The scene opens on a small office waiting room. A door is set in the right wall, UR, and one in the left wall, UL-L.. [Note--I no longer recall what these stage directions mean. There seems to be a double period there.] That in the left wall has a small bronze plaque reading, "Dr. James Conroy, Licensed Psychiatrist." Next to this door, DL, is a secretary's desk, upon which is an old-fashioned typewriter, a pencil holder, in and out paper stacks, etc.. The walls are off-white, plan, undecorated except for a flower painting or two. Beside the other door, R, is a small mauve sofa. Beside the secretary's desk, nearest the audience, underneath an imaginary window, is a little stand upon which is a potted plant and a couple magazines. The room is carpeted in the same dusty-rose color as the sofa. A SECRETARY sits busily typing at the desk, occasionally glancing at the notes she is copying. She is a young woman, probably in her late twenties, with slightly curly brown hair past her shoulders. She wears a light floral print dress and, while pretty, is not overly-voluptuous [sic]. Her face is a complete blank. The right door opens, and DR. CONROY enters. He is dressed in a white doctor's coat and white pants, a clipboard under one arm. He has short brown hair and looks frazzled. He sweeps in, obviously pressed for time. The SECRETARY looks up, her face still blank and unchanging. DR. CONROY stops briefly at her desk.
DR. CONROY (Hurriedly, barely glancing at her) Good morning, Miss Taylor, anything new?
SECRETARY Your wife called. She wanted to know if you wanted casserole for supper. Your dentist called, saying you have an appointment next Thursday at nine. And you have a letter from Dr. Thompson from downstate, Doctor.
DR. CONROY Nowadays everybody wants a piece of my time. (Takes letter, reads aloud) Dear Doctor Conroy (mumble) the wife and kids (mumble) doing fine (mumble) personal file of your new patient (mumble) golfing next Tuesday--patient?! (Looking letter over) No! They promised no more! I've got too many crazies as it is! (Turns page) Manic-depressive? Why can't I get somebody at least half normal for a change?
SECRETARY I always thought manic-depressives were normal most of the time, Doctor.
DR. CONROY No, Miss Taylor--"manic-depressive" means half manic--half depressive! When he isn't down in the dumps, he'll be bouncing off the walls!
SECRETARY (Continuing typing) I wasn't aware, Doctor. I stand corrected.
DR. CONROY Oh, well, things can't get any worse anyway. At least he isn't another one of those schizophrenics. I've got too many of those as it is. I'll be in my office if anybody needs me. (Exit)
SECRETARY (To herself) Believe me, somebody will. (Returns to typing and shuffling papers)
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