Friends Talk: Life, Work & Love #1-11
by Ernest Llynn Lotecka
ISBN: 9781301374281
Friends Talk: Life, Work & Love #1-11 Video Menu
1. TO BE OR NOT Suicide Ideas vs. Life Options
BRIDGE OVER PARKWAY: Frank and Dick meet
and stand by wall of high bridge.
FRANK
Well, we finally got here, Dick. It's good to see you
again.
DICK
Yeah. Frank. But I almost didn’t get here,
FRANK
What’s going on?
DICK
Nothing. Nothing really. I miss the good times we
had and the ideas about making things better.
FRANK
I remember. But I’ve had to stop thinking so much,
and work at finding what I could do and where.
DICK
I just keep thinking I’m a failure.
FRANK
What are you thinking on a good day like right now?
DICK
Do you want the truth?
FRANK
Give me a try – I’d like to hear what‘s occupying your
mind.
DICK
Being out of a job, out of a relationship, and
out of luck. So I’m thinking about not being around,
maybe shooting myself … or jumping off this bridge!
FRANK (moving closer)
Hey, there’s no do-overs in those games. Would
you let a crazed terrorist get you?
DICK
I’d put up some kind of fight.
FRANK
So not like old Hamlet, you mostly want to be and
maybe have a life.
DICK
But my life is flatter than a TV screen with shows I care
less about and want to turn off… What would you have
done, if I had tried to go off this bridge?
FRANK
I would’ve reminded you of your needy dog, Skipper, and
called emergency mental health if necessary.
DICK
You would! I don’t need to be locked up. I need getting on
with something better.
FRANK
It sounds like you’re needing some new maps for living.
DICK
I’m low on maps about where I can do what I want to do.
FRANK
Your role now can be explorer of ideas, places, and people.
DICK (looking out to sky)
Exploring I’m good at. But I don’t know about people.
FRANK
Well, I like you as a friend and other people can really like
DICK
Thanks! I want to see your new games.
FRANK
And talk about real life games and that “it’s darkest
before dawn, but dawn comes”.
DICK
So let’s go.
They walk off in the direction Frank entered.
2. LIKE YOUR FATHER Rage View vs. Anger Control
FRONT OF HOUSE: Frank and Dick (with birthday hat)
talking by front door.
FRANK
So Dick, here we are, outside. That really bothered Lori.
DICK
It was my birthday cake, Frank.
FRANK
Lori took time to get a good looking one. Then
because you couldn’t have more alcohol after acting
drunk, you put your fist in the cake.
DICK
She doesn’t like me anyway.
FRANK
Lori used to like you. But why should she, when you
act like you don’t care?
DICK
Why should I? People are always getting in my way --
bugging me.
FRANK
You sound like your father -- the big critic who you
said complained and put you down.
DICK
That’s not half the story. It was his way or no way.
He blew-up all the time.
FRANK
There’s ways we want to be like our parents, but
not all their ways.
DICK
Man I sure don’t want to imitate his nasty style,
not have real friends, and end up miserable.
FRANK
You mean not act like a king who’s entitled to …
DICK
What do you mean?
FRANK
Here I’ll show you. Just do what I tell you.
DICK
Why?
FRANK
Don’t make me mad. I’ll get nasty.
DICK
I don’t get this.
FRANK (Loudly)
Now you did it. (Jumping up & down)
Ah you’re an ass. (Angry sound).
DICK
Oh, I get it -- you’re acting mad cause I didn’t go
along with you.
FRANK
That’s the anger trigger -- of thinking people
should -- must -- do what you want, or you
punish them by acting bad.
DICK
I guess I get hot, angry if it’s not what I expect.
FRANK
Yeah, how about cooling it. Then discuss your
expectations and views.
DICK
Maybe I should not should on people so much.
They look at each other.
3. CAN’T GET UP? Losing vs. Using
BEDROOM: Dick lying down; Frank enters.
FRANK
Hey Dick, wake up.
DICK
I don’t want to hear you Frank. Go away
FRANK
You weren’t answering the phone. I used the key you
gave me to get in. What’s up? Obviously, not you.
DICK
I’ve been down since the other night
FRANK
I’m sorry to hear that it’s still on your back.
DICK
Let me alone to maybe go back to sleep.
FRANK
If we lay around too much, we get weaker -- like the
astronauts in zero gravity lose their muscles.
DICK
I don’t want to talk.
FRANK
If you don’t talk, you may get more isolated and
alienated. Maybe lose your good mind.
DICK
How would I “lose my mind”?
FRANK
Become less able to interact with real people instead of
imaginary ones.
DICK
Too bad. I’m down.
FRANK
Get up! That’s the first big step.
DICK
I’m can’t get up.
FRANK
Can’t or won’t.
DICK
You don’t understand: I’m so down, I can’t get up.
FRANK
Do you believe that? What if your bed was on fire?
DICK
Depends on whether I was already laying down.
FRANK
Get out. Get some help, or better, be helpful.
DICK
Maybe I’ll be a bum on the street.
FRANK
A begging bum?
DICK
Just a bum “bum”. I don’t know how to beg.
FRANK
No more working huh. Just take -- no
give and take.
DICK
I thought you were going to say “use it or lose it” --
again! Don’t say it. I’ll get up. (both laugh)
Dick gets up.
4. TIRED, YET AWAKE Relaxing and Sleeping
BED WITH QUILT: Frank and Lori heads on pillow
LORI
Frank, honey, you seem tired lately.
FRANK
I am tired, but can’t sleep at night like I used to, Lori.
LORI
What’s keeping you awake?
FRANK
Gees, I’ve gotten into thinking when in bed. One idea leads
to another, then I’m stimulated, wide awake.
LORI
Sounds familiar. Those mental trips can be too
stimulating. Do you want some help stopping them?
FRANK
Sure, but I don’t want sleeping pill problems.
LORI
I could show you a the ways I put myself to sleep.
FRANK
What are they?.
LORI (drawing out italicized words)
First, make sure you are really comfortable.
FRANK (adjusting body)
I’m comfortable.
LORI
Good. And if there’s too much light, you can use your
eyeshade.
FRANK
OK, I’ll put it on (gets eyeshade on)
It’s really dark in here now.
LORI (softer)
Good. Then fill your mind with soothing words and
images that help relax your body. There’s more relaxing
words that start with a “C” besides “comfortable”.
FRANK
I’m thinking of being calm.
LORI (talking slower)
Yes calm. Think of your heart calming down.
FRANK (relaxed)
I’m imagining my heart beating calmer.
LORI (slowly, softly)
Carefree. Let your mind be clear of distractions now.
Withdrawing.., closing off the world for awhile...
Starting to go to sleep.
FRANK
Ah. Mmm.
LORI (slowly, softly)
Uh huh. Just hum inside. And breathe out tensions
or thoughts very slowly. Then just let yourself breathe
in naturally – freely, easily.
FRANK
Sure, slowly easily …
LORI (slowly, softly)
Right. Imagine a cool breeze on your head, with
the rest of your body comfortably warm.
FRANK (breathing deeply)
My body is warm; my head is cool .
LORI (very slowly)
Good. Calm, clear, carefree. All contented in
a peaceful completely restful state.
FRANK (mumbling very slowly)
Really contented, … cont …
(rolling head back and over; quiet, then a snore)
Lori looks over at Frank and gives him a kiss.