I have to keep moving or I’ll drown.
In drama scene from “Eleven Seconds” Kelly confronts Steve about the reason why he refuses to spend time with their son.
Lights rise.
Kelly, dressed casually, stands center of the office.
Steve sits behind his desk, staring up at her.
KELLY: Are you drunk?
STEVE: Probably. I’ll only know for sure if I stand.
KELLY: Is that why you didn’t greet me at the door?
STEVE (shrugs and smiles) I’m not drunk, drunk. I have my wits. I’m just a bit woozy…still here.
KELLY: Are you?
STEVE: I’m always here, aren’t I?
KELLY: No, not in the way our son needs you.
STEVE: Oh, don’t start up on me now please. I’ve had a hell of a day.
KELLY: Have you?
STEVE: I have. (He pours himself a drink.)
KELLY (her voice rising): And just what kind of day do you think I’ve had for five fk’n years! (beat) Tell me!
STEVE (calmly): Kel, I can’t do this.
KELLY: What? Do what?
STEVE: …This.
KELLY: All you do is dodge it. I’m asking you why?
STEVE: Why what?
KELLY: Don’t play the fool, Steven. I’m asking you.
STEVE: I’m busy being a shark. I have to keep moving or I’ll drown.
KELLY: Each day that goes by is a miracle for Henry.
STEVE: I know it.
KELLY: A miracle!
STEVE: Yes, I know it.
KELLY: You don’t ever come to visit, to spend time with him.
STEVE: I know, Kelly.
KELLY: Don’t you think he wants to know his father?
STEVE: I’ve come by. You can’t say I don’t visit –
KELLY: Four months ago! The time before that was two months, the time before that was another four months.
STEVE: And what exactly am I going to achieve for him by seeing him? Aren’t I going to make him confused or hurt, hurt his feelings if he likes me and I go? Like last time when he had a meltdown when I left and passed through the gates. I pretended I didn’t hear him scream, but I heard his sounds…I still hear his sounds…I don’t have the stuff that other fathers must have…I’m useless. All I want is to hold my son, and I don’t know how. I don’t know how to be there for him without making him worse…
KELLY: You aren’t making him worse.
STEVE: (smiles)
KELLY: Love isn’t worse.
Pause.
Kelly pours herself a drink.
- To read the full one-act ePlay, find purchase link below:
In the one-act eplay drama, “Eleven Seconds” Kelly visits Steve to talk about their son Henry and why it’s been months since he last spent time with him. Drama. 1 Woman, 1 Man.
