Ken wants to die because he feels that he cannot fore fill anybodies needs and least of all Jennifer’s needs. He believes that Jennifer would be better off without him where she can be in a relationship where she can do things as a family. Ken also realises that he will never again be able to sculpt anymore which is his life.
(John enters the room and opens the curtains
With a lively tone in his voice.)
John: Good morning Ken. The weather is not looking particularly pleasant this morning, we can expect a thunderstorm today; anyway how are you feeling today.
Ken: So far...I am feeling about as good as the weather.
John: However do ya mean man?
Ken: Well I am calm for now but slightly sad and unsure about what is to come today…
John: What is to come Ken? Anything ya want to talk about.
Ken: Put it this way, this is the calm before the storm, and when I see the sun shine enter my room, a dark cloud will soon draw a veil over the light and the storm will leave great devastation throughout. The heavens will open and tears will be shed!
John: Well that is no help in guessing what is wrong.
Ken: Do not worry my friend, I will be all right…Do you know what you could do for me to lighten my mood?
John: let me guess…does it have a pulse, legs, and a skirt and go by the name of Dr Scott?
Ken: You know me too well john
(Both men laugh as Dr Scott enters kens room)
Dr Scott: Good to see you are in such a good frame of mind today ken!
Ken: How can I be mournful when there is such a beautiful woman in my presence? I should feel privileged!
(Dr Scott blushes, unsure how to reply)
John: Well I will be off, I will be back shortly ken, have fun.
(John exits the room whistling a merry tune)
Dr Scott: I have only come to see how you are feeling today, and as I can see you are in a good mood!
Ken: (sarcastically) On this fine day what is there to be sad about!
(John peers his head round the door, interrupting)
John: Sorry to interrupt Ken. Your wife has just been on the phone; she is popping in to see you later on today.
Ken: (sarcastically) Oh joy!
(Dr Scott and John look at each other puzzled at kens remark)
Ken: Could you excuse me Dr Scott I need to talk to John?
(Dr Scott exits)
John: Now do not be telling me there is nothing wrong!
Ken: It is Jennifer… I am going to ask her for a … a divorce
John: (Startled) whatever for Ken, you have been married for so long, you are made for each other…
Ken: STOP! Do not make me feel any worse than I already do. Of course, I still love her but it is now time to put the eternal flame that glows so strongly in my heart out. I cannot give her what she wants anymore…
John: The love that you have always given her. She has stuck by you throughout this entire trauma; I do not think she wants anything but you.
Ken: NO! It has to happen to make me happy and feel less troubled.
John: Ok Ken as long, as you are happy and think you are doing what is right. I will support you all the way.
(Jennifer walks into the room smiling and looking lovingly into Ken’s eyes)
Jennifer: Hello my darling, how are you today?
(She goes to kiss him. Ken turns his head away)
Ken: I am fine but we do need to have a long discussion.
Jennifer:Ok, is everything ok Ken?
Ken: It will be, please just sit down and listen carefully to what I have to say.
(She sits down perplexed by the situation)
I do not know how to say this; so here, it goes…
Every time I see, you walk into this dismal room with a pretence smile on your face as if to say you do not mind being here EVERY day of your life. You should be out enjoying your life, you are still young and you have so much that you can do with your life.
Jennifer: Ken (her eyes filling up) what are you trying to say. I love you; I am so lucky that you are still here for me to see you every day.
Ken: Your not lucky. What can I give you, NOTHING, and nothing anymore so?
Jennifer: But you love me and that is all I need.
Ken: SO! I don’t want you to come here anymore, I don’t want to feel like this again. Go out and find a kind, loving man who can give you EVERYTHING that you want and will not hold you back. So it is best that we get it over with as soon as possible…(long dramatic pause) I want a divorce.
(Both are crying yet Jennifer is also extremely angry)
Jennifer: I never thought you were like this ken; what has happened. Are you sure, this is what you want?
Ken: (bluntly) Yes, I am sure.
Jennifer: You know I would do anything for you as long as it makes you happy, but this, this is too much for me.
Ken: Please just go now.
Jennifer: We cannot just end it like this; we have been together for 10 years and married for five. Do not tell me you feel nothing for me!
(Ken turns his head in shame and Jennifer turns to walk out the door, trusting the vase onto the floor in anger)
Goodbye Ken…Goodbye forever, I hope you have a good life
(From window-bolt of lightening followed by a great, rumble of thunder. John walks into the room puzzled)
John: Ken, what has happened I just saw Jennifer walking out of the hospital with streams of tears running down her face?
Ken: I have done it; she is out of my life forever.
John: Are you Ok Ken?
Ken: Of course I am, it was the right decision and I believe that it had to be done to make EVERYONE happy. Now I can be more concerned about my life and what I am going to do about the problems with my body.
John: Ok ken i am glad you believe you have made the right decision and have no regrets. In addition, as long as you are happy I will always be happy for you.
(John leaves Ken alone to think)
Ken: Oh what have I done, I know it was the right thing to do, but did it have to end so quickly? She gave me the best 10 years of my life and now I have thrown it all away in a matter of minutes. Jennifer I am so sorry if I have hurt you, and I hope that one day we shall meet again, but not for a long time I hope. I hope she finds someone who loves her as much as I did. At least I can now concentrate on my life and she will not have to worry about the ordeal that lies ahead for me. I would rather have called it off when I did rather than later so then she has time to move on without feeling quite so hurt. Oh Jennifer I am so sorry.
( ken bows his head crying cameras fade spotlight on his face and on the broken vase which symbolises Jennifer heart)
End
