(A man appears dragging a sizeable suitcase across the stage. He is pulling a rope which is attached to the handle of the suitcase. He works very hard and strains to pull it, and needs to pause now and again for periods of rest and recovery. He faces audience and wistfully wonders aloud what he has wondered many times before.)

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be free of this load some day, or at least to be able to afford a set of wheels to put under it, as I have seen others do.”

( A person approaches him, concealing something under his coat.)

“We have heard your heart’s cry, and I have come to unburden you.”

“How do you propose to do that?”

“As simply as possible. Please permit me…don’t be alarmed.” (Pulls sharp knife from under his coat.)

“Cloak and dagger? Ow, that kind of hurts!”

“It sometimes does at first.” (As he severs the rope, exerting great strength.) ” Now, try walking.”

(The former baggage bearer begins tentatively as if his baggage were still attached.)

“Stand straight and walk, you’re burden has been cut away.”. (He tries again but still walks like he is pulling something.)

” I can’t seem to get the hang of it, I’ve grown so accustomed, you see.”

“Excuse the pun, but there is no hang of it. It’s gone.”

“I see that, but how long till it sinks in and I walk like it isn’t there?

“With some it takes longer than others.”

“What do I need to do?”

“Just keep walking.”