We get some B-Roll shots of the famous “David Traum”, with some narration.
“Meet David Traum. Winner of over 8 awards, writer of 6 plays, and creative visionary. Today, we’ll be interviewing this incredible man. LIVE.” The narration says, as finally, the footage starts.
The footage begins with the film crew going to the playhouse theatre, where supposedly, David is located.
“Today, we will be interviewing David Traum. We’ll be asking him questions about his creative process, and-“ The host says, with a member of the film crew interrupting.
“You did get permission, right?” The crew member says.
“Of course I got permission! I have standards, I don’t just barge into the houses of celebrities to ask for their interview! What kinda host do you think I am?” The host says.
“Well, it’s just… this guy is pretty strange.” The crew member says.
The host stops walking towards the theatre.
“…Yea, that is a good point.” The host says… then he continues walking. “Oh well, who cares? This is an amazing opportunity anyways!”
They make it into the theatre, asking an employee near the entrance where David might be, even giving them context for that question. The employee leads them to a backstage room.
“Alright, everyone. Behold! THE DAVID TRAU-“ The host says, before he opens the door.
The room itself is pretty strange. An empty room with painted red walls, and a sleek wooden floor with a black and white chevron pattern painted on it. David Traum lies on the floor of the room, lifeless, with multiple bottles of pills on the floor.
“Oh… oh god.” The host says, another crew member saying “Oh my god, i-is he dead?”
They are all very shocked at the sight.
“…Folks, I am… deeply sorry about this. It appears that David Traum has…” The host looks back of David’s body in sorrow. “…has died in his sleep.”
“Let us all have this moment of silence for him.” The host says, closing his eyes and intending to keep quiet for a bit. While he is doing this, however, David just wakes up groggily.
“Augh, oh my…” David says, waking up.
The host hears this, and turns around quickly, shocked. “W-Wait, what the fu…” The host manages to blabber out.
“…Oh, hey Alex.” David says, saying hello to the host.
The host turns to the camera, confused. “…what?”
“C’mon, it’s just me. I was just having a little nap, get over here.” David says, wanting the crew to go into the room to start the interview.
“Y-You were having a nap?” The host asks, David nodding.
“…On… the floor?” The host asks, David saying “Yea, why?”
“…Doesn’t matter.” The host says, sitting on the floor with David so that they can have a proper interview setup.
“How ya doin, David?” The host asks, David responding with “I’m feeling… I’m feeling good right now. Yea.”
“Alright, well, let’s start with the question we’ve all been wondering now.” The host says, before clearing his throat, and asking “What’s your creative process?”
David Traum thinks about the topic.
“…Well, I wouldn’t tell ya, but… I’m getting on in years.” David says, the host saying “Yea, seems like it. What are you, 36?”
“43, actually.” David says, the host responding with “Really?”
“Yea. Anyways, I might retire soon due to my age, so… hey, why the hell shouldn’t I reveal my ‘process’?” David says, before picking up one of the pill bottles, and handing it to the host.
The label says “Deep Sleeper’s Melatonin”.
“…Wh…” The host stares at the bottle in deep confusion, before saying “What?”
“I dream up my plays. That’s it, that’s all I do. That’s why I was napping earlier.” David says, the entire film crew shocked.
“Wha- no. No, you’re joking!” The host says, before saying “There’s no way you dreamed up award-winni-“
“Nah, I did. Had to add in a lot of plot stuff in for my plays to be real stories though, dreams aren’t linear.” David says.
“You mean to tell me, that for 15 years, you’ve written award-winning plays by overdosing on medicine?” The host says.
“Yea.” David says.
“…” The host hates this. A part of this hatred is because he can’t deny this now.
“…I’m glad you enjoyed it though, Alex. I really am.” David says.
“…Wait, so if you dreamed up all your plays, why did it have so many metaphors?” The host says.
“My plays don’t have that many metaphors, you guys just theorize a lot.” David says, following up with “Some theories are right, but some theories are just… they’re just stupid. You guys are stupid.” David says, laughing a bit.
“…” The host thinks about something.
“You’re gonna retire, right?” The host asks, David answering with “Yea, I’m planning on making one more play before I do, though.”
“Well, I guess… I guess that’s it.” The host gets up, and leaves the room.
“See ya, David.” The host says.
“Goodbye.” David replies.
After the interview ended, David went back to sleep to come up with another part for his final play.
David never woke up.
Turns out abusing extremely effective melatonin for years on end does damage to one’s body, and eventually kills them.
In his honor, that episode was aired for an entire week, always starting at 3 PM.