Strong and courageous

ACT 1 SCENE 1

(Set in the present)

Enter

SARAH SILVA: Widow with a sick son. She works at a small garment factory that distributes cloth materials

JOSHUA SILVA: Son of Sarah. Diagnosed with stage 3 leukemia

(Sarah is on a phone call with her friend May)

SARAH: Hello May, it's me Sarah. At what time are you coming here? Oh... Is that so? Is your husband coming as well? That's a huge relief. Doctor Ryan and you both have been a consolation to me since... since Alan. Life was very different four years ago. But anyway, I'll talk to you once you're here. Bye.

(Hangs up the phone and sits next to her bedridden son)

SARAH: How are you feeling, Josh?

JOSHUA: I'm okay mom... My head just hurts.

SARAH: Oh Joshy... Aunt May will be staying with you today. I need to go to work. I'm really sorry.

JOSHUA: But mom can't you stay today? I don't feel really good. I want you to stay today, please.

SARAH: Josh, you know our family's just the two of us. You need to recover. I need money for your operation and we need to make a living. I'm only going to be away for a few hours, dear. I'll be back before dinner. How's that?

JOSHUA: But mom you won't take long to come back right? Please come back quickly.

SARAH: (Smiles) Remember what Dad used to say? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Ever wondered why you were named Joshua? That particular verse was from your dad's most favourite book of the Bible: the book of Joshua.

Enter

MAY PADDOCK: Sarah's closest friend

DOCTOR RYAN PADDOCK: May's husband and Joshua's doctor

MAY: Hello sweetie!

SARAH: (Hugs May) Thanks a lot May. Lousy time at work. Kane and Jez are on hot water with me. I couldn't close the accounts for the last distribution. That's why I have to go today.

MAY: I really don't like the sound of the people you're working for, honey. Just because it's a small business it doesn't mean you have to take care of everything.

SARAH: I know May but I need the money. (Notices Doc Ryan checking on Joshua) How is he doing Doctor?

DOC RYAN: He looks fine but he sounds like he might get the flu. You don't have to be alarmed, it's the weather obviously. He'll be better in a couple of days.

SARAH: Thank you doctor, I'm honestly sorry asking May to stay with Josh today.

DOC RYAN: That's alright. He's like a son to us. Anyway I'm getting late for the clinic. Goodbye everyone. (Leaves)

SARAH: Okay then. I'll have to get going too May. If there's anything just drop me a call, May. I'll be there.

MAY: No problem. Josh and I will be watching TV 'til you come. And yeah, the medicines. I won't forget.

SARAH: Thanks, loads, May. (Goes to Joshua) Goodbye, Josh. Love you.

JOSHUA: Bye, mom. Love you too.

(Sarah leaves)

ACT 1 SCENE 2

(Set in Sarah's workplace)

Enter

KANE: Sarah's boss

JEZ: Sarah's boss

MIKE: Sarah's colleague

KANE: (Checking papers)My goodness! Hasn't that woman finished off the accounts yet? It's been what, over a week?

JEZ: I know! She's been having her own time in the office. She comes whenever she wants and leaves whenever she wants. But when she needs her pay cheques she always comes at the right time. It's your fault Mike! You chose her!

MIKE: Yes, but it's her son. He's sick with leukemia. She has to look after him too.

Enter

KATHY: Mike's wife and Sarah's colleague

JEZ: Kathy! Look what your husband is saying! That woman Sarah is trying to pull down our business into a loss and Mike is taking her side! What business do we have with his son?

KATHY: Yeah Jez. I thought she was a responsible woman but lately her actions haven't been helping the business at all.

MIKE: That's because you've been heaping everything on top of her head. Including your work.

JEZ: Well she's getting paid isn't she?

KANE: (Still rummaging through account papers) My god! Look at these! They haven't even been touched.

MIKE: Those were Kathy's papers, Kane.

KATHY: I couldn't complete them so I have them to her. It's her fault she isn't done with them yet.

JEZ: I think we have had enough of that woman. I know a man down my lane who's a qualified accountant. We could employ him instead.

KANE: Are you sure?

KATHY: I agree with Jez, Kane. We'll talk to Sarah when she comes. (Turns to Mike) And you, keep quiet.

MIKE: Fine. Whatever.

Enter Sarah and looks at everyone, puzzled.

KATHY: Sarah, why hasn't your work been proper lately?

SARAH: I'm sorry Kathy. I've had some problems at home. My son is sick and he needs someone by his side looking after him. I'm trying to juggle between him and work. If you could give me one more day, I'll be able to finish it.

KANE: We've had enough of your days, woman. We are here to tell you something else.

JEZ: Yeah you don't have to juggle between work and your son anymore. You can stay at home looking after him full time. You know why? You're fired.

KANE: Just because we're running a small business does it mean you get to do whatever you want? No! Thank you for your hard work and now you may leave.

SARAH: I'm really sorry guys. I can set things right. I really need this job. A day is all I need. Please! I've got to look after my son! Please, I beg you.

JEZ: You and your son! I'm pretty sure your husband's glad he died because he couldn't tolerate you. Such a pain!

SARAH: (Weeping) Why are you saying that? Please, I'm sorry. Kathy, Mike, please.

KATHY: It was your fault Sarah. Please don't cry. It's not going to help.

SARAH: No please. Mike, you know my situation. Please tell them!

MIKE: I'm sorry, Sarah. There's nothing I can do.

(Suddenly Sarah's cellphone rings)

SARAH: (Picks up her phone) Hello, May. I don't know what-- (She pauses, listening to the other end) No! What are you saying? In the hospital? I'll be there in a minute!

(She cuts the call and runs away and the rest stand looking puzzled)

ACT 2

(Takes place in the hospital. Joshua is admitted in the ICU. May is sitting outside. Sarah comes rushing in)

SARAH: May! MAY! What happened? Where's Josh? Is he okay? Tell me!

MAY: Thank God you're here. I've been worried sick, Sarah! Josh and I were watching TV and suddenly he got a seizure. I didn't know what to do. I called Ryan and he came at one and took him here. He fainted and they took him into the ICU. I'm so sorry, Sarah!

SARAH: Flops down on a seat and buries her head in here hands) God, why is this happening? I lost my job and now Josh...

MAY: What do you mean Sarah? Your job?

SARAH: They fired me. But if anything to my son, I don't think I'll be able to handle in May. He's the only reason I live for!

MAY: Don't worry Sarah. He'll be fine. He's a tough boy.

SARAH: I hope so too...

Enter DOCTOR RYAN and surgeon DOCTOR DAVIDSON

DOC RYAN: What do you mean doctor? Can't we even try chemotherapy?

DOC DAVIDSON: No Ryan. Stem cell's the only way.

DOC RYAN: But that's expensive! The patient's mother is a friend of mine. I don't think they can cash in a lot. How can they produce $50,000 out of nowhere? Let's try this one last time. Please, doctor.

DOC DAVIDSON: (Sighs) Alright, Ryan. It's risky but I'll try this for you. Get the theater ready and tell your friend to start praying. The operation will start in thirty minutes.

(He leaves. Doctor Ryan goes to Sarah and May)

SARAH: How is he, doctor? Did he open his eyes? What happened to him?

DOC RYAN: Yes, he's regained consciousness. You can go see him. He had a serious anemia attack Sarah. We're starting the targeted chemotherapy operation in half an hour's time.

SARAH: Thank you so much, doctor!

(Sarah and May goes into the ICU and Sarah sits next to Josh)

SARAH: Josh... My sweetheart... How are you feeling?

JOSHUA: Mom... It hurts. I can't move my hands. Will I live, mom?

SARAH: Of course you will, honey! Why do you say that? You will recover and I'll be waiting for you!

JOSHUA: Mom... Whatever happens. Remember what dad used to say. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. I love you, mom.

SARAH: Yes... (wipes tears) I love you too, Josh...

MAY: Sarah, it's time. (She leads Sarah out)

ACT 3

MAY: Sarah, you just sit here. I'll get you something to eat. (May leaves and Sarah, sits down and slowly falls asleep due to fatigue)

(Suddenly Sarah's husband Alan appears in a cloud of smoke and speaks to the now awake Sarah)

ALAN: Sarah. I'm proud of you. You looked after Joshua all these years by yourself. Please forgive me for leaving you with nothing. You've been condemned by society because of me. Forgive me Sarah. All these years I've been watching you struggle. You knew about Joshua all along and you've been preparing him for his final journey. And tonight he has reached his destination. He has come to me.

(Joshua suddenly appears and walks towards Alan and smiles at Sarah)

JOSHUA: They're trying to revive a dead body mom. I'm here with dad already.

SARAH: Joshua! I lived my whole life for the both of you. What is the purpose of my life now? Let me come with you, please!

ALAN: No Sarah. It is not your time yet. We're here because we're sinners of time and circumstance. You serve a better purpose. Your time looking after me and Joshua is over. You're a great woman. The strongest and the most courageous person I've ever met. The world needs more out of you Sarah.

Those people who criticize, condemn and talk ill about you are all just specks of dust in the wind. Do not let them affect you. Teach them Sarah. Make them understand the true purpose of living. Your friends and foes need you. Start anew and steer ahead. When it is time Joshua and I will welcome you with open arms. But until then, remember. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go and so will we.

(Alan and Joshua disappear. May comes and wakes Sarah from her sleep)

MAY: Sarah! Sarah! Josh! (She suddenly starts weeping uncontrollably)

SARAH: I'm going home, May.

MAY: But Sarah wait! Your son!

(Sarah pays no need, she goes home with a determined face)

ACT 3 SCENE 2

(Sarah comes home and kneels down to pray)

SARAH: Holy Father in heaven. My family is no more. But I'm not an orphan because I know they're living with you up there. Give me courage to live with their memory. Give me courage to face this world until you give me your call. And finally, give me courage to find my true purpose and fulfill your plan through me. Thank you Father. Amen.

(Suddenly a woman enters with a child in her hand)

WOMAN: Hello miss. Sorry to intrude. Is this the orphanage they told me about?

(Sarah, pauses. Then she smiles, realizing)

SARAH: Yes, ma'm it is.

THE END

This play was written by Wazim Akram

Cover image by Alemko Coksa from Pixabay