Console
October 19th, 2020
Starring: Jo (female, mid 20’s), Leon (male, early 70’s)
The main hallway, night. Behind one of the doors, the sounds of a teen boy hysterically crying. Leon stands outside the door, listening. Jo comes up to the door next to Leon, listening. They both speak softly, quietly enough so they aren’t heard:
LEON
Still going huh?
JO
Still going.
…
LEON
You’d think someone died.
JO
It’s a lot for him.
LEON
Breathless sobs? Breathless sobs over a video game.
JO
The system’s broken.
LEON
He’s the one broken.
JO
He’s been so good the whole move.
LEON
There’s always a breaking point. Didn’t expect this to be it.
JO
It’s how he’s staying connected to his friends.
LEON
We got him a phone for that.
JO
But it’s not how they do it. I’m telling you, they all get online and they play and that’s how they stay close.
LEON
Sorry, we’re not getting him another one. It’s like buying him crack. There’s more to life.
JO
I know. And I don’t really know how to explain it. But this is big. For his age, this is his drive-in movies. His night out. It’s the same socializing.
LEON
It’s an excuse for it.
JO
The games are more than just games now.
I know. It’s stupid.
But we can’t disregard it because it looks different. He actually really needs it.
…
LEON
I feel so damn old.
JO
Me too. I’m a kid, and I still don’t get it.
...
LEON
You know which one he has?
JO
I think so.
LEON
Go get one this weekend and I’ll pay you back.
…
JO
Really? I can help—
LEON
I’ll handle it. Just say it was from you. Early early birthday gift, or something.
JO
Sure you don’t want credit? He’s going to love me forever and ever and ever.
LEON
Good. That’s how I want it.
...
Make sure he gets to sleep. Preferably not crying.
JO
I will.
...
Thanks Gramps.
LEON
Goodnight Jo.
Leon goes to his bedroom. Jo stays outside her brother’s door, continuing to listen to the sobs.