26
STEPFATHER: I'll make it up to you, I promise.
Everything'll be different once I find a job, you'll see,
I'll be a new man, I'll be my old self again. I'll be
able to buy you things, and things for the kids
too, of course. I'll be able to take you away for
weekends. It'll be great.
MOTHER: But you're not going to get a job if you don't
keep on trying. How many interviews have you had
this week? How many jobs have you applied for?
It's like you're not even trying anymore, it's
like you've given up.
STEPFATHER: I haven't given up.
MOTHER: Good because you can't afford to. The money I got
from Tom's policy is running out and my house
cleaning money isn't enough to make ends meet,
so you'd better not give up.
STEPFATHER: It's just so bloody hard. There's nothing out
there. I hate it. I feel so fucking impotent.
MOTHER: I know it's hard, I never said it was easy. If
we just stick together and keep trying, we'll
be okay.
STEPFATHER: Come 'ere.
(He holds his arms out and she goes to him, they
embrace.)
STEPFATHER: I'll try harder from now on. Come on let's eat.
MOTHER: It's all dry and shrivelled 'cause I kept it warm
for you.
STEPFATHER: (sitting) That's okay, it serves me right then.
MOTHER: Mine's the same 'cause I waited for you.
STEPFATHER: I really am sorry.
MOTHER: I don't feel very hungry anyway.
(She sits as well and as he starts eating, she
picks at her food, eating small amounts.
Fade to blackout.)
SCENE 7:
The main bedroom. The MOTHER is lying in bed reading a book
by the light of a small booklight. The rest of the room is in
darkness.
