(The Father holds out the plate with the slice of chocolate cake.)
FATHER
Here’s a slice of chocolate cake.
SON
For me? Are you sure?
Is it because it’s stale?
Has it been on the floor?
FATHER
No, it’s perfect, I’ve just made it.
Go on, take the plate.
SON
Are you trying to trap me
and using this as bait?
FATHER
No. Just take it from me.
SON
Do I have to?
What’s the haste?
It looks nice on the outside,
but I may not like the taste.
FATHER
Oh, you’ll love it. You are special.
It was made with you in mind.
SON
I daren’t bite through the middle.
Who knows what I may find?
(pause)
If there’s chocolate on the inside,
that will be much too good!
FATHER
(Rests the plate on his lap)
You’re either being silly,
or you haven’t understood.
The cake is for you!
So, reach out your hand!
SON
(Curls his fists up into his chest)
I don’t deserve it. It’s too lovely.
FATHER
Why can’t you understand?
SON
Well. Look at this beautiful cake,
now look back at me.
Something so gorgeous,
could really not be free.
SON
Would you like some money?
What do you need?
I’ll try a slice
when the price is agreed.
FATHER
There is no catch,
there is no condition.
Why is your mind
filled with suspicion?
SON
I can tell by the smell
that when I taste it,
I’ll want the lot.
I don’t want to waste it.
FATHER
Then, eat it all.
Be filled with cake!
SON
No. That would be
the worst mistake.
(The son walks away from the father then stops and turns back round to look at him.)
I have a friend who deserves it.
She’s very nice and smart.
She comes from a good family
and has a caring heart.
She has a degree in Food Science,
so she’ll know how it was made.
She’s more worthy of this cake.
(pause)
I’ll just have toast and marmalade.
(The father puts the cake down on the table and folds his arms. He is still looking at the son. The son goes up to the cake and walks around the table with his back bent, inspecting it closely.)
The smell is overwhelming!
I’d really like a lick,
but I can’t because I’m scared
that this could be a trick.
So…this cake is from you?
And it’s really mine?
Okay, I believe you, but…
…could you give me a sign?
Just so I know for certain.
Just for confirmation.
Because I can still feel
a little trepidation.
FATHER
It’s yours, it’s yours, it’s yours!
I’ve told you so before!
You’ve had so many signs.
SON
Oh please. Just one more.
And then, I’ll be happy
and all I’ll have to do,
is prepare myself to eat it.
FATHER
What are you putting yourself through?
Eat it as you are!
SON
No. I need to change first.
I don’t want to spoil it.
You know, I may be cursed.
For, things have changed,
my life has troubles
and every day,
misfortune doubles.
How can you love me
when my life is such a mess?
Haven’t you changed
now I’m in distress?
FATHER
My love is not whimsical.
It’s not based on chances.
I do not change
with circumstances.
I will always provide.
My promise stands.
Don’t take matters
into your hands.
Just because problems
and heartaches are rife,
doesn’t mean I’ve stopped caring
about your precious life.
My love for you
has no variation.
There’s no rising and falling.
There is no cessation.
SON
Aw, thanks. That’s nice.
You’re really caring,
but to eat this cake,
would be really daring.
I’ll put it in the freezer,
right next to the meat.
(Pause. He runs his hand across his forehead and blows out hard.)
After all that talk, I’m hungry.
Have you…anything to eat?
NARRATOR
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him? (Matthew 7:9 / Luke 11:11)
Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above. It comes down from the Father of lights, the Creator of the heavens, in whom there is no variation, no rising or setting or shadow cast by his turning – for he is perfect and never changes. (James 1:17)
(pause)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him, will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1John 4:10)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. Ad this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no man can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
(Lights fade)
