Scene 8

Lights up on ROBIN and TYLER and PATIENTS and NURSES in a room with a table and pens, paper, and pencils. TYLER is coloring a picture, the NURSES are sitting nearby talking and drinking coffee, and ROBIN is writing a letter to EZRA. DAN and TARA are nearby, stage-talking to each other.

ROBIN Dear Ezra, First of all, thank you. My eyes have kinda been opened during the five days I’ve spent here, and I really can’t wait to get back home and see you again. I owe you my life, quite literally, and I really am starting to like you a lot. I know I’ve never really talked to you before that much since we’ve always been parts of different friend groups, but from the few times I’ve actually talked to you, you’ve always been super nice to everyone, and you’re funny, and… I don’t know where I’m going with this. Hmm. Well, thank you, is what I’m trying to say. Second of all, well, I dunno. I guess I’ll just tell you about my day today. In the morning, we did exercises, and then we have waffles for breakfast. They were really dry and gross, but I didn’t really care. I ate them anyways. Also, we had time for group with Dan again, and I really like him. He’s super nice and understanding, which is good, especially for a counselor. Anyways, I painted a birdhouse today. It’s green and blue, but it’s kinda ugly, but that’s whatever. Then-

NURSE with a phone Robin! Can you come here please?

ROBIN Uh, sure. They fold up the piece of paper and leave it in a box on the table. Then, they walk over to where the nurse is speaking on the phone.

NURSE Uh-huh. Okay. Sure. Goodbye! Yes, have a nice day. Okay. Buh-bye. hangs up the phone. Alright, sweetie! You’re leaving today as soon as your parents come to pick you up! Are you excited?

ROBIN Definitely! I’ve been stuck here for far too long. I need to see my friends again. I haven’t seen anyone since, well, since I’ve been here.

NURSE smiles. That’ll be good for you! I hope you have fun and never end up here again, right?

ROBIN Right.

NURSE Excellent. Well, it looks like it’s about time to head back to your rooms, but I’ll help you get ready to leave, Robin. Everyone else, put your things in your boxes and get ready to go back to your rooms. The NURSES stand up and stretch as the PATIENTS, including ROBIN and TYLER, put everything away and line up like prison inmates. Everyone marches offstage except for ROBIN and one NURSE, who digs through a box to find a pair of clean regular clothes for ROBIN. MOM and DAD walk into the scene together, distant to each other still, and give ROBIN a big hug.

MOTHER Cath- I mean, Robin! I’m so glad you’re okay.

ROBIN acts surprised and suspicious of the sudden change in their parents. Um, thanks. Hey, Dad.

FATHER Hey, kid. awkwardly with a small wave; everyone stares at each other for a while, but they then all start talking at once

MOTHER Hey, I’m sorry-

FATHER You know what?

ROBIN interrupts them both with a wave of their hand Hey, it’s okay. I understand. It’s alright. I forgive you both.

MOTHER exchanges a surprised glance with FATHER Honey, we’re going to family therapy now so that this doesn’t happen again. You’re welcome to join us sometime if you want.

ROBIN Looking back and forth between them I’d like that. And I think I want to go back to individual therapy again. It really was helpful and I don’t know why I stopped.

FATHER nods That’s a good idea, Robin. Thanks for… well, not hating me. Or either of us. I know you have a right to.

ROBIN shakes their head. Of course I don’t hate you. Although I hope you do realize, we’re never going to have that perfect family relationship. It’s kinda too late for that. It’ll take some getting used to each other, but I’m sure we’ll be comfortable with each other eventually.

MOTHER and FATHER both nod.

MOTHER We understand. Thank you. Awkward beat.

FATHER So… Robin… I bet you’re wanting to go home, am I right?

ROBIN nods. More than anything right now. Let me change first, and I’ll be right out.

MOTHER turns to FATHER after ROBIN exits Well, things are looking up, I guess.

FATHER I sure hope so

Lights go down as parents exchange a glance and freeze.

END SCENE 8