ALT.DAYS

Episode #54

An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: May 31, 1994
Time: Several Days After #53,
Afternoon to Evening

Copyright 1995

TEASER

HORTON LIVING ROOM. ALICE IS SITTING ON THE COUCH, SLOWLY READING THROUGH THE GUEST BOOK FROM TOM'S MEMORIAL SERVICE. JULIE WALKS IN, CARRYING A CUP OF TEA.

JULIE HANDS ALICE THE TEA AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO ALICE.

ALICE TAKES A SIP OF THE TEA AND SETS THE CUP DOWN ON A TABLE. SHE CONTINUES TO LOOK THROUGH THE GUEST BOOK.

ALICE CLOSES THE BOOK AND LOOKS UP AT JULIE.

JULIE COVERS ALICE'S HAND WITH HER OWN.

JULIE LEANS TOWARDS ALICE AND GIVES HER A SMALL HUG. HOLD ON ALICE'S SAD SMILE.

CUT TO: JACK'S OFFICE. JACK IS WORKING ON HIS COMPUTER. HE READS WHAT HE TYPES.

THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR.

VERN ENTERS.

JACK: I'm just about to finish up today's editorial. It's quite good, if I do say so myself. We'll see if it stirs up the NRA... I thought maybe we could do follow-up interviews with Bo and Captain Yamada, if we get the response I expect.

VERN: Sounds good... But Jack, I was asking how you're doing.

JACK STOPS TYPING AND LOOKS AT VERN. HOLD ON JACK.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG SITS AT A TABLE LOOKING AT VARIOUS PAGES SPREAD OUT BEFORE HIM. ROBERT ENTERS, AND GOES IMMEDIATELY TO WHERE DOUG SITS.

DOUG: Well enough, considering... I'm going over some of Tom's poetry, to see what we should include.

ROBERT: Ah, right... tonight is... Oh, this is so very hard... no wonder it's quiet...

DOUG: Everyone seems to be affected... not that I blame them. It's as if Salem were a watch and the spring broke...

ROBERT: He meant so much to so many... I will never forget his kindness, his good advice... He always made you feel welcome.

DOUG: He did... Even me... long ago... when I was an unknown quantity. And after, when my past came to light... Tom always seemed able to judge a person for who they were, not their past, not their mistakes...

ROBERT: He was a rare man, indeed...

DOUG: I fear we will never see his like again...

OUT ON THEIR SHARED SORROW.

ACT I

JACK'S OFFICE. JACK, SMILING SARCASTICALLY, TURNS AWAY FROM HIS COMPUTER TO FACE VERN.

VERN: Quit joking around, Jack. I'm serious! I want to make sure you're okay.

JACK: All right, Vern, seriously... Your concern is touching, but misplaced. I'm fine. Copacetic. Never better. (HE SHRUGS) Satisfied?

VERN: (RESIGNEDLY) Whatever you say, Jack. I know it's no use arguing with you about it.

JACK: You're absolutely right. There's nothing to argue about.

VERN: Yeah, yeah... Oh, I actually came in to tell you I think you did a wonderful job on Dr. Horton's obituary.

JACK: (SOLEMNLY) Thank you, Vern.

VERN: It was obvious how much you respected and cared for the man.

JACK: I did work very hard on it. I had to make it a fitting tribute. Tom Horton deserved no less than the very best.

VERN: Absolutely. And that's exactly what you gave him.

JACK: Well, I knew that all eyes in Salem, especially those of the Hortons, would be watching. (BEAT) I couldn't let them down.

VERN: I'm sure they appreciated all the kind things you wrote.

JACK: I'm a journalist. All I did was report the facts.

VERN: That's not all you did, and you know it. It was a moving tribute, Jack.

JACK: It was the least I could do, after all that Dr. Horton, and all the other Hortons, have done for me. They're a very important part of my life. (BEAT) They're... they're my family now, too. (HE LAUGHS SOFTLY)

VERN: What is it?

JACK: Oh, nothing, really. (BEAT) It's just that Jennifer usually has to work very hard to get a confession like that out of me.

VERN: How is Jennifer doing? I was going to call, but then I thought maybe she wouldn't feel like talking to anyone quite yet.

JACK: It's been a shock for her, but I think she's coping. She's taking off a few days to spend time with her grandmother. Jennifer's concerned about her... We all are.

VERN: It's going to be tough for Mrs. Horton for a while. Believe me, I know.

JACK NODS.

JACK: Yes, well, that's why Jennifer's taking this time. She wants to help Mrs. Horton deal with that pain now. (BEAT) And to help her adjust to life without her husband.

HOLD ON JACK'S MELANCHOLY.

CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. ALICE AND JULIE ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH WHEN THE DOORBELL RINGS. JULIE GETS UP TO ANSWER IT AND RETURNS WITH MAGGIE AND JENNIFER. ALICE GETS UP TO GREET THEM.

MAGGIE GIVES ALICE A KISS ON THE CHEEK.

ALICE: Oh, I'm fine.

JENNIFER HANDS ALICE A CASSEROLE DISH THAT SHE HAD BEEN CARRYING.

ALICE: Why that was very sweet of her. I'll make sure to call and thank her for it. (BEAT) Why don't you two come in and sit down.

THEY SIT DOWN IN THE LIVING ROOM.

MAGGIE: We wanted to see if there was anything you needed, or anything we could do for you.

ALICE: Actually, there is. I was going to do it myself, but perhaps you ladies would like to help me.

JULIE: Anything. What is it?

ALICE: I want to sort through Tom's things. I'm sure that the Community Center can find some use for his clothes, shoes, and anything else we find.

JULIE: Maybe we should wait.

ALICE: Nonsense. I'm positive this is the way Tom would've wanted it.

JENNIFER: Are you sure, Grandma?

ALICE: Yes I am. Besides, the sooner his things are available, the sooner they can help someone in need.

MAGGIE: As long as you think you're ready for this.

ALICE: (SOFTLY) I'll never be ready... (DEEP BREATH, GATHERING HERSELF) Let's get to work, Ladies.

ALICE GETS UP AND STARTS TO WALK OUT OF THE LIVING ROOM. HOLD ON THE OTHER THREE AS THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER BEFORE STANDING UP TO FOLLOW ALICE.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. DOUG AND ROBERT ARE EACH LOOKING AT A PAGE FROM THE SEVERAL ON THE TABLE.

ROBERT: (HOLDING UP A PIECE OF PAPER) Perhaps this one could be read earlier on?

DOUG: That will work... I had no idea it would be so difficult to choose which of his pieces to read... such a talent... (HIS VOICE BREAKS)

ROBERT: It's hard to imagine future poetry nights without "Norm De Plume."

DOUG: I keep thinking about how difficult it's going to be... getting back to day to day living knowing I'll never see his face, hear his laugh... (BEAT) But we've lost a lot of loved ones, haven't we, my old friend?

ROBERT: Too many...

DOUG: But there's one thing that comes from that kind of loss... Appreciation of who is still in your life... or back in your life. (BEAT) Have I told you how very glad I am that you're back in my life on a day-to-day basis? Your friendship has made such a difference in my life...

ROBERT: Yours, too, mon cher ami, yours too...

ACROSS THE TABLE, THE TWO MEN CLASP HANDS. OUT ON THEIR HEARTFELT GRIP.

ACT II

HORTON SPARE BEDROOM. MAGGIE AND JENNIFER ARE SORTING THROUGH A TRUNK FILLED WITH TOM'S WINTER CLOTHES; THERE IS AN UNOPENED TRUNK BESIDE IT. AS MAGGIE SLOWLY FOLDS SWEATERS, JENNIFER PULLS AN OLD CARDIGAN OUT OF THE TRUNK.

JENNIFER SITS DOWN ON THE BED AND HUGS THE SWEATER.

JENNIFER: I think so. (BEAT) I remember when I lived here with Grandma and Grandpa; I spent hours in this room, dreaming that I'd find a love like theirs.

MAGGIE: And you did.

JENNIFER: Yeah, I did. (BEAT) And I can't imagine ever losing Jack. (WIPING AWAY A TEAR) Grandma must feel so lost.

MAGGIE: She's putting up a very brave front for the family's sake, but I know she's scared.

MAGGIE SITS DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER, AND PUTS HER ARM AROUND HER NIECE. BILL APPEARS IN THE DOORWAY.

BILL: Maggie's right, sweetheart. (BEAT) We'll all be here to get your grandmother through the rough times. (LOOKING AROUND AT THE PILES OF CLOTHING) Now, what can I do to help you ladies?

MAGGIE: Why don't you start on the other trunk?

THE SORTING OF CLOTHES CONTINUES IN QUIET CAMARADERIE. HOLD ON THE ACTIVITY.

CUT TO: ALICE AND TOM'S BEDROOM. JULIE IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE CLOSET PUTTING TOM'S SHOES INTO A SHOPPING BAG. A PILE OF CLOTHING IS ON THE BED. ALICE FOLDS A SHIRT AND PLACES IT IN ANOTHER SHOPPING BAG. SHE PICKS UP A SHIRT WITH BLUE STRIPES AND ABSENTLY PLAYS WITH THE COLLAR.

ALICE: I was remembering how this shirt brought out the blue in Tom's eyes. He always looked so handsome in this...

JULIE: Grandpa looked handsome in just about anything.

ALICE: (LOOKING AT THE SHIRT) He thought it was too young for him. How I laughed at him for that remark. (BEAT) It was Euterpe's Talent Night. He thought he'd wear classic white, but I convinced him to wear this one for me...

ALICE STARES INTO SPACE, LOST IN MEMORIES. JULIE BEGINS TO EMPTY THE DRESSER DRAWERS. SHE PULLS OUT "NORM'S" BERET. ALICE, SEEING IT, STARTS TO SOB SOFTLY INTO THE SHIRT SHE'S HOLDING. JULIE SITS ALICE DOWN ON THE BED AND PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HER. JULIE ALSO BEGINS TO CRY.

ALICE: I just can't believe he's really gone.

JULIE: I know, darling, I know. None of us can.

OUT ON JULIE AND ALICE HOLDING EACH OTHER.

ACT III

ALICE AND TOM'S BEDROOM. ALICE AND JULIE ARE SITTING ON THE BED. ALICE HAS STOPPED CRYING. SHE DABS HER EYES WITH A TISSUE, THEN SOFTLY PATS JULIE ON THE HAND.

JULIE: I think you were both pretty darn lucky to have each other.

ALICE: Yes... it's hard to imagine my life without him.

ALICE STANDS UP AND PLACES THE BERET ON THE DRESSER. SHE TOUCHES IT LIGHTLY.

ALICE TURNS AROUND AND LOOKS AT JULIE.

JULIE: That was nice of them.

ALICE: The Bradys have always been like family to us. In fact, it seems as though everyone in our entire neighborhood has stopped by at least once.

JULIE: Uncle Bill told me that everyone at the hospital has offered to help.

ALICE: Yes. I feel blessed that I have so many people that care.

JULIE STANDS UP AND PUTS HER ARM AROUND ALICE.

HOLD ON ALICE AND JULIE.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. A POSTER BY THE DOOR PROCLAIMS "IN MEMORIAM: THE POETRY OF `NORM DE PLUME' TONIGHT" WITH A PICTURE OF TOM. DOUG AND DAVE ARE STANDING NEXT TO THE STAGE DISCUSSING THE PROGRAM.

DOUG: No need, Dave. I think it will probably be just Julie and myself.

DAVE: All right. I'll go and check with Aki on the menu then.

IAN WALKS UP AS DAVE DEPARTS.

DOUG: I'll be all right. I'm more concerned for Julie and Alice.

IAN: I didn't know Dr. Horton very well, but I admired his poetry.

DOUG: He was a great man. You would have liked him.

IAN: I wanted to check with you on the background music for tonight's tribute? Do you have a preference? Did Dr. Horton have a particular favorite?

DOUG: What about the music we used for the first poetry night? Tom liked that...

HOLD ON DOUG AND IAN'S CONVERSATION.

CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. SEVERAL SHOPPING BAGS SIT NEAR THE FRONT DOOR. MAGGIE, JENNIFER AND BILL ALL SIT IN THE LIVING ROOM. JENNIFER IS WEARING THE CARDIGAN SWEATER OF TOM'S SHE HAD EARLIER. THE PHONE RINGS, MAGGIE ANSWERS IT. SHE HOLDS IT UP TO JULIE, WHO IS JUST COMING DOWN THE STAIRS WITH MORE SHOPPING BAGS. AS JULIE TAKES THE PHONE, MAGGIE COMES BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM.

BILL: Here, let me help you.

MAGGIE: No, it's all right. I think I need a few minutes alone.

BILL: I understand. (TO JENNIFER) How are you holding up, sweetheart?

JENNIFER: All right, I guess. But I'm worried about Grandma. I'm glad you're here in the house with her.

BILL: Believe me, I'm not going anywhere. I'm afraid it's going to be very difficult for Mom for quite some time.

JULIE, HER CONCERN APPARENT, WALKS INTO THE ROOM.

BILL: All right. I'll drive.

JULIE GOES TO THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS.

ALICE APPEARS AT THE HEAD OF THE STAIRS AND MAKES HER WAY DOWN. SHE HUGS JULIE.

ALICE: Certainly. Thank you for coming, darling.

ALICE ALSO HUGS BILL.

BILL: I don't know, Mom. It depends on how long the meeting goes. I'll call you. (BEAT) Make sure you eat something though, all right? You haven't eaten today.

ALICE: I'm fine.

AS JULIE AND BILL TURN TO LEAVE, MAGGIE RETURNS.

MAGGIE: Or you could come to our house. Mickey would love to see you.

ALICE: No, I don't want you to go to any trouble on my account. Caroline and some of the neighbors brought over plenty of food. I'll just go into the kitchen and see what looks good to me.

ALICE HEADS TOWARDS THE KITCHEN. JENNIFER AND MAGGIE EXCHANGE A LOOK OF CONCERN.

JENNIFER: You're right. I wish there was something we could do to make it better.

OUT ON JENNIFER AND MAGGIE.

ACT IV

HORTON LIVING ROOM. ALICE RETURNS AND SITS DOWN IN TOM'S CHAIR. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT SHE'S BEEN CRYING WHILE IN THE KITCHEN. JENNIFER AND MAGGIE SIT DOWN ON THE COUCH.

MAGGIE: Yes, wasn't it? I wish they could have stayed longer.

JENNIFER: Maybe you and Uncle Mickey can go visit them in Nashville soon.

MAGGIE: That's a wonderful idea. Alice, why don't you come with us?

ALICE: I don't know, Maggie. Maybe. We'll see.

JENNIFER: You should go, Grandma. I hear it's beautiful there. You can visit the Grand 'Ol Opry and...

ALICE STANDS UP AND WALKS INTO THE FOYER AND BACK AGAIN.

MAGGIE: Yes.

ALICE: And you'll make sure that Kayla gets them?

MAGGIE: Of course I will. I'll drop them off on my way home.

ALICE: I really want to get them over there tonight. Why don't you go with her, Jennifer? It's getting late and I don't want you to miss Kayla.

JENNIFER AND MAGGIE STAND UP, CONCERNED.

JENNIFER: I don't want to leave you alone, Grandma.

ALICE: But that's what I need, some time alone. Don't worry, I'll be fine.

ALICE SHOOS THEM TOWARDS THE DOOR.

ALICE: Yes, please. I'll call you if I need anything.

JENNIFER AND MAGGIE HEAD OUT THE DOOR. MAGGIE TURNS BACK AS IF TO PROTEST. ALICE WAVES HER AWAY.

HOLD ON ALICE WATCHING MAGGIE AND JENNIFER GO DOWN THE FRONT WALK.

CUT TO: HOSPITAL BOARD ROOM. ALL OF THE HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBERS, INCLUDING VICTOR AND JULIE, ARE SEATED AROUND THE TABLE. BILL IS ALSO SEATED AT THE TABLE, NEXT TO JULIE. VICTOR STANDS UP, AND THE CHATTER BETWEEN MEMBERS DIES DOWN.

JULIE AND BILL EXCHANGE A LOOK OF UNDERSTANDING.

VICTOR TURNS TO BILL.

JULIE TAKES BILL'S HAND AND GIVES IT A SQUEEZE.

BILL: Yes, I accept.

VICTOR: Excellent. (TO THE BOARD MEMBERS) In that case, ladies and gentlemen, I give you your new Chief of Staff, Dr. Bill Horton.

THE BOARD MEMBERS APPLAUD QUIETLY. VICTOR SITS DOWN AND BILL STANDS.

MORE QUIET APPLAUSE FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS AS THE MEETING BEGINS TO BREAK UP. SEVERAL BOARD MEMBERS GO OVER TO BILL TO CONGRATULATE HIM. VICTOR REACHES HIM FIRST.

BILL TAKES HIS HAND AND SHAKES IT ONCE.

VICTOR: I know I've never been a friend of the Horton family, but I've always had the utmost respect for your father. I'm sure he would be pleased to have you follow in his footsteps.

BILL: I hope so.

VICTOR: Yes, well... Again, congratulations. Excuse me...

BILL: Certainly.

VICTOR TURNS AND WALKS OVER TO JULIE.

JULIE: (COOLLY) Victor.

VICTOR: I wanted to offer my condolences. Your grandfather was a good man. He will be sorely missed.

JULIE: Thank you.

VICTOR: If there's anything I can do to help you, or your grandmother, all you have to do is ask.

JULIE: Thank you, but that really won't be necessary. Right now, I think she needs the love and support of her family.

VICTOR: Of course.

JULIE: If you'll excuse me, I need to go congratulate my Uncle Bill.

VICTOR NODS, AND JULIE WALKS OVER TO BILL. SHE GIVES BILL A HUG.

BILL: Thanks, Julie.

JULIE: Grandpa would be so proud.

BILL: I just hope I'm up to this. He left some awfully big shoes to fill.

JULIE: Well, if anyone can do it, you can. I believe that. And Grandpa believed it, too.

BILL AND JULIE EXCHANGE A KNOWING SMILE. SUDDENLY WE HEAR A PAGE.

BILL: Duty calls, if you will excuse me...

JULIE: Of course, Dr. Chief of Staff... go forth and "administrate."

BILLS SMILES, SALUTES AND WALKS OUT THE DOOR. HOLD ON JULIE.

CUT TO: SMALL NURSES' STATION/LOUNGE. BILL WALKS UP TO THE NURSE ON DUTY. SHE HANDS HIM A PATIENT'S CHART.

BILL: (LOOKING AT THE CHART) That's fine. Sadly, I think he's going to have to be heavily sedated for a long while...

THE ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN AND MICKEY EXITS. SEEING HIS BROTHER, HE WALKS OVER.

BILL: Hi, Mick. It looks like you'll find me here a lot more from now on.

MICKEY: What's going on?

BILL: Got a minute?

MICKEY: For my baby brother, of course.

BILL: (INDICATING THE LOUNGE) Let me buy you a cup of coffee.

BILL HANDS THE CHART BACK TO THE NURSE AND THE TWO BROTHERS GO INTO THE LOUNGE. MICKEY SITS AS BILL POURS TWO CUPS ON COFFEE INTO CERAMIC MUGS.

MICKEY: I know, that's why I came over. What did they say?

BILL HANDS THE COFFEE TO MICKEY AND SITS DOWN.

MICKEY: That's wonderful! Congratulations!

BILL: (HIS SMILE FADING) I wish it wasn't under these circumstances...

MICKEY: Hey, come on. Dad would have wanted you to follow in his footsteps. You've wanted to be a doctor as long as I can remember. And what doctor doesn't dream of becoming Chief of Staff?

BILL: Well, I have to admit the thought had occurred to me.

MICKEY: And if I know Dad, I'll bet he'd already told the Board who should succeed him.

BILL: Yeah, he did. He never left anything to chance, did he?

MICKEY: This is all like a dream, isn't it? I keep thinking about Easter, he seemed so vibrant then.

BILL: (LAUGHING) I can still see Mom's face when he said the men were going to cook the entire dinner. She was so happy he wanted to do something for her, but I think deep down she was worried we'd be eating take-out.

MICKEY: And Dad knew it. Why else would he have been hovering over everything and checking the stuffing every three minutes?

BILL: I miss him.

MICKEY: Me, too.

MICKEY REACHES ACROSS THE TABLE AND BRIEFLY SQUEEZES BILL'S HAND.

BILL: As long as the family sticks together, I think she'll be all right. She's always gotten her strength from that.

MICKEY: I feel so... odd... empty. But it's more than that...

BILL: Our childhood is gone. That's what it is. No matter how old you are, as long as your parents are around, somewhere deep down you still feel safe.

MICKEY: That's exactly what it is. I feel like I've finally got to become a grownup.

BILL: Us deciding to grow up at this age... I'll bet Dad is watching, laughing at our foolishness...

HOLD ON MICKEY AND BILL.

ACT V

EUTERPE. THE CLUB IS NEARLY FULL. WE SEE CALLIOPE SITTING AT A BACK CORNER TABLE. SHE'S DRESSED IN A SIMPLE BLACK SHORT-SLEEVED DRESS, WITHOUT ANY OF HER USUAL ORNAMENTATION. SHE HAS A STACK OF FOLDED HANDKERCHIEFS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TABLE. SHE ALSO HAS A PILE OF HANDKERCHIEFS THAT HAVE THE INITIALS "T H" EMBROIDERED ON IT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TABLE. SHE IS TRYING TO RE-THREAD HER NEEDLE WHEN JASMIN APPROACHES.

CALLIOPE: (DISTRACTED) What? Oh... (LOOKING AT HER GLASS) Can I have another mineral water, please?

JASMIN NODS, AND WALKS TO THE BAR. IAN IS STANDING THERE AS SHE PLACES THE ORDER.

JASMIN: She seems devastated; she and Dr. Horton must have been close.

IAN LOOKS OVER TO CALLIOPE, WHO HAS PUT DOWN THE NEEDLE AND THREAD AND BEGUN TO CRY. JASMIN STARTS TO TAKE OVER CALLIOPE'S DRINK.

JASMIN: (SEEING CALLIOPE) Okay.

IAN TAKES THE GLASS OFF OF THE TRAY AND WALKS TO CALLIOPE'S TABLE.

CALLIOPE LOOKS UP AND HIM, AND STARTS TO CRY HARDER. IAN SITS DOWN NEXT TO CALLIOPE AND GIVES HER A HUG.

IAN HANDS HER ONE OF THE STACKED HANDKERCHIEFS; CALLIOPE INSTEAD TAKES ONE OF THE MONOGRAMMED ONES. SHE PUTS HER HEAD BACK ON HIS SHOULDER. EVE WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND PAUSES TO WATCH CALLIOPE AND IAN.

GO TO: JULIE, WHO ENTERS AND LOOKS AROUND. SHE SEES IAN AND CALLIOPE IN THE CORNER AND DECIDES TO LEAVE THEM THEIR PRIVACY. JULIE THEN SEES DAVE, WHO IS BUSY SPEAKING TO A PAIR OF CUSTOMERS. FROM ACROSS THE ROOM, EVE SPIES JULIE WAITING. SHE SEES THAT DAVE IS OCCUPIED, AND LOOKS PENSIVELY BACK AT JULIE. EVE TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND WALKS OVER TO JULIE.

JULIE: Eve.

EVE: Are you here for dinner?

JULIE: Yes. (SADLY) Dinner... and I'll be reading a poem tonight.

EVE: (SUBDUED) Oh. (BEAT) I'll get you a seat near the stage, then.

JULIE: Thank you.

EVE: Follow me...

EVE GRABS A MENU AND WALKS TOWARD THE STAGE. JULIE FOLLOWS. EVE STOPS AND MOTIONS TO A TABLE. JULIE SITS DOWN. EVE PLACES THE MENU IN FRONT OF JULIE AND STANDS THERE. JULIE LOOKS UP.

EVE: What?

JULIE: You look as if you want to say something.

EVE: I do. I... Could I sit down?

JULIE: (NODDING TOWARD THE OTHER CHAIR) Please.

EVE SITS DOWN.

JULIE: (WITH A HINT OF A SMILE) Thank you, Eve. I appreciate your compassion...

EVE: (HURT) You sound surprised.

JULIE: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.

EVE: (SIGHS) I know I've made mistakes, Julie, but I'm not heartless.

JULIE: I know you aren't, Eve. (BEAT) I think you sometimes have trouble finding it, but I know you have a heart in there. And I am appreciative of your sympathy.

EVE: Well, I know how it feels.

JULIE: How what feels?

EVE: I know all too well how much it hurts when someone you love dies unexpectedly.

JULIE: Yes... I suppose you do.

GO TO: THE STAGE. THE HOUSE LIGHTS DIM AND THE STAGE LIGHTS COME UP AS DOUG STEPS UP TO THE MICROPHONE.

THE CLUB FALLS SILENT.

DOUG PULLS A PIECE OF PAPER OUT OF HIS POCKET.

But now I just turn out the light and don't check
Anything at all
As if I know the dream I'll have will bring me to
Other doors and other rooms
And other light.

DOUG FOLDS UP THE PIECE OF PAPER AND PUTS IT BACK INTO HIS POCKET. THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDS. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE TEARS IN THEIR EYES. DOUG WALKS OFF THE STAGE AND GOES OVER TO JULIE. OUT ON THEIR EMBRACE.

ACT VI

COMMUNITY CENTER: KAYLA STANDS IN THE MAIN AREA OF THE CENTER, SURROUNDED BY SHOPPING BAGS. MAGGIE COMES IN WITH ONE MORE BAG.

KAYLA: Maggie, I'm overwhelmed. This is such a generous donation.

MAGGIE: Alice said that Tom would have wanted his things to help others as soon as possible.

KAYLA: Still. I'm surprised she was able to go through Tom's things so soon... It must have been very difficult for her. How is she?

MAGGIE: She's putting up a brave front. She doesn't want anyone worrying about her.

KAYLA: I'll be sure to write her a thank-you note right away.

MAGGIE: I think that would mean a lot to her, to know that Tom is still helping the community.

KAYLA: These things will help so many people, they'll be grateful. (BEAT) Is there anything else I can do for Alice? Or any of the family?

MAGGIE: Just keep her in your prayers, for now.

HOLD ON MAGGIE'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. RICHARD IS AT A TABLE, DINING ALONE. HE LOOKS ACROSS THE ROOM AND SEES EVE COMING TOWARD HIM.

EVE ARRIVES AT RICHARD'S TABLE.

RICHARD: Hello, Eve.

EVE: How are you?

RICHARD: I'm fine, thank you. And you?

EVE: I'm fine, thanks. (LOOKING AT THE EMPTY CHAIR ACROSS FROM HIM) Are you here alone?

RICHARD: Um... Yes. Yes, I am.

EVE: What a shame...

RICHARD: (SMILING) Oh, not really. I was hungry earlier, now I'm not. I'd say it's been a successful evening.

EVE GIGGLES.

EVE: Yeah, he was...

EVE STOPS WHEN SHE SEES THAT RICHARD IS LOOKING UP AT THE STAGE. SHE TURNS TO SEE ROBERT ADJUSTING THE MICROPHONE.

RICHARD: No, go ahead.

EVE GRABS THE VACANT CHAIR AND DRAGS IT AROUND NEXT TO RICHARD'S. SHE SITS DOWN AND SMILES AT RICHARD, WHO SMILES BACK. WHEN EVE TURNS TO THE STAGE, RICHARD LOOKS UPWARD IN MILD EXASPERATION.

GO TO: THE STAGE. ROBERT CLEARS HIS THROAT.

I know without looking

ROBERT SIGHS AND BOWS HIS HEAD. THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDS.

GO TO: RICHARD'S TABLE. RICHARD IS STILL APPLAUDING. EVE HAS TURNED TO LOOK AT HIM.

RICHARD: About Dr. Horton?

EVE: Yeah.

RICHARD: I'm sure a lot of people will miss him.

EVE: Uh-huh. (BEAT) I know how that feels. Losing a loved one, I mean.

RICHARD: I'm sorry to hear that.

EVE: It gets so lonely. (BEAT) I don't want to be lonely anymore.

EVE PUTS HER HAND ON RICHARD'S, MUCH TO HIS SURPRISE. SHE LOOKS AT HIM INNOCENTLY.

RICHARD, CLEARLY UNCOMFORTABLE, TILTS HIS HEAD AND SMILES WEAKLY AT EVE. HOLD ON RICHARD'S SMILE.

CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM. JACK IS SITTING ON THE SOFA WITH ABIGAIL IN HIS LAP. JACK IS OPENING THE DAY'S ISSUE OF THE CHRONICLE.

ABIGAIL: Pay-pah!

JACK: Well, not exactly. Here...

JACK LEANS OVER AND PICKS UP THE SPECTATOR OFF OF THE COFFEE TABLE. HE HOLDS THE SPECTATOR IN FRONT OF ABIGAIL.

ABIGAIL: Dada!

JACK: (SETTING THE SPECTATOR DOWN) Yes, and this...

JACK HOLDS UP THE CHRONICLE AND MAKES A SOUR FACE.

ABIGAIL: (MIMICKING JACK'S SOUR FACE) Bleah!

JACK: Exactly! See? (POINTING TO A PAGE IN THE CHRONICLE) Take this layout, for instance... It's all wrong.

JENNIFER ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN, UNNOTICED BY JACK AND ABIGAIL.

WATCHING HER DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND, JENNIFER, REMINDED OF ALL THE YEARS OF ABIGAIL'S LIFE HER GRANDFATHER WILL NEVER SEE, STARTS TO CRY.

JACK: (SMILING) Absolutely. You have an editor's eye, I can tell.

JENNIFER BEGINS TO QUIETLY SOB, WHICH GETS JACK'S ATTENTION.

JACK QUICKLY SETS DOWN THE PAPER AND STANDS UP. HE PUTS ABIGAIL IN HER PLAYPEN.

JACK GOES OVER TO JENNIFER AND TILTS HIS HEAD INQUISITIVELY. JENNIFER CONTINUES TO CRY. JACK PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND HER.

JENNIFER: (SOFTLY) I miss him so much...

JACK: I know. Everyone misses him. (BEAT) I miss him. Salem will never be quite the same, now that Tom Horton has passed.

JENNIFER: I feel like a huge hole has opened up inside of me... just like when Hope died.

JACK: I understand. (BEAT) I was there when Hope died.

JACK PAUSES TO WIPE THE TEARS FROM HER CHEEKS.

ABIGAIL PEEKS OVER THE EDGE OF HER PLAYPEN.

JACK AND JENNIFER TURN TO LOOK AT ABIGAIL.

JENNIFER GOES OVER TO THE PLAYPEN AND PICKS UP ABIGAIL.

JACK GOES TO JENNIFER'S SIDE AND PUTS HIS ARM AROUND JENNIFER'S SHOULDERS. WITH HIS FREE HAND, HE REACHES OVER AND TOUCHES ABIGAIL'S CHEEK.

JACK TICKLES ABIGAIL'S NECK, CAUSING HER TO GIGGLE. JENNIFER SMILES AND KISSES JACK ON THE CHEEK.

JACK: For what?

JENNIFER: For reminding me... For reminding me that Grandpa will always be with us, as long as we keep him in our hearts.

OUT ON JENNIFER.

ACT VII

EUTERPE / THE STAGE. JULIE STANDS BATHED IN A SPOTLIGHT. SHE WEARS A SIMPLE BLACK GOWN, WITH MID-LENGTH SLEEVES AND A SWEETHEART NECKLINE. SHE STANDS QUIETLY FOR A MOMENT, THEN LOOKS DOWN AT THE PAPER SHE HOLDS IN HER HAND.

JULIE TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND BEGINS TO READ.

WE SEE DOUG, WATCHING FROM THE WINGS, HIS FACE A MIXTURE OF GRIEF AND PRIDE

WE SEE CALLIOPE, WIPING THE TEARS THAT STREAM SILENTLY DOWN HER CHEEKS WITH ONE OF THE EMBROIDERED HANDKERCHIEFS.

JULIE BOWS HER HEAD AS SHE FINISHES, UNABLE TO STOP THE WAITING FLOW OF TEARS. SHE RAISES HER TEAR-STAINED FACE AND LOOKS TO DOUG FOR COMFORT. HOLD ON JULIE.

CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. ALICE IS SITTING ON THE COUCH. SHE LOOKS OVER TO TOM'S EMPTY CHAIR. TEARS START TO TRICKLE DOWN HER CHEEKS.

ALICE PICKS UP A PHOTO OFF OF THE COFFEE TABLE. WE SEE IT IS A PHOTO OF TOM AND ALICE AT THEIR SECOND WEDDING. ALICE TRACES HER FINGERS ALONG TOM'S IMAGE.

AS WE HEAR BING CROSBY'S "I'LL BE SEEING YOU" BEGIN TO PLAY, ALICE GETS UP OFF THE SOFA AND GOES OVER TO TOM'S CHAIR. SHE STRAIGHTENS THE SLIPCOVERS AND PATS THE PILLOW. ALICE THEN GOES OVER TO THE BOOKSHELF, AND PULLS OUT ONE OF TOM'S POETRY BOOKS. A SLIM VOLUME, WE SEE THE TITLE, "BRING ME YOUR LOVE" BY CHARLES BUKOWSKI. SHE HOLDS THE BOOK CLOSE TO HER HEART.

ALICE PUTS THE BOOK BACK ON THE SHELF. SHE WALKS BACK TO THE COUCH, GETS A TISSUE, AND DRIES HER EYES. SHE TREMBLES AS SHE LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM AGAIN. SHE WALKS TOWARD THE STAIRCASE.

ALICE TURNS OFF THE LIVING ROOM LIGHTS, THEN SLOWLY WALKS UP THE STAIRS. SHE REACHES THE TOP OF THE STAIRWELL. WE GO TO BLACK AS SHE TURNS OFF THE STAIRWAY LIGHT.

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