The Prince from Another Century
sleep
Scene: Morning, Maya’s bedroom – 9:45 AM
fl mom
Banging on door “Maya! It’s almost ten! You think university will wait for you?”
maya
Hmm… five more minutes…” pulls blanket over head
fl mom
Five minutes? Your class started at eight!”
maya
Muffled voice “Exactly… I already missed it.”
fl mom
Sighs loudly “Your father is already stressed, and you—”
maya
Cuts her off softly “I know, Ma. Please…”
(silence, then footsteps leaving)
Scene: Later – Maya walking into campus, late]
rafi fl bff
Grinning “Look who decided to bless the university with her royal presence.”
maya
Rolling eyes “Shut up.”
rafi fl bff
Two hours late, Maya. Even the tea stall guy was asking about you.”
maya
Maybe I should marry him. At least someone will miss me
rafi fl bff
Laughs but then frowns, noticing her tired eyes “You okay?
maya
Shrugs “Just didn’t sleep well… again.”
rafi fl bff
Didn’t sleep? Or slept too much?”
Scene: Inside class – Professor lecturing]
teacher
Maya Rahman… I see you have finally joined us.”
maya
Muttering “Unfortunately.”
tania (fl bff)
Whispering from two rows ahead “Maybe if you woke up early, you’d understand the topic.”
tania (fl bff)
Snickering beside her
Ignores, takes out notebook but starts doodling instead
Scene: Break time, university courtyard]
tania (fl bff)
Why do you even come if you’re always half asleep?”
maya
Smirking faintly “To admire your sparkling personality
tania (fl bff)
Rolls eyes “Seriously, Maya. Everyone thinks you’re lazy.”
maya
Let them think. People love stories more than truth.”
rafi fl bff
Sits beside Maya with a tea cup “Here.
rafi fl bff
Sits beside Maya with a tea cup “Here. Drink. You look like you haven’t eaten.”
rafi fl bff
You… what? Maya, that’s not healthy.”
maya
Takes the cup, staring into it “Nothing’s healthy these days.”
Scene: Evening – back home]
fl dad
Arguing with Mom in living room “I told you it wasn’t the right time to invest!”
fl mom
And I told you, we needed to try something! Now we have nothing!”
maya
Standing by doorway quietly
fl dad
What are you staring at? Go to your room.”
maya
Softly “Already going…”
Scene: Maya’s bedroom, night]
rafi fl bff
Text): “You didn’t answer after I left. Everything okay?”
maya
Don’t worry. I’m just tired.”
rafi fl bff
You’re always tired.”
Puts phone aside, lies down staring at ceiling fan
(whispers to herself) “Maybe sleep is the only place I feel free…”
Some people don’t sleep because they’re lazy. Others sleep because the world outside their dreams feels heavier than the one inside.
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