Scene 4
Late Evening
Adam has set up an office area in the sitting room
Books have become small tables around him. His laptop and a glass of Jack Daniels
rests on a copy of the Merry Wives of Windsor. He drinks his whiskey slowly.
He is struggling to write. Anne lingers by the door.
Anne: Hey
Adam: Oh, hello. Thought you’d be asleep.
Anne : Nope, the pills keep me awake, more than bad dreams. I suppose that keeps you up?
She gestures to the laptop.
Adam: What, the nose to the grind nose ?
Anne: Yes and the alcohol. Can i have some?
Adam: Mixed with the medication? You must be joking…
Anne ( Interrupts) I know you’re trying to be a parent but its already too late for that
I‘ve got these fancy cuffs on my wrists, my brain is fried and the three important men in my
life are staying in my house as though it were a survival sleepover. So, Dad. Can i have
some whiskey?
Adam: Fair enough, help yourself. Might actually switch off the philosophical bullshit you keep
sprouting.
Anne: And you wonder where i got it from
She receives the glass but doesn’t drink it, instead she coddles it.
Cus it wasn’t from mum.
Adam: You’re right about that.
Anne: What did i do wrong? What was it that made me disappoint both of you so much.
Adam: What? We never….
Anne: ( Interrupts) Don’t. I know how you lie. I mean, a parent’s job is to present the world to their
child with open arms and say “ This is yours, i give you this. Live life to the full” But Dad,
how can you when the glass that is supposed to be full is empty and the arms are closed.
What was i supposed to do? I orchestrated my own tragedy, i got into the university you
wanted for me. They dragged me to the edge and threw me into the deep end with an
anchor attached. I asked for help from both of you. Both. Of. You. And i got these souvenirs
instead.
She lifts up her arms and shows him the bandages tied tightly around both her wrists. They’re not
the usual design of bandage but are dyed blue. But as she shows Adam playfully, the glass slips
from her hand.
Anne: See. I opened my arms and damage occurs. Yours stay closed and i suffer.
No. I lie, we both do.
Adam: What are you talking about?
Anne: I know about you and Chris. My Godfather, your former lover.
Adam comes over to pick up the shards of glass but cuts himself.
Adam: It wasn’t like that. Ow.
Anne: So it was just simple male attention then?
Adam: Male attention? You’re not a child, Anne.
Anne: You’re right. I’m not. But i can’t be left alone, can i? You like Chris… love Chris?
Adam: I’m not having this conversation with you.
Anne: Fine. But you know if you did, i’d be happy for you. And that’s not the pills talking.
She places her hand firmly on her chest and walks away slowly.
Adam: Thanks.
He places his hand on his chest. Then onto his face as he starts to cry.
Blackout.