Scene 1

Question 1

S: And us. It’ll definitely be different this year.

Answer 1

We’re here!

Question 2

S: Where’s Olivia and Benjamin?

Answer 2

They’re coming.

Question 3

R: How’re they doing now?

Answer 3

The same

Question 4

S: How’re your parents, Ellie?

Answer 4

They’re doing well. They said to tell you Merry Christmas.

Question 5

R: And you?

Answer 5

I’m trying to keep us busy. Olivia is like you just saw. Distant. Almost to the point of being rude. It’s becoming hard to communicate with her. Benjamin actually seems fine. He said that he knows everything will be okay. I feel lost. Out of control. I’m sorry. Rachel are you okay?

Question 6

R: I’m fine. I think I’ll go check on the kids. (Leaves)

Answer 6

How is she really?

Question 7

S: Oh honey, I’m sorry.

Answer 7

I just miss him.

Question 8

S: I know.

Answer 8

There’s an ache that comes and goes. It’s so much. Sometimes it’s too much. I’ve had to try to learn to be happy just for their sake. I close my eyes, letting my mind fill with his voice. The funny things he would say. I find myself calling out to him, only to hear nothing. Samuel, how are you getting through this?

Question 9

R: Olivia is Ticktocking and Benjamin is debating cookies or punch first.

Answer 9

Odds are cookies will win.