Treatment
Act I
The audience is in darkness. Slowly, a projection with the definition of the word disease
fades up on a screen:
Disease – noun
A particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person
or group of people.
The projection fades to black.
Prologue: Diagnosis
Setting: A Café in Portland Oregon
Time: Now
In Darkness, we hear low music playing. Lights come up on a deserted coffee shop. Eve, a
young woman in her early 20’s appears from the kitchen. She is the only employee on
duty. She looks around at the lack of customers and decides to keep herself busy by
wiping down the tables for the hundredth time that day. As she begins her menial task,
not paying too much attention to anything else around her, a teenage girl of 18 enters the
coffee shop unnoticed.
The girl, Hunter, sits down on a stool at the coffee shop counter. She picks up a menu and
thumbs through it quickly, browsing the options. After a few moments, she grows
obviously impatient that Eve is wiping tables and not serving her.
Hunter gets Eve’s attention.
Hunter: Excuse me…can I get some service?
Eve, caught off guard, looks up flustered. She makes her way behind the counter.
Eve: What can I get you?
Hunter: I’ll just have a latte. With soymilk, unsweetened.
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Eve: Do you want to add a vanilla or chocolate shot to that?
Hunter: (looks at Eve) I said unsweetened?
Eve: Oh, right. Sorry. It’ll just be a minute.
Eve goes to the kitchen. We hear an espresso machine kick on and the unmistakable
sounds of milk frothing. Hunter takes out a phone and dials. She speaks to a friend.
Hunter: Hey, what’s up? No I’m not at school, I’m getting a latte. So…I’m a senior, what are they
going to do? Suspend me?
Eve reappears and starts to bring the coffee to Hunter. She goes to put the coffee on the
counter and opens her mouth to speak but her words come out as gibberish
Eve: Herefsh yrrr yaltte…
She appears confused and starts to tremble. Hunter looks at her.
Hunter: Are you okay?
The moment passes and a look of horror crosses Eve’s face as the lights shift. A tight spot
light on Eve as music plays and she sing/speaks the next line to the audience
Glioblastoma Multiforme… the most aggressive malignant brain tumor…common symptoms
include seizure, nausea, and headaches…but the most common is…progressive memory,
personality and neurological loss...
Music stops and the lights return to normal. Eve appears frightened and hurries offstage.
Hunter: Weird. (Into the phone) Not you, the waitress. She just freaked out or something.
Another call comes through. Hunter looks at the phone and rolls her eyes.
Crap. Can I call you back? It’s my Mom. (Switches over)
Hi Mom. What? Wait, Mom slow down you’re talking too fast. Holly is where? The
hospital…again?
Lights shift to a tight spot light on Hunter as music plays and she sing/speaks the next line
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Dilated viral cardiomyopathy… enlarged heart cavity…the heart becomes weak and does not
pump blood properly…symptoms are: abnormal heart rhythms and slow blood flow. Blood clots
in the heart form easily…
Music stops and lights return to normal. She speaks to her mother on the phone
Well you better come get me. What do you mean when? Now! (hangs up) Unbelievable!
She runs out the door of the café.
Eve comes back onstage checking to see that she is finally alone. She scurries to change
the sign from open to closed. She has a moment of silence to make sense of what just
happened.
She leans against the café door and sobs.
Black out
Scene 1:
At the hospital, a few days after the opening
Lights come up on a hospital room and a bed. There is a curtain drawn down the middle
of the room behind which is a second bed, not visible to the audience. We hear two
voices and the sounds of two people obviously in love.
The Nurse enters pushing Eve in a wheelchair
Nurse: Alright Sugar, take a look at your new room; it looks bare now but you can brighten it up
with some of your own things.
Eve: It’s fine like it is.
Nurse: Come on and spice it up a bit…you could put up some pictures, posters…anything.
The Nurse helps Eve out of the chair and settles her into her hospital bed
Eve: (brief pause) I’ll think about it.
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Giggle from behind the curtain. The Nurse rolls her eyes and draws the curtain open
between the two hospital beds and finds Jeremy and Lila in a compromising position.
Nurse: Jeremy, you know it’s past visiting hours.
Jeremy, a young man in his early 20’s wearing army fatigues slides off the hospital bed
throws up his hands, smiling.
Jeremy: So…sue me
Nurse smiles back
Nurse: Don’t you have somewhere more important you need to be young man, like fighting for
our country?
Jeremy crosses to the Nurse and flirts with her
Jeremy: You are so beautiful when you’re angry. (The Nurse gives him a look. Jeremy laughs)
Look, you won’t have to worry about me breaking hospital rules for much longer. I’ll be gone for
the next three months. You know you’re going to miss me.
He grabs the Nurse and twirls her around romantically, playfully
Nurse: Oh let me go Romeo (Nurse shoos him away)
Lila: Knock it off Jeremy.
Jeremy gives the Nurse a final twirl and laughs
Can you believe he is off to Afghanistan tomorrow and leaving me here alone?
Jeremy: You know the routine…Duty Calls
Lila rolls her eyes and turns away
Jeremy: (Goes over to her and hugs her) Oh come on, we’ve done this before and I’ll be back
before you know it. (Pause) Hey. I love you.
Lila: Even if I have no hair when you come back?
Jeremy: To the moon and back my love. Besides, I think bald women are sexy
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Jeremy bear hugs Lila and showers her with kisses, she laughs.
Nurse: (interrupting) Okay, okay break it up love birds. (To Jeremy) You can stay for a few more
minutes if you stop the sweet talk. You don’t want to bother your new roommate.
Lila: Are we really bothering you?
Jeremy is snuggling with Lila and kissing her neck. She half attempts to brush him off
Eve: (uncomfortable) Uh…n-n-o. I don’t…it’s
Nurse: Well you’re bothering ME! So keep it P.G.
Jeremy laughs
Nurse: (turns to Eve) You’ll get used to Jeremy. Whenever he comes in here, he makes himself
at home. Now, get comfy. (Music starts) There’s nothing else left for you to do but make
yourself at home.
Song: Make Yourself At Home
NURSE
HELLO, SUGAR. COME ON IN.
TAKE A BREATH OR TAKE A SPIN.
I’M THE NURSE HERE FOR YOUR STAY
HERE TO HELP IN ANY WAY.
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
(HAVE SOME JELLO) IT WON’T KILL YOU, DEAR.
YOU CAN’T GET RID OF ME.
THIS FACE YOU’LL LOVE TO SEE.
BY THE WAY, YOUR DOCTOR’S HOT.
KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OR YOU’LL GET A SHOT! (HE’S MINE)
I’M HERE TO SERVE MY QUEENS.
LOVE, COMFORT, DRUGS AND TRASHY MAGAZINES.
WE’RE YOUR PRIVATE BIO-DOME.
NOW, MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
LILA
I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND WHILE YOU’RE HERE.
LATE NIGHT TALKS WILL CALM YOUR FEAR.
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JEREMY
SHE’S A BAPTIST, I’M A JEW.
EITHER WAY WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.
LILA & JEREMY
THOUGH TIMES WILL GET ROUGH,
WE WILL STICK TOGETHER, WE’LL BE TOUGH!
LILA, JEREMY, NURSE
IT’S TIME TO GO EXPLORE
THERE’S MORE THAN JUST THIS FLOOR.
GO DOWNTAIRS, THE MEALS ARE HOT.
YOU CAN GET A VIRGIN JELLO SHOT.
NURSE
(spoken while taking a swig from her flask)
Or, not.
LILA, JEREMY, NURSE
BEYOND THE DARK, DANK HALLS
AROUND WE’LL WHIRL AND DANCE AROUND THE HALLS.
NOW, WE’VE MET.
JEREMY
I’LL SAY: SHALOM!
LILA, JEREMY, NURSE
NOW, MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
BUCKLE IN AND THEN WE’LL BEGIN!
HOLD ON TIGHT.
HAVE A NICE FLIGHT!
NURSE, JEREMY, LILA and EVE wheel out into the hallway.
The activity is overwhelming.
DR. JENNINGS
HEART PRESSURE.
SANITIZE.
WHAT’S HER PULSE?
MEDICATE.
ROOM FOUR: CLEAR!
SHOT RECORDS.
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NURSE
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
DR. JENNINGS
TAKE VITALS.
WRAP THAT PLEASE.
GET MORPHINE.
GET HIM SHOTS.
IV’S THERE.
GET HER DOPE!
NURSE
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
DON’T LET ALL THAT FRIGHTEN YOU.
LET’S JUST IGNORE THEM.
JUST EXPLORE AND LET YOURSELF GO!
NURSE, DR. JENNINGS, LILA, JEREMY
KEEP YOUR HEAD HELD UP HIGH.
THE TIME WILL FLY RIGHT BY.
MOST THE FOLKS ARE SUFF’RING HERE
SO YOU MAKE SURE YOU’RE SMILING EAR-TO-EAR.
THE DAYS CAN SURE BE BRIGHT.
KEEP YOUR GRIP TIGHT AND BE PREPARED TO FIGHT.
JUST SURROUND YOUR HEART IN CHROME
AND MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
The activity has stopped outside HOLLY and HUNTER’S door.
The action freezes as we go inside.
HUNTER
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME?
HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
HOLLY
AT LEAST I’VE GOT YOU
AND YOU HAVE GOT ME, TOO. RIGHT?
HUNTER
(spoken)
So… your idea of home is seeing people in their deathbed? How charming.
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HOLLY
I know this is hard for you. But, it isn’t easy for me either. Over time, maybe this will start to feel like---HUNTER
Holly, do you really think that’s what I want?
HOLLY
(singing)
NO. IT’S WHAT I WANT.
SO PLEASE, DO IT FOR ME.
DO IT FOR ME.
DO IT FOR ME!
NURSE, DR. JENNINGS, LILA, JEREMY, DR. GRAY, EVE, HOLLY, SHELBY
NO FEELING SORRY HERE.
‘CAUSE WE SHARE THE SAME FEAR.
NURSES AT YOUR/OUR BECK AND CALL
AND THEY WILL CATCH YOU IF YOU START TO FALL.
YOUR/MY HEART IS POUNDING FAST
BUT IN THESE MOMENTS, YOU CAN MAKE IT LAST.
UNPACK YOUR BAG, YOUR SILVER COMB.
TIP YOUR HAT AND SHOUT: SHALOM!
TURN YOUR HEART TO SOLID CHROME
AND MAKE YOURSELF….. AT HOME!!!!
End Song, music stops
Nurse: (looking at Jeremy) Let’s go lover boy.
Jeremy gets up to go.
Nurse: (To Eve) Dr. Jennings will be in to see you soon. Try to get some rest. (To Jeremy) Hey
soldier, if you leave now, I’ll give you some Jell-O
Jeremy: (as he leaves) Is that a threat?
Jeremy and the Nurse exit.
Lila: She’s the best nurse ever
Eve: Yeah…sure
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There is an awkward silence.
Lila: I really love how your hair curls. Is it natural?
Eve: Yeah…thank you
Pause. After a few moments, Eve tries to be more social
Eve: That guy your boyfriend?
Lila: (smiling, flashing her wedding ring) Husband. We were high school sweethearts, now we’re
newlyweds.
Eve: He seems kinda young to be going to Afghanistan
Lila: Everyone has their calling I guess…actually he’s only been in the military for a couple of
years but it feels like an eternity.
Eve: Oh
Lila: It seems like we’re always saying goodbye. And now this (indicates the hospital room) I’m
stuck here. (Beat) Lukemia…can you believe it? 22 years old and I’m fighting for my life. Isn’t
that crazy?
She looks at Eve, suddenly realizing that she has been doing all the talking
Lila: I talk a lot. It’s a curse. So…what are you in here for?
Eve, looking uncomfortable is about to speak but is interrupted by the entrance of Dr.
Jennings. Dr. Jennings, an attractive young resident doctor enters their room with the
Nurse.
Nurse: Here she is Doctor (indicates Eve). Our new “lady in waiting”.
Dr. Jennings: (To the nurse, hardly acknowledging Eve). A patient’s neurological function can be
impaired by any number of conditions. The next course of action will be a series of brain scans
and neurological tests. I won’t rule out the possibility of a brain tumor but without a full battery
of tests, I can’t make a definitive diagnosis.
Dr Jennings has a clipboard and begins making notes on a chart.
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Nurse: You’re the doctor. (Goes to Lila) Come on beautiful, time for your daily walk around the
courtyard.
She helps Lila get up and put on her sweater. As they go to leave, Lila looks at Eve
sympathetically. Eve slumps down into her bed.
Lila: I’ll see ya later Eve.
Lila and Nurse exit. Dr. Jennings sits on a stool beside Eve and begins asking questions
Dr. Jennings: I reviewed your paperwork and wanted to go over a few things with you.
Eve: Alright
Dr. Jennings: When did you first notice symptoms?
Eve: I don’t know…a week ago, maybe two…
Dr. Jennings: (writing) Have you ever been treated for a neurological condition?
Eve: No
Dr. Jennings: But you’ve suspected you had something for how long?
Eve: What does it matter? I’m here now
Dr. Jennings: Well it matters quite a bit. We need to know how late we caught this or if you
even have anything at all.
Eve: Wait, you don’t think I’m telling the truth?
Dr. Jennings: That’s not what I said. But your word is not medical fact so we have to do some
more tests to make sure we know what we are dealing with here.
Eve: Fine
Dr. Jennings: Your family health history was not filled out completely and since you admitted
yourself to the hospital...
Eve: Look, all I know is one day I was fine and the next day I wasn’t. These headaches are
unbearable and sometimes…I can’t think straight.
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Dr. Jennings: Any nausea or vomiting?
Eve: Sometimes
Dr. Jennings: (writing on his chart) I see. How about memory loss? Noticeable change in
personality?
Eve: (exploding) LOOK JUST TELL ME WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME!
She and Dr. Jennings are both caught by surprise by her sudden outburst.
I didn’t mean to…
Dr. Jennings looks down at his chart, makes some notes and speaks coolly to Eve
Dr. Jennings: Is there a family member I can talk to?
Eve: (uncomfortable) Um, well not really. I live alone
Dr. Jennings: Have either of your parents ever been diagnosed with an illness? History of cancer
or tumors?
Eve: I don’t know
Dr. Jennings: Well is there a way I can contact them to find out?
Looks away from the Doctor
Eve: They’re dead
Lights cross fade into the next scene
Scene 2:
Lights come up on Holly’s hospital room. She is in her bed when her sister Hunter enters
with a laptop.
Hunter: Hey Holly. Mom said you could have the computer, while you’re here.
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Holly: Are you sure? That’s our only computer.
Hunter: Yeah, it’s fine.
Holly: You can use it if you want to.
Hunter: Holly, just take it.
Holly takes the laptop from Hunter
Holly: Thanks. How was school?
Hunter: You would not believe what happened today. So we had a pep assembly right? And the
cheerleaders were trying to do this really complicated stunt where they throw the girl in the air
and they tried to get her to spin or whatever and catch her. Well instead of catching her like
they were supposed to, she totally fell on top of the rest of the squad! It was so funny!
Holly: Oh my gosh - is she okay?
Hunter: She’ll be fine. Oh, and my English teacher gave me this stupid essay that’s due
tomorrow about this stupid thing. Who even cares about Shakespeare any more?
She stares at Holly who has her eyes closed
Are you even listening to me?
Holly: Sorry, I’m just really tired.
Hunter: You’re always tired.
She goes to Holly and fluffs her pillows
I mean you’d think after your last stay at the hospital, you would be used to it by now. You
weren’t this tired last time.
Holly: It’s probably the new medicine the doctor gave me.
Hunter: Maybe.
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Hunter walks away, pulls out her phone and starts texting. Holly, with nothing else to
do, gets on the laptop and finds a get well video from her friends. Holly plays the video
and the audience hears a group of teenagers wishing Holly well.
ALL VO: Hey Holly
VO 1: We just wanted to say that we really, really miss you
VO 2: Laughing at Mr. Durbin’s hairpiece isn’t the same
VO 3: Yeah. Let us know when we can come visit
Hunter stops texting and walks over to Holly, peering over her shoulder and seeing the
video. Holly pauses the video
Hunter: What is that?
Holly: It’s just a video.
Hunter: What’s it about?
Holly: Some of my friends at school sent me a get well video.
Hunter: How insincere. Don’t people send cards anymore?
Holly: I think it’s really sweet.
She sinks down in her bed and brings the computer close, continuing to watch the video.
The voices play more of the message and Hunter listens.
VO 1: You’re not missing much, school is still a drag.
VO 2: Must be tough, sleeping in everyday!
Hunter walks downstage as the lights shift separating Hunter and Holly in two pools of
light.
Hunter: (Aside) Are you kidding me? It’s like this whenever she gets sick. It’s always “Oh Holly,
you’re so great”.
ALL VO: Holly, you’re so great!
(Reacting to video VO) Honestly? Ever since she got sick, it’s like I don’t even exist to anyone.
She might as well be an only child.
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VO 3: If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to let us know. We are always here for
you.
ALL VO: Love you!
Hunter: (Mocking) “Love you”. (Makes a gagging gesture)
Lights return to normal. Hunter walks up to Holly
You should get some sleep.
She goes to leave and stops at the door
If they’re “always here for you” then why am I the only one showing up?
Exits. Blackout
Scene 3:
Later that same day.
Lights come up on Eve and Lila’s hospital room. Eve appears anxious, with a hand tapping
her leg nervously, loudly. On the other side of the room, Lila rests half asleep in a
wheelchair beside her bed, recovering from a recent chemotherapy treatment.
Lila wakens to the sound of Eve’s tapping
Lila: (Her eyes still closed) You’re tapping too loud
Eve: Did I wake you?
Lila: That’s okay I wasn’t really sleeping. I have a terrible taste in my mouth. Like metal.
Pause
What are you nervous about?
Eve: (Sharply) I’m not nervous
Lila: Okay. I just thought. Never mind.
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Pause
Eve: Tests. I have to go for tests in a little while.
Lila: Oh. Sorry to hear that. I hate hospital tests. They never tell you what you want to hear.
Not that - I mean…I’m sure your test results will come out fine. Really.
Eve: Maybe.
Lila: Do they have you on a liquid diet?
Eve: Yeah. My two choices are water and apple juice. I haven’t had apple juice since I was in
kindergarten.
Lila: (Laughs) I know what you mean. I’d love a glass of juice right now. Anything to get this
horrible taste out of my mouth. Chemo sucks! (She makes a face).
Eve goes back to tapping her leg, this time quietly. Lila listens for a moment, then breaks
the silence.
Lila: Where did you grow up?
Eve: Northeast Portland
Lila: Cool! I love Northeast. I used to ride my bike to Alberta park when I was a kid
Eve: Hmm
Lila: Do you have brothers or sisters?
Eve: No.
Pause. Changing the subject and trying a different approach
Lila: I was reading this article in Cosmo the other day. It was all about the dangers of dying your
hair. Like the dye is supposed to seep into your scalp and can like cause brain damage or
something…(stops herself). I am so stupid. I can’t believe I just said that.
Eve reaches for the water pitcher and tries to pour but she loses all of the motor skills in
her left arm. The pitcher drops to the floor, making a loud sound. Eve begins to panic.
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Lila: Hey, is everything okay over there? Eve? Are you okay?
Eve begins to shake uncontrollably. When Lila gets no reply, she calls for the Nurse. The
Nurse enters and immediately rushes to Lila.
Nurse: What is it Honey? You okay?
Lila: It’s Eve. I think something’s wrong.
The Nurse pulls the curtain open and sees Eve in her bed, her left side shaking
uncontrollably. The Nurse rushes to the door and calls for a Doctor
Nurse: Dr. Jennings, come quick!
Lila: Eve, hey Eve? Stay with me, okay. The doctor is coming.
The Nurse and Dr. Jennings enter and go straight to Eve. She takes a hard grip on Dr.
Jennings arm, and in a desperate cry she calls out.
Eve: Help ME…
Dr. Jennings looks at her for a moment, struggling to find where to start. He begins
asking questions
Dr. Jennings: Are you experiencing any pain?
He is unable to relate to Eve’s desperation. The only response he gets is:
Eve: Help ME…
Dr. Jennings: Um, how long ago did these convulsions start?
Eve begins to cry obviously scared and Dr. Jennings is no comfort to her.
Nurse: Dr. Jennings, what’s the course of action?
He is standing by her bedside nearly frozen in place. The nurse makes a split second
decision and rushes out to bring in another Doctor.
Doctor Gray enters and pushes Dr. Jennings out of the way. She rushes over to Eve and
begins checking her vital signs.
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Dr. Gray: Nurse, get me 1 milligram of Ativan.
Nurse: Right away doctor.
The Nurse passes Dr. Jennings who is watching the following action like he is in a dream.
Dr. Gray: (turning to Eve). Eve. Eve? It’s going to be okay, you are having a panic attack. You’ve
lost some muscular control in your left arm but you are going to be okay.
Eve: Please, help me…
The nurse re-enters with a shot and gives it to Dr. Gray
Dr. Gray: (smiling while working fast) Hey, that’s what I get paid the big bucks for isn’t it? Now
this is just going to pinch a little bit, okay?
She gives Eve a shot to relax her muscles and to ease her anxiety. The Nurse goes behind
the curtain to comfort Lila who has been watching the action. After a moment, Eve
begins to calm down.
Nurse, let’s readjust her drip and make her more comfortable.
Nurse: Of course Doctor. And thank you.
She gives Dr. Jennings a quick look. He looks away, embarrassed.
Dr. Gray: Dr. Jennings, I need to speak to you. Now.
Dr. Jennings crosses to Dr. Gray near the door.
Dr. Gray: What was that Doctor?
Dr. Jennings: (As if waking from a dream) What…?
Dr. Gray: You are the primary resident in this ward and your performance back there was
pathetic.
Dr. Jennings: I’m sorry. I don’t know what…
Dr. Gray: Look, there are times when you are going to be called upon to act fast.
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Dr. Jennings: Yes Doctor, I understand. But it’s not like she was in any imminent danger – I mean
it was a slight muscular impairment and panic attack.
Dr. Gray: Oh, is that what that was? I’m glad to see your ability to diagnose is still intact.
Dr. Jennings: I wasn’t expecting the patient to be in such an emotional state. I….
Dr. Gray: I don’t want to hear any of your excuses. You’re not in medical school anymore. A big
part of what we do at the hospital is patient care, not just diagnoses. Do you understand?
Dr. Jennings: (beat) Yes Doctor
Dr. Gray: Good. Now pull yourself together and do your job properly or I’ll find someone else
who can.
Dr. Gray exits. Dr. Jennings comes back into the room and sees Eve asleep in her bed. The
Nurse looks at him. A brief pause
Nurse: Anything else Doctor?
Dr. Jennings: No…that will be all. Thank you.
The Nurse goes behind the curtain to check on Lila. Dr. Jennings sits in the chair beside
Eve. There is a moment of hesitation. Then, he gently reaches up and rests his hand on
top of Eve’s
Lights Fade
Dr. Gray exits. Dr. Jennings comes back into the room and sees Eve asleep in her bed. The
nurse looks at him. A brief pause
Scene 4:
Evening of the same day
Lights up on Holly in her room. She is on her laptop when Dr. Gray enters. She has a file
in her hand. Holly closes the laptop and greets Dr. Gray.
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Holly: Hi, Doctor.
Dr. Gray pulls up a chair next to Holly’s bed
Dr. Gray: Good afternoon, Holly. How are you feeling today?
Holly: I feel alright.
Dr. Gray: I’m glad to hear that.
Holly: So, what’s up? I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow.
Dr. Gray: I just finished examining your latest test results. And things are much worse than we
initially thought.
Holly: (Sitting up in her bed) What do you mean?
Dr. Gray: Your condition has worsened over the years. Despite the medical treatments you’ve
received, the heart muscle remains very weak and shows no signs of improving. We feel the
most prudent course of action for you now is a heart transplant.
Holly: What? A heart trans…are you sure?
Dr. Gray: I’m afraid so. The weakness and damage to the heart muscle is at an all time low. It’s
just worn out.
Holly: And there’s absolutely no way around this?
Dr. Gray: No, there isn’t. I’m sorry, dear.
Holly: (In a state of disbelief) Well, when is the operation?
Dr. Gray: Could be tomorrow or several weeks, even months from now…It depends on how
quickly we can find a suitable donor.
Holly: So I could be sick like this for a long time.
Dr. Gray: I know this isn’t easy to take in. But I assure you I am doing all I can to make this
happen as quickly as possible.
Holly: (Pause) I know Doctor
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Dr. Gray: I’ll keep you and your family updated.
Dr. Gray Exits
Holly stares blankly into her empty hospital room. After a prolonged silence, she opens
her laptop and begins to type. Hunter enters with a handful of magazines.
Hunter: Here are your magazines.
She tosses them on the bed and plops down in a chair.
Was that the Doctor who was just in here?
Holly: Yeah
Hunter: What did she want?
Holly: Nothing…just wanted to schedule more tests or something.
Holly continues to type something on the computer
Hunter: Look, if you are going to be on the computer all day then I’m going home.
Hunter gets up to go
Holly: I’m sorry. Hunter please don’t go. Look, I’m shutting it down. See?
She closes the laptop and puts it away. Hunter reluctantly comes back into the room.
Hunter: So…what do you want to do?
Holly: We could just talk.
Hunter: About what?
Holly: I don’t know. Anything.
Hunter sits back down in the chair. There is a long difficult pause
Hunter: Well this is fun.
Holly: Hunter, there’s something I want to tell you.
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Hunter: What? You want to give me a full report of all the new gifts and cards you got?
Pause
Holly: Never mind.
Hunter: When are they going to discharge you anyway? Haven’t they kept you long enough? I
mean you’re not that sick.
Holly slides down in her bed
Holly: I’m kinda tired.
She pulls the covers up and closes her eyes.
Hunter: Big surprise.
She turns to leave and stops at the door. Then, over her shoulder she speaks low to
Hunter who she thinks is asleep.
Hunter: Sweet dreams
Exits.
Holly opens her eyes and sits up looking at the empty doorway. Holly picks up the laptop
and opens it. She starts to type something as music begins to play and the lights fade.
Scene 5:
Same evening
Lights up on Eve and Lila’s room. Eve is in a chair by her bed trying to read a book. Lila is
behind the curtain on the phone with Jeremy
Lila: Jeremy, knock it off, you know I love you!
Eve looks up from her book at the curtain annoyed
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Lila: (loud whisper) No…I’m pretty sure she’s asleep…(she giggles into the phone)
Eve rolls her eyes
Lila: I love having her as a roommate. She’s a vegetarian, it’s so bohemian. No not SoHo,
BoHo…remember? I told you the difference.
Eve, frustrated, tries to shift and get comfortable. She stands, and winces in pain as her
I.V. tugs at her arm. After much struggle, Eve finds herself in the only comfortable
position available - holding the I.V. in her right hand and her book open in the other.
The nurse enters with clipboard in hand and finds her.
Nurse: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses…”
Eve, startled makes a sudden move and reacts in pain. The Nurse goes to her as Lila
opens the curtain between them.
Lila: Isn’t that a quote from the Bible?
Nurse: (helping Eve and turning to Lila) Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?
Lila: I am in bed.
Nurse: I mean in bed, sleeping!
Lila closes the curtain in a huff.
Lila: Ugh! Jeremy I have to go. Well I’m sorry but my drill sergeant told me I have to go to sleep.
Eve: (to the Nurse) Thank you.
Eve stoops to pick up her book and again winces in pain as the I.V. tugs on her arm
Nurse: Here Hon, just get back in bed. I’ll grab your book for you.
The Nurse gets the book as Eve makes her way to the hospital bed.
Lila: (low voice) I love you…no, I said I love YOU more!
Nurse: Go – To – Sleep!
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The light behind the curtain goes out as Lila sighs irritated. The Nurse makes her way to
Eve who has settled herself back in bed.
Nurse: (handing the book to Eve) What are you reading?
Eve takes the book from the Nurse and looks down, trying to avoid eye contact.
Eve: Nothing. Just some dumb book from the hospital library.
Pause
Nurse: So, how are you doing? And tell me the truth.
Eve: Yeah, I’m fine
Nurse gives her a look.
Eve: No, I’m not actually.
The Nurse sits down next to the bed
Nurse: You wanna talk about it?
Eve: I’m just…really overwhelmed. I don’t know what I’m doing.
Nurse: Well who’s helping you? I know you don’t have any parents, but surely there must be
someone there for you.
Eve looks at the Nurse for a long moment.
Eve: Look, I haven’t exactly been honest with you and the doctors here. It’s true that my Mom is
dead. She died when I was a little girl. (Beat) But my Dad and I just don’t talk anymore. In some
ways, it’s like he’s dead too.
Nurse: I know what you mean.
Eve: You do?
Nurse: Sure. I had a fight with my Mother once that resulted in the “10 year silent treatment”.
(Looks at Eve smiling) She didn’t exactly approve of my choice of husband, or that I got married
so young.
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Eve: 10 years…that’s a long time.
Nurse: Tell me about it. She didn’t meet her grandson until he was 6! But we worked it out.
Eve: I don’t think my Dad and I will be working things out anytime soon. After my Mom died, we
just completely fell apart. He started pushing me away…maybe he was trying to protect himself
from getting hurt again. I don’t even remember the last time we really talked.
Nurse: Time has a way of softening things.
Pause
Why don’t you call him?
Eve: I’m afraid he’ll reject me. Again.
Nurse: He might. And then again, he might not. Sometimes our families are desperate to be part
of our lives but they’re just afraid.
Eve: (Angry) Afraid of what? It’s not like I’m the one who rejected him.
Nurse: (Getting up) Okay, take it easy.
Eve: (Settling down) What’s the point of even trying?
Nurse: Look, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. But you won’t know until you try. You could
stay in this hospital, reading dumb books and continue hiding from the world. Or you can try to
make something better for yourself.
Eve: I’m doing everything I can just to keep my sanity. I didn’t think I would be facing death
alone like this!
Nurse: Eve, every parent loves their child. I know you’ve had differences but you should talk to
him. Don’t you at least want to give yourself the chance to say goodbye?
Eve: I don’t know.
Nurse: You still have time. Nothing but time.
Eve takes this in.
Eve: Thanks for letting me unload my troubles on you.
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Nurse: (Smiling) Sometimes it’s easier to open up to a stranger. Try and get some rest now.
The Nurse tucks Eve into her bed and brushes the hair out of her eyes. Then she leans
over and kisses Eve on the forehead. She walks over to the door and switches off the light.
Goodnight.
Blackout
Scene 6:
Afternoon of the next day
The scene opens in Holly’s room. A bedside lamp is on as she naps. Hunter enters and
flips on the overhead lights. She is clearly irritated and goes over to Holly and shakes her
from her sleep
Hunter: Holly wake up. Holly!
Holly wakes
Holly: What?
Hunter: You got a full ride scholarship to OSU
Holly: Seriously? How do you know?
Hunter holds out a letter
Hunter: You just got this in the mail.
Holly: You read my mail?
Hunter: It’s not like I was snooping Holly. Mom opened it this morning.
Holly: (She takes the letter and reads it) Well isn’t it a good thing that I got a scholarship? Now we
can both go to college.
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Hunter: Who said I want to go to college? I don’t want to go to college.
Holly: Oh, I thought you…
Hunter: (Cuts her off) This is so typical of you. Do you ever listen to me? You know this is just
something else you don’t deserve. Like all this stuff.
Hunter gestures around the room at the cards, flowers and gifts
Holly: People were trying to be nice.
Hunter: People just pity you…you know that? They’re not your friends. Everyone wants the
opportunity to attach themselves to a big story. It doesn’t matter who it’s about.
Holly: That’s not true.
Hunter: How would you know? Besides, you don’t even talk to me.
Holly: It doesn’t ever seem like you want me to. Why are you so pissed off?
Dr Gray enters
Dr. Gray: I hope I’m not interrupting.
Holly: No doctor, please come in. I was just…talking to my sister.
Hunter shakes her head and crosses downstage away from Holly.
Dr. Gray: (Smiling) Holly, I have some really good news. We’ve just confirmed a perfect match for
your transplant.
Hunter turns around and looks at Holly in total surprise.
Hunter: Transplant?
Holly: What? But you said it could be weeks before a match was found.
Dr. Gray: I know, I know. It’s incredible news. But as luck would have it, a donor, not much older
than you just became available.
Holly: Wow…I’m…I…what happens next?
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Dr. Gray: We’ll, your parents are at the front desk signing the necessary papers. And of course
we have some initial tests but I’d like to start preparing you for surgery this afternoon.
Holly: That soon?
Dr. Gray: We don’t want to wait too long. This is a complicated surgery with a lot of risks. You up
for the challenge?
Hunter crosses over to Holly and Dr. Gray
Hunter: Excuse me Doctor, could you give us a minute?
Dr. Gray: Of course. Holly, this is a brave thing you are doing. We’re going to do our very best to
make sure you come through this with no complications.
Holly: Thanks Doctor.
Dr Gray exits. Pause
Hunter: You need a heart transplant?
Holly: Yeah, I do.
Hunter: Since when?
Holly: I just found out yesterday.
Hunter: Yesterday? Why didn’t you say anything?
Holly: You’re already stressed out enough
Hunter: And you think keeping secrets from me is gonna help me be less stressed.
Holly starts to get upset
Holly: I knew you wouldn’t support me.
Hunter: What do you think I’ve been doing this whole time?
Holly: Seems to me that you’ve just been skipping school to come here and beat me down
whenever something good happens.
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Hunter: You are so ungrateful.
Holly: No, you are! I’m the one who’s sick. Not you. Everything is so easy for you.
Hunter: Easy! You think it’s easy to play second best to your sick little sister? I don’t care how
sick you are, I’m tired of being invisible!
Holly’s breathing becomes labored. Hunter crosses toward the door.
I hope you are happy that someone had to die so you could live.
Hunter storms out, passing the Nurse as she enters.
Nurse: Whoa! What did I miss?
Holly is breathing more heavily now, gasping for breath as she tries to speak
Holly: I…I…can’t…breathe…
The Nurse runs over to her
Nurse: Holly. Look at me. Holly?
The Nurse runs to a phone on the wall and picks up the receiver
Send the doctor in here – NOW! I have a patient who is about to Code.
She slams the phone down and runs to Holly’s bedside, checking her pulse as the lights
fade.
___________________________________________________________________________
Scene 7:
Later that day
Lights come up on a hospital storage closet. Eve enters the closet, looking for a quiet out
of the way place. She sits on a stepladder and takes out a cell phone. She places it on a
box in front of her and looks at it for a long time.
Eve: (to herself) What am I doing?
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She takes a breath and picks up the phone and dials before she loses her nerve.
Dad? It’s Eve.
Pause
Um…How’s Paula?
Pause
Good, good, tell her I said hi.
Pause
We haven’t talked in a while, so I thought I’d call…Um, well I’m at the hospital. Oh, no kidding. A
new Reel? That’s great. I won’t keep you from your fishing buddies. I just wanted to call and say
that I miss you. Look, I know it wasn’t easy for you after Mom died…but I was hoping you could
come see me here sometime…It would mean a lot to me…(stands up, anxious)…no, no, no Dad
please don’t hang up.
She stands in the middle of the storage closet and starts to cry as the lights cross fade
onto Holly’s empty room.
Hunter enters.
Hunter: Hey, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left in such a….
She notices the empty hospital bed.
Holly?
She goes to the bathroom door and knocks.
Are you in there? Look, come out. I really want to talk to you. Holly? Okay, I’m just gonna sit on
your bed and wait.
She crosses to Holly’s bed and sees her medical chart. She picks it up and reads it aloud.
“Patient taken to O.R. for emergency surgery”. Oh my God…Oh my God!
Hunter throws the chart on the bed and runs out.
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Blackout. Music begins to play
Song: It’s a Perfect Day to Die
PERFECT DAY TO DIE
Split screen scene, simultaneous:
Lights come up on Eve in the storage closet.
She opens a medicine cabinet and takes out a large bottle of pills
Lights come up on Hunter outside the O.R.
She is in a waiting room.
Lights up on an apartment.
Jeremy is ceremoniously putting on his army fatigues
EVE
TAKE ME HOME
I RELENT
SHOW ME SOMETHING RADIANT
IS THERE LIGHT
MAYBE SO
WILL I SEE IT I DON’T KNOW
IM TIRED OF LIVING
BUT NOT BEING
IM NOT ALIVE ANYMORE
HUNTER
DO YOU SEE WHO I AM
DO YOU THINK THAT IM A SHAM
THAT’S ALRIGHT
IF YOU DO
I KIND OF BELIEVE IT TOO
IM DONE BELIEVING
NOT RECEIVING
IM NOT ALIVE ANYMORE
EVE & HUNTER
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LET ME DIE
LET ME LIVE
LET ME FORGET AND FORGIVE
EVE, HUNTER & JEREMY
I JUST SMILE
I DON’T CRY
GOTTA RUN GOTTA FLY
IT’S A PERFECT DAY TO DIE
EVE
TAKE ME HOME
TO MY DEATH
AS I TAKE MY STARVING BREATH
HUNTER
ARE YOU THERE,
SAY YOU ARE
OUT OF REACH BUT JUST TOO FAR
EVE & HUNTER
WHATS LEFT FOR ME NOW
IT’S GONE SOMEHOW
IM NOT ALIVE ANYMORE
LET ME DIE
LET ME LIVE
LET ME FORGET AND FORGIVE
I JUST SMILE
I DON’T CRY
GOTTA RUN GOTTA FLY
IT’S A PERFECT DAY TOI AM LOST
CAN’T BE FOUND
HELP ME TO LEAVE SOLID GROUND
At the end of the song, we hear a heart monitor flat line and blackout
End Act I
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