Play 176: Bad News

CHARACTERS
BRIAN, 25
WILL, 25

(Brian is sitting on a couch in an apartment watching TV.)

(Will enters.)

WILL
Hey.

BRIAN
Hey.

WILL
How’s it going?

BRIAN
Okay.

(Beat.)

WILL
Is something wrong?

BRIAN
It’s just (beat.) you're mom called.

(His voice trails off.)

WILL
What did she say?

BRIAN
Will, you’re (beat.) you’re dad died.

WILL
(Shocked.)
What?

BRIAN
Earlier today, he had a heart attack.

(Will walks over and slowly lowers himself into a chair by the couch. He stares at the ground with a horrified expression.)

WILL
Fuck.

BRIAN
I’m sorry.

(Beat, suddenly a grin breaks out on his face.)

For having gotten you so good!


WILL
What?

(He looks up at Brian.)

(Beat.)

WILL
(Angrily.)
You fucking asshole!

(He stands up.)

(Brian bursts into laughter.)

WILL
You mother-fucking asshole!

(Brian falls onto his side on the couch laughing.)

WILL
(Slightly stunned.)
I can’t believe you…

BRIAN
(In between fits of laughter.)
I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.

WILL
Couldn’t resist? Fuck you!

(He exits, slamming the door behind him.)

(Brian eventually stops laughing, and sits back up. He takes a deep breath, then grins again.)

(Blackout.)