A Two-Way One-Way Mirror

Two men enter. A boy and his grandfather.

The grandfather has had a fall and a stroke,

and now lies in bed, unmoving and unresponsive.

The boy is talking to his grandfather, but more to himself,

as he knows that the old man cannot hear him.

The grandfather is trying to communicate,

but no words escape his lips.

His grandson cannot hear his thoughts.

GRANDSON:

Hi, grandpa. It’s me. Can you open your eyes?

GRANDFATHER:

I can feel your hand.

GRANDSON:

You look comfortable. They’re treating you well? They are; I know mom’s making sure.

GRANDFATHER:
Can you hear me?

GRANDSON:

How is it? All these tubes, in your arms and your nose and your mouth. They have you on a ventilator.

GRANDFATHER:
Can you hear me over that loud machine?

GRANDSON:

Is that the hissing? And what’s the gurgling? You hear that sound? They say you can’t even swallow. You can’t eat or drink on your own.

GRANDFATHER:

I know I’m dying.

GRANDSON:

I can’t believe you’re dying. You don’t look like it. You don’t look like your brain’s bleeding or you had a fall or a stroke. You look asleep. Not like you’re choking on your own spit or breathing through a tube or about to die any day.

GRANDFATHER:
Don’t worry.

GRANDSON:

I don’t know why I’m not feeling anything. I feel empty—

GRANDFATHER:

Don’t be sad.

GRANDSON:
—and a little sad. That we weren’t closer. That you won’t be here to give me your old stamps and tools. That the joy you got from doing that – you won’t feel it anymore.

GRANDFATHER:

I’m very happy.

GRANDSON:

That when I walk into your house, and kiss grandma hello, and turn around to find you for a hug and a kiss, you’ll be gone. And you’ll die without knowing.

GRANDFATHER:
I’m content.

GRANDSON:

You’re comatose. You’re slipping away unaware of what’s going on.

GRANDFATHER:

I understand that I’m dying.

GRANDSON:

Why can’t you get better? Wake up. Die later, once I’ve gotten to know you better. So I can feel something stronger. And you can go when we’re ready.

GRANDFATHER:
And I’m ready.

GRANDSON:
Why can’t you die in your sleep? After a happy day. That’s quick and peaceful. This is sloppy and undignified and unexpected. Too unexpected. Grandpa—

GRANFATHER:

I don’t know if I ever told you—

BOTH:
I love you.