Divine DNA (Drama) by Priscilla Ozioma Egbo

 

 DIVINE DNA: WHERE GRACE MEETS LOVE

CHARACTERS

• SERAPHINA - A Talent and Productivity Manager in her early 30s, confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. Intelligent, warm, and insecure about her physical challenges.
• CHUKS - An Aeronautical Engineer in his late 30s, comely, spiritual and highly sought after, who consults for Seraphina's company.
• TABITHA - Seraphina's mother, a woman of unwavering faith who has supported her daughter through her challenges.
• DR. RAYMOND - The neurologist who diagnosed Seraphina's condition ten years ago.
• WURA - Seraphina's assistant and friend at work, supportive but sometimes overprotective.
• PASTOR COLLINS - Leader of Seraphina's church community, who serves as her spiritual mentor.
• TUNDE - Chuk's close friend who questions his interest in Seraphina.
• SOPHIA - A beautiful executive who has been pursuing Chuks and becomes jealous of his interest in Seraphina.

ACT I
SCENE 1
A hospital consultation room, ten years ago. Young Seraphina (21) and Tabitha sit across from Dr. Raymond, who has a grave expression.
DR. RAYMOND: (gently) The test results confirm what we suspected, Ms. Seraphina. You have a form of cerebral palsy that's been progressing slowly since birth.
TABITHA: (taking Seraphina's hand) But she's been walking all her life, doc. There must be some mistake.
DR. RAYMOND: (shaking his head) It's an atypical presentation. The recent falls and muscle weakness indicate the condition has accelerated. I'm afraid the deterioration of motor functions will continue.
SERAPHINA: What does that mean for me?
DR. RAYMOND: (with clinical compassion) You'll likely need to use a wheelchair permanently within the next few weeks. I'm sorry.
SERAPHINA: (stunned) Me? Cerebral pal..sy? How, I mean, hh..ow?
(Seraphina begins to cry as Tabitha embraces her)
TABITHA: God has not abandoned you, my child. This is not the end of your story.
SERAPHINA: (through tears) Mumm, I have just two weeks left... to.. be normal.
TABITHA: (firmly) You are and always will be more than your ability to walk, Seraphina.
(Lights fade)

SCENE 2

Seraphina's office at Zenith Innovations. It's elegantly arranged to accommodate her wheelchair. Seraphina is absorbed in reviewing documents when Wura enters.
WURA: (thrilled) Mr. Olanrewaju is here again. Third time this week! The board meeting ended twenty minutes ago.
SERAPHINA: He's probably just being thorough with the project, Wura.
WURA: (smirking) Sure! and I'm just being thorough when I check my former fiancé’s Instagram page fifteen times a day.
SERAPHINA: (laughing) You're impossible!
WURA: (arranging papers on desk) He could have any woman in Lagos, yet he wheels you out to lunch twice a week. That man is interested, Sera.
SERAPHINA: And why would someone like him be interested in someone like me?
ANGELA: There you go again. When will you see yourself the way others see you?
(Chuks knocks and enters)
CHUKS: (confidently) Good afternoon, ladies.
WURA: Mr. Chuks, what a surprise! I was just about leaving (winks at Seraphina).
(Wura exits, giving Seraphina an encouraging smile)
CHUKS: (sitting across from Seraphina) Your productivity metrics for the last quarter are impressive. The board can't stop singing your praises.
SERAPHINA: I believe in measuring what matters. People perform better when they know their work is valued.
CHUKS: (leaning forward) That's what I admire about you. You see value where others might miss it.
SERAPHINA: (uncomfortable with the compliment) Would you like to review the new talent acquisition strategy?
CHUKS: (smiling) Actually, I was hoping you might join me for dinner tonight. There's a new restaurant at Victoria Island I've been wanting to try.
SERAPHINA: (hesitant) I... I should finish these reports.
CHUKS: The reports will be here tomorrow. But moments to connect are rare.
(Seraphina considers for a moment)
SERAPHINA: (softly) Alright. Dinner sounds nice.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 3
An upscale restaurant. Seraphina and Chuks are at a table. The staff has been accommodating with Seraphina's wheelchair.
CHUKS: (after they've been served) Tell me something you've never told anyone at work.
SERAPHINA: (startled) That's quite a request over appetizers.
CHUKS: (laughing) I find that good food makes for honest conversation.
SERAPHINA: Alright. Before my diagnosis, I wanted to be a volley baller. I used to practice for hours in the mini court yard of my compound, with a neighbourhood acquaintance.
CHUKS: Wow! Interesting!! What drew you to that line of sport?
SERAPHINA: Well, this may sound funny, but I developed a soft spot for it during my service year, and since then, I’ve spared no effort in getting better at it. (Pauses and lets out a deep sigh), my goal was that someday, if Christ tarries, I’d partake in the Olympic Games for Women Category of Volley ballers. But as it seems now, hmm—
CHUKS: See, I understand your love for volleyball runs deep, and this feels like a dream being taken away. But volleyball might still be part of your story, just in a different chapter than you first imagined.
SERAPHINA: How do you mean?
CHUKS: You see, your disability changes how you might play, but it doesn't have to end your volleyball journey. A handful of adaptive sports program, offer volleyball with modifications for various abilities. The skills that make a great volleyball player—quick thinking, teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and passion for the game—are all strengths you can still bring to the court. Your unique perspective might even give you advantages others don't have.
SERAPHINA: You don't have to do that Chuks.
CHUKS: (confused) Do what?
SERAPHINA: Try to make me feel better about what I've lost.
CHUKS: I'm not. I'm trying to understand what you've gained.
(A moment of silence as Seraphina processes this)
SERAPHINA: (changing the subject) What about you? What's something you've never told anyone at Zenith?
CHUKS: Hmm! I almost gave up engineering after my father died. He was the reason I pursued it.
SERAPHINA: What made you continue?
CHUKS: Well, I realized that honouring his memory wasn't about trailing his path, but about embracing the grace to find my own.
SERAPHINA: Hmm! Grace is such a powerful thing, or do I say force?
CHUKS: (nodding) It's what sustains us when we think we can't go on.  (Checks watch) It's getting late. I should get you home.
SERAPHINA: (with a hint of disappointment) Yes, I should go.
CHUKS: I've enjoyed our conversations, Seraphina, more than your mind can fathom.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 4
In Seraphina's home. Tabitha is preparing tea as Seraphina enters, wheeled by Chuks.
TABITHA: Mr. Chuks, thank you for bringing my daughter home safely.
CHUKS: (respectfully) It was my pleasure, Mrs. Tabitha.
SERAPHINA: (to CHUKS) Thank you for dinner. And the conversation.
CHUKS: (to TABITHA) You have an extraordinary daughter, ma'am.
TABITHA: That I do. God's grace manifests in her every day.
CHUKS: I can see that. (to SERAPHINA) I should be going. Good night.
(CHUKS exits)
TABITHA: (raising an eyebrow) He seems quite taken with you.
SERAPHINA: (dismissively) He's just being kind.
TABITHA: (sitting beside her) Seraphina, when will you accept that your wheelchair doesn't define your worth?
SERAPHINA: Mama, I'm not blind to how the world works. Men like Chuks don't end up with women like me.
TABITHA: (taking her hand) Christ's grace doesn't follow the world's rules, my dear. It upends them completely.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 5
A park bench. Chuks and his friend Tunde are watching people jog by.
TUNDE: Let me get this straight. You're interested in the woman in the wheelchair? (says incredulously)
CHUKS: (firmly) Her name is Seraphina.
TUNDE: (shaking head) Chuks, be reasonable. You could have anyone. Sophia has been throwing herself at you for months.
CHUKS: Sophia is interested in what I represent, not who I am.
TUNDE: And what about children? A normal life?
CHUKS: (standing up, angrily) "Normal"? What's normal about pursuing someone for shallow reasons? Seraphina sees me—not my degrees, not my family name, not my bank account.
TUNDE: (defensive) I'm just looking out for you, fella.
CHUKS: I know, I know. But you should know this—I've never felt more myself than when I'm with her.
(Lights fade)
ACT II
SCENE 1
Seraphina's church after a service. Pastor Collins speaks with Seraphina as congregants roam about.
PASTOR COLLINS: I noticed you've been distracted during services lately, Seraphina.
SERAPHINA: I'm sorry, Pastor. I have had a lot on my mind.
PASTOR COLLINS: Would you like to share?
SERAPHINA: (hesitant) There's... someone. A man from work.
PASTOR COLLINS: (smiling) And that troubles you?
SERAPHINA: I don't want to hope for something that can't be real. Why would God place this desire in my heart only to remind me of my limitations?
PASTOR COLLINS: Perhaps what you see as limitations, God sees as opportunities for His grace to be revealed.
SERAPHINA: Through heartbreak?
PASTOR COLLINS: Through love that transcends the world's narrow definition of worthiness. Remember, we are all partakers of Christ's grace—not because we deserve it, but because He freely gives it.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 2
Seraphina's office. She's working late when Chuks enters with takeout food.
CHUKS: You missed dinner. Wura said you've been here since seven this morning.
SERAPHINA: (tired) The quarterly review is tomorrow. I need everything to be perfect.
CHUKS: (setting the food down) You need to eat.
SERAPHINA: Thank you. But you really didn't have to do this.
CHUKS: I wanted to. These past few months, getting to know you have been... significant for me.
SERAPHINA: (guarded) Chuks...
CHUKS: (continuing) I know you keep expecting me to realize this is a mistake, but it's not going to happen.
SERAPHINA: (emotional) You don't understand what you're saying. A life with me means challenges. Medical issues. Accessibility concerns. Stares from strangers.
CHUKS: Do you think I haven't considered all of that?
SERAPHINA: (vulnerable) Then why?
CHUKS: Because in a world full of people running in circles, you move with purpose. Because your soul shines through your eyes when you’re at your best. Because you've fought battles that would destroy most people, yet, you still find reasons to hold on to God’s unchanging hand.
(Seraphina is moved but still uncertain)
CHUKS: (taking her hand) I'm not saying it will be easy. I'm saying it will be worth it.
SERAPHINA: (tearful) I'm afraid to believe that.
CHUKS: Hey, look at me! (She does) I can take care of you.
SERAPHINA: (whispering) Those words...
CHUKS: (continuing) And you can take care of me. That's what partnership is. Not dependency, but interdependence. Grace flowing both ways.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 3
A corporate event. Seraphina is in conversation with colleagues when Sophia approaches.
SOPHIA: (with fake sweetness) Heyy Seraphina! I've been meaning to talk to you.
SERAPHINA: Sophia, how are you? (replies in a professional tone)
SOPHIA: (lowering voice) I'll be direct. Whatever you think is happening with Chuks needs to stop. It's embarrassing for everyone involved.
SERAPHINA: (maintaining composure) I don't think that's any of your concern.
SOPHIA: (cruelly) He's clearly caught up in some saviour complex. Once the novelty wears off, he'll realize what a burden you'd be.
(Chuks approaches, having eavesdropped on their converse)
CHUKS: (coldly to SOPHIA) You should walk away now.
SOPHIA: (surprised) Chuks, I was just—
CHUKS: Revealing who you truly are. And I thank you for that clarity.
(SOPHIA leaves, humiliated)
SERAPHINA: (upset) She's right, though, isn't she? Is that what this is—some kind of project for you?
CHUKS: Seraphina, listen to me. I don't see a project or a burden when I look at you. I see the woman God has graciously caused my paths to cross, I treasure you, and you know that.
(Seraphina looks stunned)
CHUKS: (continuing) Yes, if it means me coming out plain, I’d do that without hesitation; Seraphina, I love you. And I'm tired of waiting for you to believe it.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 4
Tabitha's living room. Seraphina is deep in thought when Tabitha enters.
TABITHA: You've barely spoken since you came home. Did something happen?
SERAPHINA: (softly) Mum, Bayo said... he..he loves me.
TABITHA: (sitting beside her) And that troubles you?
SERAPHINA: Mama, what if I let myself believe him, and then one day he wakes up and realizes the truth?
TABITHA: What truth is that?
SERAPHINA: (voice breaking) That I'm not worth the struggle.
TABITHA: Seraphina Banks, listen to me (she says firmly). For ten years, I've watched you rebuild yourself from the ground up. You've turned stones of affliction into stepping stones of testimony. If that man can't see your worth, he doesn't deserve your love.
SERAPHINA: (wiping tears) But what if he can see it? What then?
TABITHA: (smiling) Then you accept the grace being offered to you, just as you've accepted God's grace all these years.
(Lights fade)
SCENE 5
A garden at sunset. Chuks has arranged a private dinner. Seraphina arrives, being wheeled by Wura, who then discreetly leaves.
CHUKS: (approaching) Thank you for coming.
SERAPHINA: (taking in the setting) This is beautiful!!
CHUKS: (nervously) I wanted this moment to be special.
SERAPHINA: (softly) Chuks, I've been thinking about what you said. About love.
CHUKS: (hopeful) And?
SERAPHINA: (vulnerable) All my life, I've been defined by what I couldn't do. Even after my diagnosis, I fought to prove my worth through achievements, credentials, promotions.
CHUKS: (listening intently)
SERAPHINA: But with you, for the first time, I feel valued simply for who I am.
CHUKS: (moves to kneel beside her wheelchair) Because that's all that matters to me. Your spirit. Your heart. Your mind.
SERAPHINA: (fondling with her fingers and bringing her gaze below) I've been so afraid to believe someone could love me completely.
CHUKS: (looking her in the face) Maybe that's what grace is—receiving a love we don't think we deserve.
SERAPHINA: (smiling through tears) Then I choose to accept that grace. I love you too, Chuks.
CHUKS: (handling her the beautiful bouquet) Seraphina Banks, will you marry me? Will you let me take care of you, as you take care of me, for the rest of our lives?
SERAPHINA: Yes. Yes, I will.
(As Chuks presents the flower to her, lights slowly fade)
SCENE 6
Church altar. Pastor Collins stands with Chuks, who is waiting nervously. The music changes and everyone turns to see Seraphina in her wheelchair, being escorted by Tabitha. Seraphina is radiant in her wedding dress.
PASTOR COLLINS: (to congregation) Today we witness not just the union of two lives, but a testament to God's grace made manifest through love. A love that sees beyond limitations, that finds strength in vulnerability, and beauty in imperfection.
(Tabitha wheels Seraphina to Chuk's side)

CHUKS: (taking Seraphina's hands, voice filled with emotion) I promise to be your partner in all things, to lift you when you fall, to celebrate your victories, and to face each challenge by your side. With my body, I thee adore, and with my treasures, I thee serve. I vow, through God’s enabling grace, to love thee as Christ did the church, and be a responsible and present father in our children’s lives.
SERAPHINA: (radiant) I promise to be your shelter in storms, your comfort in sorrow, your joy in triumph. I promise to remind you every day that love is not about perfection, but about grace freely given and gratefully received.
PASTOR COLLINS: (to all) Let us remember that we are all partakers of Christ's grace—a grace that transforms our weaknesses into testimony and our brokenness into purpose.

END