It’s that time of year again where I get back in the habit of writing every day thanks to Threshold Theater in Minneapolis!
And in keeping with my personal failings, I was too anxious to write last night, thinking that at least having some results reported would calm my nerves I pledged to write this morning and, well, now I’m in the pit of despair. That’ll show me for procrastinating!
And now for my completely unrelated writing:
[OLA pacing in a hospital waiting room, on the phone with THEA]
OLA
No, so far they’ve only told my mom things and let her see him and she is useless at relaying information.
[I’m so sorry, Ola]
It’s the not knowing that sucks. I get that cliche now. It’s like, should I be looking up chair lifts? Should I be writing a eulogy? Is he going to be completely fine? I just want to punch something. I’m terrified and I don’t know what or if there is anything I can do! I’m just pacing in limbo thinking about what the worse possible outcome might me.
[You just being there for your dad and mom, and Seb is going to mean the world to them, regardless of the outcome.]
It doesn’t feel like enough.
[I know, love}
Thank you for picking up.
[Of course. You call any time you want or need. I’m here for you.]
[BAST comes in with three takeaway coffees and a bag containing some breakfast.]
Seb just came back with some food and coffee.
[Tell him I said hi and that I’m thinking of of all of you.]
I will, love you.
[Love you.}
[OLA hangs up the phone. BAST passes her a coffee]
BAST
That Thea?
OLA
Yeah. She said to tell you hi.
BAST
I’m surprised she didn’t come here with you.
OLA
She asked if she should but, mom.
BAST
Ah.
[They drink their coffees]
OLA
I don’t know if it’s a good or bad sign that mom’s been in there for so long. I keep on going back and forth. It must be good, it must be bad…
BAST
I can’t wrap my mind around it at all. It just seems like a dream.
OLA
Like a nightmare.
BAST
[passing the bag to OLA]
I got croissants because I thought they were the closest to air. I’m not hungry but I have to eat something with the coffee. And I know you do too.
OLA
[passing the bag back}
I’ll just live with the stomach ache. Gotta get used to it sometime.