The Eleventh Planet

grown-ups

The eleventh planet described in the book is said to be the home of aliens who visit Earth every few thousand years and take away some of the best-hearted and purest-souled people.

Three bums, eager to escape the daily grind of begging and finding a place to stay, begin preparations to establish contact with the aliens. First, they try to call them on their mobile phones, and then they draw on paper the promised planet and the spaceship that will take them there.

PETER: Do you think it’s wrong?

MAGDALENE: What, stealing a leg of pork?

PETER. No, dreaming about leaving this world. About, you know, disappearing from this ... from this ...

MAGDALENE: I’m sure it isn’t.

(Paul types a number into his cell phone. He puts the phone to his ear and listens. He replaces the phone in his pocket. Peter and Magdalene stare at him, waiting.)

PAUL: “The number is not available at the moment, please try later.”

PETER: Who did you call?

PAUL: 11 11 11.

PETER. Why?

PAUL: To ask them when we’re leaving.