When Scott Comes Home
				_____________________

				a one-act play

				by

				Jeff Barker

				

© Jeff Barker	and Mignon Zylstra				321 Albany NE
								Orange City, IA 51041
								(712) 441-3231
								barker@nwciowa.edu

				Royalty and Rights
				________________

To obtain rights to produce this play and for a royalty quote, send a request to one of the following addresses: 

Mail:		Jeff Barker
321 Albany NE
Orange City, IA 51041

E-mail:		barker@nwciowa.edu

Acknowledgements
________________

        While this drama has its roots in a true story, it is a play and does not pretend to be precise history. Nevertheless, I am grateful for Mignon Zylstra’s investment in this play. She provided hours of personal interviews and many family documents in addition to her wonderful book When AIDS Comes Home. 
 
        The members of the Northwestern College Drama Ministries Ensemble made immense contributions to the development process of this play. They improvised many scenes prior to the writing. They analyzed Mignon’s book and contributed their urgings about which scenes from the book made it into this short play. Above all, they prayed, as did Mignon.

        Others who especially contributed to this script during its early stages were Rev. Harlan Van Oort, Rev. Matthew Floding, Carrie Dean, and, as always, Karen Bohm Barker.

        This play draws from a small part of Scott Zylstra’s life journey. That journey included time as a student at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Even though this play has little to do with his student years, I am pleased to acknowledge this wonderful institution which nurtured Scott as well as so many of my own students and colleagues.

        At this writing, Mignon and Bob Zylstra continue their work with their nonprofit organization “Support for The Journey” whose mission is “to walk alongside people living with AIDS, and their loved ones, offering physical, emotional and spiritual support.” The address of that organization is:

Support for The Journey
P.O. Box 1794
Oak Harbor, WA  98277
(360) 675-1835 

        Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright ® 1993,1994,1995,1996. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Cast of Characters
_______________

        This play was originally written for and performed by members of the Northwestern College Drama Ministries Ensemble. The first ensemble performed as follows:
			
	Jason Barker: 	  	  Bob
	Veronica Busby: 	  Mignon
	Eric Connell: 	  	  Scott
	Kenda Hallman:	  Friend, Grandma Hofkamp, Patron, Salesperson, 
Prayer Chain, Barbara Johnson, a Church leader, Darcy, Nurse Jenette
Matthew Monthei:	  Friend, Fred, Waiter, Shopper, Prayer Chain, Pastor,    
  	  Man, Jerry
Angela Smits: 	  Friend, Bonnie, Patron, Shopper, Employer, Prayer   
   	  Chain, Gossip, a Church leader, Lady, Nurse with  
  	  Charly call
	Cora Vander Broek:	  Storyteller
Jasan Whitaker:	  Friend, Bruce, Patron, Shopper, Prayer Chain,   
  	  Charly, a Church leader

Betsie DeBoom: 	  Sound Operator
Colette Johnson:	  Dramaturg
Mackenzie Thedens:    Stage Manager

        Reconfigurations of this company size and casting arrangements are certainly possible and permissible. 

        The company performed When Scott Comes Home on tour, using a backdrop, five stools, a wheelchair, and some hand props. Some of the props were mimed.

for Jim

When Scott Comes Home
______________________

(The acting ensemble enters, taking casual listening positions around the stage.)

ENSEMBLE MEMBER 
Jesus once told his followers this story. He said, “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
        “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father!  Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’  Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me.’”

				STORYTELLER
My name is, it’s a French name. Mignon. Don’t worry if it’s hard to remember, or say – not many people get it right the first time. “Mignon.” Try it. [They do.] You’re good. 
        In case you’re wondering…yes, I’m very willing for you to hear my story. It’s not as easy as my name. I’ll tell you the truth, some of it is…
	(Pause, smiling.)
…very sad. But if it can be of any encouragement…
        I remember so clearly the day that we brought him home from the hospital. A son. Our first born.

				MIGNON
Scott. 
Scott. 
Scotty.

				BOB
Scotter.

				MIGNON
	(A laugh.)

				BOB
Scotter.

				STORYTELLER
And love struck without warning.
(STORYTELLER also mimes holding the baby, becoming alter-ego to MIGNON. MIGNON sighs. Is about to cry.)

				BOB
Mignon?

	(MIGNON shakes her head.)

				BOB
What?

				MIGNON
Oh, Bob. I don’t know.

				BOB
Try.

				MIGNON
It’s hard to put into words.

				BOB
It’s about Scott?

				STORYTELLER, 
I could never love anyone more than I love this child.

				MIGNON
Yes, it’s about Scott.

				BOB
You don’t want me to call him “Scotter?”

				MIGNON
No, no, no, you can call him anything. 
	(beat)
He’s too wonderful. I am so happy.

(ORGAN MUSIC. FRIENDS all come onto stage to join BOB and MIGNON for Scott’s baptism, facing front. MIGNON and STORYTELLER mime handing over the baby to the pastor, who is invisible.)

				STORYTELLER
	(to the pastor)
Hold your hand under his head. Support his neck, support his neck!

				VOICEOVER
Scott Henry Zylstra. I baptize you in the name of the Father . . . 

				STORYTELLER
Don’t cry, Scotty. Mama’s right here.

				VOICEOVER
And of the Son....

				STORYTELLER
Ohhh, the water’s too cold. The water’s too cold!

				VOICEOVER
And of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

				STORYTELLER
Are you sure you should kiss him? There are so many germs floating around.

	(BOB mimes receiving the baby back.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
	(pleased)
Well, I got through that without crying at all.

	(MIGNON and STORYTELLER burst into tears.)

				VOICEOVER
Let’s take a minute and greet one another.

(ORGAN music. BOB mimes handing the baby to MIGNON as FRIENDS cluster around. MIGNON shows baby and all freeze.)

				STORYTELLER
My dreams? Every mother’s dreams. The hope of a lifetime of joy. Of watching him grow strong and beautiful. Same as every mother.
        But I thought we were different. We were good people. A good family. Winners. We were “better than.”

(STORYTELLER watches as SCOTT wheels himself in, sitting in his wheelchair, coming under MIGNON’S arms so her arms are around his neck. SCOTT looks up at MIGNON and they freeze. FRIENDS have remained frozen in baptism positions.)

			STORYTELLER (continued)
I can’t keep things in order.

	(FRIENDS and BOB are leaving one at a time.)
				STORYTELLER (continued)
	(struggling to get the memory back)
He was baptized on March sixth, 1960. In our home church. Where Bob grew up. Where we belong. It’s our place.
	(All others are gone, except SCOTT and MIGNON.) 
There have been times I felt so alone. 

(MIGNON turns a page and begins to read from the book SCOTT holds.)

				MIGNON
Prayer number 51. For a birthday. 

				STORYTELLER
	(suddenly remembering, savoring)
“Watch over thy child, O Lord....”

				MIGNON
“Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful;

	(SCOTT coughs horribly.)

				MIGNON (continued)
raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

				SCOTT
Amen. 

(SCOTT and MIGNON exit.)

				STORYTELLER
When we were leaving the hospital, I thought we had lost that book. We loved that book. An Episcopal priest gave it to me. Scott’s priest. I wonder what Grandma Hofkamp would have thought about that?

(GRANDMA HOFKAMP enters, followed by children.)
				
STORYTELLER (continued)
She was from the old country. Not England. Holland. Not Episcopal. Dutch Reformed. Bob and I grew up in Dutch settlements. Him in Washington State. Me in Leota, Minnesota. There were two options for church in my home town: Reformed and Christian Reformed. No Episcopal. But very religious. No question about that. 

				GRANDMA HOFKAMP
	(in Dutch)
Mignon, do you want coffee?

				MIGNON
Yes, please, Grandma.

	(MIGNON mimes taking coffee and cake.)

				STORYTELLER
Every Sunday after church, we went to Grandma Hofkamp’s house. It was the 1940’s and even the kids had coffee and cake. 

				GRANDMA HOFKAMP
	(in Dutch)
Bonnie, do you want coffee?

				BONNIE
Yes, please, Grandma.

				STORYTELLER
She was a good person. 

				GRANDMA HOFKAMP
	(in Dutch)
Fred, do you want coffee?

				FRED
Yes, please, Grandma.

				STORYTELLER
We were a good family. We were winners. “Better than.”

				GRANDMA HOFKAMP
	(in Dutch, to BRUCE, who is playing on floor)
Bruce, do you want coffee?

				BRUCE
Uh, huh.

				OTHER CHILDREN
“Yes, please, Grandma.”

				BRUCE
Yes, please, Grandma.
  
			GRANDMA HOFKAMP
(in Dutch)
You’re welcome.

				STORYTELLER
We were allowed to read only one thing on the Lord’s Day, and it wasn’t the newspaper.

(STORYTELLER sets newspaper on the floor. BRUCE sees and rushes to it. The children notice what BRUCE is doing and they pass the information down the line.)

				FRED
Bruce is reading the comics on Sunday.

				BONNIE
Bruce is reading the comics on Sunday.

				MIGNON
Bruce is reading the comics on Sunday.

(GRANDMA HOFKAMP makes a clucking sound with her tongue. Each child passes this down the line, and it gets bigger and bigger until BRUCE gets the message and resumes his seat. STORYTELLER picks up the paper.)

GRANDMA HOFKAMP 
(standing, speaking in Dutch)
You are such precious, precious children.

(Freeze.)

			STORYTELLER
	(admiring the picture for a brief moment)
Grandma Hofkamp was a good woman, very religious. I don’t doubt that she had an honest faith. So which part of your past do you erase?

				SCOTT
	(entering)
Mom.

	(Actors playing GRANDMA and CHILDREN exit.)

				MIGNON
Yeah, Scotter.
				
SCOTT
How do you spell “heaven?” With an “i” or with an “e?”

				MIGNON
With an “e.”

	(SCOTT erases furiously and then writes carefully.)

				MIGNON
Whatcha workin’ on?

				SCOTT
	(Too busy to answer.)

				MIGNON
Scotter?

				SCOTT
Yeah?

				MIGNON
Whatcha workin’ on?

				SCOTT
Somethin’.

				MIGNON
You don’t want to tell me?

				SCOTT
Maybe sometime.

				MIGNON
Okay.

				SCOTT
Can I go outside?

				MIGNON
If you want to.

				SCOTT
	(starts out, stops, holding out his paper)
You can read it if you want to.

	(MIGNON takes the paper and reads to herself.)

				STORYTELLER
	(speaking aloud what MIGNON reads)
May 8, 1968. My name is Scott Zylstra. I am nine years old. I accepted Jesus as a very young boy at the age of three. I have called on Jesus for help and just to talk with him. I am very glad to share the gospel with you. God has supplied me with my needs. When I grow up, I want to be a missionary doctor so I can help people who are sick and also tell them about God. Now that I have accepted Jesus I will have eternal life in heaven with him. 

				MIGNON
That’s beautiful, Scott.

				SCOTT
Okay. It’s a testimony.

				MIGNON
Yes, it is.

				SCOTT
Can I go now?

				MIGNON
May I go now.

				SCOTT
May I?

				MIGNON
Yes, you may.

(SCOTT exits. MIGNON and STORYTELLER burst into tears as before. MIGNON exits other way.)

				STORYTELLER
There were so many wonderful years. What are they? He was elected student leader. A talented singer. In 1978, he went off to Christian college. Then Bible school in England. He directed the—he was the—

(PHONE RINGS. STORYTELLER notices it and slowly attempts to talk it away.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
He did grow into a strong and beautiful and Godly man. And I did have the hope of a lifetime of joy.

	(PHONE CONTINUES TO RING. MIGNON enters to work on something. Perhaps 
miming washing dishes.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
Don’t answer it.

				MIGNON
Bob, can you get that?

				BOB
What, Mignon?

				MIGNON
Can you get the phone?

				STORYTELLER
I’d like to stop time before the phone rings again. 

	(PHONE STOPS RINGING. MIGNON freezes.)

				STORYTELLER (Continued)
In the calm before the storm. I start thinking about him. That wonderful baby. That intense boy. 

	(PHONE RINGS.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
And then, the phone rings. And I answer it.

	(SCOTT enters, on phone. MIGNON answers the phone.)

				MIGNON
Hello, Zylstras.

				SCOTT
Mom.

				MIGNON
Scott!

				SCOTT
Yeah.

				MIGNON
How are you?!  It’s so good to hear your voice. How are you?

				SCOTT
I’m fine. I’m on break, Mom. I’ve only got a minute. I was wonderin’ what you and Dad are doing tomorrow.

				MIGNON
Well, we’ll be home. Would you like to come up?

				SCOTT
Actually, no. I was wondering if you could come down. I’d like to take you out.

				MIGNON
Scott, you can’t afford that. Your Dad and I will be happy to pay.

				SCOTT
Well, I’m -

				MIGNON
Well, anyway, we’ll come down.

				SCOTT
Okay, I’d better go.

				MIGNON
Are you doin’ okay?

				SCOTT
No, I’m fine. Is 6:00 alright?

				MIGNON
That sounds great.

(They turn upstage to complete the conversation as they exit.)

				STORYTELLER
	(placing three stools for the restaurant)
The next night we traveled down to Seattle. We went to a really nice restaurant. 
	(beat)
The food was great. 

(SCOTT, BOB, and MIGNON enter and mime eating. There are others in the restaurant as well, including PATRONS and a WAITER.)

				BOB
Pass me the bread, Scotter.
				
MIGNON
Do you feel okay?

				SCOTT
Yeah, great.
				MIGNON
You’ve hardly touched your food. 

				SCOTT
You want it? You can have it. You want it?

				BOB
I’m stuffed already. You take it, if you want it.

				MIGNON
I think you should eat it Scott. Don’t you like it?

				SCOTT
It’s fine, it’s great.

				BOB
So, really Scott, how are you doin’? How are things goin’?

				SCOTT
Great, fine.

				MIGNON
Is there any particular reason you invited us down?

				SCOTT
No, I just…

				BOB
Is it anything about your money situation?

				SCOTT
No, that’s—I’m fine.

				MIGNON
Is your apartment alright?

				SCOTT
Yep.

				BOB
How’s your car runnin’?

				SCOTT
Fine. Brakes squeak.

				BOB
That’s the warning gauge. Should have ‘em checked.

				SCOTT
Okay.

	(Pause.)

				MIGNON
Is it a girl?

				SCOTT
No.

				MIGNON
Have you been on any dates lately?
	(Pause.)
It’s okay, if that’s too, if you’d rather not—

				SCOTT
No, that’s sorta why I -

	(Pause. MIGNON and SCOTT begin speaking at the same time.)

				MIGNON
I know this wonderful—

				SCOTT
I was just gonna tell you guys—

	(They stop.)

				SCOTT (continued)
Go ahead.

				MIGNON
No, please.

				SCOTT
I just wanted—think it’s—wanted you to know that—feel—I’m different.

				MIGNON
How do you mean?

				SCOTT
About my interest in dates—I’m different.
				MIGNON
Do you mean…

				SCOTT
If you’d rather not talk about this, that’s okay, I understand.

				MIGNON
Alright.

				BOB
Different?

				SCOTT
You know, dates, other people. 

				BOB
Mm, hmm.

				SCOTT
I know this is not something people talk about. At least not us. You just kind of assume that somebody’s one way unless they tell you different.

				BOB
Mm, hmm.

				SCOTT
Well, I’m different.

				BOB
	(Nods.)

				SCOTT
Frankly, I’d rather not talk about this and ruin the evening, but I’ve thought for a long time that you might like to know.

				BOB
How long?

				SCOTT
Ten years.

				MIGNON
Well, I’d just like to say that I have lots of friends who are women. That doesn’t mean that—

				SCOTT
Mom, this is different.
				MIGNON
Scott, this is not something we’ve ever talked about. I—. Just last week I heard someone on Christian radio talking about it. I didn’t know why they were talking about it. Now here…

				SCOTT
Do you still think I’m a Christian?

				MIGNON
Oh, Scott. I don’t think that’s something you can just quit.

				SCOTT
If you don’t want me to come to church when I come home, I understand.

				MIGNON
Don’t be silly. It’s your church.

				SCOTT
Yeah. 
	(Beat.)
I don’t think this is something I can just quit either.

				MIGNON
You don’t know that until you’ve tried.

	(Others have been noticing.)

				SCOTT
You don’t know what you’re talking about.

				MIGNON
We’ll hire a counselor.

				SCOTT
Mom, I’ve tried for ten years.

	(WAITER enters.)

				BOB
Alright.

	(WAITER hands them their check and exits.)

				MIGNON
We’ve got a long drive.

				BOB
Those brake pads will probably have to be replaced. It could be expensive. Here’s… 

	(BOB fumbles for some money.)

				SCOTT
No, Dad.

				BOB
No, take it.

				SCOTT
No, thank you.

(They exit. PATRONS have been eavesdropping.)

				KENDA
Did I just hear what I just heard?

				JASAN
Yes. He just told them right here.

				ANGELA
What were they talking about? I didn’t get it.

				KENDA
How long did he say? Ten years?

				JASAN
Ten years. That’s a long time to—I feel sorry for him.

				ANGELA
Yeah, what was the ten years thing about?

				KENDA
I feel sorry for her.

				JASAN
I don’t.

				KENDA
Why not?

				JASAN
Because I feel more sorry for him.

	(MIGNON has left her purse. SHE returns to get it.)

				KENDA
Shhhhh!

				JASAN
I hear the Space Needle’s going downhill.

				KENDA
Yeah, I hear the restaurant’s terrible now.

				JASAN
I heard the same thing.

				KENDA
Have you guys heard about—
	(Noticing MIGNON is gone.)
I think she heard you.

				JASAN
I don’t care.

				KENDA
I feel more sorry for her.

				JASAN
If they didn’t want us to hear, they shouldn’t have been talking about it.

	(Pause.)

				ANGELA
What do you think’s wrong with the Space Needle?

				JASAN
I don’t know. I haven’t been there for years.

	(WAITER enters and signals to KENDA that their table’s ready.)

				KENDA
You guys, they have our table.

				ANGELA
	(as they exit)
I felt sorry for all of them.

				STORYTELLER
The next day doesn’t have anything to do with anything. I went to the mall.

(CHRISTMAS MUSIC. MIGNON enters, followed by a young man and young woman who are happy to be shopping and even happier to be together. MIGNON watches them, and then they exit.)

				SALESPERSON
	(approaching MIGNON with a tray.)
Would you like to try a sample? These two are $3.99 and this one is $4.69, but you can get all three today for only $9.99.

(SALESPERSON waits. Smiles. Waits. MIGNON is lost in thought. SALESPERSON gives up and repeats speech to someone else as they exit.)

				STORYTELLER
Was there anything that should have prepared me for the news from Scott’s employer?

(EMPLOYER enters, talking on phone. STORYTELLER takes MIGNON’S shopping bag and places telephone in her hand. MIGNON, still in a numb state, listens.)

				EMPLOYER
Well, Mrs. Zylstra, I’ve been calling everywhere, and I’m at my wit’s end. He’s been a good worker, but he didn’t come in yesterday, and now not today. Unless you can tell me something I don’t know, I’m gonna have to let him go.

	(EMPLOYER exits.)

STORYTELLER
You can’t let somebody go when they’re already gone. Apartment cleared out. No message. Nothing. That was the Christmas I got sick. It wasn’t the flu. Scott’s presents sat under the tree, unopened. What did I get him? I wandered through the house, crying and praying.

				MIGNON
What if I called the prayer chain at church?

				PRAYER CHAIN MEMBERS
	(in rapid sequence)
He’s what?!  He’s what?!  He’s what?!  He’s what?!

				MIGNON
Maybe I should just call the pastor.

				PASTOR
You have heard of the unforgivable sin, haven’t you?

				STORYTELLER
Those were irrational fears, but if my dear, beloved Grandma Hofkamp had walked in the door, what would I have said?

				GRANDMA HOFKAMP
	(entering, speaking in Dutch)
My dear, dear Mignon, Jesus loves you. Tell me what’s on your heart.

	(MIGNON is unable to answer. GRANDMA HOFKAMP exits.)

				STORYTELLER
Right. I couldn’t tell anyone. Not just out of fear, but because it wasn’t mine to tell. It was Scott’s.

	(MIGNON punches number into phone.)

				MIGNON
Yeah, um, I was listening to your radio station a few weeks ago, and I just happened to hear—actually that was, I think it was probably more than just happened—
        I’m talking about an interview that you—it was actually with a young man who said he was a Christian who was struggling with um—I’m not saying this very well. Yeah. Do you have any more information about—.
	(SHE writes.)
Thank you, thank you very much, thank you. I don’t, no, thank you. Bye.

	(SHE hangs up and then dials.)

				STORYTELLER
They gave me the number of a funny lady named Barbara. She had written a book called Where Does a Mother Go To Resign?. I’ll never forget the simple words Barbara said to me.

				BARBARA JOHNSON
	(entering, speaking into phone)
Mignon, honey, now, you know, we’re just going to wrap that boy up in a comfort blanket of love and give him to God, and let God take care of him. Did you know something, sweetie? This darlin’ son of yours—. God loves your precious child even more than you do.

				STORYTELLER
“God loves your precious child even more than you do.”
        Her God was so big. My God was so big. 

(MIGNON and BARBARA JOHNSON have finished their conversation, and they exit opposite directions.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
I got busy. And the next thing I discovered was the dangerous possibility that Scott might not have a home to come home to.

	(BOB enters, followed by MIGNON.)
	
				MIGNON
Bob.

				BOB
	(entering, lost in some administrative work)
Yeah.

				MIGNON
I want you to hear this.

				BOB
How much can you read about that stuff?

				MIGNON
I think we need to know everything we can.

				BOB
Well . . . 

				MIGNON
If you have something to say, I wish you’d just say it.
				
BOB
I’m not the one who wants to talk about it all the time. Frankly, I’d rather not talk about it at all.

				MIGNON
Bob, this is our son we’re talking about. He kept silent about it for ten years because he thought we probably wouldn’t want to talk about it. What if he had been able to talk about it with us right away? Maybe we wouldn’t be where we are today.

				BOB
So, this thing is my fault because I don’t want to talk about it.

				MIGNON
No, no, no.

				BOB
Then what are you saying?

				MIGNON
I just want you to listen to this!  
	(Reads.)
“The parents of these children can suffer emotional trauma as well. The vast majority of their marriages end in divorce.”
	(Beat.)
I don’t want to be a statistic.

				BOB
What do you want me to do?

				MIGNON
	(angered)
Nothing.

				BOB
Mignon.

				MIGNON
I want you to decide that for yourself.

				BOB
I’m sorry. I’m trying. I don’t know what else to do. I can promise that we won’t be a statistic. But that’s all I know to do right now.

				MIGNON
Are you praying?

				BOB
What do you want me to pray?
				
STORYTELLER	
Prayer number 52. For the absent. 

				MIGNON
For Scott to come home.

				BOB
I’m not a very good father right now. 
				
MIGNON
That is not true!

				BOB
I’m not feelin’ like it. But I can pray.

				MIGNON
Thank you.

				BOB
You’re welcome.

(BOB reaches out a hand. MIGNON takes it. They stand there a moment, 
and then exit.)

				STORYTELLER	
“O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech thee to bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we may be bound together by thy love.”
        My prayer for Scott to come home was answered. He came home for Thanksgiving. But he wasn’t alone.

	(SCOTT and CHARLY enter one way. MIGNON comes on from the 
other, stops, surprised.)

				SCOTT
Charly, this is my Mom. Mom, Charly.

				CHARLY
Hi, Mrs. Zylstra.

				MIGNON
I’m sorry Bob is not . . . He’s at work right now. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I didn’t realize that you were bringing anyone with you, Scott.

				SCOTT
Oh, don’t worry, we’re not staying here. I know the house’ll be full and all. We have a motel room.

				MIGNON
Oh.

	(Pause.)

				CHARLY
Listen, why don’t you take a minute to make arrangements, and then we’d better go get checked in. I’ll be in the car. It’s nice to meet you. 

(CHARLY exits. There is a moment of awkwardness, and then MIGNON embraces SCOTT with all her might.)

				MIGNON
Scott, I am so glad to see you, and your friend cannot be here on Thanksgiving. Your relatives are going to be here. If it were just you and your Dad and me, he would be welcome, but the others might not feel the same. I want you here, Scott. I want you here. 

				SCOTT
But Charly doesn’t belong. 

				MIGNON
I’ll fix some food for you to take to the motel.

				SCOTT
Don’t worry about that. I’m sure he’ll understand.

				MIGNON
No, I want to.
	(Beat.)
I’m sorry.

				SCOTT
No, no. No. No.

	(SCOTT exits, following CHARLY. MIGNON exits the other way.)

				STORYTELLER
Thanksgiving went according to my plan. And Scott left according to his plan - with no forwarding address. 	

	(PASTOR is in.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
And then word began to get around town. Who knew? Who didn’t? I can only imagine.

				GOSSIP
	(poking her head around the corner)
Pastor, hello. I really do appreciate your willingness to meet with me.
				
PASTOR
Happy to. You know, my secretary didn’t happen to write down what we’re meeting about.

				GOSSIP
Oh. Yes. I did not mention that to her. Not that I did not trust her, but I did not want to spread this around needlessly. So I thought it might not be better if I just talked with you first.

				PASTOR
Sure.
				GOSSIP
Good.

				PASTOR
So, what is it that we’re talking about?

				GOSSIP
Yes, well I have heard some rumors and I thought that perhaps it would not be best if I spoke directly with you about it.

				PASTOR
About what?

				GOSSIP
The Zylstra boy.

				PASTOR
I see. What have you heard?

				GOSSIP
I am not sure how I should put this. If it is not true, I certainly do not want to be the bearer of bad gossip and whatnot.
	(Beat.)
I have heard that he is involved in unnatural affections.

	(Pause.)

				PASTOR
I shouldn’t have asked you what you’ve heard. Because frankly, I think the proper approach would be to talk with Scott first.

				GOSSIP
Alright. Perhaps it may not be best if we did that.

				PASTOR
I do want to say this. I appreciate the fact that you came to me instead of talking to other people.

	(THEY stand to leave.)

				GOSSIP
So you have already talked with the Zylstra boy and whatnot?

				PASTOR
Not exactly, no.

				GOSSIP
You have spoken with his parents.

				PASTOR
No, not yet.

				GOSSIP
But you do know about it.

				PASTOR
Well, people talk.

				GOSSIP
Oh, yes. People talk.

	(THEY exit separate ways.)

				STORYTELLER
I have no idea if that’s how it went. But I’ve always thought it would be sorta fun to have a print out of who told who. A few people did speak to me.
				
WOMAN
Can’t you send him somewhere to get it fixed?!

				STORYTELLER
It was actually the silences that hurt the worst. They reminded me that my church was on a collision course with my son. But for now there were other secrets to be revealed.

	(PHONE RING.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
The second call, and another surprise. I call them “the big three.” 
	(PHONE RING.)
Why can’t I just stay with the early years?  No. No, no. These were good things. 
	(PHONE RING.)
Bob became less silent. And Scott came back to his faith.
	(PHONE RING.)
Okay. The second call.

	(CHARLY and BOB enter, on the phone.)

				BOB
Hello.

				CHARLY
Hello. Is this Zylstra’s?
				BOB
Yes, this is Bob.

				CHARLY
Hi. This is - my name is Charly, Mr. Zylstra. I’m a friend of your son, Scott.

				BOB
Is he there with you?

	(MIGNON enters.)

				CHARLY
No, not right now. I came down to my office—because I, um—Scott’s back at the house, and I didn’t—I wanted to be able to tell you some things in private.
	(Sighs deeply.)
Oh, boy. I’m sorry, I’m not—
				
BOB
It’s alright, son.

				STORYTELLER
Scott!

	(BOB shakes his head to MIGNON’S gesture.)

				CHARLY
I just don’t know what to do.

(Pause. CHARLY weeps. MIGNON tries to get her ear by the phone.)

				BOB
Charly.

				CHARLY
Yeah.

				MIGNON
	(whisper)
It’s not Scott?

				BOB
Can you give me the phone number where Scott is?

				STORYTELLER
Keep him on the line, keep him on the line.

				MIGNON
	(rooting through her purse)
Where are all my pens?!
	(SHE exits.)

				CHARLY
I don’t know. He’s been talking about ending his life - and I think it needs to be taken very seriously.

				BOB
Yes.

				CHARLY
Mr. Zylstra? Do you and Mrs. Zylstra know that Scott is using?

				BOB
Using?
				CHARLY
No. That’s not right. He’s not just using. He’s ad—he’s addicted. 

	(Silence.)

				BOB
Charly?

				CHARLY
What?

				BOB
You did the right thing.

				CHARLY
The number’s 714-971-

				BOB
No, Charly, wait. Would you do me a favor?

				CHARLY
Yes, sir.

				BOB
First of all, don’t call me sir.

				CHARLY
Yes, sir.

(They get to laughing about this. MIGNON enters with pen.)

				MIGNON
What? What’s funny? What? 

				BOB
What I’d like you to do is this. I’d like you to tell Scott that you called us. And then, I’d like you to tell him that I’d like to send him a plane ticket to come home for a visit. If he’ll accept.

				CHARLY
Thank you, Mr. Zylstra.

				BOB
Bob.

				CHARLY
Thanks, Bob.

				BOB
No. Thank you.

	(CHARLY, BOB, and MIGNON exit.)

				STORYTELLER
Scott came home. 

	(SCOTT enters. MIGNON and BOB re-enter, embracing SCOTT.)

				BARBARA
	(entering)
We’re just going to wrap that boy up in a comfort blanket of love and give him to God, and let God take care of him. 

				STORYTELLER
No. Barbara’s words don’t fit anymore. It sounds like he was a baby again. Well, yeah. But the blanket of love was far from comforting. It was a drug and alcohol treatment center. He signed on. We signed on with him.

	(BARBARA JOHNSON has exited. BOB and MIGNON bring SCOTT 
down front to sit on a stool. They take his coat and start off.)
	
				STORYTELLER (continued)
A good family? Winners? Better than? Not my image. But Scott was changed. Changing.

			SCOTT
Mom, Dad. Are you willing for me to go to church with you?

				BOB
Sure.

	(BOB and MIGNON exit.)

				STORYTELLER
I said that Scott and the church were on a collision course. I can’t deny that a collision occurred. Scott and the church leaders arranged to meet. Bob and I were not there. 

(CHURCH LEADERS enter and sit upstage facing SCOTT, who sits downstage with his back to us.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
My heart’s desire was Galatians 6:1. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” Restore. Like a cabinet maker with a broken piece of furniture.
	
(CHURCH LEADERS mime the build of the meeting until a man throws his Bible down in anger. Freeze.)

			STORYTELLER (continued)
Am I imagining the worst? I don’t know. I wasn’t there. I learned the results of the meeting by reading about it in the church bulletin.

(MIGNON enters and hands the bulletin to BOB. He reads it.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
“Scott Zylstra’s membership has been dropped from the rolls.”
        He was baptized on March sixth, 1960. In our home church. Where Bob grew up. Where we belong. It’s our place.
	(All others are gone.) 
There have been times I felt so alone. 
        Scott was changing, but his tendency to cut and run remained the same. There were months, and months, and months of silence.
  
	(PHONE RINGS. RINGS. RINGS.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
Call number three.
	
	(DARCY enters. PHONE RINGS. MIGNON enters.)

				MIGNON
Hello.

				DARCY
Hi. Um. Is this—do you have a—are you related to a Scott Zylstra?

				MIGNON
Yes. I’m his mom.

				DARCY
Hi. Um, I’m—. Your son has—I think it’s possible—I think—. Your son rents an apartment in my building. I’m the manager. I’m Darcy.

				MIGNON
Hello, Darcy. My name is Mignon.

				DARCY
Hi, Mignon. This is—I’m not—it’s none of—but I thought—. Mrs. Zylstra, your son is sick. I think he’s dying.

				MIGNON
Darcy.

				DARCY
I’m very sorry that I—if you don’t—I’m sorry.

				MIGNON
Darcy, you did the right thing.

				DARCY
Thank you. I’m sorry.

				MIGNON
Darcy. I need to tell you that I don’t know where you’re calling from.

DARCY
Oh.
	(Beat.)
Oh.

				MIGNON
Can you give me Scott’s number?

				DARCY
Ma’am, I’m glad you want to know. And, yes, I will give it to you as long as you understand that I have absolutely no idea how you got it.
				MIGNON
I got it from a friend.

				DARCY
Alright.

	(DARCY and MIGNON turn upstage and exit as they complete their call.)

				STORYTELLER
Scott asked if he could come home. Not for a visit. He brought with him our town’s first known case of AIDS. 

	(SOUND of knocking. MIGNON pushes SCOTT on in wheelchair.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
Oh, boy. Scott developed pneumonia. Bob’s father died suddenly of a heart attack. A fire broke out in the chimney at home. And a lady from the church came to the hospital for a visit.

				LADY
	(peeking into room)
May I come in?

				MIGNON
Of course, come in.

				STORYTELLER
The stress level was a hundred and ten. I have no idea how I kept my mouth shut.

				LADY
This is a nice big room. 

	(LADY hugs MIGNON.)

				LADY (Continued)
It’s nice to see you, Mignon.

				STORYTELLER
This is my son, pneumonia -

	(STORYTELLER immediately corrects herself, and MIGNON introduces her son.) 

				STORYTELLER and MIGNON
Scott.

				LADY
Hi, I don’t think we’ve met, Scott. I’m from the church your folks attend.
				SCOTT
It’s nice to meet you.

				LADY
Scott, I want to be perfectly open. May I?

				SCOTT
Okay.

				LADY
Scott, are you a Christian?

				SCOTT
Yes, I am.

				LADY
Let me be very open. Is it true you have AIDS?

				STORYTELLER
Bob. Bob!  I’m sinking here.

				SCOTT
Yes, I have AIDS.

				LADY
Do you know how you got AIDS?

				STORYTELLER
Tell the boy you’re sorry for him. Say a prayer for him. Sing him a song. Ask him how it feels to know you might not see another birthday. Why did you say that? Why did you say that!  What possible difference does it make? 

	(MIGNON gets up and moves away.)

				LADY
Scott, you got AIDS because of your sin, isn’t that true?

(STORYTELLER puts out an arm to stop MIGNON from moving forward.)

				SCOTT
Hmmm. Well. That’s an interesting way of saying it. But I suppose you could say, if that’s true, that everybody should expect to get AIDS.

				LADY
Well, we’re all sinners, yes. But there are different kinds of sins. And this one is the worst.

(SCOTT fumbles for a handkerchief and is caught with his hands in pockets when he suddenly coughs.)

				LADY (continued)
Oh, my goodness. Cover your mouth!  Don’t you think about that what comes out of your mouth might hurt other people?!

(LADY covers her mouth and exits. MIGNON comes to SCOTT. MAN enters and speaks to MIGNON. STORYTELLER sees MAN, but MIGNON does not. They both seem to hear him.)

				SCOTT
Mom.

				MAN
So, now you know.

				MIGNON
Shhhh. Shhhh.

				STORYTELLER
There was no one there. And the conversation was very real.

				MAN
Now you know there are other people like you.

				SCOTT
Mom, do all Christians hate me?

				MIGNON
I don’t. 
				
MAN
You, too, thought some sins were worse than others.

				MIGNON
I don’t know about other people. But I don’t.

				MAN
You thought you were “better than.”

				STORYTELLER
I know.

				MIGNON
Scott, do you sometimes just want to walk away from your faith?
				SCOTT
Someone once told me that’s not something I can just quit.

				MIGNON
Someone was pretty smart.

				MAN
There are others like your son.

				STORYTELLER
No.

				MAN
They need to know about my love.

				STORYTELLER
I can never love anyone as much as I love my son.

				SCOTT
Why did I do the things I did?

				MAN
I want you to go.

				SCOTT
I want to find a church.

				MAN
I want you to go.

	(MAN exits.)

				STORYTELLER
Scott was in and out of several hospitals—HIV wards. So, I took the opportunity.

	(MIGNON gets up.)

				SCOTT
Where are you going, Mom?

				MIGNON
For a walk.

(MIGNON exits. SCOTT exits. JERRY enters. MIGNON re-enters.)

				MIGNON (continued)
Hi.

				JERRY
Hi.
	(Pause.)
Did you come to the wrong room?

				MIGNON
No. My son’s in this hospital. I just thought I’d come and meet the neighbors.
				
JERRY
Oh, hi. I’m Jerry.
				
MIGNON
	(puts out her hand)
I’m Mignon.

				STORYTELLER
There was a lot of fear in those days.

				JERRY 
Ma’am, I have AIDS.

				MIGNON
I thought so. And this is not how you get it.

	(MIGNON keeps her hand out. JERRY shakes it.)

				MIGNON (continued)
Do you have family here?

				JERRY
No.

				MIGNON
This can be a lonely place.

				JERRY
I suppose.

				MIGNON
AIDS can be a lonely disease. 
	
			JERRY
There’s not much of anybody in my…who wants anything to do with this mess.
				MIGNON
God does.

				STORYTELLER
I can’t believe I said that. I haven’t taken any classes on how to do this.

				JERRY
Oh. Can’t really believe that, ma’am.

				STORYTELLER
I should have taken some classes.

				MIGNON
I believe it.

				JERRY
How can you?

				MIGNON
May I sit down?

				JERRY
If you want.

	(MIGNON moves a stool for JERRY to sit by her. She sits, and so does JERRY.)

				MIGNON
When I was a little girl, my mother taught Sunday School. 

				JERRY
Yeah, I know all about Sunday School.

				MIGNON
During Sunday School, I stayed with my Grandma Hofkamp.

				JERRY
Wasn’t she religious?

				MIGNON
Oh, no, she was very religious. She wouldn’t even read the newspaper on Sunday.

				JERRY
That’s wild.

				MIGNON
But she loved me more than words can say. And I believe that God can love a person even more than Grandma Hofkamp.

				JERRY
You know what, Mi—…?

				MIGNON
Mignon.

				JERRY
Mignon.

				MIGNON
What?

				JERRY
I wish I could believe that.

				MIGNON
You can.

(JERRY grimaces as he reaches to grab for his lower leg. MIGNON comes to help him walk off a cramp, and he lets her. They exit.)

				STORYTELLER
I didn’t push or pry. But I visited every room on Scott’s floor. Sometimes they just wanted me to rub their legs or their backs. I discovered several things. I discovered that cool hands feel good to a feverish body. I discovered that people facing death are extraordinarily interested in spiritual things. I sometimes thought I glimpsed eternity through their eyes. And I discovered that it is unconditional love that opens the door of change. Just as it had for my son. 

(STORYTELLER has set four stools in a row to make a bed. Two NURSES enter and place a blanket and pillow on the fifth stool. The NURSES open a white sheet and place it over the four stools. NURSES exit. STORYTELLER places the pillow on the bed.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
Scott found a church. He didn’t get to very many services that winter. But he read the scriptures daily. His spirit grew as his body wasted away. Spring turned to summer, the doctors could do nothing more for him. He made the decision to sign an order for non-resuscitation. Early in the morning on July twenty-first, I spoke with the hospital.

	(NURSE JENETTE and MIGNON enter, both on the phone.)

				JENETTE
He’s in a lot of pain, Mignon. I think he’d like to have you here.
				MIGNON
I’ll be right there.

				STORYTELLER
There was not a thing you could do. It was going to come out the same. That’s what this does. It comes out the same every time. 

				MIGNON
I’ll be right there.

				JENETTE
I’m sorry, Mignon. I’m sorry I can’t do a thing about it. 

				STORYTELLER
	(to MIGNON)
He needs you to do something.

				MIGNON
Me, too. Bye.

				STORYTELLER
You wanted more time with him all your life.

				MIGNON
Jenette!

				JENETTE
I’m here, honey.

				STORYTELLER
You have to say goodbye to him and mean it. 

				MIGNON
Would you, do you have time to go tell Scott that I’m on my way?

				JENETTE
I have absolutely nothing better to do. 

				MIGNON
Thank you.

				JENETTE
No, no, no, no. I’m glad to be doin’ something.

				STORYTELLER
You have to give up hope.
				MIGNON
I’ll be right there.

				STORYTELLER
You have to mean it.

				MIGNON
Bye.

	(JENETTE exits.)

				STORYTELLER
This is going to hurt more than anything has in your whole life.

(MIGNON runs out. SCOTT enters and, with great effort, lies down on the bed. MIGNON enters. BOB enters, but holds back, listening.)

				MIGNON
Do you want me to ask the doctor for morphine? Hold on, honey. Stay with me. Hold on. Hold on.

				STORYTELLER
Scott. Dad and I are going to be okay. 

				STORYTELLER and MIGNON
We’re going to miss you a lot, but we have each other, and we have the Lord.

				MIGNON
And it’s going to be okay. It won’t be so long before we see each other again. 

				STORYTELLER
You may go.

				SCOTT
Mom. Dad. 

				BOB
I love you, Scott. And your Mother’s right.

(MIGNON begins to cry.)

				STORYTELLER
And so my tears began to fall.

				MIGNON
Scott. When I fell in love with you, I got no warning. I never got a warning.
STORYTELLER 
It was then that I realized. It was then I came to know. That love and grief are friends. You cannot have love without sacrifice. And you cannot have sacrifice without grief. I wept for two days straight.

(MIGNON gets up and starts to leave.)

BOB
Where you going, honey?

MIGNON
I don’t know.

				STORYTELLER
We were facing life’s most desperate questions. And we faced them through July, and August, and September.

(NURSE enters.)

				NURSE
Scott, you’ve got a call. Insists you might want to talk to him. Says to just say, Charly.

(MIGNON nods. CHARLY enters, but we never hear him. HE carries a phone but mimes all his speech.)

				MIGNON
Hello, Charly. I wish I could tell you better news, but he can’t speak at all anymore, Charly.

				STORYTELLER
I want to promise you, Charly. 

				MIGNON
But I’m going to put the phone up by his ear and you can talk to him.

				STORYTELLER
I’d like to promise you that I will never again turn someone away from my thanksgiving table, especially not because of fear of what somebody else might think. I was raised to know that I myself am a sinner invited, unworthy, to the table of God. How did I get so good that I should have turned you away?

(CHARLY exits.)

				STORYTELLER (continued)
The line fell silent. I could hear the dial tone. And then a tear rolled down Scott’s cheek.   

				MIGNON
Scott, Dad’s here, too.

				SCOTT
Hi, Dad.

				STORYTELLER
Those were his first words in days, spoken so lovingly and miraculously. And that was all he said. “Hi, Dad.”

				BOB
Scotter.

(BOB hands the prayer book to MIGNON and starts to leave but stays at doorway, listening.)

				MIGNON
	(reading)
A Commendation....
In the name of God the Father Almighty who created you;
In the name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest this day be in peace,
	(closing book as SHE concludes)
and your home in the Paradise of God.

	(BOB exits.)

			STORYTELLER
Later, when Bob slipped out into the solarium to get some sleep, Scott’s breathing became louder. All the while, he kept his eyes on me. 

				MIGNON
Scott, if you don’t feel forgiven about something, from Dad or me or Jesus, just know that you are, claim that forgiveness, and go.
(shaking her head)
I know. You told me weeks ago that you were ready. There is nothing that should be causing this.
	Heavenly Father, I know that you are the only One who can command Satan to release Scott’s body, and I ask You in the name of Jesus Christ to do this.

(MIGNON sings part of “Jesus Loves Me.” She stops. She holds a hand near SCOTT’S mouth. He is gone.)

				MIGNON (continued)
Scott. Here we are alone in this room. Dad’s in the solarium just steps away. Did you know that they wouldn’t let him in the room when you were born? 

(She kisses him on the forehead. BOB enters and comes to her side. He picks up the prayer book. MIGNON and BOB embrace and freeze.)

				STORYTELLER
Scott Henry Zylstra died September 19th at Whidbey General. He is survived by . . . 
	(MUSIC in. STORYTELLER sees that BOB is holding the prayer book.)
See. I didn’t know that Bob picked that book up. It was never lost.

(BOB and MIGNON freeze. SCOTT stands and faces the audience. HE is nine years old. But there is also the sense that HE is fully adult and in a state of agelessness. His testimony is perfect and joyous. As he speaks, STORYTELLER eventually speaks with him. Other actors come out and listen until end of play.) 

				SCOTT
Hello. My name is Scott Zylstra. I am nine years old. I accepted Jesus as a very young boy at the age of three. I have called on Jesus for help and just to talk with him. I am very glad to share the gospel with you. God has supplied me with my needs. When I grow up, I want to be a missionary doctor so I can help people who are sick and also tell them about God. Now that I have accepted Jesus I will have eternal life in heaven with him. 

(MUSIC ends.)

END OF PLAY

APPENDIX OF DUTCH PHRASES AND PRONUNCIATIONS

ENGLISH: “Mignon, do you want coffee?”
DUTCH: “Mignon, wil je koffie?”
PRONUNCIATION: Minyawn, will you kawfee?

ENGLISH: “Bonnie….”
PRONUNCIATION: Bawnee….

ENGLISH: “Fred….”
PRONUNCIATION: Frehtt….

ENGLISH: “Bruce….”
PRONUNCIATION: Broosh….

ENGLISH: “You’re welcome.”
DUTCH: “Tot je dienst.”
PRONUNCIATION: Tawt you deenst.

ENGLISH: “You are such precious, precious children.”
DUTCH: “Jullie zijn zulke lieve kinderen.”
PRONUNCIATION: Youlee zine sulkuh leefuh, leefuh kin-duh-run.

ENGLISH: “My dear, dear Mignon, Jesus loves you. Tell me what’s on your heart.”
DUTCH: “Mijn lieve, lieve Mignon. Jezus houdt vanje. Wat is er toch op je hart?”
PRONUNCIATION: Mun leefuh, leefuh Minyawn. Yay-soos howt von how. Waht izzer togg ohp yuh hart?