The Appointment

A one act play about an older couple waiting outside the doctor’s office for the husband’s first appointment with the doctor who will treat his cancer. He convinces her that he doesn’t want any extensive treatment. He prefers to use whatever time he has left and not prolong it with painful treatments.

Drama. 10 minutes. 2 females, 1 male

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Excerpt

The Appointment © Talia Pura

This excerpt may not be used for any purpose whatsoever. Rights to produce, in whole
or in part, by any group, amateur or professional, are retained by the author.

Receptionist: That’s right, just go down the first hallway on your left. You can’t miss it.

Betty: Okay, sure. Thanks.

Sam: Yeah. Thanks a lot.

Betty: Would you just stop?

Sam: What’d I say?

Betty: You were being sarcastic.

Sam: Sarcastic? You call that sarcastic? (in direction of receptionist’s desk) At your age,
you should be asking me for directions. To the candy store. Now that would have been
sarcastic.

Betty: (beat) You know that you have to do this.

Sam: Why? Why, in your opinion, do I have to do this?

Betty: Because you’re going to die if you don’t.

Sam: Oh excuse me, Mrs. Immortal. I didn’t think that any of us had a choice on that
one.

Betty: You know what I mean.

Sam: You want me to spend the next – only God knows how long – in pain and
suffering, just so that I can buy myself a few more good years at the other end.

Betty: It might be more than a few good years.

Sam: At my age? How good could they be? I’ve had a few god years. And they might not
be that good at all. And I’ll still be cranky. You always say I’m cranky.

Betty: Never mind Cranky. I like you just fine the way you are. Now let’s go. Your
appointment is in ten minutes.

Sam: I’m not going.

Betty: What do you mean, you’re not going?

Sam: I’m not going.

Betty: You can’t just not show up.

Sam: Watch me.

Betty: Well, I’m not driving you home until you’ve seen that doctor.

Sam: Well, then I guess we’re just going to sit here for the rest of our lives. (finds a seat
and sits down with a purpose)