Day 27 - Why?

NOTE: Speech in brackets should not be spoken; they are for the actor’s benefit.

A father and daughter. He is reading a newspaper. She is eating her dinner.

- Daddy, I want some ice cream.
- When you’ve finished your dinner, dear.

- Daddy, Mum says you’re lazy.
- You’ll be lazy one day, dear.

- Daddy, this water tastes funny.
- Stop drinking from the dog’s bowl, dear.

- Daddy, where to babies come from?
- Ask your mother, dear.

- Daddy, am I an angel?
- You are to me, dear.

- Daddy, where does the sun go when it’s dark?
- The sun needs sleep, too, dear.

- Daddy, is that man sleeping on the street?
- He doesn’t have a home and a bed like you, dear.

Pause. She stops eating.

- Why?
- Because, dear, he can’t afford a house of his own.

- Why can’t I stay up late, Daddy?
- Because, dear, you need time to grow big and strong.

- Why does that woman have a moustache like you, Daddy?
- Because, dear, she’s old.

- Why do I have to eat my carrots, Daddy?
- Because, dear, then you’ll be able to see in the dark.

Pause. She stops eating.

- Why?
- Because, dear, there’s something in the carrots that makes your eyes stronger.
- Why?
- Because as they were growing, they absorbed it from the ground.
- Why?

Pause. He stops reading.

- Why can’t I see my own eyes?
- Because you’re looking (out of them).
- Why don’t we fall off the world as it spins?
- Because of a thing called (gravity).
- Why can’t I go to prison?
- You could but only (for a visit).
- Why can’t I ride in the boot when you take me to school?
- I wouldn’t be a very good (father if I let you).
- Why do my ears hurt when you sing?
- I didn’t think my singing (was that bad).
- Why can’t I see my words when they come out?
- You can’t see words because…
- Why am I so small?

Silence.

- Because you’re still young.

Silence.

- If I asked you why you loved me, what would you say?

Silence.

- Why?
- Because I love you, Daddy.