viernes, 24 de octubre de 2025

LA TELARAÑA DEL ABUELO. Comedia para títeres y personas, especialmente destinado al público infantil, pero para que lo disfruten también los adultos. Por GAVARREBENJAMIN Versiones en inglés y español

 


LA TELARAÑA DEL ABUELO


Comedia para títeres y personas, especialmente destinado al público infantil, pero para que lo disfruten también los adultos.

Por GAVARRE BENJAMIN

Versiones en inglés y español



GRANDAD'S SPIDER

By GavarreBenjamin

Comedy for puppets and people, especially aimed at children, but also for adults to enjoy.

 

This work has been published for free and open dissemination, although all intellectual property rights are reserved. Public use of this work requires permission from the author and for permission contact bengavarre@gmail.com or gavarreunam@gmail.com (Reg. Prop. Int. Expte. Inbox)

 

Contenido generado por meta.ai

(A Play)

Characters:

  • CARLITA: A spider. The artist and brains of the group.
  • MOSCA (FLY): The "expert" on everything. Talks fast, gets things wrong faster.
  • GRILLO (CRI-CRI): The musician. Shy, but with a good heart.
  • COL-COL (ROLLY): A snail. On a toy skateboard, he's agile and has a seductive radio DJ voice. Without it, he's... a snail.
  • MARIPOSA NEGRA (BLACK BUTTERFLY): The dramatic actress of the group.
  • CASIOPEA: A turtle. Always motionless in her corner, she has a velvety, wise voice.
  • TOBI: A dog. Loyal and old. (Played by an actor or a large puppet).
  • ANTONIO (CRAN-CRAN): A scorpion. A percussionist, a bit rough around the edges.

The Giants (Actors off-stage or in shadow):

  • DON ARCHIBALDO: (A warm, calm voice from off-stage).
  • THE RUMBLE-BOOM (HERACLIO): (A loud, grumpy voice from off-stage).
  • DOÑA MATILDE (THE SEAL): (A moaning voice: "Aysh!").


ACT I

 

Scene 1: The Sun Drop Paradise

(SETTING: The corner of a living room. Old furniture, a large flowerpot, an armchair. In an upper corner, CARLITA's web. CASIOPEA is motionless on an old book. TOBI is sleeping).

(CARLITA is weaving. MOSCA enters, buzzing erratically).

MOSCA: Phew, what traffic! A bumblebee almost gave me a ticket! Hey, Carlita, I was in the countryside!

CARLITA: (Without stopping her weaving) Oh, really? The countryside? Flowers, tall grass?

MOSCA: No way! It's short, green grass, and thousands of humans yelling while kicking a ball! The countryside is a very violent place!

CASIOPEA: (Velvety voice, without moving) The only thing violent here, Mosca, is your ignorance.

GRILLO (CRI-CRI): (Peeking out from the flowerpot) It sounds scary. I prefer it here. The Old Man takes care of us!

(The sound of a hose is heard from the balcony (PSSH-PSSH). A golden light floods the stage, like a mist).

MARIPOSA NEGRA: (Entering dramatically) There they are! The new arrivals!

(Several YELLOW BUTTERFLIES fly in, laughing).

MOSCA: So stuck-up! So... yellow!

CARLITA: Where did they come from?

MOSCA: (As if it's obvious) From the water, Carlita! It's spontaneous generation! The Old Man points at the sky, the sun hits the drops, and POW! Sun drops with wings!

CASIOPEA: A... refreshing theory.

Scene 2: The Seal and the Snail

(A key turns in a lock. A sigh is heard: "Ayyyyysh!").

GRILLO: (In a panic) Hide! It's... "The Seal"!

(Everyone scatters. DOÑA MATILDE enters (as a shadow or an actress with her back to the audience) with a feather duster and a spray bottle).

MOSCA: (Hiding) There she is! The Seal!

CARLITA: (Hiding) Mosca, why do you call her "The Seal"?

MOSCA: It's obvious, isn't it? She always arrives wet, makes seal noises ("Aysh!"), and smells weird!

MARIPOSA NEGRA: It's true! She must breathe pine oil!

GRILLO: And that's why she uses so much water! So she doesn't dry out!

(MATILDE's duster spots the web and rises to attack).

CARLITA: My masterpiece! No!

(Just as it's about to hit, a calm voice is heard from off-stage).

VOZ DE ARCHIBALDO: Doña Matilde, please! Leave Carlita alone. She's the guardian of the house.

(MATILDE freezes. She lets out an "Aysh!" of frustration. She sprays the air furiously: PSSH-PSSH-PSSH!).

GRILLO: (Coughing) Ugh! The horror! It smells... clean!

(MATILDE leaves. The critters come out. Suddenly, a sound of wheels (SKRRRR) and in comes COL-COL the snail, at high speed on an old toy skateboard. He stops just in time).

COL-COL: (In a deep, seductive radio voice) Good afternoon, distinguished colleagues. Did I miss the aromatherapy session?

MOSCA: (Swooning) Col-Col! You're so fast!

COL-COL: The secret, my dear Mosca, is in the wheels. Movement is relative. Style is eternal.

CARLITA: Col-Col, good to see you. We were just discussing...

(At that moment, Col-Col's skateboard hits a marble and flips over. COL-COL falls to the floor, off his cart).

COL-COL: (His seductive voice is gone, he now speaks normally) Oh, no! My vehicle!

(He starts to move across the floor, comically slow).

MOSCA: Oh, no! Col-Col! Hurry, The Seal might come back!

COL-COL: (Desperately slow) I'm... going... as... fast... as... I... can!

GRILLO: Oh, snail! By the time you get to the flowerpot, an ice age will have passed!

(Col-Col just throws him an annoyed look).


ACT II

 

Scene 1: The Rumble-Boom

(A terrible noise is heard: RUUUUM-BAP-BAP! The stage shakes).

GRILLO: Alert! Alert! It's the worst one!

MARIPOSA NEGRA: It's... The Rumble-Boom!

(The door is heard slamming open, followed by footsteps: Step... drag. Step... drag).

MOSCA: Here he comes! The rhinoceros hunter!

CARLITA: Mosca, what rhinoceros?

MOSCA: The ones he hunts with his noise machine! Why else do you think he walks with a limp? One of them gored him! That's why he's always so angry!

(HERACLIO's grumpy voice is heard from off-stage).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: Archibaldo! I'm here! Did you eat? This place is a disaster! And my computer isn't working! It must have a worm!

(Instant panic).

GRILLO: A WORM!

MARIPOSA NEGRA: There are no worms here!

MOSCA: It must be a giant green mutant worm! It'll eat the cables and then it'll eat us!

CARLITA: Calm down! There is no worm!

VOZ DE ARCHIBALDO: (Calmly) Easy, Heraclito. Don't fight with your computer worms. Look...

(A YELLOW BUTTERFLY (from Scene 1) flies in and lands on HERACLIO's shadow's shoulder).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (Total silence. Then, quietly) ...Oh. It's... yellow.

CARLITA: (From her web, amazed) Did you see that? The Rumble-Boom... he didn't move.

MOSCA: It hypnotized him! Those yellow ones are definitely witches!

Scene 2: The Dance-Off

(Night. GRILLO (CRI-CRI) plays a soft melody. Suddenly, a dry sound: CRAN... CRAN!).

GRILLO: Oh, dear!

(Enter ANTONIO THE SCORPION (CRAN-CRAN), wagging his tail).

ANTONIO: (Raspy voice) Hey, you! The guy with the leg violin!

GRILLO: (Trembling) Don't eat me! I'm too skinny!

ANTONIO: Eat you? Gross! I'm a musician, not a savage! Your rhythm is all wrong! It has no flavor!

GRILLO: Flavor?

ANTONIO: Yeah! Look! You go "Cri-cri-cri" (he mimics in a high voice). I go "Cran-cran-cran"! (He stomps the floor with rhythm). Together, we're... "Cri-Cran"!

GRILLO: (Perking up) Cri-Cran?

ANTONIO: Of course! You do the melody, I do percussion! Hit it!

(GRILLO starts playing his "Cri-cri." ANTONIO adds his "Cran-cran." Suddenly, MUSIC (a cumbia or salsa) fades in, following their beat. The lights change to a party).

MOSCA: Hey, this has rhythm!

COL-COL: (Who has recovered his skateboard) This... compels me... to move my antennae with sensuality!

(All the critters start to dance. The scene is a total party. TOBI perks up his ears and wags his tail to the music).

Scene 3: The Beast Tamer

(The party is interrupted. Silence. TOBI stands up and growls quietly).

CARLITA: Tobi?

(A sleek shadow enters through the balcony. Two yellow eyes are visible. It's the EVIL CAT).

GRILLO: The Evil Cat! (He hides).

ANTONIO: Now this guy is not a musician! (He hides).

(The CAT sees CARLITA in her web. It crouches, ready to pounce. TOBI gets in the way and barks furiously).

TOBI: WOOF! WOOF! GRRRR!

(The CAT hisses. They square off. Suddenly, ARCHIBALDO's calm voice is heard from the armchair where his shadow is sleeping).

VOZ DE ARCHIBALDO: Mr. Cat? What manners are these. To your yard, if you please.

(The CAT freezes. It looks at Archibaldo's shadow. It hisses, frustrated by the human's lack of fear, and disappears off the balcony).

MOSCA: (Coming out) Did you... did you see that?

COL-COL: (Seductive voice) Fascinating. The Old Man... is a beast tamer.

CASIOPEA: True strength, dear Mosca, makes no noise.

 


ACT III

 

Scene 1: The Silence

(The stage is silent. No music. Archibaldo's armchair is empty. TOBI is lying by the bedroom door. A long, sad, deep whine is heard. An "Awooooo..." that chills the bones).

CARLITA: (Worried) Tobi... Tobi, what's wrong?

MOSCA: (Flying nervously) The Old Man hasn't come out! He hasn't made it rain sun drops!

GRILLO: (Scared) What if... what if "The Seal" got him?

MARIPOSA NEGRA: (Dramatically) Or the Giant Green Mutant Worm!

MOSCA: No, no, no! I know what happened! The Rumble-Boom got mad and sent him on vacation! He must have taken a plane to the football "countryside"!

TOBI: (Lets out another, sadder whine).

CARLITA: I don't think so, Mosca. Tobi... knows something.

CASIOPEA: (Her velvety voice gets everyone's attention) It wasn't a plane.

MOSCA: Casiopea?

CASIOPEA: I have seen the dust come and the dust go. I saw the woman, bright as a yellow butterfly... leave too soon. I saw the Rumble-Boom arrive when he was a baby.

(Everyone listens, hypnotized).

CASIOPEA: Archibaldo taught him about books. Heraclito taught him about the internet. The Old Man would come and tell me. (She imitates Archibaldo's voice) "Casiopea, such strange people. They ghosted me." (Her voice returns) "Casiopea, I think they banned me from the crossword puzzle group." He didn't understand those things.

GRILLO: (Sniffling) "Banned"? Did it hurt?

CASIOPEA: Heraclito begged him to take care of himself. But he just smiled... and played his music. And the day before yesterday... (Long pause)... he fell asleep listening to his music... and didn't wake up. He's gone. Like a little bird.

(Total silence. TOBI hides his head between his paws).

Scene 2: The Empty House

(The door opens. Step... drag. Step... drag. HERACLIO's shadow (THE RUMBLE-BOOM) enters. He is hunched over. A choked sob is heard).

GRILLO: (Hiding) Is he... making the water noise?

CARLITA: He's... sad.

(HERACLIO's shadow kneels by TOBI).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (Voice cracking) ...You're coming with me, old friend. (TOBI whimpers and licks the shadow).

(The shadow moves to CASIOPEA).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: ...And you too, old one. Dad wouldn't want you to be alone. (The shadow lifts CASIOPEA).

(The insects watch, terrified. HERACLIO's shadow looks at the web).

CARLITA: (Terrified) This is my end.

MOSCA: He's going to turn you into a worm!

(HERACLIO's shadow brings a jar. With infinite delicacy, he brings the jar to CARLITA).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (Whispering) Come on, friend... You have to move.

(CARLITA enters the jar. HERACLIO's shadow looks at the empty armchair).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: ...I'll sell the house. I can't do this.

(The shadow leaves with Tobi, Casiopea, and Carlita. The door closes. The stage is empty, except for MOSCA, GRILLO, COL-COL (without his cart), and MARIPOSA NEGRA).

MOSCA: (Sobbing) He... he took them all.

MARIPOSA NEGRA: (Landing on the empty armchair) It's over. The end of an era.

GRILLO: (Sadly) There will never be... Cri-Cran again.

(The stage is bathed in a sad, blue light).

Contenido generado por meta.ai

Scene 3: The Rhythm Returns

(Silence. Suddenly, a knock on the door. The insects jump).

MOSCA: What now?

(The door opens a crack. ANTONIO (CRAN-CRAN) and GRILLO (CRI-CRI) enter, arguing).

ANTONIO: I told you, you left them in the bathroom!

GRILLO: Impossible! I never wear socks in the bathroom!

MOSCA: (Shouts with joy) GRILLO! ANTONIO!

GRILLO: Hello! Sorry! It's just... have you seen my lucky socks?

ANTONIO: And I'm missing my sunglasses! I can't play percussion without them!

(They look around. They notice the empty armchair and the sadness).

ANTONIO: Hey... why the long faces? What happened here? Where's the Old Man?

MOSCA: (Sadly) He's gone.

GRILLO: He... took a plane.  He is on the heaven.

ANTONIO: A plane? How fancy! And that's why you're sad? You should be celebrating!

CARLITA: (Runs in. She's back! No jar) I escaped! I jumped out of the jar at the traffic light! The Rumble-Boom didn't even notice!

EVERYONE: CARLITA!

ANTONIO: Perfect! The artist is back! No time for sadness! The house stays, we stay! And the rhythm... (he stomps the floor) ...also stays!

GRILLO: But Archibaldo isn't here!

CASIOPEA: (Her velvety voice comes from the corner. Heraclito forgot her!) Archibaldo is not here... but his music is.

MOSCA: It's true! I remember the dance!

ANTONIO: Then let's dance! Grillo, give me the beat!

(GRILLO starts playing "Cri-cri-cri." ANTONIO adds his "Cran-cran-cran." The Cumbia music swells, full blast).

MOSCA: (Dancing) The Old Man is at the football game! And we're having a party!

CARLITA: (Dancing on her web) This one's called "The Silk Cumbia"!

COL-COL: (Still on the floor, no cart) Wait... for... me! Don't... start... the... conga... without... me! (He wiggles his antennae to the beat).

(All the critters dance in a huge celebration. A warm, golden light illuminates the empty armchair, as if Don Archibaldo were there, smiling).

(FAST BLACKOUT AND MUSIC AT FULL VOLUME).


(THE END)

 

 


Bichitos: El Misterio del Sillón Vacío

Comedia para títeres y personas, especialmente destinado al público infantil, pero para que lo disfruten también los adultos.

Por Gavarre Benjamín


Este trabajo ha sido publicado para su difusión libre y abierta, aunque todos los derechos de propiedad intelectual están reservados. El uso público de este trabajo requiere el permiso del autor y para obtener permiso comuníquese con bengavarre@gmail.com o gavarreunam@gmail.com (Reg. Prop. Int. Expte. Bandeja de entrada)

 

Personajes:

  • CARLITA: Una araña. La artista y cerebro del grupo.
  • MOSCA: La "experta" en todo. Habla rápido, se equivoca más rápido.
  • GRILLO (CRI-CRI): El músico. Tímido, pero con buen corazón.
  • COL-COL: Un caracol. Sobre un patín de juguete, es ágil y tiene una voz seductora de locutor. Sin él, es... un caracol.
  • MARIPOSA NEGRA: La actriz dramática del grupo.
  • CASIOPEA: Una tortuga. Siempre inmóvil en su rincón, tiene una voz aterciopelada y sabia.
  • TOBI: Un perro. Leal y viejo. (Interpretado por un actor o un títere grande).
  • ANTONIO (CRAN-CRAN): Un alacrán. Músico de percusión, un poco rudo.

Los Gigantes (Actores fuera de escena o en sombras):

  • DON ARCHIBALDO: (Voz cálida y tranquila desde bambalinas).
  • EL RUN RUN CATAPLUM (HERACLIO): (Voz fuerte y gruñona desde bambalinas).
  • DOÑA MATILDE (LA FOCA): (Voz quejumbrosa: "¡Aysh!").


ACTO I

 

Escena 1: El Paraíso de las Gotas de Sol

(ESCENARIO: El rincón de una sala. Muebles viejos, una maceta grande, un sillón. En una esquina superior, la telaraña de CARLITA. CASIOPEA está inmóvil sobre un libro viejo. TOBI duerme).

(CARLITA teje. MOSCA entra zumbando erráticamente).

MOSCA: ¡Uf, qué tráfico! ¡Casi me multa un abejorro! Oye, Carlita, ¡estuve en el campo!

CARLITA: (Sin dejar de tejer) ¿Ah, sí? ¿El campo? ¿Flores, pasto alto?

MOSCA: ¡Qué va! ¡Es un pasto verde, cortito, y miles de humanos gritando mientras patean una pelota! ¡El campo es un lugar muy violento!

CASIOPEA: (Voz aterciopelada, sin moverse) Lo que es violento, mosca, es tu ignorancia.

GRILLO (CRI-CRI): (Asomándose desde la maceta) A mí me da miedo. Prefiero aquí. ¡El Viejito nos cuida!

(Se oye el sonido de una manguera desde el balcón (PSSH-PSSH). Una luz dorada inunda el escenario, como un rocío).

MARIPOSA NEGRA: (Entrando dramáticamente) ¡Ahí están! ¡Las recién llegadas!

(Entran volando varias MARIPOSAS AMARILLAS, riendo).

MOSCA: ¡Qué presumidas! ¡Tan... amarillas!

CARLITA: ¿De dónde salieron?

MOSCA: (Como si fuera obvio) ¡Del agua, Carlita! ¡Es generación espontánea! El Viejito apunta al cielo, el sol atraviesa las gotas y ¡PUM! ¡Gotas de sol con alas!

CASIOPEA: Una teoría... refrescante.


Escena 2: La Foca y el Caracol

(Suena una llave. Se oye un suspiro: "¡Ayyyyysh!").

GRILLO: (En pánico) ¡Escóndanse! ¡Llegó... "La Foca"!

(Todos corren. Entra DOÑA MATILDE (sombra o actriz de espaldas) con un plumero y un espray).

MOSCA: (Escondida) ¡Ahí está! ¡La Foca!

CARLITA: (Escondida) Mosca, ¿por qué le dices "La Foca"?

MOSCA: ¡Pues es obvio! ¿No ves que siempre llega mojada, haciendo ruidos de foca ("¡Aysh!") y oliendo raro?

MARIPOSA NEGRA: ¡Es verdad! ¡Seguro respira aceite de pino!

GRILLO: ¡Y por eso usa tanta agua! ¡Para no secarse!

(El plumero de MATILDE ve la telaraña y se levanta para atacar).

CARLITA: ¡Mi obra de arte! ¡No!

(Justo cuando va a golpear, se oye una voz tranquila desde bambalinas).

VOZ DE ARCHIBALDO: ¡Doña Matilde, por favor! A Carlita me la deja en paz. Es la guardiana de la casa.

(MATILDE se congela. Suelta un "¡Aysh!" de frustración. Rocía el aire con furia: ¡PSSH-PSSH-PSSH!).

GRILLO: (Tosiendo) ¡Agh! ¡El horror! ¡Huele a limpio!

(MATILDE se va. Los bichos salen. De pronto, se oye un ruido de ruedas (SKRRRR) y entra COL-COL el caracol, a toda velocidad sobre un viejo patín de juguete. Frena justo a tiempo).

COL-COL: (Con voz de locutor de radio, profunda y seductora) Buenas tardes, distinguidos colegas. ¿Me perdí de la sesión de aromaterapia?

MOSCA: (Embelesada) ¡Col-Col! ¡Qué rápido vienes!

COL-COL: El secreto, mi querida Mosca, está en las ruedas. El movimiento es relativo. El estilo es eterno.

CARLITA: Col-Col, qué bueno que llegas. Estábamos discutiendo...

(En ese momento, el patín de Col-Col golpea una canica y se voltea. COL-COL cae al suelo, fuera de su carrito).

COL-COL: (Su voz seductora desaparece, ahora habla normal) ¡Oh, no! ¡Mi vehículo!

(Empieza a moverse por el suelo, cómicamente lento).

MOSCA: ¡Ay, no! ¡Col-Col! ¡Apúrate, que La Foca puede volver!

COL-COL: (Desesperadamente lento) ¡Voy... voy... tan... rápido... como... puedo!

GRILLO: ¡Ay, caracol! ¡Cuando tú llegues a la maceta, ya habrá pasado una glaciación!

(Col-Col solo le lanza una mirada de fastidio).


ACTO II

 

Escena 1: El Run Run Cataplum

(Se oye un ruido terrible: ¡RUUUUM-BAP-BAP! El escenario vibra).

GRILLO: ¡Alerta! ¡Alerta! ¡El peor de todos!

MARIPOSA NEGRA: ¡Es... El Run Run Cataplum!

(Se oye la puerta abrirse de golpe y pasos: Paso... arrastre. Paso... arrastre).

MOSCA: ¡Ahí viene! ¡El cazador de rinocerontes!

CARLITA: Mosca, ¿qué rinocerontes?

MOSCA: ¡Pues los que caza con su máquina de ruido! ¿Por qué crees que camina chueco? ¡Lo embistió uno! ¡Por eso siempre está tan enojado!

(Se oye la voz gruñona de HERACLIO desde bambalinas).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: ¡Archibaldo! ¡Ya llegué! ¿Comiste? ¡Este lugar es un desastre! ¡Y mi computadora no funciona! ¡Seguro tiene un gusano!

(Pánico instantáneo).

GRILLO: ¡UN GUSANO!

MARIPOSA NEGRA: ¡Aquí no hay gusanos!

MOSCA: ¡Seguro es un gusano verde gigante y mutante! ¡Se va a comer los cables y luego nos va a comer a nosotros!

CARLITA: ¡Cálmense! ¡No hay ningún gusano!

VOZ DE ARCHIBALDO: (Tranquila) Calma, Heráclito. No te pelees con tus gusanos de computadora. Mira...

(Una MARIPOSA AMARILLA (de la Escena 1) entra volando y se posa en el hombro de la sombra de HERACLIO).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (Silencio total. Luego, en voz baja) ...Ah. Es... amarilla.

CARLITA: (Desde su red, asombrada) ¿Vieron? El Run Run Cataplum... no se movió.

MOSCA: ¡Lo hipnotizó! ¡Definitivamente esas amarillas son brujas!


Escena 2: El Duelo de Baile

(Noche. GRILLO (CRI-CRI) toca una melodía suave. De pronto, un ruido seco: ¡CRAN... CRAN!).

GRILLO: ¡Ay, nanita!

(Entra ANTONIO EL ALACRÁN (CRAN-CRAN), moviendo su cola).

ANTONIO: (Voz rasposa) ¡Oye, tú! ¡El del violín de patas!

GRILLO: (Temblando) ¡No me comas! ¡Soy muy flaco!

ANTONIO: ¿Comerte? ¡Qué asco! ¡Soy músico, no salvaje! ¡Tu ritmo está mal! ¡Le falta sabor!

GRILLO: ¿Sabor?

ANTONIO: ¡Sí! ¡Mira! Tú haces "Cri-cri-cri" (lo imita con voz aguda). ¡Yo hago "Cran-cran-cran"! (Golpea el suelo con ritmo). ¡Juntos somos... "Cri-Cran"!

GRILLO: (Animándose) ¿Cri-Cran?

ANTONIO: ¡Claro! ¡Tú la melodía, yo la percusión! ¡Dale!

(GRILLO empieza a tocar su "Cri-cri". ANTONIO le mete el "Cran-cran". De repente, una MÚSICA (una cumbia o un son cubano) entra, siguiendo ese ritmo. La luz cambia a fiesta).

MOSCA: ¡Oigan, tiene ritmo!

COL-COL: (Que ya recuperó su patín) ¡Esto... me incita... a mover las antenas con sensualidad!

(Todos los bichos empiezan a bailar. La escena es una fiesta total. TOBI levanta las orejas y mueve la cola al ritmo de la música).


Escena 3: El Domador de Bestias

(La fiesta es interrumpida. Un silencio. TOBI se levanta y gruñe en voz baja).

CARLITA: ¿Tobi?

(Una sombra ágil entra por el balcón. Se ven dos ojos amarillos. Es el GATO MALVADO).

GRILLO: ¡El Gato Malvado! (Se esconde).

ANTONIO: ¡Este sí no es músico! (Se esconde).

(El GATO ve a CARLITA en su red. Se agacha, listo para saltar. TOBI se interpone y ladra con furia).

TOBI: ¡GUAU! ¡GUAU! ¡GRRRR!

(El GATO sisea. Se preparan para pelear. De pronto, se oye la voz de ARCHIBALDO, tranquila, desde el sillón donde su sombra duerme).

VOZ DE ARCHIBALDO: ¿Señor Gato? Qué modales son esos. A su patio, ándele.

(El GATO se congela. Mira a la sombra de Archibaldo. Sisea, frustrado por la falta de miedo del humano, y desaparece por el balcón).

MOSCA: (Saliendo) ¿Vieron... vieron eso?

COL-COL: (Con voz seductora) Fascinante. El Viejito... es un domador de bestias.

CASIOPEA: La verdadera fuerza, querida mosca, no hace ruido.


ACTO III

 

Escena 1: El Silencio

(El escenario está en silencio. No hay música. El sillón de Archibaldo está vacío. TOBI está echado junto a la puerta del dormitorio. Suena un gemido largo, triste y profundo. Un "Auuuuuu..." que cala los huesos).

CARLITA: (Preocupada) Tobi... Tobi, ¿qué pasa?

MOSCA: (Volando nerviosamente) ¡El Viejito no ha salido! ¡No ha llovido gotas de sol!

GRILLO: (Asustado) ¿Y si "La Foca" se lo llevó?

MARIPOSA NEGRA: (Dramática) ¡O el Gusano Verde Mutante!

MOSCA: ¡No, no, no! ¡Yo sé lo que pasó! ¡El Run Run Cataplum se enojó y lo mandó de vacaciones! ¡Seguro tomó un avión al "campo" de fútbol!

TOBI: (Suelta otro gemido, más triste).

CARLITA: No creo, Mosca. Tobi... sabe algo.

CASIOPEA: (Con su voz aterciopelada, capta la atención de todos) No fue un avión.

MOSCA: ¿Casiopea?

CASIOPEA: He visto el polvo llegar y el polvo irse. He visto a la mujer brillante como mariposa amarilla... irse muy rápido. Vi llegar al Run Run Cataplum cuando era un bebé.

(Todos escuchan, hipnotizados).

CASIOPEA: Archibaldo le enseñó de libros. Heraclio le enseñó del internet. El Viejito venía y me contaba. (Imita la voz de Archibaldo) "Casiopea, qué gente tan rara. Me ghostearon". (Vuelve a su voz) "Casiopea, creo que me banearon del grupo de crucigramas". Él no entendía esas cosas.

GRILLO: (Lloriquea) ¿"Banearon"? ¿Le dolió?

CASIOPEA: Heraclio le pedía que se cuidara. Pero él solo sonreía... y ponía su música. Y antier... (Pausa larga)... se durmió escuchando su música... y ya no despertó. Se fue. Como un pajarito.

(Silencio total. TOBI esconde la cabeza entre sus patas).


Escena 2: La Casa Vacía

(La puerta se abre. Paso... arrastre. Paso... arrastre. Entra la sombra de HERACLIO (EL RUN RUN CATAPLUM). Está encorvado. Se oye un sollozo ahogado).

GRILLO: (Escondido) Está... ¿haciendo el ruido del agua?

CARLITA: Está... triste.

(La sombra de HERACLIO se arrodilla junto a TOBI).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (EN OFF, voz rota) ...Vienes conmigo, viejo amigo. (TOBI gime y lame la sombra).

(La sombra se acerca a CASIOPEA).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (EN OFF) ...Y tú también, anciana. Papá no querría que te quedaras sola. (La sombra levanta a CASIOPEA).

(Los insectos miran, aterrados. La sombra de HERACLIO mira la telaraña).

CARLITA: (Aterrada) Es mi fin.

MOSCA: ¡Te va a convertir en un gusano!

(La sombra de HERACLIO trae un frasco. Con una delicadeza infinita, acerca el frasco a CARLITA).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (EN OFF, susurrando) Vamos, amiga... Tienes que mudarte.

(CARLITA entra al frasco. La sombra de HERACLIO mira el sillón vacío).

VOZ DE HERACLIO: (EN OFF) ...Venderé la casa. No puedo con esto.

(La sombra se va con Tobi, Casiopea y Carlita. La puerta se cierra. El escenario queda vacío. Solo MOSCA, GRILLO, COL-COL (sin carrito) y la MARIPOSA NEGRA).

MOSCA: (Lloriqueando) Se... se los llevaron.

MARIPOSA NEGRA: (Aterrizando en el sillón vacío) Se acabó. El fin de una era.

GRILLO: (Triste) Nunca más habrá... Cri-Cran.

(El escenario queda en una luz azul y melancólica).


Escena 3: El Regreso del Ritmo.

(Silencio. De pronto, se oye un golpeteo en la puerta. Los insectos se asustan).

MOSCA: ¿Ahora qué?

(La puerta se abre un poquito. Entran ANTONIO (CRAN-CRAN) y GRILLO (CRI-CRI). Vienen discutiendo).

ANTONIO: ¡Te dije que los dejaste en el baño!

GRILLO: ¡Imposible! ¡Yo nunca uso calcetines en el baño!

MOSCA: (Grita de alegría) ¡GRILLO! ¡ANTONIO!

GRILLO: ¡Hola! ¡Perdón! Es que... ¿no han visto mis calcetines de la suerte?

ANTONIO: ¡Y yo mis anteojos de sol! ¡No puedo tocar percusión sin ellos!

(Miran alrededor. Notan el sillón vacío y la tristeza).

ANTONIO: Oigan... ¿y esta tristeza? ¿Qué pasó aquí? ¿Dónde está el Viejito?

MOSCA: (Triste) Se fue.

GRILLO: Se fue... en un avión. Está en el cielo.

ANTONIO: ¿En avión? ¡Qué fresa! ¿Y por eso están tristes? ¡Deberían estar celebrando!

CARLITA: (Entra corriendo. ¡Ha vuelto! Sin frasco) ¡Me escapé! ¡Salté del frasco en el semáforo! ¡El Run Run Cataplum ni cuenta se dio!

TODOS: ¡CARLITA!

ANTONIO: ¡Perfecto! ¡Llegó la artista! ¡Esto no puede estar triste! ¡La casa se queda, nosotros nos quedamos! ¡Y el ritmo... (golpea el suelo) ... también se queda!

GRILLO: ¡Pero Archibaldo ya no está!

CASIOPEA: (Su voz aterciopelada suena desde el rincón. ¡Heraclio la olvidó!) Archibaldo no está... pero su música sí.

MOSCA: ¡Es cierto! ¡Yo me acuerdo del baile!

ANTONIO: ¡Pues a bailar! ¡Grillo, dame el tono!

(GRILLO empieza a tocar "Cri-cri-cri". ANTONIO le mete el "Cran-cran-cran". La música de cumbia entra con toda su fuerza).

MOSCA: (Bailando) ¡El Viejito está en el campo de fútbol! ¡Y nosotros estamos de fiesta!

CARLITA: (Bailando en su red) ¡Esto se llama "La Cumbia de la Seda"!

COL-COL: (Que sigue en el suelo, sin patín) ¡Esperen... me! ¡No... empiecen... la... conga... sin... mí! (Mueve sus antenas al ritmo).

(Todos los bichitos bailan en una gran celebración. Una luz cálida y dorada ilumina el sillón vacío, como si Don Archibaldo estuviera ahí, sonriendo).

(APAGÓN RÁPIDO Y MÚSICA A TODO VOLUMEN).


(FIN)

miércoles, 22 de octubre de 2025

Don Archibaldo and the Secret World. Short Story, By GavarreBenjamin

 

 

 

Don Archibaldo and the Secret World


Short Story


By GavarreBenjamin




Chapter 1: Sun Drops

 

In Don Archibaldo de la Luz’s house, life had its own rules. It was a peculiar place where spiders, black butterflies, moths, crickets, and bumblebees were so  welcome as Tobi, the loyal dog. Somehow, word had spread: the "old man," as they called him, didn't bother with insects.

It was a house of open windows and balconies, where an occasional hummingbird would mistakenly fly in and out without panic.

One sweltering afternoon, when the air was so still that Carlita the spider felt her web in the corner wasn't vibrating, the familiar click of the hose was heard. Don Archibaldo smiled, aimed the stream of water not at the plants, but straight up at the blue sky, and then the magic happened. The water rose and broke into a million fine droplets, creating a personal shower that refreshed the patio.

And with the rain, as if by spontaneous generation, they arrived: a cloud of yellow butterflies.

—How wonderful! —sighed a black butterfly from a dry spot.

But not everyone was admiring.

—Too yellow, if you ask me —buzzed a fly, who always considered herself an expert on everything—. It's a... garish color. Dulls the eyes. Iridescent black, like mine, is much more elegant and discreet.

—They're so vain! —added a moth, feeling overshadowed.

—It's obvious where they came from —declared the fly to a bewildered beetle—. They were born from the water! The old man creates them. He shoots the water into the sky, the sun passes through it, and poof! Sun drops with wings.

The yellow butterflies, oblivious to the admiration, envy, and wild theories they provoked, happily drank from the wet leaves. And when the old man turned off the tap, they rose like a single golden cloud and disappeared above the trees, as mysteriously as they had arrived.

 

Chapter 2: The Scorpion's Concert

 

One night, that peace was broken. A new, dry, rhythmic sound filled the house.

Cran... cran!

—That’s not a cricket! —shrieked a real cricket, hiding.

Cran... cran!

—It’s the scorpion! —cried a moth—. I saw it! It has a scary tail! "Cran cran" means "I'm going to sting"!

Panic was total.

—Make it leave! —demanded the black butterfly—. We have to send it to the backyard!

—Yes! —supported the cricket, peeking out its antennae—. Where the evil cat lives! He’ll put it in its place!

While they debated how to move it without getting stung, the "expert" fly landed a safe distance away.

—Hey, you, the "cran cran" guy. What are you up to?

The scorpion stopped making its noise. It looked at the fly with its tiny multiple eyes.

—Up to? I was testing the acoustics. They’re excellent —it said in a raspy, surprisingly calm voice—. My name is Antonio. I’m a musician. Don't you recognize a 6/8 beat?

Everyone was stunned. Antonio the scorpion explained that the old man had seen him enter and had only said, "Watch your step, friend." That night, the house had an unforgettable concert: the cricket played its high-pitched melody, and Antonio accompanied it with his rhythmic percussion.

 

Chapter 3: Fly Days and Parrot Nights

 

Life returned to its usual discussions. The fly, feeling secure in her chat with Carlita the spider (who listened patiently, though for other reasons), boasted about her travels.

—This reminds me of the countryside —buzzed the fly, referring to a draft—. The fresh air... I'm an expert in the countryside!

—Oh, really? —asked Carlita, weaving.

—Of course! I've been there! It's a huge, green place full of shouting people! That's the countryside!

A little bird, who often flew in and out of the house, let out a chirp that sounded like laughter.

—A stadium? With all due respect, my friend, but the real countryside is very far from here. Flying, it would take me three or four days to get there!

The insects gasped.

—Three or four bird days? —asked Carlita—. How many "fly days" would that be?

No one knew what a "fly day" was or how long a fly lived.

—Someone once told me about a parrot! —said the black butterfly, changing the subject—. They say it talks and lives a hundred years.

—A parrot? —asked the cricket. No one in the room knew what that was.

 

Chapter 4: The Scent of Danger (The Evil Cat)

 

It was a lazy afternoon. Don Archibaldo dozed in his armchair, an open book on his chest, and a soft snore joined the house's symphony. Carlita was mending a thread of her web. All was calm.

And then, the air changed.

It wasn't a sound. It was a smell. A dense, musky scent, a smell of hunt and danger.

Tobi, who was sleeping at the foot of the armchair, snapped his head up, a low growl rising from deep within his chest.

A shadow glided in through the open balcony. It was too large to be a bird and moved with a grace no human possessed.

It was him. The Evil Cat. It had yellow, lantern-like eyes and dark fur that seemed to absorb light. It crouched, its eyes fixed on Carlita.

Grrrrrrrrr....

Tobi’s growl intensified. The cat turned its head, annoyed, hissed.

—Well, well. Look who we have here —said Don Archibaldo, who had woken up.

The cat looked at him, calculating.

—Mr. Cat —Archibaldo said calmly—. I believe this isn't your house. And those —he pointed at Carlita— are certainly not your appetizers. Shoo. To your yard.

The cat, unnerved by the human's lack of fear, turned around and, with a resentful leap, disappeared through the balcony.

—Did you see that? —whispered the fly—. The old man is a beast tamer!

 

Chapter 5: The Mystery of the Oil-Breathing Seal

 

Not all visitors were welcome. One Tuesday, instead of Don Archibaldo, the "Angry Lady" arrived. She came in sighing, making loud noises with buckets and rags, and bringing smells that stung the antennae.

—Hide! —Carlita shrieked.

From their hiding spots, the community watched the new creature.

—What... what kind of animal is that? —whispered a moth.

—Could it be a parrot? —ventured the beetle.

—No! It has no feathers —said the fly—. I know! It's a seal!

The theory was bold.

—A seal? Here? —doubted the cricket.

—Of course! —insisted the beetle—. It needs to be wet! And it smells weird because seals breathe oil!

—Absurd! —interjected the cricket—. My cousin lives near the aquarium. Seals eat fish! Do you see this one eating fish? No! It's attacking the furniture with a rag!

The lady finished, let out a long, sad sigh looking out the window, and left.

—I know what it is —said the fly softly—. It's a human. Like the old man. But it's one who has a terrible life. I bet it doesn't even have a single dog. Not even an evil cat to keep it company.

 

Chapter 6: The Old-Man-Puppy

 

But there was another visitor, the most terrifying and confusing of all. First, a RUUUUM-BAP-BAP! that vibrated the windows. Then, footsteps: Step... drag. Step... drag.

It was Heraclio de la Luz, the son. He was 37, but to the insects, he was the "Old-Man-Puppy": the young, fast, and angry version of Don Archibaldo.

—Hide! It's him! —shrieked the cricket—. The one who walks crooked!

—He's a hunter! —declared the fly—. That RUUUUM! is his speed machine. And he walks crooked because a rhinoceros charged him! That's why he's so angry today!

Heraclio burst in, slamming the door.

—Archibaldo. Here's your groceries.

Don Archibaldo de la Luz lowered his book.

—Ah, Heraclito, son. Good you're here.

Heraclio grumbled as he put away the items with violent efficiency.

—I've told you, don't call me Heraclito. And stop reading. Have you eaten yet?

—Not yet.

Heraclio's angry face softened for an instant. He warmed a container he'd brought and placed it before his father.

—Eat.

From the shadows, the insects understood nothing. He gave orders to the old man, but he also fed him.

—It's because he was born without a mother —whispered Tobi, who understood such things—. He's lonely. And his den... is that noisy machine.

 

Chapter 7: The "Bug" and the Philosophy of the River

 

Another day, Heraclio arrived more frustrated than usual.

—Archibaldo! People in the street are crazy today! Crazy!

—Hello, Heraclito —greeted the old man, looking up from his crossword puzzle—. "Crazy" in what philosophical sense? By the way, I've always liked our surname. At least you're "of the Light" and not "of the River," like your namesake Heraclitus of Ephesus, who said everything flows...

—You're going to start with the river again! —Heraclio cut in, rubbing his face—. My patience doesn't flow! I have a giant "bug" in the new client's system and I don't know where to start! I hate "bugs"!

A chilling terror ran through the insects.

—A "BUG"! —cried the moth—. In the system!

—"Bug" means insect! —shrieked the cricket—. He hates us! He wants to wipe us out!

—He's going to fumigate! —whimpered the fly.

They were about to cause a stampede when a high-pitched voice came from the balcony. It was Ardi, a squirrel who sometimes stole nuts from the kitchen.

—Shhh! Ignoramuses! —chattered—. Calm down! "Bug" is a human word. When their light boxes don't work, they say they have a "bug." It means "error." An "insect" in their machine. It doesn't refer to you. It refers to a problem they have.

The insects let out a collective sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, Don Archibaldo gestured with his chin towards his son's shoulder. A yellow butterfly had landed on Heraclio's black leather jacket.

—Still! —Archibaldo said—. Look at it. It's perfect. What computer "bug" can compete with that design?

Heraclio, the noisy man on the motorcycle, stood motionless. He watched the yellow wings. And then, Carlita, who had the best angle, saw it: a small, almost invisible, but genuine smile formed on Heraclio's face as he mumbled: "You're a case, Archibaldo."

 

Chapter 8: The Turtle Who Remembered Everything

 

The house felt strange. Don Archibaldo hadn't come out for two days. Tobi lay by his bedroom door and didn't move. Heraclio had come, made strange, weeping sounds, and then left.

—Where did the old man go? —asked the black butterfly.

—He took a plane! —insisted the fly.

—I don't think so... —Tobi said softly—. This time is different.

—They were all fools —said a new voice, slow and deep like old stones.

From the deep shadows beneath the bookshelf, Casiopea the turtle emerged. No one had seen her move in years.

—I've been in this house longer than the dust —she said—. Do you want to know who Archibaldo was? He wasn't a king. He was a teacher. He was always so kind. And he had a wife... as bright as a yellow butterfly. But she left too soon, right after Heraclito arrived.

»And Archibaldo stayed with the boy. He taught him everything: books, history, his music records. And Heraclito taught him. He taught him about the internet. Archibaldo had friends online, but he would come and tell me: "Casiopea, such strange people. We were talking, and suddenly they ghosted me." Or: "I think they banned me from the crossword group." He didn't understand those things.

»In the end, he always came back to the same things —the turtle continued—. To his plants. To us. But he didn't take care of himself. Heraclio begged him to go to the doctor. But he just smiled. And the day before yesterday... he left. Like a little bird. He fell asleep listening to his music and never woke up.

A heavy silence fell over the room.

 

Chapter 9: The New House (Epilogue)

 

The door opened. It was Heraclio. He wasn't the angry "Old-Man-Puppy," but a man with a practical sadness. He carried boxes.

Heraclio walked through the house, packing his father's books, his records. He saw Tobi and scratched his ears.

—You're coming with me, old friend.

Then he saw Casiopea.

—And you too, old one. Dad wouldn't want you to be alone.

Finally, his eyes rested on the corner of the window. On Carlita, paralyzed with fear in her web.

Heraclio looked at her. He went to the kitchen, took a glass jar and a piece of cardboard. With a delicacy no one had ever seen in him, he brought the jar closer.

—Come on, friend —he whispered—. You have to move.

Carefully, he guided Carlita into the jar and poked holes in the lid.

He stood looking at the empty house. Tobi by his leg, the jar in one hand and the box with Casiopea in the other.

—I'll sell the house —he said aloud, to himself—. I can't... I can't be here without him.

He left for the last time, with his step... drag. And even if he sold the walls, Heraclio carried the heart of the house with him. He knew that wherever he placed that jar, in his new, solitary apartment, it wouldn't be long before a cricket found its way, or a moth was drawn to the light.

The new apartment was silent. Heraclio sat on the modern sofa. The silence of the empty house was enormous.

Bzzzz...

A fly. Common. Buzzing.

Heraclio raised his hand, the old instinct to swat it. But he stopped. He slowly lowered his hand. He let out a long, tired sigh, exactly like his father's.

—It's okay... —he mumbled, waving his hand lazily to shoo it away—. You can stay. But don't bring your noisy friends. Understood?

The fly landed on the ceiling lamp.

Heraclio smiled. A tiny, almost invisible, sad and real smile. The spirit of Archibaldo de la Luz had not entirely left.


Image Description

 

Description for Image Generation:

A medium shot of Heraclio, a man in his late 30s with a worn leather jacket and a slight, almost imperceptible limp, standing in a brightly lit room. He holds a clear glass jar gently in one hand, inside which Carlita, a small spider, is visible. Heraclio's face, though usually gruff, shows a rare, tender, and melancholic expression. In the background, out of focus but visible, Don Archibaldo, an older man with kind eyes, is sitting in an armchair, smiling warmly at his son. A loyal dog (Tobi) is resting near Archibaldo's feet. The room is filled with soft natural light, highlighting dust motes in the air, a subtle nod to the insect life around them. The overall mood is poignant and hopeful, focusing on the subtle passing of traditions and care.