Covid-19 in Cheryl's Brain- A one act play

Covid 19 in Cheryl’s Brain– A one act play
Setting- A board room
Characters-
Cheryl’s Future self
Cheryl’s Present Self
The Life Coach
Survival Brain
Prefrontal cortex
The Life Coach- “Hi everybody, thanks for joining today. I’m glad we can all meet in person. Since we are all in Cheryl’s head we can’t catch the virus from each other and therefore make other sick. No excuses, you don’t get to socially distance from each other, ever!”
Survival Brain- “We can’t meet without cookies.”
Cheryl’s Future self- “No cookies. I thought we talked about this Survival Brain. I don’t want to be unhealthy and addicted to sugar. This is nonnegotiable”
Cheryl’s present self: “Ok, what are we talking about today ? ”
Prefrontal Cortex: “I’m taking notes and ready for action”
The Life Coach- “ Ok, So, I noticed some sadness and tears while watching the news last night. I thought we should talk about it. I also know this social distancing is really hard. The little things you used to be able to do and the choices you were able to make aren’t an option at all right now. That must be overwhelming. I know you are afraid of being afraid, too. Let’s talk about it”
Cheryls Present Self: I’ll admit I am feeling sad and afraid. I’m afraid for my parents. I’m afraid for our world. I’m afraid I of feeling even more terrified as time goes on. 200,000 people might die over this pandemic. I’m so utterly sad, confused, and horrified.”
Survival Brain: “Everyone’s going to die. Everyone’s going to die. Stop this meeting! Go lay down on the couch and watch Netflix. Also, get some ice cream!”
Cheryl’s Future Self: “Listen, I know you don’t see it right now but I promise you we are all going to be fine. I am here and I know it’s true. Let me give you some advice please?”
Survival Brain: “Future self you are wrong. It’s not going to be fine. Everyone’s going to die. Hide and get some candy. Now. We need to feel better now is all that matters. You deserve some sugar and rest after all this”
The Life Coach: “Oh, Survival Brain, we know, we know. We thank you for wanting to protect us and allow you to feel like that. It’s ok. You are just doing your job. You have helped us survive for so long as a human race. You can be afraid and negative. We aren’t afraid of your tantrums. Speak all you want. We will note it down and feel it on purpose.”
Prefrontal Cortex: “Noted- “everyone’s going to die” thanks Survival Brain. Got it. “
Survival Brain: “Ahh. You heard me. I’m going for a nap now. Later!”
Cheryl’s Future Self: “I’m thrilled glad Survival Brain left. I’m so very healthy mentally and physically over here in your future. It’s thrilling. I’m actually in your future and I know for sure we all get through this. Present self, can you make sure you use this time to take care of me, too? I wearing size 8 jeans and love it! I have a thriving life coach business and am helping so many people. I’m having so much fun and feel so fulfilled. Most of all the world is back to normal and better than before. We also have health care for all! 😊.
Cheryl’s present self: “no shit, really? Did Bernie win?”
Cheryl’s future self: “No. I was just trying to make you feel better sorry bad joke. Regardless, I’m here and I know the life you created for me by thinking and feeling on purpose. Remember, you created me from showing up right now. Survival brain can be heard out but we don’t have to act according to it’s fear. Survival brain wants to freak you out so you stay safe and in the cave.”
The Life Coach: “Future self, you must be a life coach?!!! “
Cheryl’s present self: I’m so fucking sad. I can’t make the smallest choices. I have to stay home. I have to work from home. It’s lonely. It’s odd. The extreme halt of our days had no warning. Fear has coated the world outside our windows. Is this news I’m watching or the movie Contigion? Why is everything slower but the virus faster? There is terrific complexity in this odd pause. I guess I’m just emotional.
Cheryl’s Future self: “That’s understandable. You are feeling a lot of emotions. But, I’m telling you for sure all this will end and you and the planet will be better for it. I’m here, I know.
Survival Brain: “ Hey, I’m back!!!!!!!!!!! Cookies and Netflix and for God sakes don’t do yoga today”
The Life Coach: “Cheryl’s present self, You can feel uncomfortable and go towards the feeling. It’s part of being human and having a human brain. It’s ok. It’s normal. You are doing great. Taking extreme care of yourself right now will help will heal the planet. We will rise again and be better than we ever were…Soon. “
Cheryl’s Future self: Yeah, write this up and post it on Facebook. Feeling uncomfortable and taking massive action is what gets you to me. You might help some people in the process?
Survival brain: No!!! Do not feel uncomfortable. You might be judged. Laughed at and Humiliated! GO REST and maybe buy shoes online?
The Life Coach: Survival brain loves the false pleasure ! We hear you Survival brain!
Prefrontal Cortex: “But nothing can be done without my doing it! You’re out of luck Survival brain. But, yes we hear what you are saying and understand.”
Cheryl’s Present Self: “Thank you everyone. I appreciate this meeting and I feel so much better. It sounds weird but by taking time to meet with all these parts of my human brain makes me happier. Now, let’s make a post!”
The Life Coach: “Yes!”
The Future Self: “ I’m in for that!”
Prefrontal Cortex: “I know exactly what to write!”
Survival Brain: “ zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”