Overview
- Female: 2
- Male: 2
Context
Tom’s last night at his home for 50 years is filled with nostalgia. His family wants him to feel good about moving to assisted living. Tom is playing them well. Only Nora has any insight into what her grandfather is secretly planning to do tomorrow. His children Brooks and Christine are in the dark.
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AT RISE: NIGHT FIREWORKS FINALE OVER THE LAKE.
House lights go down. Lights of booming fireworks illuminate the stage to oohs and aahs. Stage lights come up. BROOKS, CHRISTINE, and NORA wave goodbye to departed guests’ stage right. CHRISTINE leans over to give OLD TOM, sitting in a pink Adirondack chair, a kiss.
OLD TOM
Bye darling. That cherry pie was amazing.
CHRISTINE
Can't go wrong with mom's old recipe.
OLD TOM
(wistfully) Always Tony's favorite.
As CHRISTINE and NORA leave his son BROOKS walks up, grabs his hands. TOM starts to rise but BROOKS motions him to stay put.
BROOKS
Relax dad. It's a holiday.
OLD TOM
Fifty-one years here on the lake. Wish I could take the loons with me.
BROOKS gazes up at the house as if he is surveying, making a mental list of work that needs to be done. He's distracted, not listening to his father.
BROOKS
Yeah, dad.
(beat)
Come on, let's get you in the house.
OLD TOM
No, I think I'll sit out here for a while. See you at Sunset Shores Monday.
BROOKS
(Pats him on shoulder) OK dad.
BROOKS walks off stage right. OLD TOM walks into the house as the stage goes dark. When the porch lights come back up, TOM walks back out with the last of several big suitcases. His granddaughter NORA, wearing a University of Michigan sweatshirt, follows him with his carry-on bag. Stage right cab driver, DANIEL PECORA, wearing a pink Hawaiian shirt and shorts, is checking his watch.
NORA
All packed?
OLD TOM
I think so. (looking around) What a wonderful party.
NORA
You were wonderful. Best fireworks ever. (wistfully) Our last Fourth of July at the lake.
OLD TOM
(He gestures to a box) Pretty sure everything you wanted is there ... the photos, your grandmother's favorite vase, that old green afghan you loved so much, some of the wonderful art you gave me from Glenside elementary.
NORA picks up a painting on construction paper. She slowly reads the words.
NORA
My card for your 72nd birthday. You kept it.
OLD TOM
So glad you knew me when I was still young.
OLD TOM picks up a set of car keys. Hands them to NORA.
NORA
Grandpa, I can't take your pickup.
OLD TOM
You need wheels Nora, you need wheels.
(Horn honks. Nora slowly takes the keys.)
NORA
Your taxi is here.
OLD TOM
Taxi?
NORA
Your taxi grandpa. I'll have the driver come in to help you with your bags.
(Begins to leave, turns back around.)
NORA
Do me a favor?
(Beat)
Try not to die.
(They embrace. Horn honks again.)
NORA
We better get you going.
(Sad, tearful)
So I guess this is...Bon Voyage.
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