"Out of Silence"

A time for keeping silent, a time for speaking--Ecclesiastes 3:7

by

Miles O'Bryan

©1998, San Francisco, California

THIS SCRIPT IS REGISTERED WITH THE

WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST

Registration No. 118018-00 (6/1/98)

Dedicated to My sister Maggie O'

(Opens on funeral with Rod's body on draped bier stage center with dates "1924 - 1946.")

(Cast enters slowly in a procession to appropriate funeral music. Charlie 10 and Mag stand at some distance from bier.)

Charlie 10

Mag, why . . . why do they put people in the ground? Why Mag?

Mag

I don't know Charlie. It's just what we do when we don't know any better, I guess.

Charlie 10

Mag, I can't see. Help me up.

(Charlie 10 climbs on a small platform so he can see better)

Charlie 10

Mag, why can't I go down with the grownups? I want to see. I want to be there close to Rod.

(Mag Holding on to Charlie 10)

Mag

Easy honey.

(Charlie 10 squirms free, runs to Rod's bier and lays his head on the platform, lights up on Chorus.)

Chorus 1

Sorry to hear about your brother Charlie.

(Charlie 10 ignores this)

Chorus 2

Yes, dear, it was just terrible.

Chorus 1

I heard it was awful what the accident did to him, but he looked so peaceful in the casket.

(Charlie 10 looks toward Chorus)

Chorus 3

Don't you say anything when people speak to you?

Chorus 2

He doesn't talk anymore. I think something's wrong with you Charlie. Is something wrong with you Charlie? Something's certainly wrong with a kid who won't speak to his neighbors.

(Charlie 10 runs to other side of stage speaking to TREE audience "overhears")

Charlie 10

I wouldn't speak to them even if I wanted to, which I don't. They don't know anything. They don't know any thing. I hate them. I hate them all. They're the crazy ones. They're the ones who make up terrible stories about everybody. Rod, why did you leave me here? I need you more than ever.

(Lights fade on Charlie 10 and Chorus, lights up on Mark who appears to look in the window of the Post Office. Mag and Charlie 20 approach.)

Mag

Looks like rain, don't you think? Course it doesn't take a fool to tell that on a day like this.

(Mark looks up to the sky.)

Mag

This new girl's slow as molasses, can't seem to get the hang of where people's mailboxes are, even though they've been the same spot for a hundred years. They should of hired the Kane girl. Oh, this 'un 'll catch on soon enough, I guess, but no sense pulling in some stranger to do a job any local gal knows since she was knee high to a grasshopper.

You must be the new fellah everybody's talking about.

Mark

Just another stranger in town, I guess.

Mag

You might as well get used to people talking. We haven't got much else to do. We talk about everybody. You're just the current victim. It'll pass on to somebody else sooner or later. Name's Mag Barnes and this here's my nephew Charlie Price.

Mark

Mark Kelly.

Mag

I won't ask you what you're doing in a backwoods place like this. Everybody's already got you pegged for one thing or another. I heard you were running from the mafia in Chicago.

Mark

I grew up in Chicago, but no mafia that I know of.

Mag

Guess that wouldn't make any sense what with all that gang over in Portersville, they'd spot you a mile away. Stand out like a sore thumb if you were dumb enough to try to hide out here. Worst place in the world to try to hide.

Mark

I'm not exactly hiding; just . . . well I've been looking a while now for some place special, someplace quiet where I could write.

Mag

You a writer then? Something I might have read?

Mark

Oh, I'm just starting out. I'm working on my first book.

Mag

Hope you don't plan to go writing about us.

Mark

No, I'm into fiction. I'm writing a spiritual thriller.

Mag

Never heard of---

Mark

Angels and things, you know, all hell breaks loose, that sort of thing.

Mag

Sounds promising, I suppose. You go to church? None of my business, but most of the folks here are one thing or another. Got more churches here than people. They have to go scrounging under all the bushes in the county to get more than a dozen folks in any one congregation. They'll all be after you too.

Mark

Writing's my church these days. I've given up on the others.

Mag

Well, that beats all. I wouldn't go spreading that notion around town just yet. People here take their churchgoing a might serious, a bit too serious, if you get my meaning. Looks like she finally found all the boxes. Half the mail'll still be mixed up anyway, but might as well go see what I got. Nice talking to you.

(Lights fade on Mark, Mag and Charlie 10, lights up on Chorus)

Chorus 1

Did you see Mag Barnes talking to that new guy?

Chorus 2

I wonder what she's up to now?

Chorus 1

Not a bit of good, you can count on that.

Chorus 2

She still dragging that dumb nephew of hers around everywhere?

Chorus 1

"Mute" is what they call it these days.

Chorus 2

Person can't talk, we always said they's "dumb." I don't mean he's stupid. I hear he made straight A's in school but he doesn't say anything, to anybody, what I hear. Shirley Smith, the school secretary, said his file shows it's not medical. He doesn't talk 'cause he's sick-in-the-head. Runs in the family don't you know. Remember that crazy brother of his?

(Lights dim on Chorus, lights up on Father. Rod gets up from bier and moves into spotlight, puts on a World War II Army hat, stands next to Father at train station.)

Rod

Dad, where is everybody?

Father

I figured I'd come pick you up by myself. I thought you might need a minute or two before everybody got hold of you. That's how I remember coming home from the last war; everybody grabbing hold of me before I had a chance to sort things out.

Rod

Thanks.

Father

Rod, take it easy for a while. There's nothing worse than war. People who haven't been there don't know what it's like. But you've got your whole life ahead of you now. Plenty of time. Just take it easy.

Rod

Dad.

Father

Yeah?

Rod

I'm not too steady these days. I seem to cry a lot. I know it'll worry mom and I don't want to scare the others, especially the little ones.

Father

Now, don't you worry. Everybody's waiting to see you. Just being here is all we ask. I'll talk to mom, and as far as the rest go, well you'll be surprised, they've pretty much grown up while you were gone. Course Charlie's only just ten, but he's the one most excited. I don't think he'd care if you stood on your head or said nothing at all. You'd think you were Eisenhower himself. Charlie's got you pretty high on the pedestal so take it easy with him, don't want to go ruining all his illusions right off.

Rod

I can hardly wait to see everybody, and Charlie was such a little shrimp when I left, I'm surprised he remembers me at all.

Father

I got your things. Let's go.

(Silent as if driving home; lights up on family waiting.)

Charlie 10

He's coming! He's coming! He's almost here. I wonder if he'll remember me.

Mother

Look everybody, Rod's home at last. I thought this war would never end. And then they took such a long time in the hospital. But, he's home now.

Rod

Stop!

Father

What's wrong?

Rod

I see them. I can't do this yet. Can we stop just a minute? Like I said, I cry at everything.

Father

Here, I'll take a little detour. Take a minute to pull yourself together.

Mother

Where are they going? Now why would they . . .

Charlie 10

I bet they've got a surprise--

Mother

Best keep that imagination of yours in tow, young man . . .

Father

Mom's got lunch ready. They'll all be out on the porch waiting.

Rod

Okay, let's go.

Mother

Here they come!

(Greeting Rod)

Mother

Oh god, you look wonderful.

Rod

You too. You've had your hair done. You look younger somehow. Am I ever happy to be home?

Chorus 3

Welcome home brother.

Chorus 2

Hey, how about a hug for your favorite sister.

Chorus 1

Favorite, I'm his favorite. Boy are we glad to see you.

(Charlie 10 jumping up and down.)

Charlie 10

Come on, remember me? I've been waiting. Remember me?

Rod

How could I ever forget you Shrimp?

Charlie 10

I'm not a shrimp. See, I'm not so little anymore.

Rod

Sorry, Charlie you're right, you are getting big, but you'll always be my little Shrimp, you know that.

Father

Don't hog now Charlie. Everybody wants a chance to be with Rod. He's their brother too.

(Mother takes Rod's hand, hugs him)

Mother

My boy's home. We're having steaks and corn on the cob, and lemon meringue pie, all the things you like.

Rod

It's great to be home. Where'll I store my gear? Looks like we're full up. Are you sure there's still room for me? Everybody's grown so much.

(Charlie 10 comes and grabs Rod)

Charlie 10

You're sleeping with me, out back in the little house. We've really fixed it up. You won't recognize it. It's all cleaned up and the water's running and it's got a bathroom and everything. You're going to love it.

Mother

We tried to tell him you needed a room of your own, but he insisted. Just for a few days I told him. So Charlie don't wear out your welcome the first day young man.

Charlie 10

I won't. Come on Rod. You won't believe what we've done.

Mother

Charlie, remember, it's Rod's place now. You can't bug him all the time. Rod needs some time by himself. He's been cooped up with all those soldiers and he finally has a place of his own.

(Charlie already having run ahead shouts back to Rod)

Charlie 10

Rod, come on! I want to show you.

(Lights dim on "family," lights up on Chorus)

Chorus 1

I ran into Charlie Price at the store the other day. Betty was checking him out and asked if that was all. He just stared at her like she wasn't there. He's so rude sometimes. They say he can't talk. Won't's more like it in my book.

Chorus 2

That whole Price bunch's mixed up. His dad's business has gone to hell the past few years and his mother's in the insane asylum as much as she's home.

Chorus 1

I don't think they call it that anymore, treatment center is what I heard.

Chorus 2

Name don't make no difference. You know she's been all shocked up. Millie went by last week when she was over there and knocked on the door. She could see her in the house moving around, but she wouldn't come to the door. Maybe Charlie's better off away from them anyway.

(Lights dim on Chorus, lights up on Mag and Charlie 20)

Mag

Remember that new guy who's moved in town? He's going to need some help getting that place of his together. He'll pay for help. Time to get yourself going Charlie. Time's a wasting. Oh, come here boy, stop pulling a face like that. Nothing to be scared of.

(Charlie 20 goes over to Mag, puts head on her shoulder)

Mag

All right now, he's coming over in a bit for coffee. I told him he could borrow the riding mower this afternoon. You look sharp now, and give him a big smile.

(Charlie 20 turns around moves a couple of steps back from Mag turns back and looks intently right at her)

Mag

Now, look here Charlie, I didn't tell him anything. I can't do your talking for you. I've told you over and over, it's up to you if you choose not to speak. Nobody's going to take that from you long's I'm around, but nobody's fault if you get in a heap of trouble or hurt or whatever.

(Charlie 20 walks away towards TREE, Mag calls after him)

Mag

Can't keep running Charlie. Trouble enough when you was in school, what with all the teachers down my neck trying to get you to some psychiatrist or other. But, listen here Charlie, I'm not going to live forever.

(Charlie standing next to TREE, Mag shouts to him)

Mag

It's going to take more than that tree of yours.

(Charlie 20 at TREE)

Charlie 20

Rod, she's at it again. She's always trying to get me to meet new people. I don't like new people. Rod . . . I miss you so. I read last week that in some countries everybody talks to trees. They believe the spirits of their ancestors live in the trees. I wonder if their ancestors talk back. I wish you could talk back, but I know you can hear. I feel you. I know you're close. I can't talk to anyone else.

(Mag watching Charlie 20 talking to his TREE)

Mag

You don't fool me Charlie, but you need more than a tree to talk to, god knows, we all do.

(Knock on a door, Mag yells to Charlie 20)

Mag

Charlie, come back in here.

(Mark enters, Charlie 20 joins Mag and Mark center stage)

Mag

Charlie this here's Mark Kelly, the guy who moved into the Bradshaw place, you remember, we met him at the Post Office.

Mark

Hi, how you doing?

(Charlie 20 nods to Mark)

Mark

What's the matter, cat got your tongue?

Mag

Charlie doesn't talk much . . . to anybody. Why don't you sit down, take a load off your feet?

Mark

Sorry, I can't stay. I've got a long list of things to get done.

Mag

That's a sorry excuse young man. Not many excuses worth a damn around here, there's no place to go and very little that's gotta get done. We've all got time. Plenty of time. Sit yourself down. We don't bite. You like cream in your coffee? Besides, Charlie made a perfectly good apple pie this morning and if you don't have some we'll just get fatter'n hogs.

Mark

Okay, yes, cream, thanks.

(Mag exits, leaves Mark and Charlie 20 alone, awkward silence as they surreptitiously look one another over from a distance)

Mark

Sorry about the cat thing.

(Charlie turns directly toward Mark, slight smile. Mag comes back with tray, coffee and pie)

Mag

You cut the pie for our guest. Cut Mark a big hunk. He looks like he could use a little fatting up.

Mark

Go easy there. I have to watch my weight.

Mag

Nice looking young man like you shouldn't worry about that at your age. Besides, you'll be getting plenty of exercise out at that old rat trap of yours.

Mark

It's pretty sound actually. Had it checked out before I bought it. No rats either.

Mag

Course not, least not at this time of year . . .

(Pause, Mark starts to say something)

Mag

Just kidding. You young people are all so serious these days. In my day we didn't think about our weight let alone buying houses. Doesn't pay to be too serious. Too much thinking just gets people in trouble.

(Lights fade on Mag, Mark and Charlie 20, lights up on Rod and Father, Charlie 10 close by in dim spot "listening" )

Father

Take it easy. You gotta stop thinking so much.

Rod

I can't help myself. I keep thinking everybody just went crazy. I couldn't tell the good guys from the bad. The Resistance people seemed the worst, the way they treated their own, gave no slack to anybody. Anybody gave away a secret they just cut their tongue out right then and there. The only way to deal with anybody who rats they said.

Father

That's war. You can't judge people by ordinary standards.

Rod

I know, but I just can't get over seeing them cut his tongue out right in front of me---his mouth gushing blood. I threw up right there and moved on. It was horrible.

Father

You've got to let go of all that or it will eat you alive.

Rod

How? Everywhere I look, I see reminders. I get so afraid, afraid to be alone. If it weren't for Charlie, I don't think I could fall asleep. I keep seeing the faces of all those dead boys.

(Lights fade on Father. Lights up on Mother. Charlie 10 comes forward, stands next to Rod, takes hold of Rod's hand and looks up at Rod)

Mother

Rod you're spoiling Charlie. You don't have to pick him up from school every day. It'd be good for him to walk, get some exercise. The boy needs more exercise.

Rod

Right. I thought we'd go down to the timber, walk along the creek. Charlie loves the timber and besides, I need something to do. I can't seem to get things sorted out and Charlie gives me a lift.

Mother

Well, he's going to miss you when you head back to college.

Rod

All the more reason for us to enjoy the time now.

(Lights fade on Mother, Rod and Charlie 10 cross stage in dim light to timber, lights up on Chorus)

Chorus 2

The war must have been really terrible.

Chorus 1

Yes, just look at that poor Price boy, Rod, such a nice young man and now, well, it's so sad.

Chorus 2

There goes Charlie and Rod now. That boy follows Rod around like a little puppy. Something strange going on there.

Chorus 1

Oh, I don't know. They're both a bit odd don't you know.

(Chorus 2 waves to Rod and Charlie across stage)

Chorus 2

Look's like a beautiful day. You fellas enjoy yourselves now, hear.

(Turns back to Chorus 1)

Chorus 2

Now, what do you suppose they're up to?

(Lights fade on Chorus, lights up on Charlie 10 and Rod in timber)

Charlie 10

Look! There's that big squirrel I was telling you about. It looks like a fat cat and the pecans aren't even ripe yet.

Rod

Watch out, you'll trip over those vines.

Charlie 10

See, I can swing on them just like Tarzan.

Rod

Easy tiger.

Charlie 10

Did you really dig a hole under a tree?

Rod

Almost. Actually it was half blown out from under me and I dragged myself into the space where the root had been. They say that's what saved me. Jimmy didn't make it . . . couldn't . . .

Charlie 10

Tell me about him. You said you'd tell me all about him some day.

Rod

Some time, Shrimp. Some time.

Charlie 10

Now!

Rod

Look, there's that deer. The rest of the herd must be over in the meadow.

Charlie 10

You're just trying to throw me off. I want to know about Jimmy.

Rod

What can I say? Sometimes there just aren't words to describe somebody like--

Charlie 10

But, you were best buddies, you told me that. Best buddies just like we're best buddies, right?

Rod

Right-o! He was something all right. He was so particular sometimes. And he paid attention to little things, like look at that flower.

Charlie 10

Where?

Rod

Right there, under that fallen branch.

Charlie 10

Just some old wild flower.

Rod

But that's how Jimmy was different. Jimmy would say "Now that's the most beautiful, wonderful, courageous, fantastic flower in the whole world." He noticed things. He took care of things. He . . .

(Rod holds back tears)

Charlie 10

Rod, are you okay?

Rod

Yeah. But look at it Charlie. Look at those tiny lines coming out of the heart of the flower. It's like a beautiful little star with a burst heart in the middle. Purple and yellow.

Charlie 10

Like your medal, your purple heart.

Rod

Sort of.

Charlie 10

I'm going over to the other side of the creek.

Rod

Watch out!

(Charlie 10 runs up a ramp, falls back, Rod goes over and picks Charlie 10 up, tears well up in Rod's eyes)

Rod

Are you okay?

Charlie 10

Why are you crying? Is you leg hurting?

(Charlie 10 touches Rod's knee)

Rod

No. Oh, I don't know. Maybe . . .

Charlie 10

Maybe what?

Rod

Maybe it was seeing that little flower. Did I tell you about that time Jimmy and I found that little flower on the road in front of our hut? I don't know what you call them, I don't think I've ever seen one here. It was no bigger than a dime. There weren't very many of them in any one place. They grew in cracks and along walls like--

Charlie 10

Like weeds?

Rod

Yeah, weeds, strong little creatures, like you Charlie. You look delicate. A lot of folks don't see how strong you really are.

(Charlie 10 gives Rod a big hug)

Charlie 10

Like this?

Rod

Yeah, Shrimp.

(Wipes back tears)

Charlie 10

Rod, what's wrong?

Rod

Oh, I don't know. I seem to cry at the drop of a hat these days. Maybe it was remembering our little flower . . .

Charlie 10

Tell me about it.

Rod

It was just in front of our hut. It was late November, but there were still lots of warm days. We had finally been given a few days rest, first time since we had landed. Jimmy and I would just lay around camp all day doing nothing and that was the best thing. We'd talk and things, but mostly just do nothing. Jimmy had a way of making nothing seem like something. He's the one who first noticed the flower. It was growing in a crack in the middle of the road. It would sort of peep out about noon and then it would close up by sunset. At night you couldn't even see it.

Charlie 10

Maybe it went away.

Rod

Maybe, 'cause you see, there were all these trucks and heavy vehicles on that road all the time. But they always missed our little flower.

Charlie 10

I'll bet it could see them coming and would hide in the crack just when the trucks got close.

Rod

Could be. It was a great little flower. "Tough and tender." That's what Jimmy called it. "Our little tough and tender flower."

Charlie 10

So what happened to it?

Rod

Well, see Jimmy and I'd sit there by the road and we'd watch this little flower and we'd imagine that we could do magic and we'd do this big spell.

Charlie 10

Like witches?

Rod

Sort of, yeah. But we were good witches. We were protectors. We'd cast this spell so that the trucks would swerve this way or that just before they got to the flower. Or sometimes we'd imagine like this cover for it, we called it a flower helmet. Whatever, it worked. No truck ever ran over it. I don't know why, it was standing like a fool right there in the middle of the road.

Charlie 10

I think it just ducked down in the crack.

Rod

Probably right, Shrimp.

Charlie 10

So, what happened?

Rod

We got pulled up to the front, started slogging our way toward the Rhine. That's when they countered. Came blasting back from the side. Everything went to hell. The whole place was blown to pieces.

Charlie 10

What happened to Jimmy?

Rod

Jimmy was lost. "Missing in Action," they said.

Charlie 10

Where?

Rod

That's just it, I don't know. I don't know where he is. I try to talk to him, but I don't know where he is. Oh god, Charlie, there was no place that was safe. No place to hide. It got so cold, I didn't even feel it when I got hit. All I remember is snow everywhere. Everything was white.

(Charlie gives Rod big hug, lights dim on Rod and Charlie, lights up on Chorus)

Chorus 1

Have you seen the Bradshaw Place? That new guy painted everything white as snow. Bessie Bradshaw would turn over in her grave if she knew. It's always been yellow long's anybody can remember.

Chorus 2

New people always want to come in and change things. I suppose he didn't ask anybody, just went ahead and did it.

Chorus 3

Just listen to yourself. It's his house now. A little change around here might be good, don't you know.

Chorus 2

He might'a asked around. Course white's fine, just that it's always been yellow.

Chorus 1

He's gonna have to do a lot more than a coat of paint if he plans to stay out there this winter. Wind blows through that place like a sieve.

Chorus 2

I've been thinking maybe my boy Billy could get a job out there helping. But then, you can't tell about strangers these days.

(Lights dim on Chorus, lights up on Mark at his house, Charlie 20 approaches)

Mark

Hi Charlie, glad you could make it. Looks like there's more work here than I had counted on.

(Charlie 20 No response)

Mark

You okay?

(Charlie 20 Nod, "Yes.")

Mark

Good, 'cause it looks like I'm going to need your help.

(Charlie 20 Pause, no response.)

Mark

It seems your Aunt was right about you not talking much. No matter. I'm cleaning up the old fish pond out back. I should be fixing the front steps, but I decided this morning I'd try to get the fish pond running again. I think I figured out how they got the water from the creek so it'd siphon into the pond. But it's all overgrown now. I hope you don't mind a little mud.

(Charlie 20 Nods, "No")

Mark

Guess I'll be doing the talking. I talk to myself a lot. It's a habit I picked up since I moved in, one of the hazards of living alone.

(Charlie 20 Shrugs shoulders, takes off shirt)

Mark

God, you're getting some big muscles on you. You must be driving all the girls crazy.

(Charlie 20 Nods, "No")

Mark

Just teasing. My folks were always teasing me about the girls, but well, I wasn't all that interested, if you know what I mean.

(Charlie 20 Nods "Yes")

Mark

Everybody seemed to think they knew more about me than I did about myself. Everybody seemed to think they knew what was best for me, you know what I mean?

(Charlie 20 Shakes head emphatic "Yes")

Mark

I'm really glad you came over. You'll be a big help. Here, take this shovel.

(Mark and Charlie 20 hold pose, look at each other . . . walk across stage, sit down, shovel between them, Mark wipes sweat from forehead)

Mark

I think that's got it running, it'll take some time for the pond to fill up. Christ, we look like a couple of pigs with all this mud. I'd better get you cleaned up before I send you go back to your aunt or she won't let you come again. Come over here. Let me hose you down, then you can do me. I'll throw your clothes in the wash. You can borrow some of my stuff until tomorrow.

(Charlie 20 stands, Mark "showers Charlie 20 with hose" then Charlie 20 takes hose away from Mark and starts "showering Mark off," laughing playing around with hose, etc.)

Mark

We must look like a couple of kids playing on a hot day. Come on in, you can shower off for real and I'll get you something to wear home.

(Lights dim on Mark and Charlie 20, lights up on Chorus)

Chorus 1

Have you noticed how that Charlie Price is always hanging around with that new guy? Follows him everywhere just like he used to follow that brother of his.

Chorus 2

Leave it to Mag Barnes to have her nose in things right off. I suppose she's behind whatever.

Chorus 1

I must say though I do feel sorry for her tied down the way she is with that crazy nephew of hers. But I'm sure you're right, there's trouble just waiting to happen.

Chorus 2

You just never know with new people. I mean, why would a young city fella move into a big old house in Mace, Kansas of all places. And all by himself if he wasn't trying to hide something. It just doesn't add up. And on top of it all getting himself mixed up with that Price boy.

Chorus 1

Charlie's been mixed up ever since that poor brother of his had that accident, well, you know what they've always said.

(Lights dim on Chorus, lights up on Rod and Charlie 10 in the Little House)

Rod

Charlie, you got to move back to the big house.

Charlie 10

What? Who says?

Rod

I say.

Charlie 10

No. Why would you? Who says?

Rod

Look, Shrimp, I'm too confused. It's not good you spending so much time out here like this.

Charlie 10

Who says?

Rod

Listen, Charlie, I say.

Charlie 10

You're just fooling me, right?

Rod

It's no good Charlie. You have to move back to the big house.

Charlie 10

But . . . but I don't understand. Why? Who'll rub your knee when it hurts?

Rod

Oh, Charlie, it's complicated.

(Charlie 10 goes and sits next to Rod, touches his knee)

Charlie 10

No, it's not. It's simple. Things are great just like they are, just like they've been. I love it.

Rod

Look Shrimp. I love it too, but I don't know, it's . . .

Charlie 10

It's what? It's what?

Rod

It's over Charlie. It's all over. You have to move back, it's the best thing, the best thing for you.

(Charlie 10 jumps up, picks up a photo of Rod in uniform in '40's style cardboard folder and throws it down on ground, stamps on it.)

Charlie 10

I hate you. Why do you want to ruin everything? Why does everybody think they know what's best for me? I hate you.

Rod

It'll be okay. We can still do things together.

Charlie 10

Yeah, like what? Go fishing? I hate fishing. I hate everything and everybody.

Rod

Charlie, sometimes, well, sometimes things just aren't the way we would like them to be.

Charlie 10

So?

Rod

So, like now, it's not that I don't want you around, it's just---

(Charlie 10 turns and faces Rod and looks intently at him)

Charlie 10

It's just people are talking.

Rod

What do you mean?

Charlie 10

I've heard them. They think you're crazy. They think you went crazy in the war.

Rod

Who says that?

Charlie 10

Everybody. But, I told them you were just fine. You're just fine, aren't you? I should know. I should know if anybody does.

Rod

It's not so easy to know a thing like that, Shrimp.

Charlie 10

Well, I know. I know. I hate them. I hate everybody.

Rod

You'll get over it, Shrimp. I'm going back to school in a couple of weeks anyway, so no big deal. You can stay out here when I'm gone.

Charlie 10

Why?

Rod

I thought you'd like that.

Charlie 10

Without you?

Rod

Well, it's for the best. It will make everybody happier.

Charlie 10

Not me. I'm not happy. I'm not happy.

Rod

It'll be okay. Really.

Charlie 10

I hate you. You're awful. I'll never speak to you again.

(Charlie 10 picks up photo he's been standing on, pulls the photo out of folder and rips it to pieces. Charlie 10 turns and exits, spot follows Charlie 10. Lights dim on Rod, lights up on Chorus)

Chorus 1

Hi there, Charlie. What you up to?

Charlie 10

Nothing.

Chorus 2

How's that brother of yours?

Charlie 10

Which one?

Chorus 2

The older one, Rod.

Charlie 10

Oh, he's just fine. He's super. He's better than ever.

Chorus 1

I heard he got hurt in the war. Kind'a knocked cuckoo, if you know what I mean.

Charlie 10

You're crazy. Rod was shot in the leg, shattered his knee. He's not crazy like you.

Chorus 2

Now, that's no way to talk to grown ups. I'm ashamed of you Charlie, I truly am. Does your mother know you go around talking to good people that way? I bet she doesn't. It would break her heart, it would.

Charlie 10

I gotta go. And he's not crazy so there.

(Charlie 10 exits)

Chorus 1

Well, I'll be. Have you ever heard the likes of it?

Chorus 2

His mother would be horrified if she knew her little boy talked to the neighbors like that.

For more information about "OUT OF SILENCE" Contact Miles