What do you mean I have to wait till spring until women can drive? (turn to the audience to explain) Oh! Haven’t you heard? They told us this past FALL that we can drive...but we have to wait until SPRING. Now let me tell you, people of the West, if you think this is a gift, think again! Women in my country need a male guardian while we drive. Do you remember what I said about papa and his desire to watch TV? Don’t you see? They are taking their precious time to come up with all the ways they need to restrict a woman. I don’t want to drive with a brooding father or my annoying brother!! What’s a woman gotta do? Well, I’ll fix them. I’m getting a MALE dog!
Chinhua
You could call me spoiled as—when it comes to men seeking a pretty, smart, women in China— well, you could say I pretty much have my pick of the litter. Even though I will pick one…who’ll buy me nice things—that house. But there is another level of communication when it comes to having female friends. All my life I yearned to have girlfriends to share my secrets with. To laugh and giggle and discuss the latest gossip at school. To talk about romantic TV programs and books. To have a sleepover, where we would braid each other's hair or paint each other’s toes. To give me feedback on my mistakes or to share my hobbies and passions with. I worked hard as hell and I worked alone for it. Nobody objected or stood up for the consequences for the government actions. Countless lives were destroyed and emptied like shells because of this decision. How can I understand the male mind…without the advice of a female friend?
Adna
What is honor? Its breaking my will, my spirit and self-respect. What is honor? Its stopping people from being humans and have empathy? What is honor? That my father would defend his honor in front of his friend, the very man, who is dishonorable? It's a way to stop me and hide the truth. And what is that truth? The truth is--I was raped.
Zia
Should I take this path? I am doubt.
Chinhua
How can I make up for all of these year of loneliness? I might be in the driver’s seat, I am still alone!!
Noor
I cannot wait to drive come spring! I might be in the driver’s seat…but I can’t drive ALONE! I am frustrated!!
(They all approach the front of the stage together with light on all of them. They continue as almost like a chant.)
All
And the moral of the story is: (pause)
Zia
Women-
Noor
are-
Chinhua
half-
Adna
of-
Zia
the-
Noor
solutions-
Chinhua
to-
Adna
the-
Zia
problems-
Noor
of-
Chinhua
the-
Come Spring (cont.)