The Giveaway
December 2nd, 2020
Starring: Mom (female, mid 60’s), Daughter 1 (20’s/30’s)
The family home, Daughter 1’s old room. It’s been stripped of all remnants. Everything left is in boxes, tubs, etc. Daughter 1 and Mom stand in the center, surveying it all:
DAUGHTER 1
One
You couldn’t even keep one?
MOM
I didn’t know it struck so deep.
DAUGHTER 1
There was a two year phase of my life where that’s all I cared about.
MOM
I remember. I bought you all of it.
DAUGHTER 1
That doesn’t mean you can guillotine my childhood without asking me.
MOM
I told you we were cleaning the room out. I called you about what you wanted me to keep.
DAUGHTER 1
I assumed you knew that’s something I wanted to keep.
MOM
I was under the assumption that you had absolutely no use for them anymore.
DAUGHTER 1
I don’t.
MOM
Which is why they went to Goodwill.
DAUGHTER 1
Since when does everything you keep have to have a use?
MOM
That’s what downsizing is.
DAUGHTER 1
So this framed photo of Uncle Claude, does it have a use?
MOM
Yes.
DAUGHTER 1
What’s its use?
MOM
It reminds me of my brother.
DAUGHTER 1
Ok well my dolls also had a use because they reminded me of me of my past.
MOM
Those aren’t the same.
DAUGHTER 1
I’m not saying it’s the same. I’m saying it’s the same logic. You know?
…
…
Sorry
I didn’t want to get into it
MOM
Sure you did. But it’s ok.
I didn’t mean to upset you.
DAUGHTER 1
I know. You never try.
MOM
But I do.
DAUGHTER 1
Sometimes.
And vice-versa.
MOM
C’est la vie.
DAUGHTER 1
Oui.
…
MOM
There never was a French doll.
DAUGHTER 1
They were American Girl Dolls, Mom.
MOM
Ah right
yes
…
...
Wherever they go, I know they’ll be loved.
DAUGHTER 1
You do?
MOM
Because you loved them. It carries over.
DAUGHTER 1
You believe that?
MOM
With all my heart.
Daughter 1 looks at Mom, as if she doesn’t fully know her anymore. She counters the thought with a smile:
DAUGHTER 1
That’s good Mom.
Here’s hoping.