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10 years ago...
You wake up early with a big smile on your face.
Young Drew
(It’s my birthday!)
You run to your parent’s room and hop onto their bed.
Georgia
Drew, what time is it?
Your mom rolls over with a groan.
Georgia
6 am, Drew! Really?
Young Drew
I was too excited to sleep, Mom.
Georgia
I can’t believe you’re 8 today.
Georgia
How about some of my special pancakes?
Young Drew
Yes, please!
Your mom ruffles your hair affectionately.
Georgia
Such good manners.
Your mom pokes your dad in the shoulder.
Georgia
Morning.
Andrew
Coffee?
Georgia
I’m on it.
Georgia
How about you get dressed, kiddo. I’ll start breakfast—
Andrew
And coffee?
Georgia
Yes, darling, coffee too.
Andrew
Thanks. Call me when it’s ready?
Your dad pulls the covers over his head.
Georgia
Sure thing.
Your mom gets up and pulls you into a hug.
Georgia
Happy birthday, sweetheart.
Georgia
Dad’s a grumpy bear before he gets his morning coffee, isn’t he?
Young Drew
Yup. You are too.
Your mom pretends to scowl at you.
Young Drew
(I know she really wants to laugh.)
Georgia
Go get dressed.
You scamper back to your room.
Young Drew
(What do I want to wear to school today?)
You pull out your favorite t-shirt and a pair of track pants.
Young Drew
(Looking good.)
You go to the bathroom and wet down your hair.
You smell your mom’s pancakes sizzling on the griddle.
Young Drew
(I’m starving.)
You sit at the kitchen table next to your dad.
Your dad swallows a big gulp of coffee.
Andrew
Happy birthday, champ!
Young Drew
(I wonder when I’ll get my present?)
Andrew
If you eat your breakfast quick enough, you can open your present before school.
Your dad checks his watch.
Andrew
The bus comes in 45 minutes.
Young Drew
I’ve got lots of time.
Your mom places a plate with a stack of pancakes on it in front of you.
Georgia
I don’t know, Drew... You’re a pretty slow eater.
You shovel an entire pancake into your mouth.
Young Drew
No—I’m—not.
Georgia
Don’t talk with your mouth full.
Andrew
Chew up your food, Drew. You don’t want to choke.
Georgia
I don’t have time to bring you to the emergency room this morning.
Young Drew
Haha!
You finish your breakfast in record time.
Young Drew
Thanks for the pancakes, Mom!
Andrew
I bet you want your present now?
Young Drew
Yes, please!
Georgia
Andrew?
Andrew
I’m on it.
Your dad leaves the kitchen and returns a minute later with an oddly shaped package.
Young Drew
What is it?
Andrew
Only one way to find out.
Your mom and dad exchange a smile as they wait for you to tear open the wrapping paper.
Young Drew
Wow! A guitar! I always wanted to play guitar!
You strum the strings a little.
Georgia
We signed you up for lessons too.
Young Drew
Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.
You hug your mom, and then your dad.
Georgia
I’m glad you like it, sweetie.
Your dad finishes his coffee and places his mug in the sink.
Andrew
I’m off. Have a good day, Drew. Georgia.
Georgia
Uh-huh.
Your mom starts washing dishes.
Your dad ruffles your hair.
Young Drew
Not the hair, Dad!
Andrew
You got a girl to impress?
Young Drew
Ew...no way.
You quickly brush your teeth and smooth down your hair in the mirror.
Georgia
Drew! The bus is here!
You throw your backpack over your shoulder and race out the door.
Young Drew
See ya, Mom!
You plop down on the seat next to your best friend Ryan.
Young Drew
(Today’s gonna be a great day!)
Young Ryan
Happy birthday, dude.
Young Ryan
What’d your parents get you?
Young Drew
A guitar.
Young Ryan
Awesome! Can I try it?
Young Drew
Sure. Come over after school?
Young Ryan
Cool.
It feels like forever before you’re back on the school bus with Ryan.
Young Ryan
I can’t wait to try your guitar.
Young Ryan
Can you play it yet?
Young Drew
Nah, I gotta take some lessons.
Young Ryan
Cool. If my parents get me drums for my birthday, we can start a band.
The bus stops in front of your house, and both you and Ryan hop out.
Your house is deathly quiet.
You throw your backpack by the front door and head to the kitchen.
Young Drew
Mom? I’m home! Ryan’s here. Can we get a snack?
Your mom walks into the kitchen. Her eyes are very red.
Georgia
It’s not a good day to have Ryan over, Drew.
Young Drew
(What’s wrong with Mom?)
Young Drew
Okay. Sorry, Ryan, I’ll catch you later?
Young Ryan
Okay. Bye.
Your mom waits until the front door closes behind Ryan before she speaks.
Georgia
Your dad is gone.
Young Drew
What?
Young Drew
What do you mean he’s gone? He’s dead?
Your mom’s mouth curls into a sneer.
Georgia
I wish.
Young Drew
(What the flip?)
Georgia
He left us, and he’s not coming back.
Your mom drops a piece of paper on the floor and retreats to her bedroom.
Note: I’m not happy. I need to go find myself. I’m sorry.
Young Drew
(My dad’s gone.)
Young Drew
(My life will never be the same.)
