PAST LIES
by
Matt White

HYPNOTIST
Can you once more confirm your name please.

MATT
James Smyth

HYPNOTIST
What’s led you to this point in your life?

MATT
I’ve done something wrong

HYPNOTIST
Okay what have you done wrong, what’s led you here? What terrible thing have you done to make you- at this age want to throw yourself over a cliff?

MATT
I think I raped someone... a young woman, red hair, dressed in yellow

HYPNOTIST
What’s her name?

MATT
Es... something Es...Esm... Esme... something

HYPNOTIST
Tell me what happens

MATT
I see her tight bodice... and her breasts... she’s laughing... she’s walking away... she’s gone it a back room... I’m following her... kissing... feel nervous... white cotton... unbuttoning her top... it’s an older body... I think there’s a tattoo, a swallow on her hip... red pubic hair... she’s naked... making love... it’s nice... feels warm...she’s smiling... a lovely smile... pale skinned face... kissing her... she’s pushing me away... shes not smiling... ske’s lying on the ground...

HYPNOTIST
Have you raped her or attacked her?

MATT
I think I strangled her... put my ar-hands around her neck... just squee... sqo... squeezed... pushing her head in to the ground

HYPNOTIST
Why did yo do this?

MATT
It’s that smile, it’s that smile.