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.

Featured Scene – Eleven Seconds

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.

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Scene Summary

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.

• Genre: Drama / Family Drama
• Length: ~5 minute scene
• Characters: 1 woman, 1 man
• Themes: family
• Best For: Drama Scenes

FAQ

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Scene Source: Eleven Seconds

Eleven Seconds is a drama play script by Joseph Arnone, 2026.