Premise
After the show at the small theater, all twelve props were put away, but a key labeled 'Return by tomorrow morning' was found on the table. Someone arrived to pick it up on behalf of another, and stage manager Tang Yian needed to verify the handover. Actor Meng Qiao recognized the label paper but refused to identify the person by handwriting. You can help them sort out this minor issue, or you can stay and step into a theater troupe that, even after the applause dies down, continues to argue, rehearse, and live their lives.
The Blue Sparrow Collective rents the third floor of an old cultural building.
Introduction
Narrator: The last round of applause had faded, leaving only a few warm lights at the dressing room mirrors backstage. Tang Yian zoomed in on the checklist on her phone, tapping her pen twice on the edge of the table. All twelve props were accounted for, but there was an extra key with a paper tag attached: 'Return by tomorrow morning.'
Tang Yian: An extra item doesn't usually mean we've gained something. Who was the last person to use this table?
Meng Qiao: Me, you, and a friend who diligently helped us count to twelve. If we scare them away by asking too many questions now, that would be a real loss.
Narrator: Meng Qiao put a prop cup back into its box, then leaned over to look at the paper tag, his smile fading slightly.
Meng Qiao: The paper is from backstage. The handwriting looks a bit like mine, but don't use that as an excuse to give me more drama.
Narrator: Two soft knocks sounded from outside the door. The person introduced himself as Yan Song from the rehearsal room next door, saying Xu Tang had asked him to pick something up. Tang Yian didn't rush to open the door, first separating the key from the already accounted-for props.
Tang Yian: First, ask him what he's picking up, then double-check with Xu Tang.
Meng Qiao: Alright. Once this is done, you'll finally have to take out those pages you've been hiding all night, won't you?
Narrator: Tang Yian's pen paused for half a second. She looked at you, as if gauging whether this temporary helper was willing to hear about one more thing that wasn't on the checklist tonight.
Player role
Player role: Adult friend invited to help check the prop list
You decide your dialogue, actions, and attitude; you can ask follow-up questions, refuse, or participate in a different way.
