Alzheimer

I lost the penny. Written with my late grandfather in mind.

 

Alzheimer’s

By Sarah Dooley

 

(Two woman stand face to face and far apart on stage, dressed plainly and similarly. Their voices are slow and passive, faces deadpanned.)

 

ONE

I lost the penny

 

TWO

Why did she give it to me?

 

ONE

I miss him

 

TWO

Over the rainbow

 

ONE

I lost the penny

 

TWO

He was smart

 

ONE
Intelligence ruins.

 

(Through the next exchange, ONE and TWO progressively get louder and faster, but not angry.)

 

TWO

Old-timers

 

(ONE steps forward.)

 

ONE

Alzheimer’s

 

(TWO steps forward.)

 

TWO

Old-timers

 

(ONE steps forward.)

 

 

ONE

Alzheimer’s

 

(TWO steps forward.)

 

TWO

Old-timers

 

(ONE steps forward. )

 

ONE

(angry)

Demantia

 

(Pause. Everything stops then TWO steps back.)

 

TWO

(defeated and sad)

Alzheimer’s

 

(ONE looks at the audience.)

 

ONE
I lost the penny.

 

Author's Note

For the real feel, read it aloud without the stage direction.

Reviews

[JayBird]

This brought me to tears. I know what it's like to loose someone to demantia. You portrayed it well. Thank you for sharing.