ALL MY SONS a play in three acts by Arthur Miller Characters: Joe Keller (Keller) Kate Keller (Mother) Chris

Keller Ann Deever George Deever Dr. Ji !ayliss (Ji ) Sue !ayliss "ran# $ubey $y%ia $ubey !ert Act &ne 'he bac# yar% o( the Keller ho e in the outs#irts o( an A erican to)n. August o( our era. 'he stage is he%ge% on right an% le(t by tall* closely plante% poplars )hich len% the yar% a seclu%e% at osphere. +pstage is (ille% )ith the bac# o( the house an% its open* unroo(e% porch )hich e,ten%s into the yar% so e si, (eet. 'he house is t)o stories high an% has seven roo s. -t )oul% have cost perhaps (i(teen thousan% in the early t)enties )hen it )as built. No) it is nicely painte%* loo#s tight an% co (ortable* an% the yar% is green )ith so%* here an% there plants )hose season is gone. At the right* besi%e the house* the entrance o( the %rive)ay can be seen* but the poplars cut o(( vie) o( its continuation %o)nstage. -n the le(t corner* %o)nstage* stan%s the (our.(oot.high stu p o( a slen%er apple tree )hose upper trun# an% branches lie topple% besi%e it* (ruit still clinging to its branches. Do)nstage right is a s all* trellise% arbor* shape% li#e a sea shell* )ith a %ecorative bulb hanging (ro its (or)ar%.curving roo(. Car%en chairs an% a table are scattere% about. A garbage pail on the groun% ne,t to the porch steps* a )ire lea(.burner near it. &n the rise: -t is early Sun%ay orning. Joe Keller is sitting in the sun rea%ing the )ant a%s o( the Sun%ay paper* the other sections o( )hich lie neatly on the groun% besi%e hi . !ehin% his bac#* insi%e the arbor* Doctor Ji !ayliss is rea%ing part o( the paper at the table. Keller is nearing si,ty. A heavy an o( stoli% in% an% buil%* a business an these any years* but )ith the i print o( the achine.shop )or#er an% boss still upon hi . /hen he rea%s* )hen he spea#s* )hen he listens* it is )ith the terrible concentration o( the une%ucate% an (or )ho there is still )on%er in any co only #no)n things* a an )hose 0u%ge ents ust be %re%ge% out o( e,perience an% a peasant.li#e co on sense. A an a ong en. Doctor !ayliss is nearly (orty. A )ry sel(.controlle% an* an easy tal#er* but )ith a )isp o( sa%ness that clings even to his sel(.e((acing hu or. At curtain* Ji is stan%ing at le(t* staring at the bro#en tree. 1e taps a pipe on it* blo)s through the pipe* (eels in his poc#ets (or tobacco* then spea#s. Ji : /here2s your tobacco3 Keller: - thin# - le(t it on the table. Ji goes slo)ly to table on the arbor* (ings a pouch* an% sits there on the bench* (illing his pipe. Keller: Gonna rain tonight. Ji : 4aper says so3 Keller: 5eah* right here. Ji : 'hen it can2t rain. "ran# $ubey enters* through a s all space bet)een the poplars. "ran# is thirty t)o but bal%ing. A pleasant* opinionate% an* uncertain o( hi sel(* )ith a ten%ency to)ar% peevishness )hen crosse%* but al)ays )anting it pleasantly an% neighborly. 1e rather saunters in* leisurely* nothing to %o. 1e %oes not notice Ji in the arbor. &n his greeting* Ji %oes not bother loo#ing up.

"ran#: 1ya. Keller: 1ello* "ran#. /hat2s %oin23 "ran#: Nothin2. /al#ing o(( y brea#(ast. 6loo#s up at the s#y7 'hat beauti(ul3 Not a clou% in the s#y. Keller: 6loo#ing up7 5eah* nice. "ran#: 8very Sun%ay ought to be li#e this. Keller: 6in%icating the sections besi%e hi 7 /ant the paper3 "ran#: /hat2s the %i((erence* it2s all ba% ne)s. /hat2s to%ay2s cala ity3 Keller: - %on2t #no)* - %on2t rea% the ne)s part any ore. -t2s ore interesting in the )ant a%s. "ran#: /hy* you trying to buy so ething3 Keller: No* -2 0ust intereste%. 'o see )hat people )ant* y2#no)3 "or instance here2s a guy is loo#in2 (or t)o Ne)(oun%lan% %ogs. No) )hat2s he )ant )ith t)o Ne)(oun%lan% %ogs3 "ran#: 'hat is (unny. Keller: 1ere2s another one. /ante%* ol% %ictionaries. 1igh prices pai%. No) )hat2s a an going to %o )ith an ol% %ictionary3 "ran#: /hy not3 4robably a boo# collector. Keller: 5ou ean he2ll a#e a living out o( that3 "ran#: Sure* there2s a lot o( the . Keller: 6sha#ing his hea%7 All the #in% o( business goin2 on. -n y %ay* either you )ere a la)yer* or a %octor* or you )or#e% in a shop. No)... "ran#: /ell* - )as going to be a (orester once. Keller: /ell* that sho)s you. -n y %ay* there )as no such thin#. 6Scanning the page* s)eeping it )ith his han%7 5ou loo# at a page li#e this you reali9e ho) ignorant you are. 6so(tly* )ith )on%er* as he scans page7 4sss: "ran#: 6noticing tree7 1ey* )hat happene% to your tree3 Keller: Ain2t that a)e(ul3 'he )in% ust2ve got it last night. 5ou hear% the )in% %i%n2t you3 "ran#: 5eah* - got a ess in y yar%* too. 6goes to tree7 /hat a pity. 6turning to Keller7 /hat %i% Kate say3 Keller: 'hey2re all asleep yet. -2 0ust )aiting (or her to see it. "ran#: 6struc#7 5ou #no)3 -ts (unny. Keller: /hat3 "ran#: $arry )as born in August. 1e2% be t)enty.seven this onth. An% his tree blo)s %o)n. Keller: 6touche%7 -2 surprise% you re e ber his birth%ay* "ran#. 'hat2s nice. "ran#: /ell* -2 )or#ing on his horoscope. Keller: 1o) can you a#e hi a horoscope3 'hat2s (or the (uture* ain2t it3 "ran#: /ell* )hat -2 %oing is this* see. $arry )as reporte% issing on Nove ber t)enty.(i(th* right3 Keller: 5eah3 "ran#: /ell* then* )e assu e that i( he )as #ille% it )as on Nove ber t)enty.(i(th. No)* )hat Kate )ants... Keller: &h* Kate as#e% you to a #e a horoscope3 "ran#: 5eah* )hat she )ants to (in% out is )hther Nove ber t)enty.(i(th )as a (avorable %ay (or $arry. Keller: /hat is that* (avorable %ay3 "ran#: /ell* a (avorable %ay (or a person is a (ortunate %ay* accor%ing to the stars. -n other )or%s it )oul% be practically i possible (or hi to have %ie% on his (avorable %ay. Keller: /ell* )as that his (avorable %ay3 Nove ber t)enty.(i(th3 "ran#: 'hat2s )hat -2 )or#ing on to (in% out. -t ta#es ti e: See* the point is* i( Nove ber t)enty.(i(th )as his (avorable %ay* then it2s co pletely possible he2s alive so e)here* because* - ean* it2s possible. 6he notices Ji no). Ji is loo#ing at hi as though at an i%iot. 'o Ji * )ith an uncertain laugh:7 - %i%n2t even see you. Keller: 6to Ji 7 -s he tal#in2 sense3 Ji : 1e2s alright. 1e2s 0ust co pletely out o( his in%* that2s all. "ran#: 6peeve%7 'he trouble )ith you is* you %on2t believe in anything. Ji : An% your trouble is that you believe in anything. 5ou %i%n2t see y #i% this orning* %i% you3 "ran#: No. Keller: - agine3 1e )al#e% o(( )ith his ther o eter. ;ight out o( his bag. Ji : 6getting up7 /hat a proble . &ne loo# at a girl an% he ta#es her te perature. 6goes to the %rive)ay* loo#s upstage to)ar% street7

"ran#: 'hat boy2s going to be a real %octor. 1e2s s art. Ji : &ver y %ea% bo%y he2ll be a %octor. A goo% beginning* too. "ran#: /hy3 -t2s an honorable pro(ession. Ji : 6loo#ing at hi tire%ly7 "ran#* )ill you stop tal#ing li#e a civics boo#3 Keller laughs "ran#: /hy* - sa) a ovie a couple o( )ee#s ago* re in%e% e o( you. 1ere )as a %octor in that picture... Keller: Don A eche: "ran#: - thin# it )as* yeah. An% he )or#e% in his base ent %iscovering things. 'hat2s )hat you ought to %o. 5ou coul% help hu anity instea% o( ... Ji : - )oul% love to help hu anity on a /arner !rothers salary. Keller: 6pointing at hi * laughing7 'hat2s very goo%* Ji . Ji : 6loo#ing to)ar% house7 /ell* )here2s the beauti(ul girl that )as suppose% to be here3 "ran#: 6e,cite%7 Annie ca e3 Keller: Sure* sleepin2 upstairs. /e pic#e% her up on the one o2cloc# train last night. /on%er(ul thing. Girl leaves here* a scra)ny #i%. Couple o( years go by* she2s a regular )o an. 1ar%ly recogni9e% her* an% she )as running in an% out o( this yar% all her li(e. 'hat )as a very happy (a ily use% to live in your house* Ji . Ji : $i#e to eet her. 'he bloc# can use a pretty girl. -n the )hole neighborhoo% there2s not a %a ne% thing to loo# at. 6Sue* Ji 2s )i(e* enters. She is roun%ing (orty* an over)eight )o an )ho (ears it. &n seeing her* Ji )ryly a%%s:7 e,cept y )i(e* o( course. Sue: 6in sa e spirit7 Mrs. A%a s is on the phone* you %og. Ji : 6to Keller7 Such is the con%ition )hich prevails. 6going to his )i(e7 My love* y light. Sue: Don2t sni(( aroun% e. 6pointing to their house:7 An% give her a nasty ans)er. - can s ell the per(u e over the phone. Ji : /hat2s the atter )ith her no)3 Sue: - %on2t #no) %ear. She soun%s li#e she2s in terrible pain. +nless her outh is (ull o( can%y. Ji : /hy %on2t you 0ust tell her to lay %o)n3 Sue: She en0oys it ore )hen you tell her to lay %o)n. An% )hen are you going to see Mr. 1ubbar%3 Ji : My %ear* Mr. 1ubbar% is not sic#* an% - have better things to %o than to sit there an% hol% his han%. Sue: -t see s to e that (or ten %ollars you coul% hol% his han%. Ji : 6to Keller7 -( you son )ants to play gol( tell hi -2 rea%y. &r i( he2% li#e to ta#e a trip aroun% the )orl% (or about thirty years. 6he e,its7 Keller: /hy %o you nee%le hi 3 1e2s a %octor* )o en are suppose% to call hi up. Sue: All - sai% )as Mrs. A%a s is on the phone. Can - have so e o( your parsley3 Keller: 5eah* sure. 6Sue goes to parsley bo, an% pulls so e parsley7 5ou )ere a nurse too long* Susie. 5ou2re too ... too ... realistic. Sue: 6laughing* pointing at hi 7 No) you sai% it: $y%ia $ubey enters. She is a robust* laughing girl o( t)enty.seven. $y%ia: "ran#* the toaster ... 6sees the others7 1ya. Keller: 1ello: $y%ia: 6to "ran#7 'he toaster is o(( again. "ran#: /ell* plug it in* - 0ust (i,e% it. $y%ia: 6#in%ly* but insistently7 4lease* %ear* (i, it bac# li#e it )as be(ore. "ran#: - %on2t #no) )hy you can2t learn to turn on a si ple thing li#e a toaster: 61e e,its7 Sue: 6$aughing7 'ho as 8%ison. $y%ia: 6apologetically7 1e2s really very han%y. 6she sees bro#en tree7 &h* %i% the )in% get your tree3 Keller: 5eah* last night. $y%ia: &h* )hat a pity. Annie get in3 Keller: She2ll be %o)n soon. /ait2ll you eet her* Sue* she2s a #noc#out. Sue: - shoul%2ve been a an. 4eople are al)ays intro%ucing e to beauti(ul )o en. 6to Joe:7 'ell her to co e over later: - i agine she2% li#e to see )hat )e %i% )ith her house. An% than#s. 6she e,its7 $y%ia: -s shee still unhappy* Joe3 Keller: Annie3 - %on2t suppose she goes aroun% %ancing on her toes* but she see s to be over it. $y%ia: She going to get arrie%3 -s there anybo%y ... 3

Keller: - suppose... say* it2s a couple o( years alrea%y. She can2t ourn a boy (orever. $y%ia: -t2s so strange. Annie2s here an% not even arrie%. An% -2ve got three babies. - al)ays thought it2% be the other )ay aroun%. Keller: /ell* that2s )hat a )ar %oes. - ha% t)o sons* no) - got one. -t change% all the tallies. -n y %ay )hen you ha% sons it )as an honor. 'o%ay* a %octor coul% a#e a illion %ollars i( he coul% (igure out a )ay to bring a boy into the )orl% )ithout a trigger (inger. $y%ia: 5ou #no)* - )as 0ust rea%ing... 8nter Chris Keller (ro house* stan%s in %oor)ay. $y%ia: 1ya* Chris. "ran# shouts (ro o((stage. "ran#: $y%ia* co e in here: -( you )ant the toaster to )or# %on2t plug in the alte% i,er. $y%ia: 6e barrasse%* laughing7 Di% -3 "ran#: An% the ne,t ti e - (i, so ething %on2t tell e -2 cra9y: No) co e in here: $y%ia: 6to Keller7 -2ll never hear the en% o( this one. Keller: 6calling to "ran#7 So )hat2s the %i((erence3 -nstea% o( toast have a alte%: $y%ia: Sh: sh: 6she e,its* laughing7 Chris )atches her o((. 1e is thirty.t)o. $i#e his (ather* soli%ly built* a listener. A an capable o( i ense a((ection an% loyalty. 1e has a cup o( co((ee in one han%* part o( a %oughnut in the other. Keller: 5ou )ant the paper3 Chris: 'hat2s all right* 0ust the boo# section. 1e ben%s %o)n an% pulls out part o( the paper on porch (loor. Keller: 5ou2re al)ays rea%ing the boo# section an% you never buy a boo#. Chris: 6co ing %o)n to settee7 - li#e to #eep abreast o( y ignorance. 1e sits on the settee. Keller: /hat is that* every )ee# a ne) boo# co es out3 Chris: $ots o( ne) boo#s. Keller: All %i((erent3 Chris: All %i((erent. Keller sha#es his hea%* puts #ni(e %o)n on bench* ta#es oilstone up to the cabinet. Keller: 4sss: Annie up yet3 Chris: Mother2s giving her brea#(ast in the %ining roo . Keller: 6loo#ing at the bro#en tree7 See )hat happene% to the tree3 Chris: 6)ithout loo#ing up7 5eah. Keller: /hat2s other going to say3 !ert runs up (ro %rive)ay. 1e is about eight. 1e 0u ps on stool* then on Keller2s bac#. !ert: 5ou2re (inally up. Keller: 6s)inging hi aroun% an% putting hi %o)n7 1a: !ert2s here: /here2s 'o y3 1e2s got his (ather2s ther o eter again. !ert: 1e2s ta#ing a rea%ing. Chris: /hat: !ert: !ut it2s only oral. Keller: &h* )ell* there2s no har in oral. So )hat2s ne) this orning* !ert3 !ert: Nothin2. 61e goes to the bro#en tree* )al#s aroun% it7 Keller: 'hen you coul%n2t2ve a%e a co plete inspection o( the bloc#. -n the beginning* )hen (irst a%e you a police an you use% to co e in every orning )ith so ething ne). No)* nothin2s ever ne). !ert: 8,cept so e #i%s (ro 'hirtieth Street. 'hey starte% #ic#ing a can %o)n the bloc#* an% a%e the go a)ay because you )ere sleeping. Keller: No) you2re tal#in2* !ert. No) you2re on the ball. "irst thing you #no) -2 liable to a#e you a %etective. !ert: 6pulling hi %o)n by the lapel an% )hispering in his ear7 Can - see the 0ail no)3 Keller: Seein2 the 0ail ain2t allo)e%* !ert. 5ou #no) that. !ert: A)* - betcha there isn2t even a 0ail. - %on2t see any bars on the cellar )in%o)s. Keller: !ert* on y )or% o( honor there2s a 0ail in the base ent. - sho)e% you y gun* %i%n2t -3 !ert: !ut that2s a hunting gun. Keller: 'hat2s an arresting gun: !ert: 'hen )hy %on2t you ever arrest anybo%y3 'o y sa% another %irty )or% to Doris yester%ay* an% you %i%n2t even %e ote hi . Keller chuc#les an% )in#s at Chris* )ho is en0oying all this.

Keller: 5eah* that2s a %angerous character* that 'o y. 6bec#ons hi closer7 /hat )or% %oes he say3 !ert: 6bac#ing a)ay <uic#ly in great e barrass ent7 &h* - can2t say that. Keller: 6grabbing hi by the shirt an% pulling hi bac#7 /ell* gi e an i%ea. !ert: - can2t. -t2s not a nice )or%. Keller: Just )hisper it in y ear. -2ll close y eyes. Maybe - )on2t even hear it. !ert* on tiptoe* puts his lips to Keller2s ear* then in unbearble e barrass ent* steps bac#. !ert: - can2t* Mr. Keller. Chris: 6laughing7 Don2t a#e hi %o that. Keller: &#ay* !ert. - ta#e your )or%. No) go out* an% #eep both eyes peele%. !ert: 6intereste%7 "or )hat3 Keller: "or )hat: !ert* the )hole neighborhoo% is %epen%ing on you. A police an %on2t as# <uestions. No) peel the eyes: !ert: 6 ysti(ie%* but )illing7 &#ay. 6he runs o((stage bac# o( arbor7 Keller: 6calling a(ter hi 7 An% u 2s the )or%* !ert. !ert stops an% stic#s his hea% through the arbor. !ert: About )hat3 Keller: Just in general. !e v.e.r.y care(ul. !ert: 6no%%ing in be)il%er ent7 &#ay. 6he e,its7 Keller: 6laughing7 - got all the #i%s cra9y: Chris: &ne o( these %ays* they2ll all co e in here an% beat your brains out. Keller: /hat2s she going to say3 Maybe )e ought to tell her be(ore she sees it. Chris: She sa) it. Keller: 1o) coul% she see it3 - )as the (irst one up. She )as still in be%. Chris: She )as out here )hen it bro#e. Keller: /hen3 Chris: About (our this orning. 6in%icating )in%o) above the 7 - hear% it crac#ing an% - )o#e up an% loo#e% out. She )as stan%ing right there )hen it crac#e%. Keller: /hat )as she %oing out here (our in the orning3 Chris: - %on2t #no). /hen it crac#e% she ran bac# into the house an% crie% in the #itchen. Keller: Di% you tal# to her3 Chris: No* -... - (igure% the best thing )as to leave her alone. 4ause. Keller: 6%eeply touche%7 She crie% har%3 Chris: - coul% hear her right through the (loor o( y roo . Keller: 6a(ter slight pause7 /hat )as she %oing out here at that hour3 6Chris silent. /ith an un%ertone o( anger sho)ing7 She2s %rea ing about hi again. She2s )al#ing aroun% at night. Chris: - guess she is. Keller: She2s getting 0ust li#e a(ter he %ie%. 6slight pause7 /hat2s the eaning o( that3 Chris: - %on2t #no) the eaning o( it. 6slight pause7 !ut - #no) one thing* Da%. /e2ve a%e a terrible ista#e )ith Mother. Keller: /hat3 Chris: !eing %ishonest )ith her. 'hat #in% o( thing al)ays pays o((* an% no) it2s paying o((. Keller: /hat %o you ean* %ishonest3 Chris: 5ou #no) $arry2s not co ing bac# an% - #no) it. /hy %o )e allo) her to go on thin#ing that )e believe )ith her3 Keller: /hat %o you )ant to %o* argue )ith her3 Chris: - %on2t )ant to argue )ith her* but it2s ti e she reali9e% that nobo%y believes $arry is alive any ore. 6Keller si ply oves a)ay* thin#ing* loo#ing at the groun%7 /hy shoul%n2t she %rea o( hi * )al# the nights )aiting (or hi 3 Do )e contra%ict her3 Do )e say straight out that )e have no hope any ore3 'hat )e haven2t ha% any ho e (or years no)3 Keller: 6(rightene% at the thought7 5ou can2t say that to her. Chris: /e2ve got to say it to her. Keller: 1o)2re you going to prove it3 Can you prove it3 Chris: "or Go%2s sa#e* three years: Nobo%y co es bac# a(ter three years. -t2s insane. Keller: 'o you it is* an% to e. !ut not to her. 5ou can tal# yoursel( blue in the (ace* but there2s no bo%y an% no grave* so )here are you3 Chris: Sit %o)n* Da%. - )ant to tal# to you. Keller loo#s at hi searchingly a o ent

Keller: 'he trouble is the Go%%a ne)spapers. 8very onth so e boy turns up (ro no)here* so the ne,t one is going to be $arry* so... Chris: All right* all right* listen to e. 6slight pause. Keller sits on settee7 5ou #no) )hy - as#e% Annie here* %on2t you3 Keller: 6he #no)s* but7 /hy3 Chris: 5ou #no). Keller: /ell* - got an i%ea* but... /hat2s the story3 Chris: -2 going to as# her to arry e. 6slight pause. Keller no%s7 Keller: /ell* that2s only your business* Chriss. Chris: 5ou #no) it2s not only y business. Keller: /hat %o you )ant e to %o3 5ou2re ol% enough to #no) your o)n in%. Chris: 6as#ing* annoye%7 'hen it2s all right* -2ll go ahea% )ith it3 Keller: /ell* you )ant to be sure Mother isn2t going to... Chris: 'hen it isn2t 0ust y business. Keller: -2 0ust sayin2 ... Chris: So eti es you in(uriate e* you #no) that3 -sn2t it your business* too* i( - tell this to Mother an% she thro)s a (it about it3 5ou have such a talent (or ignoring things. Keller: - ignore )hat - gotta ignore. 'he girl is $arry2s girl. Chris: She2s not $arry2s girl. Keller: "ro Mother2s point o( vie) he is not %ea% an% you have no right to ta#e his girl. 6slight pause7 No) you can go on (ro there i( you #no) )here to go* but -2 tellin2 you - %on2t #no) )here to go. See3 - %on2t #no). No) )hat can - %o (or you3 Chris: - %on2t #no) )hy it is* but every ti e - reach out (or so ething - )ant* - have to pull bac# because other people )ill su((er. My )hole bloo%y li(e* ti e a(ter ti e a(ter ti e. Keller: 5ou2re a consi%erate (ella* there2s nothing )rong in that. Chris: 'o hell )ith that. Keller: Di% you as# Annie yet3 Chris: - )ante% to get this settle% (irst. Keller: 1o) %o you #no) she2ll arry you3 Maybe she (eels the sa e )ay Mother %oes3 Chris: /ell* i( she %oes* then that2s the en% o( it. "ro her letters - thin# she2s (orgotten hi . -2ll (in% out. An% then )e2ll thrash it out )ith Mother3 ;ight3 Da%* %on2t avoi% e. Keller: 'he trouble is* you %on2t see enough )o en. 5ou never %i%. Chris: So )hat3 -2 not (ast )ith )o en. Keller: - %on2t see )hy it has to be Annie. Chris: !ecause it is. Keller: 'hat2s a goo% ans)er* but it %on2t ans)er anything. 5ou haven2t seen her since you )ent to )ar. -t2s (ive years. Chris: - can2t help it. - #no) her best. - )as brought up ne,t %oor to her. 'hese years )hen thin# o( so eone (or y )i(e* - thin# o( Annie. /hat %o you )ant* a %iagra 3 Keller: - %on2t )ant a %iagra ... -...-2 ... She thin#s he2s co ing bac# Chris. 5ou arry that girl an% you2re pronouncing hi %ea%. No) )hat2s going to happen to other3 Do you #no)3 %on2t. 6pause7 Chris: All right* then* Da%. Keller: 6thin#ing Chris has retreate%7 Give it so e ore thougth. Chris: -2ve given it three years o( thought. -2% hope% that i( - )aite%* Mother )oul% (orget $arry an% then )e2% have a regular )e%%ing an% everything happy. !ut i( that can2t happen here* then -2ll have to get out. Keller: /hat the hell is this3 Chris: -2ll get out. -2ll get arrie% an% live so e place else. Maybe in Ne) 5or#. Keller: Are you cra9y3 Chris: -2ve been a goo% son too long* a goo% suc#er. -2 through )ith it. Keller: 5ou2ve got a business here. /hat the hell is this3 Chris: 'he business: 'he business %oesn2t inspire e. Keller: Must you be inspire%3 Chris: 5es. - li#e it an hour a %ay. -( - have to grub (or oney all %ay long at least at evening )ant it beauti(ul. - )ant a (a ily* - )ant so e #i%s* - )ant to buil% so ething that - can give ysel( to. Annie is in the i%%le o( that. No) ... )here to - (in% it3 Keller: 5ou ean... 6goes to hi 7 'ell e so ething* you ean you2% leave the business3 Chris: 5es. &n this - )oul%. Keller: 6a(ter a pause7 /ell... you %on2t )ant to thin# li#e that.

Chris: 'hen help e stay here. Keller: All right* but... but %on2t thin# li#e that. !ecause )hat the hell %i% - )or# (or3 'hat2s only (or you* Chris* the )hole shootin2 atch is (or you: Chris: - #no) that* Da%. Just you help e stay here. Keller: 6putting a (ist up to Chris2s 0a)7 !ut %on2t thin# that )ay* you hear e3 Chris: - a thin#ing that )ay. Keller: 6lo)ering his han%7 - %on2t un%erstan% you* %o -3 Chris: No* you %on2t. -2 a pretty tough guy. Keller: 5eah* - can see that. Mother appears on porch. She is in her early (i(ties* a )o an o( uncontrolle% inspirations an% an over)hel ing capacity (or love. Mother: Joe3 Chris: 6going to)ar% porch7 1ello* Mo . Mother: 6in%icating house behin% her. 'o Keller7 Di% you ta#e a bag (ro un%er the sin#3 Keller: 5eah* - put it in the pail. Mother: /ell* get it out o( the pail. 'hat2s y potatoes. Chris bursts out laughing. Goes up into alley. Keller: 6laughing7 - thought it )as garbage. Mother: /ill you %o e a (avor* Joe3 Don2t be help(ul. Keller: - can a((or% another bag o( potatoes. Mother: Minnie scoure% that pail in boiling )ater last night. -t2s cleaner than your teeth. Keller: An% - %on2t un%erstan% )hy* a(ter - )or#e% (orty years an% - got a ai%* )hy - have to ta#e out the garbage. Mother: -( you )oul% a#e up your in% that every bac# in the #itchen isn2t (ull o( garbage you )oul%n2t be thro)ing out y vegetables. $ast ti e it )as the onions. Chris co es on* han%s her bag. Keller: - %on2t li#e garbage in the house. Mother: 'hen %on2t eat. 6she goes into the #itchen )ith bag7 Chris: 'hat settles you (or to%ay. Keller: 5eah* -2 in last place again. - %on2t #no)* once upon a ti e - use% to thin# that )hen got oney again - )oul% have a ai% an% y )i(e )oul% ta#e it easy. No) - got oney* an% got a ai%* an% y )i(e is )or#in2 (or the ai%. 6he sits in one o( the chairs7 Mother co es out on last line. She carries a pot o( string beans. Mother: -t2s her %ay o((* )hat are you crabbing about3 Chris: 6to Mother7 -sn2t Annie (inishe% eating3 Mother: 6loo#ing aroun% preoccupie%ly at yar%7 She2ll be right out. 6 oves7 'hat )i% %i% so e 0ob on this place. 6o( the tree7 So uch (or that* than# Got. Keller: 6in%icating chair besi%e hi 7 Sit %o)n* ta#e it easy. Mother: 6pressing her han% to top o( her hea%7 -2ve got such a (unny pain on the top o( y hea%. Chris: Can - get you an aspirin3 Mother pic#s a (e) petals o(( groun%* stan%s there s elling the in her han%* then sprin#les the over plants. Mother: No ore roses. -t2s so (unny... everything %eci%es to happen at the sa e ti e. 'his onth is is birth%ay* his tree blo)s %o)n* Annie co es. 8verything that happene% see s to be co ing bac#. - )as 0ust %o)n the cellar* an% )hat %o - stu ble over3 1is baseball glove. haven2t seen it in a century. Chris: Don2t you thin# Annie loo#s )ell3 Mother: "ine. 'here2s no <uestion about it. She2s a beauty... - still %on2t #no) )hat brought her here. Not that -2 not gla% to see her* but... Chris: - 0ust thought )e2% all li#e to see each other again. 6 other 0ust loo#s at hi * no%%ing ever so slightly* al ost as though a% itting so ething7 An% - )ante% to see her ysel(. Mother: 6as her no%s halt* to Keller7 'he only thin# is - thin# her nose got longer. !ut -2ll al)ays love that girl. She2s one that %i%n2t 0u p into be% )ith so ebo%y else as soon as it happene% )ith her (ella. Keller: 6as though that )ere i possible (or Annie7 &h* )hat2re you... Mother: Never in%. Most o( the %i%n2t )ai% till the telegra s )ere opene%. -2 0ust gla% she ca e* so you can see -2 not co pletely out o( y in%. 6sits* an% rapi%ly brea#s string beans in the pot7 Chris: Just because she isn2t arrie% %oesn2t ean she2s been ourning $arry. Mother: 6)ith an un%ercurrent o( observation7 /hy then isn2t she3

Chris: 6a little (lustere%7 /ell... it coul% have been any nu ber o( things. Mother: 6%irectly at hi 7 $i#e )hat* (or instance3 Chris: 6e barrasse%* but stan%ing his groun%7 - %on2t #no). /hatever it is. Can - get you an aspirin3 Mother puts her han% to her hea%. She gets up an% goes ai lessly to)ar% the trees on rising. Mother: -t2s not li#e a hea%ache. Keller: 5ou %on2t sleep* that2s )hy. She2s )earing out ore be%roo slippers than shoes. Mother: - ha% a terrible night. 6she stops oving7 - never ha% a night li#e that. Chris: 6loo#ing at Keller7 /hat )as it* Mo 3 Di% you %rea 3 Mother: More* ore than a %rea . Chris: 6hesitantly7 About $arry3 Mother: - )as (ast asleep an%... 6raising her ar over the au%ience7 ;e e ber the )ay he use% to (ly lo) past the house )hen he )as in training3 /hen )e use% to see his (ace in the coc#pit going by3 'hat2s the )ay - sa) hi . &nly high up. /ay* )ay up* )here the clou%s are. 1e )as so real - coul% reach out an% touch hi . An% su%%enly he starte% to (all. An% crying* crying to e...Mo * Mo : - coul% hear hi li#e he )as in the roo . Mo : ...it )as his voice: -( - coul% touch hi - #ne) - coul% stop hi * i( - coul% only... 6brea#s o((* allo)ing her outstretche% han% to (all7 - )o#e up an% it )as so (unny. 'he )in%... it )as li#e the roaring o( his engine. - ca e out here... - ust2ve still been hal( asleep. - coul% hear that roaring li#e he )as going by. 'he tree snappe% right in (ront o( e... an% - li#e... ca e a)a#e. 6she is loo#ing at tree. She su%%enly reali9es so ething* turns )ith a repri an%ing (inger sha#ing slightly at Keller.7 See3 /e shoul% never have plante% that tree. - sai% so in the (irst place. -t )as too soon to plant a tree (or hi . Chris: 6alar e%7 'oo soon: Mother: 6angering7 /e rushe% into it. 8verybo%y )as in such a hurry to bury hi . - sa% not to plant it yet. 6to Keller:7 - tol% you to...: Chris: Mother* Mother: 6she loo#s into his (ace7 'he )in% ble) it %o)n. /hat signi(icance has that got3 /hat are you tal#ing about3 Mother* please... Don2t go through it all again* )ill you3 -t2s no goo%* it %oesn2t acco plish anything. -2ve been thin#ing* y2#no)3 ... aybe )e ought to put our in%s to (orgetting hi 3 Mother: that2s the thir% ti e you2ve sai% that this )ee#. Chris: !ecause it2s not right. /e never too# up our lives again. /e2re li#e at a railroa% station )aiting (or a train that never co es in. Mother: 6pressing the top o( her hea%7 Get e an aspirin* heh3 Chris: Sure* an% let2s brea# out o( this* heh* Mo 3 - thought the (our o( us ight go out to %inner a couple o( nights* aybe go %ancing out at the shore. Mother: "ine. 6to Keller7 /e can %o it tonight. Keller: S)ell )ith e: Chris: Sure* let2s have so e (un. 6to Mother7 5ou2ll start )ith this aspirin. 6he goes up an% into the house )ith ne) spirit. 1er s ile vanishes7 Mother: 6)ith an accusing un%ertone7 /hy %i% he invite her here3 Keller: /hy %oes that bother you3 Mother: She2s been in Ne) 5or# three an% a hal( years* )hy all o( a su%%en...3 Keller: /ell* aybe... aybe he 0ust )ante% to see her. Mother: Nobo%y co es seven hun%re% iles =0ust to see=. Keller: /hat %o you ean3 1e live% ne,t %oor to the girl all his li(e* )hy shoul%n2t he )ant to see her again3 6Mother loo#s at hi critically7 Don2t loo# at e li#e that* he %i%n2t tell e any ore than he tol% you. Mother: 6a )arning an% a <uestion7 1e2s not going to arry her. Keller: 1o) %o you #no) he2s even thin#ing about it3 Mother: -t2s got that about it. Keller: 6sharply )atching her reaction7 /ell3 So )hat3 Mother: 6alar e%7 /hat2s going on here Joe3 Keller: No) listen* #i%... Mother: 6avoi%ing contact )ith hi 7 She2s not his girl* Joe. She #no)s she2s not. Keller: 5ou can2t rea% her in%. Mother: 'hen )hy is she still single3 Ne) 5or# is (ull o( en* )hy isn2t she arrie%3 6pause7 4robably a hun%re% people tol% her she2s (oolish* but she2s )aite%. Keller: 1o) %o you #no) )hy she )aite%3

Mother: She #no)s )hat - #no)* that2s )hy. She2s (aith(ul as a roc#. -n y )orst o ents* thin# o( her )aiting* an% - #no) again that -2 right. Keller: $oo#* it2s a nice %ay. /hat are )e arguing (or3 Mother: 6)arningly7 Nobo%y in this house %ast ta#e her (aith a)ay* Joe. Strangers ight. !ut not his (ather* not his brother. Keller: 6e,asperate%7 /hat %o you )ant e to %o3 /hat %o you )ant3 Mother: - )ant you to act li#e he2s co ing bac#. !oth o( you. Don2t thin# - haven2t notice% you since Chris invite% her. - )on2t stan% (or any nonsense. Keller: !ut* Kate... Mother: !ecause i( he2s not co ing bac#* then -2ll #ill ysel(: $augh. $augh at e. 6She points to tree7 !ut )hy %i% that happen the very night she ca e bac#3 She goes to sleep in his roo an% his e orial brea#s in pieces. $oo# at it. $oo#. 6She sits on bench7 Joe... Keller: Cal yoursel(. Mother: !elieve )ith e* Joe. - can2t stan% all alone. Keller: Cal yoursel(. Mother: &nly last )ee# a an turne% up in Detroit* issing longer than $arry. 5ou rea% it yoursel(. Keller: All right* all right* cal yoursel(. Mother: 5ou above all have got to believe* you... Keller: 6rising7 /hy e above all3 Mother: Just %on2t stop believing. Keller: /hat %oes that ean* e above all3 !ert co es rushing on. !ert: Mr. Keller: Say* Mr. Keller... 6pointing up the %rive)ay7 'o y 0ust sai% it again: Keller: 6not re e bering any o( it7 Sai% )hat3 /ho3 !ert: 'he %irty )or%. Keller: &h. /ell... !ert: Gee* aren2t you going to arrest hi 3 - )arne% hi . Mother: 6)ith su%%enness7 Stop that* !ert. Go ho e. 6!ert bac#s up* as she a%vances7 'here2s no 0ail here. Keller: 6as though to say* =&h.)hat.the.hell.let.hi .believe.there.is=7 Kate... Mother: 6turning on Keller (uriously7 'here2s no 0ail here: - )ant you to stop that 0ail business: 6he turns* sha e%* but peeve%7 !ert: 6past her to Keller7 1e2s right across the street. Mother: Go ho e* !ert. 6!ert turns aroun% an% goes up %rive)ay. She is sha#en. 1er speech is bitten o((* e,tre ely urgent.7 - )ant you to stop that* Joe. 'hat )hole 0ail business: Keller: 6alar e%* an% there(ore angere%7 $oo# at you* loo# at you sha#ing. Mother: 6trying to control hersel(* oving about clasping her han%s7 - can2t help it. Keller: /hat have - got to hi%e3 /hat the hell is the atter )ith you Kate3 Mother: - %i%n2t say you ha% anything to hi%e* -2 0ust telling you to stop it: No) stop it: 6as Ann an% Chris appear on the porch. Ann is t)enty.si,* gentle but %espite hersel( capable o( hol%ing (ast to )hat she #no)s. Chris opens %oor (or her7 Ann: 1ya* Joe: 6She lea%s o(( a general laugh that is not sel(.conscious because they #no) one another too )ell. Chriss* bringing Ann %o)n* )ith an outstretche%* chivalric ar 7 'a#e a breath o( that air* #i%. 5ou never get air li#e that in Ne) 5or#. Mother: 6genuinely overco e )ith it7 Annie* )here %i% you get that %ress: Ann: - coul%n2t resist. -2 ta#ing it right o(( be(ore - ruin it. 6s)ings aroun%7 1o)2s that (or three )ee#s2 salary3 Mother: 6to Keller7 -sn2t she the ost ...3 6'o Ann7 -t2s gorgeous* si ply gor... Chris: 6to Mother7 No #i%%ing* no)* isn2t she the prettiest gal you ever sa)3 Mother: 6caught short by his obvious a% iration* she (in%s hersel( reaching out (or a glass o( )ater an% aspirin in his han% an% ...7 5ou gaine% a little )eight* %i%n2t you* %arling3 6she gulps pill an% %rin#s.7 Ann: -t co es an% goes. Keller: $oo# ho) nice her legs turne% out: Ann: 6as she runs to (ence7 !oy* the poplars got thic#* %i%n2t they3 6Keller oves to settee an% sits.7 #eller: /ell* it2s three years* Annie. /e2re gettin2 ol%* #i%. Mother: 1o) %oes Mo li#e Ne) 5or#3 6Ann #eeps loo#ing through trees7 Ann: 6a little hurt7 /hy2% they ta#e our ha oc# a)ay3

Keller: &h* no* it bro#e. Couple o( years ago. Mother: /hat bro#e3 1e ha% one o( his light lunches an% (loppe% into it. Ann: 6laughs an% turns bac# to)ar% Ji 2s yar%7 &h* e,cuse e: Ji has co e to (ence an% is loo#ing over it. 1e is s o#ing a cigar. As she cries out* he co es on aroun% on stage. Ji : 1o) %o you %o3 6to Chris7 She loo#s very intelligent: Chris: Ann* this is Ji ... Doctor !ayliss. Ann: 6sha#ing Ji 2s han%7 &h* sure* he )rites a lot about you. Ji : Don2t you believe it. 1e li#es everybo%y. -n the battalion he )as #no)n as Mother McKeller. Ann: - can believe it. 5ou #no) ...3 6to Mother7 -t2s so strange seeing hi co e out o( that yar%. 6to Chris7 - guess - never gre) up. -t al ost see s that Mo an% 4op are in there no). An you an% y brother are %oing algebra* an% $arry trying to copy y ho e)or#. Gosh* those %ear %ea% %ays beyon% recall. Ji : /ell* - hope that %oesn2t een you )ant e to ove out3 Sue: 6calling (ro o((stage7 Ji * co e in here: Mr. 1ubbar% is on the phone: Ji : - tol% you - %on2t )ant ... Sue: 6co an%ingly s)eet7 4lease* %ear: 4lease: Ji : 6resigne%7 All right* Susie. 6trailing o((7 All right* all right... 6to Ann7 -2ve only et you* Ann* but i( - ay o((er you a piece o( a%vice... /hen you arry* never* even in your in%* never count your husban%2s oney. Sue: 6(ro o((stage7 Ji 3 Ji : At once: 6'urns an% goes o((7 At once. 61e e,its7 Mother: 6Ann is loo#ing at her. She spea#s eaning(ully7 - tol% her to ta#e up the guitar. -t2% be a co on interest (or the . 6they laugh7 /ell* he loves the guitar: Ann* as though to overco e Mother* beco es su%%enly lively* crosses to Keller on settee* sits on his lap. Ann: $et2s eat at the shore tonight: ;aise so e hell aroun% here* li#e )e use% to be(ore $arry )ent: Mother: 6e otionally7 5ou thin# o( hi : 5ou see3 6triu phantly7 She thin#s o( hi : Ann: 6)ith an unco prehen%ing s ile7 /hat %o you ean* Kate3 Mother: Nothing. Just that you ... re e ber hi * he2s in your thoughts. Ann: 'hat2s a (unny thing to say ... ho) coul% - help re e bering hi 3 Mother: 6it is %ra)ing to a hea% the )rong )ay (or her. She starts ane). She rises an% co es to Ann7 Di% you hang up your things3 Ann: 5eah ... 6to Chris7 Say* you2ve sure gone in (or clothes. - coul% har%ly (in% roo in the closet. Mother: No* %on2t you re e ber3 'hat2s $arry2s roo . Ann: 5ou ean ... they2re $arry2s3 Mother: Di%n2t you recogni9e the 3 Ann: 6slo)ly rising* a little e barrasse%7 /ell* it never occurre% to e that you2% ... - ean the shoes are all shine%. Mother: 5es* %ear. 6slight pause. Ann can2t stop staring at her. Mother brea#s it by spea#ing )ith the relish o( gossip* putting her ar aroun% Ann an% )al#ing )ith her7 "or so long -2ve been aching (or a nice conversation )ith you* Annie. 'ell e so ething. Ann: /hat3 Mother: - %on2t #no). So ething nice. Chris: 6)ryly7 She eans %o you go out uch3 Mother: &h* shut up. Keller: An% are any o( the serious3 Mother: 6laughing* sits in her chair7 /hy %on2t you both cho#e3 Keller: Annie* you can2t go into a restaurant )ith that )o an any ore. -n (ive inutes thirty nine strange people are sitting at the table telling her their li(e storie. Mother: -( - can2t as# Annie a personal <uestion ... Keller: As#ing her is all right* but %on2t beat her over the hea%. 5ou2re beatin2 her* you2re beatin2 her. 6they are laughing7 Ann ta#es pan o( beans o(( the stool* buts the on (loor un%er chair an% sits. Ann: 6to Mother7 Don2t let the bull%o9e you. As# e anything you li#e. /hat %o you )ant to #no)* Kate3 Co e on* let2s gossip.

Mother: 6to Chris an% Keller7 She2s the only one is got any sense. 6to Ann7 5our Mother ... She2s not getting a %ivorce* heh3 Ann: No* she2s cal e% %o)n about it no). - thin# )hen he gets out they2ll probably live together. -n Ne) 5or#* o( course. Mother: 'hat2s (ine. !ecause your (ather is still ... - ean he2s a %ecent an a(ter all is sai% an% %one. Ann: - %on2t care. She can ta#e hi bac# i( she li#es. Mother: An% you3 5ou ... 6sha#es her hea% negatively7 go out uch3 6slight pause7. Ann: 6%elicately7 5ou ean a - still )aiting (or hi 3 Mother: /ell* no. - %on2t e,pect you to )ait (or hi but ... Ann: 6#in%ly7 !ut that2s )hat you eant* isn2t it3 Mother: /ell ... yes. Ann: /ell* -2 not* Kate. Mother: 6(aintly7 5ou2re not3 Ann: -sn2t it ri%iculous3 5ou %on2t really i agine he2s ...3 Mother: - #no)* %ear* but %on2t say it2s ri%iculous* because the papers )ere (ull o( it. - %on2t #no) about Ne) 5or#* but there )as hal( a page about a an issing even longer than $arry* an% he turne% up in !ur a. Chris: 6co ing to Ann7 1e coul%n2t have )ante% to co e ho e very ba%ly* Mo . Mother: Don2t be so s art. Chris: 5ou can have a helluva ti e in !ur a. Ann: 6rises an% s)ings aroun% in bac# o( Chris7 So -2ve hear%. Chris: Mother* -2ll bet you oney that you2re the only )o an in the country )ho a(ter three years is still ... Mother: 5ou2re sure3 Chris: 5es* - a . Mother: /ell* i( you2re sure then you2re sure. 6She turns her hea% a)ay (or an instant7 'hey %on2t say it on the ra%io but -2 sure that in the %ar# o( night they2re still )aiting (or their sons. Chris: Mother* you2re absolutely ... Mother: 6)aving hi o((7 Don2t be so %a ne% s art: No) stop it: 6slight pause7 'here are a (e) things you %on2t #no). All o( you. An% -2ll tell you one o( the * Annie. Deep* %eep in your heart you2ve al)ays been )aiting (or hi . Ann: 6resolutely7 No* Kate. Mother: 6)ith increasing %e an%7 !ut %eep in your heart* Annie: Chris: She ought to #no)* shoul%n2t she3 Mother: Don2t let the tell you )hat to thin#. $isten to your heart. &nly your heart. Ann: /hy %oes your heart tell you he2s alive3 Mother: !ecause he has to be. Ann: !ut )hy* Kate3 Mother: 6going to her7 !ecause certain things have to be* an% certain things can never be. $i#e the sun has to rise* it has to be. 'hat2s )hy there2s Got. &ther)ise anything coul% happen. !ut there2s Go%* so certain things can never happen. - )oul% #no)* Annie ... 0ust li#e the %ay he 6in%icates Chris7 )ent into that terrible battle. Di% he )rite e3 /as it in the papers3 No* but that orning - coul%n2t raise y hea% o(( the pillo). As# Joe. Su%%enly* - #ne). - #ne): An% he )as nearly #ille% that %ay. Ann* you #no) -2 right: Ann stan%s there in silence* then turns tre bling* going upstage. Ann: No* Kate. Mother: - have to have so e tea. "ran# appears* carrying a la%%er. Ann: 6ta#ing his han%7 /hy* "ran#* you2re loosing your hair. Keller: 1e2s got responsibility. "ran#: Gee )hi9: Keller: /ithout "ran# the stars )oul%n2t #no) )hen to co e out. "ran#: 6laughs. 'o Ann7 5ou loo# ore )o anly. 5ou2ve ature%. 5ou ... Keller: 'a#e it easy* "ran#* you2re a arrie% an. Ann: 6as they laugh7 5ou still haber%ashering3 "ran#: /hy not3 Maybe - too can get to be presi%ent. 1o)2s your brother3 Got his %egree* hear. Ann: &h* George has his o)n o((ice no): "ran#: Don2t say: 6(unereally7 An% your %a%3 -s he ...3

Ann: 6abruptly7 "ine. -2ll be in to see $y%ia. "ran#: 6sy pathetically7 1o) about it* %oes Da% e,pect a parole soon3 Ann: 6)ith gro)ing ill.ease7 - realy %on2t #no)* - ... "ran#: 6staunchly %e(en%ing her (ather (or her sa#e7 - ean because - (eel* y2#no)* that i( an intelligent an li#e your (ather is put in prison* there ought to be a la) that says either you e,ecute hi * or let hi go a(ter a year. Chris: 6interrupting7 /ant a han% )ith that la%%er* "ran#3 "ran#: 6ta#ing cue7 'hat2s all right* -2ll ... 6pic#s up la%%er7 -2ll (inish the horoscope tonight* Kate. 6e barrasse%7 See you later* Ann* you loo# )on%er(ul. 6he e,its. 'hey loo# at Ann7 Ann: 6to Chris* as she sits slo)ly on stool7 1aven2t they stoppe% tal#ing about Da%3 Chris: 6co es %o)n an% sits on ar o( chair7 Nobo%y tal#s about hi any ore. Keller: Gone an% (orgotten* #i%. Ann: 'ell e. !ecause - %on2t )ant to eet anybo%y on the bloc# i( they2re going to ... Chris: - %on2t )ant you to )orry about it. Ann: 6to Keller7 Do they still re e ber the case* Joe3 Do they tal# about you3 Keller: 'he only one still tal#s about it is y )i(e. Mother: 'hat2s because you #eep on playing police an )ith the #i%s. All their parents hear out o( you is 0ail* 0ail* 0ail. Keller: Actually )hat happene% )as that )hen - got ho e (ro the penitentiary the #i%s get very intereste% in e. 5ou #no) #i%s. - )as 6laughs7 li#e the e,pert on the 0ail situation. An% as ti e passe% they got it con(use% an% ... - en%e% up a %etective. 6laughs7 Mother: 8,cept that they %i%n2t get it con(use%. 6to Ann7 1e han%s out police ba%ges (ro the 4ost 'oasties bo,es. 6they laugh7 Ann rises an% co es to Keller* putting her ar aroun% his shoul%er. Ann: 6)on%erously at the * happy7 Gosh* it2s )on%er(ul to hear you laughing about it. Chris: /hy* )hat2% you e,pect3 Ann: 'he last thing - re e ber on this bloc# )as one )or% ... =Mur%erers:= ;e e ber that* Kate3 Mrs. 1a on% stan%ing in (ront o( our house yelling that )or%3 She2s still aroun%* suppose3 Mother: 'hey2re all still aroun%. Keller: Don2t listen to her. 8very Satur%ay night the )hole gang is playin2 po#er in this arbor. All the ones )ho yelle% ur%erer ta#in2 y oney no). Mother: Don2t* Joe. She2s a sensitive girl* %on2t (ool her. 6to Ann7 'hey still re e ber about Da%. -t2s %i((erent )ith hi . 6in%icates Joe7 1e )as e,onerate%* your (ather2s still there. 'hat2s )hy - )asn2t so enthusiastic about your co ing. 1onestly* - #no) ho) sensitive you are an% tol% Chris* - sai%... Keller: $isten* you %o li#e - %i% an% you2ll be all right. 'he %ay - co e ho e* - got out o( y car ... but not in (ront o( the house... on the corner. 5ou shoul%2ve been here* Annie* an% you too Chris. 5ou2%2a seen so ething. 8verybo%y #no) - )as getting out that %ay. 'he porches )ere loa%e%. 4icture it no). None o( the believe% - )as innocent. 'he story )as* - pulle% a (ast one getting ysel( e,onerate%. So - get out o( y car* an% - )al# %o)n the street. !ut very slo). An% )ith a s ile. 'he beast: - )as the beast ... the guy )ho sol% crac#e% cylin%er hea%s to the Ar y Air "orce ... the guy )ho a%e t)enty one 4.>?s crash in Australia. Ki%* )al#in2 %o)n the street that %ay - )as guilty as hell. 8,cept - )asn2t* an% there as a court apper in y poc#et to prove - )asn2t* an% - )al#e% ... past ... the porches. ;esult3 "ourteen onths later - ha% one o( the best shops in the state again* a respecte% an again* bigger than ever. Chris: ()ith a% iration) Joe McGuts. Keller: (no) )ith great (orce): 'hat2s the only )ay you lic# 2e is guts: ('o Ann) 'he )orst thing yoiu %i% )as to ove a)ay (ro here. 5ou a%e it tough (or your (ather )hen he gets out. 'hat2s )hy - tell you* - li#e to see hi ove bac# right on this bloc#. Mother: (paine%) 1o) coul% they ove bac#3 Keller: -t ain2t gonna en% till they ove bac#: (to Ann) 'ill people play car%s )ith hi again* an% tal# )ith hi * an% s ile )ith hi ... you play car%s )ith a an you #no) he can2t be a ur%erer. An% the ne,t ti e you )rite hi - li#e you to tell hi 0ust )hat - sai%. (Ann si ply stares at hi ) 5ou hear e3 Ann: (surprise%) Don2t you hol% anything against hi 3 Keller: Annie* - never believe% in cruci(ying people. Ann: ( ysti(ie%) !ut he )as your partner* he %ragge% you through the u%. Keller: /ell* he ain2t y s)eetheart* but you gotta (orgive* %on2t you3 Ann: 5ou* either* Kate3 Don2t you (eel any ...3

Keller: (to Ann) 'he ne,t i e you )rite Da% ... Ann: - %on2t )rite hi . Keller: (struc#) /ell* every no) an% then you ... Ann: (a little sha e%* but %eter ine%) No* -2ve never )ritten to hi . Neither has y brother. (to Chris) Say* %o you (eel this )ay* too3 Chris: 1e ur%ere% t)enty one pilots. Keller: /hat the hell #in%a tal# is that3 Mother: 'hat2s not a thing to say about a an. Ann: /hat else can you say3 /hen they too# hi a)ay - (ollo)e% hi * )ent to hi every visiting %ay. - )as crying all the ti e. +ntil the ne)s ca e about $arry. 'hen - reali9e%. -t2s )rong to pity a an li#e that. "ather or no (ather* there2s only one )ay to loo#at hi . 1e #no)ingly shippe% out parts )hat )oul% crash an airplane. An% ho) %o you #no) $arry )asn2t one o( the 3 Mother: - )as )aiting (or that. (going to her) As long as you2re here* Annie* - )ant to as# you never to say that again. Ann: 5ou surprise e. - thought you2% be a% at hi . Mother: /hat your (ather %i% ha% nothing to %o )ith $arry. Nothing. Ann: !ut )e can2t #no) that. Mother: (striving (or control) As long as you2re here: Ann: (perple,e%) !ut* Kate... Mother: 4ut that out o( your hea%: Keller: !ecause... Mother: (<uic#ly to Keller) 'hat2s all* that2s enough. (places her han% on her hea%) Co e insi%e no)* an% have so e tea )ith e. (She turns an% goes up steps) Keller: (to Ann) 'he one thing you ... Mother: (sharply) 1e2s not %ea%* so there2s no argu ent: No) co e: Keller: (angrily) -n a inute: (Mother turns an% goes into house) No) loo#* Annie... Chris: All right* Da%* (orget it. Keller: No* she %asn2t (eel that )ay. Annie... Chris: -2 sic# o( the )hole sub0ect* no) cut it out. Keller: 5ou )ant her to go on li#e this3 (to Ann) 'hose cylin%er hea%s )hen into 4.>?s only. /hat2s the atter )ith you3 5ou #no) $arry never (le) a 4.>?. Chris: So )ho (le) those 4.>?s* pigs3 Keller: 'he an )as a (ool* but %on2t a#e a ur%erer out o( hi . 5ou got no sense3 $oo# )hat is %oes to her: (to Ann) $isten* you gotta appreciate )hat )as %oin2 in that shop in the )ar. 'he both o( you: -t )as a a%house. 8very hal( hour the Ma0or callin2 (or cylin%er hea%s* they )ere )hippin2 us )ith the telephone. 'he truc#s )ere hauling the a)ay hot* %a n near. ean 0ust try to see it hu an* see it hu an. All o( a su%%en a batch co es out )ith a crac#. 'hat happens* that2s the business. A (ine* hairline crac#. All right* so...so he2s a little an* your (ather* al)ays scare% o( lou% voices. /hat2ll the Ma0or say3 1al( a %ay2s pro%uction shot... /hat2ll - say3 5ou #no) )hat - ean3 1u an. (he pauses) So he ta#e out his tools an% he ... covers over the crac#s. Alright* that2s ba%* it2s )rong* but that2s )hat a little an %oes. -( coul% have gone in that %ay -2% a tol% hi ... Jun# 2e Steve* )e can a((or% it. !ut alone he )as a(rai%. !ut - #no) he eant no har . 1e believe% they2% hol% up a hun%re% percent. 'hat2s a ista#e* but it ain2t ur%er. 5ou ustn2t (eel that )ay about hi . 5ou un%erstan% e3 -t ain2t right. Ann: (she regar%s hi a o ent) Joe* $et2s (orget it. Keller: Annie* the %ay the ne)s ca e out about $arry he )as in the ne,t cell to ine...Da%. An% he crie%* Annie...he crie% hal( the night. Ann: (touche%) 1e shoul%a crie% all night. (slight pause) Keller: (al ost angere%) Annie* - %o not un%erstan% )hy you ...: Chris: (brea#ing in* )ith nervous urgency) Are you going to stop it3 Ann: Don2t yell at hi . 1e 0ust )ants everybo%y happy. Keller: (clasps her aroun% the )aist* s iling) 'hat2s y senti ents. Can you stan% stea#3 Chris: An% cha pagne3 Keller: No) you2re operatin2: -2ll call S)anson2s (or a table: !ig ti e tonight* Annie: Ann: Can2t scare e. Keller: (to Chris* pointing at Ann) - li#e that girl. /rap her up. (they laugh. Goes up porch) 5ou got nice legs* Annie: ...- )ant to see everybo%y %run# tonight. (pointing at Chris) $oo# at hi * he2s blushin2 (1e e,its* laughing* into the house).

Chris: (calling a(ter hi ) Drin# your tea* Casanova. (he turns to Ann) -sn2t he a great guy3 Ann: 5ou2re the only one - #no) )ho loves his parents. Chris: - #no). -t )ent out o( style* %i%n2t it3 Ann: ()ith a su%%en touch o( sa%ness) -t2s all right. -t2s a goo% thing. (She loo#s about) 5ou #no)3 -t2s lovely here. 'he air is s)eet. Chris: (hope(ully) 5ou2re not sorry you ca e3 Ann: Not sorry* no. !ut -2 ... not going to stay. Chris: /hy3 Ann: -n the (irst place* your other as uch as tol% e to go. Chris: /ell... Ann: 5ou sa) that... an% then you... 5ou2ve been #in% o(... Chris: /hat3 Ann: /ell... #in% o( e barrasse% ever since - got here. Chris: 'he trouble is - planne% on #in% o( snea#ing up on you over a perio% o( a )ee# or so. !ut they ta#e it (or grante% that )e2re all set. Ann: - #no) they )oul%. 5our other any)ay. Chris: 1o) %i% you #no)3 Ann: "ro her point o( vie)* )hy else )oul% - co e3 Chris: /ell... )oul% you )ant to3 (Ann still stu%ies hi ) - guess you #no) this is )hy - as#e% you to co e. Ann: - guess this is )hy - ca e. Chris: Ann* - love you. - love you a great %eal. ((inally) - love you. (4ause. She )aits) - have no i agination .... 'hat2s all - #no) to tell you. (Ann is )aiting* rea%y) -2 e barrassing you. %i%n2t )ant to tell it to you here. - )ante% so e place )e2% never been* a place )here )e2% be bran% ne) to each other... 5ou (eel it2s )rong here* %on2t you3 'his yar%* this chair3 - )ant you to be rea%y (or e. - %on2t )ant to )in you a)ay (ro anything. Ann: (putting her ar s aroun% hi ) &h* Chris* -ve been rea%y a long* long ti e. Chris: 'hen he2s gone (or ever. 5ou2re sure. Ann: - al ost got arrie% t)o years ago. Chris: /hy %i%n2t you3 Ann: 5ou starte% to )rite e... (slight pause) Chris: 5ou (elt so ething that (ar bac#3 Ann: 8very %ay since. Chris: Ann* )hy %i%n2t you let e #no)3 Ann: - )as )aiting (or you * Chris. 'ill then you never )rote. An% )hen you %i%* )hat %i% you say3 5ou sure can be a biguous* you #no). Chris: (loo#s to)ar% house* then at her* tre bling) Give e a #iss* Ann. Give e a ...(they #iss) Go%* - #isse% you* Annie* - #isse% Anni. 1o) long* ho) long -2ve been )aiting to #iss you: Ann: -2ll never (orgive you. /hy %i% you )ait all these years3 All -ve %one is sit an% )on%er i( )as cra9y (or thin#ing o( you. Chris: Annie* )e2re going to live no): -2 going to a#e you so happy. (1e #isses her* but )ithout their bo%ies touching) Ann: (A little e barrasse%) Not li#e that you2re not. Chris: - #isse% you... Ann: $i#e $arry2s brother. Do it li#e you* Chris. (1e brea#s a)ay (ro her abruptly) /hat is it* Chris3 Chris: $et2s %rive so e place... - )ant to be alone )ith you. Ann: No... )hat is it* Chris* your other3 Chris: No... nothing li#e that. Ann: 'hen )hat2s )rong3 8ven in your letters* there )as so ething asha e%. Chris: 5es. - suppose - have been. !ut it2s going (ro e. Ann: 5ou2ve got to tell e... Chris: - %on2t #no) ho) to start. (1e ta#es her han%) Ann: -t )oul%n2t )or# this )ay. (Slight pause) Chris: (spea#s <uietly* (actually at (irst) -t2s all i,e% up )ith so any other things ...5ou re e ber* overseas* - )as in co an% o( a co pany3 Ann: 5eah* sure. Chris: /ell* - lost the . Ann: 1o) any3 Chris: Just about all.

Ann: &h* gee: Chris: -t ta#e a little ti e to toss that o((. !ecause they )eren2t 0ust en. "or instance* one ti e it2% been raining several %ays an% this #i% ca e to e* an% gave e his last pair o( %ry soc#s. 4ut the in y poc#et. 'hat2s only a little thing... but... 'hat2s the #in% o( guys - h%. 'hey %i%n2t %ie... 'hey #ille% the selves (or each other. - ean that e,actly. a little ore sel(ish an% they2%2ve been here to%ay. An% - got an i%ea ...)atching the go %o)n. 8verything )as being %estroye%* see* but it see e% to e that one ne) thing )as a%e. A #in% o(... responsibility. Man (or an. 5ou un%erstan% e3 'o sho) that* to bring that onto the earth again li#e so e #in% o( a onu ent an% everyone )oul% (eel it stan%ing there* behin% hi * an% it )oul% a#e a %i((erence to hi . (pause) An% then - ca e ho e an% it )as incre%ible. -.... there )as no eaning in it here. 'he )hole thing to the )as a #in% o( a ... bus acci%ent. - )ent to )or# )ith Da%* an% that rat.race again. - (elt... )hat you sai%... asha e% so eho). !ecause nobo%y )as chage% at all. -t see e% to a#e suc#ers out o( a lot o( guys. - (elt )rong to be alive* to open the ban#.boo#* to %rive the ne) car* to see the ne) re(rigerator. - ean you can ta#e those things out o( a )ar* but )hen you %rive that car you2ve got to #no) that it ca e out o( the love a an can have (or a an* you2ve got to be a little better because o( that. &ther)ise )hat you have is really loot* an% there2s bloo% on it. - %i%n2t )ant to ta#e any o( it. An% - gues that inclu%e% you. Ann: An% you still (eel that )ay3 Chris: - )ant you #no)* Annie. Ann: !ecause you ustn2t (eel that )ay any ore. !ecause you have a right to )hatever you have. 8verything* Chris* un%erstan% that3 'o e* too... An% the oney* there2s nothing )rong in your oney. 5our (ather put hun%ere%s o( planes in the air* you shoul% be prou%. A an shoul% be pai% (or that... Chris: &h Annie* Annie... -2 going to a#e a (ortune (or you: Keller: (o((stage) 1ello ... 5es. Sure. Ann: (laughing so(tly) /hat2ll - %o )ith a (ortune3 (they #iss. Keller enters (ro house) Keller: (thu bing to)ar% house) 1ey* Ann* your brother... ('hey step apart shyly. Keller co es %o)n* an% )ryly) /hat2s this* $abor Day3 Chris: ()aving hi a)ay* #no)ing the #i%%ing )ill be en%less) All right* all right. Ann: 5ou shoul%n2t burst out li#e that. Keller: /ell* nobo%y tol% e it )as $abor Day. (loo#s aroun%) /here2s the hot %ogs3 Chris: (loving it) All right. 5ou sai% it once. Keller: /ell* as long as - #no) it2s $abor Day (ro no) on* -2ll )ear a bell aroun% y nec#. Ann: (a((ectionately) 1e2s so subtle: Chris: George !ernar% Sha) as an elephant. Keller: George: ...1ey* you #isse% it out o( y hea% ...your brother2s on the phone. Ann: (surprise%) My borother3 Keller: 5eah* George. $ong %istance. Ann: /hat2s the atter* is anything )rong3 Keller: - %on2t #no)* Kate2s tal#ing to hi . 1urry up* She2ll cost hi (ive %ollars. Ann: (ta#es a steop upstage* then co es %o)n to)ar% Chris) - )on%er i( )e ought to tell your other yet3 - ean -2 not very goo% in an argu ent. Chris: /e2ll )ait till tonight. A(ter %inner. No) %on2t get tense* 0ust leave it to e. Keller: /hat2re you telling her3 Chris: Go agea%* Ann. (/ith isgivings* Ann goes up an% into house.) /e2re getting arrie%* Da%. (Keller no%s in%ecisively) /ell* %on2t you say anything3 Keller: (%istracte%) -2 gla%* Chris* -2 0ust... George is calling (ro Colu bus. Chris: Colu bus: Keller: Di% Annie tell you he )as going to see his (ather to%ay3 Chris: No* - %on2t thin# she #ne) anything about it. Keller: (as#ing unco (ortably) Chris: 5ou... you thin# you #no) her pretty goo%3 Chris: (hurt an% apprehensive) /hat #in% o( <uestion3 Keller: -2 0ust )on%ering. All these years George %on2t go to see his (ather. Su%%enly he goes... an% she co es here. Chris: /ell* )hat about it3 Keller: -t2s cra9y* but it co es to y in%. She %on2t hol% nothin2 against e* %oes she3 Chris: (angry) - %on2t #no) )hat you2re tal#ing about. Keller: (a little ore co batively) -2 0ust tal#in2. 'o his last %ay in court the an bla e% it all on e... an% his is his %aughter. - ean i( she )as sent here to (in% out so ething3

Chris: (angere%) /hy3 /hat2s there to (in% out3 Ann: (on phone* o((stage) /hy are you so e,cite%* George3 /hat happene% there3 Keller: - ean i( they )ant to open up the case again* (or the nuisance value* to hurt us3 Chris: Da%... ho) coul% you thin# that o( her3 Ann: (still on the phone) !ut )hat %i% he say to you* (or Go%2s sa#e3 Keller: -t coul%n2t be* heh. 5ou #no). Chris: Da%* you a a9e e... Keller: (brea#ing in) All right* (orget it (orget it. ()ith great (orce* oving about) - )ant a clean start (or you* Chris. - )ant a ne) sign over the plant... Christopher Keller* -ncorporate%. Chris: (a little uneasily) J. &. Keller is goo% enough. Keller: /e2ll tal# about it. -2 going to buil% you a house* stone* )ith a %rive)ay (ro the roa%. )ant you to sprea% out* Chris* - )ant you to use )hat - a%e (or you. (1e is close to hi no)) ean* )ith 0oy* Chris* )ithout sha e... )ith 0oy. Chris: (touche%) - )ill* Da%. Keller: ()ith %eep e otion) Say it to e. Chris: /hy3 Keller: !ecause so eti es - thin# you2re... asha e% o( the oney. Chris: No* %on2t (eel that. Keller: !ecause it2s goo% oney* there2s nothing )rong )ith that oney. Chris: (a little (rightene%) Da%* you %on2t have to tell e this. Keller: ()ith overri%ing a((ection an% sel(.con(i%ence no). 1e grips Chris by the bac# o( the nec#* an% )ith laughter bet)een his %eter ine% 0a)s) $oo#* Chris* -2ll go to )or# on Mother (or you. /e2ll get her so %run# tonight )e2ll all get arrie%. (steps a)ay* )ith a )i%e hesture o( his ar ) 'here2s gonna be a )e%%ing* #i%* li#e there never )as seen: Cha pagne* tu,e%os...: 1e brea#s o(( as Ann2s voice co es out lou% (ro the house )here she is still tal#ing on the phone. Ann: Si ply because )hen you get e,cite% you %on2t control yoursel(... (Mother co es out o( house) /ell* )hat %i% he tell you (or Go%2s sa#e3 (4ause) All right* co e then. (4ause) 5es* they2ll all be here. Nobo%y2s running a)ay (ro you. An% try to get hol% o( yoursel(* )ill you3 (4ause.) All right* all right. Goo%bye. 'here is a brie( pause as Ann hangs up receiver* then co es out o( #itchen. Chris: So ething happen3 Keller: 1e2s co ing here3 Ann: &n the seven o2cloc#. 1e2s in Colu bus. ('o Mother) - tol% hi it )oul% be all right. Keller: Sure* (ine: 5our (ather too# sic#3 Ann: ( ysti(ie%) No* George %i%n2t say he )as sic#. -... (Sha#ing it o(() - %on2t #no)* - suppose it2s so ething stupi%* you #no) y brother...(She co es to Chris) $et2s go (or a %rive* or so ething.... Chris: Sure. Give e the #eys* Da%. Mother: Drive through the par#. -t2s beauti(ul no). Chris: Co e on* Ann. (to the ) !e bac# right a)ay. Ann: (as she an% Chris e,it up %rive)ay) See you. Mother co es %o)n to)ar% Keller* her eyes (i,e% on hi . Keller: 'a#e your ti e. (to Mother) /hat %oes George )ant3 Mother: 1e2s been in Colu bus since this orning )ith Steve. 1e2s gotta see Annie right a)ay* he says. Keller: /hat (or3 Mother: - %on2t #no). (She spea#s )ith )arning) 1e2s a la)yer no)* Joe. George is a la)yer. All these years he never even sent a postcar% to Steve. Since he got bac# (ro the )ar* not a postcar%. Keller: So )hat3 Mother: (her tension brea#ing out) Su%%enly he ta#es an airplane (ro Ne) 5or# to see hi . An airplane: Keller: /ell3 So3 Mother: (tre bling) /hy3 Keller: - %on2t rea% in%s. Do you3 Mother: /hy* Joe3 /hat has Steve su%%enly got to tell hi that he ta#es an airplane to see hi 3 Keller: /hat %o - care )hat Steve2s got to tell hi 3 Mother: 5ou2re sure* Joe3

Keller: ((rightene%* but angry) 5es* -2 sure. Mother: (sits sti((ly in a chair) !e s art no)* Joe. 'he boy is co ing. !e s art. Keller: (%esperately) &nce an% (or all* %i% you hear )hat - sai%3 - sai% -2 sure: Mother: (no%s )ea#ly) All right* Joe. (he straightens up) Just... be s art. Keller* in hopeless (ury* loo#s at her* turns aroun%* goes up to porch an% into house* sla screen %oor violently behin% hi . Mother sits in chair %o)nstage* sti((ly* staring* seeing. C+;'A-N.

ing

As t)ilight (alls* that evening. &n the rise* Chris is %iscovere% sa)ing the bro#en.o(( tree* leaving stu p stan%ing alone. 1e is %resse% in goo% pants* )hite shoes* but )ithout a shirt. 1e %isappears )ith tree up the alley )hen Mother appears on porch. She co es %o)n an% stan%s )atching hi . She has on a %ressing go)n* carries a tray o( grape 0uice %rin# in a pitcher* an% glasses )ith sprigs o( int in the . Mother: (Calling up alley) Di% you have to put on goo% pants to %o that3 (she co es %o)nstage an% puts tray on table in the arbor. 'hen loo#s aroun% uneasily* then (eels pitcher (or coolness. Chris enters (ro alley brushing o(( his han%s) 5ou notice there ore light )ith that thing gone3 Chris: My aren2t you %ressing3 Mother: -t2s su((ocating upstairs. - a%e a grape %rin# (or Georgie. 1e al)ays li#e% grape. Co e an% have so e. Chris: (i patiently) /ell* co e on* get %resse%. An% )hat2s Da% sleeping so uch (or3 (1e goes to table an% pours a glass o( 0uice) Mother: 'o his last %ay in court Steve never gave up the i%ea that Da% a%e hi %o it. -( they2re going to open the case again - )on2t live through it. Chris: George is 0ust a %a n (ool* Mother. 1o) can you ta#e hi seriously3 Mother: 'hat (a ily hates us. Maybe even Annie... Chris: &h* no)* Mother... Mother: 5ou thin# 0ust because you li#e everbo%y* they li#e you: Chris: All right* stop )or#ing yoursel( up. Just leave everything to e. Mother: /hen George goes ho e tell her to go )ith hi . Chris: (nonco ittally) Don2t )orry about Annie. Mother: Steve is her (ather* too. Chris: Are you going to cut it out3 No)* co e. Mother: (going upstage )ith hi ) 5ou %on2t reali9e ho) people can hate* Chris* they can hate so uch they2ll tear the )orl% to pieces. Ann* %resse% up* appears on the porch. Chris: $oo#: She2s %resse% alrea%y. (As he an% Mother ount porch) -2ve 0ust got to put on a shirt. Ann: (in a preoccupie% )ay) Are you (eeling )ell* Kate3 Mother: /hat2s the %i((erence* %ear. 'here are certain people* y2#no)* the sic#er they get* the longer they live. (She goes into the house) Chris: 5ou loo# nice. Ann: /e2re going to tell her tonight. Chris: Absolutely* %on2t )orry about it. Ann: - )ish )e coul% tell her no). - can2t stan% sche ing. My sto ach gets har%. Chris: -t2s not sche ing* )e2ll 0ust get her in a better oo%. Mother: (o((stage* in the house) Joe* are you going to sleep all %ay: Ann: (laughing) 'he only one )ho2s rela,e% is your (ather. 1e2s (ast asleep. Chris: -2 rela,e%. Ann: Are you3 Chris: $oo#. (1e hol%s out his han% an% a#es it sha#e.) $et e #no) )hen George gets here. 1e goes into the house. Ann oves ai lessly* an% then is %ra)n to)ar% tree stu p. She goes to it* hesitantly touches bro#en top in the hush o( her thoughts. &((stage $y%ia calls* =Johnny: Co e get your supper:= Sue enters* an% halts* seeing Ann. Sue: -s y husban%...3 Ann: (turns* startle%) &h: Sue: -2 terribly sorry. Ann: -t2s all right* - ... -2 0st a little silly about the %ar#. Sue: (loo#s about) -t2s getting %ar#. Ann: Are you loo#ing (or your husban%3

Sue: As usual. (laughs tire%ly) 1e spen%s so uch ti e here* they2ll be charging hi rent. Ann: Nobo%y )as %resse% so he %rove over to the %epot to pic# up y brother. Sue: &h* your brother2s in3 Ann: 5eah* they ought to be here any inute no). /ill you have a col% %rin#3 Sue: - )ill* than#s. (Ann goes to table an% pours) My husban%. 'oo hot to %rive e to the beach. Men are li#e little boys... (or the neighbors they2ll al)ays cut the grass. Ann: 4eople li#e to %o things (or the Kellers. !een that )ay since - can re e ber. Sue: -t2s a a9ing. - gues your brother2s co ing to give you a)ay* heh3 Ann: (giving her %rin#) - %on2t #no). - suppose Sue: 5ou ust be all nerve% up. Ann: -t2s al)ays a proble getting yoursel( arrie%* isn2t it3 Sue: 'hat %epen%s on your shape* o( course. - %on2t see )hy you shoul% have ha% a proble . Ann: -2ve ha% chances... Sue: -2ll bet. -t2s ro antic... -t2s very unusual to e* arrying the brother o( your s)eetheart. Ann: - %on2t #no). - thin# it2s ostly that )henever - nee% so ebo%y to tell e the truth -2ve al)ays thought o( Chris. /hen he tells you so ething you #no) it2s so. 1e rela,es e. Sue: An% he2s got oney. 'hat2s i portant* you #no). Ann: -t )oul%n2t atter to e. Sue: 5ou2% be surprise%. -t a#es all the %i((erence. - arrie% an intern. &n y salary. An% that )as ba%* because as soon as a )o an supports a an he o)es her so ething. 5ou can never o)e so ebo%y )ithout resenting the . (Ann laughs) 'hat2s true* you #no). Ann: +n%erneath* - thin# the %octor is very %evote%. Sue: &h* certainly. !ut it2s ba% )hen a an al)ays sees the bars in (ront o( hi . Ji thin#s he2s in 0ail all the ti e. Ann: &h... Sue: 'hat2s )hy -2ve been inten%ing to as# you a s all (avor* Ann. -t2s so ething very i portant to e. Ann: Certainly* i( - can %o it. Sue: 5ou can. /hen you ta#e up house#eeping* try to (in% a place a)ay (ro here. Ann: Are you (ooling3 Sue: -2 very serious. My husban% is unhappy )ith Chris aroun%. Ann: 1o) is that3 Sue: Ji 2s a success(ul %octor. !ut he2s got an i%ea he2% li#e to %o e%ical research. Discover things. 5ou see3 Ann: /ell* isn2t that goo%3 Sue: ;esearch pays t)enty (ive %ollars a )ee# inus laun%ering the hair shirt. 5ou2ve got to give up your li(e to go into it. Ann: 1o) %oes Chris... Sue: ()ith gro)ing (eeling) Chris a#es people )ant to be better that it2s possible to be. 1e %oes that to people. Ann: -s that ba%3 Sue: My husban% has a (a ily* %ear. 8veryti e he has a session )ith Chris he (eels as though he2s co pro ising by not giving up everyting (or research. As though Chris or anybo%y else isn2t co pro ising. -t happens )ith Ji every couple o( years. 1e eets a an an% a#es a statue out o( hi . Ann: Maybe he2s right. - %on2t ean that Chris is a statue* but... Sue: No) %arling* you #no) he2s not right. Ann: - %on2t agree )ith you. Chris... Sue: $et2s (ace it* %ear. Chris is )or#ing )ith his (ather* isn2t he3 1e2s ta#ing oney out o( that business every )ee# in the year. Ann: /hat o( it3 Sue: 5ou as# e )hat o( it3 Ann: - certainly %o. (She see s about to burst out) 5ou oughtn2t cast aspersions li#e that* -2 surprise% at you. Sue: 5ou2re surprise% at e: Ann: 1e2% never ta#e (ive cents out o( that plant i( there )as anything )rong )ith it. Sue: 5ou #no) that. Ann: - #no) it. - resent everything you2ve sai%. Sue: ( oving to)ar% her) 5ou #no) )hat - resent* %ear3 Ann: 4lease* - %on2t )ant to argue.

Sue: - resent living ne,t to the 1oly "a ily. -t a#es e loo# li#e a bu * you un%erstan%3 Ann: - can2t %o anything about that. Sue: /ho is he to ruin a an2s li(e3 8verybo%y #no)s Joe pulle% a (ast one to get out o( 0ail. Ann: 'hat2s not true: Sue: 'hen )hy %on2t you go out an% tal# to people3 Go on* tal# to the . 'here2s not a person on the bloc# )ho %oesn2t #no) the truth. Ann: 'hat2s a lie. 4eople co e here all the ti e (or car%s an%... Sue: So )hat3 'hey give hi cre%it (or being s art. - %o* too* -2ve got nothing against Joe. !ut i( Chris )ants people to put on the hair shirt let hi ta#e o(( the broa%cloth. 1e2s %riving y husban% cra9y )ith that phony i%ealis o( his an% -2 at the en% o( y rope on it: (Chris enters on porch* )earing shirt an% tie no). She turns <uic#ly* hearing. /ith a s ile) 1ello* %arling. 1o)2s Mother3 Chris: - thought George ca e. Sue: No* it )as 0ust us. Chris: (co ing %o)n to the ) Susie* %o e a (avor* heh3 Go up to Mother an% see i( you can cal her. She2s all )or#e% up. Sue: She still %oesn2t #no) about you t)o3 Chris: (laughs a little) /ell* she senses it* - guess. 5ou #no) y other. Sue: (going up to porch) &h* yeah* she2s psychic. Chris: Maybe there2s so ething in the e%icine chest. Sue: -2ll give her one o( everything. (on porch) Don2t )orry about Kate... couple o( %rin#s* %ance her aroun% a little... She2ll love Ann. ('o Ann) !ecause you2re the (e ale version o( hi . (Chris laughs) Don2t be alar e%* - sai% version. (She goes into house) Chris: -nteresting )o an* isn2t she3 Ann: 5eah* she2s very interesting. Chris: She2s a great nurse* you #no)* she... Ann: (in tension* but trying to control it) Are you still %oing that3 Chris: (sensing so ething )rong* but still s iling) Doing )hat3 Ann: As soon as you get to #no) so ebo%y you (in% a %istinction (or the . 1o) %o you #no) she2s a great nurse3 Chris: /hat2s the atter* Ann3 Ann: 'he )o an hates you. She %espises you: Chris: 1ey... /hat2s hit you3 Ann: Gee* Chris... Chat happene% here3 Ann: 5ou never... /hy %i%n2t you tell e3 Chris: 'ell you )hat3 Ann: She says they thin# Joe is guilty. Chris: /hat %i((erence %oes it a#e )hat they thin#3 Ann: - %on2t care )hat they thin#* - 0ust %on2t un%erstan% )hy you too# the trouble to %eny it. 5ou sai% it )as all (orgotten. Chris: - %i%n2t )ant you to (eel there )as anything )rong in you co ing here* that2s all. - #no) a lot o( people thin# y (ather )as guilty* an% - assu e% there ight be so e <uestion in your in%. Ann: !ut - never once suspecte% hi . Chris: Nobo%y says it. Ann: Chris* - #no) ho) uch you love hi * but it coul% never... Chris: Do you thin# - coul% (orgive hi i( he2% %one that thing3 Ann: -2 not here out o( blue s#y* Chris. - turne% y bac# on y (ather* i( there2s anything )rong here no)... Chris: - #no) that* Ann. Ann: George is co ing (ro Da%* an% - %on2t thin# it2s )ith a blessing. Chris: 1e2s )elco e here. 5ou2ve got nothing to (ear (ro George. Ann: 'ell e that... 0ust tell e that. Chris: 'he an is innocent* Ann. ;e e ber he )as (alsely accuse% once an% it put hi through hell. 1o) )oul% you behave i( you )ere (ace% )ith the sa e thing again3 Annie* believe e* there2s nothing )rong (or you here* believe e* #i%. Ann: All right* Chris* all right. ('hey e brace as Keller appears <uietly on the porch. Ann si ply stu%ies hi )

Keller: 8very ti e - co e out here it loo#s li#e 4laylan%: (they brea# an% laugh in e barrass ent) Chris: - thought you )ere going to shave3 Keller: (sitting on bench) -n a inute. - 0ust )o#e up* - can2t see nothin2. Ann: 5ou loo# shave%. Keller: &h* no. ( assages his 0a)) Gotta be e,tra special tonight. !ig night* Annie. So ho)2s it (eel to be a arrie% )o an3 Ann: (laughs) - %on2t #no)* yet. Keller: (to Chris) /hat2s the atter* you slippin23 (1e ta#es a little bo, o( apples (ro un%er the bench as they tal#) Chris: 'he great roue2: Keller: /hat is that* roue23 Chris: -t2s "rench. Keller: Don2t tal# %irty. (they laugh) Chris: (to Ann) 5ou ever eet a bigger ignora us3 Keller: /ell* so ebo%y2s got to a#e a living. Ann: (as they laugh) 'hat2s telling hi . Keller: - %on2t #no)* everbo%y2s gettin2 so Go%%a e%ucate% in this country there2ll be nobo%y to ta#e a)ay the garbage. (they laugh) -t2s gettin2 so the only %u b ones le(t are the bosses. Ann: 5ou2re not so %u n* Joe. Keller: - #no)* but you go into our plant* (or instance. - got so any lieutenants* a0ors an% colonels that -2 asha e% to as# so ebo%y to s)eep the (loor. - gotta be care(ul -2ll insult so ebo%y. No #i%%in2. -t2s a trage%y: you stan% on the street to%ay an% spit* you2re gonna hit a college an. Chris: /ell* %on2t spit. Keller: (brea#s the apple in hal(* passing it to Ann an% Chris) - ean to say* it2s co in2 to a pass. (he ta#es a breath) - been thin#in2* Annie... your brother* George. - been thin#in2 about your brother George. /hen he co es - li#e you to brooch so ething to hi . Chris: !roach. Keller: /hat2s the atter )ith brooch3 Chris: (s iling) -t2s not 8nglish. Keller: /hen - )hen to night school it )as brooch. Ann: (laughing) /ell* in %ay school it2s broach. Keller: Don2t surroun% e* )ill you3 Seriously* Ann... 5ou say he2s not )ell. George* - been thin#in2* )hy shoul% be #no) hi sel( out in Ne) 5or# )ith that cut.throat co petition* )hen - got so any (rien%s here... -2 very (rien%ly )ith so e big la)yers in to)n. - coul% set George up here. Ann: 'hat2s a)(ully nice o( you* Joe. Keller: No* #i%* it ain2t nice o( e. - )ant you to un%erstan% e. -2 thin#ing o( Chris. (slight pause) See... this is )hat - ean. 5ou get ol%er* you )ant to (eel that you... acco plishe% so ething. My only acco plish ent is y son. - ain2t brainy. 'hat2s all - acco plishe%. No)* a year* eighteen onths* your (ather2ll be a (ree an. /ho is he going to co e to* Annie3 1is baby. 5ou. 1e2ll co e* ol%* a%* into your house. Ann: 'hat can2t atter any ore* Joe. Keller: - %on2t )hat that to co e bet)een us. (gestures bet)een Chris an% hi sel() Ann: - can only tell you that that coul% never happen. Keller: 5ou2re in love no)* Annie* but believe e* -2 ol%er than you an% - #no)... a %aughter is a %aughter* an% a (ather is a (ather. An% it coul% happen. (he pauses) - li#e you an% George to go to hi in prison an% tell hi ... =Da%* Joe )ants to bring you into the business )hen you get out.= Ann: (surprise%* even shoc#e%) 5ou2% have hi as a partner3 Keller: No* no partner. A goo% 0ob. (pause. 1e sees she is shoc#e%* a little ysti(ie%. 1e gets up* spea#s ore nervously) - )ant hi to #no) that )hen he gets out he2s got a place )aitin2 (or hi . -t2ll ta#e his bitterness a)ay. 'o #no) you got a place... Ann: Joe* you o)e hi nothing. Keller: - o)e hi a goo% #ic# in the teeth* but he2s your (ather. Chris: 'hen #ic# hi in the teeth: - %on2t )ant hi in the plant* so that2s that: 5ou un%erstan%3 An% besi%es* %on2t tal# about hi li#e that. 4eople isun%erstan% you: Keller: An% - %on2t un%erstan% )hy she has to cruci(y the an. Chris: /ell* it2s her (ather i( she (eels...

Keller: No* no. Chris: (al ost angrily) /hat2s it to you3 /hy...3 Keller: (a co an%ing outburst in high nervousness) A (ather is a (ather: (as though the outburst ha% reveale% hi * he loo#s about* )anting to retract it. 1is han% goes to his chee#.) better... - better shave. (1e turns an% a s ile is on his (ace* to Ann) - %i%n2t ean to yell at you* Annie. Ann: $et2s (orget the )hole thing* Joe. Keller: ;ight. (to Chris) She2s li#eable. Chris: (a little peave% at the an2s stupi%ity) Shave* )ill you3 Keller: ;ight again. As he turns to porch $y%ia co es hurrying (ro her house. $y%ia: - (orgot all about it. (Seeing Chris an% Ann) 1ya. ('o Joe) - pro ise% to (i, Kate2s hair (or tonight. Di% she co b it yet3 Keller: Al)ays a s ile* hey* $i%ia3 $y%ia: Sure* )hy not3 Keller: (going up on porch): Co e on up an% co b y Katie2s hair. ($y%ia goes up on porch) She2s got a big night* a#e her beauti(ul. $y%ia: - )ill. Keller: (hol%s %oor open (or her an% she goes into #itchen. 'o Chris an% Ann) 1ey* that coul% be a song. (1e sings so(tly) Co e on up an% co b y Katie2s hair... &h* co e up an% co b y Katie2s hair.... &h* co on up* 2cause she2s y la%y (air.... ('o Ann) ho)2s that (or one year o( night school3 (he continues singing as he goes into #itchen) &h* co e on up* co e on up* an% co b y la%y2s hair.... Ji !ayliss roun%s corner o( %rive)ay* )al#ing rapi%ly. Ji crosses to Chris* otions hi an% pulls hi %o)n e,cite%ly. Keller stan%s 0ust insi%e #itchen %oor* )atching the . Chris: /hat2s the atter3 /here is he3 Ji : /here2s your other3 Chris: +pstairs* %ressing. Ann: (crossing to the rapi%ly) /hat happene% to George3 Ji : - as#e% hi to )ait in the car. $isten to e no). Can you ta#e so e a%vice3 (they )ait) Don2t bring hi in here. Ann: /hy3 Ji : Kate is in ba% shape* you can2t e,plo%e this in (ront o( her. Ann: 8,plo%e )hat3 Ji : 5ou #no) )hy he2s here* %on2t try to #it it a)ay. 'here2s bloo% in his eye@ %rive hi so e)here an% tal# to hi alone. Ann turns to go up %rive* ta#es a couble o( steps* sees Keller* an% stops. 1e goes <uietly on into house. Chris: (sha#en* an% there(ore angere%) Don2t be an ol% la%y. Ji : 1e2s co e to ta#e her ho e. /hat %oes that ean3 (to Ann) 5ou #no) )hat that eans. "ight it out )ith hi so e place else. Ann: (co es bac# %o)n to)ar% Chris) -2ll %rive... hi so e)here. Chris: (goes to her) No. Ji : /ill you stop being an i%iot3 Chris: Nobo%y2s a(rai% o( hi here. Cut that out: 1e starts (or %rive)ay* but is brought up short by George* )ho enters there. George is Chris2s age* but a paler an* no) on the e%ge o( his sel(.restraint. 1e spea#s <uietly* as though a(rai% to (in% hi sel( screa ing. An instant2s hesitation an% Chris steps up to hi * han% e,ten%e%* s iling. Chris: 1elluva )ay to %o@ )hat2re you sitting out there (or3 George: Doctor sai% your other isn2t )ell* -... Chris: So )hat3 She2% )ant to see you* )oul%n2t she3 /e2ve been )aiting (or you all a(ternoon. (1e puts his han% on George2s ar * but George pulls a)ay* co ing across to)ar% Ann). Ann: (touching his collar) 'his is (ilthy* %i%n2t you bring another shirt3 George brea#s a)ay (ro her* an% oves %o)n* e,a ining the yar%. Door opens* an% he turns rapi%ly* thin#ing it is Kate* but it2s Sue. She loo#s at hi @ he turns a)ay an% oves to (ence. 1e loo#s over it at his (or er ho e. Sue co es %o)nstage. Sue: (annoye%) 1o) about the beach* Ji 3 Ji : &h* it2s too hot to %rive. Sue: 1o)2% you get to the station... Aeppelin3

Chris: 'his is Mrs. !ayliss* George. (Calling* as George pays no attention* staring at house) George: (George turns) Mrs. !ayliss. Sue: 1o) %o you %o. George: (re oving his hat) 5ou2re the people )ho bought our house* aren2t you3 Sue: 'hat2s right. Co e an% see )hat )e %i% )ith it be(ore you leave. George: ()al#s %o)n an% )aay (ro her) - li#e% it the )ay it )as. Sue: (a(ter a brie( pause) 1e2s (ran#* isn2t he3 Ji : (pulling her o(() See you later... 'a#e it easy* (ella. (they e,it) Chris: (calling a(ter the ) 'han#s (or %riving hi : ('urning to George) 1o) about so e grape 0uice3 Mother a%e it especially (or you. George: ()ith (orce% appreciation) Goo% ol% Kate* re e bere% y grape 0uice. Chris: 5ou %ran# enough o( it in this house. 1&)2ve you been* George3 ...Sit %o)n. George: (#eeps oving) -t ta#e e a inute. (loo#ing aroun%) -t see s inpossible. Chris: /hat3 George: -2 bac# here. Chris: Say* youve gotten a little nervous* haven2t you3 George: 5eah* to)ar% the en% o( the %ay. /hat2re you* big e,ecutive no)3 Chris: Just #in% o( e%iu . 1o)2s the la)3 George: - %on2t #no). /hen - )as stu%ying in the hospital is see e% sensible* but outsi%e there %oesn2t see to be uch o( a la). 'he trees got thic#* %i%n2t they3 (points to stu p) /hat2s that3 Chris: !le) %o)n last night. /e ha% it there (or $arry. 5ou #no). George: /hy* a(rai% you2ll (orget hi 3 Chris: (starts (or George) /hat #in% o( re ar# is that3 Ann: (brea#ing in* putting a restraining han% o( Chris) /hen %i% you start )earing a hat3 George: (%iscovers hat in his han%) 'o%ay. "ro no) on - %eci%e% to loo# li#e a la)yer* any)ay. (1e hol% is up to her) Don2t you recogni9e it3 Ann: /hy3 /here...3 George: 5our (ather2s... 1e as#e% e to )ear it. Ann: 1o) is he3 George: 1e got s aller. Ann: S aller3 George: 5eah* little. (hol%s our his han% to easure) 1e2s a little an. 'hat2s )hat happens to suc#ers* you #no). -t2s goo% - )ant to hi in ti e... another year there2% be nothing le(t but his s ell. Chris: /hat2s the atter* George* )hat2s the trouble3 George: 'he trouble3 'he trouble is )hen you a#e suc#ers out o( people once* you shoul%n2t try to %o it t)ice. Chris: /hat %oes that ean3 George: (to Ann) 5ou2re not arrie% yet* are you3 Ann: George* )ill you sit %o)n an% stop...3 George: Are you arrie% yet3 Ann: No* -2 not arrie% yet. George: 5ou2re not going to arry hi . Ann: /hy a - not going to arry hi 3 George: !ecause his (ather %estroye% your (a ily. Chris: No) loo#* George... George: Cut it short* Chris. 'ell her to co e ho e )ith e. $et2s not argue* you #no) )hat -2ve got to say. Chris: George* you %on2t )ant to be the voice o( Go%* %o you3 George: -2 ... Chris: 'hat2s been your trouble all your li(e* George* you %ive into things. /hat #in% o( state ent is that to a#e3 5ou2re a big boy no). George: -2 a big boy no). Chris: Don2t co e bulling in here. -( you2ve got so ething to say* be civili9e% about it. George: Don2t civili9e e: Ann: Shhh: Chris: (rea%y to hit hi ) Are you going to tal# li#e a gro)n an or aren2t you3

Ann: (<uic#ly* to (orestall an outburst) Sit %o)n* %ear. Don2t be angry* )hat2s the atter3 (1e allo)s her to seat hi * loo#ing at her) No) )hat happene%3 5ou #isse% e )hen - le(t* no) you... George: (breathlessly) My li(e turne% upsi%e %o)n since then. - coul%n2t go bac# to )or# )hen you le(t. - )ante% to go to Da% an% tell hi you )ere going to be arrie%. -t see e% i possible not to tell hi . 1e love% you so uch. (1e pauses) Annie... )e %i% a terrible thing. /e can never be (orgiven. Not even to sen% hi a car% at Christ as. - %i%n2t see hi once since - got ho e (ro the )ar: Annie* you %on2t #no) )hat )as %one to that an. 5ou %on2t #no) )hat happene%. Ann: (a(rai%) &( course - #no). George: 5ou can2t #no)* you )oul%n2t be here. Da% ca e to )or# that %ay. 'he night (ore an ca e to hi an% sho)e% hi the cylin%er hea%s... they )ere co ing out o( the process )ith %e(ects. 'here )as so ething )rong )ith the process. So Da% )ent %irectly to the phone an% calle% here an% tol% Joe to co e %o)n right a)ay. !ut the orning passe%. No sign o( Joe. So Da% calle% again. !y this ti e he ha% over a hun%re% %e(ectives. 'he Ar y )as screa ing (or stu(( an% Da% %i%n2t have anything to ship. So Joe tol% hi ... on the phone he tol% hi to )el%* cover up the crac#s in any )ay he coul%* an% ship the out. Chris: Are you through no)3 George: (surging bac# at hi ) -2 not through no): (!ac# to Ann) Da% )as a(rai%. 1e )ante% Joe there i( he )as going to %o it. !ut Joe can2t co e %o)n... 1e2s sic#. Sic#: 1e su%%enly gets the (lu: Su%%enly: !ut he pro ise% to ta#e responsibility. Do you un%erstan% )hat -2 saying3 &n the telephone you can2t have responsibility: -n a court you can al)ays %eny a phone call an% that2s e,actly )hat he %i%. 'hey #no) he )as a liar the (irst ti e* but in the appeal they believe% the rotten lie an% no) Joe is a big shot an% your (ather is the patsy. (1e gets up) No) )hat2re you going to %o3 8at his (oo%* sleep in his be%3 Ans)er e. /hat2re you going to %o3 Chris: /hat are you going to %o* George3 George: 1e2s too s art (or e* - can2t prove a phone call. Chris: 'hen ho) %are you co e in heare )hith that rot3 Ann: George* the court... George: 'he court %i%n2t #no) your (ather: !ut you #no) hi . 5ou #no) in your heart Joe %i% it. Chris: ()hirling hi aroun%) $o)er your voice or -2ll thro) you out o( here: George: She #no)s. She #no)s. Chris: (to Ann) Get hi out o( here* Ann. Get hi out o( here. Ann: George* - #no) everything you2ve sai%. Da% tol% e that )hole thing in court* an% they... George: (al ost a screa ) 'he court %i% not #no) hi * Annie: Ann: Shhh: ...!ut he2ll say anything* George. 5ou #no) ho) <uic# he can lie. George: (turning to Chris* )ith %eliberation) -2ll as# you so ething* an% loo# e in the eye )hen you ans)er e. Chris: -2ll loo# you in the eye. George: 5ou #no) your (ather... Chris: - #no) hi )ell. George: An% he2s the #in% o( boss to let a hun%re% an% t)enty one cylin%er hea%s be repaire% an% shippe% out o( his shop )ithout even #no)ing it3 Chris: 1e2s that #in% o( boss. George: An% that2s the sa e Joe Keller )ho never le(t his shop )ithout (irst going aroiun% to see that all the lights )ere out. Chris: ()ith gro)ing anger) 'he sa e Joe Keller. George: 'he sa e an )ho #no)s ho) any inutes a %ay his )or#ers spen% in the toilet. Chris: 'he sa e an. George: Any y (ather* that (rightene% ouse )ho2% never buy a shirt )ithout so ebo%y along... 'hat an )oul% %o such a thing on his o)n3 Chris: &n his o)n. An% because he2s a (rightene% ouse this is another thing he2% %o... 'hro) the bla e on so ebo%y else in court but it %i%n2t )or#* but )ith a (ool li#e you it )or#s: Ann: (%eeply sha#en) Don2t tal# li#e that: Chris: (sits (acing George) 'ell e* George. /hat happene%3 'he court recor% )as goo% enough (or you all these years* )hy isn2t it goo% no)3 /hy %i% you believe it all these years3 George: (a(ter a slight pause) !ecause you believe% it... 'hat2s the truth* Chris. - believe% everything* because - thought you %i%. !ut to%ay - hear% it (ro his outh. "ro his outh it2s altogether %i((erent than the recor%. Anyone )ho #no)s hi * an% #no)s your (ather* )ill believe it (ro his outh. 5our Da% too# everything )e have. - can2t beat that. !ut she2s one ite he2s

not going to grab. (1e turns to Ann) Get your things. 8verything they have is covere% )ith bloo%. 5ou2re not the #in% o( girl )ho can live )ith that. Get your things. Chris: Ann... 5ou2re not going to believe that* are you3 Ann: (goes to hi ) 5ou #no) it2s not true* %on2t you3 George: 1o) can he tell you3 -t2s his (ather. ('o Chris) None o( these things ever even cross your in%3 Chris: 5es* they crosse% y in%. Anything can cross your in%: George: 1e #no)s* Annie. 1e #no)s: Chris: 'he voice o( Go%: George: 'hen )hy isn2t your na e on the business3 8,plain that to her: Chris: /hat the hell has that got to %o )ith... 3 George: Annie* )hy isn2t his ha e on it3 Chris: 8ven )hen - %on2t o)n it: George: /ho2re you #i%%ing3 /ho gets it )hen he %ies3 ('o Ann) &pen your eyes* you #no) the both o( the * isn2t that the (irst thing they2% %o* the )ay they love each other3 ...J. &. Keller an% Son3 (4ause. Ann loo#s (ro hi to Chris) -2ll settle it. Do you )ant to settle it* or are you a(rai% to3 Chris: /hat %o you ean3 George: $et e go up an% tal# to your (ather. -n ten inutes you2ll have the ans)er. &r are you a(rai% o( the ans)er3 Chris: -2 not a(rai% o( the ans)er. - #no) the ans)er. !ut y other isn2t )ell an% - %on2t )ant a (ight here no). George: $et e go to hi . Chris: 5ou2re not going to start a (ight here no). George: ('o Ann) /hat ore %o you )ant: ('here is a soun% o( (ootsteps in the house). Ann: (turns her hea% su%%enly to)ar% house) So eone2s co ing. Chris: (to George* <uietly) 5ou )on2t say anything no). Ann: 5ou2ll go soon. -2ll call a cab. George: 5ou2re co ing )ith e. Ann: An% %on2t ention arriage* because )e haven2t tol% her yet. George: 5ou2re co ing )ith e. Ann: 5ou un%erstan%3 Don2t... George* you2re not going to start anything no): (She hears (ootsteps) Shhh: Mother enters on porch. She is %resse% al ost (or ally. 1er hair is (i,e%. 'hey are all turne% to)ar% her. &n seeing George she raises both han%s* co es %o)n to)ar% hi . Mother: Georgie* Georgie. George: (he has al)ays li#e% her) 1ello* Kate. Mother: (cups his (ace in her han%s) 'hey a%e an ol% an out o( you. ('ouches his hair) $oo#* you2re grey. George: (her pity* open an% unabashe%* reaches into hi * an% he s iles sa%ly) - #no)* -... Mother: - tol% you )hen you )ent a)ay* %on2t try (or e%als. George: (laughs* tire%ly) - %i%n2t try* Kate. 'hey a%e it very easy (or e. Mother: (actually angry) Go on. 5ou2re all ali#e. ('o Ann) $oo# at hi * )hy %i% you say he2s (ine3 1e loo#s li#e a ghost. George: (relishing her solicitu%e) - (eel alright. Mother: -2 sic# to loo# at you. /hat2s the atter )ith your other* )hy %on2t she (ee% you3 Ann: 1e 0ust hasn2t any appetite. Mother: -( he ate in y house he2% have an appetite. (to Ann) - pity your husban%: ('o George) Sit %o)n. -2ll a#e you a san%)ich. George: (sits )ith an e barrasse% laugh) -2 really not hungry. Mother: 1onest to Go%* it brea#s y heart to see )hat happene% to all the chil%ren. 1o) )e )or#e% an% planne% (or you* an% you en% up no better than us. George: ()ith %eep (eeling (or her) 5ou... you haven2t change% at all* you #no) that* Kate3 Mother: None o( us change%* Georgie. /e all love you. Joe )as 0ust tal#ing about the %ay you )ere born an% the )ater got shut o((. 4eople )ere carrying basins (ro a bloc# a)ay... A stranger )oul% have thought the )hole bloc# )as on (ire: (they laugh. She sees the 0uice. 'o Ann) /hy %i%n2t you give hi so e 0uice: Ann: (%e(ensively) - o((ere% it to hi .

Mother: (sco((ingly) 5ou o((ere% it to hi : (thrusting glass into George2s han%) Give it to hi : ('o George* )ho is laughing) An% no) you2re going to sit here an% %rin# so e 0uice... an% loo# li#e so ething: George: (sitting) Kate* - (eel hungry alrea%y. Chris: (prou%ly) She coul% turn Mahat a Ghan%i into a heavy)eight: Mother: (to Chris* )ith great energy) $isten* to hell )ith the restaurant: - got a ha in the icebo,* an% (ro9en stra)berries* an% avoca%os* an%... Ann: S)ell* -2ll help you: George: 'he train leaves at eight thirty* Ann. Mother: (to Ann) 5ou2re leaving3 Chris: No* Mother* she2s not... Ann: (brea#ing through it* going to George) 5ou har%ly got here. Give yoursel( a chance to get ac<uainte% again. Chris: Sure* you %on2t even #no) us any ore. Mother: /ell* Chris* i( they can2t stay* - %on2t... Chris: No* it2s 0ust a <uestion o( George* Mother* he planne% on... George: (gets up politely* nicely* (or Kate2s sa#e) No) )ait a inute* Chris... Chris: (s iling an% (ull o( co an%* cutting hi o(() -( you )ant to go* -2ll %rive you to the station no)* but i( you2re staying* no argu ents )hile you2re here. Mother: (at last con(essing the tension) /hy shoul% he argue3 (she goes to hi . /ith %esperation an% co passion* stro#ing his hair) Georgie an% us have no argu ent. 1o) coul% )e have an argu ent* Georgie3 /e all got hit by the sa e lightning* ho) can you...3 Di% you see )hat happene% to $arry2s tree* Georgie3 (She has ta#en his ar * an% un)illingly he oves across the stage )ith her.) - agine3 /hile - )as %rea ing o( hi in the i%%le o( the night* the )in% ca e along an%... $y%ia enters on porch. As soon as she sees hi : $y%ia: 1ey* Georgie: Georgie: Georgie: Georgie: Georgie: (She co es %o)n to hi eagerly. She has a (lo)ere% hat in her han%* )hich Kate ta#es (ro her as she goes to George) George: (As they sha#e han%s eagerly* )ar ly) 1ello* $aughy. /hat2% you %o* gro)3 $y%ia: -2 a big girl no). Mother: $oo# )hat he can %o to a hat: Ann: (to $y%ia* a% iring the hat) Di% you a#e that3 Mother: -n ten inutes: (she puts it on) $y%ia: ((i,ing it on her hea%) - only rearrange% it. George: 5ou still a#e your o)n clothes3 Chris: (o( Mother) Ain2t she classy: All she nee%s no) is a ;ussian )ol(houn%. Mother: (Moving her hea%) -t (eels li#e so ebo%y is sitting on y hea%. Ann: No* it2s beauti(ul* Kate. Mother: (#isses $y%ia. 'o George) She2s a genius: 5ou shoul%2ve arrie% her. (they laugh) 'his one can (ee% you: $y%ia: (strangely e barrasse%) &h* stop that* Kate. George: (to $y%ia) Di%n2t - hear you ha% a baby3 Mother: 5&u %on2t hear so goo%. She2s got three babies. George: (a little hurt by it. 'o $y%ia) No #i%%ing* three3 $y%ia: 5eah* it )as one* t)o* three... 5ouve been a)ay a long ti e* Georgie. George: -2 beginning to reali9e. Mother: (to Chris an% George) 'he trouble )ith you #i%s is you thin# to uch. $y%ia: /ell* )e thin#* too. Mother: 5es* but not all the ti e. George: (/ith al ost obvious envy) 'hey never too# "ran#* heh3 $y%ia: (a little apologetically) No* he )as al)ays one year ahea% o( the %ra(t. Mother: -t2s a a9ing. /hen they )ere calling boys t)enty seven "ran# )as t)enty eight* )hen they a%e it t)enty eight* he )as 0ust t)enty nine. 'hat2s )hy he too# up astrology. -t2s all in )hen you )ere born* it 0ust goes to sho). Chris: /hat %oes it go to sho)3 Mother: (to Chris) Don2t be so intelligent. So e superstitions are very nice: ('o $y%ia) Di% he (inish $arry2s horoscope3 $y%ia: -2ll as# hi no)* -2 going in. (to George* a little sa%ly* al ost e barrasse%) /oul% you li#e to see y babies3 Co e on. George: - %on2t thin# so* $y%ia.

$y%ia: (+n%erstan%ing) All right. Goo% luc# to you* George. George: 'han#s. An% to you... An% "ran#. (She s iles at hi * turns an% goes o(( to her house. George stan%s staring a(ter her). $y%ia: (as she runs o(() &h* "ran#: Mother: (;ea%ing his thoughts) She got pretty* heh3 George: (sa%ly) Bery pretty. Mother: (as a repri an%) She2s beauti(ul* you %a ne% (ool: George: (loo#s aroun% longingly* an% so(tly* )ith a catch in his throat) She a#es it see so nice aroun% here. Mother: (sha#ing her (inger at hi ) $oo# )hat happene% to you because you )oul%n2t listen to e: - tol% you to arry that girl an% stay out o( the )ar: George: (laughs at hi sel() She use% to laugh too uch. Mother: An% you %in2t laugh enough. /hile you )ere getting a% about "ascis "ran# )as getting into her be%. George: (to Chris) 1e )on the )ar* "ran#. Chris: All the battles. Mother: (in pursuit o( this oo%) 'he %ay they starte% the %ra(t* Georgie* - tol% you you love% that girl. Chris: (laughs) An% truer love hath no an: Mother: -2 s arter than any o( you. George: (laughing) She2s )on%er(ul. Mother: An% no) you2re going to listen to e* George. 5ou ha% big principles* 8agle Scouts the three o( you. So no) - got a tree* an% this one (in%icating Chris) )hen the )eather gets ba% he can2t stan% on his (eet. An% that big %ope (pointing to $y%ia2s house) ne,t %oor )ho never rea%s anything but An%y Gu p has three chil%ren an% his house pai% o((. Stop being a philosopher* an% loo# a(ter yoursel(. $i#e Joe )as 0ust saying... 5ou ove bac# here* he2ll help you get set* an% -2ll (in% you a girl an% put a s ile on your (ace. George: Joe3 Joe )ants e here3 Ann: (eagerly) 1e as#e% e to tell you* an% - thin# it2s a goo% i%ea. Mother: Certainly. /hy ust you a#e believe you hate us3 -s that another principle3 ...'hat you have to hate us3 5ou %on2t hate us* George* - #no) you* you can2t (ool e* - %iapere% you. (Su%%enly* to Ann) 5ou re e ber Mr. Marcy2s %aughter3 Ann: (laughing* to George) She2s got you hoo#e% alrea%y: (George laughs* is e,cite%) Mother: 5ou loo# her over* George. 5ou2ll see she2s the ost beauti(ul... Chris: She2s got )arts* George. Mother: (to Chris) She hasn2t got )arts: ('o George) So the girl has a little beauty ar# on her chin... Chris: An% t)o on her nose. Mother: 5ou re e ber. 1er (ather2s the retire% police inspector. Chris: Seargent George. Mother: 1e2s a very #in% an: Chris: 1e loo#s li#e a gorilla. Mother: (to George) 1e never shot anybo%y. 'hey all burst out laughing as Keller appears in the %oor)ay. George rises abruptly an% stares at Keller* )ho co es rapi%ly %o)n to hi . Keller: (the laughter stops. /ith straine% 0oviality) /ell: $oo# )ho2s here: (8,ten%ing his han%) Georgie* goo% to see ya. George: (sha#ing han%s. So berly) 1o)2re you* Joe3 Keller: So.so. Gettin2 ol%. 5ou co in2 out to %inner )ith us3 George: No* got to be bac# in Ne) 5or#. Ann: -2ll call a cab (or you. (She goes up into the house) Keller: 'oo ba% you can2t stay* George. Sit %o)n. ('o other) 1e loo#s (ine. Mother: 1e loo#s terrible. Keller: 'hat2s )hat - sai%* you loo# terrible* George. ('hey laugh) - )ear the pants an% she beats e )ith the belt. George: - sa) your (actory on the )ay (ro the station. -t loo#s li#e General Motors. Keller: - )ish it )as General Motors* but it ain2t. Sit %o)n* George. Sit %o)n. ('a#es cigar out o( his poc#et) So you (inally )ent to see your (ather* - hear3 George: 5es* this orning. /hat #in% o( stu(( %o you a#e no)3

Keller: oh* little o( everything. 4ressure coo#ers* an asse bly (or )ashing achines. Got a nice* (le,ible plant no). So ho)2% you (in% Da%3 "eel alright3 George: (searching Keller* spea#ing in%ecisively) No* he2s not )ell* Joe. Keller: (lighting his cigar) Not his heart again* is it3 George: -t2s everything* Joe. -t2s his soul. Keller: (blo)ing out s o#e) +h huh.... Chris: 1o) about seeing )hat they %i% )ith your house3 Keller: $eave hi be. George: (to Chris* in%icating Keller) -2% li#e to tal# to hi . Keller: Sure* he 0ust got here. 'hat2s the )ay they %o* George. A little an a#es a ista#e an% they hang hi by his thu bs. 'he big ones beco e a bassa%ors. - )ish you2%.a tol% e you )ere going to see Da%. George: (stu%ying hi ) - %i%n2t #no) you )ere intereste%. Keller: -n a )ay* - a . - )oul% li#e hi to #no)* George* that as (ar as -2 concerne%* any ti e he )ants* he2s got a place )ith e. - )oul% li#e hi to #no) that. George: 1e hates your guts* Joe. Don2t you #no) that3 Keller: - i agine% it. !ut that can change* too. Mother: Steve )as never li#e that. George: 1e2s li#e that no). 1e2% li#e to ta#e every an )ho a%e oney in the )ar an% put hi up against a )all. Chris: 1e2ll nee% a lot o( bullets. George: An% he2% better not get any. Keller: that2s a sa% thing to hear. George: ()ith bitterness %o inant) /hy3 /hat2s you e,pect hi to thin# o( you3 Keller: (the (orce o( his nature rising* but un%er control) -2 sa% to see he hasn2t change%. As long as - #no) hi * t)enty (ive years* the an never learne% ho) to ta#e the bla e. 5ou #no) that* George. George: (he %oes) /ell* -... Keller: !ut you %o #no) it. !ecause the )ay you co e in here you %on2t loo# li#e you re e ber it. - ean in nineteen thirty seven )hen )e ha% the shop on "loo% Street. An% he %a n near ble) us all up )ith that heater he le(t burning (or t)o %ays )ithout )ater. 1e )oul%n2t a% it that )as his (ault* either. - ha% to (ire a echanic to save his (ace. 5ou re e ber that. George: 5es* but... Keller: -2 0ust entioning it* George. !ecause this is 0ust another one o( a lot o( things. $i#e )hen he gave "ran# that oney to invest in oil stoc#. George: (%istresse%) - #no) that* -... Keller: (%riving in* but restraine%) !ut it2s goo% to re e ber those things* #i%. 'he )ay he curse% "ran# because the stoc# )ent %o)n. /as that "ran#2s (ault3 'o listen to hi "ran# )as a s)in%ler. An% all the an %i% )as to give hi a ba% tip. George: (gets up* oves a)ay) - #no) those things... Keller: 'hen re e ber the * re e ber the . (Ann co es out o( house) 'here are certain en in the )orl% )ho rather see everybo%y hung be(ore they2ll ta#e bla e. 5ou un%erstan% e* George3 'hey stan% (acing each other* George trying to 0u%ge hi . Ann: (co ing %o)nstage) 'he cab2s on its )ay. /oul% you li#e to )ash3 Mother: ()ith the thrust o( hope) /hy ust he go3 Ma#e the i%night* George. Keller: Sure* you2ll have %inner )ith us: Ann: 1o) about it3 /hy not3 /e2re eating at the la#e* )e coul% have a s)ell ti e. A long pause* as George loo#s at Ann* Chris* Keller* then bac# to her. George: All right. Mother: no) you2re tal#ing. Chris: -2ve got a shirt that2ll go right )ith that suit. George: -s $y%ia...3 - ean* "ran# an% $y%ia co ing3 Mother: -2ll get you a %ate that2ll a#e her loo# li#e a... (she starts upstage) George: (laughing) No* - %on2t )ant a %ate. Chris: - #no) so ebo%y 0ust (or you: Charlotte 'anner: (he starts (or the house) Keller: Call Charlotte* that2s right. Mother: Sure* call her up. (Chris goes into house) Ann: 5ou go up an% pic# out a shirt an% tie.

George: (stops* loo#s aroiun% at the an% the place) - never (elt at ho e any)here but here. (eel so... (he nearly laughs* an% turns a)ay (ro the ) Kate* you loo# so young* you #no)3 5ou %i%n2t change at all. -t ... rings an ol% bell. (turns to Keller) 5ou too* Joe* you2re a a9ingly the sa e. 'he )hole at osphere is. Keller: Say* - ain2t got ti e to get sic#. Mother: 1e hasn2t been lai% up in (i(teen years. Keller: 8,cept y (lu %uring the )ar. Mother: 1uhh3 Keller: /ell* sure... ('o George) - ean e,cept (or that (lu. (George stan%s per(ectly still) /ell* it slippe% y in%* %on2t loo# at e that )ay. 1e )ante% to go to the shop but he coul%n2t li(t hi sel( o(( the be%. - thought he ha% pneu onia. George: /hy %i% you say he2s never....3 Keller: - #no) ho) you (eel* #i%* -2ll never (orgive ysel(. -( - coul%2ve gone in that %ay -2% never all)o Da% to touch those hea%s. George: She sai% you2ve never been sic#. Mother: - sai% he )as sic#* George. George: (going to Ann) Ann* %i%n2t you hear her say...3 George: -% re e ber pneu onia. 8specially i( - got it 0ust the %ay y partner )as going to patch up cylin%er hea%s... /hat happene% that %ay* Joe3 "ran# enters bris#ly (ro %rive)ay* hol%ing $arry2s horoscope in his han%. 1e co es to Kate. "ran#: Kate: Kate: Mother: "ran#* %i% you see George3 "ran#: (e,ten%ing his han%) $y%ia tol% e* -2 gla% to... you2ll have to par%on e. (pulling other over) -2ve got so ething a a9ing (or you* Kate* - (inishe% $arry2s horoscope. Mother: 5ou2% be intereste% in this* George. -t2s )on%er(ul the )ay he can un%erstan% the... Chris: (entering (ro house) George* the girl2s on the phone... Mother: (%esperately) 1e (inishe% $arry2s horoscope: Chris: "ran#* can2t you pic# a better ti e than this3 "ran#: 'he greatest en )ho ever live% believe% in the stars: Chris: Stop (illing her hea% )ith that 0un#: "ran#: -s it 0un# to (eel that there2s a greater po)er than ourselves3 -2ve stu%ie% the stars o( his li(e: - )on2t argue )ith you* -2 telling you. So e)here in this )orl% your brother is alive: Mother: (instantly to Chris) /hy isn2t it possible3 Chris: !ecause its insane. "ran#: Just a inute no). -2ll tell you so ething an% you can %o as you please. Just let e say it. 1e )as suppose% to have %ie% on Nove ber t)enty (i(th. !ut Nove ber t)enty (i(th )as his (avorite %ay. 'hat2s #no)n* that2s #no)n* Chris: Mother: /hy isn2t it possible* )hy isn2t it possible* Chris: George: (to Ann) Don2t you un%erstan% )hat she2s saying3 She 0ust tol% you to go. /hat are you )aiting (or no)3 Chris: Nobo%y can tell her to go. (A car horn is hear%) Mother: (to "ran#) 'han# you* %arling* (or your trouble. /ill you tell hi to )ait* "ran#3 "ran#: (as he goes) Sure thing. Mother: (calling out) 'hey2ll be right out* %river: George: 5ou hear% her say it* he2s never been sic#: Mother: 1e isun%erstoo% e* Chris: (Chris* loo#s at her* struc#) George: (to Ann) 1e si ply tol% your (ather to #ill pilots* an% covere% hi sel( in be%: Chris: 5ou2% better ans)er hi * Annie. Ans)er hi . Mother: - pac#e% your bag* %arling. Chris: /hat3 Mother: - pac#e% your bag. All you2ve got to %o is close it. Ann: -2 not closing anything. 1e as#e% e here an% -2 staying till he tells e to go. ('o George) 'ill Chris tells e: Chris: 'hat2s all: 1o) get out o( here* George: Mother: (to Chris) !ut i( that2s ho) he (eels... Chris: 'hat2s all* nothing ore till Christ co es* about the case or $arry as long as -2 here: (to George) No) get out o( here* George: George: (to Ann) 5ou tell e. - )ant to hear you tell e. Ann: Go* George:

'hey %isappear up the %rive)ay* Ann saying* =Don2t ta#e it that )ay* Georgie: 4lease %on2t ta#e it that )ay=. Chris: (turning to his other) /hat %o you ean you pac#e% her bag3 1o) %are you pac# her bag3 Mother: Chris... Chris: 1o) %are you pac# her bag3 Mother: She %oesn2t belong here. Chris: 'hen - %on2t belong here. Mother: She2s $arry2s girl. Chris: An% -2 his brother an% he2s %ea%* an% -2 arrying his girl Mother: Never* never in this )orl%: Keller: 5ou lost your in%3 Mother: 5ou have nothing to say: Keller: (cruelly) - got plenty to say. 'hree an% a hal( years you been tal#ing li#e a aniac... Mother s ashes hi across the (ace. Mother: Nothing. 5ou have nothing to say. No) - say. 1e2s co ing bac#* an% everybo%y has got to )ait. Chris: Mother* Mother... Mother: /ait* )ait... Chris: 1o) long3 1o) long3 Mother: (rolling out o( her) 'ill he co es. "orever an% ever till he co es: Chris: (as an ulti atu ) Mother* -2 going ahea% )ith it. Mother: Chris* -2ve never sai% no to you in y li(e* no) - say no: Chris: 5ou2ll never let hi go till - %o it. Mother: -2ll never let hi go an% you2ll never let hi go: Chris: -2ve let hi go. -2ve let hi go a long... Mother: ()ith no less (orce* but turning (ro hi ) 'hen let your (ather go. (pause. Chris stan%s trans(i,e%) Keller: She2s out o( her in%. Mother: Altogether: ('o Chris* but not (acing the ) 5our brother2s alive* %arling* because i( he2s %ea%* your (ather #ille% hi . Do you un%erstan% e no)3 As long as you live* that boy is alive. Go% %oes not let a son be #ille% by his (ather. No) you see* %on2t you3 No) you see. (!eyon% control* she hurries up an% into the house) Keller: (Chris has not ove%. 1e spea#s insinuatingly* <uestioningly) She2s out o( her in%. Chris: (in a bro#en )hisper) 'hen... you %i% it3 Keller: ()ith the beginning o( plea in his voice) 1e never (le) a 4.>?... Chris: (struc#. Dea%ly) !ut the others. Keller: (insistently) She2s out o( her in%. (he ta#es a step to)ar% Chris* plea%ingly.) Chris: (unyiel%ing) Da%... you %i% it3 Keller: 1e never (le) a 4.>?* )hat2s the atter )ith you3 Chris: (still as#ing* an% saying) 'hen you %i% it. 'o the others. !oth hol% their voices %o)n. Keller: (a(rai% o( hi * his %ea%ly insistence) /hat2s the atter )ith you3 /hat the hell is the atter )ith you3 Chris: (<uietly* incre%ibly) 1o) coul% you %o that3 ho)3 Keller: /hat2s the atter )ith you: Chris: Da%... Da%* you #ille% t)enty one en: Keller: /hat* #ille% Chris: 5ou #ille% the * you ur%ere% the . Keller: (as though thro)ing his )hole nature open be(ore Chris) ho) coul% - #ill anybo%y3 Chris: Da%: Da%: Keller: (trying to hush hi ) - %i%n2t #ill anybo%y: Chris: then e,plain it to e. /hat %i% you %o3 8,plain it to e or -2ll tear you to pieces: Keller: (horri(ie% at his over)hel ing (ury) Don2t* Chris* %on2t... Chris: - )ant to #no) )hat you %i%* no) )hat %i% you %o3 5ou ha% a hun%re% an% t)enty crac#e% engine hea%s* ho) )hat %i% you %o3 Keller: -( your going to hang e then -... Chris: -2 listening. Go% al ighty* -2 listening: Keller: (their ove ents are those o( subtle pursuit an% escape. Keller #eeps a step out o( Chris2s range as he tal#s: 5ou2re a boy* )hat coul% - %o: -2 in business* a an is in business. A

hun%re% an% t)enty crac#e%* you2re out o( business. 5ou got a process* the process %on2t )or# you2re out o( business. 5ou %on2t #no) ho) to operate* your stu(( is no goo%* they close you up* they tear up your contracts. /hat the hell2s it to the 3 5ou lay (orty years into a business an% they #noc# you out in (ive inutes* )hat coul% - %o* let the ta#e (orty years* let the ta#e y li(e a)ay3 (his voice crac#ing) - never though they2% install the . - s)ear to Got. - thought they2% stop 2e be(ore anybo%y too# o((. Chris: 'hen )hy2% you ship the out3 Keller: !y the ti e they coul% spot the - thought -2% have the process going again* an% - coul% sho) the they nee%e% e an% they2% let it go by. !ut )ee#s passe% an% - got no #ic#.bac#* so - )as going to tell the . Chris: 'hen )hy %i%n2t you tell the 3 Keller: it )as too late. 'he paper* it )as all over the (ront page* t)enty one )ent %o)n* it )as too late. 'hey ca e )ith han%cu((s into the shop* )hat coul% - %o3 (1e sits on bench) Chris... Chris* - %i% it (or you* it )as a chance an% - too# it (or you. -2 si,ty one years ol%* )hen )oul% have another chance to a#e so ething (or you3 Si,ty one years ol% you %on2t get another chance* %o ya3 Chris: 5ou even #ne) that they )oul%n2t hol% up in the air. Keller: - %i%n2t say that. Chris: !ut you )ere going to )arn the not to use the .... Keller: !ut that %oesn2t ean... Chris: -t eans you #ne) they2% crash. Keller: -t %on2t ean that. Chris: 'hen you thought they2% crash. Keller: - )as a(rai% aybe... Chris: 5ou )ere a(rai% aybe: Go% in heaven* )hat #in% o( a an are you3 Ki%s )ere hanging in the air by those hea%s. 5ou #ne) that: Keller: "or you* a business (or you: Chris: ()ith burning (ury) "or e: /here %o you live* )here have you co e (ro 3 "or e: ...)as %ying every %ay an% you )ere #illing y boys an% you %i% it (or e3 /hat the hell %o you thin# - )as thin#ing o(* the Go%%a business3 -s that as (ar as your in% can see* the business3 /hat is that* the )orl% o( business3 /hat the hell %o you ean* you %i% it (or e3 Don2t you have a country3 Don2t you live in the )orl%3 /hat the hell are you3 5ou2re not even an ani al* no ani al #ills his o)n* )hat are you3 /hat ust - %o to you3 - ought to tear the tongue out o( your outh* )hat ust - %o3 (/ith his (ist he poun%s %o)n upon his (ather2s shoul%er. 1e stu bles a)ay* covering his (ace as he )eeps) /hat ust - %o* Jesus Go%* )hat ust - %o3 Keller: Chris... My Chris... C+;'A-N ')o o2cloc# the (ollo)ing orning* Mother is %iscovere% on the rise* roc#ing ceaselessly in a chair* staring at her thoughts. -t is an intense* slight* sort o( roc#ing. A light sho)s (ro upstairs be%roo * lo)er (loor )in%o)s being %ar#. 'he oon is strong an% casts its bluish light. 4resently Ji * %resse% in 0ac#e% an% hat* appears* an% seeing her* goes up besi%e her. Ji : Any ne)s3 Mother: No ne)s. Ji : (gently) 5ou can2t sit up all night* %ear* )hy %on2t you go to be%3 Mother: -2 )aiting (or Chris. Don2t )orry about e* Ji * -2 per(ectly all right. Ji : !ut it2s al ost t)o o2cloc#. Mother: - can2t sleep. (slight pause) 5ou ha% an e ergency3 Ji : (tire%ly) So ebo%y ha% a hea%ache an% thought he )as %ying. (slight pause) 1al( o( y patients are <uite a%. Nobo%y reali9es ho) any people are )al#ing loose* an% they2re crac#e% as coconuts. Money. Money. oney. oney. oney. 5ou say it long enough it %oesn2t ean anything. (She s iles* a#es a silent laugh) &h* ho) -2% love to be aroun% )hen that happens: Mother: (sha#ing her hea%) 5ou2re so chil%ish* Ji : So eti es you are. Ji : (loo#s at her a o ent) Kate. (4ause) /hat happene%3 Mother: - tol% you. 1e ha% an argu ent )ith Joe. 'hen he got in the car an% %rove a)ay. Ji : /hat #in% o( an argu ent3 Mother: An argu ent* Joe... 1e )as crying li#e a chil%* be(ore. Ji : 'hey argue% about Ann3

Mother: (a(ter slight hesitation) No* not Ann. - agine3 (-n%icates lighte% )in%o) above) She hasn2t co e out o( that roo since he le(t. All night in that roo . Ji : (loo#s up at )in%o)* then at her): /hat2% Joe %o* tell hi 3 Mother: (stops roc#ing) 'ell hi )hat3 Ji : Don2t be a(rai%* Kate* - #no). -2ve al)ays #no)n. Mother: 1o)3 Ji : -t occurre% to e a long ti e ago. Mother: - al)ays ha% the (eeling that in the bac# o( his hea%* Chris... al ost #ne). - %i%n2t thin# it )oul% be such a shoc#. Ji : (gets up) Chris )oul% never #no) ho) to live )ith a thing li#e that. -t ta#es a certain talent... (or lying. 5ou have it* an% - %o. !ut not hi . Mother: /hat %o you ean... 1e2s not co ing bac#3 Ji : &h* no* he2ll co e bac#. /e all co e bac#* Kate. 'hese private little revolutions al)ays %ie. 'he co pro ise is al)ays a%e. -n a peculiar )ay. "ran# is right... every an %oes have a star. 'he star o( one2s honesty. An% you spen% your li(e groping (or it* but once it2s out it never lights again. - %on2t thin# he )ent very (ar. 1e probably 0ust )ante% to be alone to )atch his star go out. Mother: Just as long as he co es bac#. Ji : - )ish he )oul%n2t* Kate. &ne year - si ply too# o((* )ent to Ne) &rleans@ (or t)o onths live% on bananas an% il#* an% stu%ie% a certain %isease. An% then she ca e* an% she crie%. An% - )ent bac# ho e )ith her. An% no) - live in the usual %ar#ness@ - can2t (in% ysel(@ it2s har% so eti es to re e ber the #in% o( an - )ante% to be. -2 a goo% husban%@ Chris is a goo% son... 1e2ll co e bac#. Keller co es out on porch in %ressing go)n an% slippers. 1e goes upstage...'o alley. Ji goes to hi . Ji : - have the (eeling he2s in the par#. -2ll loo# (or hi . 4ut her to be%* Joe@ this is no goo% (or )hat she2s got. (Ji e,its up %rive)ay) Keller: (co ing %o)n) /hat %oes he )ant here3 Mother: 1is (rien% is not ho e. Keller: (co es %o)n to her. 1is voice is hus#y) - %on2t li#e hi i,ing in so uch. Mother: -t2s too late* Joe. 1e #no)s. Keller: (apprehensively) 1o) %oes he #no)3 Mother: 1e guesse% it a long ti e ago. Keller: - %on2t li#e that. Mother: (laughs %angerously* <uietly into the line) /hat you %on2t li#e. Keller: 5eah* )hat - %on2t li#e. Mother. 5ou can2t bull yoursel( through this one* Joe* you better be s art no). 'his thing...this thing is not over yet. Keller: (in%icating lighte% )in%o) above)An% )hat is she %oing up there3 She %on2t co e out o( the roo . Mother: - %on2t #no)* )hat is she %oing3 Sit %o)n* stop bing a%. 5ou )ant to live3 5ou better (igure out your li(e. Keller: She %on2t #no)* %oes she3 Mother: Don2t as# e* Joe. Keller: (al ost an outburst) 'hen )ho %o - as#3 !ut - %on2t thin# she2ll %o anything about it. Mother: 5ou2re as#ing e again. Keller: -2 as#in2 you. /hat a -* a stranger3 - thought - ha% a (a ily here. /hat happene% to y (a ily3 Mother: 5ou2ve got a (a ily. -2 si ply telling you that - have to strength to thin# any ore. Keller: 5ou have no strength. 'he inute there2s trouble you have no strength. Mother: Joe* you2re %oing the sa e thing again. All your live )henever there2s trouble you yell at e an% you thing that settles it. Keller: 'hen )hat %o - %o3 'ell e* tal# to e* )hat %o - %o3 Mother: Joe... -2ve been thin#ing this )ay. -( he co es bac#... Keller: /hat %o you ean =i(=3 1e2s co in2 bac#: Mother: - thin# i( you sit hi %o)n an% you... e,plain yoursel(. - ean you ought to a#e it clear to hi that you #no) you %i% a terrible thing. (Not loo#ing into his eyes) - ean i( he sa) that you reali9e )hat you %i%. 5ou see3 Keller: /hat ice %oes that cut3 Mother: (a litle (ear(ully) - ean i( you tol% hi that you )ant to pay (or )hat you %i%.

Keller: (sensing... <uietly) 1o) can - pay3 Mother: 'ell hi ... 5ou2re )illing to go to prison. (pause) Keller: (struc#* a a9e%) -2 )illing to...3 Mother: (<uic#ly) 5ou )oul%n2t go* he )oul%n2t a#s you to go. !ut i( you tol% hi you )ante% to* i( he coul% (eel that you )ante% to pay* aybe he )oul% (orgive you. Keller: 1e )oul% (orgive e: "or )hat3 Mother: Joe* you #no) )hat - ean. Keller: - %on2t #no) )hat you ean: 5ou )ante% oney* so - a%e oney. /hat ust - be (orgiven3 5ou )ante% oney* %i%n2t you3 Mother: - %i%n2t )ant it that )ay. Keller: - %i%n2t )ant it that )ay* either: /hat %i((erence is it )hat you )ant3 - spoile% the both o( you. - shoul%2ve put hi out )hen he )as ten li#e - )as put out* an% a#e hi earn his #eep. 'hen he2% #no) ho) a buc# is a%e in this )orl%. "orgiven: - coul% live on a <uarter a %ay ysel(* but - got a (a ily so -... Mother: Joe* Joe... -t %on2t e,cuse it that you %i% it (or the (a ily. Keller: -t2s got to e,cuse it: Mother: 'here2s so ething bigger than the (a ily to hi . Keller: Nothin2 is bigger: Mother: 'here is to hi . Keller: 'here2s nothing he coul% %o that - )oul%n2t (orgive. !ecause he2s y son. !ecause -2 his (ather an% he2s y son. Mother: Joe* - tell you... Keller: Nothin2s bigger than that. An% you2re going to tell hi * you un%erstan%3 -2 his (ather an% he2s y son* an% i( there2s so ething bigger than that -2ll put a bullet in y hea%: Mother: 5ou stop that: Keller: 5ou hear% e. No) you #no) )hat to tell hi . (4ause. 1e oves (ro her. 1alts) !ut he )oul%n2t put e a)ay though... 1e )oul%n2t %o that... /oul% he3 Mother: 1e love% you* Joe* you bro#e his heart. Keller: !ut to put e a)ay... Mother: - %on2t #no). -2 beginning to thing )e %on2t really #no) hi . 'hey say in the )ar he )as such a #iller. 1ere he )as al)ays a(rai% o( ice. - %on2t #no) hi . - %on2t #no) )hat he2ll %o. Keller: Go%%a * -( $arry )as alive he )oul%n2t act li#e this. 1e un%erstoo% the )ay the )orl% is a%e. 1e listene% to e. 'o hi the )orl% ha% a (orty (oot (ront* it en%e% at the buil%ing line. 'his one* everything bothers hi . 5ou a#e a %eal* overcharge t)o cents* an% his hair (alls out. 1e %on2t un%erstan% oney. 'oo easy* it ca e too easy. 5es* sir. $arry. 'hat )as a boy )e lost. $arry. $arry. (1e slu ps on chair in (ront o( her) /hat a - gonna %o* Kate3 Mother: Joe* Joe* please... you2ll be alright* nothing is going to happen. Keller: (%esperately* lost) "or you* Kate* (or both o( you* that2s all - ever live% (or.... Mother: - #no)* %arling* - #no). (Ann enters (ro the house. 'hey say nothing* )aiting (or her to spea#) Ann: /hy %o you stay up3 -2ll tell you )hen he co es. Keller: (rises* goes to her) 5ou %i%n2t eat supper* %i% you3 (to other) /hy %on2t you a#e her so ething3 Mother: Sure* -2ll... Ann: Never in%* Kate* -2 all right. (they are unable to spea# to each other) 'here2s so ething - )ant to tell you. (She starts* then halts) -2 not going to %o anyting about it. Mother: She2s a goo% girl: ('o Keller) 5ou see3 She2s a ... Ann: -2ll %o nothing about Joe* but you2re going to %o so ething (or e. (Directly to Mother) 5ou a%e Chris (eel guilty )ith e. -2% li#e you to tell hi that $arry is %ea% an% that you #no) it. 5ou un%erstan% e3 -2 not going out o( here alone. 'here2s no li(e (or e that )ay. - )ant you to set hi (ree. An% then - pro ise you* everything )ill en%* an% )e2ll go a)ay* an% that2s all. Keller: 5ou2ll %o that. 5ou2ll tell hi . Ann: - #no) )hat -2 as#ing* Kate. 5ou ha% t)o sons. !ut you2ve only got one no). Keller: 5ou2ll tell hi . Ann: An% you2ve got to say it to hi so he #no)s you ean it. Mother: My %ear* i( the boy )as %ea%* it )oul%n2t %epen% on y )or%s to a#e Chris #no) it... 'henight he gets into your be%* his heart )ill %ry up. !ecause he #no)s an% you #no). 'o his %ying %ay he2ll )ait (or his brother: No* y %ear* no such thing. 5ou2re going in the orning* an% you2re going alone. 'hat2s your li(e* that2s your lonely li(e. (she goes to porch* an% starts in)

Ann: $arry is %ea%* Kate. Mother: (she stops) Don2t spea# to e. Ann: - sai% he2s %ea%. - #no): 1e crashe% o(( the coast o( China Nove ber t)enty (i(th: 1is engine %i%n2t (ail hi . !ut he %ie%. - #no)... Mother: 1o) %i% he %ie3 5ou2re lying to e. -( you #no)* ho) %i% he %ie3 Ann: - love% hi . 5ou #no) - love% hi . /oul% - have loo#e% at anyone else i( - )asn2t sure3 'hat2s enough (or you. Mother: ( oving on her) /hat2s enough (or e3 /hat2re you tal#ing about3 (She grasps Ann2s )rists) Ann: 5ou2re hurting y )rists. Mother: /hat are you tal#ing about: (4ause. She stares at Ann a o ent* then turns an% goes to Keller) Ann: Joe* go in the house. Keller: /hy shoul% -... Ann: 4lease go. Keller: $e e #no) )hen he co es. (Keller goes into house) Mother: (as she sees Ann ta#ing a letter (ro her poc#et) /hat2s that3 Ann: Sit %o)n. (Mother oves le(t to chair* but %oes not sit) "irst you2ve got to un%erstan%. /hen - ca e* - %i%n2t have any i%ea that Joe... - ha% nothing against hi or you. - ca e to get arrie%. - hope%... So - %i%n2t bring this to hurt you. - thought -2% sho) it to you only i( there )as no other )ay to settle $arry in your in%. Mother: $arry3 (snatches letter (ro Ann2s han%) Ann: 1e )rote to e 0ust be(ore he... ( other opens an% begins to rea% letter) -2 not trying to hurt you* Kate. 5ou2re a#ing e %o this* no) re e ber you2re... ;e e ber. -2ve been so lonely* Kate... - can2t leave here alone again. (a long lo) oan co es (ro Mother2s throat as she rea%s) 5ou a%e e sho) it to you. 5ou )oul%n2t believe e. - tol% you a hun%re% ti es* )hy )oul%n2t you believe e: Mother: &h* y Go%..... Ann: ()ith pity an% (ear) Kate* please* please... Mother: My Go%* y Go%... Ann: Kate* %ear* -2 so sorry... -2 so sorry. Chris enters (ro the %rive)ay. 1e see s e,hauste%. Ann: /here )ere you3 ... 5ou2re all perspire%. ( other %oesn2t ove) )here )ere you3 Chris: Just %rove aroun% a little. - thought you2% be gone. Ann: /here %o - go3 - have no)here to go. Chris: (to Mother) /here2s Da%3 Ann: -nsi%e lying %o)n. Chris: Sit %o)n* both o( you. -2ll say )hat there is to say. Mother: - %i%n2t hear the car... Chris: - le(t it in the garage. Mother: Ji is out loo#ing (or you. Chris: Mother... -2 going a)ay. 'here are a couple o( (ir s in Clevelan%* - thin# - can get a place. - ean* -2 going )ay (or goo%. ('o Ann alone) - #no) )hat you2re thin#ing* Annie. -t2s true. -2 yello). - )as a%e yello) in this house because - suspecte% y (ather an% - %i% nothing about it* but i( - #no) that night )hen - ca e ho e )hat - #no) no)* he2% be in the %istrict attorney2s o((ice by this ti e* an% -2% have brought hi there. No) i( - loo# at hi * all -2 able to %o is cry. Mother: /hat are you tal#ing about3 /hat else can you %o3 Chris: - coul% 0ail hi : - coul% 0ail hi * i( - )ere hu an any ore. !ut -2 li#e everybo%y else no). -2 practical no). 5ou a%e e practical. Mother: !ut you have to be. Chris: 'he cats in that alley are practical* the bu s )ho ran a)ay )hen )e )ere (ighting )ere practical. &nly the %ea% ones )eren2t practical. !ut no) -2 practical* an% - spit on ysel(. -2 going a)ay. -2 going no). Ann: (going up to hi ) -2 co ing )ith you. Chris: No* Ann. Ann: Chris* - %on2t as# you to %o anyting about Joe. Chris: 5ou %o* you %o. Ann: - s)ear - never )ill. Chris: in your heart you al)ays )ill.

Ann: 'hen %o )hat you have to %o: Chris: Do )hat3 /hat is there to %o3 -2ve loo#e% all night (or a reason to a#e hi su((er. Ann: 'here2s reason* there2s reason: Chris: /hat3 Do - raise the %ea% )hen - put hi behin% bars3 'hen )hat2ll - %o it (or3 /e use% to shoot a an )ho acte% li#e a %og* but honor )as real there* you )ere protecting so ething. !ut here3 'his is the lan% o( the great big %ogs* you %on2t love a an here* you eat hi : 'hat2s the principle@ the only one )e live by... it 0ust happene% to #ill a (e) people this ti e* that2s all. 'he )orl%2s that )ay* ho) can - ta#e it out on hi 3 /hat sense %oes that a#e3 'his is a 9oo* a 9oo: Ann: (to Mother) 5ou #no) )hat he2s got to %o: 'ell hi : Mother: $et hi go. Ann: - )on2t let hi go. 5ou2ll tell hi )hat he2s got to %o... Mother: Annie: Ann: 'hen - )ill: Keller enters (ro house. Chris sees hi * goes %o)n near arbor. Keller: /hat2s the atter )ith you3 - )ant to tal# to you: Chris: (pulling violently a)ay (ro hi ) Don2t %o that* Da%. -2 going to hurt you i( you %o that. 'here2s nothing to say so say it <uic#. Keller: 8,actly )hat2s the atter3 )hat2s the atter3 you got too uch oney3 -s that )hat bothers you3 Chris: ()ith an e%ge o( sarcas ) -t bothers e. Keller: -( you can2t get use% to it* then thro) it a)ay. 5ou hear e3 'a#e every cent an% give it to charity* thro) it in the se)er. Does that settle it3 -n the se)er* that2s all. 5ou thin# -2 #i%%ing3 -2 tellin2 you to %o it* i( it2s %irty then burn it. -t2s your oney* that2s not y oney. -2 a %ea% an* -2 an ol% %ean an* nothing2s ine. /ell* tal# to e: /hat %o you )ant to %o. Chris: -t2s not )hat - )ant to %o. -t2s )hat you )ant to %o. Keller: /hat shoul% - %o3 (Chris is silent) Jail3 5ou )ant e to go to 0ail3 -( you )ant e to go* say so: -s that )here - belong3 'hen tell e so: (Slight pause) /hat2s the atter* )hay can2t you tell e3 ("uriously) 5ou say everyting else to e* say that: (Slight pause) -2ll tell you )hy you can2t say it. !ecause you #no) - %on2t belong there. !ecause you #no): ()ith gro)ing e phasis an% passion* an% a persistent tone o( %esperation) /ho )or#e% (or nothin2 in that )ar3 /hen they ship a gun or a truc# outa Detroi% be(ore they got their price3 -s that clean3 -t2s %ollars an% cents* nic#els an% %i es@ )ar an% peace* it2s nic#els an% %i es* )hat2s clean3 1al( the Go%%a country is gotta go i( - go: 'hat2s )hy you can2t tell e. Chris: 'hat2s e,actly )hy. Keller: 'hen... /hy a - ba%3 Chris: - #no) you2re no )orse than ost en but - thought you )ere better. - never sa) you as a an. - sa) you as y (ather. (Al ost brea#ing) - can2t loo# at you this )ay* - can2t loo# at ysel(: 1e turns a)ay* unable to (ace Keller. Ann goes <uic#ly to Mother* ta#es letter (ro her an% starts (or Chris. Mother instantly rushes to intercept her. Mother: Give e that: Ann: 1e2s going to rea% it: (She thrusts letter into Chris2s han%) $arry. 1e )rote it to e the %ay he %ie%. Keller: $arry: Mother: Chris* it2s not (or you. (he starts to rea%) Joe... go a)ay... Keller: ( ysti(ie%* (rightene%) /hy2% she say* $arry* )hat...3 Mother: (%esparately pushes hi to)ar% alley* glancing at Chris) Go to the street* Joe* go to the street: (she co es %o)n besi%e Keller) Don2t* Chris... (plea%ing )ith her )hole soul) Don2t tell hi . Chris: (<uietly) 'hree an% one hal( years... tal#ing* tal#ing. No) you tell e )hat you ust %o... 'hisis ho) he %ie%* no) tell e )here you belong. Keller: (plea%ing) Chris* a an can2t be a Jesus in this )orl%: Chris: - #no) all about the )orl%. - #no) the )hole crap story. No) listen to this* an% tell e )hat a an2s got to be: (;ea%s:) =My %ear Ann: ...=* you listening3 1e )rote this the %ay he %ie%. $isten* %on2t cry.... $isten: =My Dear Ann: it is i possible to put %o)n the things - (eel. !ut -2ve got to tell you so ething. 5ester%ay they (le) in a loa% o( papers (ro the States an% - rea% about Da% an% your (ather being convicte%. - can2t e,press ysel(. - can2t tell you ho) - (eel... can2t bear to live any ore. $ast night - circle% the base (or t)enty inutes be(ore - coul% bring ysel( in. 1o) coul% he have %one that3 8very %ay three or (our en never co e bac# an% he

sits bac# there %oing 2business2.... - %on2t #no) ho) to tell you )hat - (eel.... - can2t (ace anybo%y... -2 going out on a ission in a (e) inutes. 'hey2ll probably report e as issing. -( they %o* - )ant you to #no) that you ustn2t )ait (or e. - tell you* Ann* i( - ha% hi there no) coul% #ill hi ...= (Keller grabbs the letter (ro Chris2s han% an% rea%s it. A(ter a long pause) No) bla e the )orl%. Do you un%erstan% that letter3 Keller: (spea#ing al ost inau%ibly) - thin# - %o. Get the car. -2ll put on y 0ac#et. (he turns an% starts slo)ly (or the house. Mother rushes to intercept hi ) Mother: /hy are you going3 5ou2ll sleep* )hy are you going3 Keller: - can2t sleep here. -2ll (eel better i( - go. Mother: 5ou2re so (oolish. $arry )as your son too* )asn2t he3 5ou #no) he2% never tell you to %o this. Keller: (loo#ing at letter in his han%) 'hen )hat is this i( it isn2t telling e3 Sure* he )as y son. !ut - thin# to hi they )ere all y sons. An% - guess they )ere* - guess they )ere. -2ll be right %o)n. (e,its into house) Mother: (to Chris* )ith %eter ination) 5ou2re not going to ta#e hi : Chris: -2 ta#ing hi . Mother: -t2s up to you* i( you tell hi to stay he2ll stay. Go an% tell hi : Chris: Nobo%y coul% stop hi no). Mother: 5ou2ll stop hi : 1o) long )ill he live in prison3 Are you trying to #ill hi 3 Chris: (hol%ing out letter) - thought you rea% this: Mother: (o( $arry* the letter) 'he )ar is over: Di%n2t you hear3 -t2s over: Chris: 'hen )hat )as $arry to you3 A stone that (ell into the )ater3 -t2s not enough (or hi to be sorry. $arry %i%n2t #ill hi sel( to a#e you an% Da% sorry. Mother: /hat ore can )e be: Chris: 5ou can be better: &nce an% (or all you can #no) there2s a universe o( people outsi%e an% you2re responsible to it* an% unless you #no) that* you thre) a)ay your son because that2s )hy he %ie%. A shot is hear% in the house. 'hey stan% (ro9en (or a brie( secon%. Chris starts (or porch* pauses at step* turns to Ann. Chris: "in% Ji : (1e goes on into the house an% Ann runs up %rive)ay. Mother stan%s alone* trans(i,e%. Mother: (so(tly* al ost oaning) Joe... Joe... Joe... Joe... (Chris co es out o( house* %o)n to Mother2s ar s.) Chris: (al ost crying) Mother* - %i%n2t ean to... Mother: Don2t %ear. Don2t ta#e it on yoursel(. "orget no). $ive. Chris stirs as i( to ans)er. Shhh.... She puts his ar s %o)n gently an% oves to)ar% porch. Shhh... As she reaches porch steps she begins sobbing. C+;'A-N