Far Off Memory

Out of the frying pan into the fire. Yep. That about sums it up.

My eardrums finally stopped ringing as my buddies sat down next to me. Jack, all broad shouldered and square jawed, offered me a cigarette. Taking it gladly, I nodded hello to him. We didn’t speak; we barely even glanced at each other – definitely a sign of mourning. We lost several good men today, men who had hardly seen a day over twenty.

Our Sergeant limped toward us, the tolls of combat pouring out of his body. A bloodied bandage curled itself around his thigh, signaling that he was not as invincible as many thought him to be. We didn’t even bother to stand or salute; that’s just endangering the Sergeant and wasting our energy. Instead, my buddies and I just waited to hear what he had to say. Hopefully, it was something good.

“Okay, boys,” Sarge drawled, spitting out tobacco, “we got orders to rendezvous over at site 22A.” Some of the boys groaned. “Get over it, you bunch of pansies! We head out in 0200 hours.” With that, Sarge limped away. I vaguely wondered if that wound would gain him a ticket home, but I knew it wouldn’t. No one goes home.

One of the guys next to me asked where site 22A is. No one answered for a moment. No one wanted to say it out loud. Then, Jack flicked his cigarette away before answering.

“The Knoll.”

Everyone paled. That was indeed suicide. Jack looked at me, trying to reassure that it was going be okay, that we'd all go home to our loved ones and live the rest of our lives in peace. But no one goes home. Alive.

I somehow found myself on a chopper. That happens from time to time; I’ll be one place one minute, then somewhere else the next. War does that to you, I’m guessing. I looked to my left, trying to see who was next to me. It was Jack, no surprise there. Ever since boot camp, we’ve been at each other’s side. People say it’s dangerous to get too close to someone during a tour, but I couldn’t help it. How could you? I needed someone to be there, to keep me rooted. Sane. And Jack was a damn good soldier. He was likely to get medals.

He saw me looking his way and grinned. “All good, Jayne Baby?” I chuckled, a feat considering we were going into an extremely hot landing zone. Jack was the only one who had ever called me Jayne, which is my middle name. He found it hilarious when we first introduced ourselves. Called me it ever since. I don’t mind; it gained me a fine friend.

Someone yelled that touchdown was in ten minutes. My heart skipped. I wasn’t ready for this fight. Jack placed his hand on my knee and squeezed. The contact surprised me, but I was grateful. Not our usual before-fight ritual... The chopper jerked, and we jumped. The battle was like a dream, a nightmare.

At the first footfall, I was under heavy fire. Bullets were speeding everywhere, as if they were pebbles sharply hitting a pond's surface, one right after the other. Thunderous booms from enemy artillery rendered me deaf for a few terrifying moments. The Lieutenant Colonel's commands became distant and incoherent, muffled as if under water. The shouts of my fellow soldiers collided roughly into my ear: the angry battle cries directed toward our enemy, the sorrowful yells of losing a comrade, and the agonizing wails of the wounded. Each sound was a nail on a chalkboard, echoing – piercing my head.

Recovering from initial shock, I quickly ran for cover behind a rise of dirt. The soldiers there were the very picture of disarray. Their uniforms were muddied and weathered, their grime coated helmets askew on top of dirt covered heads, and their whole bodies caked in sweat, dirt, blood and other substances I dared not name. The brows of these men were lined with worry and fear; their eyes lighted with a gleam of awareness that this might be the last time they draw breath. New explosions sent clumps of dirt raining down on us, occasionally sending men flying backwards, landing with sickening thuds. Reloading my weapon, I watched as men, both ally and enemy, fall to the ground in a tangled web of limbs either wounded or dead. Spurts of deep brown and crimson rose into the air every other second.

The man next to me fell on my side, his head slouching onto my shoulders. My throat tightened, air struggling to break its way through, as I felt warm, thick liquid inch its way down my arm. I pressed my rifle closer to my chest, the once cool material hot and clammy from my constant touch. The inside of my chest burned with nerves, a monstrous pounding that ripped its way through my ribcage. I fired, feeling every bead of sweat trickle down my skin. Suddenly, a piercing pain throbbed at my upper arm. The skin had been cut with a rogue bullet, just deep enough to bleed. It was nothing serious; I pushed the prickling pain out of my mind.

A sudden stench filled my nose. It was the stink of burnt wood, grass, and flesh. The enemy had started throwing grenades; they were getting too close. The smell stung the inside of my nostrils. The mixture of baking bodies, burning flesh, and bodily waste made me feel ill. The drying blood from my fallen comrade also rose up to my nose. The gruesome concoction churned my stomach until I felt the need to release its contents; however, I suppressed it in order to follow my Battalion in a head on attack.

As I rushed forward, the smoke from the burning trees gushed into my mouth. Choking on the stale material, I was thrown off my feet by another blast. Landing face first on the hard ground, I swallowed a mouthful of grimy dirt. As I spit the contents out, I ran to my foes. I fired at anything that wasn't an ally uniform, tasting my own sweat as it poured down my face from heat and nerves. I fell back suddenly, an unknown force grinding me into the ground. I stared blankly as I felt for my gun, bewildered for a moment. Then it came: blood. Blood was slowly trickling into my mouth. It was hot, almost frying my taste buds, and thick like peanut butter, sticking to the sides and top of my mouth. The bitter, coppery taste made tears spring to my eyes. The blood began to flow from the corners of my mouth, mixing with the saltiness of my fallen tears.

The sounds of battle became light and distant. My world grew dark with each passing second. I could no longer feel the heat beating down on my body, nor could I taste my own blood within my mouth. What I could do, though, was smell the slight scent of some foreign flower, the sweetness of its fragrance lulling me to sleep. It was a peace of mind, of war, of life in my final moment of awareness.

At least, that’s what I thought.

Fuck.

I woke up some time later under the faint light of the soon to be rising sun. Everything was quiet, literally silent. I didn’t want to move in fear of disturbing this rare moment of tranquility. For a moment, I thought I really was dead. For the first time, I noticed the beauty of the foreign landscape around me. In the quietude of the morn, it looked so heavenly. The wind blew gently, its touch caressing each leaf on every tree. The greens patched together with the browns in a masterpiece painted by some famous artist. It was close to perfection.

As more light began to peek through the curtain of trees, birds began to chirp. A smile found its way onto my lips. It’d been so long since that sound entered my ears. It gave me hope that the war wasn’t a complete waste of life.

“Jayne.” I closed my eyes in relief as Jack came to my side. There was always a fear in the back of my mind, a seed that had planted itself in my inner thoughts. With each battle, its thorns rooted themselves deeper, twisting, choking. Today, however, they stood still. “Jayne, you up?”

“No, fool, I’m still sleeping.” I smirked, opening one eye to peer up at the brunette. He chuckled, shaking his head as he stretched. He looked me over, eyes heading to my bandaged side. Guess a bullet got me. Guess I was saved by Corbin, our medic.

“Heh, was worried for a sec. Knew I shouldn’ta been,” Jack said through a grin, bending over to gently ruffle my hair. My heart skipped a beat. We never spoke about that chance, never had too much physical contact. Why was he breaking tradition now? “Not after I carried your ass to Corbin, my fingers all in your fucking wound.” He held up his left index and middle fingers for emphasis.

I didn't know what to say. Jack had saved my life. If it weren't for him, I'd be one of the rotting bodies on the field. Tears welled up, but I refused to let them fall. Jack looked at my bandages again, a worried crease in his brow as he towered over me. What would I have done if I didn't meet the man before me? Well, besides not breathing right now... I wanted to laugh, recalling how he loomed over me back at boot when we first met the same way he was now. I actually thought the big oaf would give me trouble.

I sighed, placing my duffel on my bunk, wondering what the fuck had I'd gotten myself into. I wondered what the gang back home was doing. I'd give anything to be with them right now.

“Hey. You're in my bunk, pal.” I grumbled, turning around to tell the intruder where to shove it when I froze, finally seeing the guy. Holy shit, he had some muscles! I didn't do anything, and we just stared at each other. “You gonna move or what?” The brunette quirked an eye brow.

“Why should I?” I mentally slapped myself for asking the question as it left my mouth. The guy would probably make me move with his big ass fist, and I'll forever be on his bad graces. Swell. As I was preparing for his first punch, he surprised me by laughing.

“Wouldn't want your skinny ass to be crushed if I make the bunk collapse.” He grinned as he plopped his duffel down on my now ex-bunk. “Name's Jack Michael Caster.” He offered his hand. Blinking a bit, I took it.

“Uh, Samuel Jayne Carrigan. Pleasure?” I stated, unsure. He shook my hand firmly, laughing when I introduced myself. Did I say something funny?

“Jayne? Who names their boy that?” He chuckled as he tossed my duffel on the top bunk. Guess I was moving.

“My mom, apparently. Thought it was cute.” I said, still fascinated that the guy, uh, that Jack hadn't punched my lights out. Jack chuckled again.

“Cute, huh? Well, you betta watch out, then.” When I cocked my head in confusion, he continued with a grin. “All the guys might find a mighty fine interest in a cute boy like you.” He smirked. I blinked, a grin slowly creeping on my lips.

“Oh, is that so? Whatever am I going to do about that?” I batted my eyes at him, which earned a bark of laughter.

Still laughing, Jack draped his arm across my shoulders, pulling me into a light noogie. “Alrighty, Jayne Baby, I'll watch out for that skinny ass of yours.” We laughed as if we've known each other for a lifetime.

Blinking out of good, fun times and back to reality, I peered at my best friend, who still eyed my wound with concern. He kept the promise he made; he saved my ass. Clearing my throat, I spoke. “I’m hard to get rid of.” Even as I said it, I felt a lump rise in my throat. It went down a bit when I heard his bark of a laugh. So much for the quiet morning.

“Are ya kiddin' me? No way you leavin', ya lucky son of a bit –!” He didn’t finish his speech. Bombs had started to go off all around us. One’s force threw Jack forward, landing him next to me. Panicking, I reached around for my rifle. It wasn’t near. Oh, God…

Jack had his, though, and he was using it. Firing at any movement within the trees, Jack yelled for some back up. The Sarge barked out orders, and I heard someone say the medevacs were on the way. The helicopters were coming this way, under all the heavy fire? That’s suicide. I felt so useless. I was a weapon for the army, yet I couldn't do anything to help the fight.

I made to move to find some form of a weapon, but Jack held me down. He yelled something about wounds reopening.

Peering around me, I noticed that I was lumped with other wounded soldiers. Wounded soldiers… medevacs… enemy fire… Oh, God! The medevacs were coming for the wounded soldiers, and Charlie knew it. Shit!

Bullets whizzed everywhere, some hitting their targets with fatal precision and others missing by mere inches. Two others joined Jack in front of the wounded, trying to eliminate any threat to their comrades. Others were trying to hold off our position, keep the LZ clear for the choppers. Then, the thunder came.

The choppers swooped to the ground. My unit ran to deliver the wounded. Bullets were still zooming past us. Jack supported me, an arm wrapped behind the small of my back, while his other arm handled his rifle. “Goddamnit!” He cussed as we dodged our way through the maze of bullets and bodies, “Motha fuckin' gooks just won't quit!”

We made it and briefly waited for my turn to be flung into the helicopter. Jack shielded me as he took out a few Charlies. Jack packed me in last while the other two soldiers covered him. Despite everything, he smiled. “Goin' home, Jayne!” He yelled, “Take care, bud –!”

Time stopped.

I blinked as blood splattered across my face. Jack's eyes widened as his entire body rippled from the force of the stray bullet. My breath caught in my throat as his face contorted achingly slowly into a confused expression, mouth opening slightly. He wobbled, falling forward. Screaming my lungs out, I quickly reached for him, trying to save him, trying to reverse the irreversible. I just managed to grab hold of his shoulders as the chopper took off.

I screamed for someone to help him as I gripped him tighter, not letting him fall from the chopper, but no sound came out. There were simply no words I could utter. I couldn't save him. I couldn't save him the way he saved me. I held on to him tightly even after others helped me pull him fully on board. I held on even after they told me he was dead. I couldn't let go. I failed to save him. Tears were streaming down my face, but I didn't care. I had just lost the closest thing to a brother I'd ever have.

No one goes home. This fucking war takes everything from you. The body may still function, but the mind goes dull, clouded. Haunted. Everyone – everyone – dies in battle. And I did die.

I died when my brother died.

The Schedule

Here's the workshop schedule.

Wed. Mar. 28: Casey, Zara

Fri. Apr. 1: Allison, Kylee

Mon. Apr. 4: Michael, Danielle

Wed. Apr. 6: Austin, Antonia

Fri. Apr. 8: Emma, Shelby

Mon. Apr. 11: Katie, Liv

Wed. Apr. 13: Justen, Rashad

Fri. Apr. 15: Andrew, Tori

Spring Break!

Stubborn like your father

Ian sat on the bench outside the funeral home covering his eyes with the palms of his hands. I know he was waiting for mom to say, “Wakeup Ian. It’s time for school.” That never happened. His nightmare was real.

He walked back into the funeral home, trying as best as he could not to look into the dreaded room. He walked straight past the urn that held my ashes and made his way towards the bathroom. Everywhere he looked, there seemed to be a sign that read, ‘Patrick Kinler: August 24, 1992-December 15, 2010.’ He stopped to flip through some of the memory books, and he started crying when he came across the first picture of us. It was a picture of us in our wrestling singlets holding up the 2009 state championship trophy. Mom asked some random guy if he could take the picture, so that she and dad could be in it. Mom loved to do that.

Ian closed the book and walked towards the bathroom. When he opened the door, he immediately turned around and walked back outside. I know he left because he saw Coach Kenny. He didn’t want coach to see him crying. The only time we could cry without being made fun of was if we won or lost the state championship. We didn’t do any of that pussy crying; that was for girls only, and that’s why girls don’t wrestle.

Ian didn’t go back to the same bench. He kept walking. I knew he was going to our favorite spot, and he probably thought no one would notice he was gone. Well he was wrong. Mom stepped outside to compose herself and saw Ian walking through the parking lot. “Ian!” she yelled. Ian didn’t stop or turn around to look. He kept walking. Mom started running after him, so Ian picked up his pace. Finally, Ian was out of sight and mom was out of breath.

It is Monday, December 11, 2010. I turn over in my bed and look at the clock. It is 6:14. I smile, knowing I still have thirty minutes until my alarm will go off. Five minutes later, my cat jumps on my chest and wakes me up. Ian and I thought it would be funny to name her Black Pussy, but mom didn’t like it, so we had to settle for Smokey. We call her Black Pussy, and mom calls her Smokey; the poor cat is probably so confused. She meows in my ear and walks back and forth across my face to wake me up. She’s successful. I sit up in my bed and my stomach growls immediately.

As I walk downstairs, I can smell the bacon and eggs that mom cooked for herself. I wish I could eat it. I tell her good morning and walk over to the cabinet, eyeing the bacon and eggs along the way. I grab an apple cinnamon breakfast bar, and I pour myself an eight-ounce glass of water. This is what I eat every morning for breakfast. Today I weigh 140 pounds. I feel much fatter than that. I have to lose ten pounds by Friday’s meet. It seems like a lot of weight to lose, but I am used to it.

I hear Ian’s footsteps coming down the stairs. Black Pussy’s bell rings as she follows him. He tells my mom good morning and goes to the same cabinet as I did, but instead of grabbing apple cinnamon, he grabs strawberry. He probably weighs about 128 pounds this morning and by Friday’s meet, he has to be 119. Ian struggles to lose to weight because he is already so tiny. He started wrestling last year and it has been a challenge for him. I’m a senior, so I know what I’m doing.

Ian starts talking to mom, and I decide to go upstairs to get ready for school. Black Pussy jingles around the corner and follows me up the stairs. I go to an all boy’s Catholic school, so I don’t have to worry about what I am going to wear in the morning. I wear something similar to a ROTC uniform and a pair of black shiny loafers. Before I get dressed, I stare at myself in my wall-length mirror. I look so far over my weight limit; it is ridiculous. I still have an hour until school starts, so I decide to take a hot bath. I fill the tub up about ten inches with steaming hot water and hop in. My toes go numb because the water is so hot. It takes me a while to get used to the temperature before I can put both my legs in. When I am finally in the tub, I grab the nearest towel and start wiping the beads of sweat off of my face. I continue this process on my chest, my back, and my arms. After twenty minutes, I get out. I probably lost about three pounds, and I feel much better about myself.

I grab a new towel and dry myself off. I walk to my bedroom and put on my ROTC uniform. I grab my wrestling bag that I had packed the night before, and I walk downstairs. “Ian,” I yell, “It’s time to go.” We tell our mom goodbye, and we head out the door. We get into my 1996 beige Toyota Camry, and we slowly make our way to school. Mom bought me this car, thinking it would be a great investment. She bought it for $600, and it is probably now worth $150. Oh well, at least I have something to drive.

We pull up to school and Ian races to class. His homeroom teacher is psycho, and she looks similar to Godzilla. I grab my stuff and walk to my first period class. I start feeling weak, but this happens all the time, so I ignore it. I see Matt and Tyler on the way to class, and they tell me I look kind of pale. Again, I ignore it and keep walking. I step over the threshold of the classroom right as the bell rings. Coach Kenny is my homeroom teacher, which is pretty awesome. Even if I am late, Coach doesn’t care. I am a wrestler.

When the bell rings to move onto first period, Coach calls me over to talk to him. He tells me I look pale and that I should probably eat something. “You are the third person to tell me that,” I say. “But I’m fine, I am ten pounds over my weight limit, so I shouldn’t eat anything.” He tells me that he will buy me a cereal bar out of the vending machines. “No thanks,” I mumble. I walk out of his classroom, down the hall, down the stairs, and into my next classroom. I am late. My teacher asks me why I am late, and I tell her that I was talking to Coach Kenny. She rolls her eyes and says something along the lines of: “Kenny always keeps my kids late. Damn wrestlers.”

I walk to the back of the room where Matt and Tyler are sitting. “I really think you need something to eat man,” Matt says. Tyler follows, “Yea bro. You aren’t looking too hot.” I tell them that I can’t eat because I need to cut more weight than usual. “I slacked off this weekend guys,” I say, staring at the muffin top that rests on top my khakis. “Quiet back there,” Ms. Walters yells. Class feels like it is taking forever because every three minutes my stomach lets out a growl. I am starving, but I know I can’t eat until lunch.

I make it through second period and third period. It is finally time for lunch. I want more than just a turkey sandwich with a slice of tomato, but that is all I can eat. I attack the sandwich, as if I have never seen food before. I chug my entire bottle of water in about fifteen seconds and look down at my stomach. I want it to go away, but it keeps getting bigger. I run to the office and tell the secretary, “I think I might have the flu.” She calls my mom and tells her I will be home shortly because I am feeling under the weather. Who came up with that saying? The cavemen? I didn’t really understand it, but I knew it meant sick. I hop in my car and drive home.

Mom hears my car honk when I lock it, and she opens the door immediately. “What’s wrong sweetie?” she says with a worried frown. I tell her I felt this wave of nausea come on at lunch and that it won’t go away. “Maybe if you throw up, you will feel better,” she says. That’s exactly what I was thinking, but in a different sense. I run upstairs to my bathroom, stick my finger down my throat, and make myself throw up. It is the most relieving feeling ever. After I throw up, I run the water in the tub and take another sweat bath. When I get out of the tub, I feel weaker than earlier. I throw up again. Maybe I am actually getting sick. I ignore it, and get dressed. I walk to my room and jump in my bed. Black Pussy curls up on my chest. I call mom and ask her if she can bring me some Gingerale and crackers. She is upstairs in a heartbeat. I love that about mom.

I wake up and look at the clock. It is 3:45 a.m. I slept for fourteen hours. I roll back over, and I fall right back asleep. Mom comes into my room around 5:45 and asks me if I need anything. “More Gingerale would be great,” I say. She is there and back in less than two minutes. She rubs my head, and the look on her face scares me. “Honey, you are burning up. I think we should call the doctor.” All I keep thinking is, ‘I can’t be sick. I can’t miss the meet Friday.’ Mom lets me sleep for another hour. At 6:50, she comes in and tells me to get dressed because I have a doctor’s appointment at 8:00, and we have to bring Ian to school. When I get up, my legs give out and I fall straight to the ground. What was happening to me? I feel so weak. I manage to grab onto my bed and pull myself up. I call mom and tell her that I can’t walk down the stairs, so she comes upstairs and helps me.

We drop Ian off at school. This is the first time ever that I actually want to be at school. I know Coach will be wondering where I am. Damn, I am going to be in some trouble. We pull up to the doctor’s office and mom comes around the car to help me out. “I’m fine,” I yell. I can tell mom is worried. This is the same look she had when Dad left her a few years ago. Mom signs me in and fills out all the necessary paperwork, and we wait. It feels like three hours pass before the nurse finally calls my name. She tells me to take off my shoes and step onto the scale. “133.8 pounds,” she says. What the fuck? How did I lose six pounds in one day? That must be a record. Maybe I can still wrestle in Friday’s meet.

The nurse walks us to room 824. “Hey mom,” I say smiling, “the room number is the same as my birthday.” Mom sits staring at the wall waiting for the doctor to come in. The doorknob turns and Doctor Wallace walks in. “What seems to be the problem?” he asks me. I look at mom. She knows I want her to do the talking. Mom tells the doctor all of my symptoms and the doctor says, “Mononucleosis,” and asks me how long I have been feeling weak. I tell him it has only been a few days, but I am a wrestler, so I am used the feeling. He asks me to explain my practice schedule, my food intake, and the different ways I lose weight. When I finish, he has that same worried look on his face. Mom asks him to explain, and he says, “If you have had mono for over a week and have practiced every day for three hours after school, you have a high risk of having your spleen rupture.” Mom begins crying immediately. She hates the fact that Ian and I wrestle. It was a sport that Dad got us into, and we love it.

The doctor tells me to take Ibuprofen and get lots of rest. I can’t go to school, nor can I go to wrestling practice. When I ask if I will be able to wrestle in Friday’s meet, he laughs and says, “Absolutely not.” When we get home, I go online and search, ‘Mononucleosis.’ I read that it is highly recommended that I avoid contact sports during and two weeks after infection symptoms subside. I need to find a way out of this. I know I won’t be that 1 in 100 person who dies from Mononucleosis. I make Ian wrestle with me after mom goes to sleep, and on Thursday, I sneak out and go to school. Coach Kenny asks me where I have been the past few days, and I tell him I have had a bad sore throat. He asks me if I feel well enough to participate in tomorrow’s meet. I smile and say, “Absolutely.”

I go home directly after school because I know mom will be worried about me. I tell Coach Kenny that I will practice with Ian at home. I sneak back through my window and get back in bed. I really think I pulled it off. I don’t think mom has any clue. Mom comes in my room a few hours later and brings me some hot tea. “How are you feeling Patrick?” she asks. I tell her I am feeling much better but still kind of weak. She asks me if I need anything else, and when I say no, she walks out of the room and closes the door behind her. I fall back asleep and wake up at 12:45 a.m. I call Ian, and when he doesn’t answer, I walk in his room and wake him up. “Ian, you gotta come wrestle with me,” I say shaking him. “I really don’t think you should wrestle tomorrow bro,” he says. I can tell he is worried about me. “I’m fine Ian, seriously.” He rolls over and goes back to sleep. I feel bad, so I don’t wake him back up. I guess I’ll go into the meet and just wing it.

I sleep until 11:15 a.m. I know I have to get to school by 12:00 if I want to participate in any after school activity. I sneak out again and walk to school. The day creeps by, but the bell finally rings. The meet starts in a few hours. I need to prepare myself. I meet up with Matt and Tyler, and we walk to weigh-ins together. I hop on the scale. 129.8. Perfect. I am pumped. It felt like it had been a few months since I wrestled. I put my singlet on, and I grab my warm-up jacket and walk into the gym. The smell of sweat lingers in the air. I feel at home.

By this time, Mom had to realize I was gone. I am up next. My heart is pounding, and adrenaline is rushing through my veins. I am ready. I feel bad for my opponent. I take my warm-up jacket off and put my ear guard on. I slap my opponent’s hand and the match starts. I start off with a low single and take him straight to the ground. I look over and see mom crying in the stands. She knew I was here the whole time. I am exactly like Dad. I never give up. Within ten seconds of the first round, I feel my body getting weaker. Then suddenly everything turns black.

Mom sat down on a parking bumper and cried into her hands. Ian was gone, and she knew he wouldn’t come back. Mom lost both of her boys that week. I knew this felt worse than the time Dad left her. Mom was alone. She walked back into the funeral home and tried to compose herself. She walked up to my urn and said, “You and your brother had to be stubborn like your father.”

Orphan Country

A Play in Seven Scenes

by

Zara Zemmels

Cast of Characters:

AIDAN

ADAM

DANICA

JOHN

KARI

Ms. CURRIO

Mrs. BAYER

Dr. BAYER

TIME

Sometime in the next fifty years

Scene 1

Two cells stand onstage, a bunk bed in each. AIDAN sits in the right cell, DANICA on the floor in the left, KARI clutching her knees on the top bunk. ADAM enters carrying three plates covered in plastic.

ADAM

Alright guys, dinner.

AIDAN

Aww, I’m tired of peanut butter and jelly.

DANICA

Yum.

AIDAN

Can you ask them to make me a turkey one? I don’t even need mayonnaise.

ADAM

Enjoy your dinner Aidan. (Exits)

AIDAN

Man, I hate peanut butter and jelly.

DANICA

I’ll have it.

AIDAN

No, I’m hungry. What about you Kari? You like PB and J? (no response) Yeah, me neither. You want some of my chips Kari? (Nothing.) Alright, more for me.

DANICA

Maybe she doesn’t remember how to talk.

AIDAN

She remembers she’ll just talk when she wants to.

DANICA

(Quietly to AIDAN) She better remember soon. Her due date’s coming up.

AIDAN

Hush, Danica.

ADAM

(ADAM enters, guiding JOHN by the arm.) Kids, I’ve got some big news. We’ve got a new friend today. This is John. He’s going to be sharing a bunk with Aidan for a while.

DANICA

But he’s white.

ADAM

Orphans can be white too, Danica. Now you guys be extra nice to him okay? He’s been having a rough week. (Opening cell) Aidan why don’t you let John have that top bunk?

AIDAN

Okay.

ADAM

(Shuts cell) Feel better buddy. I’ll be back in a little while to bring you some PB and J. (Exits)

AIDAN

You can have the top or the bottom bunk, I don’t care. (JOHN collapses in the bottom bunk and starts crying.)Hey. Hey it’s okay. We were all really sad when we came here too. You can go ahead and cry. Did your mommy die? (JOHN nods) That sucks. Me and Danica lost our parents in the war. It’s okay though, cause we come from the same place. We think Kari’s parents died in the tsunami but we’re not sure, she doesn’t talk. We’ll be your friends though.

DANICA

Aidan, why’s he crying?

AIDAN

He lost his mommy.

DANICA

Hey. Hey white kid. I’m sorry you’re mommy died.

AIDAN

Let’s leave him alone, Danica. Do you want to play cards?

DANICA

Go fish!

AIDAN

Okay.(AIDAN deals cards between the bars separating their cells.) Let’s see. Any…fours?

DANICA

Go fish. Any… jacks?

AIDAN

Go fish.

JOHN

(After a few moments) When did you guys get here?

AIDAN

Us? I got here eight and a half months ago I think. Danica got here three months ago. Kari came here from another orphanage about two months ago. She hasn’t said anything since she got here. (pause) Where are you from?

JOHN

Tennessee.

DANICA

Where’s that?

JOHN

You don’t know where Tennessee is?

(They shake their heads)

Tennessee is here, in America. Down South.

AIDAN

Oh, I see.

JOHN

Do you mind if I play for a while?

AIDAN

Sure.

JOHN

How’d you learn to play go fish? Do they have that where you come from?

DANICA

Adam showed it to us.

JOHN

He’s that guy who brought me in here?

DANICA

Yeah, he’s really nice. You’ll like him a lot. (Yawning) I’m bored with cards. I’m going to take a nap.

AIDAN

Okay. (Pause) You’ll be okay here you know.

JOHN

It’s not so much that anymore. I’m just really scared of not getting adopted. This sucks.

AIDAN

I never think about it. Especially not in front of Danica. I gotta be strong, you know? Like my dad.

JOHN

I know. It’s just really scary. I feel really bad, and I loved my mom a lot, but I really didn’t want her to die ‘cause if she did I’d have to come here. I just kept thinking about myself and not about her.

AIDAN

It’s okay. We’re all scared. You just get used to it after a while. You can’t be sad all the time. It’s like a blister. After a while it’s all hard and you don’t even notice it.

JOHN

Sorry I was rude earlier. It just happened fast.

AIDAN

I don’t blame you. I remember what it’s like.

JOHN

I’ll try not to show it so much from now on. You know, for the girls.

AIDAN

Yeah. For the girls.

Scene 2

The kids all hanging out in their “rooms” onstage. Voice from offstage: “I do want a little girl. I’ve always wanted a little girl. I’m not so picky about her age as long as she’s younger than seven…”

ADAM enters with a woman.

ADAM

Of course ma’am. It’s great thing you’re doing. You know it’s so hard for them the older they get, and who wouldn’t want to save a child?

(The kids all stand up except KARI who stays on her bunk.)

Kids I want you to say hi to Ms. Currio, she wanted to come meet you guys. (Tense silence, ADAM clears his throat.) Ms. Currio this is Aidan, John, Danica and Kari. Kari? Why don’t you come down for a second and say hi to Ms. Currio?

Kari is really just such a sweetheart if you spend a few minutes with her. Kari? I know how excited you are to meet visitors, you know we don’t see as many as we used to. Come on down sweetheart. She’s a little shy, she just gets so excited sometimes.

(KARI scoots down off the bed.) Danica, why don’t you and Kari come say hello.

DANICA

(Holding out her hand.) Nice to meet you Miss Currio.

CURRIO

The pleasure’s all mine sweetheart. You’re name’s Danica? That’s pretty. My mother’s name is Monica those are almost the same.

DANICA

Except mine has a D. I spell it D-A-N-I-C-A. Like Dan at the beginning.

CURRIO

That’s very nice. Aren’t you smart. How old are you?

DANICA

(DANICA holds up her hands.) This many.

CURRIO

How nice. Aren’t you just a sweetheart.

ADAM

Ms. Currio, let me introduce you to Kari. Like I said she’s just a little shy.

CURRIO

Hello Kari. How old are you?

ADAM

Show her how old you are Kari. (KARI shakes her head.) Kari.

(KARI whispers something.)

CURRIO

I’m sorry dear?

KARI

Nine.

CURRIO

How nice. What do you like to do?

(KARI shrugs)

AIDAN

She likes drawing. I see her draw all the time. She’s really good. And she likes Peanut Butter and Jelly. It’s her favorite she gets so excited when we have Peanut Butter and Jelly for lunch.

ADAM

(Laughing.) Of course, Kari’s a wonderful artist.

CURRIO

I see. I’m sure you’ll be an excellent painter when you grow up. What about you Danica, what do you like?

DANICA

Swimming!

CURRIO

Really? Did you know I have a pool at my house?

DANICA

Oh my gosh, really? I haven’t been swimming since back in India.

CURRIO

How would you like to come try it out next weekend?

DANICA

I don’t think Adam would let me.

CURRIO

Of course he will. Mr. Chapman can always send one of his friends to keep an eye on us while we swim. Can’t you do that?

ADAM

Of course Ms. Currio. Don’t you also collect art? I’m sure that’s very exciting for Kari.

CURRIO

Yes, I’m sure. Danica, I’m going to go talk to Mr. Chapman about us having a play date. Would you be alright with that?

DANICA

Yeah! Is there ice cream at your house?

CURRIO

No, but I’ll be sure to get some.

DANICA

Awesome!

CURRIO

Alright sweetheart, I’ll see you later then.

DANICA

Bye!

ADAM

Say bye kids.

KIDS

Bye.

(ADAM and CURRIO exit.)

DANICA

Aidan! Did you hear? I might get to go swimming!

AIDAN

That’s awesome Danica.

DANICA

I wish you could come too. I was gonna ask her but I didn’t think Adam would say it was okay. I heard the lady say she wanted a girl…

AIDAN

It’s okay. I’ll go swimming sometime.

JOHN

(Quietly to AIDAN.) What was that about? Why wouldn’t Kari talk to that lady?

AIDAN

I don’t know. She never talks.

JOHN

What were you guys doing? It seemed like you and Adam were trying to get Ms. Currio not to adopt Danica.

AIDAN

That’s not it. It’s just that—-well anyone would want to adopt Danica. Kari…I don’t know if she can get adopted. And if she won’t act cute then we have to help her.

JOHN

Oh. Should say something?

AIDAN

I don’t think that lady ever thought at all about Kari. She was just trying to be nice to her. I bet she came in knowing she wanted to talk to Danica. And Danica sure is adorable.

JOHN

Yeah.

AIDAN

We gotta keep trying though. Next time someone comes in, we gotta tell ‘em how great Kari is. You’ll help right?

JOHN

Yeah, sure.

Scene 3

Lights up, enter ADAM with Dr. and Mrs. Bayer.

ADAM

And this is section seven of the five-to-eleven-year-olds. You can see we’ve got the kids in separate rooms, two each, to keep them under control. It can get pretty wild here sometimes. Kids can get emotional, as you know, so we make sure we’ve got them well secured at all times. Hi kids. This is Dr. and Mrs. Bayer. They’ve been very nice. They donated a lot of money to help you guys out. Why don’t you give them a little thank you.

KIDS

Thanks.

JOHN

That up there is Kari. She’s really special. Do you think you want to adopt a little girl?

(Dr. and Mrs. look at each other, ADAM laughs awkwardly.)

ADAM

John’s new here, just arrived last week from Tennessee. You can tell he really cares about his wing-mates.

Mrs. BAYER

How nice. You know I spent a few years in Tennessee during college. It’s a very nice place.

JOHN

Yeah, it is. I bet Kari would love it there.

Mrs. BAYER

(Laughing.) I’m sure she would. John. What a strong name. Do you know how you got your name?

JOHN

My dad. But there was also John Hancock and John in the bible. My handwriting is really bad so I wish I wasn’t named after people who wrote stuff.

Dr. BAYER

Well that’s just fine. You’ve got plenty of time to get good at it.

JOHN

Yeah, I guess I do. I don’t think Kari can write though. Maybe you could teach her? You guys donate money right? I bet she learns real fast if you hire a tutor.

ADAM

Alright John, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Mr. and Mrs. Bayer are just here to inspect the facility, see what we’re doing with their money. They’re not looking into any adopting in the near future.

Mrs. BAYER

Oh, now, I don’t know if that’s necessarily true, Adam.

ADAM

Really?

JOHN

Really?

Mrs. BAYER

I mean, we’ve spent plenty of money on this facility. It would make a lot of sense for us to get to know the children. Don’t you think so hun?

Dr. BAYER

I—-suppose so. Why don’t we talk about that later honey, we’re right in the middle of a tour here.

Mrs. BAYER

You’re right. (Reaching out to shake JOHN’s hand.) It was very nice to meet you Mr. John Hancock.

JOHN

(Shaking her hand.) Just John though. Bad handwriting.

Mrs. BAYER

I see. Well I’m sure I’ll see you later John.

JOHN

Remember what I said about Kari okay? It’s really important.

Mrs. BAYER

Alright. I will. Bye.

JOHN

Bye.

ADAM and the BAYER’s exit.

Scene 4

Lights up. AIDAN holding the bars of his cell, looking concerned. KARI still on her bunk, DANICA missing. ADAM enters with food.

ADAM

Well it looks like Danica and Ms. Currio are hitting it off. This thing may have a happy ending for her after all. How are you two doing?

AIDAN

Adam? What happened to John? We haven’t seen him in three days and you haven’t said anything about where he went.

ADAM

(ADAM hands AIDAN his food and sits down tiredly.) I’ve been meaning to tell you about that Aidan. It’s just been so busy lately. Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Bayer?

AIDAN

Uh-huh.

ADAM

Well they just adopted John. Just like that. I’ve never seen that happen before. Mrs. Bayer was just so taken with him I guess, she told me the next day she was interested in adopting.

AIDAN

You didn’t let him say goodbye?

ADAM

There was no time. They took John for a tour of their house and that was it, it’s been nothing but paperwork the last three days. I hope you don’t feel too upset about it. This is a really great thing for John.

AIDAN

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. (Quietly) Didn’t you tell them about Kari?

ADAM

I know Aidan. I know you really want her to get adopted but there’s just nothing I can do. You can’t make people want a child, no matter much she needs them.

AIDAN

But she’ll die! Don’t they care?

ADAM

The Bayers know what happens to kids here. They pay for it all, they know exactly what happens. But they understand that this happens all the time. They can’t save everyone. Neither can you. The sooner you accept that Aidan the happier you’ll be.

AIDAN

How can people be that way?

ADAM

Do you think it’s better to let you all starve? What would have happened to you kids if we just left you on the streets in India and China? You wouldn’t have had a chance at all. At least here you guys can be safe for a while. It’s better than letting you starve to death.

AIDAN

(Crying.) I don’t understand.

ADAM

I don’t expect you to.

AIDAN

(Getting closer.) Have you heard anything about me? You know my due date is getting closer.

ADAM

(Puts a hand on AIDAN’s shoulder.) I haven’t heard anything

Aidan. I’ll let you know when I do. Just keep a good face

on alright? I need you to be strong for us.

(AIDAN nods.)

Okay. Get some rest why don’t you.

AIDAN

(Gets in bed) Adam? How come you don’t have any kids?

ADAM

Goodnight Aidan.

Scene 5

Lights up, AIDAN pacing nervously. He is the only one onstage. Enter ADAM.

AIDAN

Adam you can’t let them! We have to stop them!

ADAM

Shhh. Aidan, I need you to calm down. There’s nothing we can do.

AIDAN

You adopt her! How can you let this happen? You’re such a jerk! (AIDAN sits on his bed and cries.)

ADAM

You know why I work here Aidan? So I can try and make you guys feel a little happy for a while. I know you’ve all spent your lives being miserable. I know it seems like we’re horrible people doing this but you have to understand it could be so much worse. This is the only thing we can do to help you.

AIDAN

You’re killing us to help us?

ADAM

You know why I don’t have kids? I’d never be able to watch this happen otherwise. I’d always see my kid in you guys. I wouldn’t be able to do my job anymore. Then who would take care of you?

AIDAN

Then why do you let it happen? Why can’t you just adopt us?

ADAM

I just can’t.

(AIDAN cries for a minute.)

I know Kari appreciates you trying so hard for her.

AIDAN

No she doesn’t. If she did she would’ve tried to save herself.

ADAM

Maybe that was her way of trying to save you guys? Getting out of the way, making people see how great you are when you try to help her. (Long silence.) Danica’s going to be adopted. I found out today. We just have to turn in the papers. Be happy about it Aidan. Things didn’t end well for Kari, but just know Danica’s going to be happy. Just think about that.

(ADAM starts to leave.)

AIDAN

Adam? Have you heard of anyone who might want to adopt me?

(ADAM pauses then exits.)

Scene 6

Lights up. DANICA is shoving all her clothes into a tiny bag, letting her dolls dance around across her bed.

DANICA

And we’re gonna go to the beach, and we’re gonna go to the movies, and we’re gonna go to Chuckie Cheese’s and we’re gonna have pizza every Friday. Aw, Aidan, I wish you could come.

AIDAN

No, then there wouldn’t be nearly enough pizza for both of us.

DANICA

(Goes to the barrier between hers and AIDAN’s cell.) I’m going to miss you so much Aidan. You’re like my big brother.

AIDAN

(Gets up and takes her hands.) You’re going to be having so much fun at school you’ll hardly have time to think of me.

DANICA

(Hugs him awkwardly through the bars.) That’s not true. I’ll think of you every day. I promise. Even on Christmas. And my birthday.

AIDAN

I’ll think of you too. (DANICA starts crying.) Danica? What the matter? I thought you were so happy.

DANICA

I’m just really scared for you! What if you don’t get adopted? I was sad about Kari but you have to promise me you won’t let that happen to you.

AIDAN

I promise.

DANICA

How much time do you have left?

AIDAN

Plenty.

DANICA

You’re lying.

AIDAN

Am not, believe me, I have plenty.

(ADAM enters. He and AIDAN look at each other.)

ADAM

Time to go sweet pea.

DANICA

(Wipes her eyes.) I love you. Call me when you get adopted. We can go swimming.

AIDAN

I will. I love you too.

(DANICA and ADAM exit. Lights out.)

Scene 7

(Spotlight on AIDAN. Sitting on the edge of his bed, looking distressed. ADAM enters, standing outside the circle of light.)

AIDAN

Is it time?

(ADAM nods. He opens the cell for AIDAN. AIDAN hugs him.)

AIDAN

If I had new father I’d want it to be you.

ADAM

I had you rescheduled for tomorrow morning.

AIDAN

Oh. So what are you doing here?

ADAM

I don’t know how you got out.

AIDAN

Huh?

ADAM

I don’t know how you got out. You must have figured out how to pick the lock or something.

AIDAN

(Long pause.) Where did I go?

ADAM

You must have gone down the back stairway to the right. To the bus station five blocks from the exit. (Slips a wad of dollars into AIDAN’s hand. AIDAN takes it, stares at it, then back at ADAM.) No one noticed you were gone until the morning.

(They hug.)

Bye Aidan. Kids like you are the reason I don’t have children. If I had a child he’d be just like you.

(AIDAN takes the money and runs offstage. Lights out.)

END