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The
B reakRoom
by
Dorothy Tennov
A nursing home can be a tough place for anyone. It is filled with emergencies, neglect, pressure, andconfusion. Almost as low in the hierarchy as janitorial help and the residents, themselves, are the nursesassistants.
This is a play about how different personalities react to the problems and responsibilities they face onthe job. It explores interpersonal problems of people who find themselves obliged to do some of themost difficult, most physically demanding, and lowest wage jobs ... Jobs taken when no other choice isavailable.
Miriam Mason: Now in her mid-fifties, Miriam has been a nurses assistant for many years. Althoughshe is considered experienced and reliable by her employers, in fact she cuts corners
where she can, often at the residents expense. Her loyalties are divided and she loves togossip.
Chrissy Green: In her thirties and married, Chrissys genuine cheerfulness brings joy to the residents. Butdedication can lead to burnout. Whether it does or not can depend on support fromcoworkers, especially when doing the morally right thing is not the same as doing whatthe work schedule demands. Although Chrissy is uneducated and intellectually dull, she
feels that she holds high moral standards.Apple Amour: Still in her twenties, Apple is young, ambitious, and relatively aloof. The stint at Pleasant
Valley is a temporary stop toward bigger things. Apple attends classes in nursing at anearby hospital.
Sally Forrest: In her mid-forties, Sally is a newcomer and puzzling to the others. They suspect that she isnot quite what she seems, and they are right.
Spencer Robinson: Spencer is a male aide, about 35 years old. Theres always a special reason why a manends up as a nurses assistant in a nursing home.
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Characters referred to who do not appear on stage are include nurses assistants Valerie Buss, MarieWashington, Ruth Marble, and Charlene Harrison; residents Louise Dawkins, (referredto by the staff as Wacko), Mildred Sarason, Thelma Jackson, and Dorothy Billings(also known as 420a), 243b, attending physician Dr. Turland Rutgers; and AdministratorCynthia Holloway.
A small room with 2 chairs, sink, cabinet with drawers and shelves containing dishes, refrigerator, and coffeemachine. Along one wall are a dozen lockers.
MIRIAM
(Talking on the phone.) Okay I will. Yes. Okay, someones coming. Goodbye. (She quickly places the cellphone in her locker and closes the door. Then she turns and goes to the door and unlocks it.) Hello, Apple, niceto see you. Sorry to keep you waiting. I was adjusting my underwear and was afraid you might be
Spencer. (She pours herself a cup of hot water and sits down heavily with a sigh of fatigue.)
APPLE
Hows it going? (She peers into the refrigerator finally selecting a soda. She pops it open, gets a straw and sits in
the other chair.) You look beat.
MIRIAM
So do you.
APPLE
Oh, Im okay, considering what I have been doing all morning. Its good to sit for a while. Ive heardthat aides didnt used to get these regular breaks.
MIRIAM
Yeah. Thats right. It was the first big issue the old union took up. We got the breaks and we still gotthem. But we dont have the union no more since the strike. I guess Im the only one left from those
days.
APPLE
Howd you manage to survive?
MIRIAM
Kept my nose clean. I knew they didnt have a chance. There were no jobs, so it was either hang on to alousy job or have nothing to hang on to. I gritted my teeth, smiled at the right times and got a raise. Ive
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kept that, too. They had to keep someone to train the new ones. I decided to be the one. The kids weresmall so . . .
APPLE
That must have made you real popular with the other girls. I notice you also get the best jobs and neverhave to do the graveyard.
MIRIAM
I lost one friend, but most just moved on. I felt sorry for them, but what the hell. Unions were on theirway out. I may not be educated, but I was smart enough to see that. I was rewarded. Still am.
MIRIAM
Yeah, Holloway kept her word. Anyway thats history.
APPLE
History with a lesson.
MIRIAM
I guess. But its still a lousy job. (Changing the subject after a pause:) What about you? You seem brightand with it? Is this your chosen career?
APPLE
Its a first step. Helps pay my tuition and I thought it would be an important experience.
MIRIAM
Important to who? (Pause) By the way, have you heard the latest?
APPLE
Im not sure. Did the raises come through?
MIRIAMYou kidding? Across the board raises will happen here the day 420a wakes up with a dry diaper and Dr.Rutgers gets here more than once a month.
APPLE
I thought the regulations require weekly visits.
MIRIAM
On paper and he makes them all right on paper.
APPLE
So whats new? Something juicy?
MIRIAM
Hmmmm. No, not juicy, run of the mill, really. 124b broke her arm.
APPLE
Is that all? People are always breaking things around here hips, knees . . . didnt Sarason break herbackbone last month?
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MIRIAM
It was a compression fracture and a stink was avoided because the girl who turned her convenientlyquit three days later.
APPLE
Conveniently?
MIRIAMNot available for questioning when the family called the State people in. Anyway, 324b case isnt that
simple.
APPLE
Oh?
MIRIAM
Rumor has it she was pushed.
APPLE
Pushed?
MIRIAM
So I heard.
APPLE
But who? And why? (Sally Forrest enters.)
SALLY
Hi there, Miriam, Apple. I hope Im not interrupting a personal conversation. (She gets coffee and standsleaning against the counter drinking.)
MIRIAM
Did you know about the resident who broke her arm yesterday?
SALLY
Dorothy Billings? All I know is that it happened. Poor woman. They said she had a lot of pain with it. Itwas Charlene Harrison who found her, wasnt it?
MIRIAM
Yeah, she found her all right.
SALLY
What do you mean?
MIRIAM
(Ignoring the question) I was wondering, where is Charlene? I havent seen her. Sorry, but my time is up.Salt mines are calling. See you all.
APPLE
See you, Miriam.
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MIRIAM
Bye all. (She leaves.)
SALLY
See you later. (To Apple) I hope I didnt chase her away.
APPLE
Oh no, breaks are short and she was here when I came.
SALLY
Do you have time?
APPLE
Yeah, a little.
SALLY
I wanted to ask you something. Youve been here longer than I have and thought you might be able tohelp with something that has been bothering me.
APPLE
If I can.
SALLY
Ive been wondering about Spencer Robinson. Has he been here long? Do you know him well?
APPLE
Why? Whats up?
SALLY
Nothing, really. I dont know. I just wondered how the women felt about having a man bathing anddiapering them.
APPLE
Well I know for a fact that some of the old ladies think hes gods gift to them. 234b used to ask forhim. She said she felt safer when he got her into her chair because hes stronger.
SALLY
Past tense?
APPLE
He was transferred to the North Wing so he doesnt do her anymore. I dont know why.
SALLY
I wonder what happened.
APPLE
Ive got to leave now. Ms. Holloway lets me take off early to get to class provided I shorten my lunchand break times. Nice to talk with you, but so long for now.
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SALLY
So long. (Apple leaves and Sally takes a notebook out of her pocket and writes in it. When the door starts toopen, she puts it away quickly as Spencer enters.)
SPENCER
Hello Sally Forrest, taking notes?
SALLY
Grocery list. How are you, Spencer?
SPENCER
Im okay, are you okay?
SALLY
(Laughing) Yes, Im okay. Tell, me how is Dorothy Billings? Is she okay?
SPENCER
I really dont know. I suppose as okay as an 85-year-old biddy can be with her arm in a cast. But much
as Id love to stay and chat, this isnt my break time. You didnt see me. (Takes a glass of milk from therefrigerator, downs it in a gulp and departs.)
(Sally makes another note in her book and leaves)
After a moment Apple enters, sees no one, takes a cookie from the cookie jar, and leaves. Shortly after, Chrissycomes in, turns her back to the audience and puts her hands to her face, as if weeping. Curtain closes.)
[Same time next day. Miriam enters as before. This time its Chrissy who comes in.]
CHRISSY
(She smiles a greeting to Miriam, pours herself some coffee and sits down)
MIRIAM
Whats with you today, little girl?
CHRISSY
(Bristling slightly) Im fine. Its such a beautiful spring day. Some of the residents will have their morningactivity in the courtyard. Thats really nice for them.
MIRIAM
Nice for them, a pain in the neck for us, getting the wheelchairs out there.
CHRISSY
Yeah, youre right about that..
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MIRIAM
Feeling better today?
CHRISSY
What dya mean?
MIRIAM
When I saw you coming in here yesterday you looked as if you were going to burst.
CHRISSY
Oh, yes, well. Its okay now.
MIRIAM
What happened?
CHRISSY
I guess it was my fault. I was late bathing Mrs. Jackson and Hollaway let me have it.
MIRIAM
First rule: Never be late with baths.
CHRISSY
I know. I was talking to Mrs. Aukland next door. Her daughter was supposed to visit and had called tosay she wasnt coming and she was upset and I thought she needed cheering up.
MIRIAM
Yours is not to think and not to cheer up except along with other duties. Thats the job of Activity orSocial Service.
CHRISSY
Well it was 7 AM and they dont come in until 8:30, and she needed someone then.
MIRIAM
You wont last here if you take on other peoples jobs.
CHRISSY
Sometimes I think I wont last. But Ive got to.
MIRIAM
The money?
CHRISSYWe need it. Elliot has been out of work for seven months now.
MIRIAM
Considering what they pay here, cant you do better somewhere else?
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CHRISSY
I dont want to work behind the counter at MacDonalds. Not that they pay any more. But its someaningless. Here, I could really be helping . . . if theyd let me. These people need kindness in their lastdays. Its morally wrong the way theyre treated sometimes.
MIRIAM
I dont see them complaining.
CHRISSY
You know theyre afraid to complain. And Im afraid to complain, too, if you want to know the truth.Forget I said anything.
MIRIAM
Thats the girl. Look out for yourself. You cant change the system.
CHRISSY
Its a rotten system.
MIRIAMIn some ways. Just do your job and think of other things. (Singing) Theres a blue sky over yonder,
Theres a blue bird in that sky . . . (She breaks off the song.) At least you can leave here and get somerest and have some fun every day.
CHRISSY
I know. Ruth Marble goes home to four kids, and Valerie has another job.
MIRIAM
And the residents sit around all day while we wait on them. You dont have to feel sorry for them.
CHRISSY
Youre right in a way, but it isnt pleasant for them. How would you like to be here?
MIRIAM
I wouldnt be here.
CHRISSY
What if you couldnt help it?
MIRIAM
I could help it.
CHRISSY
How?
MIRIAM
I just could. (The door opens and Apple enters.) Hi, Apple.
APPLE
Im glad youre here. People are acting pretty strange about 324bs broken arm. If we dont getinterrupted again, maybe youll give me the details. I had to leave early yesterday.
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MIRIAM
It was on the last shift. I only heard about it. 324b fell out of bed.
APPLE
324b? I thought she had something up here would at least keep her in bed at night.
MIRIAM
I think that stuff about Miss 324b being normal mentally was bull. Insides, she was as nutty as the restof them. It doesnt surprise me in the least. The rumor is that she was pushed?
CHRISSY
Oh, no!
MIRIAM
Its only a rumor. Somebody comes up with a rumor every time something happens around here. Pay it
no mind. (There is a pause.)
CHRISSY
Whoops, its my time to go. Are you coming, Miriam?
MIRIAM
Not yet. Im on extended break to make up for a short lunch time.
CHRISSY
Bye, then and thanks for the advice See ya, Apple.
MIRIAM
Just keep your eyes in the skies and your feet on the floor. See ya, kid. (Chrissy leaves.)
APPLE
Advice?
MIRIAM
Little Miss Bleeding Heart is not long for Pleasant Valley.
APPLE
She should get a degree and hang out a shingle.
MIRIAM
Have you heard anything more about Mumbles?
APPLENo.
MIRIAM
In confidence? There are those who must not hear about this.
APPLE
Of course.
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MIRIAM
I talked with Marie. Tell me, did you know Charlene?
APPLE
Sure, the new girl, Charlene Harrison.
MIRIAM
She hated 324b. Called her Mumbles.
APPLE
Hated Billings? Thats nothing, she hates them all, she called them those wrinkled old great-grandmothers we get paid a nonliving wage to lift and clean up before and after, with emphasis on theafter. Charlene hates them all
MIRIAM
Yes, but she hated 324b specially.
APPLE
But 324b isnt much trouble. Shes quiet. There isnt much there so whats to hate?
MIRIAM
Thats what Charlene thought! Anyway, about a month ago Charlene and Spencer were working thesame graveyard. It was about 2 AM, they didnt know where to go so they ducked into 324bs room.
That was when there was no 324a. Old Yacko hadnt moved in yet.
APPLE
Or out. They moved her down to intensive yesterday.
MIRIAM
Anyway, 324b should have been asleep. When they were just getting there, they hear 324b say, Stopthat.
APPLE
324a said Stop that? Its impossible. She doesnt speak. Mumbles sometimes, but thats about all. Youmean she caught them at it? And said Stop that?
MIRIAM
She said more. She said, Get out of my room. And she pointed to the door.
APPLE
Incredible! How do you know?
MIRIAM
Marie was in here and Charlene was so shocked she stumbled in and spilled the whole thing out. Shesaid Old Mumbles spoke with such authority it was like getting caught . . .
APPLE
. . . with your pants down . . .
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MIRIAM
Ha!
APPLE
in a very unexpected way.
MIRIAM
It was unexpected.
APPLE
So what else happened? What did Spencer do?
MIRIAM
Spencer the room left quickly. Marie said she saw him zipping up. It seems he used to take care of 324bso he was even more shocked at being discovered as Charlene was at founding him out.
APPLE
Thats quite a story. How come we didnt hear about it sooner?
MIRIAM
Charlene swore Marie to secrecy.
APPLE
And she kept her word? So how come she finally told?
MIRIAM
Thats the news. When Marie heard the rumor about Charlene pushing Billings out of bed, she openedup. It seems that after the incident Charlene got very uncomfortable around 324b. She didnt like thelooks she was getting from her. As if she knew something.
APPLE
I know that feeling. Its spooky. But murder?
MIRIAM
I think she just wanted to get her out of the wing.
APPLE
Get her moved to intensive?
MIRIAM
Yeah.
APPLE
But 324b wouldnt do anything or say anything.
MIRIAM
Its not that. It really got to Charlene. She started thinking they all understand and hate us as much aswe hate them.
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APPLE
Whataya mean, hate them. Would I say, Good morning, dear, I hope you slept well. Its a lovely day.Heres your breakfast, deary. to someone I hate?
MIRIAM
Yes. (Both laugh.)
APPLE
No, I dont really hate them, I feel sorry for them. Its just that Id rather be diapering my baby than anold bag.
MIRIAM
Dont I know. Resent is a better word, but with Charlene its hate. The very latest happened thismorning. Charlene quit.
APPLE
And Spencer?
MIRIAMNothing I know of. (Looks at her watch.) Oh, Oh. Now my time is up. Let me know if you find outanything.
APPLE
Sure thing. Bye. (Miriam leaves and Sally enters.)
SALLY
Looks like were gonna be short staffed again.
APPLE
Yeah, Miriam just told me that Charlene Harrison left.
SPENCER
(Spencer enters.) Hi, girls.
APPLE
Im leaving.
SPENCER
Is it me?
APPLE
No, Spencer, just the clock. Im kidding. I just got here. Heard any gossip?
SPENCER
Not really. Wacko had a bad time, but thats it. Oh yes, 324b is back in 324b in the other wing.
APPLE
You mean the lady who can speak real good if the occasion calls for it?
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SPENCER
You know?
APPLE
Everybody knows. I thought you had a wife.
SPENCER
Me? No.
APPLE
Spencer, you told me you had a wife named Barbara.
SPENCER
I know. I say that sometimes. I used to have a wife named Barbara.
APPLE
And a son named Willy?
SPENCER
And a son named Willy.
APPLE
Whatd they do, throw you out?
SPENCER
I didnt have a job.
APPLE
Well you got one now.
SPENCER
Here? This aint no job.
APPLE
What would you call it?
SPENCER
Cruel and unusual punishment.
APPLE
Whatsa matter, you dont like the satisfying sight of gooey shit slivering out of a bedpan under the
expert guidance of your hose?
SPENCER
If I could get any other kind of work I wouldnt be here.
APPLE
Why, Spencer, I thought you liked old ladies, the way you joke with them and hug em and kiss em.Why cant you get other work? Youre a handsome fella. You stupid or something?
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SPENCER
(Sheepishly.) Never mind.
APPLE
Oh that. Whatd you do?
SPENCER
Nothing. I was innocent, a victim of injustice.
APPLE
Come on, you son of a bitch.
SPENCER
I was accused of breaking and entering with a little cocaine in my back pocket planted there by thepolice.
APPLE
Isnt that what they all say? But didnt you have to show identification to get in here?
SPENCER
A friend of mine fixed some fakes.
APPLE
And they didnt check your references?
SPENCER
My theory is they didnt want to know.
APPLE
So you make do with a little here and there on the side.SPENCER
You could say that. Ya wanna make a contribution to the cause?
APPLE
No thanks. Romeo, you arent my type and my times up anyway so have a good day. (She leaves as Sallyenters. They nod to each other.)
SPENCER
You again.
SALLY
You have a problem with me?
SPENCER
Yeah. Theres something about you I dont get and I dont like. What are you always writing down inthat book? You remind me of a cop. Know what I think? I think youre some kind of snitch and I dontlike snitches.
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SALLY
Now, now, little boy. Take it easy. Dont get yourself worked up.
SALLY
SALLY
SPENCER
Lemme see that book of yours. (He grabs her shoulder with his left hand and reaches for her pocket, but shegives a twist and breaks free.)
(Firmly) Dont you touch me.
SPENCER
(Backing off) Whod want to touch you.
CHRISSY
(Entering) Whats going on?
Spencer here is having a testosterone attack.
CHRISSY
A what?
SALLY
Its a kind of Superman illusion. Hell be okay, wont you, Spencer?
SPENCER
(As Chrissy goes to the refrigerator, Spencer glares at Sally.) Im leaving. (He goes out.)
CHRISSY
(As she and Sally sit down with their coffee) That guy kinda scares me. I havent wanted to be alone withhim here. And hes got a strange way with the residents. Kinda over friendly?
SALLY
You mean its not sincere?
CHRISSY
I guess so.
SALLY
You mean more than that, dont you?
CHRISSY
Yes. No. Im not sure. Theres no proof. Well, one day I went into Mrs. Dawkinss room. He wasdressing her.
SALLY
You saw something?
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CHRISSY
Not exactly. I thought I saw him jerk her dress down suddenly when he saw me and there was a look onher face I didnt like.
SALLY
Fear?
CHRISSY
Im not sure. But thats all. No one said anything. (Chrissy leaves. Sally writes something in her notebookand leaves.)
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(About three months later. Sally is alone in the break room writing in her notebook and sipping a coke whenChrissy comes in.)
SALLY
Hi there.CHRISSY
(Dejected) Hi.
SALLY
Its your last day, isnt it? Bet youre glad to get out of here.
CHRISSY
I would be if I had somewhere else to go.
SALLY
I heard you had something lined up.
CHRISSY
MacDonalds.
SALLY
But youll be a manager. Youll make more money, therell be no more bedpans or diapers and yourcustomers can feed themselves. Sounds like heaven to me.
CHRISSY
Yeah, in a way, when you put it like that. But Im going to miss feeling I could help people who need
help, and not just by taking their hamburger orders. I feel like Im failing people I got to know and carefor. People who need the attention I want to give them.
SALLY
So stay. You didnt get fired, did you?
CHRISSY
No, but Hollaway made it pretty clear that my work wasnt exactly satisfactory and that meant therewould be no raises, and no future here at all. I dont really have a choice. That last incident did it for me.
SALLY
What was that?CHRISSY
After I wheeled Mrs. Dawkins down to morning activity I stayed talking with her and some of theresidents. Holloway said it was loitering. I could see the same thing happening over and over because I
wasnt going to give them the brush when they just want a little conversation. Miriam and Apple maycall it repetitive babble but to them its not just repetitive babble. Theyre human beings. Hollaway saidstick to the schedule and the script. And thats what Miriam kept telling me I should do. Well, Id bettergo. Thank Miriam for me. I know she tried to help. And say goodbye to the others that I wont beseeing again. You know, Sally . . .
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SALLY
Yes?
CHRISSY
I always thought you were different.
SALLY
How do you mean?
CHRISSY
I always felt you cared more.
SALLY
Cared more?
CHRISSY
Than the others. About how they felt. Spencer who doesnt really care, that I know, said you were aspy, that you were really here to write a book. Is it true?
SALLY
You wont tell?
CHRISSY
Of course not. Besides, Im leaving so I wont even be tempted. Miriam has a way of getting things outof people.
SALLY
Yes she does, Ive wanted to tell you, but I didnt dare.
CHRISSY
Then you arent really a nurses assistant like the others. What are you?
SALLY
Well I am a nurses assistant in that Im certified, but Im on leave from a position at the university. Ima sociologist.
CHRISSY
Whats that?
SALLY
Somebody who studies how people act with each other and then writes articles and books about them.
CHRISSY
How did Spencer know?
SALLY
Well, he doesnt know for sure but he caught me taking notes a couple of times. He thinks Im ajournalist.
CHRISSY
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Whats the difference?
SALLY
Not a lot, I guess. I hate to see you go, Chrissy. I thought maybe it was because Dorothy Billings haddied.
CHRISSY
Well that didnt help. I dont know a lot, but I know she didnt get the right care.SALLY
You were with her, werent you?
CHRISSY
Yes, and she knew what was going on. I dont care what they say. I know she knew. (Suddenly burstinginto tears.) Oh, Sally, come see me before you write that book. I want to tell you other things, too.
SALLY
About Spencer?
CHRISSY
You knew that, too.
SALLY
I suspected, but he was pretty cautious when I was around. He wasnt the only one suspicious of me soI wasnt in on all the scuttlebutt.
CHRISSY
(Writing) Heres my home number. Id better go now, somebody might come in and I dont want to seeanybody else. Thank you. Im so glad we had this talk.
SALLY
Me too. (They hug, and Chrissy leaves. After a while, Apple enters.)
SALLY
So Chrissys off to MacDonalds. Too bad. The residents seemed to like her.
She was a sweet kid, but she set a tone that got the biddies upset with people who didnt treat them thatway. And if we all did...
APPLE
Yeah, well, she was a drain on the rest of us.
SALLY
What do you mean?
APPLE
SALLY
If we all spent time chatting instead of working the whole thing would fall apart.
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APPLE
You got it.
SALLY
Hmmmnn.
APPLE
And she had a hard time with some of the heavy work.
SALLY
Bathing.
APPLE
And getting them in and out of their chairs.
SALLY
Even Spencer huffs and puffs sometimes. Well, Id better get back. See you later.
APPLE
Sure. (She takes out a compact and puts make-up on. Spencer enters.)
SPENCER
Making yourself beautiful for me, I see?
APPLE
You and everybody else in the world, including me.
SPENCER
Chrissy is so sad to be leaving me, she left with tears in her eyes.
APPLE
I dont think those tears were for you.
SPENCER
If I were on break Id grab your slender young waist and kiss your lovely red lips, but Im just sneakinga cookie to tide me over. Your loss, you lovely, seductive creature. Next time.
APPLE
Yeah, Spencer. (He leaves as Miriam enters.)
MIRIAM
How can you stand him?
APPLE
I cant. Hes just a dirty young man.
MIRIAM
Hes dirty all right. I dont know what got into Hollaway that she should have taken him on.
APPLE
7/30/2019 DTCW 34 Break Room
21/21
AASScciieennttiissttLLooookkssaattRRoommaannttiiccLLoovveeaannddCCaallllssIIttLLiimmeerreennccee::
He does his work . . . after a fashion.
MIRIAM
Its not really my business, but isnt your break time up?
APPLE
(Looking at her watch) Just about, see you later.
MIRIAM
(She closes and locks the door, unlocks the drawer and takes out the cellular phone.) Hello, Ms. Hollaway? ItsMiriam from the break room. Yeah, Im worried about Sally, too, but well get her. Ive got Spence onher case now. Okay. Yes. Dont worry. Thanks. Its my pleasure. Goodbye.
(She replaces the phone, locks the door and turns to make herself a cup of tea as the curtain falls.)
Copyright 1995 Dorothy Tennov