Act 1, Scene 1

(Verona High School. The campus is buzzing with activity as students rush to and fro. ROMEO and BENVOLIO enter, both looking downcast.)

ROMEO: Oh Benvolio, woe is me! I cannot help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.

BENVOLIO: Pray tell, what troubles you so? Has Rosaline's heart proved impervious to your charms once again?

ROMEO: No, dear cousin. My heart has been struck by another, one whose beauty rivals even the stars in the sky. But alas, she is forbidden to me.

BENVOLIO: Forbidden? By whom?

ROMEO: By her family, the Capulets. Their daughter Juliet is the fairest creature to grace this earth, and yet I fear our families' ancient feud will keep us apart forever.

BENVOLIO: Surely there must be some way to unite your love, Romeo. We cannot let this petty conflict destroy your happiness.

ROMEO: I know not what to do, but my heart will not rest until I am by Juliet's side.

(Enter JULIET and her nurse, who is texting on her phone.)

JULIET: Oh Romeo, my Romeo! How my heart aches for thee!

NURSE: (to Juliet) Who's this Romeo, now? Have you met him on Tinder?

JULIET: (ignoring the Nurse) Romeo, I cannot bear the thought of being apart from you.

ROMEO: Juliet, my love! If only our families could see past their grievances and embrace our union.

BENVOLIO: (to Juliet) I fear their anger will only lead to more violence.

NURSE: (whispering to Juliet) Girl, you better think twice before going against your parents. Have you forgotten what happened to your cousin Tybalt at that party last week?

JULIET: (whispering back) I don't care about their silly grudges. I love Romeo, and nothing will keep us apart.

ROMEO: Then let us make a vow, my love. A vow to be together, no matter what obstacles stand in our way.

JULIET: Yes, Romeo. I swear by the moon, that we shall be together, even if it means defying our families and the world.

(They kiss passionately as the Nurse takes a selfie with them in the background.)

BENVOLIO: (aside) Oh, what fools these lovers be.

(Exit all.)