The 2026 Project, 52 Sundays, 52 Monologues
The Sign on the Door
By Jeffrey Lo
For PDF of the Monologue, Click Here
Gamelandia game shop.
Closing time.
LUZ, a teenage regular costumer has just been told it’s closing time.
They stand up and start to pack up their stuff but they stop themselves and walk up to the store’s owner.
LUZ
Look, sir, I know you all are just trying to close up the shop and go but I just got to say something.
About the sign on the door.
I’ve been trying to work up the courage to say something to you all day, sitting in that corner and the truth is – I’m embarrassed.
Because I know this store closing must mean a lot more to you than it does to me but I just wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t ask you to please reconsider.
I know you all are tired, and after I say what I’ve got to say I promise I’ll pack up and go.
…
This place has meant a whole lot to me.
It’s meant a lot to a lot of us.
When I step into these doors, I get to be a part of something.
A lot of something.
One day, I can walk over to that table and find myself in the world of Midgar with a group of crusaders.
The next, I can be over there exploring dungeons for treasure in Orpha.
When I step into these doors, I get to belong.
And out there, outside of these doors – that is not how I feel.
I am not allowed to feel that way.
And I know that my feelings or any of the other losers that escape their lives in this room is not your problem but…
You building this place –
Building this community.
It saved me.
…
And when I saw that sign on your door the yesterday…
I felt like the – I don’t know – forcefield that protected me when I stepped foot in here was suddenly gone.
The friends I made here – I felt like they were going to be taken away from me forever.
And I know what you’re going to say, - you can find another place to play these games – but where? Where else can we go?
And honestly, that’s not the point.
Because out in that world, every moment is unpredictable.
I never know what will happen to me at any given moment.
But this place – is stability.
And that sign on the door, is NOT stable.
Not to me.
…
And so, like, I don’t know. I don’t know why you are choosing to close your doors but I am begging you to not do it.
Is it money? Because I will work here and you won’t have to pay me. I will work as many shifts as you need as a volunteer and I know a lot of other people that will do that too.
Is it someone who is kicking you out? We can fight them.
Or… or… are you selling to someone else? Because… because… don’t.
…
I’m out of words.
(Picking up his bag to leave:)
But I hope that you get the point.
And I hope you know how much I mean it all.
…
…
Ummm…
Thanks.
LUZ nods their head sheepishly and leaves Gamelandia.
Perhaps for the final time.
END.