(Freda has called on Michael at his flat, and the topic of discussion is her sister, Margaret.)

MICHAEL ARMSTRONG
Did she say when she'd come?

FREDA ASHTON
She said she'd phone you.

MICHAEL
Oh, I see...

FREDA
Well, look, it's not easy for her.

MICHAEL
Oh, you think it's easy for me?

FREDA
No.

MICHAEL
Well, of course. You're on the other side. You can afford to be understanding.

FREDA
Well, look, I do. I mean, I try. You're not a very easy man to understand.

MICHAEL
No? What's your difficulty? I'll try and help you. Then you can go back, and you can read them a lecture on how to understand Michael Armstrong.

(Dejected, he sits down.)

MICHAEL
No, it's simple, really. I love her, I need her, and I see her slipping away from me.

FREDA
I'm sorry. I don't want you to be hurt.

MICHAEL
I get a touch of paranoia, too, from time to time. You know the word. I know she's back there with you all, and you're all working away like mad to get her to do the right thing. And, of course, you all know what the right thing is. And what the hell can I do about that?

FREDA
Look, aren't you sure what the right thing is?

MICHAEL
No! In spite of the fact that I'm obviously prejudiced, no. Doesn't the happiness of people count?

FREDA
Well, yes, of course.

MICHAEL
Plus the fact that I'm a conchie. And, of course, your brothers...they're all...oh!

(He struggles to regain his composure.)

MICHAEL
Sorry... I'm sorry. Now, I'm the one who's causing pain.

FREDA
It's all right. I'm... Well, after a time, you...

MICHAEL
No, it was good of you to come. I'm grateful.

FREDA
Michael, don't hope too much.

MICHAEL
Are you telling me not to hope...or are you telling me there's nothing to hope for? Is there something you know that I don't?

FREDA
No. Just don't hope too much, that's all.

MICHAEL
When my wife was dying, I hoped. I think it was hope. Perhaps I just didn't believe it. The sort of threshold...beyond it, you just feel numb. And I thought then, never again...never again. And here I am, caring for someone else. The minute you start to care about anyone...a dog even...there's pain somewhere at the end of it.

FREDA
Well, I've got to be back at the hospital.

MICHAEL
Well, see you again perhaps?

FREDA
Yes...perhaps. Goodbye, then.

(She leaves Michael's flat.)

 

(from "The Straight and Narrow" by Susan Pleat and John Finch)