Wake-Up Call
[Scene opens in a high school classroom. JASON, a student, is slumped over his desk, fast asleep. MS. PARKER, the teacher, paces, glancing at the door.]
MS. PARKER: (whispering to herself) Not now, not today.
[She cautiously approaches Jason, gently shaking his shoulder.]
Ms. Parker: Jason, wake up. You can’t sleep in class.
[JASON stirs, rubbing his eyes and sitting up abruptly.]
JASON: (groggy) What’s your problem?
MS. PARKER: (whispering) Jason, I understand, but you can’t sleep during lessons.
[JASON scoffs, his tone turning disrespectful.]
JASON: Why do you care? It’s not like I’m learning anything anyway.
MS. PARKER: (sighs, concerned) Jason, please. You know how important this is.
[JASON rolls his eyes and leans back, crossing his arms defiantly.]
JASON: Whatever. I’ll do what I want.
[MS. PARKER hesitates, torn between concern and the fear of the principal catching Jason sleeping.]
MS. PARKER: (firmly) Jason, I won’t ask again. Pay attention.
[Before she can say more, footsteps are heard approaching outside the classroom. MS. PARKER’s anxiety heightens.]
MS. PARKER: (whispering urgently) Jason, try to stay awake.
[JASON shrugs, looking away dismissively. The door swings open, revealing PRINCIPAL ANDERSON standing in the doorway, observing the classroom.]
PRINCIPAL ANDERSON: (raising an eyebrow) Is everything all right here, Ms. Parker?
MS. PARKER: (quickly) Yes, Principal Anderson. Everything’s fine. I was engaging in a discussion.
[PRINCIPAL ANDERSON nods, lingering at Jason before leaving.]
[JASON glances back at MS. PARKER, a mix of guilt and defiance in his eyes.]
JASON: (softly) Sorry.
MS. PARKER: (with concern) Jason, what’s going on? You’re not yourself today.
[JASON hesitates, contemplating whether to open up.]
JASON: It’s these meds. They mess with me sometimes. It makes me different.
[MS. PARKER nods understandingly, reaching out a hand in support.]
MS. PARKER: I understand. Let’s figure this out together.
[As they talk, the bell rings, signaling the end of the class. MS. PARKER gives Jason a reassuring smile as he gathers his things.]
Ms. Parker: We’ll talk more tomorrow, Jason. Take care of yourself.
[JASON nods, grateful, and exits the classroom. MS. PARKER watches him leave, concern etched on her face.]
[The Scene fades out as MS. PARKER sighs, contemplating how to help Jason through his struggles.]
Author’s note: A reader will likely understand the text with at least an 8th-grade education (age 13-14), and it should be easy for most adults to read.