33
BOY: Ease your grip and I will share your burden.
It is not good for one so young as you
To have a heart that weighs on you so heavy.
CYNTHIA: My stepfather, he...we don't just fight, actually
I don't fight with him at all. I try to stay away
from him. But he won't stay away from me. He
comes into my room at night and...and touches
me...like, intimately...I mean...the bastard rapes
me.
(The BOY looks at her silently, full of
compassion. A tear rolls down his cheek.)
CYNTHIA: Why are you crying? I'm the one who should be
crying.
BOY: You cry too much, this time I'll cry for you.
(pause) Is there nothing you can do about this?
CYNTHIA: I'm never really there when it happens. I come
here. To you.
BOY: Would that I could do something to help you.
I would freely surrender all I have
For the power to take away all your pain.
CYNTHIA: You ease my pain and give me comfort. That's
enough.
BOY: (pause) You have told no other of your troubles?
CYNTHIA: No one but you. I can't. I feel so ashamed.
BOY: You should not let the actions of others
Cause you shame, it is they who should feel it.
What he does to you is no fault of yours,
See not yourself as being responsible.
Ultimately he will pay for your pain.
CYNTHIA: I don't know what to do. I can't go on like this.
I can't take it anymore. I can feel myself losing
control...
BOY: If you can take no more then you must fight.
CYNTHIA: I don't know how.
BOY: I think you should tell someone.
(pause, then nods decisively)
Tell someone, tell anyone who will listen.
(Blackout)
