Winter's Child

A Drama in Two Acts

by

Michael Thomas Tower

Performance time: Approximately 2 hours

 © 1986-2005 Michael Thomas Tower

All rights reserved

Query regarding production, performance or presentation of this play

in any manner whatsoever should be directed to the author

MTTower@aol.com

wc0503c

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Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Haro sees his life, and the lives of his family, as very ordinary, until the winter of 1950 when his grandmother dies. That's when family secrets begin to unravel and everyone must deal with truths that they never suspected, and some must shoulder the guilt.

            By the time Haro finishes telling us his story, healing has begun and hope lights the future, even though tragedy must run its course.

The Characters

Haro Draper -- 14; son of Ellen, grandson of Gilman, brother of Deborah Jean.

Ellen Draper -- 42; mother of Haro, sister of Penny, oldest daughter of Gilman.

Penny Beal -- 34; Ellen's sister, youngest daughter of Gilman.

Deborah Jean Draper -- 12; daughter of Ellen, sister of Haro, granddaughter of Gilman.

Gilman Harold Ferris -- almost 74; father of Ellen and Penny, grandfather of Haro and Deborah.

Clifford Draper -- 44; Ellen's estranged husband.

Mrs. Wharton -- Any adult age. A neighbor.

The Time

Except for the final scene, the action takes place during the four-day period from Friday, December 15, through Tuesday, December 19, 1950. The final scene takes place nearly eight months later.

The Settings

The Kitchen

      Most of the action takes place in the farmhouse kitchen of the Ferris home. The script is written with the following configuration in mind.

      The door leading to the outside is situated on the downstage-right wall. On that same wall, upstage from the outside door, is a narrow opening with steep stairs (not necessarily visible). On the upstage wall, near the right corner, is a door that leads directly into the living room. On that wall, near the door, is an old electric refrigerator.

      Also on the upstage wall, near the left corner, is the kitchen range -- an old kerosene-burning monster with oven on top. On the stage-left wall are the kitchen cabinets, in the middle of which is a sink with a single spigot protruding over it, and over the sink there's a window with curtains.

      More or less in the middle of the room is a heavy round pedestal table with mismatched straight-back chairs around it.

      On the upstage wall hangs a cheap framed reproduction of da Vinci's The Last Supper. Near this are two framed photographs, each showing the smiling face of a young man in World War II Navy uniform. These are photographs of J.B. and Charley Ferris, fraternal twin brothers. There is sufficient space in this wall area for other photos to be added.

      The final scene calls for this room to be vacated -- empty of furniture, dishes, curtains, etc., with only the pictures on the wall remaining (to be removed during that scene).

The Hayloft

      This is a small area which may be defined more by light than set. In the center of this area is a bale of hay and there is hay scattered on the floor. Upstage of the bale is an old board partition positioned to provide for entrance and exit to the area. A kerosene lantern hangs on a hook protruding from the wall. Lighting includes "sunlight" coming through a narrow unseen window high above for daytime scene.

Winter's Child

Act I - Scene 1

(A light comes up downstage left, illuminating only haro standing downstage to one side. he is holding a looseleaf notebook with about 150 handwritten pages, and he is writing on the last page. After a few seconds he turns back to the first page, then starts reading aloud -- telling us the story he has written.)

haro

It wasn't so long ago that I considered my life to be common -- just one very ordinary day givin' way to the next very ordinary day. If I looked at photographs taken a year earlier, I might notice a friend had grown taller, the preacher was balder and my mother was wearier. But that was just one ordinary year givin' way to the next ordinary year

(lights come up to illuminate the room with a cold, diffused glow seeping through the window over the sink -- mid-afternoon with low, heavy clouds. Then there is the sound of a tight, harsh wind clawing at the house.

(note: haro has very limited movement of his left hand and left leg, except: (1) When he's narrating, and then there is no limitation of movement; and (2) in the final scene, where the limitation is not as noticeable as at other times.)

(continuing) haro (continuing)

During the first fourteen years of my life, my mother, sister and I lived in a little two-bedroom house in Grassland, Texas. But to me, "home" was a few miles down the road where my grandparents lived. That's where we spent much of our time and that's the place with all the memories that are a part of who I am: The smell of Grand'ma's spicy apple cake made from fruit off the gnarly old tree right outside her kitchen window; the sound of her hummin' as she canned all those vegetables from her garden and stored them in the storm cellar; the rhythm of her feet goin' up and down on the treadle of her Singer sewin' machine; the laughter of Gran'pa as he told stories that he swore were true, even though the facts changed with each tellin'; his grumbles when I beat him at a game of dominoes, especially when I knew he hadn't let me win. There are more memories than I could ever list.

      My life stopped bein' ordinary on Sunday, December ten, nineteen-fifty -- at four-thirty in the mornin'. That's when my grandmother died. Five days later she was laid to rest in the sprawlin' old cemetery just outside-a Grasslan', about a mile from the little church where she an' Gran'pa had worshiped for thirty-five years.

(The light goes out on Haro and he exits. The kitchen door opens and ellen enters. she quickly closes the door behind her and reaches for a wall switch which she twists [it's that kind], and a bare bulb hanging from an electrical cord in the middle of the room lights the area. she removes heavy gloves and thick scarf and goes to get a box of matches. she manipulates a plunger on the range, adjusts knobs, then opens the oven door and reaches in with a lighted match. she blows out the match and leaves the oven door open. ellen is putting the matches back in place when deborah jean enters from the porch.)

ellen

Where's your gran'pa, Deb'rah Jean?

deborah jean

Barn. Goin' to check on Brown Betty.

ellen

Not even this weather's gonna hurt that ornery ol' critter.

deborah jean

You never have liked that cow.

ellen

She didn' like me first.

deborah jean

She's an awful good milker.

ellen

She'd a-been pot roast long time ago if she wadn'.

deborah jean

Aint Penny said she'd prob'ly give ice cream instead of milk today.

ellen

Leave it to her -- the family wit. Cain't even bury our mother without her makin' barnyard jokes.

(deborah jean is at the oven. ellen has removed her coat. she opens a cabinet drawer and withdraws a letter-size envelope and places it on the table. There's the sound of the screen-door slamming, then haro opens the door and enters. [There is distinctive difference in Haro's costuming from that when he is narrating.] he joins Deborah at the range. haro limps noticeably with his left leg, and his left arm and hand is very restricted in movement; this limited movement would not have been evident while he's narrating.)

haro

Gran'pa an' me went to the chicken house. Two more froze.

ellen

Hens, a-course.

haro

Yes ma'am.

ellen

Roosters too mean t' let go. Strut an' crow. That's all they do.

haro

Makes six, all told.

ellen

Ever' chicken in Lynn County'll freeze if this spell dudn' let up.

haro

Good thing people 'round here don't depend on chickens for their bread an' butter.

deborah jean

(Laughing)

I didn' know chickens could make bread an' butter.

ellen

Haro, now don't you be jokin', too, today of all days.

haro

I'm sorry, ma'am. Wadn' tryin' to make a joke -- it just came out that way.

ellen

Chickens freezin', cows so cold cain't drop their milk -- those things are hardships for people.

haro

Yes ma'am, I know.

ellen

A little more prayin' and a little less jokin' -- that's my advice. Never seen anything like it, 'specially this early. Not even Christmas yet.

haro

Gettin' close, though.

ellen

Shouldn' have to celebrate the birthday of the Lord Jesus Christ while we're freezin' to pieces.

(ellen picks up matches and hands them to haro.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Here, Haro. Go light the heater in the livin' room.

haro

 Yes ma'am.

ellen

Check t'see there's plen'y-a coal oil in it. An' shut the bedroom doors so the heat'll stay in.

haro

Okay.

ellen

An' be sure the vent on the stove is open proper.

haro

I know how to do it! ... ma'am.

(haro exits. At the sink, ellen twists the faucet handle; no water comes out. Showing exasperation, she takes a quart Mason jar from the cabinet and hands it to deborah jean.)

ellen

Here, Deb'rah Jean. Go get some water from one of those cans in the front bedroom. Papa's gonna want some coffee when he gets in. Don't slosh it on the floor.

deborah jean

Yes ma'am.

ellen

We gotta remember to take those cans home with us an' refill'em.

(deborah jean exits US. The screen-door slams. penny opens the kitchen door. she turns and yells outside.)

penny

Papa, please come on in here!

ellen

Leave him alone, Penny.

penny

He's going to freeze out there.

ellen

Shut the door, or we'll all freeze.

(penny shuts the door.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Let him have some time to hisself.

penny

Just standing out there, staring into space.

ellen

He's all right.

penny

Probably go to the hayloft. Does he still do that? ... go to the barn and pray at the top of his lungs for hours?

ellen

You keep askin' me questions about Papa and I keep tellin' you I don' know. I got my own house to keep up with. Cain't know ever'thing goes on here.

penny

You were here a lot while Mama was sick, you said.

ellen

I was here all the time when Mama was sick. Somebody had to be. You or Laura wadn' about to disrupt y'all's important little lives to help out with somethin' as piddlin' as a poor, sick, dyin' mother.

penny

Ellen, you never told me she was sick till a week before she died.

ellen

Two weeks. Close to it.

penny

Did you tell Laura she was sick?

ellen

More'n a month ago, when Mama first took ill. She drove down once or twice. Now look -- she dudn' even get here for the funeral.

penny

Because of the weather, Ellen. She's stranded in Denver.

ellen

If she'd of stayed home, she wouldn' of been so far away.

penny

Well, I can't argue that point.

ellen

Runnin' all over the country while Mama was dyin'.

penny

No one knew she was dying. Even you didn't know she was dying, for Pete's sake. And you know Laura had to go to Portland on business.

ellen

Somethin' that couldn' possibly wait, I suppose.

penny

You know Simon wasn't well enough to make the trip. And she's as much a part of that business as he is.

ellen

And he couldn' come either?

penny

Simon's doctor told him to take it easy. When Papa's around Simon, things aren't exactly easy, as I recall.

ellen

Oh, they get along perty good now-days. Y'd know that if you ever came home. Besides, if Laura's got a problem, only got herself to blame.

penny

What do you mean by that?

ellen

Well ... she shouldn'-a married a Jew! Just askin' for trouble.

penny

Oh, Ellen!

ellen

Never seen Mama an' Papa so upset in my life.

penny

It was Papa, not Mama that was upset.

ellen

Only ever been one Jew family in this county, an' they know their place. Then Simon Bernstein shows up.

penny

He was a good teacher.

ellen

He didn' stay on the job long.

penny

Because of people who didn't want a "Christ-killer" infecting the minds of the little fifth-graders.

ellen

I wadn' one of them. I just didn' think he was right for Laura.

penny

They've had a very good marriage, Ellen. They love each other, built a successful business together, got a good life. We should be so lucky.

ellen

Well, you certainly enjoy rubbin' salt into my wounds, don't you?

penny

What? Oh, Ellen, I wasn't implying anything about you ...

ellen

Don't reckin I'll ever get over that part of my life.

penny

Of course not. There's Deborah and Haro that are a part of the life you and Clifford had for those years --

ellen

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Hush! I don't want to talk about that.

penny

Maybe it would do you good to talk about it.

ellen

Sounds like you know an awful lot about what Laura an' Simon are up to.

penny

We stay in touch.

ellen

Mail must get back and forth between California an' Amarilla lot better'n it does to Grassland. I'm lucky to get a letter from you once a year.

penny

It's more often than that, and I can talk with Laura by phone. You don't have a phone.

(penny removes her coat. ellen prepares to make coffee. haro enters from US. he puts the matches on the counter.)

haro

Mother, could I have somethin' to eat?

ellen

We were eatin' all day before we went to the funeral service, Haro. Never seen so much food brought in.

haro

I didn' feel like eatin' then.

ellen

And whose fault is that?

haro

Too many people aroun'.

ellen

I've told you a hunnerd times, you cain't be so afraid of people.

haro

I wadn' afraid ...

penny

I'll fix you something, Haro. How about fried chicken and mashed potatoes, and there's some fruit salad --

ellen

(Overlapping/interrupting)

When he needs somethin' to eat, I'll fix it. He's my son and I can take care of him just fine, I reckin.

(To Haro)

 Supper won't be long. You can wait.

haro

Yes ma'am.

ellen

Go put your coats on a chair by the heater. Get'em dried out good.

(haro exits.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Well, aren't you gonna give me one of your reprimandin' stares? Seems I cain't talk to my kids these days without one of your ... looks.

penny

Sorry. I didn't realize ...

(A beat)

It just seems to me you're awfully hard on them, sometimes.

ellen

They got to know what's right, got to be strong. Haro has his burden to bear. God wouldn' of made him a cripple if there wadn' somethin' special he's preparin' him for.

penny

Oh, come on, Ellen! God didn't make him a cripple.

ellen

Oh, an' just what would you know about it?

penny

He's the way he is because you wouldn't have a doctor when he was born.

ellen

God's the only doctor I ever need! Praise his holy name.

penny

I was there, Ellen. We knew there was trouble right off. But you and Papa just kept saying "God will take care of us."

ellen

Papa was prayin' an' Mama was prayin'. Don' know what you were doin'.

penny

I was sitting in the living room with Mama. She was crying and begging Papa to go get a doctor.

ellen

She was not! She believed in the healin' power of Jesus, believed in what God could do if we only trust him  --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

She believed something was wrong!

ellen

God gave me all the help I needed.

penny

But not all the help Haro needed.

ellen

Don't you be disrespectful of God! You an' your devil-talk!

penny

He'll always be a cripple because of you! -- you and Papa and this damned religion that you think is so perfect --

ellen

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Profanity! Devilish profanity! A sinful heart and a corrupt mouth! Don't you dare speak like that around here!

penny

Are you afraid to hear what I've got to say?

ellen

I'm afraid of your darkness and your vileness! That's what I'm afraid of! You been doubtin' an' questionin' for as long's I can remember. And I'm sick an' tired of it! I won't listen to it any more, Penny Beal! Not any more! You think you can come marchin' in here and blaspheme God like this --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Ellen, please! Don't! Let's not do this! --

ellen

(Overlapping/interrupting)

You just keep your dirty, iniquitous tongue still. Don't you dare be spewin' your filth out at me!

ellen

It's God you t' tell you're sorry.

penny

I'm sorry.

(A beat)

Isn't it possible for sisters to be friends?

ellen

Reckin Laura's the one you've chosen t' be friends with.

penny

We stay in touch.

ellen

Maybe birds of a feather should count their blessin's.

(Yelling to Deborah offstage)

Deb'rah Jean, where's that water? Cain't make coffee out-a thin air, now can I?

(A beat; yells louder)

Deb'rah Jean Draper, answer me!

(offstage) haro (offstage)

She's outside, Mother.

ellen

What?

(haro enters from US with his open Bible in hand.)

haro

Sittin' on the front porch with Gran'pa. He was just sittin' out there. Deb'rah went out to sit with 'im.

ellen

(To Penny)

Them two. They do that sometimes. Seem to get joy outta just settin' down by each other.

penny

I remember when you used to do that with him.

ellen

Hmph. That would-a been a long time ago.

haro

What was it you wanted, Mother?

ellen

Some water. Out-a one-a them cans in the bedroom.

haro

I'll get it.

(haro exits.)

penny

He'll freeze out there yet.

ellen

He knows his limits.

(A beat)

What are you smilin' about?

penny

Thinking about how warm it is at home right now.

ellen

Home? Oh ... you mean California? I guess I wouldn't mind a bit-a that warmth right now, myself.

penny

There were roses blooming in my yard when I left, if you can believe that.

(haro enters US with Mason jar filled with water and sets it on the counter.)

ellen

No use perkin' it till he gets in here.

haro

Mother, Gran'pa is sittin' out on the porch cryin'.

ellen

Is Deb'rah Jean still with him?

haro

Yes ma'am.

ellen

Still got his overcoat on?

haro

Think so.

ellen

Then let him alone. Reckin he'll be okay.

haro

I never saw Gran'pa cry before.

ellen

Just keep a eye on him.

haro

Yes ma'am.

(haro exits US. ellen responds to her weariness as her shoulders sag and she leans back against the cabinet. she sighs heavily.)

penny

You're tired. Why don't you lie down and rest.

ellen

Rest? Don't even know the meanin' of the word.

(A beat)

I'm always havin' to figger things out, Penny. And I don't feel like I know anything. So much of the time, I just have to make wild guesses an' hope things don' turn out too awful.

penny

But you always seem so sure about everything.

ellen

I do it because I have to. Cain't let my kids see me bein' wishy-washy. Got to be strong -- good Christian example. An' the last couple of years, Mama an' Papa gettin' older an' ever'thing, somebody's had do things for them. I've got use to doin' it -- my Christian duty. But I don' like the feelin' of ... doubtin' an' wonderin'. At night when I go to bed, I start gettin' scared about what I said or did that day ... frettin' about what I'll have to say or do the next day ... worryin' if things are gonna turn out all right. Oh, I put my trust in the Lord -- least I try do. But ...

(A beat)

It gets awful lonely, Penny ... at night when it's real dark an' quiet. That's when I cry sometimes. And I know I'm sinnin' 'cause I'm not trustin' Jesus like I should or I wouldn' be filled with all-a that doubt. He's willin' to take care of ever'thing, if I just turn it over to him ...

(A beat)

Well, enough of that. Pity never paid the rent. An' the rent is always due.

(Lights burner and sets coffee pot on range)

I'll fix the coffee for 'im. Maybe that'll he'p.

penny

Ellen, I know things have been difficult for you ... but I want to tell you, you've got two great kids.

ellen

Praise be to God. Oh, Deb'rah Jean's got a way of bleachin' out the facts sometimes. She'll outgrow that, I reckin. And Haro's never any trouble. Sasses a little, but I'll get that out of 'im ...

penny

I don't agree with some of your ways of doing things -- but who am I to criticize? They're really good kids.

ellen

Mama an' Papa've helped out with them two. Haro's been comin' over most ever' Saturday t' help with things. Deb'rah Jean usu'lly comes, too. Drop'em off on my way to work, pick'em up when I get off. Mama even wanted to take the kids on vacation with'em next summer.

penny

Really? Never knew Mama and Papa to ever consider taking a vacation.

ellen

Mama wanted to go back to Alabama -- see where she'd lived as a little girl. Four, five weeks -- go on the train. Wanted me to go too, but I couldn' get off-a work that long ...

penny

It would have been a great trip for the kids.

ellen

They would-a liked it.

penny

But you're the biggest influence on them.

ellen

I just hope they're gonna be strong enough.

penny

They will be.

ellen

Don' know if anybidy ever is.

(A beat)

Are you?

penny

Sometimes. Not always.

ellen

Hm. I figgered things just always went real good for you.

penny

I've got a good job -- nice friends. I'm thankful for that.

ellen

But you still miss havin' your husban', don't you?

penny

I miss Ted very much. Do you know he's been gone seven years now?

ellen

Didn' realize it'd been that long.

penny

I've had men friends -- even a couple of chances to get married again. I couldn't do it. I start making comparisons ...

ellen

Wish I'd ever got to meet him.

penny

Sometimes I feel like I hardly knew him myself -- like that part of my life was just a dream I had, long time ago. Soon as we got married he was off to places I'd never heard of. Bombing missions over enemy territory -- that's all I knew. But the worst thing is not knowing what ever happened to him. His plane went out -- didn't come back. Just ... gone. Charley and J.B. -- at least we know how they died.

ellen

Blown to smithereens by a torpedo? I'd as soon I didn' know.

penny

And now this mess over in Korea.

ellen

"Police action," Truman calls it. Looks mighty like war to me. Appears the devil's doin' all he can to make sure no American boy has a chance to grow up whole an' peaceful anymore.

penny

Ted and I laughed a lot. I miss that. He could see something funny in so many things. Even in his letters, in the middle of war, he'd have something funny to write about.

ellen

Don't know if I could take somebody like that. 'Course, you always had an easier time laughin' than I did. I use to think you an' Laura led some kind of charmed lives. Y'all wanted to go to college an' do other things. That didn' seem importan' to me.

penny

Going a few miles down the road to Texas Tech wasn't exactly setting off for the far corners of the world.

ellen

Might as well of been, far as I knew. Guess I'm still not sure the world exists outside of Lynn County. When people you love go off an' never come back, you finally figure somethin' else is goin' on out there.

penny

Most of the world is out there -- somewhere else. And it's very different than here.

ellen

One time, maybe I would of wanted to know about it. Too late now -- for me, anyhow. Cain't imagine bein' any place but right here.

penny

Ellen! Come visit me!

ellen

What?

penny

See what it's like where I live. See another part of the world!

ellen

Visit you? My word, I cain't imagine ... just cain't at all imagine what it'd be like to go that far away --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

You and the kids -- and Papa, of course. I'd really like that.

ellen

Big city like Alameda? California? My goodness, I'd get lost an' wander right off into the water, prob'ly. Aint never seen the ocean.

penny

Oh, I wish you would. Please think about it.

ellen

Took the bus up to Amarilla once -- to visit Laura.

penny

That's as far as you've gone?

ellen

Fort Worth one time, but ... naw, I'm done with earthly journeys, I think.

penny

Please do come.

ellen

Travelin' like that -- that's somethin' other people do. But I do wonder 'bout my kids. You think they're gonna want to end up some place else? I hate to think they might want to leave here someday. Deb'rah Jean could marry some nice farm boy 'round here. But Haro ... I don' know about him. He cain't farm, bein' crippled an' all. Don' know what he'll do.

penny

I noticed he's using his arm and hand now. He didn't use to.

ellen

Yeah, that arm use to be dead weight on him. Here recently he's gettin' some use out of it ...

penny

And he's walking better.

ellen

Real answer to prayer.

penny

There are a lot of things a man can do that don't demand two good arms and two good legs.

ellen

For a while now, he's been sayin' he wants to be a writer.

penny

He'd be good at that.

ellen

But what does a writer do? How does anybody write enough words to fill up a whole stack of pages? Outside the Bible, do we really need so much stuff written down?

penny

He'll do fine. You don't have to worry about him.

ellen

Sure hope I've been able to give them somethin' worthwhile to take through life.

penny

Those kids love you. And they do appreciate you.

(A beat)

And I appreciate you.

ellen

You do?

penny

I'm glad you've been here, near Mama and Papa, helping them ...

ellen

Didn't see I had much choice, I reckin, ‘specially with Charliean' J. B. not comin' back.

(penny goes to Ellen, reaches out, hesitantly, and puts her hand on Ellen's arm. ellen pulls back a bit at the touch, but then lets it happen.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

What you doin'?

penny

I want to touch you, Ellen.

ellen

Why would anybody wanna touch me?

penny

I want to be close to you.

(penny pulls ellen into an embrace.)

ellen

Guess it's been a long, long time since we were this close.

(The awkward embrace lasts a few seconds before ellen moves away. she gets three cups and a sugar bowl from the cabinet, goes to the refrigerator and gets a pitcher of cream and a bowl of butter. she takes a pot from the range and pours coffee into the cups, sets the pot on the range and turns the burner off. she puts cream and sugar in one cup. From the cabinet she takes a loaf of bread and slices off a thick piece, starts buttering it.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Haro?

(offstage) haro (offstage)

Yes ma'am?

ellen

Come here.

(haro appears in the US doorway.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Take this coffee out to your gran'pa.

haro

Yes ma'am.

(ellen hands haro the cup with cream and sugar. he takes it in his right hand and turns to leave.)

ellen

Wait, son. Here.

(ellen picks up the slice of buttered bread and hands it to haro. he reaches for the bread with his left hand, grasping it with some difficulty.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

In case supper's a little later than I planned, I wouldn't want you droppin' from starvation.

haro

Thank you, Mother.

(haro exits US. ellen moves one cup of coffee toward Penny, another toward herself. deborah jean sticks her head in the US door.)

deborah jean

Gran'pa's said he'd be in in a few minutes.

ellen

Well, get yourself warmed up good.

deborah jean

First I wanna go upstairs a minute.

(deborah jean exits upstairs SR.)

penny

Ellen, what's Papa going to do?

ellen

Wish I knew.

penny

He can't stay here by himself.

ellen

You realize he'll be seventy-four in March?

penny

Never put anything aside for retirement, I suppose.

ellen

Always said that God would take care of him, but God should of made this a better farm. Bill Tanner -- he's been farmin' the place the last few years. But farmin' on shares don't leave much for Papa. An' this year his cotton didn't do very good, or th' maize.

penny

Too dry?

ellen

Too dry, too wet, not enough Mexicans, too many boll weevils. It's forever somethin'.

penny

Not easy being a farmer.

ellen

But some people are made for the earth. Papa is one of those.

(ellen picks up the envelope she placed on the table and hands it to Penny. penny reads the envelope.)

penny

To Mr. and Mrs. Gilman Ferris ... from First National Bank of Tahoka ...

ellen

Read it.

(penny pulls out a sheet of paper. she reads the letter in silence.)

penny

What's it mean? -- their loan's been approved? Why would Papa borrow money?

ellen

He wouldn't -- ain't the Christian thing to do.

penny

If you can't pay for it, you don't get it. I've heard that a few hundred times.

ellen

When I come across this letter other day, stuck back in one of Mama's dresser drawers -- notice it's dated nearly a year ago? -- went in to see Ed Cooper at the bank. They borrowed three thousand dollars against this place.

penny

That doesn't make sense ...

ellen

"Equipment purchase." That's what it says on the loan application.

penny

What did he buy?

ellen

You know him -- he only buys only broken-down things that he can fix. They're supposed to repay in five years -- annual payments, way farmers do loans around here. First payment's due in about six weeks, and I'm sure he doesn't have the money.

penny

What happened to this money they borrowed?

ellen

No idea. Cain't see where they spent anything outside the ordinary.

penny

Medical bills?

ellen

Nobody was sick then. Besides we don't go runnin' up doctor an' hospital bills -- you know that. Even with Mama bein' sick, there wadn' any bills from it.

penny

Did they just put it in the bank, maybe? Though I can't imagine why ...

ellen

House for storin' up worldly riches? You know that's against the word of God. Besides, Ed Cooper said they never had an account there.

penny

You ask Papa about this?

ellen

In a round-about kind of way. Said he'd never been to a bank in his life. Besides, it turns out, accordin' to Ed Cooper, Mama was the one that came in to the bank. She took the application with her, went back with it filled out -- Papa's signature on it.

penny

Then Papa must know something about it.

ellen

Papa would of signed anything Mama put in front of him. She handled the money ...

penny

So you think Mama borrowed the money and Papa doesn't know?

ellen

Cain't imagine she'd do that, but whatever happened, he's prob'ly gonna lose the farm because of it.

(haro looks in from US.)

haro

Mother, Gran'pa just came in. Said he wanted to lie down a bit.

(haro ducks out.)

ellen

Oh, that bedroom ain't warmed up. He'll freeze in there.

(Returns letter to drawer)

Better go check on him.

penny

I'll go with you.

(penny and ellen exit US. haro enters from US, carrying an empty cup. deborah jean enters from SR.)

haro

Deb'rah, did you hear what they were talkin' about?

deborah jean

Who?

haro

Aint Penny an' Mother.

deborah jean

No ...

haro

Mother found out about the money.

deborah jean

What money?

haro

That Gran'ma borrowed from the bank.

deborah jean

How do you know?

haro

I heard'em talkin' about it. Mother thinks Gran'pa might lose the farm because of it -- that there won't be money to make the payment this year.

deborah jean

What're you gonna do?

haro

I know we made a promise to Gran'ma, Deb'rah, but maybe we ought to tell Mother what Gran'ma did --

deborah jean

(Overlapping/interrupting)

We promised Gran'ma we wouldn't tell anybody. Not anybody!

haro

I know that! But that was when she was alive and didn' know she'd die --

deborah jean

(Overlapping/interrupting)

And a promise is a promise, idn' it? We told Gran'ma we'd never tell!

haro

But Deb'rah, think about what could happen --

deborah jean

(Overlapping/interrupting)

You cain't break a promise! 'Specially not to Gran'ma!

haro

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Deb'rah Jean, listen! I think maybe we ought to tell Mother --

deborah jean

(Overlapping/interrupting)

You cain't go breakin' the promises you made!

haro

Well, just what in tarnation do you suggest we do, then? Look -- maybe we could talk to Aint Penny, an' maybe she could figger out --

deborah jean

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Do you wanna go to Hell, Haro? You could, you know, you go telling ...

haro

But, what about ... me?

deborah jean

You cain't be selfish, Haro. Not now.

(offstage) ellen (offstage)

Deb'rah Jean, come here an' help me a minute.

deborah jean

Yes ma'am.

(To Haro)

We cain't break a promise.

(deborah jean exits. haro is in anguish.)

-- End of Scene 1 (Act I) --

Act I, Scene 2

(Four hours later. lights come up as Penny is putting away the last of the supper dishes. gilman enters from US and crosses to the range.)

gilman

No coffee left, I reckin.

penny

I can have some ready in a few minutes, Papa.

gilman

Naw, don't bother. Drank too much coffee, anyhow, last few days. About my worst sin, I guess -- that an' sayin' "I betcha."

penny

It's no trouble.

gilman

There's some of that Hershey's choc'late sur'p, idn' there? Mix it with some milk? That'd be better. Coffee's a habit, an' habits are sinful thangs to have.

penny

I'll fix you some chocolate milk.

(As the conversation continues, penny prepares and serves the chocolate milk. gilman goes to the window and looks out into the night.)

gilman

Most of the clouds is cleared up. Boy hidy, just look how big'n bright that moon is up there.

penny

I saw it when I was washing dishes.

gilman

Got a ring around it, so it'll freeze again tonight.

penny

Hope Ellen and Deborah made it home all right. Road was already beginning to ice over when she left.

gilman

Ain't much to run into between here an' there 'cept the cold an' the dark.

penny

Glad Haro could stay.

gilman

Yeah, he's good company, ain't he?

penny

How did the domino game come out?

gilman

Tighter'n usual -- but he still beat me.

penny

Where is he now?

gilman

Said he was bushed. Made a pallet in there. Went right off to sleep.

penny

I was going to fix him a bed upstairs.

gilman

He'll be fine. Used to sleepin' in there where he's at.

penny

I'll check on him later.

gilman

I do enjoy doin' things with that boy. Haro's one of the best things that ever came into my life. I mean ... he's not like one-a my own kids, of course ...

penny

Papa, you don't have to explain. I understand.

gilman

Well, yeah ... reckin you do. Truth be told, I reckin you always understood more than we gave you credit for.

penny

Never expected to hear you say that. I thought that you and Ellen had, well, kind of a special connection ...

gilman

Because we was so much alike? Lemme tell ya, girl, she's too much like me. You took more after your mama. Don't know what I would of done without Ellen -- but I don't love her more. I love you both ... same as I love Laura. I love Haro, and I love Deb'rah. I still love Charley an' J.B., and I'll always love your mama. Nobody ever stops bein' a part of your life just because they die. But you found that out, didn' you?

penny

Yes, Papa, I did.

gilman

I wish I'd got to meet your husban'. Your mama use to read your letters to me, an' she'd get the biggest kick when you talked about things you did together -- knowin' how happy you were when you were with him.

penny

And it still hurts when I think of him, Papa.

gilman

And it always will. But there's a joy there, too, idn' there? Like with Charley an' J.B. For a couple of years after they died, ever' time I thought of them two, I'd start in to cryin'. Couldn't help it -- thinkin' about'em bein' born together ... dyin' together. Now, I mostly remember how much I enjoyed bein' with 'em, seein' what good they were becomin'. They got a lot of fun out of just bein' alive -- did it some way that made you feel any battle they had to fight had already been won. But they was hardly more than boys -- just kids away from home -- when they lost the only real battle they ever had to fight.

(A beat)

Don't happen to have a pitcher with you, do you? ... your husban'?

penny

In my purse.

(penny gets her purse from the top of the refrigerator. she finds her wallet and pulls out a picture.)

(continuing) penny (continuing)

He was in Germany when this was taken -- it's the last one he sent. I still have pictures of us together, but I haven't looked at those in years. Just too hard.

gilman

Nice-lookin' boy. Good smile.

penny

He was always happy -- loved to laugh and make others laugh.

gilman

Wonder if he ever met Charley an' J.B. Bet you they could of laughed till sunup an' still not been through enjoyin' theirselves.

penny

They were a lot alike.

(gilman goes to a drawer where Ellen earlier put the letter, and takes out a photograph, which he hands to penny.)

gilman

I think that's the only pitcher I got of your mama. Miz Wharton took it last summer.

penny

(Looking at photo)

That's the dress Mama was buried in.

gilman

Nicest one she had. Prob'ly should of sent her off with her apron on -- God would of reco'nized her quicker.

(A beat; then, referring to photo of Ted ...)

Can I borrow that there pitcher? Just for while you're here?

penny

You can keep it. I've got an enlargement of it at home.

(gilman takes thumb tacks from the drawer and carefully positions and tacks the two pictures on the wall near the photos of Charley and J.B.)

gilman

I know you kids thought a lot-a times that I didn't know how to love y'all very good. Fact is I ain't never had a problem lovin' but I've had a right smart bit-a trouble showin' it. Took me way too long to figure that one out. Would you believe that me an' your mama was married for nearly a month before I kissed her? I kept tellin' myself that I was bein' pure an' saintly. Truth is, I was scared to death. Shakin' hands is as much touchin' as I'd ever done to a girl. I s'pect your mama got to wondrin' if we'd ever get aroun' to makin' kids. But once I got the hang of it, the young-uns kept croppin' up perty regular-like.

penny

(Laughs)

Papa!

gilman

Oh, I didn't mean to be talkin' to you in a unclean way.

penny

No no -- I've just never heard you be so ... human.

gilman

What-a you mean? You think I was raised in trees, swingin' by m'tail? You're thinkin' about your uncle Floyd.

penny

Oh, it feels good to laugh.

gilman

Yeah. There's been precious little of that around here for a while. Your mama was prob'ly lookin' down this afternoon wishin' we'd do some of it at her fun'ral.

penny

Papa, it's so good to be talking with you. It's been a long time.

gilman

Well, we don't see much of you no more. An', t' tell you the truth, sometimes I want to talk with you but I need to call you by name. I never could get use to callin' you that silly high school nickname.

penny

So you stopped calling me anything at all. I hadn't realized ...

gilman

To me, you'll always be Esther.

penny

Then call me Esther, Papa. Please.

gilman

May be kind of hard to call you anything -- worked around it for so long. Well, think I'll head for bed. Ain't got a good night's rest for awhile. Catchin' up with me.

penny

I enjoyed our visit, Papa.

gilman

Well, we got time for more, don't we?

penny

My return flight's not till Monday afternoon.

gilman

Couldn't believe you'd actually fly out here. Unnatural thing to do. Wouldn't ever get on one of them aeroplanes. Scares the daylights out of me to even think about it.

penny

Safest way to travel, they say.

gilman

"They" is always sayin' thangs I don't put no stock in. If God had intended for us to fly, he'd of put a propeller right about here.

penny

He gave us brains, so we could discover the laws of aerodynamics and figure out how to build propellers and wings and ailerons ...

gilman

Haw! That's th' kind-a reasonin' that'll take you down some dark an' thorny paths. We still have two days before you leave. We'll make the most of it.

penny

I'll make biscuits and ham with gravy for breakfast. Okay? I haven't had that for ages.

gilman

You eat that kind of food and you'll be talkin' normal again, real soon.

      I always pray before goin' to bed. I was wond'rin' ... would you like t' pray with me tonight?

penny

I'd like that, Papa.

gilman

Use to like to go out to the barn to pray.

penny

Oh, I remember that.

gilman

Guess I got a little loud sometimes, didn't I?

penny

I remember summer nights going to sleep to the sound of your prayers coming from the barn.

gilman

Well, there's still a corner up in the hayloft that's awful special to me.

penny

Do you still go up there?

gilman

Not so much anymore. That there ladder's got a awful lot longer than it used to be, an' the second time I knelt down on a pitchfork, I figured maybe God was tellin' me I didn't have to go up there ever' night. Guess I go at it quieter than I used to. Guess ever'thing about me's gettin' a littler quieter.

(gilman pulls a chair away from the table and kneels beside it. penny kneels nearby.)

(continuing) gilman (continuing)

Thank you, sweet Jesus, for bein' with us today. You just keep right on carin' for us when we don't deserve it and you put your lovin' arms around us an' hold us tight an' safe an' close to your heart. Thank you, God.

      You know we committed Miz Ferris's body to the icy cold ground today. 'Course, it was just that empty ol' shell we buried, 'cause her soul's there with you now, always to be in the light an' warmth of your glory and your grace. She's the new one up there, Lord -- the one with the brightest smile an' the biggest heart, tryin' her best to get closer an' closer to you. Oh, I wish I could hear that heavenly choir tonight, Jesus, 'cause I know it's got a new voice in it -- one so pure an' so perty, singin' praises to you. She liked better'n anything to sing about her love for you. An' now she can do it all the day long -- no more pain or suff'rin', no tears at all. Just joy an' happiness praisin' your holy name forever an' evermore.

      I thank you for bringin' my little girl Esther back to us one more time. I ask ya please to always watch over her. Keep her from all harm, make her strong in your love, an' don't let her be lonely no more. Fill her up full to overflowin' with your grace and your power, your promises and your light.

      I'm awful tired now, Jesus. Help me and Esther to rest real good an' be renewed in faith an' hope so we can rise to serve an' love you another day.

(A beat)

You wanna say a prayer, Esther?

penny

I did, Papa.

gilman

Well, then ... we humbly offer our prayers through the Holy Ghost, in the name of our blessed savior, Jesus Christ. A-men.

(gilman remains in a kneeling position.)

(continuing; singing) gilman (continuing; singing)

"Amaz-in' grace, how sweet the sound

 That saved a wretch like me.

 I once was lost but now I'm found ..."

penny and gilman

"Was blind but now I see."

(they get up from kneeling positions.)

penny

Papa ... I love you.

gilman

Never once thought you didn'.

      Well, now, I'm goin' to bed. You keep that bedroom door open so you'll get some heat in there.

penny

I'll turn off things in a bit. I want to write a letter before I go to bed.

(gilman starts to exit, then turns, with a big smile.)

gilman

Y'know what? I'd sure like to of seen the look on your mama's face when she saw Charley an' J.B. runnin' up to welcome her home.

(gilman exits US. penny takes a tissue from her purse and wipes her eyes. she takes from her purse a tablet of writing paper and a pen. she sits at the table and begins to write. A light comes up downstage and we see haro with his notebook in hand, from which he reads, continuing to tell us his story.)

haro

When I started writin' this story, I found the letter Aint Penny wrote that night.

      Dear Laura,

      That little church in Grasslan' was packed full for Mama's funeral today. Didn't know most-a the people, and others I didn't reco'nize till they told me who they were. But whether they were strangers or forgotten friends, their hearts were open to me. There's prob'ly more real carin' per square inch in this county than any other place on earth. The reasons I had for leavin' don't seem as clear as they once did.

      I've played the scene as we planned. But you know Ellen -- she didn' think you bein' trapped in a snowstorm hunnerds of miles away was reason enough to miss the fun'ral. Tomorrow I'll tell them about Simon -- how serious his illness is. I've been prayin' for both of you.

      I cain't explain it, but I'm not so separated from Papa anymore. It's an awkward closeness, but so much better than what I felt before. I'm findin' an acceptance that either he's developed or I had missed. Almost afraid to know which. Even Ellen seems to kick up a few good sparks sometimes. Do we have to grow old before we learn to appreciate each other? -- or did we just twist a very good love into very unnatural shapes?

      Ellen's kids are so sweet-- really somethin' special. Never have I missed havin' kids of my own as much as I do now.

      I'll prob'ly talk with you on the phone before you get this letter -- but I needed to talk with you now, and this was the only way I could do it.

      Give my best to Simon. I hope you're bearin' up okay. I love you both very much.

      She signed it, "Penny," parentheses, "Esther."

      It was never mailed.

(The light dims on haro and he exits. penny folds the sheets of paper and slips them into an envelope. she has finished addressing the envelope when there is the sound of the screen-door opening and closing, footsteps on the porch, then a knock at the door. penny hesitates, but moves to the door when the knock is repeated. she opens the door cautiously and stares at the man standing there. he's wearing a blue wool coat and a red cap.)

clifford

Hello.

(A beat)

May I come in? It's awful cold out here ...

penny

Well ...

(With some caution, but remembering she is in an area where people are always welcomed, penny steps back to permit clifford to enter.)

penny

If you're here to see Mister Ferris, I'm afraid he's already in bed.

clifford

My car slid off the road, about twenty yards from the driveway.

penny

Oh ... well ... I'm sorry, but there's no phone here if that's what you want.

clifford

Oh, this is where I was headed. Wanted to get here in time for the funeral today, but the roads were so bad I just couldn't make it.

penny

You knew my mother?

clifford

Yes, Penny, I knew your mother.

penny

(A beat; then surprised but not welcoming)

Oh my word. Clifford Draper -- I didn't recognize you.

clifford

I'd of known you anywhere. You haven't changed hardly at all.

penny

I don't think you should be here. Ellen didn't know you were coming, did she? --

clifford

(Overlapping/interrupting)

I'm not here to see Ellen. I came to see my son.

penny

After all this time -- how many years has it been? -- you want to see Haro?

clifford

Yes, Penny, I want to see him.

(penny turns and looks at the open door US. she quickly goes and shuts the door.)

(continuing) clifford (continuing)

Oh my word. He's here, idn' he? For the first time in twelve years, I'm in the same house with my son.

penny

I don't know what you had in mind, Clifford, but you better leave. You're not welcome by anybody around here, including me.

clifford

Please, Penny, I just want to see him, just one look --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

You didn't really think that anyone would let you see Haro and Deborah, did you? After what happened with you and Ellen?

clifford

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Penny, please, I came here because I figured you might be here ... you or Laura ... I thought you might listen, 'cause I knew nobody else would --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

How'd you know Mama died?

clifford

I still have family over in Slaton. I did try to get to the funeral. I wouldn't have gone into the church -- just parked and watched ... figurin' I'd see Haro ...

penny

Are you crazy, Clifford? What in the world are you thinking --

clifford

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Is it crazy for a man to want to see his own child? Just see him, for Pete's sake? -- if that's all it could be. There hasn't been a day in the last twelve years that I haven't wanted to see him! I wadn't gonna cause any trouble. But I couldn't make it in time, so I thought I could talk with you or Laura -- I don't know where Ellen lives --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Please leave, Clifford. That's the best thing you can do now.

clifford

My car really is in the ditch. I wadn't lyin' about that.

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Clifford, you have been gone from Ellen's life -- and from those kids' lives -- for ... well you never have seen Deborah, did you?

clifford

No, I haven't.

penny

Skipped out before she was born.

clifford

That's not exactly the way it was.

penny

Believe me, Clifford, my sense of morality is not quite the same as everyone else's around here, but I do not understand, or forgive, what you did! How a man could desert a little kid like Haro and a pregnant wife ... just up and leave like that!

(A beat.)

clifford

Is Ellen doin' okay?

penny

She's ... okay.

clifford

She's gettin' by all right?

penny

She works at a grocery store in Post ... rents a house over in Grassland ... and that's probably more than I should be telling you ...

(A beat)

She's doing fine.

clifford

And Haro? How's he doin' with his ... problem?

penny

You mean is he still a cripple! Is that what you want to know?

clifford

Don't call him that! Tell me about him.

penny

He's doing better.

clifford

Wonder if he ever thinks about me.

penny

He was two years old when you deserted them! No reason for him or Deborah to know you from Adam's off ox. Now figure out how you're going to leave, because you can't be hanging around here.

clifford

Is Deborah here?

penny

No.

clifford

Ellen?

penny

They went home earlier. Haro stayed over ...

clifford

Penny, you and me used to have some good conversations. We use to be friends.

penny

You were supposed to be "friends" with Ellen!

clifford

That's not fair. I ... I honest-to-God tried to be all I should of been to her.

penny

Clifford, get out of here. Don't be cluttering up this family with your garbage now. Just go!

clifford

Dadgummit, Penny, I know I'm not any kind of a saint. There's no way I could ever be perfect, like ever'body in this house was supposed to be. But I'm not the worthless son of a skunk that some people think I am! --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

I don't see how you can possibly think that we could think anything else --

clifford

(Overlapping/interrupting)

I loved Ellen. We loved each other. Your daddy didn't want us gettin' married, you know that, because I wadn't the kind of a Christian he thought I ought to be, bein' raised Methodist an' all. Prob'ly the only time in her life that she went against your daddy's wishes. But we had a good marriage, for a while. Even got so I was gettin' along with your daddy perty well -- 'specially after Haro was born.

penny

Clifford, I really don't care about any of this. You left Ellen and the kids, just up and left --

clifford

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Because she told me to!

(A heavy beat.)

penny

What do you mean?

clifford

She made me go!

(A beat)

Penny ... God help me ... I'm gonna tell you what happened.

penny

Don't be doing this, Clifford. Don't be causing this kind of trouble --

clifford

(Overlapping/interrupting)

This is between you an' me, Penny, but I'm goin' to tell you the truth.

      Ellen started havin' some real problems with our marriage. It started before she got in a family way with Haro, and it got a whole lot worse after he was born.

      Penny, the truth is ...

(Hard pause, painful resumption)

Deb'rah idn't my child.

(penny is startled and speechless. Several seconds pass before the conversation continues.)

(continuing) clifford (continuing)

That's the truth. We'd quit doin' anything -- you know ... in a conjugal way -- long time before Deb'rah was born, because that's what Ellen said had to be. Then when it got to be real obvious later on that Ellen was in a family way, and I knew it couldn't of been me, of course I tried to talk to her. Naturally I was angry and I was hurt and a little bit crazy, maybe. But she wouldn't talk. Not at all. Just closed up. Then, one night, I was sittin' on the couch after supper -- she'd still cook, wouldn't eat with me -- well, this night I was readin' the newspaper -- she walked in from the kitchen -- an' wouldn't look at me, but she was just as calm as could be, with a voice like steel cuttin' stone, an' she said, "Clifford, I want you to leave -- tomorrow, dawn, the latest." Then just as calm as if she'd asked me to take out the garbage, she went back to the kitchen.

      I went to her, asked her why, wanted to know somethin' -- but she just hummed some hymn and put away dishes, never looked at me, like I didn't even exist. I didn' sleep that night. Early next mornin', wadn' even daylight when I went into Haro's room an' kissed him while he was asleep, whispered goodbye, walked out of there and never saw him again. A whole lot of my life ended right there. I thought in a day or two we could talk, work things out ... somethin'. But she wouldn' have anything to do with me, or let me have anything to do with Haro. I didn' know what to do -- but ... stay away.

      That's why I never saw Deb'rah. If Ellen would of talked to me, maybe we could of worked somethin' out, an' maybe I could of loved Deb'rah, too. But Haro -- Penny, that's my son! I held him, I played with him, I saw him take his first step and heard him say his first word. He's my flesh and blood. He's my boy. Don't I have a right, Penny? Cain't a man see his own son?

(There's a long silence.)

penny

If Deborah's not your daughter ...

clifford

You're about to ask a question I cain't answer. A million times and more I've wondered.

(The US door opens and haro enters, wearing his grandpa's robe.)

haro

Oh. 'Scuse me. Didn't know there was company.

penny

Oh. It's all right. This is, uh ... someone who tried to get to your grandmother's funeral, ran into bad weather, couldn't make it in time ...

haro

Hello, sir.

clifford

Hi, there.

haro

Just wanted to get a drink of water.

(haro goes to refrigerator and gets a jug of water.)

(continuing) haro (continuing)

This kind of weather, you have to put stuff in a cold place to keep it from freezin'.

(haro takes a glass from penny, pours water, returns jug to refrigerator, drinks water, sets the glass on the table.)

(continuing) haro (continuing)

Sorry to bother you.

(haro starts to exit.)

clifford

Haro?

(haro turns and gets a good look at Clifford. It occurs to him that the man has called him by name.)

haro

Yes sir?

(A beat.)

clifford

It's, uh ... nice to see you.

(clifford offers his hand. haro is hesitant, then shakes. haro exits, closing the door behind him. clifford sighs deeply and moves to outside door.)

clifford

Penny, if the time ever seems right for it, please tell him he has a daddy that really an' truly loves him.

      I swear, I'd sell my soul to the devil if I could just put my arms around him one more time.

(clifford exits. penny ponders the situation a few moments. haro enters.)

haro

Aint Penny ... that was my daddy that was just here, wadn' it?

(penny can't figure out how to reply.)

(continuing) haro (continuing)

About two years ago I came across a picture of mother with a man. I asked her who it was, an' she told me it was my daddy. She said I was old enough to know about him ... so she told me all kinds of terrible things. How he hurt her in ever' way a man could hurt a woman. How she made him go away to protect me and Deborah Jean, so he'd never do awful things to us. How he's the cause of her unhappiness.

(A beat)

Aint Penny, I really do love Jesus, and I wanna be a good Christian. But I'm tellin' you, even if I go to Hell for it -- if I ever have the chance ... I'll kill him.

(haro exits.)

penny

Haro!

(A beat)

Oh dear God.

(penny starts to go after him when there is the sound of the outside screen-door, steps on the porch, and a soft, quick knock. Torn between going after Haro and answering the knock, finally penny goes to the door. Thinking it's Clifford returning, she opens the door and is surprised to find a woman standing there. she steps aside so mrs. wharton may enter and shuts the door.)

mrs. wharton

Oh, you cain't believe how cold it is out there. Moon's out so bright you'd think it was time for harvest. But it's cold, let me tell you. Oh, 'scuse me while I give my brain a chance to warm up a little. You must be Penny Beal -- the Ferris's youngest daughter?

penny

Yes, I am.

mrs. wharton

I'm the neighbor -- Dottie Wharton. Live 'bout quarter-mile down the road, toward the highway? Me an' Walter, we bought the old Curry place about five years ago? I knew your mother real well, of course. One-a the finest women ever lived. I was at the funeral, of course, but then wadn't ever'body? I didn't go up to you there, so many people around you and all.

      And I know Laura, of course -- and Simon. Always visit with them when they come down. Laura's such a sweet person. Well, anyway, since your daddy don't have a phone here, if Laura needs to get in touch, she'll phone me, you know, and I'll get over here with the message --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Laura phoned you?

mrs. wharton

Just a few minutes ago. Got here's quick as I could. Walked over through the side pasture -- roads too slick to be tryin' to drive on'em. Somebody's run off the road out there, not far from your driveway, ten or twenty yards the other side --

penny

(Overlapping/interrupting)

What was the message, Mrs. Wharon?

mrs. wharton

Got it wrote down here ver boten. What she said was -- let's see, what he wrote down here -- oh, should of brought my glasses -- tell Penny that Simon left today. That's what she said -- Simon left today on his big journey. She said you'd wanna know. I didn't even know he was plannin' a trip, did you?

      Are you okay? You're all of a sudden lookin' a little piquéd ...

penny

No ... no. I'm fine. Thank you. ... Thank you, Mrs. Wharton. I appreciate you coming over.

mrs. wharton

Fine. I'll head on back home then. You have a good night's sleep. And God bless you.

penny

And you, Mrs. Wharton.

(mrs. wharton exits.)

(continuing) penny (continuing)

Oh, Simon ... you were a bright light in this family.

-- End of Scene 2 (Act I) --

Act I - Scene 3

(It's about eight o'clock the next morning -- Saturday. Lights come up indicating a sunny day outside. No one is in the kitchen. A mixing bowl and sack of flour are on the cabinet. A large black empty skillet is on the range and the coffee pot are on the range. There's the sound of the screen-door opening and closing, footsteps on the porch.)

(offstage) ellen (offstage)

Good grief, look at that. It's got up to thirty-four degrees.

(The door opens and ellen and deborah jean come in. they remove coats, gloves, etc., as they talk.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Looks like Penny's got breakfast underway.

(haro enters from US and moves directly to the USR exit and the stairs. he is wearing a heavy jacket.)

deborah jean

Like what they eat in California, you think? Mostly prunes and nuts, somebody told me.

haro

(not in a friendly mood)

Ham with biscuits an' gravy, she said. She's in there tryin' to get Gran'pa to say if he wants eggs, too.

ellen

Oh, Haro -- good mornin'. Did you sleep good?

(haro is at the stairs and starting up.)

haro

It was okay. Sleepin' is sleepin', idn't it?

ellen

Where you goin'?

(offstage; upstairs) haro (offstage; upstairs)

Just upstairs a secont.

deborah jean

Boy, his mind seems to be all loose at the seams this mornin'.

ellen

One of his moods, I reckin. Just leave him be.

(A beat)

Wadn't so cold I'd go out to the cellar an' get some plum jam to go with the biscuits. Wouldn't that be good? Just churned fresh butter other day ...

deborah jean

(going to refrigerator)

I think I saw some apple jelly in the 'frigerator yesterday ...

ellen

Get that out ... and the ham, too

(haro enters from upstairs, carrying a .22 rifle. he moves directly to exit to the outside.)

ellen

Haro, did your gran'pa say you could take that there rifle out --

haro

(Overlapping/interrupting)

It's my gun.

ellen

What you think you're doin'? You don't use that without permission.

haro

Goin' out behind the tractor shed -- shoot at cans. Gran'pa said it was okay.

ellen

Well ... make sure an' not hit any buildin's or animals. You hear me now?

haro

Yes ma'am. I know how to shoot a gun!

ellen

Don't you smart-mouth me, young man!

deborah jean

Can I go with you?

haro

No! If I'd of wanted you to go I'd of asked you!

ellen

Haro, we can do without the sass now. Behave yourself. We'll be eatin' in about thirty minutes, so you be back by then. Go by the water trough an' break the ice so the cows can get some water. Have they been milked?

haro

They've been milked, the ice is broken, they got their feed. I did ever'thang outside already.

ellen

Well ain't you the early bird a-twitterin' with joy.

(haro is out the door and gone.)

deborah jean

Hope he eats a worm!

(penny enters from US.)

penny

Do you know how Mama used to make her biscuits? Think we could make something close to what she used to do?

ellen

(Indicating refrigerator)

We'll need buttermilk. Look for that old green pitcher. Should be some in there if Papa hadn' snuck in an' drunk it all.

penny

Here it is ... empty.

(gilman enters from US, carrying his Bible.)

gilman

It'd be nice to have our devotional together after breakfast. Mighty long time since we done that.

deborah jean

Maybe we can each one recite our favorite verse of scripture.

gilman

Did Esther tell you that she's gonna go to church with us tomorrow?

ellen

Esther?

(A beat)

Oh, you mean Penny?

(To Penny)

My goodness, I hadn't heard you called that since we was kids.

(The sound of three quick rifle shots is heard from a distance.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

I just figured she would ...

(The sound of three more rifle shots is heard. gilman goes to the window and looks out.)

gilman

Is that somebody out there shootin' a gun?

ellen

It's Haro, Papa ... shootin' at cans. He said you told him it was okay.

gilman

Oh ... yeah ... reckin that is what I told him.

(gilman picks up his Bible and sits at the table, reading from it. ellen continues with meal preparation. sound of another gunshot in the distance. penny grabs her coat and puts it on.)

ellen

(To Penny)

You actin' kind of antsy this mornin'.

penny

I need to go to the Wharton's -- make a phone call. May I use your car?

ellen

Keys are in it. But hurry. We'll be ready to eat soon. There's a can of water in the back -- let me go get that.

(penny exits to the outside.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Look out on the back porch an' see if you can find some tomato preserves.

deborah jean

Okay ...

(ellen puts on her coat and they exit outside. sound of gunshot from the distance.

(gilman starts reading aloud from his Bible, but soon is reciting the passage from memory.)

gilman

"The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want."

(sound of two gunshots.)

(continuing) gilman (continuing)

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."

(sound of two gunshots. gilman doesn't react to the shots.)

(continuing) gilman (continuing)

"He leadeth me beside the still waters."

(sound of two gunshots.)

(continuing) gilman (continuing)

"He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."

(sound of one more gunshot. lights out.)

-- End of Scene 3 - End of Act I --

Act II, Scene 1

(light comes up downstage on haro. he holds his notebook open at the half-way point, and he reads.)

haro

Saturday night, we'd finished supper and were still sitting at the table when Aunt Penny told us that Simon Bernstein had died the night before. Ever'thing was quiet for a few seconds, then Grandpa started hummin' "Amazin' Grace. " That was Grandpa's favorite song. He said it was about as good a prayer as there was.

(lights come up indicating a sunny afternoon. ellen is clearing food and dishes from the table. gilman sits at the table drinking coffee.)

(continuing) haro (continuing)

So the next day -- after we'd been to church and had our Sunday dinner -- we found ourselves, again, dealing with death in the family.

(light fades on Haro and he exits.)

ellen

Goodness me, I figured we'd finish up all this food today. It's gonna spoil before we can eat it.

gilman

Guess nobody felt much like eatin', what with the news Esther sprung on us last night.

ellen

Sure wish she'd of told us sooner that Simon'd been so sick. We could of prayed for him.

gilman

I always prayed for them two anyhow. Nobody needs to be sick for us to do that.

ellen

An' just the other day, I was tellin' Penny how I didn't much like him.

gilman

Well, now, if you'd of known he was sick, would you have liked him better?

ellen

Oh, you know what I mean. When did she say the fun'ral's gonna be?

gilman

Tuesday. Some kind of service Jews have. I guess Esther got her plane ticket changed around okay.

ellen

I don't know how to act at a service for somebody that wadn' a Christian. Simon was a nice enough man. But he never trusted Christ as his savior -- he died without ever givin' his heart an' soul to Jesus an' now he'll be in Hell for all eternity.

gilman

Well, now, Ellen, don't get all over-wrought.

ellen

Why we're talkin' about a precious soul that never found the kindgom of God!

gilman

We're talkin' about Simon Bernstein. Maybe we should just let 'im rest in peace.

ellen

What peace! You said yourself that he wadn' followin' in the steps of Jesus.

gilman

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Well, now, Ellen, I remember what I said. And I meant what I said when I said it. But that was a long time ago. When I got to know Simon better, I seen that he was a real decent man. A good man.

ellen

But he wadn' a Christian!

gilman

Wadn't long after they got married that they was visitin' us one Sunday. Simon an' me went outside -- I wanted to see that new Buick he'd bought -- and I commenced to talk to him about his soul. I explained the plan-a salvation to 'im an' asked him if he wouldn' like to give his heart t' Jesus. Well, he looked at me real straight-on and said, Mr. Ferris, I'm real glad that you got a religion that means a lot to you. So you can understan' how important my religion is to me. I'm not gonna expect you to change your religion on my 'count, he told me, and if you don't expect me to change on your 'count, then we'll have more time to put into bein' friends an' fam'ly.

ellen

The words of Satan himself.

gilman

Oh yeah -- I figured we had a real heathen on our hands.

ellen

Agent of the devil.

gilman

But after that I commenced to see that Simon was one of the finest people I ever met anywhere. He really an' truly cared about your mama an' me. And you couldn't be around him without knowin' how he felt about Laura. He was so good to her. And I seen him help people out -- people I didn't even wanna be around, truth be told. And he done it not 'cause he was supposed to, but because it was the right thang to do. Made me think about my motives.

ellen

I cain't believe you're sayin' this!

gilman

Truth is, I reckin, that sometimes my Christian thinkin' maybe wadn' quite as good as his Jew religion. Least-wise, his fruits was better than mine more'n a few times. 'Course, maybe it didn't have anything to do with religion at all -- maybe he was just a better man than me.

ellen

I don't understand your line of reasonin', Papa.

gilman

Just wish I'd ever told him some of what I'm tellin' you. He was smart enough to know that bygones was bygones with me. But I'd feel better if I'd ever said it to his face.

ellen

But good people can burn in Hell just as long's the meanest sinner. Decency don't bring salvation!

gilman

What if we haven't been absolutely one-hunnered per cent right? What if? --

ellen

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Papa, you cain't possibly be serious!

gilman

I'm old enough to be confused by life, an' to know that that's the natural state of maturity. You're old enough to know that too, but you all the time stay strung up tight as a fiddle tuned a octave too high. If you ever once unwind enough to relax a little bit, you're gonna let out a sigh that'll leave you limp on the floor for a week.

ellen

I don't find anything to relax about.

gilman

You could at least quit lookin' for stuff to be upset about. And I betcha that prob'ly the biggest bother you got in your life is Clifford.

ellen

Papa! That man is not a part of my life! Ain't been for a whole lot of years. And we ain't gonna talk about him.

gilman

For a dozen years now we've made certain not to mention Clifford's name in your presence, to make sure we give you time to deal with that. But you still haven' dealt with it

ellen

That's all over! There's nothin' to deal with! An' just why are you bringin' him up now?

gilman

There's things I never told him, like I never told Simon. I didn't like you marryin' Clifford, you know that, but he was okay, it turned out. Good man who made a right good Christian of hisself. From all I saw, he was good to you and Haro ...

ellen

After what he did to me?

gilman

I don't know what he did, Ellen. You never told us that. Just what was it he did that was so awful?

ellen

He left us! That's what he did! He just up and left us like we was garbage to be dumped --

gilman

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Naw, he didn'. Clifford wadn't the kind-a man to just up an' leave like a thief in the night. Somethin' happened you hadn't never told us. If he really did hurt you, then tell me what it was -- then I could understand you feelin' so bad. But whether he hurt you or not, I wish you could find it in your heart to forgive him an' makin' him the reason for your unhappiness. It ain't good to harbor feelin's like that for so long. God knows it ain't done you no good.

(The sound of people on the back porch is heard.)

ellen

Now Papa, don't you be sayin' anything about that man around those kids. The less they hear about him, the better for all concerned.

(The outside door opens. deborah jean, haro and penny enter. they are wearing coats, but not gloves or scarves. penny is carrying a thick newspaper.)

(continuing) ellen (continuing)

Y'all been gone a long time.

penny

Walked to the highway -- the Phillips station. Didn't know they'd be open on Sunday.

gilman

New owners ain't much for church-goin'. They'd rather make a buck.

penny

I couldn't resist buying the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Haven't seen one in years.

ellen

Look at the size of that thing, would you. The Lynn County News cain't hardly fill up eight pages a week, an' that includes a big Piggly Wiggly ad.

haro(To Gilman)

She didn't think maybe she ought to of brought it in, but I told her I didn't think you'd mind.

gilman

Got kind of used to havin' newspapers durin' the war and I figure it's better than buyin' a radio. Sure don't want one of them things contaminatin' the house.

penny

Lot of people getting television sets now.

gilman

Sendin' pitchers through the air. Hunh! Just plain ungodly.

ellen

Just 'cause they sell on the Lord's day don't mean you got to buy.

deborah jean

(To Penny)

We better not tell her about the Orange Crushes.

haro

Is it okay if I read the funny papers, Aint Penny?

ellen

Oh, for pity sake, Haro. Y'know you ought'n to be readin' that trash.

penny

I'll put the paper away -- read it when I get home.

ellen

Might as well leave your coats on if we're gonna drive over to the graveyard.

(haro and penny exit.)

gilman

Yeah, I wanna see if the plot is fixed up decent. Get the wilted flowers off-a there. Your mama always hated a mess.

deborah jean

Mother, do I have to go?

ellen

Don't you wanna go see your gran'ma's grave?

deborah jean

I don't like cemeteries. Give me the willies.

ellen

You cain't always do just the things you wanna do. Sometimes you've got to do things you'd rather not do, and this is one-a those times --

gilman

(Overlapping/interrupting)

Why don't you just try relaxin' a little, Ellen.

ellen

(A beat)

All right. You can stay here ... this time.

deborah jean

Thank you, ma'am.

(deborah jean exits.)

ellen

(To Deborah Jean)

Just you be sure to behave yourself.

(To Gilman)

Go ahead an' say it. If my mouth didn't flap so quick, my brain'd work better.

gilman

Well, if you learn to loosen even a little bit by the time you're sixty, you'll be ahead of me.

      By the by, we been eatin' the same stuff for four days. Let's have somethin' different for supper.

ellen

Yeah, that stuff is worn ragged from bein' het up an' dished out.

(penny and haro enter, carrying coats for Gilman and Ellen, which they put on.)

haro

Deb'rah said she didn't have to go.

gilman

She's gonna stay here an' try to get some hobo passin' through to take all-a the leftovers in the ice box.

(they exit. There is the sound of car doors slamming, then car driving away. Meanwhile, deborah jean enters US. she carries the colored comic pages of the newspaper. she goes to the table and spreads them out, sits and starts reading them. Then there is the sound of mrs. wharton's voice outside.)