THE KNOWING
This has been performed as both a stage play and a radio play. It’s a two hander for a couple, mid fifties or older. It deals with infidelity and terminal illness, but is definitely not without its lighter moments.
Best Original Play
Best Actor
Anglesea Regional OAPF
__________________
A man in his fifties/sixties, scruffy, arty, intellectual looking, stands talking on his mobile phone, wearing a bright green jacket. He looks a little shocked.
ALBERT: Right. Well! (laughs a little nervously) ..My God. ..No. No idea whatsoever...I mean I knew something was up but – had no idea it was – it was so.. serious ...No. Yes. So..is it treatable or?...Right. Heh. Bit of a – shock but -. Heh. So can I ask – how long? … Right. Okay. Right. So there’s nothing – at this stage – you can-?..(trying to pull himself together again) Right! Well! …I appreciate you telling me, Frank. Thanks for the call.. Yes. I will. Right. Enjoy the golfing holiday anyway...Yes. ‘Bye.
He hangs up and stares into the distance for a moment, laughs a little oddly, as if forced. He feels the buttons on his coat. Enter his wife – also fifty to sixty, also arty, and elegant even in beach clothes. She wears a sun hat and carries a string bag of market goodies and a beach towel. She looks at him and laughs a little.
ALBERT: What’s so funny?
JOYCE: That jacket. It’s awful.
ALBERT: Where have you been to my pretty maid?
JOYCE sits down and starts to clean the sand out from between her toes with a towel.
JOYCE: The beach.
ALBERT: Again? That’s the second time this week.
JOYCE: You keeping count?
ALBERT: You took a while.
JOYCE: And shopping.
ALBERT: When’s the next trip to the beach?
JOYCE: What? I don’t know. When I next need a break from you I spose.
ALBERT chuckles.
JOYCE: Why?
ALBERT: Nothing.
JOYCE: What’s so funny?
ALBERT: Nought. My love. (pause) What’s wrong with this jacket? I got it whilst out at the second hand market.
JOYCE: When did you go to the market? Why didn’t I see you there?
ALBERT (focused on the jacket): I don’t know. You must’ve still been - at the beach.
JOYCE: Makes you look like a parakeet.
ALBERT: Yes but do you like it?
JOYCE: I love you looking like a galah. Why are you talking like that?
ALBERT: Like what pray tell?
JOYCE: Like that, pray tell.
ALBERT: I think I’m channeling my father.
JOYCE: Rubbish. You talk like that when you’re nervous. Why are you nervous?
Pause. She begins to unpack her shopping.
ALBERT: Do you feel like going out tonight?
JOYCE: We ate out last night.
ALBERT: I don’t mean take away! I mean somewhere - really good.
JOYCE: I’ve just bought a leg of lamb at the market.
ALBERT: So that’s a yes?
Pause.
JOYCE: What do you want to go out for?
ALBERT: Does it matter?
JOYCE: It’s Sunday anyway. Nothing’ll be open.
Pause. He looks forlorn and goes to make himself a drink.
JOYCE: What’s up?
ALBERT: Nothing.
JOYCE: What is it?
ALBERT: No thing.
JOYCE: Then why the going out?
ALBERT: Because.
JOYCE: I’m doing lamb. You love my lamb. What’s wrong with my (lamb?)
ALBERT (OVER): Nothing. I love your lamb. It’s just -
JOYCE: What is it?
(PAUSE)
ALBERT: I’ve got some news.
JOYCE: What?
ALBERT: I’d rather – discuss it – out.
JOYCE: Why?
ALBERT: Because. You have to sit and face me.
JOYCE: So? I can face you here. Talk about it here.
ALBERT: It wouldn’t be the same.
JOYCE: Why do we have to go out to –
ALBERT: Because I want to talk about (something…)
JOYCE (OVER): - to talk about something
ALBERT (TOGETHER): - important./
JOYCE: - important?
JOYCE starts to unpack her shopping again and stops.
JOYCE: How important?
ALBERT: Very.
JOYCE: What sort of news?
ALBERT: I’ve had my suspicions. I’ve just had it confirmed.
JOYCE: Suspicions? About what? Who confirmed it?
ALBERT: Why don’t we go out and see!
JOYCE: Don’t treat me like a child.
ALBERT: I’m not.
JOYCE: You ARE. You DO.
ALBERT: I’m sorry. You’re right. It’s just –
JOYCE: What is it?
PAUSE. ALBERT looks around awkwardly.
ALBERT: I’d rather go out.
JOYCE: What for?
ALBERT: I don’t know - atmosphere -
JOYCE: What’s wrong with this atmosphere?
ALBERT: Nothing!
JOYCE: Then why are you building this up?
ALBERT: I’m not (I’m –)
JOYCE (OVER): You’re doing this deliberately. Being obtuse deliberately.
ALBERT: I just want to –
JOYCE: Torture me?
PAUSE.
ALBERT: Why would I be torturing you?
JOYCE: “It’s important. I want to go somewhere special”.
ALBERT: It is. And I do.
JOYCE: And what’s this about having ‘your suspicions’? You want to talk, TALK!
ALBERT: I don’t know how (to - say)_-
JOYCE: You have something to discuss, DISCUSS IT. Come on! Here. You want face to face – here I am.
She pushes her face up to his and stares at him.
ALBERT: Why are you being so – brutal?
JOYCE: Because you are.
ALBERT: I’m not. I’m just saying I’ve got something important to (discuss) –
JOYCE (OVER): This is (so typical).
ALBERT (OVER): - and you’re flying off like (some mad woman –)
JOYCE (OVER): Passing it all off as my problem - trying to drive me mad –
ALBERT: - making this whole thing into a drama before (I’ve even said)-
JOYCE (OVER): Why should it be a drama?
Pause.
ALBERT: What?
JOYCE: I said, why should it be a drama?
ALBERT: It doesn’t have to be a drama (I’m just saying) –
JOYCE (OVER): Well don’t say anything –
ALBERT: I was just (saying -)
JOYCE (OVER, EXPLODING): For God’s sake Albert we haven’t talked about it for ELEVEN years – why NOW?
Long pause.
ALBERT: What?
JOYCE: Eleven years and not a word. Why the hell do we have to discuss it now?
ALBERT (in shock): We don’t.
JOYCE: Good! I’ll – put the lamb on.
He stares at her for a beat.
ALBERT: What are you talking about?
JOYCE: What?
ALBERT: What have we not talked about for eleven years?
JOYCE: Don’t play games Albert.
Pause. ALBERT walks over to a drinks cabinet and pours himself a strong one.
ALBERT: Eleven years?
JOYCE: It’s too early to be drinking.
ALBERT (taking a swig): It’s Sunday.
JOYCE: Are you still getting that pain? (He nods). Then why drink? You know it makes it worse.
ALBERT: Eleven years eh? So! Let’s talk.
JOYCE: We don’t talk - that’s the POINT.
ALBERT : Well I was hoping to tonight (but now) –
JOYCE (OVER): And that’s the way I like it.
ALBERT: What do you mean that’s the way you like it? Like what?
JOYCE: The fact that we never talk –
ALBERT: Don’t change the subject – (tell me –)
JOYCE (OVER): I’m not changing the subject (YOU are –)
ALBERT (OVER): - please tell me what you THOUGHT I already knew.
JOYCE: I DON’T KNOW! (PAUSE, then quietly, guiltily): Something about..the beach.
ALBERT: The beach?
JOYCE: How often I walk. I (don’t know.)
ALBERT (OVER): The beach! Oh yes, I want to go out to dinner to discuss the bloody beach! What’s it like out there today? Choppy is it, (or smooth?)
JOYCE (OVER): Don’t be a smartarse.
ALBERT: Give me strength!
JOYCE: I’m not cooking tonight. You can cook your own bloody lamb. I’m going to bed.
ALBERT: Oh no you don’t! (grabbing her arm as she goes to walk away) You’ve got something to say, say it.
JOYCE: Don’t manhandle me!
ALBERT: SAY IT.
JOYCE: I don’t know what you’re talking (about.)
ALBERT (OVER): What is it Joyce?
JOYCE: It was YOU who had something (to say-)
ALBERT (OVER): What do you think I know?
JOYCE: I don’t think you know, I KNOW you know.
ALBERT: Okay. Right. So why would you tell me?
JOYCE: Exactly. You know.
ALBERT: But then why not tell me what I already know? What harm could it do?
Pause. She assesses him coolly.
JOYCE: Where are you planning to wear that suit?
ALBERT: For God’s sake
JOYCE: Don’t go to the botanic gardens in it.
ALBERT: Stop it (Joyce)
JOYCE (OVER): You’ll be mistaken for a parrot. It’s the most hideous colour.
ALBERT: Tell me what I’ve known for eleven (years)
JOYCE (OVER): I remember your mother telling me how colour blind you were. I never realised until now.
LONG PAUSE. He looks at her flatly.
ALBERT: Out with it
JOYCE: No.
ALBERT: Come on
JOYCE: Stop being (so obtuse)-.
ALBERT (OVER): You’re the (one being obtuse)
JOYCE (OVER): You’re trying to confuse me. You were the one who had something to say (so say it!)
ALBERT (OVER): And now you’re covering up – by trying to (confuse the issue )-
JOYCE (OVER): You always do this - garbled - thing when the pressure’s on.
ALBERT: I didn’t notice any (pressure-)
JOYCE (OVER EACH OTHER, TOGETHER): The pressure’s on so you’re driving it home and willing me to take the pressure off something YOU’RE worried about. It’s YOUR needs all the time it’s so –/
ALBERT: What pressure? I can’t see anyone putting pressure on anyone except you ON YOURSELF. What are you trying to tell me Joyce - (ON HIS OWN) What is it I’ve known for eleven years that we’ve never talked about? What?
In utter frustration she hits him on the top of the head with a packet of paper plates (from her shopping bags) then makes to exit.
ALBERT: Wait! (She stops) Okay. You don’t have to talk. Just – don’t leave me.
JOYCE (softening): Sorry for - hitting you.
ALBERT: I deserved it.
JOYCE: I was the one being –
ALBERT: No, no.
JOYCE: You are stubborn (but then I can be -)
ALBERT (OVER): I know I can be – problematic./
JOYCE (same time): Impossible.
She smiles at him.
JOYCE: I’ll put the oven on.
ALBERT: I’m not hungry. (He looks at her almost pleadingly) What is it my love? Tell me.
She looks at him squarely.
JOYCE: You first.
ALBERT: Oh no no no no . YOU first. (She shakes her head.) I know already so what’s the harm?
JOYCE: You know already so why do I have to say it?
ALBERT: Because.
JOYCE: I can’t.
ALBERT: Oh for God’s sake.
JOYCE: You started it. (You had something to say).
ALBERT (OVER) : Can we stop this NOW?
Pause. He considers for a moment.
ALBERT: How bout we tell our news - together?
JOYCE: What?
ALBERT: Let’s go together.
JOYCE: You’re patronising me again.
ALBERT: No I’m serious. We’ll jump in at the same time. Count of three.
JOYCE: Don’t be stupid.
ALBERT: Ready?
She makes to leave again. He pulls her back by the arm gently but firmly.
ALBERT: It’s too late now. Come on. Count of three.
JOYCE: This is childish.
ALBERT: It’s not. It’s two people finding a compromise. Ready?
JOYCE: No.
ALBERT takes her hand and kisses it. She smiles a little.
ALBERT: My darling, my one and only love of my life – t’is now or never –
JOYCE: Don’t make me melt.
ALBERT: Melt no less? I thought I was thawing you –
JOYCE: Oh darling I’m sorry.
ALBERT: Why pray tell?
JOYCE: For making you nervous.
ALBERT: Fear not dear maid. T’is not you that causes it.
JOYCE: It is ridiculous you know.
ALBERT: What is?
JOYCE: That habit you have of talking like someone out of a medieval TV series.
ALBERT: Okay. Count of three. Ready?
JOYCE: ALRIGHT. But only if you –
ALBERT: Yes yes yes. Ready?
JOYCE: Together.
ALBERT: On the count of three – ONE – TWO –
JOYCE: Why do you want me to tell you if you already know?
ALBERT: For God’s sake Joyce! I just want you to say it – WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
JOYCE: But why?
ALBERT: Because sometimes it’s therapeutic to hear the actual words. Okay?
JOYCE: Really? (He nods enthusiastically) Okay. Together.
ALBERT: Right. (pause) One. – Two. –
JOYCE: But only because I KNOW you KNOW already!
ALBERT: ABSOLUTELY! RIGHT! Ready?
She closes her eyes and nods.
ALBERT: ONE….TWO…..(THREE) -
JOYCE (OVER): I’VE BEEN SEEING SOMEONE!
PAUSE. She opens her eyes. ALBERT stares at her blankly.
ALBERT: What?
PAUSE.
ALBERT: What did you just say?
JOYCE: Nothing.
ALBERT: You mean a counsellor?.. or therapist or something?
JOYCE: Yes.
ALBERT: What, for eleven years?
She nods.
ALBERT: So you’ve been seeing a therapist for eleven years?
She nods. Pause.
ALBERT: Right. Well.!
JOYCE: So what’s your news?
ALBERT: So why the big deal?
JOYCE: I thought you’d judge me for it.
ALBERT: Why would I judge you for it?
JOYCE: I don’t know. I – thought - I don’t know. I know how private you are and – I don’t know. Why do I always have to have answers? I don’t have explain why I thought you wouldn’t like me seeing a – person to talk to. I just didn’t think you would.
ALBERT: But you knew I knew.
JOYCE: Oh I knew. I knew you knew, but I also knew we both knew that it wouldn’t make any difference to talk about it.
ALBERT: To talk about this – knowing?
She nods, happy to be off the hook.
JOYCE: So! What was yours?
ALBERT: What?
JOYCE: Your news?
Pause.
ALBERT: I don’t have any.
JOYCE: What?
ALBERT: I was just – being stupid.
JOYCE: No you were not.
ALBERT: I was. I wanted to bring the subject to the surface somehow and –
JOYCE: Why?
ALBERT: I don’t know. I’m allowed to aren’t I? I’m allowed to have fun too.
Pause. Suspicion in the air…
JOYCE: I’m going to bed I think.
ALBERT: Okay.
JOYCE: What are you doing?
ALBERT: What?
JOYCE: I said what are you going to do?
ALBERT: Me? I think I’ll probably – pop on down – to the beach.
JOYCE (realising his sarcasm): Oh God.
ALBERT: You jumped in. Don’t blame me. You said it before -
JOYCE: Before WHAT? What were you going to tell me that was so bloody important?
Pause.
ALBERT: I was going to accuse you of the - same thing.
JOYCE: So you did know.
ALBERT: I had my suspicions. Therapy for eleven years. Give me strength!
He takes a swig from his glass. She watches him for a moment.
ALBERT: Good night then.
JOYCE: Good night.
She exits. He finishes his drink and gets his coat, etc and heads for the door. He is about to walk out when he stops, feeling his stomach for a moment, and wincing with pain. She appears in the doorway again – she’s never really left.
JOYCE: Why are you wincing like that?
ALBERT: I felt a twinge.
JOYCE: It’s the drink.
ALBERT: Probably.
JOYCE: Have you seen the doctor (yet?)
ALBERT (OVER): Yes yes.
JOYCE: What did he say?
ALBERT: I had some tests.
JOYCE: When? Where? (When did you –)
ALBERT (OVER): Some clinic. Weeks ago.
JOYCE: When do you get the results?
ALBERT: Not for a while yet.
JOYCE: Didn’t Frank say he’d get in touch or -?
ALBERT: Eventually, yes.
JOYCE: That’s not good enough. I’ll call him first thing tomorrow.
ALBERT: It’s not a problem.
JOYCE: You call him then.
ALBERT: No point.
JOYCE: Call him in the morning.
ALBERT: He’s away anyway.
JOYCE: What? Where?
ALBERT: He’s gone off on a golfing holiday (or something.)
JOYCE (OVER): Well surely he could still call you –
ALBERT: It’s not an issue (Joyce –)
JOYCE (OVER): All the same you’d think he’d –
ALBERT: I’m sure if he was (worried) -.
JOYCE (OVER): I mean this has been (going on for months -)
ALBERT (OVER): For Christ’s sake stop NAGGING!
Pause.
JOYCE: What are you taking for it?
ALBERT: Morphine. What do you think?
JOYCE: Don’t be sarcastic. (pause) I hate seeing you in pain.
ALBERT: Alright. I’ll go and feel it elsewhere.
He goes to walk out again.
JOYCE: Where are you going?
ALBERT: Nowhere. I just thought I’d -.
JOYCE: What?
ALBERT: I’m hungry. I thought I’d go out.
JOYCE: Just asking.
ALBERT: Good. Ask away. And I’ll see you later.
JOYCE: No you won’t. You’ll disappear like you did when Sammy got diagnosed
ALBERT: I am going to the PUB.
JOYCE: Right. Fine. Off you go then.
ALBERT: Okay. See you.
He goes to walk out.
JOYCE: That’s all you’ve got to say? See you?
ALBERT: That’s right. Goodbye.
JOYCE: You bastard.
ALBERT: You - bitch.
JOYCE: Don’t you dare walk out on (me now.)
ALBERT: Don’t you dare tell me what to do when you’ve just told me –
JOYCE: What have I just told you?
ALBERT: You think I’m an idiot?
Pause. He turns to face her.
ALBERT: Eleven years!
He goes to walk out.
JOYCE: We have to talk.
ALBERT: Not tonight.
JOYCE: NOW.
ALBERT: I couldn’t.
JOYCE: You can’t just pretend this hasn’t happened.
ALBERT: We have for eleven years apparently. Why change things now?
He is about to exit.
JOYCE: You won’t get any answers out there! Sammy knew nothing about it!
Pause. He stops.
ALBERT: Who with?
JOYCE: I didn’t ask for it. He pursued me -
ALBERT: Who with?
JOYCE: It’s not as if you’re completely without guilt is it? How many affairs did you have when I was stuck at (home – what about that little red head you –)
ALBERT (OVER): But you could hardly call them relationships, could you?
JOYCE (OVER): How many times did you go OFF..?
ALBERT: Is it someone I know?
Pause. JOYCE tries not to cry.
JOYCE: I was so lonely.
ALBERT: Who with?
JOYCE: It’s not important who with.
ALBERT: My brother?
JOYCE: Don’t be ridiculous.
ALBERT: Jack?
JOYCE: It’s not important.
ALBERT: Jack.
JOYCE: For God’s sake give me SOME credit!
Pause.
ALBERT: It’s Donald.
Pause.
JOYCE: Jack, Vince, Donald..what does it matter?
ALBERT: It matters.
Pause. She looks away.
ALBERT: My God.
JOYCE: It was never a -
ALBERT: Donald.
JOYCE: - big romance or anything.
ALBERT: My oldest friend…
JOYCE: He’s seventy three for God’s sake!
ALBERT: Donald.
JOYCE: It’s no big deal.
ALBERT: What the hell do you two have in common?
JOYCE: You.
ALBERT: Sneaky bastard!
JOYCE: He would hate you to know
ALBERT: Slimey shit. When did it – start?
JOYCE: He just saw that I needed someone and –
ALBERT: When did you not need ME?
JOYCE: After Sammy died – when you were – all – distant and…
Pause.
ALBERT: So what’s the beach got to do with it?
JOYCE: What?
ALBERT: Is that where you meet – the beach?
JOYCE: I thought you knew?
ALBERT: So you haven’t been going to the beach?
JOYCE: No. Well, yes. But – not just to walk.
ALBERT: You always just meet Donald?
She nods her head slowly.
ALBERT: And - what do you do?
JOYCE: We walk and…we discuss literature.
ALBERT: You what? Suck licorice?
JOYCE: Oh please get that hearing aid fixed.
He sighs, then suddenly puts on his coat again.
ALBERT: I’m off.
JOYCE: Where?
ALBERT: The pub.
JOYCE: Why?
ALBERT: I can’t bear to be in the (same room as you.)
JOYCE (OVER): It’s not as if I’m in LOVE.
ALBERT: Oh, what is it then? Lust?
JOYCE: He’s seventy three Albert.
ALBERT: You keep saying that.
JOYCE: It’s really just – chats now.
ALBERT: ELEVEN years of CHATTING. Where?
JOYCE: The beach. I told you. We meet at the beach.
ALBERT (MOCKING): The beach. You’re a regular surfie chic -
JOYCE: I wasn’t lying (when I said -)
ALBERT (OVER): Goodbye Joyce.
He heads for the door.
JOYCE: That’d be right! Turn this into your own little personal drama. Give yourself another excuse to get drunk.
ALBERT: I’ve got plenty of excuses, don’t worry.
JOYCE: Leave! Go! Don’t forget to take your self pity with you.
ALBERT: Why don’t I leave it here for you to stomp on while I’m gone?
JOYCE: DON’T for one minute stop and wonder WHY –
He stops.
ALBERT: Do you think I don’t know already?
JOYCE: WHY I might’ve turned to him in my hour of need…
ALBERT: And what about MY hour of need?
JOYCE: Our son was dying and you were too busy to talk or even just hold me –
ALBERT: I was away at the time –
JOYCE: Yes but before that, and after that – we were hardly speaking –
ALBERT: I WAS HARDLY SPEAKING TO ANYONE JOYCE. I was working eighty hours a week.
JOYCE: So bloody addicted to your work.
ALBERT: It gave me comfort.
JOYCE: Comfort? What the hell does that mean? COMFORT? I was in GRIEF.
ALBERT: WE BOTH WERE.
JOYCE: All I wanted was someone to be there for me – to hold me - while my son was dying – DYING –
ALBERT: That makes two of us.
JOYCE: And you never even –
ALBERT: He was OUR son Joyce. Not just yours. Our…boy.
JOYCE: And all you could do was drink and work. Work and drink.
ALBERT: Well you reap what you sow.
PAUSE. ALBERT pours himself another drink.
JOYCE: I’m not in love. He makes me think, that’s all. We discuss things. He makes me feel INTELLIGENT. He doesn’t treat me like a child. He treats me like (an intelligent human being.)
ALBERT (OVER): I’m not talking about you and Donald for Christ’s sake. Jesus. You think I give a rat’s arse about you and Donald?
JOYCE: Yes actually I do.
ALBERT: In fact if you want to know it’s a relief. It’s a good thing – this – whatever it is you do at the - beach car park. It’s – a relief.
JOYCE: What do you mean?
ALBERT: I don’t know - I mean - Lucky you. You’ve got a - reserve.
JOYCE: What’s that supposed to mean?
ALBERT: Nothing.
JOYCE: You’re leaving me.
ALBERT: Jesus Joyce. It’s always about you isn’t it?
JOYCE: That’s because I love you you bloody idiot.
She hugs him hard. He embraces her back, then pulls back and starts to put on his jacket again. She plays with his buttons nervously.
JOYCE: Let’s go back to Italy? Let’s go back to that little village where you – where we danced that night –
ALBERT: On the cobblestones.
JOYCE: They were all pink, remember?
ALBERT: It had been raining. The sulphur dioxide in the rock made them -.
JOYCE: In the sunset. All pink.
ALBERT: Well I remember more of a lilac colour but –
JOYCE: And we held each other and danced while that young boy violinist played that tune –
ALBERT: What was it?
JOYCE: What was what?
ALBERT: That tune..
JOYCE: Let’s go back. Let’s book it now.
ALBERT: It’d be winter now.
JOYCE: We’d be alright. We could rug up!
ALBERT: I don’t think I could darling.
JOYCE: Can you walk?
ALBERT: What do you mean ‘can I walk?’
JOYCE: SO LET’S GO. Come on!
ALBERT: It’s – such a long way..
JOYCE: Just for ten days.
ALBERT: Not right now.
JOYCE: A week even! Why not? -
Pause.
ALBERT: I might just – have some time alone for a while.
He takes her hand and puts it away from him, then takes a few steps away from her.
JOYCE: I’ll come with you – why don’t we link -?
JOYCE holds out her arm for him to link arms with her. He shakes his head.
ALBERT: I might stay out tonight.
JOYCE: Why?
ALBERT: Because I feel like the Titanic – that’s just hit two for the price of one.
JOYCE: Where?
ALBERT: I don’t know. I’ll wear my jacket. Find an aviary or something.
She takes his face in her hands and gazes at him.
JOYCE: I’m here for the long haul darling.
ALBERT: Well that won’t be asking too much, will it?
JOYCE: What does that mean?
ALBERT: It means - I’m going.
He looks at her sadly, and turns to go again.
JOYCE: STAY. Please!
ALBERT: Leave me.
JOYCE: Let me come too!
ALBERT: I’ll call you in the next day or so.
JOYCE walks up and grabs his face hard in her hands.
JOYCE: Please don’t walk out at a time like this. PLEASE!
ALBERT: You’ve always got Donald to - go to –
JOYCE: STOP IT! – It was never…never!.. I never stopped loving you – And you bloody well know it!
He goes to leave again.
JOYCE: You do, don’t you?
Pause.
ALBERT: I do.
JOYCE: Then don’t go huffing off in some enormous funk. Not tonight. It’s not worth it.
He walks towards the door. She stands and watches him disappear.
JOYCE: WAIT!
She waits for a moment, hoping he’ll return…
JOYCE: ALBERT! WAIT!
..then sags, hopelessly. A long pause…and she starts to head for the door - just as he suddenly appears again. She nearly bumps into him.
ALBERT: I’ve been thinking.
JOYCE: That was quick!
ALBERT: I don’t care about Donald.
JOYCE: Neither do I.
He hugs her. She hugs him back.
ALBERT: Let’s ask him round for lamb. Tell him we’re fine with it.
JOYCE (HORRIFIED): What, tonight?
ALBERT: Not tonight. Soon. I don’t want to bear a grudge over this.
JOYCE: Oh God sometimes I love you (so much) –
ALBERT (OVER): Sssh.
JOYCE: But sometimes you have to SAY these things.
ALBERT: I know.
JOYCE: I know you know. (Pause) And you do too, don’t you -
ALBERT: You know I do.
JOYCE: In spite of (my-)..?
ALBERT (OVER): Yes, my love.
JOYCE: Why don’t you say it?
ALBERT: Because I don’t have to. You know.
JOYCE: Yes, but sometimes - (Pause) You do. Don’t you – love me?
ALBERT: Yes you idiot.
JOYCE: And that’s all that matters, isn’t it? Hmm?
The sound of one single violin begins to play a beautiful sad tune.
ALBERT: ‘Course it is. Ssh. Listen…
JOYCE: Then it’s all alright then, isn’t it?
ALBERT: Yes my love.
JOYCE: Everything’s alright.
ALBERT: Sssh. Do you hear it?
JOYCE: Hear what my darling?
ALBERT: The music. That tune!
He takes her in his arms and they start to do a little waltz together.
JOYCE (DETERMINED TO HEAR IT): Yes! I - think so. Yes.
ALBERT: No more talk. Just dance.
JOYCE: On the pink cobblestones..
ALBERT: Yes, my love. Just you and I. Dancing.
JOYCE: In the sunset.
ALBERT: How lucky are we?
JOYCE: How lucky are we.
Violin music now rises with the sound of gently lapping waves, as they hold each other in their arms, and slowly sway together.
THE END.
