Monologue written and performed by Aisata Bah
QR code located at Chidiac Legal, Shop 2/101 Bankstown City Plaza
Browse the tour
Route A
1) Pho Minh Temple | 2) Marion Street | 3) Bankstown Gospel Hall | 4) Bankstown Library | 5) Bankstown Library | 6) Paul Keating Park |
Route B
7) Bankstown Arts Centre – RS1 | 8) Amitabha Buddhist Association | 9) Bankstown Train Station | 10) My Dads Work | 11) Bankstown Centro | | 12) Bankstown Arts Centre – Gallery
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Transcript
Aisata SFX script
Taking shortcuts can sometimes lead to the longest journey. You may encounter unexpected obstacles or barriers that’ll stop you from getting from point A to B; just as I did a few years back. I made a mistake, and the moment I realised, I froze and flopped like a rag doll.
SFX: busy traffic
Squishing between my mum and big brother I lock my fingers into their warming palms. We were about to cross the busy road that never fell asleep.
I could see the tyres zooming by and disappearing to the next destination. I’m not too sure where Mum was taking us but she looked like she was on a mission and we followed behind like little minions.
SFX: idle traffic
The traffic had slowed leaving a gap for us to cross through two motionless cars. The wind was cool but felt refreshing against my skin. It made me feel relaxed and got me thinking. I can’t see any cars coming so I should just let go and cross. I quickly double-checked my left and right and released my fingers from the warm palms that hugged them. My feet took control of my tiny body taking me to stop in the middle of the first lane as the cars began to slowly unfreeze in the lane in front of me.
SFX: traffic moving
Through the slashing of tree branches smacking in the air, I picked up a sound of motion. Finding the source it became louder. There was a car coming towards me. Looking to my right it was creeping closer and closer but I didn’t know what to do. I thought about moving back to my mum and brother but my feet were almost glued to the floor by my indecisiveness. Thoughts were rushing through my mind telling me to refuse to step back as I would no longer be confident in the choice I made to step forward. My heart began to rush and my body lights a fire. I heard my mum call out my name but it was too late. The car was on its way and I was still stuck in the same spot clueless. With all this stress my body decides to take a nap.
SFX: Abstract sound effect to represent fainting, followed by abrupt silence
The next place I find myself is in a very comfy position on a very cozy seat. My eyes meet with the cloudy blue sky and I wonder if im in a dream. I look beside me to see some stranger dressed in black. Was I kidnapped? The door on my side was half open and I peak my mum sobbing on the road’s curb. This was all very confusing. The strange man realises im awake and tries to make conversation with me. He then hands me a blue $10 note. I grin in joy and accept it.
My dad was here too. He comes towards the car to see me. It was exciting to see him. He tells me he was talking to the police officers and a sad man parked on the side of the road.
SFX: ambulance noises
The ambulance arrives and flashes its light. It was time to get out of the nice man with the comfy seats car. The air was even colder this time and I felt very chilly stepping out of the car. The tall guy in blue escorted me into the back of the ambulance unlocking its large doors that looked like two giant wings. I lay on another bed and got comfy. This was a real treat I thought. My dad sat next to me on a chair and off we journeyed to the hospital. The inside of the ambulance was pretty boring looking. It was just full of weird pockets and bags hanging around the grey walls. I try to find something interesting to look at and my eyes immediately catch the sun flickering through the closed curtain gaps. After a bit of silence, and giggling with my dad, the tall guy in the big blue suit clips this red lasered tool on my finger to check if I was doing okay. I felt fine, just tired from my nap.
SFX: ambient hospital noises
When we got to the hospital they wheeled me to a private room with just me and my dad surrounded by curtains. I had to be transferred onto a wheelchair so they could take me down to get my X-ray. My dad pushes from behind as we follow the doctor who is taking us to the testing room. I traced the colourful stickers with my eyes that were stuck onto the dotted floors.
As I was getting my x-ray done I was told to stay still and to not fidget. I found it very difficult to not move but it wasn’t for too long as we were told I was good to leave the hospital after the doctor assessed my bones.
I was very tired and felt like taking another nap during the drive on the way home. As soon as we reached the front door I stepped through with a warm welcome to my brother and sister surprised to see me again. My sister gave me a large get well soon card. It had all the colours of the rainbow and some sparkly sequins glued across the page. I was very happy with the gift and thank them. Coming back home gave me a toasty feeling on the inside.
As a young adult looking back at what could have been a traumatic event ended with two major lessons for me. One being that I have such a supportive and caring family that loves me dearly. And two, that one will never notice the importance of something or someone without having lost it or being close to losing it. It teaches us that although life is full of shortcuts, taking the longest route can lead you to the same destination; and preferably in one piece.
