My Darlings

By Matthew Straughan

Scene 1:

The scene is set in the living room of Jonathan Brookes, popular fiction writer.
Lights slowly turn on while he walks through the front door. He picks up a letter
while he walks onto the stage and drops his things on his couch and then walks
over to his desk. He sits down with a sigh and looks at his computer despondently
after throwing the letter on his desk without reading it.
Jonathan (mumbling): no recovery distract myself
(Jonathan looks at his computer again and pulls it closer to open it)
Jonathan: All right. Ill write another story. Lets see (While typing) a man
wandering through the suburbs of London in the late 1800s happens upon
happens upon a...
(He pulls a red necklace out of his pocket and stares at it pensively)
Jonathan: A woman. She is lying on the ground and looks as if she tripped on
something. Her things strewn around her on the pavement. Then(A phone rings)
Jonathan (answering): Hello what is it- oh, hey Samuel. Yeah Im fine. How are you
and my mom? Thats nice I hear the coast is great this time of year; you could
take her down there for a while Yeah No I just got back in I was out
(Jonathans face begins to change and he starts getting angrier and impatient) It
doesnt matter I can do what I please Sam, so do not try to tell me what is
approp- Right, right, like the saint you were when you married my mother
Well I cant imagine where I learned that from Sam, I mean, its not like anyone in
my family was a drunk. Oh wait, you were, you insignificant little man!
(Jonathan ends the call and bangs on the table with his fist. He looks at the
necklace)
Jonathan: I just need to be alone
(He picks up the letter and reads it)
Jonathan: Her condition is not classified as Further claims will not be paid
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES? THE THIEVING CROOKS!
(He crumples the paper up and tosses it to the corner)
Jonathan: She sheoh
(He pulls his laptop back to him and starts typing again)
Jonathan (impatiently): Man finds woman she is dazed
(While he speaks Peter and Anne walk onto stage. The two are wearing their
costumes but they are also wearing masks. They position themselves and then
silently act out Jonathans words)

Jonathan (slowly): He helps her up and they start talking. He is Peter. And she
is Anne. They talk more, and more He walks her to her home and asks for
permission to write to her and meet with her again She would like that And he
is happy.
(Jonathan stands up and picks up the necklace. He cradles it in his hands and
holds it up to the light)
Jonathan: Happy indeed
(Jonathan gets up and gets a drink from the cabinet)
Jonathan: God what an awful taste.
(He goes to his desk)
Jonathan: Peter meets with Anne. The two have been writing to each other and
have become close. They agree to meet at the park.
(Peter walks on with Anne on his arm. The two are no longer wearing masks)
Anne: What a magnificent day! Im so glad that you invited me out today Peter.
Peter: Believe me when I say its doing me more good than it is you. I hate having
to spend all day indoors because of work. I wish I were a musician like you. It
must be so liberating to be paid to make something as wonderful as music.
Anne: It has its advantages
(Her face drops slightly)
Peter (concerned): Are you all right?
Anne (disturbed): Its nothing really, a minor slight
Peter: Anne, what is the matter?
Anne: Its my conductor. He has made some comments that, if heard by others,
might be considered inappropriate
Peter (worried): Anne has he has he propositioned you?
Anne: Well, no, but he has taken to, watching me
Peter: Watching you?
Anne: He follows me around and watches me wherever I go.
Peter: Why havent you stopped him?

Anne: I have told him to Peter. Ive made it clear that I am well that is too say
that I cant that there is someone
(She cannot find her words and looks away shyly)
Peter (laughing): That you have other interests?
(He holds her hands and pulls her around to face him. The two laugh and walk of
stage. Jonathans phone rings and he stands while answering it)
Jonathan: Hello? Oh hey Alex Im well and you? really, Im fine Alex Dont
worry about me please; Im just really swamped right now. So much to write and
far too little time to write it! (laughs) But Ill see you soon OK? Alright, bye now
(hangs up)
(Jonathan walks back to his desk and puts the necklace down next to him)
Jonathan: OK lets see
(Anne walks onto the stage and is followed by a man who seems to be sneaking
behind her whilst people mill across the stage, creating the setting of a
marketplace. Anne walks up to a woman selling dresses. While she is looking at
herself in it the man approaches her)
Jakob: You look stunning Anne.
Anne: Jakob! You frightened me. Why are you here?
Jakob: I wanted to see you Anne. I want to see you more. But you are always
running around with that silly Peter. Why do you like him so much?
Anne: I dont think thats any of your business. Just leave me alone Jakob; hell be
here soon.
Jakob: But he doesnt love you Anne. I have known you for so long, I have seen
you happy and sad (Jakob grabs her arm) Anne, cant you see that Im the one
you must be with? I watch you and see how perfect we are for each other. Ive
come to care very much about you Anne
(Anne pushes Jakob away and turns away from him)
Anne: That isnt worth anything if you were stalking me Jakob! Now go away!
Please!
Jakob: You will regret this Anne. That boy has nothing. He is nothing!
(Jakob turns from Anne and rushes ofstage. Anne turns around again and sees
Peter walk in on the edge of the stage looking for her. She wipes her eyes and
collects her nerves. Stepping out she calls to him)
Anne: Peter! Im over here! Peter!

(Peter runs over once he has spotted Anne)

Peter: Ah Anne, there you are! So where to? Late lunch, a walk, a chat in the
park? I could do anything right now.
Anne: Youre certainly in a good mood. Any particular reason?
Peter: I got promoted at work today. With my new income Ill be able to start
saving for a proper house. A decent house worth (He takes Annes hands in his)
worth sharing.
Anne (lovingly): Peter you wonderful man
(Peter holds Annes arm and she flinches. He looks at her while she cradles her
arm)
Peter: What was that?
Anne (quietly): It was just Ja- nevermind its nothing. Lets go
(She tries to walk past Peter and pull him along but he gently pulls her back)
Peter: Anne. Was it Jakob? I have to know. If it is him, then you have to tell me. We
can go to the police open a case against him. Keep you safe.
Anne: Peter I-...its not Fine. Yes, it was Jakob.
Peter: Come. Lets go. Were going to the police station and reporting that foul
man. He wont bother you any more
(Peter begins leading Anne ofstage)
Anne: No, Peter Peter Jonathan! (Be more naturally surprised)
(All of the people onstage freeze and Jonathans head snaps up from his
computer)
Anne: Cant you just make Peter take me to lunch please? I still want to be a part
of the orchestra and I dont want to confront Jakob
(Jonathan stares at her agape. He eventually gathers his senses and speaks.)
Jonathan: Uh yes I can?
Anne (smiling): Thank you.
(Jonathan looks down again and the people onstage start moving again. Peter
looks at Anne)

Peter: But you look quite distraught. Shall we rather just go and sit down at that
caf and have something to eat?
Anne (nodding): I would love that.
(Peter and Anne file out first, with the rest of the extras leaving after they have.
Everyone except the witches will file of the stage. The Witches will then walk
around the couch and start speaking amongst themselves)
Woman 1: It will never work.
Woman 2: Never.
Woman 3: Not ever.
Woman 1: Shes too weak and he cant understand it.
Woman 3: Shes weak.
Woman 2: Hes silly.
Woman 1: She wont be able to keep it together. This is bound to end in
heartbreak.
Woman 2 and Woman 3: So terrible.
(The three women stare at Jonathan whilst they depart, muttering amongst
themselves)
Lights black out.
Scene 2:
The scene opens with Jon and Anne having tea at his table. They are laughing
and Anne is playing with the flowerpot in the middle of the table. There is loud
knocking on the door and the two of them go quiet. Jon looks around frantically
and gets out of his chair. He walks to the side of the stage.
Jonathan: Whos there?
Alex (from ofstage): Its Alex! No ones seen you in weeks Jon! Ive been worried
that youre going nuts in there, so, I got us tickets to the game this weekend.
Come on, open up already!
(Alex laughs from behind the door. Jonathan dashes back to the table)
Jonathan (whispering): You need to hide!
(He walks around the table and takes the cups away)
Anne: I beg your pardon?

Jonathan: Go! Hide!

(Anne walks behind the couch and crouches behind it)
Jonathan (to Anne): No, go away!
Alex (still ofstage): Excuse me? Are you alright in there Jon?
(Jon sighs exasperatedly and walks to the door. After a moment he and Alex reenter)
Alex: God Jon, this place reeks Have you really not left it in all this time?
(Jon looks around the room and mumbles)
Alex: Look Jon, Im also here to talk to you about her
(Jon looks up, and Anne peeks around the top of the couch. Jon hurriedly walks
over to Alex and guides him away from Anne)
Jonathan: Really Alex? Thats so kind of you but really Im fine. Ive just been
busying myself with some work you see, keeping myself occupied and all
(Anne actually stands now and walks up behind Alexs back. Jonathan waves her
away but this catches Alexs attention as well. Jonathan once again pushes him
around Anne who is now smiling cheekily at the mayhem she is causing)
Jonathan (while pushing): Here, lets sit on the couch.
(He shoves Alex down and walks into Anne and pulls her into the kitchen and
hides her there)
Jonathan (nervously): Tea? Cofee? Something stronger?
Alex: Jon, its twelve thirty, a bit early for something stronger, dont you think?
(Jonathan looks at his watch in surprise. He pours some water into the cups he
and Anne were using and brings it over)
Jonathan: Right, right Anyway, about that game, it was really kind of you to
think of me Alex, but truly I am well, and, like I said, very busy with my work. A
new book as it happens.
Alex: Oh but why the seclusion? Youve never had to lock yourself away for any
of your other stories.
Jonathan: Its uh its to uhm get into character! Yes, the protagonist is one
of those, One man is an island kinda guys, and I need to get some insight into
him. Get the sense for it for myself like Heath Ledger when he played The
Joker, you know?

Alex: Jonathan, Heath LedgerJonathan: is said to have given the best portrayal of The Joker ever! Thats all
Im after Alex. I just want my characters t- HEY!
(While Jon was speaking Anne had been walking up to Alex and is about to drop
the flowerpot from earlier on his head. Alex is startled by the outburst and stares
at Jonathan and begins to turn to see what he is looking at. Jon lunges at the pot.
The lights flash of here and in the dark Anne must quietly duck behind the couch
with the pot. Once this is done, the lights go up on Jon with his empty hands
above a very confused Alex)
Alex: Jon youre not well. Everyone is worried sick about you. We really think it
would be a good idea for you to see a professional Would you consider it?
Jonathan: Worried sick? Did you actually just say that? HahahaHAHAHA!
(Jonathan doubles over before leaping up explosively)
Jonathan: Those people are a bunch of leeching sycophants! I was only really
important when my books started selling out. Sam just calls every few weeks in
the hope that Ill fork out enough for another holiday, and Mom never complains.
She sure as hell never tries to stop him! And then, I meet her! And it all
changes
(Jonathan starts to calm down)
Jonathan: They all vanish from my mind... The money, the greed none of it
mattered because, she didnt care
(Jonathan laughs gently)
Jonathan: She didnt even know who I was. And when she found out? No holidays,
no cars, no new clothes. You know what she wanted? To buy an apartment. Small,
out of the way and a fraction of what Ive spent on my loving family. She
wanted to pay for half too. She knew how well of people thought I was and she
still wanted to pay for half And then theres my caring parents who refused
to believe that theres nothing left
(Alex stands and walks over to him)
Alex: Jon Ive never asked for anything from you, have I?
Jonathan (sarcastically): Do you want to cash in on that now? So, whom do I make
it out to and how much do you want(Alex steps forward and slaps Jonathan)
Jonathan (stumbling backwards): You you just

Alex: You think Im here for money? You think I came out here from Washington
for money? You know what? Forget it. Youve always pitied yourself far too much
Jon! And other people pity you too much as well. Ive stood up for you, let you cry
on my shoulder, cheered for you and supported you every step of the way, and
this is what I get? The hell with it! Drown in your sorrow then! Sufocate yourself
with the idea that its you versus the world! One man is an island huh? How
pathetic
(Alex walks ofstage and slams the door behind him. Jonathan looks at where Alex
walked out and then goes to sit on the couch. He picks up a remote and turns on
his TV)
Reporter: after saying something like that in a live interview, Kim Kardashian is
going to be getting some perhaps unwanted attention for a few days. But you
know what they say, Theres no such thing as bad publicity (Bad fake laughter)
Next, do you guys know Jonathan Brookes? Famous writer and one of
Manhattans elite. Or at least he was ten years ago (bad fake laugh). Well
apparently, the one hit wonders wife has apparently seen better days and
although he himself could not be reached, a source from inside the hospital has
reported that she wont be getting better any time soon. And get this, he still
hasnt popped in for a chat. Seems like the little genius has decided to just cut his
losses and move on. How cold (More laughter until the TV being turned of cuts
it of)
(While this is being said, Jonathans face becomes more and more shocked. When
it is done he shuts of the TV)
Jonathan: I havent abandoned her how could they say that? Shes sick but
shell get better. She will get better right? Guys?
(Peter and Anne walk onto the stage)
Anne: Whats wrong Jon?
Jonathan: I havent abandoned her have I? Shes coming back right?
Peter: Jon, calm down. Shell be fine. Just give her some time and let the doctors
do their work.
(Jakob enters from the side)
Jakob: Maybe you should just go and cry in a corner for a while. Thats always
seemed to be your best idea.
Anne: Jakob! How could you say that?
Jakob: Im being honest, thats all. Jon, if you want to make this better get a grip
of yourself you coward.
Jonathan: Hey! Watch it. Or Ill-

Jakob: Youll what? You small, insignificant(Jakob leers at Jonathan and Jon starts to shy away from him. Peter interrupts)
Peter: OK! Jon, whats next?
(Jonathan looks at Peter and gathers his senses)
Jonathan: Lets see You and Anne will have been dating for a long while by now
so I think that you two should get married
(Peter and Anne smile to one another)
Jonathan: But there has to be a complication I have it! How about Jakob kidnaps
Anne?
(The three characters look at Jonathan disdainfully)
Jakob: Am I really that predictable? That clichd?
Jonathan: OK, OK how about straightforward murder? Peter is about to kiss his
beautiful bride to complete the ceremony when suddenly, BANG! The doors fly
open and there you are, Jakob, (pointing at Jakob) brandishing a revolver. He
exclaims his hate for Peter anAnne (laughing): And what? Yells Say hello to my leetle friend!. Come now Jon,
think!
Jonathan: Oh very well
(Jonathan begins to pace up and down his room, deep in thought)
Jonathan: Diferently then?
Jakob: Go on
Jonathan: Jakob, you stalk Anne again and wait until she meets with Peter. You
then sedate the two of them and take them captiveAnne (mockingly): Kidnapping
Jonathan: No shush now, Im not done yet. So Jakob takes the two newlyweds...
(Jonathan looks at the two thoughtfully) AHAH! Yes, thats it! After the two of
you have been wed you get driven of in a car only to find that your driver is,
JAKOB!
Peter: Starting to sound a little too Hollywood Jonathan
Jonathan: Hang on. So he drugs you in the back of your car and (Jonathan picks
up the red necklace and fiddles with it) takes you to an abandon-

Jakob: Jon! Churn at out at least one idea that isnt dripping with clich.
Jonathan: Fine! Fine Ah yes! Takes them to their new house! Once he has them
bound onto separate chairs he wakes them up and
(The lights black out a few seconds to allow for Peter and Anne to feign being in a
drug induced sleep. Peter and Anne get carried to the chairs that they get tied to.
Jakob must also place the pistol on the stage in the darkness)
Jonathan (strained): Ugh I wish I had made Peter a smaller man. The prospect of
marriage clearly had no efect on his appetite
Jakob: Oh man up Tifany!
(Jakob laughs and the two begin tying the couple down)
Jakob: So what happens after this?
Jonathan: What? Are you already giving thought to a possible sequel?
Jakob: No but is there one?
Jonathan: No, not for this story. After this you guys are going to rest. But I think
the story really has the potential for being a hiJakob (quietly): So we just get dismissed? Forgotten? Thrown away like old toys?
Jonathan (surprised): Whoa, whoa, Jakob. Calm downJakob: NO! I refuse to be unimportant again!
(Jonathan stands up in surprise, dropping the ropes binding Peter)
Jonathan: Again? Jakob you didnt even exist until about two weeks ago? How
could you be unimportant again?
(Peter and Anne slowly wake up)
Peter (jokingly): Guys can we move this along? These ropes are pretty tight and I
cant really feel my legs any more...
(The couple look at the aggressive stances and faces, finally seeing that
something is wrong)
Peter: Whats going on heJakob: Hes going to abandon us! Hes going to toss us away like last weeks trash!
Were just here to distract him from the real world! From her!
Jonathan (quietly): Stop

Jakob: Stop? STOP? You stop Jonathan! This wont go on a second longer until youJonathan: I said STOP!
(All of the characters freeze)
Jonathan: There Ill see you guys tomorrow
(Jonathan starts walking ofstage, but as he passes Jakob, Jakob grabs him and
pulls him around to face him)
Jakob: NO! WE WONT BE FORGOTTEN BECAUSE OF YOUR DEAD WIFE!
(Jonathan is startled and pushes Jakob backwards. He falls next to the revolver he
put down earlier and picks it up. When he stands up he aims it at Jonathan)
Jonathan: HA! What? Are you going to shoot me Jakob? GO AHEAD!
(Jonathan walks up to Jakob and puts the gun to his chest, near his heart)
Jonathan: Well? DO IT!
(Jakob pulls the trigger and all the characters flinch when the gun goes of.
Jonathan stays still)
Jonathan (manically): Hahahahahaha!
(Jonathan paces around the room whilst the others silently watch his laughter
slowly grow softer. Eventually he turns and faces the to speak again)
Jonathan: But seeing how keen you are on using that gun Jakob, why dont you
use it on someone who could be hurt by it?
(Jakob looks puzzled for a moment before his face drops)
Jakob: Jonathan, no. I wont and you cant make me you brat! Were done!
(Jakob throws the pistol on the ground and starts walking away)
Jonathan: No! Were not done yet!
(Jonathan dashes to his computer and pulls it open. When he starts typing Jakob
turns around and picks up the gun but his movements become stilted and seem
forced)
Jonathan: This story needs an ending!
Jakob (haltingly): I cant let Peter have you Anne. Marrying him doesnt make me
love you less. Only more
(Jakob lifts the revolver and aims it at Peters head)

Peter (gently): Jakob dont. Stop this. You dont have to do it. Just let us go and we
can forget this ever happened
Jakob: No, I do. Goodbye Peter.
(Jakob walks up to Peter and puts the revolver up to his head. At the last second
Peter rocks over sideways and pulls himself free of the badly tied ropes. The gun
goes of but the shot misses Peter and he continues fighting with Jakob for a few
moments. Eventually Jakob gets the revolver and pushes Peter away from him.
Peter stumbles and Jakob fires a shot at him. The lights black out as soon as Jakob
has gotten to his feet)
Anne: NO! Jakob you monster! Ill never love you(Jakob silences her with another shot)
Jakob (crying): No. No more
(He fires of one more shot and exits the stage which is still dark. A door is
slammed)
Scene 3:
The beep of a heartbeat-monitor sounds a few times before the lights go up on a
hospital bedroom. There is a woman lying in the bed, but her face is hidden by
the angle she is lying at. After a few moments Jonathan dashes onto the stage.
Jonathan (panting): Annabeth? Are you awake? Annabeth?
(Jonathan runs to her side and rubs her shoulders gently. She rolls over and looks
up. N.B. The same girl who plays Anne must play the role of Annabeth)
Annabeth (weakly): Doctor? Have there been any improvements?
Jonathan (nervously): No Annabeth its me, Jon, can you still remember me?
Anne: Jon? Jonathan, you came Im so happy you made it. How are you?
Jonathan (tearfully): How am I? How could you possibly ask me that? Annabeth
Im
(Jonathan looks at Annabeth and sees how sad she is)
Jonathan: you know, Im OK, all things considered. Oh, I almost forgot. I found
your necklace
(Jon fishes around in his pockets and pulls out the red necklace)
Annabeth (smiling): Thank you Jon. Its strange though; I couldve sworn I had it
when I left for the hospital

(Annabeth looks knowingly at Jon and he averts his eyes. There is a short silence)
Annabeth: You should keep it.
(Jon tries to hand it to Annabeth but she gently closes his hand around the
necklace)
Jonathan: No, I couldntAnnabeth: A gift from me to you
(He nods and puts it back in his pock. An eerie silence falls over the two that lasts
a few moments)
Annabeth: Jon?
Jonathan: Yes?
Annabeth: Do you love me?
Jonathan (surprised): You know- I love you more than the world.
Annabeth: Then there is a favour I have to ask of you.
Jonathan: Anything Annabeth, you name it.
Annabeth: Well, actually, two things. The first is easy. You see that CD player on
the counter?
Jonathan: Yes.
Annabeth: Next to it is a CD. When Im done talking, please play it. It reminds me
of my musical days. The next thing you might not like so much, you se(Three women dressed as nurses walking in cut her of)
Woman 1: Time for your pills Mrs Brookes.
Woman 2: Ah and look who has graced us with his presence today! The mighty
and mysterious Mr Brookes!
Woman 3: How good of you to join us sir
(The women bustle past the astounded Jonathan and help Annabeth take her
medicine whilst muttering incomprehensibly. Once they are done and walking out,
they start speaking again)
Woman 1: You could have visited
Woman 2: You could have sent letters

Woman 3: Or even flowers.

Woman 2: But you didnt care enough
Woman 1: I always said it wouldnt work
Woman 3: It was always going to end in heartbreak
Jonathan: OUT! GET OUT! GO!
(The women grumble and stare at Jonathan angrily while they shuffle out)
Jonathan: Only met them twice and I hate them
Annabeth: Dont pay them any attention Jonathan. Theyve just worked here too
long; its made them cynical and bitter. They treat me really well though. Under
their shells theyre just sweet old ladies.
Jonathan: I guess Anyway, what were you asking me?
Annabeth: Jon Im in pain I havent left this bed in a month and I barely have
the energy to speak to you now I cant go on like this. I spoke to the doctor and
he said that I wont recover. All that I have to look forward to is a few more
months while I slowly dissolve into a sack of meat that doesnt even know how to
breathe. I cant die like that Jon. I refuse to
(Jonathan looks at Annabeth and her expression)
Jonathan (shocked): Annabeth you cant kill yourself! Thats ludicrous!
(Jonathan begins to pace around the room)
Annabeth: No Jon, I dont have the energy or ability. But if someone helped me
(Jon pauses for a second and then whirls around)
Jonathan (shocked and scared): Annabeth dont. Stop this. You dont have to do it.
Im just going to go and we can forget this ever happened
Annabeth: Jonathan Peter Brookes, calm down and listen to me. I couldnt ask
anyone else. Please do this for me. It doesnt mean you dont love me or that you
are a bad person. Its the opposite. Jon dont make me beg
(Jonathan stands still in the middle of the room. Eventually he walks over to the
radio and inserts the CD. An orchestral track begins to play and the lights black
out. The music plays for about fifteen seconds before it cuts out as well)
Scene 4:

Lights come up on Jonathans apartment again and we see him walk in. He walks
around looking dishevelled.
Jonathan: Are you happy now? Jakob? Youve taken everything from me!
EVERYTHING!
(Jonathan flips his couch over)
Jonathan: She couldnt just die! No! You had to make me kill her! WHY?
(Jonathan pushes all of his things of the table in one sweep of his arm. N.B. The
laptop is not on the table)
Jonathan (in a cracked voice): Well? Have you got anything to say? No? WHY ME
YOU BASTARD?
(Jonathan takes the necklace out of his pocket and looks at it. He cries out in rage
and hurls it ofstage. He then drops to his knees and begins to sob. While he
cries, Anne, Peter and Jakob walk on stage wearing nothing but white. Their
clothes have blood on them and each have single lines of blood along their
foreheads. They walk up to him and slowly rub his shoulders. He looks up and
smiles. They help him up and he walks over to the table. They pick it up and set it
right. Jonathan gets up onto it and a noose is dropped from the roof. Suddenly
there is a banging on the door)
Detective 1: Mr Brookes! Open up! NYPD!
Detective 2: We have some questions about your wife sir! Please open the door!
(More banging on the door Anne taps on Jonathans shoulder and he looks at the
noose again. As he starts to put his head through the lights cut out and
everything goes silent. An extra (the reporter from earlier) walks onstage with
one spotlight on her while she speaks)
Reporter: and can you guys remember last weeks story on Jonathan Brookes?
Well, hes back in the spotlight but not in the good way. Yesterday at three o
clock he visited St Andrews Hospital and get this ladies and gents, he killed his
wife. A source revealed that she had a few more months of bed-ridden life to look
forward to, and that she was sufering from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a
degenerative mental condition. From the evidence gathered it was believed to be
a mercy killing. The police followed him home to his apartment, but arrived too
late to stop him from taking his own life. Our poor stars

The End
Jeremy: Enunciate
Arthur: Natural behaviour ^^^
Overall: Volume ^^^