Assurance.

Lights rise to reveal Nicholas sitting at a table looking around confused at a brightly lit plain, dull room. In from the door across from him, enters a jolly looking old man carrying a manila folder filled with much more paper than it seems like it was intended to carry. The Old man inclines his head to look at Nicholas over his glasses, shaking his head sadly. The Man sits down across from the terrified boy, and starts rummaging through the manila folder.

Man
(Still Rummaging through the papers)

How old are you, Nicholas?

Nicholas
(Shaking all over, obviously scared)

I... I'm twelve sir. (The Man looks up for a moment, and then goes back to rummaging, muttering to himself about how he was to young) But... how did you know my name? Where am I? Sir, what happened? I mean... the last thing I remember was walking listening to my music... and then there was this... pain, real bad pain... worse then when I broke my arm... and it was everywhere... and I didn't know what was happening or anything... and now... now I'm here, and now I feel fine...

Man

Well son, you feel fine now because well, you don't have any physical part of you with which to feel pain in.

Nicholas
(Confused)

Wha... what are you saying, sir? I don't understand...

The Man sighs, and pulls out a couple sheets of paper from the folder, before looking up at Nicholas.

Man

There's no easy way to say this, kid. Trust me, when you've had this job as long as I have, you realize that. Nicholas, son, you are dead.

Nicholas starts in shock and disbelief, not knowing how to respond in the least.

I know. It's terrible. But, hey, buck up kid-o, I've got some good news for ya. Ya, see, right here in my hand I have a list of, with pictures and a quick description of your choices for who to be this time around. The quality of people of course being based on how decent a guy you were with that last chance you just had.

Nicholas
(Incredulous)

But... I... I...

Man

(Reassuringly)

Hey, don't worry about it, bud. See, you're polite, self, well, you're tugging at my heart strings, so... I've pulled out an extra nice sheet that along with yours that um... well, lets just let that be our little secret. (winks, slides papers over) Alright, so, just take a little time to look over your choices and tell me when you've made up your mind, and I'll get you squared away and shot into your new life faster then you can say "Look out for that bus!".

Nicholas looks from the Man to the list then back again, before looking back at the list and looking it over thoroughly. The man watches him patiently. After a moment Nicholas slides the sheet back across the table and puts his finger on one of the pictures.

Nicholas

I... I guess that one seems pretty good...

Man
(Cheerful)

Oooh, good choice Nick-O; she's a cutie! And she's gonna’ play the flute even, very nice choice indeed, my friend. I'll send your choice up to the boss right now.

The Man picks up the paper and sticks his head out the door he entered handing the paper to someone else and muttering something inaudible. He then closes the door and comes over to Nicholas' side of the table. Happily motioning for him to get up, and giving him a reassuring hug. A green light comes on over the door that was behind Nicholas.

Oh, there you go, bud. Just step right through that door, and you'll be on your way to another chance at happiness. You don't worry about a thing, I'm gonna pull some strings to make sure you get an extra long run at this one to make up for the bad luck with that last go at it. You can count on me.

Nicholas stares at the door, not moving. The man gives him a slight nudge forward.

Out you go, son! Into the world with, ya!

Nicholas
(Turning around before opening the door, earnestly)

Tha... Thank you, sir.

Man

Just doing my job, son...

Nicholas nods affirmingly before turning around and opening the door, staring out for a second, taking a breathe, and slowly, but surely stepping forward through the door and closing it behind him. The Man stares after him for a few moments.

Just doing my job...

Lights Fade.

Fin.