Play 54: Sunrise part II

CHARACTERS
AARON, 32
ERIKA, 31

(They are sitting on a porch watching the sunrise.)

ERIKA
So will you?

(pause.)

AARON
Okay (beat.) just., I think I could’ve done more.

ERIKA
What do you mean?

AARON
Called an ambulance faster (beat.) or done something myself, I don’t know, just something.

ERIKA
Aaron, there was nothing you could have done.

(She puts her hand on his arm.)

AARON
I know. (beat, he starts to pull away.) Or maybe that’s just what I’d like to think, maybe if I had gotten someone a few seconds earlier—

ERIKA
Stop.

AARON
Why, it’s true.

ERIKA
No it’s not, there was nothing you could do.

AARON
But what if there wa—

ERIKA
It’s not your fault.

(beat.)

AARON
I know. (Pause.) I just can’t help thinking about it.

ERIKA
I’m sorry.

(She puts her arm around him.)

(Pause.)

AARON
I just can’t believe it.

ERIKA
What?

AARON
That (beat.) that he’s dead.

ERIKA
Yeah.

AARON
I mean, I was at his house (beat.) who knows how many times as a kid. I’d go over there with Derek after school and he’d always be there, always say hi and be so nice. (Pause.) you don’t think he’s mad at me do you?

ERIKA
(confused.)
Who, Peter?

AARON
No, Derek.

ERIKA
You think he’s mad at you?

AARON
Yeah.

ERIKA
Why? He should no you’re not responsible.

AARON
I know.

ERIKA
Then why do you think he’s mad at you?

AARON
Just a conversation we had.

ERIKA
You shouldn’t worry about it.

AARON
I know.

(she hugs him.)

ERIKA
Let’s go inside, it’s a little chilly out here.

(Pause.)

AARON
Okay.

(They start walking into the house.)

(She turns around.)

AARON
What?

ERIKA
(smiling.) it’s just so beautiful.

AARON
Yeah, it is.

(He smiles.)

(They go into the house.)

(Fade out.)