Socialize the Losses; or Free, Base Scene B

Den and Crawl Space in Perdita Basser's House

Several weeks earlier, Perdita “PERDY” Basser (played by the same actor as the JENN, in a wig that doesn't care if the audience can tell) sits, attending to an apparatus in a small closet-like area from which a slight glow and sizzle are emitted. The den can be suggested solely by a couch. Perdy wears a short sleeved shirt and a sweater vest. Her arms hang at her sides, her hands tremble slightly. Jenn's husband, JUDD Arcaddy (played by the same actor as the NURSE) enters wearing a hockey jersey under a heavy jacket. He has a goatee which doesn't have to look too real. He stays close to the entrance O.S. left and shouts.

JUDD

Mis'ess Basser?

The guys just won their first game

thanks mostly for your son,

and we thought we'd have dinner at Shoney's-Town Hall

and we'd love it if you'd come.

Jenn would love it if you came to an RNC meeting for a free meal

I think the imported salmon is a little...

extravagant, most people would probably be fine with that rubber chicken.

He cautiously starts searching for her.

JUDD

Big EZ (Easy)—sorry—Zeke said you'd be very busy,

but I told him:

Sometimes you just have to celebrate

and be around happy people.

Reward yourself, you know?

He sees her and heads in her direction.

JUDD

Even if you're just struggling to survive.

I mean, look at our kids.

High school is the worst time ever

But Zeke and Devon have each other, right?

A Beat.

JUDD

By the way,

I'd like to know your opinion on...Planning.

...Perdy?

He takes hold of her chair and turns her to face him. Think Lila's discovery of Mother Bates at the end of Psycho. Along with her, a smoldering meth lab is revealed. He lets out a small scream, and then tentatively tries to find a way of carrying her, stomping out the remains of the fire.

JUDD

Jesus, Perdy; what are you making here?

She can only succeed in making the M sound before she spits up blood. He starts cursing, randomly interjecting until he reaches the door.

JUDD

Don't answer that.

Uh, uh...do you know what happened here, Perdy?

Uh, you—we were grilling mooseburgers to celebrate the game

and, uh, one of the stupid boys was pretending one of the little burnt ones was a puck

and you caught it right in the face.

You see? Even if we're struggling to survive.

He lays her on a couch and goes to find a towel. O.S. right.

 

JUDD

Look at the Eskimo—no,

Uh...Inuit

They're nomads and have to leave whenever their resources run out.

But we can't do that

We have to uh, assimilate and be part of civilization, you know?

I'm going to put this on your face, okay?

As he puts the towel on her face, she reaches up.

JUDD

(short burst of hysteria)

DON'T TOUCH IT!!

Ok, we're gonna go.

He carries her out and shouts O.S. Fade to black.

JUDD

ZEKE, START THE CAR!!

Okay, guys change of plans!

Instead of Shoney's, we're having mooseburgers at my house!

We're dropping you off

then I'm taking Mis'ess Basser to the doctor!

She's going to be fine!