My Deep, Dark Secret

Leni Negrin, age 15

Leni Negrin is a 15-year-old writer. Leni enjoys writing poetry, monologues, and short stories. One of their favorite subjects to write about is normal people with weird traits. Leni is also a huge musical theatre fan. They really enjoy romance, because who doesn’t love love? Leni uses they/them pronouns, please respect them. “I’m not exactly human. I know, I know it’s a shock, but I’m a penguin.”

RANDY

Stella, I have a secret. Now don’t freak out, but you need to listen to me. I…
(Beat; sighs.)

I’m not exactly human. I know, I know it’s a shock, but I’m a penguin.

He turns around 180. When he faces the audience, he’s wearing a beak.

RANDY (CONT’D)

Yeah, wenk, this is my true form. Please don’t be mad, Stella, this took a lot of courage to tell you, wenk.

RANDY waddles to a stool on the stage.

RANDY (CONT’D)

I don’t have a limp, Stella, I just am a penguin, I have little penguin toes. I have to get special shoes made, wenk wenk. Why do you think I exclusively eat fish? Why do you think I cry every time we go to the penguin exhibit at the zoo? Why do you think I refuse to see the seals? Stella, baby, I’m the same man! I’m just not exactly the same species, wenk. Why? Why? Stella, the reason anyone does crazy things, for love, wenk! For love. I still love you, Stella.

(Lowers his voice; breath shaking.)

I still love you.

(He lets out a little penguin cry.)

RANDY (CONT’D)

(At a whisper.)

Wenk.

BLACKOUT