Herman the Worm: A Children's Story.
Once there was a worm. His name was Herman. Herman loved to eat leaves. In fact, Herman loved it so much, he spent all day munching on them. Herman came from a big family; he had five brothers and five sisters. He was the youngest, and his family picked on him all the time. “Herman, why don’t you go play in the mud with your brothers and sisters?” his parents said. “Eww, Herman! You’re so gross! Why are you always eating funny food?” His brothers and sisters would say. “Herman, why do you look so funny?” asked the other kids in the neighborhood. Even though Herman had fun eating and dreaming, he was lonely. You see, Herman didn’t have any friends. Not one.
One day at school, Herman crawled up a big tree to get leaves. He was munching and crunching, when suddenly he decided he wanted to hang upside down on one of the branches. All the kids laughed at him. “Why are you up in a tree, Herman? You are crazy!” But Herman hung there. After a few days, he was all curled up in some sort of shell. He felt lonely and scared. Herman was always the weird one; the worm who ate leaves. Herman became very tired, and fell into a deep sleep. After weeks of sleeping, Herman woke up. He felt different, and refreshed, but it was dark. He couldn’t see a thing! Determined, he thought to himself, “I am going to get out of this shell!” Herman wriggled, and squirmed, and after a little while he popped out of the shell. He looked to his left, he looked to his right. Then, happily, Herman stretched his new wings.
Herman decided he wanted to go see his family. He flew to his home and yelled out to his mom and dad. But no one was there. He yelled out all of his brothers and sisters names: Henry, Henrietta, Herbert, Humphrey, Hattie, Haley, Harry, Holly, Harold, and Helga. One after the other. He began to think his family had forgotten him. Herman flew over to his old room and began to cry. But suddenly he heard a voice. It was calling his name.
“Herman? Herman, where are you?” it said.
“Hello? I’m in here!” He replied.
Then, into his room came all of his brothers and sisters and parents. Behind them were even a few friends from school.
“Oh. You’re not Herman!” said Henrietta.
“Guys! It’s really me! I’ve changed! I have wings now.”
They looked at him curiously and they were all in awe.
“You look so beautiful, Herman!” Harry said.
But Herman was confused.
“Why are you guys still worms?”
“Because you are different! We always knew you were different, Herman. You were a caterpillar! We never told you, but you were adopted,” said his mother.
Herman smiled. He didn’t care if he was different than the rest of the family. He loved his family even if they were a bunch of worms. That day, Herman learned that sometimes being different is a beautiful thing.
One day at school, Herman crawled up a big tree to get leaves. He was munching and crunching, when suddenly he decided he wanted to hang upside down on one of the branches. All the kids laughed at him. “Why are you up in a tree, Herman? You are crazy!” But Herman hung there. After a few days, he was all curled up in some sort of shell. He felt lonely and scared. Herman was always the weird one; the worm who ate leaves. Herman became very tired, and fell into a deep sleep. After weeks of sleeping, Herman woke up. He felt different, and refreshed, but it was dark. He couldn’t see a thing! Determined, he thought to himself, “I am going to get out of this shell!” Herman wriggled, and squirmed, and after a little while he popped out of the shell. He looked to his left, he looked to his right. Then, happily, Herman stretched his new wings.
Herman decided he wanted to go see his family. He flew to his home and yelled out to his mom and dad. But no one was there. He yelled out all of his brothers and sisters names: Henry, Henrietta, Herbert, Humphrey, Hattie, Haley, Harry, Holly, Harold, and Helga. One after the other. He began to think his family had forgotten him. Herman flew over to his old room and began to cry. But suddenly he heard a voice. It was calling his name.
“Herman? Herman, where are you?” it said.
“Hello? I’m in here!” He replied.
Then, into his room came all of his brothers and sisters and parents. Behind them were even a few friends from school.
“Oh. You’re not Herman!” said Henrietta.
“Guys! It’s really me! I’ve changed! I have wings now.”
They looked at him curiously and they were all in awe.
“You look so beautiful, Herman!” Harry said.
But Herman was confused.
“Why are you guys still worms?”
“Because you are different! We always knew you were different, Herman. You were a caterpillar! We never told you, but you were adopted,” said his mother.
Herman smiled. He didn’t care if he was different than the rest of the family. He loved his family even if they were a bunch of worms. That day, Herman learned that sometimes being different is a beautiful thing.
Six Word Stories
~Gun shot. Empty alter. Cold feet?~
~No trespassing. Bark, bark. Gun shot.~
~"Only once." 24 months in rehab.~
~No trespassing. Bark, bark. Gun shot.~
~"Only once." 24 months in rehab.~
Dream Chaser
The boy with the green eyes chases his dreams. He reaches into the clouds and creates a kite of white…he flies it high into the sky and lets it pull his bare feet off the earth. The boy with the green eyes lets the mud sink between his toes, and isn’t afraid to jump to grasp the wings of his latest dream. The boy with the green eyes discovers; lets his hopes fill him to the brim until he is leaking out of his fingertips, caked with dirt from digging…digging for another dream. One he may have buried years earlier. The boy with the green eyes feels envy as a challenge…not a limitation. He feels competition as motivation, and fear as a push…push towards achievement and self gratification. The boy with the green eyes makes me feel ashamed. Ashamed of my selfishness…and lack of ability to accept my failures, and to pull myself up out of the hole by my collar. He makes me want to feel my bones shatter inside me, to feel myself fall hard to the dust, yet pick myself up and walk until my feet bleed. Until I reach the dreams. The boy with the green eyes showed me love. He showed me every winding pathway of it, every beauty mark and freckle. Every detail. He showed me the importance of optimism…of striving for the satisfaction of trying. The boy with the green eyes is my other set of eyes…the only one who can see through my walls like they’re cheap flexi-glass instead of rusted steel, or concrete. The boy with the green eyes is the only one who can make me fly just by a look…or a kiss.
Discover me…the inner folds of a cerebral cortex holding the emotions and thoughts hold a truth. A passion. A passion for words. How can something that I love make me feel this way? How come after every word I read that came from my mouth feels like a shard of glass in my skin…ripping at my heart, and flesh, telling me I’m not good enough…or better than him. How can something that is supposed to make me feel so alive remind me how dead I feel inside? If chasing my dreams is supposed to set them to life…how come I have visions of my dreams 20 years from now, as still as wooden mannequins in a pawn shop, on the corner of 12th and Dream Lane…how come this all seems so unachievable?
The boy with the green eyes chases his dreams, I told them. He chases them off into the distance like the end of an old cartoon. He chases them longer than a marathon, and he believes in himself to achieve them more than a child believes in santa claus.
The boy with the green eyes chases his dreams…
Discover me…the inner folds of a cerebral cortex holding the emotions and thoughts hold a truth. A passion. A passion for words. How can something that I love make me feel this way? How come after every word I read that came from my mouth feels like a shard of glass in my skin…ripping at my heart, and flesh, telling me I’m not good enough…or better than him. How can something that is supposed to make me feel so alive remind me how dead I feel inside? If chasing my dreams is supposed to set them to life…how come I have visions of my dreams 20 years from now, as still as wooden mannequins in a pawn shop, on the corner of 12th and Dream Lane…how come this all seems so unachievable?
The boy with the green eyes chases his dreams, I told them. He chases them off into the distance like the end of an old cartoon. He chases them longer than a marathon, and he believes in himself to achieve them more than a child believes in santa claus.
The boy with the green eyes chases his dreams…
Seasons
The days drift by in a blur, like trains racing down the tracks; destined and quick. The last remains of summer linger; my memories hang above the door on a hook. Always in sight, never forgotten.
The King arrives near end November. His heart of ice contaminates and morphs the surrounding earth. His frost-bitten lips caress the leaves; dew drops of ice. The newly silver world activates heaters, fireplaces, and the cooking of hot chicken soup.
April begins the rejoicing of the fallen King. Flowers awaken with life and the sun coats the world with humid blessings; the cold gone at last. Tears of the clouds nourish the soil ; bringing hope of forgotten lore: the arrival of spring. The sweet lullaby of the wind and rain lulls us to temporary peace.
The cycle is almost full around; the sun beats down on the backs of laboring men. The essence of childhood caught in gleaming eyes; Emerald, Sapphire. Smiles of angels invade as heaven boasts its beauty: the sun and the earth; the moon and the stars.
As the circle comes to a start once more, the dreading of and excitement for a new season's awakening hangs high above our heads. Always in sight, never forgotten.
The Drowning (a play)
The Drowning
Characters:
-Anna Hudson: Mother of Jacob, speaking to a grievance counselor about the death of her son, Jacob.
-Dr. Smith: Grievance counselor, speaking to Anna about what has happened.
-Nurse: Worker at facility. Helper to Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith
What do you remember seeing, Anna? I know this is painful for you, but believe me, this is an important step in the grieving process.
Anna
(Pauses) I remember...looking for the keys to the bathroom. I was on the phone with my boss, cancelling my 8 o’clock meeting. Jacob had just told me something that worried me...about a dream. When I hung up the phone I heard the sound of running water. When I unlocked the door...(unable to continue. Begins to sob.)
Dr. Smith
Anna. Please take a deep breath. What did you see? This is important. In order to accept, grieve, and heal, you must relive it. Every detail. Try to be as precise as possible.
Anna
I saw my seven-year-old son face down in our bathtub. Why must you ask if you already know? You know everything already. (cries angrily.)
Dr. Smith
Anna, please remain calm. I am trying to see how well you can remember the situation. You have endured some serious trauma here, and I want to check for your mental stability. Do you understand?
Anna
Stability? So you think I am insane, now or something? (Shouting) My son is dead! Of course I am upset!
Dr. Smith
Alright now, Anna. Take a deep breath. Can you please describe that morning for me? Try to include every detail.
Anna
It was like any other Tuesday morning, I guess. I was getting ready for work, and Jacob was getting ready for school.
Dr. Smith
Did he seem...unusual at all? Any different from his normal behavior?
Anna
He seemed a little quieter, I guess. Anyway, he went to the bathroom at say, 7:30. At 7:50 he was still in there. I went to open the door and it was locked...he wouldn’t come out. He said he didn’t want to go to school.
Dr. Smith
Are there any other important details you may be...(clears throat) forgetting?
Anna
No, I’m sure. Well..at least I think so. (sits back puzzled) I feel like I’m forgetting something...(mumbles). No, I can’t be...
Dr. Smith
Did you and Jacob get in an argument, at all? Did you become...physical?
Anna
(Angrily) I would never lay hands on my son! I never have before...right?
Dr. Smith
You tell me, Anna. Moving on, it says here (referring to clipboard) that you have a past of mental illness.
Anna
What are you talking about? Is this some kind of scam?
Dr. Smith
You are telling me you do not remember being diagnosed with Schizophrenia in (pauses and looks down at clipboard) 2002?
Anna
I don’t know what you are talking about! There is nothing wrong with me. If anyone in my family had a mental illness it would be Jacob. How else would you explain a seven-year-old committing suicide?
Dr. Smith
Anna, please. Think very hard. I can assure you you are missing something.
Anna
I can’t remember. I am sure I have told you everything.
Dr. Smith
Anna, I don’t know how to tell you this, but you are missing a very large detail. If you don’t remember it by the end of this session, I’m afraid you won’t be going anywhere.
Anna
(Becomes extremely angry; shouts) Who are you people? I am leaving. This is supposed to help me. But you’re scamming me, aren’t you? To get money! Poor revenue, right?
Dr. Smith
Anna, can you please tell me where we are right now?
Anna
Of course I can. We are at...(thinks for a moment) Hmm. I seem to be blanking the name
Dr. Smith
Mm-hmm. Can you remember why you are here?
Anna
(Annoyed.) We’ve been over this a million times now. You know why. This is all just a joke. (Gets up to leave)
Dr. Smith
I’m afraid you can’t leave. Sit back down, please.
Anna
(Enraged) Oh? And who do you think you are telling me what I can and cannot do? I am paying for this, and this is bullshit! I can leave if I want.
Dr. Smith
Do I need to call security, Anna?
Anna
What do you mean (in mocking voice) ‘Do I need to call security?” You have no control over me. I’m paying for this! I’m here voluntarily.
Dr. Smith
If you don’t calm down, Anna, I’m afraid I’ll have to call the nurse. Remember what happened last time?
Anna
Last time? You lunatic! This is our first visit! (Gets up again to leave.)
Dr. Smith
(Reaches for walkie-talkie) Could you call in the nurse, please. ASAP.
Anna
(Is about to leave when nurse enters room) Hey! What is this? (Nurse grabs her arm gently and guides her back to chair.) Let me go!
Nurse
What seems to be the issue here, Doctor?
Dr. Smith
Case number 7237. Anna Hudson. Schizophrenic. Checked in in 2003. She is delusional, especially to why she is here. That is our main objective in the case: to get her to remember her reason for admittance. Last week at the weekly check up she almost showed progress, but then to no avail. Today she is much worse.
Nurse
Alright. What would you suggest we do? Increase her medicine? She is currently taking 400 milograms of Chlorpromazine and 200 milograms of Serequel.
Anna
What are you people talking about? I demand to see your manager! I will call the cops if necessary. You do not dare hold me against my will, feed me medication and lock me up for no reason! What kind of facility is this?
Dr. Smith
Yes, I would just give her about 300 milograms of Serequel and increase the Chorpromazine to 550. Anna, this is a mental hospital. We have patients here who suffer from psychosis and other mental malfunctions which make them not suitable for public life. You are one of them. Every week for the last six and a half years, I have been checking your stability. Some weeks you even go so far to admit to what you have done. Others, you are just like today. In denial. When you show consistent progress and admittance to your actions and condition, you will be able to leave this facility. Until then, however, you must stay.
Anna
(Shouting and struggling) That’s it! I am calling the police! (reaches for pocket to grab phone. Pats pants looking for it) Where is my phone? What have you done with it? Let me go, you have no right!
Nurse
(Gives doctor questioning look)
Dr. Smith
(To nurse) You know what to do.
Nurse
(Pulls out handcuffs) Shall I return her to her room, or move her to the ICU?
Anna
Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?
Dr. Smith
I can but only if you speak of your son, Jacob in more detail. Tell us once more how he died.
Anna
He drowned himself in the bathtub on the second story! That is all there is to it. It was a tragic, premature death.
Dr. Smith
(Sighing) You are right, Anna. It was a tragic and premature death. However, that is not how your son died.
Anna
What are you implying here? That I am too crazy to even remember how my son died?
Dr. Smith
I would have sugar-coated it a bit more, but in raw text, yes. You are forgetting the very important detail of how your son really died.
Anna
Well if I’m wrong, why don’t you just tell me? This is all a scam anyway. Entertain me.
Dr. Smith
(Flips through sheets in clipboard. Stops after a few pages.) Ah. Here we go. Anna Rose Hudson. Date of birth: April 24, 1978. Reason for admittace: Charged with first degree murder for drowning and death of her son, Jacob Iain Hudson, age seven. After court and prison, Anna showed signs of serious mental instability such as false accounts of the cause of her son’s death, refusal to accept her crimes, and evident dismissal of all emotions related to this event. Transferred to--
Anna
(Loudly) You’re lying! I would never hurt my son! I loved my son. (Buries face in hands) Please, tell me it’s not true.
Dr. Smith
I’m afraid if I did that, Anna, I would be lying to you. Every week for the last six and a half years you have been denying your crime. Anna, if you want to get better...if you want to get out of this place, you have to go back to that day. You have to relive what you did, and accept it. Without doing so, I’m afraid you have no hope.
Anna
I want proof of this. Do you have proof? Other than the court report? I want to see it with my own eyes.
Dr. Smith
(Shuffles through some papers) I do, but I don’t think you will like what you see.
Anna
Show me anyway.
Dr. Smith
If you insist. (Hesitates, but then hands her two photographs)
Anna
(Shakes her head) It can’t be. It just can’t be! There he is. Just lying there, lifeless. Oh my god, what have I done? How did this happen?
Dr. Smith
You took him down to the river. Do you remember? The river behind your house, next to the park?
Anna
(Gasps) Yes. We were going for a walk. I had picked him up for school, and he wanted to go to the park. I had had a rough day at work and wanted to go home, but when I told him no, he started to cry. I gave in. We were walking when he dropped his hot wheels car into the river. He threw a fit...wanted me to jump in and get it or something ridiculous like that. Like I was gunna ruin my nice work clothes for some piece of crap kid’s toy. I told him we had to go home, but he wouldn’t budge. He had been causing me so much trouble those last few weeks. I started to get angry. I yelled at him telling him we had to go. He told me if I wasn’t going to grab his toy, he would. I had just bought him brand new sneakers...the light up kind and everything. But the minute I turned my back there he went, trudging in the mud in those brand new white sneakers. I lost it. I went in after him. He was trying to swim to the bottom to get the car. (Cries) When he was trying to come up I just held him under. He kicked and struggled but I held him under ‘til he was still. Then, I picked up my bag and walked away...oh my god it’s true. I killed my son.
Dr. Smith
(Writing on his clipboard) This is the most progress we’ve made in years, Anna! This is fantastic. If you keep this up you may even be able to get out of here Or at least transfer to a facility with more freedom.
Anna
(Monotone) I don’t deserve to get out of here. Please, take me back to my room.
Nurse
Doc? Is that alright with you?
Dr. Smith
If you’re sure that’s what you want, Anna.
Anna
Positive.
Dr. Smith
Anything we can bring you to make you more comfortable?
Anna
(Pauses, as if thinking) Yes, now that you mention. A pencil, a piece of paper, and a bucket of water. Then? I’ll need some privacy.
Dr. Smith
(Sighs) As you wish.
Fin
Characters:
-Anna Hudson: Mother of Jacob, speaking to a grievance counselor about the death of her son, Jacob.
-Dr. Smith: Grievance counselor, speaking to Anna about what has happened.
-Nurse: Worker at facility. Helper to Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith
What do you remember seeing, Anna? I know this is painful for you, but believe me, this is an important step in the grieving process.
Anna
(Pauses) I remember...looking for the keys to the bathroom. I was on the phone with my boss, cancelling my 8 o’clock meeting. Jacob had just told me something that worried me...about a dream. When I hung up the phone I heard the sound of running water. When I unlocked the door...(unable to continue. Begins to sob.)
Dr. Smith
Anna. Please take a deep breath. What did you see? This is important. In order to accept, grieve, and heal, you must relive it. Every detail. Try to be as precise as possible.
Anna
I saw my seven-year-old son face down in our bathtub. Why must you ask if you already know? You know everything already. (cries angrily.)
Dr. Smith
Anna, please remain calm. I am trying to see how well you can remember the situation. You have endured some serious trauma here, and I want to check for your mental stability. Do you understand?
Anna
Stability? So you think I am insane, now or something? (Shouting) My son is dead! Of course I am upset!
Dr. Smith
Alright now, Anna. Take a deep breath. Can you please describe that morning for me? Try to include every detail.
Anna
It was like any other Tuesday morning, I guess. I was getting ready for work, and Jacob was getting ready for school.
Dr. Smith
Did he seem...unusual at all? Any different from his normal behavior?
Anna
He seemed a little quieter, I guess. Anyway, he went to the bathroom at say, 7:30. At 7:50 he was still in there. I went to open the door and it was locked...he wouldn’t come out. He said he didn’t want to go to school.
Dr. Smith
Are there any other important details you may be...(clears throat) forgetting?
Anna
No, I’m sure. Well..at least I think so. (sits back puzzled) I feel like I’m forgetting something...(mumbles). No, I can’t be...
Dr. Smith
Did you and Jacob get in an argument, at all? Did you become...physical?
Anna
(Angrily) I would never lay hands on my son! I never have before...right?
Dr. Smith
You tell me, Anna. Moving on, it says here (referring to clipboard) that you have a past of mental illness.
Anna
What are you talking about? Is this some kind of scam?
Dr. Smith
You are telling me you do not remember being diagnosed with Schizophrenia in (pauses and looks down at clipboard) 2002?
Anna
I don’t know what you are talking about! There is nothing wrong with me. If anyone in my family had a mental illness it would be Jacob. How else would you explain a seven-year-old committing suicide?
Dr. Smith
Anna, please. Think very hard. I can assure you you are missing something.
Anna
I can’t remember. I am sure I have told you everything.
Dr. Smith
Anna, I don’t know how to tell you this, but you are missing a very large detail. If you don’t remember it by the end of this session, I’m afraid you won’t be going anywhere.
Anna
(Becomes extremely angry; shouts) Who are you people? I am leaving. This is supposed to help me. But you’re scamming me, aren’t you? To get money! Poor revenue, right?
Dr. Smith
Anna, can you please tell me where we are right now?
Anna
Of course I can. We are at...(thinks for a moment) Hmm. I seem to be blanking the name
Dr. Smith
Mm-hmm. Can you remember why you are here?
Anna
(Annoyed.) We’ve been over this a million times now. You know why. This is all just a joke. (Gets up to leave)
Dr. Smith
I’m afraid you can’t leave. Sit back down, please.
Anna
(Enraged) Oh? And who do you think you are telling me what I can and cannot do? I am paying for this, and this is bullshit! I can leave if I want.
Dr. Smith
Do I need to call security, Anna?
Anna
What do you mean (in mocking voice) ‘Do I need to call security?” You have no control over me. I’m paying for this! I’m here voluntarily.
Dr. Smith
If you don’t calm down, Anna, I’m afraid I’ll have to call the nurse. Remember what happened last time?
Anna
Last time? You lunatic! This is our first visit! (Gets up again to leave.)
Dr. Smith
(Reaches for walkie-talkie) Could you call in the nurse, please. ASAP.
Anna
(Is about to leave when nurse enters room) Hey! What is this? (Nurse grabs her arm gently and guides her back to chair.) Let me go!
Nurse
What seems to be the issue here, Doctor?
Dr. Smith
Case number 7237. Anna Hudson. Schizophrenic. Checked in in 2003. She is delusional, especially to why she is here. That is our main objective in the case: to get her to remember her reason for admittance. Last week at the weekly check up she almost showed progress, but then to no avail. Today she is much worse.
Nurse
Alright. What would you suggest we do? Increase her medicine? She is currently taking 400 milograms of Chlorpromazine and 200 milograms of Serequel.
Anna
What are you people talking about? I demand to see your manager! I will call the cops if necessary. You do not dare hold me against my will, feed me medication and lock me up for no reason! What kind of facility is this?
Dr. Smith
Yes, I would just give her about 300 milograms of Serequel and increase the Chorpromazine to 550. Anna, this is a mental hospital. We have patients here who suffer from psychosis and other mental malfunctions which make them not suitable for public life. You are one of them. Every week for the last six and a half years, I have been checking your stability. Some weeks you even go so far to admit to what you have done. Others, you are just like today. In denial. When you show consistent progress and admittance to your actions and condition, you will be able to leave this facility. Until then, however, you must stay.
Anna
(Shouting and struggling) That’s it! I am calling the police! (reaches for pocket to grab phone. Pats pants looking for it) Where is my phone? What have you done with it? Let me go, you have no right!
Nurse
(Gives doctor questioning look)
Dr. Smith
(To nurse) You know what to do.
Nurse
(Pulls out handcuffs) Shall I return her to her room, or move her to the ICU?
Anna
Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?
Dr. Smith
I can but only if you speak of your son, Jacob in more detail. Tell us once more how he died.
Anna
He drowned himself in the bathtub on the second story! That is all there is to it. It was a tragic, premature death.
Dr. Smith
(Sighing) You are right, Anna. It was a tragic and premature death. However, that is not how your son died.
Anna
What are you implying here? That I am too crazy to even remember how my son died?
Dr. Smith
I would have sugar-coated it a bit more, but in raw text, yes. You are forgetting the very important detail of how your son really died.
Anna
Well if I’m wrong, why don’t you just tell me? This is all a scam anyway. Entertain me.
Dr. Smith
(Flips through sheets in clipboard. Stops after a few pages.) Ah. Here we go. Anna Rose Hudson. Date of birth: April 24, 1978. Reason for admittace: Charged with first degree murder for drowning and death of her son, Jacob Iain Hudson, age seven. After court and prison, Anna showed signs of serious mental instability such as false accounts of the cause of her son’s death, refusal to accept her crimes, and evident dismissal of all emotions related to this event. Transferred to--
Anna
(Loudly) You’re lying! I would never hurt my son! I loved my son. (Buries face in hands) Please, tell me it’s not true.
Dr. Smith
I’m afraid if I did that, Anna, I would be lying to you. Every week for the last six and a half years you have been denying your crime. Anna, if you want to get better...if you want to get out of this place, you have to go back to that day. You have to relive what you did, and accept it. Without doing so, I’m afraid you have no hope.
Anna
I want proof of this. Do you have proof? Other than the court report? I want to see it with my own eyes.
Dr. Smith
(Shuffles through some papers) I do, but I don’t think you will like what you see.
Anna
Show me anyway.
Dr. Smith
If you insist. (Hesitates, but then hands her two photographs)
Anna
(Shakes her head) It can’t be. It just can’t be! There he is. Just lying there, lifeless. Oh my god, what have I done? How did this happen?
Dr. Smith
You took him down to the river. Do you remember? The river behind your house, next to the park?
Anna
(Gasps) Yes. We were going for a walk. I had picked him up for school, and he wanted to go to the park. I had had a rough day at work and wanted to go home, but when I told him no, he started to cry. I gave in. We were walking when he dropped his hot wheels car into the river. He threw a fit...wanted me to jump in and get it or something ridiculous like that. Like I was gunna ruin my nice work clothes for some piece of crap kid’s toy. I told him we had to go home, but he wouldn’t budge. He had been causing me so much trouble those last few weeks. I started to get angry. I yelled at him telling him we had to go. He told me if I wasn’t going to grab his toy, he would. I had just bought him brand new sneakers...the light up kind and everything. But the minute I turned my back there he went, trudging in the mud in those brand new white sneakers. I lost it. I went in after him. He was trying to swim to the bottom to get the car. (Cries) When he was trying to come up I just held him under. He kicked and struggled but I held him under ‘til he was still. Then, I picked up my bag and walked away...oh my god it’s true. I killed my son.
Dr. Smith
(Writing on his clipboard) This is the most progress we’ve made in years, Anna! This is fantastic. If you keep this up you may even be able to get out of here Or at least transfer to a facility with more freedom.
Anna
(Monotone) I don’t deserve to get out of here. Please, take me back to my room.
Nurse
Doc? Is that alright with you?
Dr. Smith
If you’re sure that’s what you want, Anna.
Anna
Positive.
Dr. Smith
Anything we can bring you to make you more comfortable?
Anna
(Pauses, as if thinking) Yes, now that you mention. A pencil, a piece of paper, and a bucket of water. Then? I’ll need some privacy.
Dr. Smith
(Sighs) As you wish.
Fin