Another Mother’s Summer by Alex Pan
MA
Toby! It’s your ma. Oh, I told you to set up your voicemail. People need to know when they’re calling Toby “Baker.” ... I know you’re busy, Toby. But— ... I was calling Nancy and talking to her, telling her all about you. I said: “Toby’s an artist! Can ya believe it?” She didn’t believe it. She discreetly though fragilely laughs back. She sighs, trying to return to the “conversation.”
MA You’re doing good, Toby. Right? Beat. The uncertainty of the statement cuts her stitched wounds open. MA Well, I’m glad you’re doing good. (And she quickly mends herself and gets right back at it.) Nancy’s boys – Sam and Caleb – they’re doing well too. You remember the summers with them? I was going to invite Nancy over—
She pauses, holding her breath.
MA Well. Actually. I already invited her over! (A very unconvincing excitement takes over) And I told her you’d be coming back home to visit us! How’s that
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huh? You don’t want to let down Sam and Caleb, right? And Nancy? Oh, she has such a good heart in her. And— Ma pauses and holds in all her pressured urgency, again running out of things to say. Beat, as she lets go of it all in one long, weary sigh. MA (Tenderly) Toby. When are you coming home to visit your ma? ... Come on, Toby, I’m your ma! You can be honest with me. You can tell me. You can tell me anything! Beat, as Ma’s eyelids lower, numbing her hopeful words and afraid eyes from the truth. But another Beat, as Ma reassures against her thoughts and reclaims herself, revitalising with a jump out of bed. MA Oh, it’s the summer! We should be happy! Both of us! She quickly moves with a determined pace, but one that gradually fades until she is lost in her interwoven path again. Beat, as she loses all her energy immediately, sinking back into the void of the bed’s dark corner. Amidst another awkward silence and continued home decorating, she tries to
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