Fragment V

Enter stage-left: Joseph and Adam

Adam : You’ve got a crazy bunch of friends there, boy...

Joseph : You don’t say. Could that be... maybe because...

Doctor : What? —they’re crazy?

The two sit in their respective chairs, Adam once again facing the doctor, his grandson between him and his mother.

Joseph : Doctor, you’ve ruined the punch-line.

Doctor : Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. How was the tour, Adam?

Adam : Not all that bad... but I still don’t think I want my grandson here if he doesn’t need to be.

Cadence : I don’t even know what to think anymore.

Joseph : But isn’t it my choice? I want to be here.

Doctor : Well, actually Joseph. It’s not your choice. It’s mine. If you don’t need to be here, I will not keep you here only because you want to be here. If I know that you need to be here, then I will keep you here until such time that I decide you can go. And once you pass yourself into my care, it is possible that you may never leave.

Adam : But you said that it was his decision.

Doctor : Did I really? Are you sure? I said it was his choice whether or not he became well. It is my job to judge whether or not he is fit to return to normal society. So far, I have seen nothing but a charade of madness from this young man. He is neither fit for society nor this institution.

Cadence (nearly crying) : But we need to do something. We can’t just sit here.

Joseph : Sounds good to me.

Adam : I think he should come home.

Doctor : And the risks?

Adam : We can handle the risks.

Joseph : Can you really? Do you know who my enemies are? They will destroy you to get to me you know.

Doctor : Correction, Joseph: you will destroy them to get to me.

Adam : What?!?

An epiphany seems to suddenly strike the Doctor.

Doctor (quietly) : Or you will destroy yourself...

Joseph (not listening) : Are you accusing me of something, Doctor?

Doctor : No, I’m merely stating a fact. It will break your mother’s heart to see you locked-up here with me, though it seems to be something you want.

Joseph : But I am trying to save her from my enemies. She will be killed if that’s what it takes to get to me. It will save her life if I stay — she will be alive and happy...

Doctor : Are you sure of that? Are you so sure that you are willing to gamble with the odds?

Joseph : No... I know the odds.

Adam : You can come home, boy. We can make it on our own.

Doctor : But if it’s therapy you need, young man, you should stay, even if only for a little while.

Joseph : So I can stay or I can go? It’s my decision?

Doctor : That’s not what I said. I said that if it was what you think you need — for your own well-being — don’t feel like you’re abandoning those that love you. I’m not sure whether or not you do need help, but I know you know.

Adam : But he can come home if he wants to.

Doctor : I think so.

Joseph : I don’t know what to say. I don’t feel safe going home. But I don’t want to stay either. I don’t know what I want... Mother, help me.

Cadence : I love you, son. I only want what’s best for you.

Joseph : I need help... I can’t decide this on my own. I’m not afraid of my enemies. I’m not afraid of my duties...

Doctor : What are you afraid of, Joseph?

Joseph : I don’t know... I’m scared... But I think I should stay... I need help...

Doctor : Are you sure?

There is a few moments of silence as Joseph lowers his head into his hands, immersed in a deep spiritual conflict. Adam stares at Joseph, almost fearing the decision, while Cadence struggles against tears. As she looks out into the distance, she brushes away an invisible tear from her eye. Joseph does not see the pain she is in. Adam does; he glances at her a few times, concerned. Then, as Joseph looks up, into the distance, seemingly at the same thing his mother sees, Adam tries to force Joseph to answer.

Adam (with strength) : Well, young man...?

Joseph (unsure at first) : I think... I should... stay.

Cadence (crying) : I have to go...

She stands and turns toward the doors leading out of the hospital. As she opens the doors, Adam stands to accuse his grandson who is still looking into the distance.

Adam : You really don’t care, do you?

Joseph : I—

Exit stage-right: Cadence

Adam : Do you even realize what she’s gone through for you?

Joseph : Completely.

Adam : And you don’t even appreciate it. I can’t believe I even raised you... hurt your own like that. I don’t believe it...

Adam continues to stand there, virtually leaning over Joseph, who remains distant but still seems filled with fear. The doctor leans back in his chair, as if trying to become part of the scenery.

Adam : I don’t know what to say to you, boy. She went through the worst of all hells because of what happened. You know that. I know that. And, doctor, you know that. Joseph, I hope you’re happy...

Joseph : I’m not.

Adam : Then why... why all this? Why? Tell me Joseph — and don’t give me any of that my-name-is-Cain horseshit. You know what’s going on. But here you are, caught in your own little world. Don’t even think that I don’t know... But whatever it is... you’re going to kill her if you stay here. You know that, don’t you?

Joseph (resolutely) : She’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. I just need...

Adam : You’re so sure of yourself, aren’t you? And I thought you were past the age of always being right. Well, I’m leaving. With any luck, your mother will still be alive in a few days to visit you.

Joseph remains sitting, staring into the distance, as his grandfather storms out.

Exit stage-right: Adam

Joseph : Well, I’d say that went rather well, wouldn’t you doctor?

The Doctor looks at Joseph with heartfelt sympathy at first before covering it with a cold, professional veneer. Joseph finally looks away from the object in the distance to the doctor and smiles absently. All is silent as the doctor leads Joseph by the arm toward the door back into the hospital, switching the lights off as he leaves.

Exit stage-left: Doctor and Joseph

Curtain