Moments of Happiness
Notes: Yesterday I completed a run of a community production of CATS and through out the past week the idea for this story was rolling around in the back of my head. I kind of wondered what were "the times I knew when happiness was" that Grizzabella sings about in Memory. This is my interpretation of that song. I do not own anything from CATS... it is all owned by T.S. Elliot.
Grizabella and Asparagus(Gus) had been friends for about 25 years. Their friendship had grown a part over the years because Gus traveled around a lot for his acting career. They shared many fond memories together on the stage when he did theater in London. Grizabella had to eventually give up acting because she was raising her family and also because there not really many roles that appealed to her that she wanted to try out for. The few shows she did audition for she was never quite cine pent with the roles she was cast in.
It was two days before the Jellcle Ball. Grizabella went over to Gus's house for tea
"Are you excited about the ball?" Gus asked her.
Grizabella shrugged. I've been dabating if I want to go honestly."
"Really, how come?"
Girzabella shrugged again. I don't know . I usually go but I don' t think I have much interest in going this year."
Gus looked at his friend and former co-star with understanding eyes. "Do you have any kind of an appeal for Old Deutronomy?"
" I didn't think we were supposed to have one."
"Well why do you want to be reborn?"
Grizabella was quiet."
"What's wrong Griz?"
Grizabella let out a long sigh.
"Well to be honest, I'm not myself these days. Maybe it's time for a change."
"When did you experience the most happiness?"
Grizabella smiled as her friend "When we shared the stage and too many final bows together. Of course I get pleasure out of spending time with my kittens but that's a different kind of happiness."
"How would being reborn change you?"
Grizabella looked down at her tattered coat and simply responded,
"I want to be onstage again.. one last time feel beautiful."
"But darling beauty is more than skin deep you know."
"I don't feel beautiful in these old rags Gus."
Gus kissed her cheek softly.
"But you are darling. Trust me."