Under the Comatose Sky (Finale)

Act V

SETTING: A sterile, dimly lit hospital room, 1969. The bright yellow hue of the sunflowers in a vase by the window clashes with the dilapidated purple wallpaper. A small rented television continuously hums the broadcast in a corner; its fluorescent glow is the only source of light.

Scene 12

(PHOEBE sits on a stool by a sedated NORMAN. She holds his hand tightly. Her eyes are glued to the television screen, though they remain blank. Chatter emanating from the hallway quiets down and a nurse’s voice hushes the hospital staff. “It’s happening!” she exclaims. PHOEBE does not move; she inhales deeply, her breath catching in her throat.

NEIL ARMSTRONG (on TV): That’s one small step for man...

(PHOEBE closes her eyes as tears stream down her cheeks.)

NEIL ARMSTRONG (on TV): …one giant leap for mankind.

(PHOEBE’s face crumples and she grips NORMAN’s hand tighter until her knuckles turn white, her voice breaking as she speaks aloud, albeit softly.)

PHOEBE (to herself): Oh no, you didn’t. Cora… Cora! Cora, you did it.

(PHOEBE glances at NORMAN, who remains motionless. The faint cheers of the hospital staff and patients echo down the hallway. She wipes her tears and sniffs, trying to collect herself. She kisses NORMAN’s hand gently and rises from her stool.)

(PHOEBE approaches the television and switches it off. The room plunges into near darkness, save for the light of the street lamps piercing through the blinds and the bright corridor.)

(PHOEBE turns back to NORMAN, standing over him with a tender expression. She leans down and bestows a kiss on his forehead.)

PHOEBE (softly): I’m sorry, Norman. But I’m not going anywhere.

(PHOEBE stands straight and moves to collect her coat, gloves, and purse without looking back at NORMAN. The sound of laughter grows louder. A male voice exclaims: “Hippity-hoppity! Hippity-hoppity!” Slowly, PHOEBE walks toward the door. Just as she steps into the corridor, a nurse’s voice calls to her offstage.)

NURSE (offstage): Mrs. Haldeman! Come and join us!

(PHOEBE pauses in the threshold and smooths down her dress.)

PHOEBE: Okay.

(The stage lights dim entirely, except for the corridor in which PHOEBE disappeared. The sound of her heels clicking against the tile floor echoes to the rhythm of the clinking glasses. The sounds fade as the lights slowly go out, leaving the stage in silence.)

BLACKOUT.

END OF PLAY.