G. Eink ’24 - Worth Fighting For

Worth Fighting For

by G Eink ’24

SCENE 1

The scene opens with a married couple sitting on opposite ends of a couch. They are as far away from each other as possible. The man is fidgeting with his hands, slumped with his legs spread on the floor, a very casual position. The woman is sitting with great posture, her hands on her knees. She checks her watch then looks straight ahead. Wife: So, how is this going to work? Are you going to ask us questions or do we just have a conversation and you listen? Therapist (off screen): Would you like me to ask you some questions? Wife: I don’t mind either way. Husband: I have a meeting to get to at 5 so if we can hurry this up a bit. Wife: [turns to look at husband] You are never prioritizing our relationship. Wife: He always does this. He always has to run somewhere and never has time for me. Husband: [groans, slightly interrupting wife] Husband: It’s not my fault my boss scheduled a meeting the same time as you scheduled this [mumbles] waste of time. Wife: I’m sorry can you speak up. Husband: I called this a waste of time. Is that clear enough for you? Wife: Yes. They sit there in silence for a few moments. They both sit there anxiously, shifting and fidgeting. Wife: I guess I’ll start then. Husband: Here we go again. Wife [faces husband]: So I’m never allowed to speak. Husband: You never stop speaking. Therapist (off screen): Go ahead Shannon. Wife: Thank you. I would like to talk about lunch last week.

Blackout

SCENE 2

The scene opens to a small round table with a white cloth covering it. There is a vase of tulips sitting in the middle with 2 lit candlesticks on either side. There are 2 place settings and 2 chairs. One of the chairs is empty and the other is being occupied by the Wife. She is wearing a fancy red dress, pearl earrings, bold lipstick, and her hair is curled. It is a dark restaurant with a slight amount of light on the table. A soft jazz song is playing in the background. The Wife sits at the clothed chair looking at her phone, waiting anticipating the arrival of her husband. She picks her phone up, looks at the time, sets it down, and repeats that several times. The Husband finally arrives wearing paint covered jeans and a dirty white tee. He sits down at the table. Husband: I’m sorry I’m late, work ran long. Wife: I waited for half an hour. Husband: I know, I’m sorry. I lost track of time. But I’m here now. [He reaches for Shannon’s hand.] You look beautiful. Wife: Thank you. [She looks in his eyes and smiles.] I have something for you.

Husband: For me? Wife: Of course! [She reached under the table and pulled out a gift bag. It was filled with white tissue paper.] Husband: You are just the sweetest. [He takes out a small index card.] Dear Husband, I have loved and cherished every moment I have spent with you. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. Love, Your Wife.” Honey that is so sweet, thank you. [He removes the tissue paper and pulls out a black-tie.] Oh my God honey. This is incredible. It’s pure silk. I love it. What’s the occasion? Wife [slightly laughs]: That’s funny Husband: What’s funny? Wife [pauses for a moment and a look of realisation appears on her face]: Oh my God. You’re not kidding are you? Husband: What’s wrong? Wife: What’s today? Husband: Uh, it’s May 12th. It’s not my birthday. It’s not your birthday. It’s not… Shoot, it’s our anniversary. Wife: Our ten year anniversary! Husband: Honey, I am so sorry! I completely forgot! Wife [removes the napkin off lap and throws it on the table] I’m leaving; I’ll see you at home. [She gets up out of seat.] Husband: Baby please! I am so sorry! Wife storms out, no longer visible on screen. Husband pounds his fists on the table.

Blackout.

SCENE 3

The scene opens to a therapist office. Therapist (off screen): So, what I’m hearing is he forgot your anniversary. Wife: Not only any anniversary, our ten year anniversary. Therapist (off screen) : Ten years. That’s an awful long time isn’t it? Wife: [nods] Therapist (off screen): You seem a little young to have been married for 10 years. How old were you two when you got married? Wife: I was 18, he was 19. Therapist (off screen): Wow. You were very young! Tell me about it. Wife: Well…

Blackout

SCENE 4

Scene opens to the Wife sitting in a chair with a white wedding dress. She is wearing a lacy veil and has a full face of makeup. Across from her sits her father wearing a black suit. Her eyes were puffy and a tissue was in her hand. Her father has his hand on her shoulder. She sniffles.

Wife: He’s not gonna come. Father: Yes, he will. Wife: How do you know? Father: I just know. Besides, no one would ever stand up someone this beautiful. Wife: Thanks dad. Father: If he doesn’t come I’ll just have to kill him. Wife [slightly laughs]: I’d love to see that. Father [laughs, patting her shoulder]: Hopefully I won’t have to. My swinging arm isn’t what it used to be. They both laugh. Her father is slightly massaging her shoulder.

A loud voice is heard from outside the room, they both turn to look Voice: He’s here! Father stands up and puts out his hand to his daughter. Father: I guess that’s my cue. She smiles, takes his hand and stands up. They link arms and walk off screen.

Blackout

SCENE 5

Scene opens to therapist’s office. Therapist (off screen): So, you almost didn’t come. Why is that? Did you have second thoughts? Husband: I don’t know, it was ten years ago. I was still a kid. [He pauses and fiddles with his hands.] I guess I pictured my life going in a different direction. Therapist (off screen): What direction is that? Husband: I was young and ambitious. I wanted to open my own business, go to college, go to parties. I wanted to be a kid. I didn’t want to get married and be trapped the rest of my life. Therapist (off screen): What made you change your mind? Husband: Well, I love her. I kept trying to imagine my life without her, and I couldn’t. I gave up everything for her. I regret it almost everyday. Wife: You never told me you wanted to go to college Husband: You would have thought it was stupid. Wife: No I wouldn’t have. I went to college. I loved college. Husband: You’ve shot down all my ideas since we were teenagers. Wife: No I haven’t! Name one! Husband: When I was 22, I got a job offer to work at Curtiss Wright, my dream job, and you shut it down without even listening to the whole thing. Wife: It was in Maryland! Sorry I don’t want my husband to move 3,000 miles away from me! Husband: I have been dreaming about working there since I was 14 and you declined it in 5 seconds! Wife: I’m sorry! I was still in college! I wasn’t going to drop out and follow you halfway across the country! Husband: Fine! What about the time last year when I told you I wanted to move and you completely turned me down! Wife: We’ve been living in that house since we were dating! You proposed to me in that house! I told you I was pregnant in that house! Jean took his first steps in that house! My dad died in that house! That house is full of memories that I’m not willing to get rid of! Husband: So, I can never make a decision? Wife: That’s not what I’m saying! Husband: That’s what it sounds like to me! Wife: [sighs frustrated] They sit there in silence Therapist (off screen): Let’s change the subject. [turns toward the Wife] It seems like your father was very important to you. How long ago did he die? Wife: He died in June last year. He had lung cancer for over a year. Therapist (off screen): I’m so sorry, that must have been hard on you. Wife: It was. He was my best friend. Therapist (off screen): You mentioned that he died in your house. Was he living

with you at the time? Wife: Yeah, he was fired from his job in January and couldn’t afford rent so I offered to help him. It took a lot of convincing but he finally agreed in April. He never accepted help from other people, he always had to be the one to help. Therapist (off screen): How was that on you? [turns towards Husband] Husband: It took a lot of adjustment but it actually helped in the long run. He babysat Jean when we were at work, he cleaned around the house, he did yard work, he cooked dinner, he did laundry, and he drove Jean to school in the morning. Therapist (off screen): It seemed like you two relied on him alot. Husband: We did. It was very hard for all of us when he passed. Wife: Yeah right. Husband: What? His passing affected me a lot. Wife: You never cared about him. You wanted him out the day he moved in. The only reason you let him stay was because he did all the things you used to do so you could watch your stupid sports games. Husband: That is not fair. I have done all the chores around the house since we started dating. I think I am allowed a little break. Wife: Whatever. They sat in silence again Therapist (off screen): How about let’s take a quick break for a moment then I’ll meet with you two separately, sound good? Wife and Husband together: Yeah Therapist (off screen): Great. Go get something to eat and we will reconvene here in about an hour. Wife: Ok. Husband: Yup. The couple rises from their seats.

Blackout

SCENE 6

The scene opens to only the Wife sitting on the couch. She is sitting in the middle with a more relaxed posture. Therapist (off screen): So how was your lunch? Wife: It was good. I had a bagel sandwich with bacon, barbecue, lettuce, and scrambled eggs. It was fantastic, I got it at the food truck across the street. Therapist (off screen): That sounds wonderful. I’ve never eaten from the food trucks around here. Wife: They are really good, I would definitely recommend it. Therapist (off screen): Maybe I will try it. So, let’s start off with an easy one. How did you two meet? Wife: I was walking home from school one day and a pickup truck stopped near me on the sidewalk. At first I was really scared but I recognized the face. It was the boy from my math class. We were in Algebra 2. I was the freshman in the back of the room writing in my journal and he was the junior front and center who wore his football jersey outside his sweatshirt and sat by his jockey friends. He asked me to get in and I did. I get it was stupid but I was 15, I was allowed to be stupid, its kinda in the job description. The drive was mostly silent. He dropped me off at my house and walked me to the door. Camera starts to zoom in halfway through paragraph and continues until the end of scene Therapist (off screen): What happened then?

Wife: Well…

Blackout

SCENE 7

The scene opens at a front door. The Husband is in his jeans and a jersey over his sweatshirt. The Wife is in a long, flowery dress. She’s clutching her books. Husband: So this is your house, huh? Wife: Yeah, it is. Husband: It’s nice. Wife: Thanks. They stand there in silence for a moment. Wife: Well, thanks for the ride. She opens the door and is about to go in. Husband: Wait. Wife: What? [She closes the door and turns to look at him.] Husband [hands in pockets]: What are you doing tomorrow? Wife: What do you mean? Husband: Do you wanna maybe go to the dance with me? Wife: The homecoming dance? Husband: Yeah. Wife: Like a date? Husband [he chuckles softly]: Yes, like a date. Wife: I didn’t know you.. Husband: Liked you? Yes, I like you. You don’t notice me staring at you everyday in math class? Wife: No, I don’t. Husband: Well I do, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Wife: [Smiles at him] Husband: [Smiles back] So, the dance? Wife: Yeah. I’ll see you tomorrow. Husband: Sweet, see you then. The Wife goes inside and the Husband is smiling outside the door. He walks away happily and leaves the frame

Blackout

SCENE 8

The scene opens at the therapist’s office with only the Wife. Therapist (off screen): That’s wonderful. How was the dance? Wife: It was really nice. I wore a really pretty purple dress. He picked me up and brought me to the school. We stayed till about 10 then went out to dinner and he dropped me back off at home. Therapist (off screen): How did your father feel about you dating an upperclassman as a freshman? Wife: Well…

Blackout

SCENE 9

The scene opens to a kitchen. The Wife and her father are standing across from each other. Father is wearing his work uniform and his daughter is wearing a casual outfit. Father: I will not allow you to see that boy again! Wife: Dad! He’s a good person. He’s nice, he’s funny, he’s smart, and he actually likes me. Father: He’s a bad influence. Wife: How? Name one thing that he has done. Father: Well I can’t think of anything on

the spot! Wife: See! You can’t even give me an example! You just don’t want me to be happy! Father: You’re my little girl! I don’t want you being taken away from me by a jerk in a pickup truck. Wife: He’s not a jerk! You haven’t even met him. You know nothing about him! Father: I know that he has been picking you up and bringing you to god knows where and not dropping you back off till it’s pitch black outside. Wife: Dad, I’m in high school, I’m not going to stay in every day. I’m gonna go out, go to parties, hang out with friends and my boyfriend, who I love. Father: You’re fifteen, you don’t know what love is. Wife: I know that he makes me smile. I know that I can’t go more than five minutes without thinking about him. I know that I can’t imagine my life without him. I know that I love everything about him. Father: You are too young. Wife: I know dad, but you have to trust me. I know what I’m doing. I’m not going to do anything stupid. Father: I don’t wanna lose my little girl. Wife: You’re not gonna lose me. I’m right here. She starts to walk over to father and puts her hand on his shoulder. Father: You promise? Wife: Yes! I’m never gonna leave you. Father: Ok Wife: How about we schedule a dinner with you, me, and him. Father: I don’t know. Wife: Please? You’re gonna love him, I promise. Father: Ok, fine Wife: Thanks dad. [They hug.] Father: I love you sweetie. Wife: I love you too.

Blackout

SCENE 10

The scene opens at the therapist’s office with the Wife and Husband. Therapist (off screen): Well, I think I know what I need to do. I’m gonna have Derek come in here now for a one on one. I’ll see you in a little bit, ok? Wife: Yeah sure. The Wife exits one side of the screen. A moment passes and the Husband enters on the other side. Therapist (off screen): How was your lunch? Huband: Fine, whatever. Therapist (off screen): Ok, well then let’s jump into it. Do you remember what made you want to come see me? Husband: Yeah, it was 3 weeks ago. After that everything else went downhill.

Blackout

SCENE 11

Scene opens to the Husband sitting on the couch watching tv and shannon walks in wearing a dress, heals, and putting in earrings Wife: Hey, I’m going out with my friends if you can watch Jean for a couple hours. Husband: No, sorry. I’m going to the game in an hour with Dave. Wife: What? I’ve been planning this for

over a week. Husband: Sorry. We already bought the tickets, I’m not just gonna skip it. [paying attention to the tv and not Shannon] Wife: So, you want me to bail on my friends and the plans we made weeks ago. Husband: Someone has to stay home with Jean. Wife: I’ve stayed with her the last 2 weeks while you went to the bar, went to New Jersey with your friends, and went to countless games. I’ve been here, changing diapers, cleaning the playroom, doing the dishes, and everything else around the house. I want one day off. Please, just give me one day off. Husband: We could get a babysitter. Wife: No one will be able to come on this short notice. Besides, we’re trying to save money, remember. Husband: If you’re trying to save money, why do you have a closet full of shoes? I know for a fact that at least three of those were bought in the last week. Wife: Excuse me? You are really scolding me for what I buy with my own money. Husband: Somebody had to say it. Wife: You are ridiculous. I’m going out. Husband: You really wanna leave a 2 year old unattended. If you leave, I’m leaving too. Wife: Oh my god. Fine, fine. I’ll stay for the 3rd week in a row. I’ll call my friends and tell them that my husband is so immature he threatened to leave our 2-year-old daughter home alone so he can go to his precious game. Don’t worry, I’ll be the only adult in this relationship. Husband: [He gets up out of couch.] Thanks. I’m gonna go get ready. Wife: [Grunts in frustration] Blackout

SCENE 12

The scene opens at the therapist’s office with only the Husband. Therapist (off screen): So, it sounds like you were uncooperative and not quite listening to Shannon’s needs. Husband: Are you kidding me? I’m allowed to go to a game with my friend. Is that really a crime? Therapist (off screen): I see the problem here. Husband: What doc. Tell me what’s wrong with me so I can leave this hellhole. Therapist (off screen): When was the last time Shannon had a day off? Husband: I don’t see how that is relevant here. Therapist (off screen): Answer the question. Husband: I don’t know, a month maybe. Therapist (off screen): And when was the last time you had a day off? Husband: Two days ago. Therapist (off screen): You don’t see the problem here? Husband: Fine, I get that I get more breaks than she does but she offers to take care of Jean. I never force her too. Therapist (off screen): So you believe that guilt-tripping and threatening is not forcing. Husband: Stop twisting my words. I never threatened anyone. Therapist (off screen): I believe your exact words were “You really wanna leave a 2 year old unattended-” Husband: Ok, I get it. Maybe I could have went about it another way butTherapist (off screen): But what? You

thought that maybe if you were more demanding she may listen to you? You get to control her with your words? Husband: No! Stop! I’m not controlling her. Therapist (off screen): You’re just manipulating her to do what you say. Husband: Fine! I was a jerk. I wanted to go to the game so I was a jerk and I regret it. Happy? Therapist (off screen): I don’t think I am the one you should be trying to make happy. There is a wonderful woman outside these doors trying her absolute hardest trying to fix this marriage and you are not even trying. How about you tell me the real reason you are here. Husband: Fine. It was 4 months ago…

Blackout

SCENE 13

The scene opens to a chair being occupied by the Husband. It is in a doctor’s office. He sits in the chair nervously, biting his nails and fidgeting his legs. There is a sound of a door opening. Husband: So, what did you find? Doctor (off screen): I have some [slight pause] news. Husband: What is it, I swear I can take it. Doctor: We found fluid in your abdomen so we did some further research and Husband: What is it? Doctor: We’re diagnosing you with stage four pancreatic cancer. Husband: What? Doctor: I am so sorry. I understand this can be overwhelmingHusband: Am I dying? Doctor: There is no cure but there are ways to extend and improve your quality of life. Husband: Am I dying? Doctor: There is still some things we can tryHusband: Answer the question. Doctor: Yes, Derek. You are dying. Husband: How long do I have? Doctor: 6 months to a year. Husband: Oh my god. Doctor: We can still trying radiationHusband: Oh my god. I’m dying.

Blackout

SCENE 14

Therapist (off screen): Ah, ok. Things are starting to finally make sense. Husband: Yeah. Therapist (off screen): So you thought if you pushed her away it would be easier for her to deal with your death? Husband: I didn’t want her to deal with the medical bills, the hospital stays, the surgeries, and all the inevitable complications. If I push her off, then when I die she’ll remember me as a terrible person and it will be easier for her to cope. Therapist (off screen): That is not healthy, and you know it. Husband: Of course I know it. You really think I wanted things to be this way? You think I wanted to be mean to the love of my life. My wife is my person; she’s my soulmate. I wanted to give her a life of happiness and joy. Not a life of medical bills and grief. Therapist (off screen): So, you’re not receiving any treatment?

Huband: No. Therapist (off screen): There is still so much you can do to help. Huband: Help delay my death sentence? I know. Therapist (off screen): You can live up to 5 years with treatment. You should give it a try. Huband: I would rather have these last couple of months living my life like a normal person than spend 5 years in and out of hospitals. That’s not living. Therapist (off screen): You should do it for your wife. Huband: My wife? She hates me. She would never forgive me. Therapist (off screen): You are very wrong. Ever since she got here, she has been fighting for you. She’s trying so hard to understand you. You have to tell her. Huband: I know. I just don’t know-how. Therapist (off screen): You should start by apologizing. Huband: That’s not my specialty. Therapist (off screen): I can help you. Let’s call her in here. Huband: Ok. Therapist (off screen): Are you ready? Huband:Ready as I’ll ever be.

Blackout

SCENE 15

The scene opens to the Husband and Wife on the couch on opposite ends. Therapist (off screen) [turning towards the Wife]: Welcome back. Did you do anything while you waited? Wife: Actually I did! I went down to the square to this cute cupcake shop. I got a dozen to bring to Jean’s daycare. Therapist (off screen): That sounds wonderful. Your Husband actually had something to tell you. Wife: [turns to Husband] Ok. What is it? Husband: I wanted to apologize. I have been really rude to and it is extremely unjustified. I have been pushing you away and I know it’s been hard on you. I promise to stop and I’m going to try my best to mend this relationship. Wife [turning towards the Therapist]: You are a miracle worker! You really talked some sense into him. Therapist (finally on screen): I tried. The Therapist is wearing glasses and a brown pants suit. She has a clipboard in her hands and her knees are crossed. Wife: Thank you. That is really sweet. I’m glad you are taking responsibility for your actions. Of course, it’s not only you. I haven’t been trying as hard as I could have. Husband: No, don’t put this on you. This is all me. I want to work this out and be how we used to be. I want to go on date nights, watch movies, go to games together. I want to be a good couple. I want to fix this. Wife [reaches for Husband’s hand and he takes it]: That sounds really good. I would like that. Therapist (off screen): There is one more thing I would like to discuss. Wife: What is it? Therapist (off screen) [turning towards the Husband]: Would you like to add something? Wife: (turns to Husband): What is it? The Husband is silent and looking at the floor. Wife: What is it? The Husband is still unresponsive Wife [removes her hand from his and looks at him] What do you have to tell me?

Husband: I’m sick. Wife: What do you mean you’re sick? Husband [still looking at the floor]: I have stage four pancreatic cancer. Wife: What? Are you joking? Husband: No. Wife: When did you find out? Husband: Four months ago. Wife: You found out that long ago and you didn’t tell me? Husband: I’m sorry. Wife: You’re sorry? You didn’t tell me that you were dying and you think that I’m sorry will do? Husband:I don’t know what to say. Wife: How about you tell me what was going through your mind that you would forget to mention something like that. Husband: I didn’t want you to remember me as a dying man. I want you to remember me as I am. Wife: You aren’t who you are. You are not the man I married. I don’t even recognize you. Husband: I’m sorry. I thought that pushing you away would be easier. Wife: Easier on who? Husband: I don’t know. I didn’t think it through. Wife: You’re damn right you didn’t think it through. Are you doing any treatment? Husband: No. Wife: Oh my God! What is wrong with you! Are you insane!? Husband: I didn’t want to put you through the hospital bills, the inevitable complications, the medicine. Wife: I would do anything to have more time with you. Get the treatment. I want my husband back. Husband: You still want to be with me after what I put you through. Wife: Of course. I love you. I always have, always will. You are my person. Husband: Ok. I will get the treatment. Wife: Thank you. Husband: You just have to promise to stay by my side no matter what. Wife: Of course I will. They get up off the couch and hug.

Blackout

SCENE 16

The scene opens to the Husband and Wife in two chairs next to each other in a doctor’s office. Doctor: So, you would like to continue with treatment? Husband: [looks at his Wife and reaches for her hand. She accepts it.] Yes.

Blackout