by Cindy Abbate

Created on: August 14, 2009

Setting: Outside a city park, under a street lamp, on a cold night in mid January sometime in the future. Two women stand arguing. One , Bonnie, is older and out of breath. Her clothing is that of someone who has lived on the streets. She is regaining her breath after failing to outpace her the woman now grasping her arm. The other, known as Hedi, appears to be in her mid forties. She wears comfortable clothing which seems to compliment her slim body. Her fitness has served well, none of her ward has gotten away yet, though this one made it farther than most.

Hedi: Now that is enough of this foolishness. You come back to the shelter, get marked and have a meal. In a few hours you'll be asleep and things will seem better in the morning.

Bonnie: Maybe for you! You just want to mark us so that you can put us all down like my poor dog. (She clings to the picture of her Beagle) You don't even want me to have his picture! He was my last friend! And you took him and had him slaughtered!

Hedi: I know it was hard. But there was no other way. All the dogs turned mean. And those that hadn't were turning. Your dog tried to bite the man who took him.

Bonnie: He didn't want to die! (She tears her arm free from Hedi's grasp and shoves the woman with the last of her strength. It's like pushing against a cement block) Who are you people?

Hedi: (For a moment her face turns beet red than quickly returns to normal) Just those trying to make things better. People don't belong on the streets. They belong in group homes. The electronic tag is only to know where you are, so we can help you. Honestly, this is so silly, all the school children are getting them. Can't get into a public school without having it done. I'll bet none of them raised such a fuss!(She grips Bonnie's arm again. Her grip is hard enough to bruise.)

Bonnie: They're only children! You've fooled their parents. They had no choice.

Hedi: Enough. I need to finish this batch of you people. Come on. (She begins to pull the older woman. She does so with ease, despite Bonnie's continued physical resistance.)

They both turn as they hear the sounds of nails scampering over the sidewalk towards them. Another sound follows. It's that of a human running.

Boy: Hotdog! (His voice is urgent but whispered,) Hotdog!

A growl comes from the dark, cold night. Hedi releases Bonnie as though she's been electrically shocked. Despite the almost frigid winter air her body breaks out in sweat.

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