAVE BEEN

SAVE FOR ALL THINGS WE PRETEND

(CHAIS kneels on his bed and pretends he is sailing a ship)

CHAISPRETEND WE'RE ALL ABOARD A SAILING SHIP

WHISTLEAND THE WIND BLOWS US AWAY

CHAISPRETEND I AM THE CAPTAIN FOR THE TRIP

I'LL STEER US TO SOMEPLACE WHERE NO DARKNESS DWELLSA PLACE WHERE ALL WE EVER WANTED COMES TO BE

JAYLA (stands next to CHAIS, pleading)

TAKE ME ON YOUR BOAT WILL YOU SIRTAKE ME AWAY FROM THIS PLACE WILL YOU SIR

TO A PLACE WHERE THE WINDS AREN'T STRONG ENOUGHIN THIS PLACE EVERY DAY IS LONG ENOUGH

THERE IS SHELTER NO COLD WILL FIND YOU THERETHERE IS WARMTH THAT WILL WRAP AROUND YOU THERE

WHERE YOU NEVER NEED FEARYOU JUST WISH AND SOMEONE IS NEAR

I WILL CLOSE MY EYES AND MY LONGING FOR SHELTERSUDDENLY IS RELIEVED

AND I FALL ASLEEP IN THE ARMS OF MOTHER MAKEBELIEVE

(JAYLA closes her eyes, lost in her dream. DAYE and MILLIE stand up and plead to CHAIS.)

DAYETAKE ON YOUR BOAT WILL YOU SIR

TAKE ME AWAY FROM THIS PLACE WILL YOU SIRTAKE ME AWAY TO SOMEPLACE THAT I'VE ALWAYS BEEN LONGING FOR

TAKE ME ON YOUR BOAT WILL YOU SIR

MILLIETAKE ME AWAY TO SOMEPLACE THAT I'VE ALWAYS BEEN LONGING FOR

DAYETAKE ME AWAY FROM THIS PLACE WILL YOU SIR

MILLIETAKE ME AWAY TO SOMEPLACE THAT I'VE ALWAYS BEEN LONGING FOR

(JAYLA holds out her hands to CHAIS)

JAYLATAKE ME ON YOUR BOAT WILL YOU SIR

(CHAIS pulls JAYLA up onto the bed. The other CHILDREN fill in around them.)

CHILDRENTO A PLACE WHERE THE WINDS AREN'T STRONG ENOUGH

IN THIS PLACE EVERY DAY IS LONG ENOUGHTHERE IS SHELTER NO COLD WILL FIND YOU THERE

THERE IS WARMTH THAT WILL WRAP AROUND YOU THEREWHERE YOU NEVER NEED FEAR

YOU JUST WISH AND SOMEONE IS NEAR

JAYLAI WILL CLOSE MY EYES AND MY LONGING FOR SHELTER

SUDDENLY IS RELIEVEDAND I FALL ASLEEPI WILL FALL ASLEEP

AND I FALL ASLEEP IN THE ARMS OF MOTHER MAKEBELIEVE

(CHILDREN all lay down in their beds. WHISTLE lays down next to JAYLA with his head on her chest. Lights fade.)

SCENE 3. LATER THAT NIGHT

(KREI sneaks in through the back door carrying a large book. He walks toward the desk. VICTORIA enters hall door and sees him.)

VICTORIAIt's you! What are you doing?

(KREI turns startled, drops the book, then places it on the desk.)

KREII… I'm leaving something.

VICTORIA(approaching slowly) Where did you go? I've been looking for you.

KREII know. I've been here. I've been here all along.

VICTORIAWho are you? Did you live here?

KREII lived here, but I'm not… one of them.

VICTORIAYou're not one of them? A ghost?

KREI(seeing she doesn't understand) No. My mother… she took care of them. (he moves toward the door) The book is for your father

to find. I have to go.

VICTORIANo. Wait. You called me mother… when I first came here. Did you think I was her?

KREI(on the verge of tears) No. You surprised me, that's all. (turns to leave)

VICTORIADon't go. I've had dreams about you. Are you lost?

KREINo.

VICTORIAWhere is your mother? Have you lost your mother?

KREI(begins to cry) I can't find her.

VICTORIA(moves to him) Don't cry. (she reaches tentatively for him) You don't know where she is?

KREII thought you were her, when I saw you. (he sits and VICTORIA sits next to him and holds him) I can't find her.

VICTORIA(to herself) And she can't find you.

KREI(gathering himself) The book is for you father. He can help. My father… he put a spell here and my mother… well, I left her. I left

her for my father. But ever since I saw you, I remember her. (cries more) I remember us. I realized I must do whatever I can to put an end to this. I'm sure if she saw me, she would turn away. I don't expect her forgiveness, but I realize I was wrong to ever turn

from her.

VICTORIAShe would forgive you. I know it. I can feel it. Will it be broken… the spell?

KREIIt can. (looks directly at VICTORIA) Do you really think… if I found her… she would… Do you think she would love me still?

(VICTORIA smiles and goes to speak. The front door flies open. ABIGAIL is standing at the entrance. VICTORIA stands, noticing her.)

ABIGAILIs my boy there? Krei?

VICTORIAHe is, right here.

ABIGAILYou tell him I love him, won't you?

VICTORIAYou can tell him. Here he is.

ABIGAILI can't. We can't see each other or hear each other.

KREIWhat is it?

VICTORIAIt's your mother. You can't see her?

KREINo. She's here?

VICTORIAShe is. (to ABIGAIL) But you knew he was here with me.

ABIGAILI can feel he is here. Is he well?

VICTORIAHe is quite well. He wants to know if you forgive him. He is trying to find you.

ABIGAILI forgive him. I would forget anything. He wants to find me?

VICTORIAYes. Will you take him back?

ABIGAILHe could never stop me. Nothing could stop me.

KREIWhat did she say?

VICTORIA(to ABIGAIL) Tell him.

ABIGAILI cannot. Please… you tell him. Tell him I love him.

VICTORIA(reaches her hand to ABIGAIL) You tell him, through me. He needs to know what you feel. Tell him. (she grabs both of their

hands)

23. BUT TO JOIN US AGAIN

ABIGAILAFTER ALL THE STORMS HAVE PASSED

WHEN YOU FEEL YOU'VE CRIED YOUR LASTJUST RUN TO ME

ANYTIME I WILL TAKE YOU BACK

VICTORIAI DON'T CARE HOW FAR YOU'VE RUNI DON'T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

ALL THAT I CAREIS THAT YOU'VE COME BACK TO MY SIDE

ABIGAIL/VICTORIAFOR MY LOVE HAS NEVER DIED

ABIGAILNOTHING COULD BRING TO MY EYE A SWEETER TEAR

VICTORIANO NOTHING MORE

ABIGAIL/VICTORIABUT JUST TO HAVE YOU HERE

SO IF YOU ARE COMING HOME I'LL BE WAITING

VICTORIAALL GODS STARS ARE SHINING DOWN

ABIGAILNOTHING ELSE THEY WISH MY SON

ABIGAIL/VICTORIANO NOTHING MORE

BUT TO JOIN US AGAIN

(VICTORIA and ABIGAIL let go of each others hands. VICTORIA lies on the floor. KREI lies next to her with his head resting on her.)

ABIGAILMaybe soon, Krei, we'll be together. Maybe soon.

ALL GODS STARS ARE SHINING DOWN NOTHING ELSE THEY WISH MY SON

NO NOTHING MOREBUT TO JOIN US AGAIN

(The door closes on ABIGAIL and the lights fade as she walks away.)

SCENE 4. THE NEXT MORNING

(HANNAH enters hall door and sees VICTORIA who is lying on the floor asleep. KREI is not there.)

HANNAH(runs to VICTORIA) Oh my! Good Gracious! (yells back toward hall door) Silver, come here!

SILVER(runs in through hall door) What is it, Hannah? (sees VICTORIA) Oh, well, I thought I fixed Victoria's bed.

HANNAH(bends down to shake VICTORIA) Victoria. Victoria!

VICTORIA(sits up straight and stares, wide-eyed, at HANNAH) It's a miracle! The fear is gone!

HANNAHOh, the fear is gone. Very nice. (to SILVER) Obviously, sleeping on the floor makes for a very unsettling rest. (to VICTORIA)

Victoria, honey, what do you mean the fear is gone?

VICTORIAThe fear… The phobia… The fear is gone! I want a baby more than anything in the world.

SILVERWell, then, you're in luck.

VICTORIA(looks around) Why am I on the floor?

HANNAH(helps VICTORIA up and to the couch, with help from SILVER) Well, I was under the assumption you would hold the key to that little

mystery. Now, Victoria, what did you say… About the baby I mean?

VICTORIAJust now… when I woke… I don't know why, I just realized I have nothing to fear. I want a baby! I really do! I understand now.

HANNAHWell, I'm certainly glad you understand. You just fell asleep on the floor, woke up this morning, the fear is gone and you're cured?

VICTORIAI can't remember. Maybe a dream… I don't know. It's a miracle! (looks intently at HANNAH) It's like a veil has lifted and suddenly

it's clear to me how deep that love can be… only that love. I don't know how, but I can see and understand now. (stands up quickly) Oh! I have to go home! I have to see Clayton!

HANNAHWell, now, not to hasty. You think that maybe you should rest up a bit in your bed first?

SILVERIt is fixed, remember?

VICTORIANo. I have to go home as soon as possible. (holds her stomach) Clayton was so worried about me, and I need to tell him.

(overwhelmed) I have to go home! I have to go!

HANNAHOh, of course! We'll check on a train out of Fredrickton. Victoria, I don't know what has happened to you, but I believe you are

ready to become a mother. Maybe you had to come here to get ready… I don't know, but I'm so pleased. If you need to go, you will go!

VICTORIAThank you! I have to pack! (kisses them both and exits hall door yelling as she goes) The fear is gone! The fear is gone!

HANNAH(looks over at SILVER) What did you do to her?

SILVEROh, no. I don't think I'm responsible this time. (laughs) Who would have thought, someone comes to this house and loses fear?

HANNAHI'd better help her with her packing, or at least keep a good eye on her… keep her off the floor.

(HANNAH exits hall door. SILVER walks over to his desk and notices the book KREI has left. He picks it up as TATE enters back

door)

TATEMr. Silver, I'm here. What's for today?

SILVERCome here, Tate. Is this another book you found?

TATE(Goes to him. He knows what it is but plays along.) No. Where did it come from?

SILVERWhy, I'm not sure. (flips through the book) Odd book.

TATEMaybe you should read it.

SILVER(blows dust off cover, wipes it off and reads) Spellbook? (again wipes it off and reads) Tyrannis' spellbook? Could this be?

(nervously to TATE) Maybe I will read it tonight, Tate. It looks interesting. (He shoves the book into the bookshelf to hide it.) Now, to business. Oh… one more thing, Tate… Have you ever heard of the water man legend?

TATEThe water man? Yes, sir, I have heard.

SILVERWell… maybe you don't know, but is he somehow connected to this house?

TATEOh… well… all the sightings have been around this house.

SILVERI wonder why I haven't seen him.

TATEWhat, sir?

SILVEROh, nothing.

TATEAll I know is that sometimes spirits haunt the same space or place and you may or may not see them, and they may not see each

other ever.

(ABIGAIL and LONDON appear on opposite sides of the stage, each in a pool of light.)

TATEDon't know why. They're just separated.

SILVERMaybe Abigail and this man… (working it out in his head)

TATEWhat, sir?

SILVER Oh, nothing. Wait! How do you know this, Tate?

HANNAH(enters abruptly from hall door) Silver, I think that I would really enjoy a trip to the states with Victoria. It would get me away from

this ghost business long enough for me to clear my thoughts, I would give Victoria some company on the trip, and it would give you and Tate some room to work. What do you think, Silver? Doesn't it sound ideal?

(HANNAH exits hall door. SILVER and TATE slowly look to each other. SILVER opens his mouth to speak, but is interrupted by HANNAH who barges from the hall again.)

HANNAHOf course Victoria and I have already planned a wonderful visit. After Clayton gets over the initial shock of her conversion, it will be

a glorious time together. Isn't it grand? (exits abruptly hall door)

SILVER(yells after her) Yes, I've decided to let you go!

TATEDid she even take a breath?

SILVERWell, she was excited about it, whatever it was… something about Victoria and her going some place…

TATEWell, she sure didn't seem to want your opinion on the whole thing.

SILVERTate, she didn't. Anyway, you were saying… About the spirits?

TATEOh… that… I just read about that somewhere… Anyway, you said earlier, let's get to business.

SILVER Oh, yes! Lets!

(SILVER and TATE exit back door. Lights go out on the house.)

24. ALIGN WITH THE WORLD

LONDONONCE MORE TO BE BESIDE YOU

ONCE MORE TO CLINGONTO EVERY NOTE YOUR SPIRIT SINGS

TO HAVE A SECOND CHANCETO NOW REINVENT

AND TO REDISCOVER WHAT WE'VE MEANT

LIKE A BOOK UNFINISHEDLIKE A SONG UNSUNG

THE STORY OF OUR LOVE IS RIPE AND YOUNG

IT'S WRITTEN ABOVE THE LOVE OF A MANTHE LOVE OF A GIRLIT'S WRITTEN ABOVE

ALIGN WITH THE WORLD

LONDON/ABIGAILTO SHAPE WHAT ONCE WAS SHATTERED, FORM ONCE AGAIN

BACK INTO THE DREAM IT ONCE HAD BEENNOTHING IS IN BALANCENOTHING IS COMPLETE

WHERE OUR HEARTS AND CONSTELLATIONS MEET

IT'S WRITTEN ABOVE THE LOVE OF A MANTHE LOVE OF A GIRLIT'S WRITTEN ABOVE

ALIGN WITH THE WORLDTHE LOVE OF A MANTHE LOVE OF A GIRLIT'S WRITTEN ABOVE

ALIGN WITH THE WORLD

BE RIGHT WITH THE LIGHTBE ONE WITH THE SUNIN TUNE TO THE MOON

ALIGN WITH THE WORLD

(Lights fade on ABIGAIL and LONDON and come back up on the house. HANNAH enters hall.)

HANNAHSilver, I wonder if you would… (discovers he is gone and yells back to VICTORIA) Victoria!

VICTORIA(offstage) Yes?

HANNAHI think I may just run to the store myself. I'll check the train schedule while I'm there and pick up some necessities for the trip and for

Silver. I won't be long. I'll pack when I return!

(HANNAH exits back door. Blackout.)

25a. GENERAL STORE SCENE-CHANGE

SCENE 5. THE TEBSEYVILLE GENERAL STORE

(HANNAH enters the general store as lights come up. Mr. Hebfield is behind the counter, wrapping a package. There are a few customers milling about.)

MR. HEBFIELDHello, ma'am. Welcome to The Tebseyville General. How may I help you?

HANNAHI was wondering what time the next train left from Fredrickton. Do you have a departure schedule?

MR. HEBFIELDYes, ma'am. There are no departures today. I'm certain of that. Just a moment and I'll find out about tomorrow.

HANNAHOh, take your time. I have to find a few other things as well. I'm just happy to be here, instead of at the other store, the one on

Peaks Corner.

MR. HEBFIELDOther store?

HANNAHI don't care much for their service.

MR. HEBFIELDI'm sorry, did you say at Peaks Corner?

HANNAHYes. The one next to the barber shop.

MR. HEBFIELD(looks up from his work) Ma'am, there is no general store next to the barber shop. There's no general store on Peaks Corner. You

must be thinking of the store clear on the other side of town.

HANNAHNo… I specifically remember it being there, right next to the barber shop.

MR. HEBFIELDMa'am, the only thing next to the barber shop is the tailor on the east side. The west side is an empty lot I'm afraid. (hands

package he has been wrapping to MRS. DUFFY, who has been waiting by the counter.) Here is your order, Mrs. Duffy. Thank you for waiting.

MRS. DUFFY

Oh, really, it's no trouble.

HANNAH(to MRS. DUFFY) Pardon me. Are you by any chance related to Tate Duffy, ma'am?

MRS. DUFFY(gets choked up) Tate?

HANNAHYes. He's been helping my husband with some work. Is he a relation of yours?

MRS. DUFFYI had… a son… named Tate, but he died a few years back in a farming accident.

HANNAH(shocked) I'm sorry. I didn't know. (looks around bewildered) I should go. Thank you! (hurries out the door)

MR. HEBFIELD(yells after her) The next train out of Fredrickton departs at 5 p.m…. tomorrow!

25b. GENERAL STORE SCENE-CHANGE

SCENE 6. HESTERMANN HOUSE: LATER THAT EVENING

(SILVER enters hall door. He pulls the book down from the shelf and goes to the desk. He thumbs through the book. SPIRITS enter and gather around SILVER, unseen by him. They turn the pages of the book as they sing.)

25. TYRANNIS' SPELLBOOK

SPIRITSIN THIS BOOK THE SECRETS FOUNDHOW THE CORD CAN BE UNWOUND

IN THESE PAGES FIND THE KEYUNLOCK THE DOOR AND FINALLY SET US FREE

SILVERHere it is!

(The CHILDREN appear throughout the house as indicated. SILVER continues reading to himself throughout.)

SILVER/JAYLAReversing the spell of Spiritual Conquest.

DAYEThere is a single way to break the spell of Spiritual Conquest.

CHAISOnce the spell has been cast…

MILLIE… a spirit is required…

WHISTLE… as a trade…

KREI… to break it.

JAYLATherefore, in order to render the spell of Spiritual Conquest useless…

WHISTLE… one of the living…

MILLIE… the spell-breaker…

KREI… must give up their spirit…

DAYE… and take the place…

CHAIS… of those spirits presently haunting.

KREIThe spirit of the spell-breaker…

MILLIE… to satisfy the law of even exchange…

JAYLA… is required…

WHISTLE… to haunt in the same vicinity…

CHAIS… as the previous spirits…

DAYE… forever.

SILVER(looks up from reading) My spirit for theirs. A trade. (reads) The following mantra said word for word in connection with the willing

spirit of the spell-breaker will bring about a deep sleep and release the spirit of the spell-breaker.

SPIRITSOOH-MA-OOH-MA-NA

HALAMANAH-NAHALAMANAH-NA

OOH-MA-OOH-MA-NA

SILVERMy spirit for theirs…

SPIRITSUNLOCK THE DOOR AND SET US FREE

(CHILDREN and SPIRITS exit. ABIGAIL enters and knocks at the front door. SILVER hides the book in the shelf and answers.)

ABIGAILHello again, Mr. Silver. Are your spirits content?

SILVERYou again. Please, come in. I found something.

ABIGAILI can't come in.

SILVER(figures out who she is) But I invited you in. (smiles at her) My apologies for reading your diary, Abigail.

ABIGAILQuite alright. It was meant for you to read.

SILVERWhen we met before, you said this is my house. You can't help me, can you?

ABIGAILOnly encourage you. Oh, if only I could, but you must be the one.

(whispers are heard from offstage)

SPIRITSSilver… silver… etc.

ABIGAIL(looks nervously around) He can't really hurt you. Be strong, Mr. Silver. We'll meet again… soon.

(The door closes on ABIGAIL and she exits. TYRANNIS and TROUPE enter the back door.)

TYRANNISMr. Silver! Miss me? Learn anymore about me from my sweet Abigail's diary? She has a flair for drama and exaggeration. So,

don't take it all at face value. It's not always black and white, good and bad, nice or mean… I'm not as awful as she may portray me. Anyway… Let's see… The facts… You're in my house. Still in my house. I want you gone. I was intent on removing you by force, but then… Providence intervenes! (He leans into SILVER who begins breathing erratically.) It is just as I was told. That old heart

of yours… slowing… like… a… train… approaching… the… station… The final station.

SILVERYou can't do anything to me.

TYRANNISOh, I assure you, I can.

BAMIANHe can.

TYRANNISBut… I don't have to. (He grins widely) In your veins flows a tainted puss. In your bones a cancer grows. In your muscles the

bonding fibers give way. (directly) You are dying, Mr. Silver. Your time is almost up.

SILVERHow would you know this?

TYRANNISOh… I know things.

LOCS/CHESTERHe knows things. He knows things.

TYRANNISAnd you know it too, don't you? Lucky for you, I dabble in sorcery.

SILVERI would not let you use any trickery on me.

TYRANNISTrickery? That sounds so… cheap… fake…

(The TROUPE laughs. MR. BAMIAN brings TYRANNIS his box of potions, which he displays to SILVER.)

TYRANNISDon't be even more of a fool, Silver. You are… going… If you stay in my house, you are going nowhere when it happens.

SILVERTrap me here too?

TYRANNISDo not fear. I offer you a gift. I can prolong your existence, give you more time, out of my house, of course… more time with

Hannah and Victoria and…

26. KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLING

TYRANNISI HEAR CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER

A LITTLE SOUL IS ON THE WAYAND WOULDN'T IT BE JUST A ROTTEN SHAME

IF YOU DIDN'T LIVE TO SEE THE DAY

Pawpaw… Pops… Grandpa… Gramps… Whatever. All names you will never, ever be called.

COMING THE REAPERAND COMING THE DARK

IN LIKE A MONGREL WITHOUT ANY BARK

COMING THE REAPERAND COMING THE END

WITHOUT AN HOUR TO LEND

NO OUNCE OF MERCY UNBENDABLE

RELIANT THE HEARSRELIABLE RULES

COMING THE REAPERAND COMING YOUR FATEROUNDING THE CORNER NOT ONE SECOND LATE

COMING THE REAPER AND COMING THE WIND

RUSHING YOU TO THE END

NO ROOM FOR BARTERNEGOTIATIONS

TIGHT AS A GARDERWITH NO CONSOLATION

IT’S A LOCOMOTIVE GUNNING FOR YOUAND YOU LAY STRAPPED TO THE TRACKS

BUT I HAVE ACCESS TO THE BRAKESAND YOU COULD JUST RELAX

And we will…

KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGKEEP THE GRAVE FROM CALLING

BUY YOU A MINUTEBUY YOU AN HOUR

DASH OF THIS, PINCH OF THATGIVING ME THE POWER

KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGKEEP THE CLOCKS ALL STALLING

REVISE YOUR RESERVATIONCHEAT A LITTLE DEATHPOUR IT IN, GIVE A SPIN

SMELL IMMORTAL ON YOUR BREATH

KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGTHE BEARERS FROM PALLING

FOR ONE MORE DAY

(TYRANNIES has called in a group of DARK SPIRITS. They have brought him his magic kit, full of bottles, etc. and he begins mixing a potion as they all sing.)

DARK SPIRITSKEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLING

TYRANNIS

A HEALTHY DOSE OF THIS

DARK SPIRITSKEEP THE GRAVE FROM CALLING

TYRANNISA LITTLE SHOT OF THAT

DARK SPIRITSBUY YOU A MINUTEBUY YOU AN HOUR

DASH OF THIS, PINCH OF THATGIVING HIM THE POWER

LOCSDon’t forget the dark blue.

CHESTERHe knows what to do.

DARK SPIRITSKEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLING

TYRANNISTHIS TO GIVE YOU SOME PIZZAZZ

DARK SPIRITSKEEP THE CLOCKS ALL STALLING

TYRANNIS(looks at SILVER) MAYBE A LITTLE MORE PIZZAZZ

DARK SPIRITSREVISE YOUR RESERVATION

CHEAT A LITTLE DEATHPOUR IT IN, GIVE A SPIN

SMELL IMMORTAL ON YOUR BREATH

LOCS(looks at SILVER) Maybe just a little more?

CHESTERHas he ever needed you help before?

DARK SPIRITSKEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLING

THE BEARERS FROM PALLING FOR ONE MORE DAY

TYRANNIS/TROUPE/DARK SPIRITSKEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGKEEP THE GRAVE FROM CALLING

BUY YOU A MINUTEBUY YOU AN HOUR

DASH OF THIS, PINCH OF THATGIVING ME THE POWER

KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGKEEP THE CLOCKS ALL STALLING

REVISE YOUR RESERVATIONCHEAT A LITTLE DEATHPOUR IT IN, GIVE A SPIN

SMELL IMMORTAL ON YOUR BREATH

KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGTHE BEARERS FROM PALLING

FOR ONE MORE DAY

KEEP THE NIGHT FROM FALLINGTHE BEARERS FROM PALLING

FOR ONE MORE DAY

TYRANNISCOMING THE REAPERBUT COMING THE SLIP

IF YOU TAKE JUST ONE SIP(He holds the mixture out to SILVER who turns away.)

TYRANNISNo olive branch? You know, I do not want your ghost around here anyway! Tonight, Silver! Tonight the moon is full...

LOCS/CHESTERFull!

BAMIAN(directly to SILVER) Fool!

TYRANNIS… at it's brightest, when magic is most potent, we'll be back for you. Tonight you leave!

SILVERI leave my fate to God. As for you, your curses, your spells… You're a murderer! You didn't stop at the children either, did you?

(holds out newspaper article) Who is this man to you? You killed him didn't you?

(SPIRITS sing as TYRANNIS looks over the paper)

27A. THE STILL WATER INCIDENT (REPRISE)

SPIRITSTWO SAILORS WENT SAILING ONE RETURNS

TYRANNIS(takes the paper from SILVER and reads) London Banks. London…

SPIRITSTWO SAILORS WENT SAILING ONE WITH A KNIFE

TYRANNIS(to SILVER) It was a simple expedition.

SPIRITSONE WENT TO RESIDE IN A WATERY GRAVE

TYRANNISHe slipped…

SPIRITSONE RETURNS HOME WITH HIS LIFE

TYRANNIS(chuckles) Oh, all right. Yes! I killed him, London Banks! I wanted what he had!

SILVERAnd you returned to comfort a grieving widow, did you?

TYRANNISAnd comfort her I did! She should have been mine in the first place. I loved her! I worshipped her… and I was rewarded in this

way! (he holds out a torn piece of paper to SILVER who takes it and reads)

ABIGAIL(offstage) As much as I try, as hard as I plead with my heart… My heart belongs to my lost love, London. Mr. Tyrannis has

supported me, even grieved greatly with me over the accident, but I will never love him. I cannot.

TYRANNIS(sets the paper in SILVER's hand on fire) Mystery solved, Mr. Silver! And that is why she and the one she loved will stay mine

forever, and be never together. And you… You will leave this place tonight. We'll be back for you tonight!

SILVER(sits tiredly on the couch and whispers) My spirit for theirs.

(blackout)

SCENE 7. EARLY THE NEXT EVENING

(HANNAH and SILVER enter hall door carrying luggage)

HANNAHWe'd better hustle so we don't miss the train. We're going to miss it!

SILVERWe've got plenty of time, Hannah.

HANNAH(sits luggage down by back door) Silver, are you sure you will be alright here by yourself? I hate to leave you here alone.

SILVERI'll be fine. I may even get a bit of work done.

HANNAHSilver, you remember what I told you… You are not to employ that Duffy boy anymore. He's part of this… business! Oh, Silver, I

should make you get on that train with us.

SILVER(avoiding any more of her lecture) Oh! The train! We'd better hurry. You're going to miss it.

HANNAH(yells toward hall door) Hurry, Victoria! We'll be waiting outside!

(SILVER and HANNAH exit back door. VICTORIA enters hall door with a small bag and begins to exit back door.)

KREI(offstage) Goodbye.

VICTORIA(turns back) Goodbye, little boy. Krei, thank you.

(VICTORIA exits. KREI appears and waves after her, unseen by her. Blackout.)

SCENE 8. LATER THAT EVENING

(During the following song, SILVER enters back door, pulls the spell book from the shelf, sits at the desk and begins to read. After a few moments he takes the book with him to the couch, lies down and folds his arms over his chest. The book falls to the floor. The

CHILDREN sing upstairs, later joined by ABIGAIL and KREI.)

27. WATER FROM THE PUREST SPRING

MILLIEEACH AND EVERY MORNING I GO TO THE WELL

MY BUCKET IN MY HANDI DROP IT IN AND I HOPE TO FIND

IN THE LIGHT OF MORNING WATER FOR MY THIRSTBUT THE WELL IS DRY

I TURN AND WALK AWAY HOPING I WILL DRINK SOMEDAY

JAYLA

IT IS HARD TO WAIT SO LONG FOR SOMEDAY

MILLIESOME SWEET DAY

JAYLAWHEN YOU KNOW THAT SOMEDAY YOU WILL THIRST NO MORE

DAYEIS IT SOON

MILLIEEACH AND EVERY MORNING WITH A TRACE OF HOPE

I WILL WALK THE SAME PATHTIL THE DAY THAT I FIND THE WELL IS NOT DRY

ABIGAIL(Floating outside of window, then coming in, pulling KREI into an embrace)

JUST OPEN UP YOUR ARMS AND WAIT TO WELCOME ITTHERE IS SO MUCH MORE IN STORE FOR YOU

AND SO MUCH MORE TO MAKE COME TRUETRUE LOVE NEVER BREAKS ITS PROMISES

AN ANGEL SOON WILL TAKE YOU TO YOUR DREAM COME TRUEWHERE YOU'LL NEVER HAVE TO SEARCH AGAIN

YOU'LL FIND IT REAL WHAT WAS PRETENDYOU MUST WAIT AND DON'T LET GO OF HOPE

CHILDRENCAN WE FIND A TREASURE CATCH A STAR

ABIGAILYOU'LL WANT NO PLACE BUT WHERE YOU ARE

CHILDRENIS THERE A FIELD TO RUN IN FREE

IS THERE SOMEBODY THERE FOR ME

ABIGAILI PROMISE YOU THAT THERE WILL BE

YOU COULD NEVER WANT ANOTHER THING

MILLIENEVER DO I GIVE UP FOR WITH HOPE ONE DAY

MY BUCKET IT WILL OVERFLOW WITH ANSWERED DREAMS AND MANY THINGSAND WATER FROM THE PUREST SPRING.

(CHILDREN and ABIGAIL are reunited. SILVERS SPIRIT sneaks in with them. TYRANNIS and TROUPE enter back door.)

28. MAGIC SHOW (REPRISE)

…………………

(At end of song, TROUPE picks up SILVER and dances with him, then lay him back down on the couch.)

TYRANNISWake up our old friend.

BAMIAN(smacks at his face) He's not waking, boss.

LOCS/CHESTERWake up! Wake up!

BAMIANHe appears to be… deceased, sir.

TYRANNISWhat? Deceased? Dead? He can't be dead! (goes to couch and feels his pulse) Hmmm… So he is. (to SILVER) I tried to tell

you.

LOCSHe tried to tell you.

TYRANNISWell, he won't be much of a threat now, will he? (to TROUPE) Find his gho… (he sees the book on the floor & picks it up) Here it

is! How did this get here? How did he get this? Find him! Find him now!

(ABIGAIL comes down the stairs holding SILVERS SPIRITS hand)

ABIGAILYou won't have far to look.

TYRANNISAbigail! You're in my house! Where is Mr. Silver?

ABIGAILMr. Silver is right here, and I believe you're in his house.

TYRANNISThat boy? That is Mr. Silver?

ABIGAILYou know as well as I that a spirit may appear much younger than the body they possessed. Mr. Silver's spirit is quite young.

And… about the issue of ownership, I believe you no longer have any claim here. Mr. Silver has purchased your property.

TYRANNISI knew you were foolish, Silver, but I never thought anyone would be foolish enough to try and overtake me. (to TROUPE) Get

them! I am reclaiming my ownership, Abigail!

ABIGAIL(indicating TROUPE) You no longer have power over them… or over us.

SILVERS SPIRITYour spell is broken.

(The CHILDREN & KREI have come down the stairs and are standing with ABIGAIL. The front door bursts open and LONDON appears at it.)

LONDONYour spell is broken.

TYRANNISYou…

ABIGAILLondon!

LONDONMy dear Abigail… Just one more moment apart from you… (to TYRANNIS) I believe they have come for you.

(LONDON indicates to the door. Dark SPIRITS flood through and, along with the TROUPE, begin to pull TYRANNIS off through the door with them.)

29A. TYRANNIS' FINAL EXIT

TYRANNISNo! This is still my house! These are mine! (points to CHILDREN) These are mine!

KREI(reaches toward TYRANNIS) Father!

(TYRANNIS and SPIRITS and TROUPE exit. The stage is quiet. LONDON moves to KREI and kneels in front of him. ABIGAIL kneels too, embracing them both.)

ABIGAILMy son… That man was not your father. (indicates LONDON) This is your father.

LONDONMy son. (to ABIGAIL) My love.

(The three of them rise together. ABIGAIL gathers the CHILDREN with them and points toward the back door.)

ABIGAILChildren, you open that door and you are free, finally free. And what you've been promised waits for you… waits through that door. And you will never be on your own again. Never again. (turns to SILVERS SPIRIT) Thank you, Mr. Silver. You are our true, faithful

hero. Thank you for keeping your promise.

SILVERS SPIRITYou're free. Go. I know it's been so long you've waited. Maybe someday someone will do the same for me.

ABIGAILOh, but you won't have to wait for that, Mr. Silver. Mr. Tyrannis lost his power and with him the book lost it's power. You are not held

here. That collection of spells is now just a book of useless words. All you really had to do was be willing… and you were.

SILVERS SPIRITSo, I'm not held here? I can go with you?

ABIGAIL(chuckles) No. Not yet, Mr. Silver. You still have people to meet and there is still a bit for you to do here. Now you just go to sleep

and when you wake up, we'll be just a dream to you.

SILVERS SPIRITSo I stay behind?

DAYEWe'll never forget you, Mr. Silver.

MILLIENever.

WHISTLENever ever.

CHAISThank you, Mr. Silver.

JAYLA(holds up her hand to wave) Mr. Silver, goodbye for now. We'll meet again.

SILVERS SPIRIT(waves back) We'd better.

ABIGAILGo to sleep now. (Picks up SILVERS SPIRIT. He instantly falls asleep in her arms. She carries him over and lays him on top of

SILVERS body.) Come on children, let's go… through that door…

29B. FINALLY GOING HOME

(ABIGAIL, LONDON and CHILDREN exit back door. A bright light shines through the doorway. Blackout.)

SCENE 9. ONE YEAR LATER

(HANNAH and SILVER enter front door carrying luggage. They sit down on the couch.)

HANNAHI can't believe it, our Victoria, a mother! Silver, wasn't it wonderful to see her. What a joy!

SILVERAnd what a beautiful baby he was!

HANNAHOh, yes, but that name… Krei… I didn't want to offend Clayton, but how on earth did they come up with that?

SILVER(laughs) I'm sure I don't know. I'm glad we got to go there together, Hannah.

HANNAHI am too. It was nice. (stands up) Well, I'm off to bed. I'm exhausted from the trip.

SILVER(stands) Hannah, I really enjoyed being with you. (he approaches her and speaks softly) I love you, Hannah, very much.

HANNAH(comes to him, surprised, and hugs him) I love you too, Silver. I love you too. (snaps out of it) Now, I'm tired! Good night, Silver.

(she exits hall door)

SILVER(watches her go) Goodnight… Hannah.

29. FINALE

REMEMBER WHAT WE WERE THINK WHAT WE CAN BEI DON'T WANT TO LOSE A MOMENT THERE IS MORE TO SEEAND WHERE OUR MEMORIES WERE WE'LL REMEMBER TOO

THERE ARE MEMORIES TO BE MADE…

(SILVER hears the voices)

CHILDRENCOME OUT AND PLAYCOME OUT AND PLAY

JAYLA(enters back door) Mr. Silver.

SILVERJayla! You've come back!

JAYLAIt's time. Are you ready, Mr. Silver?

SILVERI'm ready. But what about Hannah? Can she come too?

JAYLAIt's not time for her. She'll be along in a while. She still has much to do here. She'll be fine. (pause) Silver, it's beautiful! You have

to see.

SILVERIs it beautiful?

(SILVER holds out his arms and JAYLA runs to him. They embrace. She grabs his hand and they walk toward the back door, which opens, revealing a bright light. They exit, silhouetted. Blackout.)

THE END