Exceptional

A second interviewer comes in to get Gunny's story.

The Interview Part 3

by Bill Schott

Characters: Gunny = a retired Marine turning one hundred Bunny = a twenty-five-year-old reporter and columnist for the local paper Dot = Gunny's wife The next scene continues in Gunny's living room as he prepares to answer questions for a different local columnist. There are three characters on the set with two centered and seated and one upstage and standing. Bunny : I certainly appreciate your allowing us to reschedule this interview, Mr. Gunderson. Gunny: Of course. I'm sorry that it was necessary. I must have been off my game when your friend was here. Bunny: So happy we could come back for your story. Reading my colleague's notes I see that you needed to leave Korea because your wife had died. So sorry for your loss. Gunny: She died in child birth, in a way. Bunny: Oh no. I'm so sorry. Did the child survive. Gunny: Hesitating. Eyes moving rapidly as if remembering an entire lifetime in a few seconds.              No -- no one survived. Bunny: I can see why this was a trouble spot for your interview earlier. We can skip over this if you'd prefer. Gunny:  I had been in Korea for over a year when I heard she had died. Bunny: I thought she died in childbirth? If you had been gone a -- Oh! Of course. Walking down stage from the back wall, a woman comes to a stop just behind the female interviewer Bunny. Dot:  We were upset with ourselves and so full of regret and fear. Gunny: She had an affair with my brother Theodore --TJ. Bunny: I'm so, so sorry, Mister -- Dot: TJ found someone to help us. Gunny: She had an abortion from some woman in the outskirts of town.  It wasn't  done well. She bled to death in my brother's arms. Dot:  We both cried and I fell asleep.  TJ carried me home to this very house. So long ago. Bunny: This is so sad, Mr. Gunderson. Gunny: I was notified and allowed a humanitarian transfer back to the states. Dot: Soon. Very soon. We will all be together.  Gunny: It was all too much for both of us. Theodore was a broken man. He groveled at my feet with humiliation; devastated by all that had occurred. Bunny: What a horrible situation to come home to, Miste -- uh - Gunny. Dot: We'll walk in the garden. The lilacs are so fragrant and beautiful. Gunny: I strangled him right there.   Write A Review Recognized Pays one point and 2 member cents. You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.