FORGETTING THE PAST
By Martin Douglas
Lyman has alzheimer's disease. His son Damon comes to visit
him at the institution.
INT. PSYCHE WARD -- EVENING
Lyman sits in a chair by the window staring out at the birds
chirping in the tree outside his window. The room is empty
except for a cot, a small sink, and a chair that sits by
itself in the corner. The door slowly opens and Damon enters.
Lyman doesn't notice.
DAMON
Dad? Dad it's Damon. I'm here to
see you.
Lyman slowly turns in his chair and looks at Damon.
LYMAN
Damon?
DAMON
Yeah dad, Damon. Your son.
LYMAN
I know who you are. Why did you
come.
DAMON
I came to see you. See how you were
doing.
LYMAN
Like you'd care. You stick me in
here and then show up every now and
then pretending to care about me.
DAMON
Dad don't say that. I care okay. I
just...I just couldn't....
LYMAN
So why'd you show up this time.
DAMON
Well it's Monday you know. Visiting
day. I thought maybe we could spend
some time....
Damon notices Lyman looking around strangely.
DAMON (CONT'D)
Dad? Hey dad!
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2.
LYMAN
What? What! Why can't you just
leave me alone!
DAMON
Dad I'm sorry.
LYMAN
Like hell you are. You're a lousy
son you know that. Why can't you be
more like your brother!
DAMON
Don't dad. Don't go there.
LYMAN
Why not? Your brother's more of a
man than you'll ever be.
DAMON
Don't push me!
LYMAN
Can't handle it huh? When your
brother was here yesterday he told
me what you...
DAMON
He wasn't here yesterday dad. He's
dead. He's been dead!
LYMAN
Who? Who's dead?
DAMON
Dad don't do this to me.
Lyman looks at Damon, a confused look on his face.
DAMON (CONT'D)
Oh god...Matt is dead dad. For three
years he's been dead. Ever since
you....
LYMAN
Ever since what?
Damon walks over and puts his head against the wall trying
to compose himself.
DAMON
Dad...
LYMAN
How dare you! How dare you speak
about your brother that way! Get
out of my room. Get out now.
(MORE)
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3.
LYMAN (CONT'D)
You're lucky your brother isn't here
right now or he'd...
DAMON
Or he'd what? He'd what! He's dead
and you.....you...
Damon defiantly walks towards his Lyman.
LYMAN
Are you defying me?
DAMON
Sit down dad.
Lyman stares at him.
DAMON (CONT'D)
I said sit down!
Lyman sits down as if in shock. Damon realizes what he's
done.
DAMON (CONT'D)
Oh shit. Dad I'm sorry. I
didn't....I can't handle this. I
can't handle you. I feel as if I'm
losing my freaking mind. All I wanted
was to spend some time with you
and...and...I don't know. You just
get me so angry at times and I don't
mean to be. I'm trying the best I
can.....dad can we just not argue?
Damon looks at Lyman who is staring off into space.
DAMON (CONT'D)
Dad?
Lyman looks at him slowly.
LYMAN
Why are you here?
DAMON
Dad I said I came to spend some time
with you. It's me Damon.
LYMAN
I don't know a Damon.
DAMON
Your son. I'm your son Damon!
Lyman looks at him unable to place Damon. He stares as if
he's in a trance. Damon tears up and quickly walks out of
the room unable to face his father.