Treatment
Act I
The audience is in darkness. Slowly, a projection with the definition of the word disease fades up on a screen:
Disease – noun
A particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people.
The projection fades to black.
Prologue: Diagnosis
Setting: A Café in Portland Oregon
Time: Now
In Darkness, we hear low music playing. Lights come up on a deserted coffee shop. Eve, a young woman in her early 20’s appears from the kitchen. She is the only employee on duty. She looks around at the lack of customers and decides to keep herself busy by wiping down the tables for the hundredth time that day. As she begins her menial task, not paying too much attention to anything else around her, a teenage girl of 18 enters the coffee shop unnoticed.
The girl, Hunter, sits down on a stool at the coffee shop counter. She picks up a menu and thumbs through it quickly, browsing the options. After a few moments, she grows obviously impatient that Eve is wiping tables and not serving her.
Hunter gets Eve’s attention.
Hunter: Excuse me…can I get some service?
Eve, caught off guard, looks up flustered. She makes her way behind the counter.
Eve: What can I get you?
Hunter: I’ll just have a latte. With soymilk, unsweetened.
Eve: Do you want to add a vanilla or chocolate shot to that?
Hunter: (looks at Eve)I said unsweetened?
Eve: Oh, right. Sorry. It’ll just be a minute.
Eve goes to the kitchen. We hear an espresso machine kick on and the unmistakable sounds of milk frothing. Hunter takes out a phone and dials. She speaks to a friend.
Hunter: Hey, what’s up? No I’m not at school, I’m getting a latte. So…I’m a senior, what are they going to do? Suspend me?
Eve reappears and starts to bring the coffee to Hunter. She goes to put the coffee on the counter and opens her mouth to speak but her words come out as gibberish
Eve: Herefsh yrrr yaltte…
She appears confused and starts to tremble. Hunter looks at her.
Hunter: Are you okay?
The moment passes and a look of horror crosses Eve’s face as the lights shift. A tight spot light on Eve as music plays and she sing/speaks the next line to the audience
Glioblastoma Multiforme… the most aggressive malignant brain tumor…common symptoms include seizure, nausea, and headaches…but the most common is…progressive memory, personality and neurological loss...
Music stops and the lights return to normal. Eve appears frightened and hurries offstage.
Hunter: Weird. (Into the phone) Not you, the waitress. She just freaked out or something.
Another call comes through. Hunter looks at the phone and rolls her eyes.
Crap. Can I call you back? It’s my Mom. (Switches over)
Hi Mom. What? Wait, Mom slow down you’re talking too fast. Holly is where? The hospital…again?
Lights shift to a tight spot light on Hunter as music plays and she sing/speaks the next line
Dilated viral cardiomyopathy… enlarged heart cavity…the heart becomes weak and does not pump blood properly…symptoms are: abnormal heart rhythms and slow blood flow. Blood clots in the heart form easily…
Music stops and lights return to normal. She speaks to her mother on the phone
Well you better come get me. What do you mean when? Now! (hangs up) Unbelievable!
She runs out the door of the café.
Eve comes back onstage checking to see that she is finally alone. She scurries to change the sign from open to closed. She has a moment of silence to make sense of what just happened.
She leans against the café door and sobs.
Black out
Scene 1:
At the hospital, a few days after the opening
Lights come up on a hospital room and a bed. There is a curtain drawn down the middle of the room behind which is a second bed, not visible to the audience. We hear two voices and the sounds of two people obviously in love.
TheNurse enters pushing Eve in a wheelchair
Nurse: Alright Sugar, take a look at your new room; it looks bare now but you can brighten it up with some of your own things.
Eve: It’s fine like it is.
Nurse: Come on and spice it up a bit…you could put up some pictures, posters…anything.
The Nurse helps Eve out of the chair and settles her into her hospital bed
Eve: (brief pause) I’ll think about it.
Giggle from behind the curtain. The Nurse rolls her eyes and draws the curtain open between the two hospital beds and finds Jeremy and Lila in a compromising position.
Nurse: Jeremy, you know it’s past visiting hours.
Jeremy, a young man in his early 20’s wearing army fatigues slides off the hospital bed throws up his hands, smiling.
Jeremy: So…sue me
Nurse smiles back
Nurse: Don’t you have somewhere more important you need to be young man, like fighting for our country?
Jeremy crosses to the Nurse and flirts with her
Jeremy:You are so beautiful when you’re angry. (The Nurse gives him a look. Jeremy laughs) Look, you won’t have to worry about me breaking hospital rules for much longer. I’ll be gone for the next three months. You know you’re going to miss me.
He grabs the Nurse and twirls her around romantically, playfully
Nurse: Oh let me go Romeo (Nurse shoos him away)
Lila: Knock it off Jeremy.
Jeremy gives the Nurse a final twirl and laughs
Can you believe he is off to Afghanistan tomorrow and leaving me here alone?
Jeremy: You know the routine…Duty Calls
Lila rolls her eyes and turns away
Jeremy: (Goes over to her and hugs her) Oh come on, we’ve done this before and I’ll be back before you know it. (Pause) Hey. I love you.
Lila: Even if I have no hair when you come back?
Jeremy: To the moon and back my love. Besides, I think bald women are sexy
Jeremy bear hugs Lila and showers her with kisses, she laughs.
Nurse: (interrupting) Okay, okay break it up love birds. (To Jeremy) You can stay for a few more minutes if you stop the sweet talk. You don’t want to bother your new roommate.
Lila: Are we really bothering you?
Jeremy is snuggling with Lila and kissing her neck. She half attempts to brush him off
Eve:(uncomfortable) Uh…n-n-o. I don’t…it’s
Nurse: Well you’re bothering ME! So keep it P.G.
Jeremy laughs
Nurse: (turns to Eve) You’ll get used to Jeremy. Whenever he comes in here, he makes himself at home. Now, get comfy. (Music starts) There’s nothing else left for you to do but make yourself at home.
Song: Make Yourself At Home
NURSE
HELLO, SUGAR. COME ON IN.
TAKE A BREATH OR TAKE A SPIN.
I’M THE NURSE HERE FOR YOUR STAY
HERE TO HELP IN ANY WAY.
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
(HAVE SOME JELLO) IT WON’T KILL YOU, DEAR.
YOU CAN’T GET RID OF ME.
THIS FACE YOU’LL LOVE TO SEE.
BY THE WAY, YOUR DOCTOR’S HOT.
KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OR YOU’LL GET A SHOT! (HE’S MINE)
I’M HERE TO SERVE MY QUEENS.
LOVE, COMFORT, DRUGS AND TRASHY MAGAZINES.
WE’RE YOUR PRIVATE BIO-DOME.
NOW, MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
LILA
I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND WHILE YOU’RE HERE.
LATE NIGHT TALKS WILL CALM YOUR FEAR.
JEREMY
SHE’S A BAPTIST, I’M A JEW.
EITHER WAY WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.
LILA & JEREMY
THOUGH TIMES WILL GET ROUGH,
WE WILL STICK TOGETHER, WE’LL BE TOUGH!
LILA, JEREMY, NURSE
IT’S TIME TO GO EXPLORE
THERE’S MORE THAN JUST THIS FLOOR.
GO DOWNTAIRS, THE MEALS ARE HOT.
YOU CAN GET A VIRGIN JELLO SHOT.
NURSE
(spoken while taking a swig from her flask)
Or, not.
LILA, JEREMY, NURSE
BEYOND THE DARK, DANK HALLS
AROUND WE’LL WHIRL AND DANCE AROUND THE HALLS.
NOW, WE’VE MET.
JEREMY
I’LL SAY: SHALOM!
LILA, JEREMY, NURSE
NOW, MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
BUCKLE IN AND THEN WE’LL BEGIN!
HOLD ON TIGHT.
HAVE A NICE FLIGHT!
NURSE, JEREMY, LILA and EVE wheel out into the hallway.
The activity is overwhelming.
DR. JENNINGS
HEART PRESSURE.
SANITIZE.
WHAT’S HER PULSE?
MEDICATE.
ROOM FOUR: CLEAR!
SHOT RECORDS.
NURSE
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
DR. JENNINGS
TAKE VITALS.
WRAP THAT PLEASE.
GET MORPHINE.
GET HIM SHOTS.
IV’S THERE.
GET HER DOPE!
NURSE
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
DON’T LET ALL THAT FRIGHTEN YOU.
LET’S JUST IGNORE THEM.
JUST EXPLORE AND LET YOURSELF GO!
NURSE, DR. JENNINGS, LILA, JEREMY
KEEP YOUR HEAD HELD UP HIGH.
THE TIME WILL FLY RIGHT BY.
MOST THE FOLKS ARE SUFF’RING HERE
SO YOU MAKE SURE YOU’RE SMILING EAR-TO-EAR.
THE DAYS CAN SURE BE BRIGHT.
KEEP YOUR GRIP TIGHT AND BE PREPARED TO FIGHT.
JUST SURROUND YOUR HEART IN CHROME
AND MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME.
The activity has stopped outside HOLLY and HUNTER’S door.
The action freezes as we go inside.
HUNTER
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME?
HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
HOLLY
AT LEAST I’VE GOT YOU
AND YOU HAVE GOT ME, TOO. RIGHT?
HUNTER
(spoken)
So… your idea of home is seeing people in their deathbed? How charming.
HOLLY
I know this is hard for you. But, it isn’t easy for me either. Over time, maybe this will start to feel like----
HUNTER
Holly, do you really think that’s what I want?
HOLLY
(singing)
NO. IT’S WHAT I WANT.
SO PLEASE, DO IT FOR ME.
DO IT FOR ME.
DO IT FOR ME!
NURSE, DR. JENNINGS, LILA, JEREMY, DR. GRAY, EVE, HOLLY, SHELBY
NO FEELING SORRY HERE.
‘CAUSE WE SHARE THE SAME FEAR.
NURSES AT YOUR/OUR BECK AND CALL
AND THEY WILL CATCH YOU IF YOU START TO FALL.
YOUR/MY HEART IS POUNDING FAST
BUT IN THESE MOMENTS, YOU CAN MAKE IT LAST.
UNPACK YOUR BAG, YOUR SILVER COMB.
TIP YOUR HAT AND SHOUT: SHALOM!
TURN YOUR HEART TO SOLID CHROME
AND MAKE YOURSELF….. AT HOME!!!!
End Song, music stops
Nurse:(looking at Jeremy) Let’s go lover boy.
Jeremy gets up to go.
Nurse: (To Eve) Dr. Jennings will be in to see you soon. Try to get some rest. (To Jeremy) Hey soldier, if you leave now, I’ll give you some Jell-O
Jeremy:(as he leaves) Is that a threat?
Jeremy and the Nurse exit.
Lila: She’s the best nurse ever
Eve: Yeah…sure
There is an awkward silence.
Lila: I really love how your hair curls. Is it natural?
Eve: Yeah…thank you
Pause. After a few moments, Eve tries to be more social
Eve: That guy your boyfriend?
Lila:(smiling, flashing her wedding ring) Husband. We were high school sweethearts, now we’re newlyweds.
Eve: He seems kinda young to be going to Afghanistan
Lila: Everyone has their calling I guess…actually he’s only been in the military for a couple of years but it feels like an eternity.
Eve: Oh
Lila: It seems like we’re always saying goodbye. And now this (indicates the hospital room) I’m stuck here. (Beat) Lukemia…can you believe it? 22 years old and I’m fighting for my life. Isn’t that crazy?
She looks at Eve, suddenly realizing that she has been doing all the talking
Lila: I talk a lot. It’s a curse. So…what are you in here for?
Eve, looking uncomfortable is about to speak but is interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Jennings. Dr. Jennings, an attractive young resident doctor enters their room with the Nurse.
Nurse: Here she is Doctor (indicates Eve). Our new “lady in waiting”.
Dr. Jennings:(To the nurse, hardly acknowledging Eve). A patient’s neurological function can be impaired by any number of conditions. The next course of action will be a series of brain scans and neurological tests. I won’t rule out the possibility of a brain tumor but without a full battery of tests, I can’t make a definitive diagnosis.
Dr Jennings has a clipboard and begins making notes on a chart.
Nurse: You’re the doctor. (Goes to Lila) Come on beautiful, time for your daily walk around the courtyard.
She helps Lila get up and put on her sweater. As they go to leave, Lila looks at Eve sympathetically. Eve slumps down into her bed.
Lila: I’ll see ya later Eve.
Lila and Nurse exit. Dr. Jennings sits on a stool beside Eve and begins asking questions
Dr. Jennings: I reviewed your paperwork and wanted to go over a few things with you.
Eve: Alright
Dr. Jennings: When did you first notice symptoms?
Eve: I don’t know…a week ago, maybe two…
Dr. Jennings:(writing) Have you ever been treated for a neurological condition?
Eve: No
Dr. Jennings: But you’ve suspected you had something for how long?
Eve: What does it matter? I’m here now
Dr. Jennings: Well it matters quite a bit. We need to know how late we caught this or if you even have anything at all.
Eve: Wait, you don’t think I’m telling the truth?
Dr. Jennings: That’s not what I said. But your word is not medical fact so we have to do some more tests to make sure we know what we are dealing with here.
Eve: Fine
Dr. Jennings: Your family health history was not filled out completely and since you admitted yourself to the hospital...
Eve: Look, all I know is one day I was fine and the next day I wasn’t. These headaches are unbearable and sometimes…I can’t think straight.
Dr. Jennings: Any nausea or vomiting?
Eve: Sometimes
Dr. Jennings: (writing on his chart) I see. How about memory loss? Noticeable change in personality?
Eve:(exploding) LOOK JUST TELL ME WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME!
She and Dr. Jennings are both caught by surprise by her sudden outburst.
I didn’t mean to…
Dr. Jennings looks down at his chart, makes some notes and speaks coolly to Eve
Dr. Jennings: Is there a family member I can talk to?
Eve: (uncomfortable) Um, well not really. I live alone
Dr. Jennings: Have either of your parents ever been diagnosed with an illness? History of cancer or tumors?
Eve: I don’t know
Dr. Jennings: Well is there a way I can contact them to find out?
Looks away from the Doctor
Eve: They’re dead
Lights cross fade into the next scene
Scene 2:
Lights come up on Holly’s hospital room. She is in her bed when her sister Hunter enters with a laptop.
Hunter: Hey Holly. Mom said you could have the computer, while you’re here.
Holly: Are you sure? That’s our only computer.
Hunter: Yeah, it’s fine.
Holly: You can use it if you want to.
Hunter: Holly, just take it.
Holly takes the laptop from Hunter
Holly: Thanks. How was school?
Hunter: You would not believe what happened today. So we had a pep assembly right? And the cheerleaders were trying to do this really complicated stunt where they throw the girl in the air and they tried to get her to spin or whatever and catch her. Well instead of catching her like they were supposed to, she totally fell on top of the rest of the squad! It was so funny!
Holly: Oh my gosh - is she okay?
Hunter: She’ll be fine. Oh, and my English teacher gave me this stupid essay that’s due tomorrow about this stupid thing. Who even cares about Shakespeare any more?
She stares at Holly who has her eyes closed
Are you even listening to me?
Holly: Sorry, I’m just really tired.
Hunter: You’re always tired.
She goes to Holly and fluffs her pillows
I mean you’d think after your last stay at the hospital, you would be used to it by now. You weren’t this tired last time.
Holly: It’s probably the new medicine the doctor gave me.
Hunter: Maybe.
Hunter walks away, pulls out her phone and starts texting. Holly, with nothing else to do, gets on the laptop and finds a get well video from her friends. Holly plays the video and the audience hears a group of teenagers wishing Holly well.
ALL VO: Hey Holly
VO 1: We just wanted to say that we really, really miss you
VO 2: Laughing at Mr. Durbin’s hairpiece isn’t the same
VO 3: Yeah. Let us know when we can come visit
Hunter stops texting and walks over to Holly, peering over her shoulder and seeing the video. Holly pauses the video
Hunter: What is that?
Holly: It’s just a video.
Hunter: What’s it about?
Holly: Some of my friends at schoolsent me a get well video.
Hunter: How insincere. Don’t people send cards anymore?
Holly: I think it’s really sweet.
She sinks down in her bed and brings the computer close, continuing to watch the video. The voices play more of the message and Hunter listens.
VO 1: You’re not missing much, school is still a drag.
VO 2: Must be tough, sleeping in everyday!
Hunter walks downstage as the lights shift separating Hunter and Holly in two pools of light.