Mia Chung

THERESA

I’m worried she’ll be a fish out of water.

ROBERTA

When do we meet her? When’re they movin’?

THERESA

Not now. Soon. We’ll see. They’re waiting to see if Mingjing can transfer jobs.

            ROBERTA puts down her cookie.

ROBERTA

What’s her name?

THERESA

Minjung.

ROBERTA

Theresa.

            THERESA sips tea.

THERESA

She’s in architecture, works for a big firm out there

ROBERTA

(indicating the under-eye skin) Those dark circles, no wonder.

THERESA

But she might give it up and teach.

ROBERTA

You seen her only once?

THERESA

Tim never said any—why would I think

ROBERTA

Such a rush.

THERESA

My brain’s exploded.

ROBERTA

I knew it: how far gone is she?

Note: A male actor plays the roles of both THERESA and her son TIM. A second male actor plays the roles of both ROBERTA and her son ROBBIE.

TIM

Tell me something, Rob.

ROBBIE

Shoot.

TIM

Do you know who you are?

ROBBIE

Uh, I mean, like yeah, uh sure… I think, I mean I think I do.

TIM

And do you, like—d’you like who you are?

ROBBIE

No. Definitely not.

TIM

Then you want to change yourself.

ROBBIE

Sure, yeah

TIM

But then would you know yourself?

ROBBIE

I see where you’re—like hopefully not, right?  

I mean, the goal’s to, like, to change yourself, to be different.

TIM

Right.  

But then: how will you know it’s the right self?

ROBBIE

…
Getting a little weird for me, Tim.

TIM

Yeah, I know, who the fuck knows.

I’ve no idea who I am.

Note: A male actor plays the roles of both THERESA and her son TIM. A second male actor plays the roles of both ROBERTA and her son ROBBIE.

            A NEIGHBOR approaches.

NEIGHBOR

Can I help you?

MINHEE

How kind of you. But please don’t trouble yourself.

NEIGHBOR

Forgive me, I couldn’t help but overhear: you’re looking for your son, is that right?

            A Tree listens to their conversation. (It is as if

            it has grown a set of ears.)

MINHEE

Forgive me, I’ve been too loud.  I didn’t realize… I thought I was…

NEIGHBOR

Alone? No, don’t worry, none of us are ever alone.

            An additional Tree listens in.

MINHEE

Oh yes…. Yes, of course. Nonetheless, please forgive me for trespassing on the collective peace and quiet. I’m terribly embarrassed to have made a fuss.

NEIGHBOR

No fuss at all. Please forgive me for taking liberties and intruding. I like to be helpful and offer a willing ear—especially to diligent, obedient citizens like yourself. Please, let me help you.

MINHEE

You’re very kind, but please: don’t trouble yourself. You must be very busy. Please don’t let me interrupt you. Forgive the trespass on your time.  

NEIGHBOR

I haven’t made you feel comfortable—

            Here and there, more Trees tune into the

            conversation.

MINHEE

No, please: it’s my fault. Forgive me. Your exceptional kindness has overwhelmed me.

NEIGHBOR

I’m sorry if you’ve felt pressure, nobody likes to feel pressure, and if now you’re feeling uncomfortable—I sense your discomfort—I want to reach out before a wall builds between us—

            The Forest is an audience, listening to

            MINHEE and the NEIGHBOR.

MINHEE

Please don’t worry. Of course, your solicitous attention is genuine and without design. Only the false hearts among us would question such persistent altruism.