#ruth's

Dramatis Personae

Glen Shankel, husband and father

Deadeye Shankel, age about seven, Glen’s son by alien abduction

Lisa Shankel, Glen’s wife and Deadeye’s mother in all but biology

Glen and Lisa’s bedroom. Deadeye is tucked up in the big bed, propped up on lots of pillows. Lisa is sitting on the edge of the bed, reading to Deadeye.

LISA: And they all lived happily ever after. The end. (looks up as Glen enters with a tray) Oh look, here’s Daddy with lunch.

DEADEYE (turning away): I don’t want it.

LISA: You have to eat something, sweetie.

DEADEYE: I don’t want to. Every time I eat something, I throw up.

GLEN (cheerfully): Not this, you won’t. It’s special soup. My grandmother used to make for me when I was sick, and I would eat it, and then I would fall asleep, and when I woke up, I’d be all better. Or ninety percent better, anyway. Try it -- you’ll see.

(Deadeye eats the whole bowl of soup without vomiting as his parents watch. When he’s done, he yawns hugely and snuggles down into the pillows. Lisa tucks him in and Glen puts the bowl and spoon back on the tray. Glen and Lisa tiptoe out. Lisa turns off the light and shuts the door before turning to Glen.)

LISA: Your grandmother never made that soup for you.

GLEN: Sure she did.

LISA: No she didn’t. Grandma’s Comfort Soup comes in a can, and it’s not even a little bit magical.

GLEN (reasonably): I never said it was magical. I said it was special and it always made me feel better, which is true. Love and concern and being waited on always make you feel better. And my grandmother never once served me anything that didn’t come in a can. (pauses thoughtfully) except ice cream. Terrible cook, but she could wield a can opener with the best of them.