Please don’t panic, mister. Or scream. I’m here to help you. Nod if you understand.
[shows badge; man nods frantically]
Look at my face. Quiet now. We met back in June, do you remember? The lady out of the bad marriage? With the briefs? And the universe lady with the actor grind?
[man nods more slowly]
Okay. I’m going to slowly remove my hand from your mouth, and release my grip.
And you will stay very quiet, and not run. Understood? Steady now. No sudden movements.
[grip is gently released; badge is calmly put away; deep breaths on both sides]
Okay Sir. I’ve been watching you for about a week.
No, no! Stay calm. Please.
[gets out notebook]
Between the dates of the 25th of August and last night, the 15th of September, you have consistently not been sleeping.
[man goes still]
For five out of the last eleven working days, women have been approaching you on the train home from work, and asking if you’re alright. And you’ve responded, “it’s just hayfever”. Yes?
Sir?
SIR?
… son?
[man looks at floor, and nods]
You’re tired, aren’t you?
[silence]
I need to hear it. You’re tired and upset, aren’t you?
[beat]
It’s okay son.
[beat]
[beat]
[man whispers, “yes. yes I am”]
I know you are. Look at you. Sore throat. Exhaustion. Tears. Feelings of disgrace and unattractiveness. It’s textbook. Straight from the Academy.
Look. I’m off duty tonight. But your case has got to me. This is off the record, friend.
You really fell for her, didn’t you? I know son. It’s okay. But I don’t like what I’m seeing.
I have a Police Station Producer here. I want you in the station by the weekend with proof that you’ve bought some new clothes. And shoes. Especially shoes. God, man, your shoe collection is fucking awful. You’re going to need better.
And I want you reading on the train. Not just weeping. Richard Ford, perhaps. Or Elena Ferrante. Or even Hemingway if you need some guns in it. Except for ‘A Moveable Feast’. That’ll just about finish you off. I need you thinking about your emotions. So no more Sci-Fi. Or Grimdark.
[man looks perturbed]
You miss her, don’t you?
[man looks up, nods]
You feel so stupid. And shamed. And beyond fixing.
You’ve had some bad thoughts, haven’t you?
[man grimaces; returns gaze to floor]
WELL FUCKING STOP THAT SHIT, DO YOU HEAR?
[man jumps]
YOU’RE KIND!
YOU’RE PATIENT!
YOU’RE NOT UGLY!
… AND YOU’RE OKAY IN THE SACK!!
[man stares, open mouthed]
YOU SAY IT. I’M KIND.
I’m ki …
YOU’RE PATIENT
I’m pati …
YOU’RE FUCKING GREAT
I’m …
LOUDER
I’m fucki …
LOUDER, MAN!
I’M FUCKING GREAT! I’M KIND! I’M PATIENT AND ATTENTIVE! I CAN DO SEX! I CAN DO KISSING! I’LL GET NEW SHOES! I’M FUNNY! … AND CLEVER! YES! YES!! YES!!!
Yes, well alright. Don’t get carried away.
Good. Anyway. I’ll be watching.
I’ll be watching all of you.
[turns to camera]
Especially you, sweetheart.
And I want to see those shoes.
x