Post by Bruce "The Beast" Richards on Nov 13, 2005 12:52:28 GMT -5
(Camera fades in on a hospital lobby. About ten feet away, The Beast is sitting in a comfortable chair across from a black couch. On the couch is a young boy of about ten years old in a hospital gown, sitting beside a beautiful red-haired woman. The three rise from their seats.)
The Beast: Well, that's all we have time for today, guys. (Kneels down and hands the boy a copy of "Animal Farm".) Leroy, you can borrow one of my books. I read this one when I was about your age, and it changed my life. (Pats the boy on the head. The Beast then rises to face the boy's mother.) Mrs. Brown, you know you can call me whenever you need me, at any time.
Mrs. Brown: I...just don't know how I can cope. I mean, ever since Harry left us, I feel so alone.
The Beast: It must be very hard for you. (Pause.) You know, I get off at 5:00. We could meet for dinner if you'd like.
Mrs. Brown: Oh, Mr. Richards, that would be wonderful! (Grabs his hands and holds them.) I'll meet you in the lobby at five, then!
The Beast: I can't wait...Tricia. (Kisses her hands, then waves as she walk away. Turns to the boy.) Get back to your room, kid, it's almost bedtime.
Leroy: But we just had lunch an hour ago.
The Beast: Then it's almost naptime, isn't it? Hit the road. (Leroy quickly runs away; camera zooms in.) Hi there. You just caught me in time for my coffee break. Mind if we walk and talk? See, Kyle and I care about the children in this community, and apparently. When children get sick, they get the best medical care the country has to offer. Hell, they get their own hospital. But sometimes when kids get sick, the people that get hit the hardest are the parents. (Enters the break room and pours himself a cup of coffee.) You see, the parents--(An orderly comes into the room after him and starts yelling.)
Orderly: Hey, you can't just come in here! This is a staff break room! (The Beast glares at the man, who slowly backs down. The Beast shoves him aside, walks out the door, and continues his speech.)
The Beast: As I was saying. In these kinds of situations, the parents are often left alone, without anyone to talk to about how the disease is affecting them. That's why I've volunteered at the Parent Counseling Program at the Stollery Children's Hospital. You'd be surprised how many single mothers just need someone to "talk" to about their child's problems. (Smirks, then takes a sip of coffee.)
But there are some diseases that hit the family worse than others. Some diseases have no cure. Some diseases affect the individual - and the family - all their lives. I'm talking about alcoholism. Without good counseling it can tear a family apart. (Sets his coffee down on the table.)
Axe, Diamond: Kyle and I think you need help. You're doing more than just destroying your careers, you're destroying your parents. I know the pressure of this business can get to you, but drinking isn't the answer. You have to think about your health and your family. Without those, you have nothing.
(A stunning blonde comes up behind The Beast, and taps him on the shoulder. He turns quickly, abd the woman lets out a shriek.) Oh, Ms. Ashe, I didn't mean to startle you.
Ms. Ashe: That's okay, Mr. Richards. The nurse said I'd find you down here.
The Beast: Is it time for our appointment already? (Checks watch.) I'm sorry, I just lost track of time. I was getting you a coffee. (Hands her the cup on the counter.)
Ms. Ashe: Thank-you. It's about Molly...she...she...
The Beast: It's okay, Diane. (Puts his arm around the woman, and the two begin to walk away.) You can tell me all about it; I'm here to listen. (His hand begins to drift slowly down her back as the camera fades out.)
The Beast: Well, that's all we have time for today, guys. (Kneels down and hands the boy a copy of "Animal Farm".) Leroy, you can borrow one of my books. I read this one when I was about your age, and it changed my life. (Pats the boy on the head. The Beast then rises to face the boy's mother.) Mrs. Brown, you know you can call me whenever you need me, at any time.
Mrs. Brown: I...just don't know how I can cope. I mean, ever since Harry left us, I feel so alone.
The Beast: It must be very hard for you. (Pause.) You know, I get off at 5:00. We could meet for dinner if you'd like.
Mrs. Brown: Oh, Mr. Richards, that would be wonderful! (Grabs his hands and holds them.) I'll meet you in the lobby at five, then!
The Beast: I can't wait...Tricia. (Kisses her hands, then waves as she walk away. Turns to the boy.) Get back to your room, kid, it's almost bedtime.
Leroy: But we just had lunch an hour ago.
The Beast: Then it's almost naptime, isn't it? Hit the road. (Leroy quickly runs away; camera zooms in.) Hi there. You just caught me in time for my coffee break. Mind if we walk and talk? See, Kyle and I care about the children in this community, and apparently. When children get sick, they get the best medical care the country has to offer. Hell, they get their own hospital. But sometimes when kids get sick, the people that get hit the hardest are the parents. (Enters the break room and pours himself a cup of coffee.) You see, the parents--(An orderly comes into the room after him and starts yelling.)
Orderly: Hey, you can't just come in here! This is a staff break room! (The Beast glares at the man, who slowly backs down. The Beast shoves him aside, walks out the door, and continues his speech.)
The Beast: As I was saying. In these kinds of situations, the parents are often left alone, without anyone to talk to about how the disease is affecting them. That's why I've volunteered at the Parent Counseling Program at the Stollery Children's Hospital. You'd be surprised how many single mothers just need someone to "talk" to about their child's problems. (Smirks, then takes a sip of coffee.)
But there are some diseases that hit the family worse than others. Some diseases have no cure. Some diseases affect the individual - and the family - all their lives. I'm talking about alcoholism. Without good counseling it can tear a family apart. (Sets his coffee down on the table.)
Axe, Diamond: Kyle and I think you need help. You're doing more than just destroying your careers, you're destroying your parents. I know the pressure of this business can get to you, but drinking isn't the answer. You have to think about your health and your family. Without those, you have nothing.
(A stunning blonde comes up behind The Beast, and taps him on the shoulder. He turns quickly, abd the woman lets out a shriek.) Oh, Ms. Ashe, I didn't mean to startle you.
Ms. Ashe: That's okay, Mr. Richards. The nurse said I'd find you down here.
The Beast: Is it time for our appointment already? (Checks watch.) I'm sorry, I just lost track of time. I was getting you a coffee. (Hands her the cup on the counter.)
Ms. Ashe: Thank-you. It's about Molly...she...she...
The Beast: It's okay, Diane. (Puts his arm around the woman, and the two begin to walk away.) You can tell me all about it; I'm here to listen. (His hand begins to drift slowly down her back as the camera fades out.)