Daddy's Day

Daddy’s Day

Cast of Characters

MOTHER. Early 40’s. Stay-at-home mom and a worry-wart.

DAUGHTER. Young girl. Bright-eyed and full of life.

FATHER. Mid 40’s. Bread-winner and a generous soul.


THE TIME
Late morning. June 20th – Father’s Day.

THE PLACE
The living room of their house.

SETTING
Sparsely furnished, center right stage is an old couch with a mismatched armchair. A beat-up wooden coffee table sits in front of the couch. On the coffee table is a box of Kleenex, a few family-type magazines, and a remote to an old TV. Stage right is the front door. Next to it is a small table with a wicker basket stacked high with unopened envelopes. The back wall has two small bookcases with a few books, trinkets and knickknacks. Above it are several photos of the three of them in cheap frames as well as a bulletin board with a few notes pinned to it. The stage left wall has an opening upstage into a hallway. Downstage of the opening is a small child play area with a plastic table and chair with coloring books, crayons, tea set, a doll and a beat-up teddy bear.

AT RISE
MOTHER is sitting on the couch crying, a Kleenex balled in her hand. DAUGHTER runs in from stage left opening, stops, looks around, and runs to MOTHER.

DAUGHTER (pulls on MOTHER’s sleeve): Mommy?

MOTHER (dries eyes and sniffles): Yes, baby?

DAUGHTER: Why you crying?

MOTHER (tries to smile): It’s nothing. Don’t worry. (clears throat) Now what did you make for Daddy?

DAUGHTER (runs to play area and grabs a piece of paper that is drawn on): This! (runs back and shows MOTHER, pointing at the paper as she speaks) It’s us! That’s me. That’s you and that’s Daddy.

MOTHER: It’s beautiful, baby. He’ll love it.

DAUGHTER: What are you giving to Daddy?

MOTHER (chokes back a sob): Nothing. I couldn’t afford anything this year.

DAUGHTER: You made a big breakfast specially for Daddy.

MOTHER: Yes, but-

DAUGHTER: Daddy loves your cooking!

MOTHER (smiles): You’re right, baby. Everything’s ready. We just have to wait for Daddy to get home.

DAUGHTER (looks around): Where did Daddy go?

MOTHER: He had to meet some people about something very important. (pause as checks time) He should be home soon.

The front door opens and FATHER walks in. DAUGHTER runs around the couch to FATHER. MOTHER stands and walks around to the back of the couch.

DAUGHTER (holding up the drawing): Daddy! This is for you, for Daddy’s day!

FATHER (takes the drawing and smiles): Its beautiful honey! This is the best gift ever. (kneels and hugs DAUGHTER)

DAUGHTER: Mommy made you something, too.

FATHER (stands and looks towards MOTHER): Oh?

MOTHER (fidgets): I just made breakfast. It’s in the kitchen, all ready. (pauses as she glances from DAUGHTER to FATHER) Did you . . . Did you get the job?

FATHER (a broad grin spreads across his face): I got it!

MOTHER (rushes to FATHER and embraces him): Oh honey! This is wonderful news!

DAUGHTER (hugs both of them): Me too! I wanna hug.

FATHER and MOTHER put an arm around DAUGHTER. They hold the group hug for a moment as they laugh and smile.

FATHER (releases his hold, everyone steps back): Yes, and now we can celebrate. Since it is Father’s day, I get to choose what we do today. After breakfast, we’re going to the fair!

DAUGHTER (eyes light up): Really!

FATHER: Yes, really.

DAUGHTER (runs around): Yeah! Fair! (runs offstage left)

MOTHER (laughs): I’m so glad it all worked out.

FATHER (embraces MOTHER): And later, we’ll go shopping and get you that necklace you’ve been wanting.

MOTHER: Oh, silly. This is your day. Not mine. What do you want?

FATHER: I have everything I want. (holds up the drawing) Us. Even though we went through a really rough patch, we made it through together. (walks to a bookcase and props the drawing up against a knickknack) A loving family is all a daddy really needs.

FATHER and MOTHER kiss.

THE END