Characters

Patrick Walsh, 17-year-old senior in high school
Mrs. Walsh, Pat’s mother
Greg Stein, 16-year-old friend of Pat
Mr. Stein, Greg’s father
Mrs. Stein, Greg’s stepmother
Janet, Greg’s 14-year-old half sister

Production Notes

Playing Time: 16 minutes
Props and Setting: See notes prior to each scene.
Costumes: All wear daytime, casual indoor or outdoor winter clothes. Greg and Mrs. Walsh wear wristwatches.

Scene I

Setting: Lights up on Pat and Greg in school. No scenery is necessary. They may stand together at either side of the room or at the back, as the front of the room will be used for the next scene. Both are dressed in outdoor clothing and carry books and/or notebooks. In addition, Pat carries a hockey stick (real or one made of heavy cardboard) and a valise, which is filled with the rest of his hockey gear (actual gear not needed). He speaks with a faint Irish accent. The accent may be different, but the names and dialogue must be changed accordingly.

Pat: First, it’s Brotherhood Week. Now it’s Responsibility Time. I haven’t handed in my paper on brotherhood, and my English teacher asks for some dumb essay on responsibility. Then the guidance counselor pulls me out of English, and I figure, “Great, I don’t have to hear any more about either.” I get down to her office, and all she talks about for half an hour is bein’ responsible: “Patrick, why don’t you do your homework? Pay attention in class. Stop talkin’ to your friends—namely you. “You have such a good head on your shoulders,” says she. “Why don’t you use it?”

Greg: She’s probably right.

Pat: Maybe, but while she’s talkin’ to me, she’s feedin’ this big tank of guppies. Never looks at me once. Boy! Is that a weirdo. I swear she cares more about her guppies than she does about any kid in this school. You should see how they live. All kinds of green plants, little bridges, castles, sunken treasure boats, and bubblin’ machines. Almost makes you wish you were a fish. They ain’t responsible for nothin’.

Greg: Oh, c’mon, Pat. She’s not as bad as Adams.

Pat: Who’s he?

Greg: The principal last year in my kid sister’s school. You’ll never believe this.

Pat: Just try me.

Greg: Well, one day Janet was jumped on the stairway in her school. Some kid throws her down and grabs her pocketbook. She’s shaking like a leaf and runs to the principal for help. He’s not there, but the secretary says she’ll find him and tells Janet to wait in his office. Janet opens the door, and there, big as life is this snake ... a—a boa constrictor.

Pat: A boa constrictor?

Greg: An honest to God boa constrictor.

Pat: You’re kiddin’.

Greg: No cage. Nothin’. (Pat frowns in disbelief.) I told you, you wouldn’t believe it.

Pat: What was it doin’ there?

Greg: Hangin’ out in the sun!

Pat: Where was the principal?

Greg: He comes in, says he’s sent for my father; then doesn’t say one more word to my sister but starts talking to his boa constrictor and feeding it mice until Dad arrives. My sister is upset from being jumped but is absolutely scared out of her wits by the snake. When Dad asks Adams why he keeps a boa constrictor in his office, he says he’s a herpetologist, and it’s his pet.

Pat: Pet?

Greg: Pet. Somehow Dad didn’t quite believe him. Said he always wondered why the school was so quiet.

Pat: At least a boa constrictor makes more sense than guppies. I bet Janet stayed clear of the principal after that.

Greg: You’re darn right. Dad transferred her clear out of the school. He figured if the school was on fire, Adams would save the snake first.

Pat: Well, all I know is I’ve had enough of school for one day. I’m goin’ to the park to play hockey. Our goalie’s leavin’ early, and I’m fillin’ in for him. Why don’t you come along?

Greg: Nah, that’s not my scene. I gotta get to the hospital. My mom’s sick.

Pat: Sorry to hear that, Greg. What’s wrong?

Greg: She’s been having terrible headaches and blacked out a few times last week. The doctor put her in the hospital for tests, and she’s afraid he’ll find a tumor or something.

Pat: That’s serious.

Greg: I know. She hates being alone in the hospital.

Pat: Doesn’t your Dad visit her?

Greg: Nah. They’ve been divorced for years. Dad’s remarried. Janet’s my half sister. I thought you knew.

Pat: No wonder you two look so different.

Greg: Well, she is a girl.

Pat: Aah, you know what I mean. You have dark hair, and she’s a blonde.

Greg: My stepmother is blonde. Janet looks just like her.

Pat: Is your mom remarried?

Greg: Yes, but he’s a creep. He drinks beer all night and watches TV. We don’t even talk. I can’t stand him. I moved in with my Dad, since I do get along with my stepmother. Janet’s a good kid, too.

Pat: Bet your mom doesn’t like your living with them.

Greg: I don’t think she blames me. She doesn’t talk to her creepy guy either, except when they’re battling during the TV commercials. They’re about to split up. He’s never at the hospital. (Looks at his watch.) I’d better get there. She might have some news this afternoon. (Starts to walk away from Pat.)

Pat:(Calls after him.) Hey, Greg, hope the news is okay. Call me around six and let me know.

Greg:(Turns.) Sure.

Pat: So long.

(Lights out.)

Scene II

Setting: The setting is Pat’s bedroom. It is extremely messy, with books, papers, and clothing strewn over two chairs, a desk, and a studio bed (which is optional). Large cartons with a brightly colored cover and cushions can be used for the bed as Pat does not have to sit on it. The bed may be placed upstage center against a wall so that the cushions or pillows lean on the wall. A desk with a telephone on it may be placed downstage left or right. Two chairs are placed center stage so that when occupied the characters can speak to each other, yet face the audience. There is a door left or right stage that serves as the bedroom door in this scene and as the bathroom door in the following scene. The stage for the entire play, therefore, must be arranged accordingly in relation to this door. For instance:

Mrs. Walsh: Dr. Cortland’s nurse called to say you’d missed your appointment. Where were you?

Pat: Playin’ hockey. I got so wrapped up in the game, I forgot to call. Mike had to leave early, so I took his place as goalie.

Mrs. Walsh: Goalie? You won’t have any teeth left.

Pat: We won four to one. Four to one. What do you think about that?

Mrs. Walsh: I think you should have kept your dental appointment and had your tooth capped.

Pat: Hey, Mom, they only scored one goal off me! The coach flipped out. (Sits down in chair near desk.)

Mrs. Walsh: Listen, all I know is that hockey is a very expensive sport. You’ve already broken two teeth. If you break another, you’ll have to live with it. I can’t afford to cap another tooth.

Pat: But, it’s worth it. Some day I’ll play for the Rangers.

Mrs. Walsh: Sure. Will they buy you a whole new set of teeth?

Pat: Oh, come on. Hockey stars make big money.

Mrs. Walsh: Yeah, but until you’re a star, there’s just me payin’ the bills.

Pat: Don’t worry, I’ll be a Ranger before you know it.

Mrs. Walsh: But you’re not a French Canadian.

Pat: Not every Ranger is a French Canadian.

Mrs. Walsh: It may be a New York team, but they’re not exactly searchin’ for local talent.

Pat: But they are. There’s a scout comin’ from the Rangers tomorrow.

Mrs. Walsh: Just like that.

Pat: No, not exactly. Our coach has been tryin’ all season to get him to come.

Mrs. Walsh: So?

Pat: So he finally said, “Yes.”

Mrs. Walsh: Is the team that good?

Pat: Yeah.

Mrs. Walsh: And you?

Pat: If Pop were alive he’d say, “The greatest.”

Mrs. Walsh: Really that good?

Pat: Yeah, even my coach says I’m a natural.

Mrs. Walsh: But, Patrick, it’s a dangerous sport. Remember Pop played soccer, not hockey, and he didn’t have to put up with bein’ violently checked by players on the other team.

Pat: Yeah, but as goalie, I wear a lotta paddin’.

Mrs. Walsh: There’s a reason the goalie wears that much protection.

Pat: Mom, please. I’ll call Dr. Cortland’s nurse tomorrow to set up another appointment.

Mrs. Walsh: If you’re goin’ to be goalie, maybe you should set up a series of appointments.

Pat: One at a time, and definitely not tomorrow. I’m not goin’ to miss that game for anythin’ in the world. Certainly not for old Doc Cortland.

Mrs. Walsh: He’s not so bad.

Pat: Every time I see him, he lectures me about givin’ up candy and junk food. And there he is chewin’ gum like crazy.

Mrs. Walsh: Maybe it’s sugarless.

Pat: Bubblegum?

Mrs. Walsh: Pat, stop knockin’ Doc Cortland.

Pat: I’m not foolin’. Once, he forgot the gum, and did he have bad breath. He needs Scope, bubblegum, and a good dentist.

Mrs. Walsh: He is a good dentist. Stop lookin’ for excuses and have your tooth fixed as fast as you can.

Pat: Okay, but not tomorrow. (Gets up and moves across stage to other side of Mrs. Walsh.)

Mrs. Walsh: As soon as you can. Now how about cleanin’ up this mess?

Pat: Did Greg call?

Mrs. Walsh: Don’t change the subject.

Pat: No, it’s really important. I’ll clean up the room later. I promise. Did he call?

Mrs. Walsh: No. Why? Was he supposed to?

Pat: He said he’d call at six.

Mrs. Walsh: (Looks at her watch.) It’s seven now.

Pat: His old lady is sick in the hospital—a tumor or somethin’.

Mrs. Walsh: That’s serious. Maybe you should call him.

Pat: Yeah. (Walks to phone on desk. Dials number. Waits for phone to be answered.) Hi, Janet. Lemme speak to Greg ... Why not? ... Oh, hello Mr. Stein. Just wanted to find out how Greg’s mother is ... Oh, no ... I’m sorry. Can’t I speak to him for a minute ... Why not? ... (Long pause.) ... Oh, no ... Sure. I’ll be right over.

Mrs. Walsh: What happened?

Pat: Greg’s mother fainted and fell out of the hospital window.

Mrs. Walsh: (With incredulity.) What?

Pat: Yeah, it doesn’t make sense ... She’s dead. (Pause.) Greg’s actin’ kind of crazy, and Mr. Stein asked me to come right over.

Mrs. Walsh: Of course. Poor Greg.

Pat: (Grabs his jacket. Looks at mess in room.) This’ll have to wait.

Mrs. Walsh: Sure, sure. Just get over there.

Pat: (Exits.)

Mrs. Walsh: (Begins to straighten up room but stops. Turns toward audience and questions with disbelief.) Fell out of a hospital window?

(Lights out.)

Scene III

Setting: The setting is Greg’s bedroom in the Steins’ apartment. As mentioned in Scene II, the door to the bedroom is now the bathroom door; the stage for the entire play, therefore, must be arranged accordingly in relation to this door. The props and placement of the furniture are identical for Scenes II, III, and IV, except that Greg’s room is immaculate, and the cover for the studio bed (which is optional) differs. There may also be a cloth covering the desk so that it is now more like a table, and a few magazines replace the telephone. Mr. Stein and Pat enter through bedroom door (downstage, side opposite the bathroom). Janet stands with her hand on the bathroom doorknob. She looks tired. Mrs. Stein sits wearily in the chair facing the door.

Janet: C’mon, this isn’t funny.

Greg: (Shouts through the door.) Leave me alone.

Janet: Okay, okay. I’ll go away if you’ll just come out.

Greg: Leave me alone.

Janet: (Walks dejectedly away from door.) Hi, Pat. I haven’t been able to budge him in three hours.

Pat: Why don’t you try leavin’ him alone. That’s what he wants.

Janet: But he might kill himself.

Pat: He hasn’t in three hours.

Janet: Pat, don’t be funny. It’s serious.

Pat: I wasn’t bein’ funny. (Greets Mrs. Stein, who gets up wearily from chair.) Hello, Mrs. Stein. (Removes his jacket and puts it on back of chair that she has vacated.)

Mrs. Stein: Oh, Pat, I’m sorry you have to be involved in this, but I think you can help.

Pat: I hope so. Why don’t you all go inside.

Mrs. Stein: That’s a good idea. (Gets up. To Janet and Mr. Stein.) Come, help me with the dishes.

Janet: But Mom ...

Mrs. Stein: Let Pat try.

Janet: Oh, fine. Maybe he’ll have more luck than I’m having.

Mr. Stein: I’ll join you in a minute. (Janet and Mrs. Stein exit.) When we came back from the hospital, Greg opened the window and started screaming into the courtyard. He didn’t see why he had to live anymore. When I went toward him, he threatened to jump. Then he ran past me into the bathroom, and he’s been threatening to kill himself in there ever since.

Pat: But he hasn’t, in three whole hours. If you get out of here, I can get him to come out of there. If he thinks you’re here, he won’t move.

Mr. Stein: Oh, please, Pat, I’m counting on you. Call me if you need any help. (Exits.)

Pat: (Quickly goes up to bathroom door.) Hey, Greg, it’s me, Pat. Open the door. (Long pause.) No one’s here but me. Honest. (Pause.) I sent them all inside.

Greg: (There is another long pause; then the door opens an inch.) Are they really gone?

Pat: Yeah, they’re in the kitchen.

Greg: (Opens the door wide.) Why don’t they leave me alone?

Pat: They’re not here.

Greg: I wish I was dead.

Pat: Dead?

Greg: Yeah. I never got to talk to her. When I got to the hospital, she was dead. They wouldn’t even let me see her.

Pat: I hope all that stuff about guppies and snakes didn’t keep you from gettin’ there in time.

Greg: Nah. She was already dead when we were talking. I should have cut school.

Pat: Your mother wouldn’t have wanted that.

Greg: (As he enters the bedroom.) That’s true. She told me yesterday not to miss any classes while she’s sick.

Pat: Then, you did what she wanted.

Greg: But she’s dead, and the funeral’s tomorrow. I’ve got to speak to her.

Pat: Speak to her?

Greg: Yeah. I didn’t mean to move out on her. I just couldn’t stand that creepy guy.

Pat: You told me yourself, she understood.

Greg: Maybe she did, but maybe she didn’t. I want to tell her again. I want her to know I love her. (Puts head down in his hands.) Couldn’t she have waited ’til I got there, just an hour or two more?

Pat: She must have been in terrible pain. One more hour might have been too much to handle.

Greg: Oh, Pat!

Pat: Remember, I lost my pop five years ago. The ambulance was just pullin’ away from the house when I got home from school. He died of a heart attack on the way to the hospital. By the time I got there, it was over.

Greg: I’m sorry.

Pat: I also wanted to know why he couldn’t wait ’til I got there. You can’t kill yourself for that hour. I wish Pop was alive, but every time I play a good game of hockey, I feel I’m still pleasin’ him. It’s what you do from now on that counts.

Greg:(Deep sigh.) Maybe you’re right. (Points over his shoulder to medicine cabinet behind door.) There wasn’t enough of anything to kill me anyway. (Flops into chair.) I’m beat.

Pat: I’ll bet you are. (Kneels beside chair and puts arm around Greg’s shoulder.)

Greg: Thanks for being here. (Then with resignation.) Dad wants us to stop in at the funeral parlor tonight. I’d better get ready.

Pat: At least you can be near her again before the funeral tomorrow.

Greg: Sure. (Gets up slowly and walks back into bathroom, closing door behind him.)

(Mr. Stein, Mrs. Stein and Janet enter.)

Mrs. Stein: What happened?

Pat: (Makes a sign with his hand to be quiet.) Shh.

Mr. Stein: (Lowers his voice.) I thought I heard him in here talking to you.

Pat: He was.

Janet: Why’d you let him go back?

Pat: He wants to get ready to go to the funeral parlor with you tonight.

Mr. Stein: Don’t be ridiculous. He could kill himself in there.

Mrs. Stein: Take it easy, dear. He’ll be fine. We should leave soon if we’re going to make it at all tonight.

Mr. Stein: I’m not leaving if he’s still in there.

Mrs. Stein: Of course not; Pat says he’s getting ready to come with us.

Mr. Stein: Don’t be so naive, with all those prescriptions in there.

Pat: He said there wasn’t enough of anythin’ to kill him.

Janet: Are you kidding?

Mr. Stein: There’s enough in there to kill an army.

Pat: I know, but you didn’t hear me. He said there wasn’t enough to kill him. That’s what’s important.

Mr. Stein: Oh, God, I hope you’re right.

Mrs. Stein: I’m sure Pat’s right.

Pat: Just stay quiet and give him a chance to wash up. He’ll be out in a minute. (He casually picks up a magazine and pretends to be reading it. Everyone is straining to hear what is going on in the bathroom. There is no sound. Several minutes pass.)

Janet: Well, I can’t stand it any longer. (She rushes up to knock on door. Just before she knocks, the door opens.)

Greg: (Enters.) Well, I’m ready. Let’s go.

(Lights out.)

Scene IV

Setting: The scene is one hour later back in Pat’s bedroom, which is still somewhat messy. There is a pad and pencil on the desk. A bell for the sound of the telephone ringing will be needed later in the scene.

Mrs. Walsh: They must be orthodox if the funeral’s tomorrow.

Pat: Yeah, my luck. I thought it would be on Sunday. What’ll I do about the game?

Mrs. Walsh: So you’ll save a coupl’a teeth.

Pat: Oh, Mom, the scout is comin’ tomorrow. It’s important for the team and me to be there.

Mrs. Walsh: For the team or you?

Pat: For both.

Mrs. Walsh: C’mon. Isn’t Mike just as good a goalie as you?

Pat: Not really.

Mrs. Walsh: Almost as good?

Pat:Yeah, but ...

Mrs. Walsh: No “Yeah, buts ...” Let him fill in for you for a change.

Pat: Why couldn’t she have waited a day or two more?

Mrs. Walsh: Now, you sound like Greg. Dyin’ people don’t usually time things too well for the livin’, do they? That poor woman must have been in real agony.

Pat: I know it, but what’ll I do about the game?

Mrs. Walsh: What did you tell Greg?

Pat: I said I’d see him tomorrow.

Mrs. Walsh: Well?

Pat: But I didn’t say what time.

Mrs. Walsh: Patrick Walsh, did he or didn’t he ask you to go to the funeral?

Pat: He did.

Mrs. Walsh: Then tellin’ him you’d see him tomorrow naturally meant ...

Pat: At the funeral. I know, but I’m not happy about it.

Mrs. Walsh: Nobody’s ever happy about a funeral.

Pat: (Sighs.) Why don’t you ever see it my way? Mike’s a good goalie, but I’m really a lot better. I’m not just braggin’. I wish you’d come to see me play.

Mrs. Walsh: It’s too rough a game for me. I’d go crazy watchin’ that puck hit your face mask or even your knee, no matter how much paddin’. No thanks.

Pat: Please, Mom.

Mrs. Walsh: There you go changin’ the subject.

Pat: No, I’m not. That is the subject. Greg is important to me, and when he needed me tonight, I was there; but hockey is important to me, too.

Mrs. Walsh: It’s your responsibility to be at that funeral.

Pat: Oh, don’t you start, too. That’s all I’ve heard today. First, my English teacher wants a dumb paper on the subject; then, my guidance counselor talks endlessly about it and demonstrates by gorgin’ her guppies. And now you.

Mrs. Walsh: Well, I’ll stop right now. I can’t make you go. You really need time to decide for yourself. I’ve done enough advisin’ for one night, and you ought to get to that English assignment anyway, no matter how dumb you think it is. Besides, I have some reports of my own to write. They’re due in the office tomorrow. Think about what I said, though. Goodnight, dear.

Pat: Goodnight, Mom. (Mrs. Walsh exits. Pat buries his head in his hands. Then gets up, picks up a pad and pencil from desk and begins to write. He reads as he writes title.) Re ... spon ... si ... bility: To Whom? (Stops writing.) That ought to please my English teacher. (Pauses.) Responsibility: What a drag! (Throws the pad across the room. Puts pencil on desk. Telephone rings. He picks it up on second ring.) Hello, oh, hello Mr. Stein. How is everythin’? ... Oh, great ... Is he sleepin’? ... That must be a relief to you ... Don’t be silly. It was a cinch ... Please, it was easy. What are friends for, if they can’t help ... Well, uh ... tomorrow, uh ... three o’clock? ... Uh, the funeral home on the corner ... Yeah, I’ve passed it many times ... The cemetery, too? ... Oh, I know how much it means to Greg ... I appreciate your callin’ ... I’ll phone him first thing in the mornin’. Goodnight. (Hangs up. Sits for a moment with his head in his hands again.)

Mrs. Walsh: (Enters with Pat’s jacket in hand.) You left your jacket in the living room.

Pat: (Silent for a moment. Still thinking. Finally looks up.) Sorry. (Takes it from her and tosses it on his bed.) Listen. I’ve been thinkin’. (Opens his desk drawer and takes out a picture.) Remember this?

Mrs. Walsh: Goodness, yes. That’s your Pop with his soccer team back in Ireland. Say, why don’t we frame it and put it over your desk? He was so proud of that picture. He and the Dublin team had just beaten Liverpool.

Pat: Exactly, Mom. I’m sure he never let his team down.

Mrs. Walsh: He never did. I used to watch him out on the field, tendin’ the goal and usin’ every part of his body to keep the other team from scorin’. (Takes picture from him.) Oh, Pat, I’m sorry; it’s been so long. I’d forgotten. I will come some day to see you play. You know that, don’t you?

Pat: Sure, Mom, sure. Thanks. Do you see why hockey is so important to me?

Mrs. Walsh: I do, Pat, I do, but—

Pat: (Cuts her off.) Thanks for that, too.

Mrs. Walsh: (Hands him the picture.) I have to get some sleep. You should, too. Tomorrow’s a big day. Goodnight, dear. (Kisses him on cheek.)

• How would you end the play? (Note: in the book this line ends on a right hand page, and the reader can create his or her own ending before going on or looking at the author’s ending)

(Lights out.)

Director’s Checklist
for
Responsibility: To Whom

Scene	Setting	Scenery	Sound Effects	Costumes and Props
I	3:00 P.M. Hallway in school (Greg stands with Pat on either side of room)	--	--	Pat carries hockey stick and valise; wears winter coat or jacket, sports trousers, etc. Greg wears watch, winter coat or jacket, sport trousers, etc.
II	Early evening Pat’s messy room	Table 2 chairs	--	Pat carries hockey stick, valise, coat or jacket; wears indoor clothing Mrs. Walsh wears indoor clothing, watch Odds and ends of Pat’s clothing scattered on floor, table, and back of chairs Telephone Bed (optional) with cover and cushions
III	Half hour later Greg’s neat bedroom	Table 2 chairs	--	Greg and family wear indoor clothing Pat wears outdoor clothing on entering, then indoor clothing Magazines Bed (optional) with different cover from one used in Scene II Cloth for table (optional)
IV	One hour later Pat’s bedroom (still somewhat messy)	Table 2 chairs	Bell (telephone rings)	Pat and Mrs. Walsh wear indoor clothing Some clothing still on table and chairs Pad and pencil Telephone Picture of Pop with team Bed (optional)