It Rained All Night
By Tate A. Geborkoff
Tate A. Geborkoff
(312) 402-4658
[email protected]
It Rained All Night
KAREN COHEN
Mother of the deceased Phillip Cohen. Early-mid fifties.
STUART BRANNON
Phillip Cohen's widower. Late twenties.
LILY BRANNON
Stuart's mother. Early-mid fifties.
PHILLIP COHEN
Heard only on a voicemail.
Casting should be as diverse as possible.
Unending rain drizzles lightly outside throughout the entire
play.
The main room is minimally decorated. A table with four
chairs and a wine cabinet behind it. There may be other
furnishings if the production is larger.
Off stage left is the kitchen, where action will be heard but
not seen. The front door is located stage right, and when
it’s open, it stares down a hallway; for now it’s shut.
The wine cabinet is closed. A bottle of gin is sitting on the
bar. Through the glass, we can see that the interior is filled
with bottles of champagne.
STUART is sitting at the table with a half-empty gin and
ginger in front of him. LILY is reading at the table, but
often looks over to check on him. She is drinking coffee.
KAREN is sitting across from Stuart, staring him down.
Her drink is empty.
Once Stuart is engaged in the conversation, and he or
Karen finishes a drink, they always go back for another.
Stuart’s and Karen’s consumption of liquor is unending.
Lily only drinks coffee.
With each of the three in their own despair, this moment
extends for some time, much longer than what is
comfortable for the audience.
KAREN
Drink up, Stuart.
Lily looks at Karen and then at Stuart.
LILY
Stop.
Silence.
KAREN
I know how much you love your gin and ginger. Drink up. It’ll make you feel better.
Liquor always makes you feel better.
2.
She looks at her empty glass and clinks the ice, before
going to the bottle of gin and pouring herself another.
KAREN
I’m almost out of ice.
LILY
Would you like me to get more?
She looks at Lily.
KAREN
No, Lily, I would not like that.
(a beat)
I think I can handle it myself.
(a beat)
I mean, really. It comes out of the fridge, Lily. You just press the glass against the lever and
out comes ice.
LILY
I was just trying to be nice.
KAREN
You don’t have to be nice to me. We all know I’m not nice to you. I said drink, Stuart.
LILY
If he doesn’t want to drink, let him be. He probably shouldn’t be drinking anyway.
KAREN
Oh, I think he should be. I don’t think he’s drunk nearly enough.
LILY
Stuart, it’s okay. You don’t have to drink.
He looks at Lily and then finishes the glass of gin,
slamming it on the table.
KAREN
Thatta boy.
She walks over with the gin and fills his glass, eventually
overflowing it.
3.
LILY
Karen!
KAREN
Oops.
Lily gets up and runs to grab paper towels from the
kitchen.
KAREN
It’s supposed to be a gin and ginger.
She looks back at the bar.
KAREN
Doesn’t look like there’s any ginger beer left, Stuart. How about a gin and tonic?
Lily returns and mops up the spilled liquor.
Karen goes to the bar, grabs a little bottle of tonic and just
tops off his overflowing glass with it.
LILY
Karen!
KAREN
Sorry, Stuart, no limes.
Lily wipes up any additional spilled liquor.
Karen pours tonic in her glass.
KAREN
I’m going to go get more ice.
She leaves for the kitchen and the ice maker can be heard.
LILY
Stuart. It’s okay. Stuart?
Silence.
LILY
Please look at me.
4.
He reluctantly does.
LILY
I’m here if you need to say anything. I won’t let her bully you, okay? And you don’t have
to drink that.
He takes a drink. It’s essentially a full glass of gin and it
should show.
LILY
Are you going to drink to spite me?
He takes a drink. He fights through the punch of gin.
LILY
I’ve been here for four hours and you haven’t said anything. I’m really worried about you.
Karen returns.
KAREN
What’s new?
Silence.
Karen laughs to herself.
KAREN
You Brannons are a quiet bunch tonight.
LILY
Karen, please, not tonight.
KAREN
Why not tonight?
LILY
Karen.
KAREN
Tonight seems perfectly reasonable. My son just died.
LILY
He didn’t just die.
5.
KAREN
Are you fucking serious?
LILY
He died last night.
KAREN
MY SON JUST FUCKING DIED!
Silence.
LILY
Karen, please.
KAREN
No, Lily, don’t you start with this “please” bullshit. He is dead.
LILY
I know he’s dead! That doesn’t mean we have to talk about it.
KAREN
What the fuck is wrong with you? Why do you think we’re here?
LILY
For Stuart.
KAREN
You are something else.
Silence.
Karen stares at Stuart.
KAREN
What is wrong with you?
LILY
Don’t harass my son,
KAREN
What is wrong with you, Stuart?
Silence.
6.
KAREN
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?
LILY
KAREN!
KAREN
How can you just sit there in silence?
LILY
Karen, please. Don’t be angry.
KAREN
Don’t be angry?
LILY
Please don’t be angry. He needs time to process what happened.
KAREN
Is that what you did? Took time to process? Shut up, Lily, Phillip is dead. STUART!
LILY
Karen.
KAREN
And tell me, Lily, why shouldn’t I be angry? He was shot in the stomach outside of a
grocery store.
LILY
What good is your anger going to do?
KAREN
Are you fucking serious?
Silence.
KAREN
What is wrong with your son?
LILY
Nothing is wrong with him. Nothing’s wrong, Stuart, right?
KAREN
Nothing’s wrong? Phillip’s dead.
7.
LILY
Why do you have to keep repeating that?
KAREN
Look at him sitting there. Doing nothing, saying nothing, feeling nothing.
LILY
Will you just sit down? You’re making Stuart nervous.
KAREN
Him nervous? Or you?
LILY
Fine, you’re making me nervous.
KAREN
I don’t care about your nerves.
LILY
Karen.
KAREN
What’s wrong, Stuart? Nothing? Nothing’s wrong, is it? Stuart. Phillip’s dead and you
can’t do anything. Stunned into silence I can’t understand. But I know what’s going on
here.
LILY
Stop it!
KAREN
You should be sick.
LILY
People grieve differently.
KAREN
Four years together and not a single tear. You should be on the floor crying, vomiting!
LILY
Karen.
KAREN
GET ON THE FLOOR AND CRY!
8.
LILY
What is wrong with you?
KAREN
WITH ME?
LILY
He cried earlier.
KAREN
Oh, I’m sure he did.
LILY
Karen, please.
KAREN
I don’t know even know why I’m here.
LILY
Why don’t you sit and try to calm down.
KAREN
Fuck you.
Silence.
KAREN
How could someone shoot him? Why didn’t he just give him his wallet?
LILY
Karen, please sit down.
KAREN
No, Lily, I will not sit down.
LILY
Karen, I know how you feel. When my husband-KAREN
(interrupting)
Your husband? Fuck you. My son, my only son, my only fucking child is dead.
9.
LILY
I just want you to know that I-KAREN
(interrupting)
What do you know? You know nothing!
LILY
Karen, I-KAREN
(interrupting)
Just shut up! I don’t want to hear anything you have to say to me.
Long silence.
LILY
Stuart, dear, how are you feeling?
KAREN
Yes, Stuart, dear, how are you feeling?
LILY
Stop.
Karen laughs.
LILY
What is it?
KAREN
Three dead husbands. What are the odds? Stuart, how does it feel to have your husband
die? Are you sad? Are you angry? Are you relieved? Are you anything?
Silence.
KAREN
ANSWER ME, GODDAMN IT!
LILY
Karen!
KAREN
How can you not feel anything?
10.
LILY
People grieve differently, Karen. Leave my son alone. Let him grieve in his own way.
KAREN
I just can’t understand how you are both so calm.
LILY
I’m not calm, Karen. I’m actually quite overcome. I don’t know how to act. I don’t know
what to think or do.
Karen looks at her in disbelief.
KAREN
God, I hate you so much.
She stands near the kitchen entrance.
KAREN
I should have called him yesterday. I wanted to, but I was busy. I forgot to. I had the
strangest feeling that I should’ve called.
LILY
You need to calm down. You are overreacting.
KAREN
Overreacting! Tell me, Lily, what is an appropriate response? Why don’t you tell me how
you reacted when your husband died?
LILY
I’m going to ignore that.
KAREN
Of course you are. You always ignore it.
LILY
What do you mean by it?
KAREN
You do everything you can to avoid confrontation.
LILY
You’re acting out of grief.
Karen throws her arms up in an exaggerated shrug.
11.
LILY
Why don’t you sit? Or would you prefer I stand with you?
KAREN
What is wrong with you? I don’t need you. I don’t need to talk to you. I don’t need
anything from you. In fact, I’d prefer it if you would just be quiet.
LILY
Fine, I’ll stay quiet.
KAREN
Shut up!
Silence.
LILY
I mean, really, this is so silly. Being quiet. We should talk through this.
KAREN
I don’t want to talk through this with you.
LILY
That’s fine. I’ll be here when you do want to talk through it.
KAREN
Fantastic.
Silence.
LILY
I’m going to reheat the coffee. Do you want anything, Karen?
Karen laughs at her.
KAREN
No, I’ll stick to pouring my own liquor.
LILY
Don’t drink too much. We all know the sort of person you are when you do. Stuart, do you
want anything?
Silence.
LILY
I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.
12.
She exits.
Long silence.
KAREN
Hello, Stuart, how are you?
(a beat)
I’m not well.
(a beat)
This rain is relentless. It rained all night. It’s rained all day. It’s a good day for death, don’t
you think?
(a beat)
So, you aren’t going to speak, is that right? Say nothing and drink hard. That’s a good plan;
I like it. I’ve always admired people who could hold their liquor. You and I have a lot in
common that way. We can drink and drink and not get drunk. Though I tend to get mouthy
and you like to cry. Isn’t that right? You know, since we’re alone, I’m going to tell you
something -- something that I’ve wanted to say to you for a long time. I never saw what
Phillip saw in you. He loved you so much and I never understood why. I remember that
you used to be so handsome, but the liquor seems to have chipped away at that. Or maybe,
it’s the immense grief you are showing me. I’ve never been very good at telling that sort of
thing.
(a beat)
You’re a mess today, did you even shower? You know, Stuart, I’m amazed you aren’t
crying, truly shocked. You were always so emotional. You cry at everything. So, why
aren’t you crying now? I hate this silence, and I know why you’re doing it. You hate me -and you hate her, but this is really about me. You’re going to torment me by completely
ignoring me. Fine. But you can’t hold out forever, Stuart. You’ll talk soon enough.
Lily enters with coffee.
LILY
How is everyone?
KAREN
Phillip is still dead. I’m still upset. Stuart is still silent. You’re still smothering. Nothing’s
changed.
LILY
I don’t smother.
13.
KAREN
That’s all you do.
LILY
I don’t smother.
KAREN
How did you put it last Christmas, Stuart? Your mother is like an umbilical noose?
Long silence.
LILY
I’m so sad.
KAREN
Show it.
LILY
I am showing it.
KAREN
Our sons were married! They were together for four years!
(a beat)
You Brannons have always been a strange bunch. Never any emotion from any of you,
except for him, and the only thing he ever did was cry. Never once have I seen you upset
or angry or sad. Jesus Christ, I’ve barely seen you happy. You are always just neutral.
LILY
Just because we don’t wear our hearts on our sleeve-KAREN
(interrupting)
Oh, yes, bang your drum, Lily. I’m always the overemotional drunk. I’m the one who is
shouting or whatever it is you people aren’t doing.
LILY
Stuart asked both of us to be here, so why don’t we not fight out of respect for him and for
Phillip. You know Phillip wouldn’t want us--
14.
KAREN
(interrupting)
How would you know what my son would want?
LILY
Stuart, don’t you agree? Phillip wouldn’t want us to fight.
KAREN
I’m his mother, and I know what he wants.
LILY
Please, Karen, you are being ridiculous.
KAREN
Shut up, Lily.
STUART
Will you please be quiet, both of you?
LILY
Stuart?
KAREN
Look who finally decided to join us.
LILY
Don’t speak to him that way. Stuart, how are you?
STUART
Don’t ask stupid questions.
LILY
Stuart.
STUART
What?
LILY
Nothing.
STUART
Then be quiet.
LILY
Stuart.
15.
Silence.
Stuart gets up and looks at all the champagne.
STUART
I’m going to drink all this champagne.
LILY
In time.
STUART
No, I’m going to drink it all tonight.
LILY
There’s no way you could drink all that champagne in a single night.
STUART
Phillip collected all of these for me. It’s my favorite champagne. He bought every last bottle
he could find. We served it at our wedding, and the ones that remained, we kept here. I’m
going to drink it all.
LILY
Why?
STUART
I don’t know, mother; it’s just something I need to do.
He exits to the kitchen, grabs three coupes and returns. He
pulls a bottle from the cabinet.
LILY
Stuart, it’s warm champagne.
He pops it and fills the glasses.
LILY
Be careful!
He hands one to Karen and then one to his mother.
LILY
You know I don’t drink.
STUART
I don’t care, mother. Just do it.
16.
LILY
I don’t drink, Stuart.
STUART
Drink for me, mother. Do it for me.
He polishes off his gin and tonic and raises his coupe.
STUART
To Phillip.
KAREN
To Phillip.
Lily looks at her glass, while Stuart and Karen cheer and
drink.
Silence.
Stuart looks at the champagne.
STUART
It’s amazing how blood keeps your body so warm.
Silence.
STUART
It’s sort of astonishing how much blood there is in the body.
LILY
What?
STUART
It’s amazing how much blood can flow out of a wound.
KAREN
What? Whose blood? Whose wound? Phillip’s?
STUART
Pour? Spill? Stain.
KAREN
What?
STUART
Does blood pour out or spill out?
17.
KAREN
What the fuck are you talking about?
LILY
Are you all right? What happened? Whose blood?
STUART
Why do you keep asking me if I’m all right?
LILY
I-STUART
(interrupting)
How could I be all right? My husband was shot and killed.
LILY
Stuart.
KAREN
What blood are you talking about?
LILY
Stuart, who are you talking about?
Silence as he takes the women in.
STUART
Do you remember that little dog I used to watch?
LILY
Yes.
STUART
He died.
LILY
I’m sorry.
KAREN
Are you fucking kidding me?
STUART
Be quiet.
18.
Silence.
STUART
Last year, I was dog sitting. I used to watch this dog all the time -- you know -- he was a
very nice dog. He was this adorable Maltese our friends had rescued from a shelter. One of
those disgustingly cute dogs, but he was fucked up. Intense emotional problems and
terrible separation anxiety. His previous owners had starved him almost to death, and
would leave him alone for days. No matter how many times I watched him, he was always
panicky when my friend would leave. I used to build a fort with the pillows from our bed,
the couch cushions and a throw we had, and I would put him in there and go about my day.
When he was ready and comfortable, he would come out, and he’d be fine. We’d go out
into the back, and he’d run around -- you know how nice that little yard is. Anyway, this
one time that I was watching the dog, we did the same as we always did, but he never
warmed up. I honestly didn’t think anything of it. He was just different, unresponsive.
There was nothing in his eyes, now that I think about it. I took him outside, and I tried to
get him to play with me, but he just sat there in the yard. So I brought him in and tried to
feed him, but he wouldn’t eat or drink or do anything really. He was really distant and
listless. My friend was going to pick him up in the afternoon, and she called me maybe an
hour before she was supposed to come get him. She asked me how he was and I told her
about how he acted. She wasn’t really concerned, and to be honest I think she was touched
that he missed her so much. She asked me if I could watch him for a little while longer;
they were going to come over to watch a movie that night, so I agreed and that was that.
After I decided to take him out again, I used our back door, well tried to, but for some
reason the door was jammed. So I took him out through the front and to the back yard, and
I tried to get him to play with me, but he wouldn’t budge. I got really frustrated with him,
picked him up and went back around the front, and as I was unlocking the door, he
squirmed out of my hands and ran maybe ten feet from me. It was a horrible moment -- this
terrifying, silent moment where I realized I was no longer in control. I called his name, and
he just looked at me. When I moved toward him, though, he ran down the street, that way.
I screamed and screamed his name, but he wouldn’t stop, and I couldn’t catch him, and I
knew what was going to happen. He got to the sidewalk of the busy street and turned. I
chased him, and when he got to the crosswalk he ran into the street. He made it two lanes. I
remember watching the car hit him and for a moment I made myself believe he was sitting
and the car had stopped. Then as I ran towards him, the car sped off, and I ran into the
street. I didn’t even look to see if there was a car coming. I picked up his body and started
to run back to the house. As I was running, I realized that his neck was broken. I went to
cup his head, and I could feel that his skull was crushed. I didn’t make it very far before
these two women stopped me. I knew he was dead, and I didn’t know what to do. So I
tried to call Phillip, but he wouldn’t answer; he was in a meeting. I called him, I don’t
know how many times. And then I looked at the dead dog, and all of its blood on me, and I
remember thinking, “I left the keys in the door. I have to go get my keys.” So I left the dog
with those two women, and I went home, got my keys, went upstairs and vomited. I
brushed my teeth, walked back, and they were still there crying over that stupid, dead dog.
19.
I suddenly became really angry, and you know what -- I hoped that the fucking dog was
still alive, because I wanted to kill it myself.
Silence.
LILY
Stuart, you never told me this.
STUART
We found a piece of wood, maybe it was a sign, I don’t remember, but these two women
helped me into a cab with that fucking dog, and we went to a vet. They took it away, and I
finally got a hold of Phillip. I told him what had happened and he told the husband, who he
works with--well, worked with, and they got in a cab. Meanwhile, I called my friend and
told her there had been an accident.
(a beat)
She hung up on me.
(a beat)
To this day, I still have this dream. I don’t have it very often, but every once in awhile I
dream that I wake up and it’s there at the edge of the bed, with his broken neck and tongue
hanging out, and it runs at me.
(a beat)
That night, when we finally got home. I saw how much blood I had tracked in the house. I
went into the bathroom, turned on the shower, pulled off my bloody shirt, took off my
shoes. There was so much blood in them that it spilled all over the floor when I took them
off. I took off my pants, socks, underwear and crawled into the shower and I cried.
(a beat)
No one should ever have to cry like that.
LILY
Stuart.
STUART
What is it, mother?
LILY
You never told me any of that story.
STUART
Why would I?
20.
LILY
I don’t know.
STUART
There is something sort of funny about the story. After I got out of the shower, I thought
I’d try the back door. It opened right away.
LILY
Stuart.
KAREN
Stuart.
STUART
As for my dead husband--what would you like me to say that you haven’t said already? He
was shot picking up something for dinner. He was mugged and shot. And they took his
fucking credit card and phone. He was supposed to be gone 30 minutes.
KAREN
Stuart.
STUART
Why do you keep saying my name?
KAREN
I don’t know what else to say.
STUART
Then don’t say anything. For once in your life, why don’t you just say nothing?
LILY
Stuart.
STUART
What is it, mother?
LILY
You’re frightening me.
STUART
Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one.
LILY
What do you mean?
21.
STUART
Being alone is fucking terrifying.
(a beat)
I have to collect his life insurance. What happens to the mortgage? Does it transfer to me? I
have to figure out our finances, and I have to arrange a funeral. I don’t know how to do
any of that. I just assumed...
(a beat)
I don’t think I can live here anymore.
KAREN
You shouldn’t speak that way.
STUART
Now that I’m showing my grief, you don’t like it? Well you can’t have it both ways. Either
I can grieve aloud like you want or I can stay quiet like you don’t. Which is it?
LILY
Stuart, perhaps you should lie down?
STUART
Why would I lie down? I’m not tired.
LILY
Perhaps a pill and some rest would make you feel better?
STUART
A pill?
LILY
Yes, you spoke to someone in psych, right?
STUART
Yes.
LILY
And they gave you something?
STUART
The medication didn’t help me sleep.
LILY
I read that the medication should make you drowsy.
22.
STUART
Funny enough, the sudden awareness that everything I’d planned for is gone overpowered
the medication. But if you’d like me to pop one, I’ll do it for you, mother. I do like the way
it dissolves in my mouth.
LILY
That’s not funny.
STUART
I wasn’t telling a joke.
LILY
Stuart, I’m really concerned for you.
STUART
Do you know what concerns me? We aren’t drinking enough. I think another round is due.
And look at that! One bottle down.
He grabs another bottle and uncorks it.
LILY
Stuart.
STUART
Yes?
LILY
I think you should slow down.
STUART
Oh no, the night is young.
He refills his glass and Karen’s.
STUART
You haven’t had a sip of your champagne yet, mother.
He goes to his mother’s glass and fills it to the brim,
before placing the champagne on the table.
LILY
What are you doing?
23.
STUART
Drink your champagne, mother.
LILY
Why are you doing this? You know I don’t drink.
STUART
Drink your champagne.
LILY
You’re frightening me.
STUART
DRINK YOUR FUCKING CHAMPAGNE!
He knocks the bottle to the floor, champagne spills all over
the floor.
LILY
STUART!
She stands up.
STUART
Clean it up and I will kill you, mother.
They look at each other for a moment before Lily leaves
for more paper towels.
STUART
Another toast to my poor, dead husband?
Stuart and Karen clink glasses.
Lily returns to mop up the champagne.
LILY
Stuart.
STUART
What do you want, mother?
LILY
Don’t ever speak to me that way again.
24.
STUART
Or what, you’re going to ground me? I’m 29 years old. I don’t give a fuck about how you
want me to speak to you.
Karen laughs.
LILY
Karen.
STUART
What is it with you and saying people’s names?
KAREN
Stuart.
Stuart looks at her.
KAREN
A proper toast.
Stuart nods.
STUART
To Phillip, I loved you from the very moment I met you. You were perfect for me and
every day I felt so loved.
(a beat)
Fuck.
KAREN
(to Stuart)
It’s not going to surprise anyone that you and I don’t particularly like each other. But when
I saw you calling me, there was a moment. I knew somewhere that there would only be one
reason you would call me. I have never loved or hated you so much than when those
words came out of your mouth. I don’t remember the ride in; I just remember crying.
LILY
Why did you wait so long to call me?
STUART
Because I didn’t want to deal with you.
25.
LILY
Why are you so intent on hurting me?
He doesn’t acknowledge her.
STUART
He should’ve been gone 30 minutes and when he didn’t come back. I tried texting him. The
response I got was, “who is this?”
(a beat)
I called the police and explained what had happened, and they said they would send an
officer over. When they arrived, they explained that Phillip had been shot in the stomach
and he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Of course I was hysterical then. They
tried asking me questions, but as you can imagine, I wasn’t exactly in the talking mood.
They took me to the hospital. And when I finally got someone to tell me what the hell was
going on, I found out that he died on the table during emergency surgery. I was assigned a
psychiatrist and she and I went and looked at the body.
(a beat)
I talked to her a little bit more, she prescribed me something, the police asked me some
questions then sent me home. When I got home, I called you, then took all his clothes out
of the closet. I threw them on the bed, and I was there. Just barely existing with his clothes.
LILY
Stuart.
STUART
Yes, Lily?
LILY
I’m so sorry.
STUART
Yeah, me too.
Silence.
KAREN
I’m sorry for being angry earlier. I’m sorry for being upset at you not crying. I didn’t mean
to imply you weren’t upset.
STUART
Yes, you did. You meant it exactly. Because I’m not crying somehow I didn’t love him.
That is what you really meant. That’s what you want. But I adored him.
26.
KAREN
No, Stuart.
STUART
Yes, Karen. You never liked me, and Phillip was constantly upset by it. I know we tried to
bury the hatchet last Christmas, but it wasn’t enough. And Phillip hated that part of you.
LILY
Let’s all calm down.
STUART
No, let’s not! This is my fucking house! I can act however I want!
LILY
Don’t be a child, Stuart.
STUART
If you say my name one more time, mother, I don’t know what I’ll do.
LILY
I think you need to calm down.
STUART
I think you need to shut your fucking mouth.
Lily slaps him.
Silence.
KAREN
Mother of the year.
LILY
Shut up, Karen.
STUART
I am sick of you, mother. Physically sick of you.
Silence.
KAREN
Soon we will never have to see each other again.
STUART
I can’t wait for that day.
27.
LILY
That is enough!
He laughs.
KAREN
Now what?
STUART
You know, at least I’m not like you. Either of you. My husband may be dead, but at least I
didn’t kill him.
KAREN
Watch your mouth.
LILY
Stuart!
STUART
Forgive me, Karen, you didn’t kill your husband.
LILY
We are all very upset and acting out of pain.
STUART
You just hesitated to call the ambulance while he was dying.
KAREN
Shut your fucking mouth!
STUART
No.
KAREN
How dare you say anything about my family? You were never a part of my family!
STUART
YOU HAVE NO FUCKING FAMILY!!! Your husband is dead! Your son is dead! And
the rest of them avoid you like you’re a goddamn disease!
KAREN
I am going to beat the hell out of you.
STUART
THEN HIT ME!
28.
LILY
STOP DRINKING RIGHT NOW!
STUART
No.
LILY
How many drinks have you had?
STUART
Not nearly enough.
LILY
You shouldn’t have another.
STUART
You should mind your own business.
LILY
You are my business.
KAREN
Did Phillip think I killed his father?
A beat.
STUART
I don’t know.
KAREN
Why would you say that then?
STUART
Phillip and I only spoke about his dad a couple times. He only talked about his death once.
KAREN
They weren’t close.
STUART
He told me he didn’t cry at the funeral.
KAREN
Neither did I.
(a beat)
29.
I was so angry at him for so long.
(a beat)
I can still see everything so clearly. Phillip was on my right side. We both just sat there,
side by side, holding hands, in silence. I remember half-listening to the priest and looking
across the casket at my brother-in-law, who was wearing a red tie. I remember being so
consumed by that tie. I’m not sure why it stood out so much to me. I just remember it and
how much I hated it. There was one point, I couldn’t tell you how long we had been sitting
there, but I almost got up, walked over to him and ripped his tie off. But my family and his
family already hate me. You’re right, Stuart, they do. I decided that perhaps it would be best
to stay seated. All I had was Phillip, and I didn’t want to harm him.
(a beat)
How’s that for funny? My husband is lying in a casket a couple feet from me, and all I
could think about is some stupid piece of red silk. What did Phillip tell you about his
funeral?
STUART
All he mentioned is that he didn’t cry.
KAREN
His father had a stroke. I came out of the bedroom when I heard breaking glass. I was
really angry, because we just bought a set of beautiful new glasses. I came out, and I saw
him in his chair, and something was wrong. He wasn’t hearing me when I spoke to him
and...the glass he was drinking out of was in a million pieces. I don’t know if he dropped it
or knocked it off. But I remember seeing orange juice all over the floor, and I looked at
him. I was so angry. Then it hit me that something was wrong, and I called 911.
(a beat)
Phillip wasn’t there. He was away at school. Why would he say something like that?
STUART
He didn’t. I just assumed you didn’t call right away.
KAREN
Why?
STUART
Because I know what kind of person you are.
Silence.
30.
KAREN
He died before we got to the hospital. He died holding my hand.
STUART
Death seems to be very becoming of us.
LILY
Why do you say that?
STUART
Look all around us. Death everywhere.
LILY
People die, Stuart.
STUART
Not Phillip. He was not supposed to die.
LILY
I didn’t mean for it to come out that way.
Silence.
STUART
All his clothes. All those clothes on our bed; what am I supposed to do with them? Do I
keep them? I don’t know. Do I donate them? Or should I throw them away?
KAREN
What are you going to bury him in?
STUART
What?
KAREN
We have to decide what to bury him in.
STUART
You aren’t going to touch his clothing.
KAREN
I just want to know what we-STUART
--Me.
A beat.
31.
KAREN
Fine, you, are going to bury him in.
STUART
It’s my decision. Do not think for a moment you have any right.
KAREN
He is my son and I have a right-STUART
--You are not entitled to anything! I am his husband.
(a beat)
Maybe I should have all his clothes cremated with him?
KAREN
Cremated?
STUART
Yes, he wanted to be cremated.
KAREN
No. We are going to bury him.
STUART
No. I am going to cremate him.
KAREN
No, you are not going to cremate my son. I am going to bury him next to his father.
STUART
You’ve lost your mind. We have had this conversation many times, Phillip and I. He
wanted to be cremated.
KAREN
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CREMATE MY SON!
LILY
You have to stop this, both of you. We can discuss it later after we’ve all calmed down.
STUART
There will not be a discussion! My husband wanted to be cremated!
KAREN
I’m his mother.
32.
STUART
I DON’T GIVE A FUCK WHO YOU ARE! I’m his husband! The state recognizes us as
a union! I am the executor of his will! I am the beneficiary of his life insurance! Nowhere
does it state you have any claim to anything! It is my job. He choose me, not you.
KAREN
I’ll fight you for this.
STUART
I am going to cremate him and I will spread his ashes where he asked me to, and I will
never tell you where I do it.
Silence.
KAREN
I hate you.
STUART
I thought we already established that.
LILY
Please, calm down. Both of you are acting ridiculous.
STUART
We’re ridiculous?
KAREN
Why are you even here?
LILY
Stuart wanted me to be.
KAREN
Stuart has clearly lost his mind.
STUART
I’m right here.
LILY
We just need to all take a breath and calm down.
KAREN
Why should we calm down? I just lost my son, and he just lost his husband.
33.
LILY
We are getting really worked up, and I just know things aren’t going to end well if we keep
going this way.
KAREN
Go fuck yourself, Lily. I am so fucking sick of being anywhere you are and having to deal
with your bullshit “everything will turn out fine” attitude. It doesn’t turn out fine. I gave
everything I had to make my son happy, and it turns out that he became an ungrateful
asshole who married a monster.
LILY
Don’t call my son a monster.
STUART
Shut up, mom. Jesus Christ! I can hear what she’s calling me. I have ears. I don’t need you
to hold my hand.
LILY
Stuart!
STUART
I hate you so much sometimes. God, every time I answer the phone when you call I end up
regretting it. I can just feel the anger and anxiety rise every time I hear your calm voice.
Your life is so fucked up, I’m amazed you can make it through the day.
LILY
Stuart, I know that you and I have had a long string of difficulties, but I didn’t know that
you felt so much negativity.
STUART
Mother, I have something to admit to you.
LILY
What?
STUART
I wish that you would have died instead of dad.
KAREN
You must be such a proud parent.
LILY
You don’t mean that. You are speaking out of grief.
34.
KAREN
What is wrong with you? Your son just told you that he wanted you dead.
LILY
He doesn’t mean that. You don’t mean that.
STUART
I’ve never meant something more in my life. I wish that you would have died instead of
dad.
LILY
You don’t mean it.
KAREN
Seriously, Lily, what is wrong with you? You are so pathetic. I imagine that you walk
around all day, every day, on eggshells. You never stand up for yourself; you always avoid
confrontation. God, express something! Your son wants you dead!
LILY
Karen, he doesn’t mean it.
STUART
Karen, ignore her. She can’t face plain facts.
KAREN
She’s pathetic.
LILY
I think we’ve all had enough to drink. It’s best to lock up the liquor cabinet.
STUART
Don’t touch that champagne unless you are going to pop another bottle.
LILY
I’ve never seen you this way. You’ve become so hostile.
STUART
I’ve become hostile, because I have lived my entire life in a hostile world.
LILY
I think this new medication has done something to you. You are clearly not well.
STUART
The medication?! I live in this hostile world that you created for me, mother.
35.
LILY
What are you talking about?
STUART
This world where no one can do any wrong and that everything will be okay in the end. It
isn’t real, mother. Everything isn’t going to be okay.
LILY
You need to calm yourself.
STUART
Let’s get it all out on the table, mother.
LILY
Stop saying ‘mother’ like that.
STUART
Like what, mother?
KAREN
Nothing like a good old-fashion family brawl.
STUART
Shut up, Karen. Just shut the fuck up!
KAREN
Shut the fuck up?
STUART
Yes, shut the fuck up! Don’t you ever shut the fuck up?
KAREN
You people are sick.
LILY
Karen, please be quiet.
KAREN
Oh, okay Lily, since you asked so politely.
LILY
I’m so tired of this.
36.
KAREN
Then stop doing it.
STUART
Seriously mom, get angry. Throw something! Break a goddamn glass!
KAREN
How about I slap you and you slap me back?
STUART
Why don’t we pop some of that new medication that fucked me up?
LILY
You people are insane. Honestly, what sort of a mother would tell someone to hit her?
Karen, your head is on wrong. I can’t imagine living in a house with you. It’s no wonder
no one likes you. You are a psychopath. And you, Stuart--you are clearly an alcoholic. You
are not the same person you were.
STUART
I’m not your sweet, little boy anymore?
LILY
No! I don’t know why you are acting this way.
STUART
Oh, I’m this way because of you.
LILY
What is wrong with you?
A beat.
STUART
Why don’t you add something to the conversation, Lily?
A beat.
LILY
And what would you like me to add?
KAREN
Death. Why don’t you share some death with us? Stuart has the dog. I have my husband.
We have Phillip. Let’s chat about yours.
37.
LILY
There’s nothing to say about it.
KAREN
That can’t be true. It’s not like he went peacefully in the night.
LILY
How dare you speak about my husband that way.
KAREN
I’m just trying to engage you.
STUART
If she won’t tell you the story, I will. She doesn’t like my version.
KAREN
I want to hear yours, then.
STUART
My father was on the roof-LILY
(interrupting)
--Shut up!
KAREN
Well, this will be good.
STUART
Tell it!
LILY
No.
STUART
My father was on the roof-LILY
--SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP, STUART! SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Very long silence.
38.
LILY
My husband was fixing lights to the roof and he fell.
KAREN
Best Christmas ever.
Stuart and Lily look at her.
STUART
Fuck you.
Karen raises her glass.
A beat.
STUART
(to Lily)
Do you know how horrible it was to lose him?
LILY
How dare you ask me that?
STUART
Because I don’t think you do. You didn’t love him. You don’t love anything. You are so
cold and shut down, I don’t think you could love anything. You wouldn’t even talk about
his death to any of us.
LILY
What good would it have done?
(a beat)
And yes we did.
STUART
Did what?
LILY
Discussed it. We discussed it.
STUART
No. You told me he died and that was it.
LILY
What else should I have said?
39.
STUART
I don’t know.
KAREN
So, what’s your version, Stuart?
He laughs as Lily gets up and goes to the door.
STUART
Where the fuck are you going?
LILY
I’m not going to listen to this.
KAREN
Of course not.
STUART
I just like to throw in the tidbit that my mom pushed the ladder.
LILY
FUCK YOU, STUART!
KAREN
You pushed the ladder.
LILY
NO!
STUART
She didn’t, but you know, she probably wanted to.
KAREN
Oh, no doubt.
LILY
You are the worst people on earth. Why are you doing this to me?
Silence.
KAREN
Did you see him fall?
Lily lets out an exasperated sigh.
40.
LILY
No. I heard something -- him -- hit the driveway and I looked outside and there he was.
Dead. Are you happy?
STUART
No.
LILY
Well, why not? I gave you what you asked for, didn’t I?
STUART
I never expected it to make me happy. That’s not what I was after.
LILY
What were you after?
STUART
I just wanted to talk about it.
LILY
Are we done talking about it?
STUART
Well, this is about all I’m ever going to get out of you, so I guess so, mother. Let’s just
pretend like he didn’t exist for the rest of our lives. Is that what you want?
LILY
I would love nothing more than that.
Silence.
LILY
No witty retort? No scathing criticism? Nothing. Returned to your silence? Good. I prefer
when you don’t speak.
KAREN
There’s a fighter in you after all.
LILY
Phillip once told me that he wished I was his mother instead of you.
KAREN
Bullshit!
LILY
Oh, my God this night. We are done drinking.
41.
Lily moves toward his glass and he slaps her across the
face. She grabs the coupe and smashes it against the wall.
LILY
STOP DRINKING!
She exits to the kitchen.
They stare at each other in silence.
STUART
You should probably hear this.
KAREN
Hear what?
Stuart pulls out his phone. He plays a voicemail on
speaker over and over.
PHILLIP
Hi, boo. Could you do me a favor? I forgot to write down what I needed from the store.
Will you text me the recipe? And also check what wine we have. I think we’re out of red.
Love you.
A beat. The message is replayed.
PHILLIP
Hi, boo. Could you do me a favor? I forgot to write down what I needed from the store.
Will you text me the recipe? And also check what wine we have. I think we’re out of red.
Love you.
A beat. The message is replayed.
PHILLIP
Hi, boo. Could you do me a favor? I forgot to write down what I needed from the store.
Will you text me the recipe? And also check what wine we have. I think we’re out of red.
Love you.
A beat. Lily re-enters. The message is replayed.
PHILLIP
Hi, boo. Could you do me a favor? I forgot to write down what I needed from the store.
Will you text me the recipe? And also check what wine we have. I think we’re out of red.
Love you.
42.
LILY
What is this?
The message is replayed.
PHILLIP
Hi, boo. Could you do me a favor? I forgot to write down what I needed from the store.
Will you text me the recipe? And also check what wine we have. I think we’re out of red.
Love you.
KAREN
Is this the last thing?
STUART
Yes. I just snapped a picture of the recipe and sent it to him. I didn’t tell him I loved him.
Very long silence.
Stuart exits.
Very long silence.
LILY
How many more nights like this are there going to be?
KAREN
We’re not the only ones who’ve had nights like this, right?
LILY
I don’t know. Did it feel like this with your husband?
KAREN
No.
LILY
Maybe it’s different when it’s a child.
KAREN
Maybe.
LILY
I can’t believe I threw a glass.
43.
KAREN
Feels good doesn’t it?
LILY
No, Karen, it doesn’t.
KAREN
Someone should clean up that glass.
LILY
I’m tired of cleaning up.
KAREN
I bet.
Karen gets up with her glass and exits.
Long silence.
Stuart renters with a new coupe.
LILY
Another?
STUART
Always.
The ice maker is heard.
LILY
How do you drink so much?
STUART
How do you not drink at all?
Karen returns.
KAREN
I need a gin.
She makes herself a gin and tonic.
LILY
I thought you’d clean up the glass.
44.
KAREN
I don’t care about your mess.
STUART
Just leave it alone.
LILY
You’re really showing your true colors tonight.
KAREN
And so are you.
LILY
I never realized how similar you are to my son.
STUART
I’m not your son.
LILY
Yes, you are. You were always an emotional child. Crying at everything. It isn’t surprising
you would turn to liquor; you were always weak.
KAREN
You are weak, Lily, not him.
LILY
I am not weak.
KAREN
If you say it, it must be true.
A beat.
LILY
Stuart, what’s wrong? You look like a caged animal.
He uncorks another bottle of champagne and fills his
coupe in complete silence. He takes a confrontational
drink, raises his glass to his mother, and takes another.
Drinking directions resume as before.
STUART
Mother, do you know what I dreamt about last night?
45.
LILY
No.
STUART
I dreamt about a man and his mother.
LILY
That’s lovely, dear.
STUART
They had a vicious fight and then he killed her.
LILY
Why?
STUART
Because all his life, she tormented him.
LILY
Is that a threat?
STUART
No, it’s just a dream.
She wipes a ring off the table where the old gin and tonic
glass sat.
LILY
You really ought to put your drinks on a coaster. You’ll ruin your table.
STUART
I guess it’s not our table anymore.
LILY
You don’t have to be that way.
STUART
What way is that? I only know how to be one way.
LILY
You know what I mean.
Karen laughs at her.
46.
STUART
There is one thing I like about you, Karen, and that is we both openly acknowledge our
disdain for each other and have found a way to have a relationship based on that.
KAREN
Well, I’ll raise a glass to that. What should we do with her?
STUART
We should ask her to leave. I don’t want to be around her anymore.
KAREN
Seconded. Hey Lily, why don’t you leave?
LILY
Is that what you want?
STUART
That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
LILY
You don’t mean that, Stuart.
STUART
Actually, Lily, I do.
LILY
Lily?
STUART
That is your name, isn’t it?
LILY
Mom, or mother as you prefer it.
STUART
Why don’t you go, Lily?
LILY
Why are you calling me that?
STUART
Because you are not my mother. Do you remember our wedding day?
LILY
Yes, it was just this June.
47.
STUART
After, when we were at her house for our reception and I was changing, I overheard you
talking to your sister. Do you remember what you said to her?
LILY
No.
STUART
Well, I do. You told her that you had never been so disappointed in me. You told her that I
had settled for second place and that Phillip not only had a terrible family, which I’ll give
you, but second place? I know you were disappointed because I ended up marrying a man
that dad introduced me to.
LILY
You would have been so much happier if you would’ve listened to me. The man you dated
before Phillip...
STUART
(interrupting)
I married the man I wanted to marry. Do you even remember his name?
LILY
Who?
STUART
The guy I dated before Phillip.
LILY
Yes, of course. I wanted you to marry him.
STUART
Because you approved of him. He was of the stock you liked. Your friend’s son. I was
never going to marry him, mother. If for nothing else, because you wanted me to. After our
honeymoon, I told Phillip what you said and he never forgave you. He told me to cut you
out of my life. And I’m going to finally take his advice.
LILY
You’re just going to cut me out of your life?
48.
STUART
Ding, ding, ding. ding.
Karen laughs.
STUART
After his wake, I’m never speaking to either of you again.
KAREN
That’s more generous than I was going to be.
LILY
Stuart?
STUART
What?
LILY
Do you really hate me as much as you say you do?
STUART
Yes.
LILY
All I ever tried to do was give you a good home.
STUART
Well, just because the house is nice doesn’t mean it’s a good home.
LILY
I really tried.
STUART
Stop. There is nothing you can say or do that will make me forgive you. All my life, you
shit all over it.
Silence.
LILY
I should just leave right now.
STUART
Would you please?
49.
LILY
Do you really think I killed your father? You know I didn’t.
Silence.
STUART
No, but it doesn’t matter, because you wanted him gone.
LILY
I don’t ever want to speak to you again.
STUART
Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
LILY
Who are you?
STUART
I thought I was your son.
LILY
You’re not my son.
STUART
Then I guess we have nothing left to discuss, stranger.
LILY
You have really become a heartless man.
STUART
With a drinking problem!
LILY
You are heartless. You are heartless.
STUART
I heard you the first time.
LILY
Heartless.
He opens the front door.
LILY
When did you become such an animal?
50.
STUART
Feel free to leave anytime.
She stands up, grabs her things and goes to the door.
STUART
Go!
LILY
Who are you?
He gently pushes her into the hallway.
STUART
Oh, one more thing. It’s raining pretty hard, so I just wanted to let you know that if you get
into an accident on the way home and end up on life support, I’ll gladly pull your plug.
LILY
Oh, my God.
STUART
I can see the news now, “Pathetic lady wraps her car around a stoplight. In other news, it
rained all night.”
They look at each other for a moment, before she exits
down the hall. Stuart closes the door.
KAREN
That was ugly.
STUART
It’s just you and me now.
KAREN
I’ve been dreading this for a long time.
STUART
Shall we have another drink before we kill each other? Or do you think it’s best just to go
straight for the jugular?
KAREN
We should do this honorably. No telling what will happen.
STUART
Another drink then.
51.
He polishes off the last of the bottle as she exits to the
kitchen.
Very long silence.
He goes to the liquor cabinet and grabs another bottle. He
pops it and fills his glass.
A beat and the ice maker fills Karen’s glass.
She returns and hands him her glass.
She watches him make a gin and tonic and he hands it
back to her.
KAREN
To functioning alcoholics everywhere.
STUART
To family.
KAREN
To Phillip.
STUART
To Phillip.
They cheer and take a drink.
STUART
Funny, now that we’re here I have nothing to say.
KAREN
I miss him.
STUART
I miss him, too.
KAREN
Thank you for playing his message.
STUART
Why?
KAREN
It’s something to know he was happy before...
52.
STUART
The end wasn’t happy.
KAREN
No. Those last few moments weren’t happy. Do you know if he was conscious after he
was shot?
STUART
No.
KAREN
Oh.
STUART
He wasn’t. He never woke up.
KAREN
That’s for the best.
STUART
Do you really think so?
KAREN
Yes.
STUART
It’s really weird, isn’t it?
KAREN
Yes.
STUART
I keep waiting for him to come home.
KAREN
If he came home right now, his jaw would hit the floor. He would be so happy to see us
having a conversation.
STUART
I think he would leave the condo and make sure he came home to the right place.
They share a laugh.
53.
KAREN
Too bad we couldn’t give him that.
STUART
Well, he knew we both needed him and loved him to death.
KAREN
Still, we should’ve been nicer to each other for his sake.
STUART
That’s true.
(a beat)
I felt so lucky every day of my life. Every day he would do something to make the day
special. He didn’t even know he did it most of the time. Whenever he would get up earlier
than me (almost always), I would roll over to his side of the bed, so I could occupy the
same space and feel close to him again. The pillow would be warm and smell like him.
(a beat)
I washed the sheets yesterday morning.
KAREN
After he graduated college, he and I went through all his stuff and threw away a lot of
things he didn’t need. Then I moved and got rid of the things he left here. But I always kept
this bear my grandmother gave him on the day he was born. I told him he should take it,
but he insisted I keep it. It’s been on the nightstand ever since.
(a beat)
Please don’t cremate him.
STUART
I have to. It was his wish.
KAREN
I know, but it isn’t about him anymore.
STUART
What do you mean?
KAREN
I--we need a place to visit and grieve. We need a place to put him so we can visit him and
remember him.
STUART
Remember him?
54.
KAREN
Honor him.
STUART
No. I don’t need a place like that. I need to fulfill his wishes. That’s how we can honor
him.
KAREN
I need a place to put flowers. I need a place to visit. He knows how much this would mean
to me.
STUART
It’s not about you.
KAREN
Stuart.
STUART
It’s not about you. It’s about him. He died. He needs to be honored in the way he wanted to
be. Not in the way you want him to be. It’s something we, I, have to do.
KAREN
We need a place to honor him. Next to his father.
STUART
Honor him by putting him next to a man he didn’t particularly care for? If you want to bury
him, bury him next to my father. They loved each other.
KAREN
I would never allow that.
STUART
Of course not, the only reason you want to bury him is to hurt me.
KAREN
And the only reason you won’t give me this is because all you’ve ever wanted to do was
take him away from me.
STUART
I didn’t force him into marriage. He proposed to me! He wanted to marry me! He wanted
to be cremated and scattered! And that’s what I’m going to do. Don’t make this harder than
it already is.
KAREN
I hope you get what you deserve.
55.
STUART
And what do I deserve?
KAREN
I hope that you live a very long time and that you lose everything that has ever meant
something to you.
STUART
I guess all I need to do is live a very long time then.
KAREN
Do you know what I think?
STUART
I don’t care what you think.
KAREN
Look at you. You’re tough. I can see it in your eyes. You’re quick to anger. Every time I
see you, you’re waiting for a chance to strike. You’re bitter; that’s the deeper reason for
your constant drinking. You’re cold. For as long as I’ve known you, you only ever opened
up to Phillip and your father. And now, you’ve lost both. Underneath that venom is a
scared, little boy.
STUART
You’re starting to get low on your drink. How about I make you another? I think I have
some bleach that will go nicely with that gin.
KAREN
Be scared, Stuart. Life is fucking terrifying.
(a beat)
I don’t blame you for the way you are. I’d be the same way if I grew up in your mother’s
house. How does it feel? To be rid of her.
STUART
I waited for that moment all my life.
KAREN
You need help.
STUART
I’m not as fucked up as everyone thinks I am. I probably drink a little more than I should.
And true, tonight, I’ve drunk a lot more than usual, but considering the circumstances I
hardly say it’s uncalled for. And I am tough. I have to deal with you. With my mother. I
wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. And I am quick to anger.
56.
I have to be ready to strike, because you were a constant force in our lives. And I am bitter.
I lost my father and my husband in horrible ways. And I am cold, Karen. It’s how I’ve
survived.
KAREN
He probably saw a lot of me in you.
STUART
We are not alike.
KAREN
Yes, Stuart, we are.
STUART
I will never be you.
KAREN
You are already.
Silence.
STUART
Will you just leave me alone?
KAREN
I can promise you that after we bury Phillip, you’ll never hear from me again.
STUART
Cremate.
KAREN
Stuart, I’m not going to say this again.
She steps toward him.
STUART
If you come any closer to me I will hit you. I have hated you since the day I laid eyes on
you. People like you ruin other people’s lives.
KAREN
And when I look at you it’s like I’m looking in the mirror.
STUART
Are you fucking kidding me? You went out of your way to make my life hell.
57.
KAREN
I know I did. I promised you I would.
STUART
Well you delivered.
KAREN
And you promised to do the same.
STUART
Hopefully I never disappointed.
KAREN
Lily had one thing right. You and Phillip were wrong for each other. All I wanted was for
him to find a nice guy; instead we got you.
STUART
Nice is overrated, Karen. You can’t tell me Phillip’s optimism didn’t grate you a little bit.
KAREN
You want me to say something horrible about my dead son?
STUART
No, of course not. We’re just different than Phillip was.
KAREN
The truest thing you’ve said all night.
(a beat)
I guess it’s a little funny to think someone like him can come from someone like me?
STUART
Are you trying to say you expected hellspawn?
Karen laughs.
STUART
What are we doing?
KAREN
Waiting for the end, Stuart.
STUART
What’s the end?
58.
KAREN
Of us.
STUART
I always hated how you and I were always the last ones. At parties. Holidays. Birthdays. It
was always you and me at the end of the night.
KAREN
Waiting.
STUART
Waiting for something to change.
KAREN
For one of us to snap.
STUART
We snapped.
KAREN
Last Christmas?
STUART
I threw a drink in your face.
KAREN
I deserved it.
STUART
Yes, you did. We both got what we deserved that day. I really hoped that something
would’ve changed fundamentally, but we went on hurting each other and Phillip like we
did before.
KAREN
One thing did change, Stuart.
STUART
What was that?
KAREN
Once we told each other how we felt, it opened us up to having something that resembled a
relationship.
59.
STUART
Built on our mutual hate of each other?
KAREN
At least we were honest about it. That’s something.
STUART
That’s not much.
(a beat)
I want to be done with this. With you.
KAREN
Then let’s make our peace and be done.
STUART
Are you telling me then you are stepping aside and letting me do what I need to do?
KAREN
No. I’m telling you to step aside.
STUART
He’s never going to be buried.
(a beat)
What’s wrong? Did I say something to hurt you? You have a heart in there somewhere? I
loved your son, and he loved me. And there is nothing you can do to change that.
KAREN
I’d love to strangle you right now.
Stuart laughs at her.
STUART
Drink up, Karen. It helps with the bitterness.
He turns away from her and walks toward the door.
She throws the glass at him.
He turns around, but she has already come at him and
knocked him into the door.
They struggle for a moment, before he shoves her off of
him.
60.
STUART
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?
KAREN
I WANT TO KILL YOU!
STUART
GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY LIFE!
KAREN
I WANT YOU TO FUCKING DIE!
Silence.
STUART
You’re doing such a good job of honoring Phillip!
KAREN
Fuck you!
Stuart walks toward her, stopping very close to her.
A beat.
STUART
Karen.
KAREN
Stuart.
(a beat)
Hit me. You know you want to.
STUART
I never wanted something so much in my life.
KAREN
Then do it.
STUART
No.
KAREN
Why not?
61.
STUART
No, I’m not touching you. You are going to grab your purse and your coat and your
umbrella, and you are going to get the fuck out of my house.
KAREN
Stuart.
STUART
Then tomorrow, I’m going to cremate your son, and I am never going to speak to you
again.
He opens the door like he did to his mother. He looks at
her.
STUART
Get the fuck out of my house.
She grabs her things and goes to the doorway. She stands
there. He begins to close the door, but she stops him.
KAREN
Stuart.
STUART
What?
A beat.
She touches his face. He flinches, but doesn’t pull away.
Very long silence.
He closes the door.
Karen has dissolved into a hysterical fit on the other side
of the door. She cannot be seen, but clearly heard.
He walks to the table and begins to cry.
He pulls out his phone and replays the message.
PHILLIP
Hi, boo. Could you do me a favor? I forgot to write down what I needed from the store.
Will you text me the recipe? And also check what wine we have. I think we’re out of red.
Love you.
62.
They cry.
BLACK OUT.
END OF PLAY.