4 July 2015

PROMPT:  A sound that makes all the difference

Megan Monaghan Rivas, dramaturg/educator

Brett, 47, lies on the bed, eyes wide open.  Janet, 42, comes in.
JANET
(softly)
Still can’t sleep?
BRETT
(sitting up)
Excuse me?
JANET
(a little louder)
Having trouble sleeping?
BRETT
Yea.
Brett lies back down.
JANET
Something bothering you.
Janet sits on the bed.
BRETT
No.  Just... can’t sleep.
JANET
Tinnitus.
BRETT
It’s never quiet.  There’s always a whining.  Tonight it seems... loud.
JANET
You went to the doctor.
BRETT
I’ve lost some hearing.
JANET
I know.
BRETT
It’s going to be like this the rest of my life.
JANET
It’s been this way for years, since you got out of the service.  You read all about it on the internet.  You can’t be surprised
BRETT
I’m not.  I just wanted to believe there was something...
JANET
(hugging Brett)
I’m so sorry.
BRETT
Normally, it doesn’t really bother me.  Just... just background noise.  I have to ask people to repeat themselves sometimes.
JANET
I’ll try to remember to talk loudly.
BRETT
What bugs me is when you try and talk to me from another room.
JANET
Well, that’s not going to change.
BRETT
I know.  It’s not your problem.  It’s mine.
Silence.
BRETT
There is some good news.
JANET
Oh yea.
BRETT
I will qualify for a ten per cent disability through the VA.
JANET
And what does that mean?
BRETT
One hundred and thirty three dollars and forty seven cents a month.
JANET
Every month?
BRETT
Yup.
JANET
Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
BRETT
Yea... more like a poke in the ear.
JANET
Ahhh... that is so pathetic.
BRETT
I’m just whining.
(making a high pitched whine)
Eeeeeee....
JANET
Yes, you are... How about I bring you some sleepy time tea?
BRETT
That’d be nice.
JANET
Okay.
Janet kisses Brett.
End of play.