"The Doctor Is In"
Original Air Date: 10.21.2002
Transcript by Alyssa

Guest Starring:
Lee Garlington
Merrilyn Gann
Cody McMains
Bret Loehr
Nancy Everhard
Jane Krakowski
 

 
[We open with a shot of a mountain, and an RV driving on the road towards Everwood.]

NARRATOR: Everyone has a touchstone. A last line of defense against the mayhem and sorrow of this world. For some people in Everwood, that person is Dr. Gretchen Trott.

[Cut to scene of Dr. Abbott honking his car horn because Dr. Trott’s RV is in his parking spot.]

DR. ABBOTT: [Speaking inside his car and honking his horn.] Hello?! Oh com’on!! Son of a…… [He parks his car in another spot, and Dr. Brown parks next to him. They get out of their cars.]

DR. BROWN: What is that thing? Blood van? Ice cream truck? Book mobile?

DR. ABBOTT: [Sighs.] Shrink mobile.

NARRATOR: Of course, not all Everwoodies worship at the shrine of this particular recreational vehicle.

DR. ABBOTT: Excuse us, coming through.

DR. BROWN: So Everwood has its own psychiatrist?

DR. ABBOTT: Psychologist with a Masters in Social Work. Good Morning, Gretchen.

DR. TROTT: Well hello. Nice to see you again Dr. Abbott.

DR. ABBOTT: Gretchen, is it my imagination, or did we not discuss in detail at the time of your last visit, or when was that? Easter? The desirability of you finding a more convenient place to see patients?

DR. TROTT: Well, I believe you did make certain views known. I might call it a rumenation rather than a conversation.

DR. ABBOTT: Well, whether you remember it or not, you need to move this eyesore, so I can park my car in my regular space.

DR. TROTT: Well I believe that this is the most convenient location for most of my patients, so in the absence of any official sign-age, I think I will continue to station myself here.

DR. ABBOTT: Did you hear a word I just said?

DR. TROTT: I heard you use territorialism to establish superiority, while I can respect a narcissistic impulse, I’m under no obligation to cater to it. [Dr. Abbott scowls.]

DR. BROWN: I don’t believe we met, Dr. Trott, I’m Andy Brown.

DR. ABBOTT: Speaking of narcissists.

DR. TROTT: The? Andy Brown?

DR. BROWN: One and only.

DR. TROTT: Well uh uh, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m well, I’m actually a bit of a fan! I recently rediscovered your ’97 article on distinguishing psychological from organic mental disorders. I have to tell you, I found your analysis even more insightful upon second reading. [Dr. Abbott scowls again.]

DR. BROWN: Let me just say it’s a pleasure to meet a person who’s providing such a valuable service to the community. I would be delighted to park my car down the street for the duration of your stay.

DR. TROTT: Oh well thank you. Thank you very much! [Looking at Dr. Abbott.] Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare to see my patients. [She goes into her trailer.]

DR. BROWN: I like her.

DR. ABBOTT: Oh! You would. Oh how could anyone in their right mind take that nomadic quack’s insight seriously?

BRENDA: [Cutting in the line in front of the trailer.] Dr. Trott?! I’m not too late am I?? Dr. Trott! [Goes inside.] Hi! [Laughs.]

DR. ABBOTT: Ahhh Gahh.

{Opening credits/commercial break}

[We open to a shot of a piano composition, then the camera moves up to Amy and Ephram sitting in what looks like the school theater. They are painting big leaves for the ballet show.]

AMY: I thought they only paid you to play piano.

EPHRAM: You doubt my school spirit?

AMY: Whatever, it’s cool of you to help. See that red rope over there? That’s where it all starts. Every year it’s a mad dash to see who gets the best seats. I swear, you’d think it was a Paul McCartney concert. Never seen middle aged people run so fast.

EPHRAM: A high school ballet depicting the changing of the leaves. High point of everyone’s social season, why am I not surprised?

[Amy sighs and picks up the leaf they were painting and hangs it up on a line.]

AMY: The Flower Mart actually sold out last year. [Laughs] All the girls get bouquets, roses mostly.

EPHRAM: That’s good to know.

[They sit down.]

AMY: Except me, I mean, well I’ve never had a solo before, but Colin used to bring me flowers anyway. Not my parents or anybody, just Colin.

EPHRAM: You just checked your watch 5 minutes ago.

AMY: Colin’s parent’s appointment is almost over.

EPHRAM: I wouldn’t worry about it. My dad’s appointments usually last just long enough for whoever he’s talking at to “sign on the dotted line”. I swear, I can’t remember the last time anyone said “no” when “The Great Doctor Brown” offered his help. Colin’s surgery is a done deal.

AMY: I watched this show about comas the other day on science channel. Showed people who came out after a long time, like 6 months or so. Most of them barely looked human. I remember this one guy’s face was frozen in this silent scream. Like that painting. And most of their hands were all curled up like Jennifer Hokaday’s is special ed.

EPHRAM: You know, I don’t mean this in a bad way Amy, but are you sure you want him back? I mean, especially if, I just mean it might be better for him if…..

AMY: I want him back. No matter what. [Ephram has this hurt/torn look on his face.]

[Cut to Dr. Brown at the appointment with the Harts.]

DR. BROWN: As Dr. Latham and the Denver team told you, the causes of short term coma are generally discreet and identifiable. While the causes of prolonged coma can often be idiopathic, of unknown origin. In Colin’s case, the neuro team has carefully monitored his inter-cranial pressure and provided what I think is well above the standard of care. You can be confident that up to this point, you’ve done everything possible for your son. And…….

MR. HART: Up to this point?

DR. BROWN: Well having studied Colin’s history and films, I’ve come up with a theory.

MR. HART: So you think you know something they don’t?

DR. BROWN: There is what we believe to be a small fragment of bone lodged in Colin’s brain. More specifically in the brain stem, where it would be extremely difficult to remove. Dr. Latham doesn’t believe that the relationship between this fragment, and your son’s prolonged comatose state is causal.

MRS. HART: But you do?

DR. BROWN: I do. And I believe I can surgically resect it without damaging the stem.

MR. HART: Have you done this before?

DR. BROWN: Actually no. The brain stem handles the most elemental tasks that the brain performs. Were we to undertake this surgery successfully, it would be medically reportable.

MRS. HART: Meaning?

DR. BROWN: Well it would be an experiment of sorts. By that I mean experimentation occurs all the time. It’s how innovation takes place. It’s how lives are saved. I want you to know, I don’t undertake this lightly. I’ve performed over 200 procedures a year in the last 15 years, and if I’m not mistaken I have one of the highest success rates in the country.

MRS. HART: But what if you do…..damage the brain stem?

DR. BROWN: Well, we threaten Colin’s ability to walk, eat, breathe.

MR. HART: What if we don’t do it?

DR. BROWN: It’s impossible to say. Colin may emerge from coma on his own.

MR. HART: But you don’t think he will. You’re our last stop for us Dr. Brown. We’ve run out of answers of our own. What do you think we should do?

DR. BROWN: I can’t tell you what to do. That’s a choice you’ll have to make together.

MR. HART: If it were your son?

[Cut to Andy and Hal eating in the diner.]

ANDY: You know, I thought I’d get sick of Art’s food, eating it everyday, but I’m beginning to realize that…..

HAL: You have no taste?

ANDY: That meat loaf is very versatile is what I was going to say.

[Dr. Trott walks into the restaurant.]

DR.TROTT: [In the background.] Hi, I’m picking up a tuna melt with cole-slaw to go.

HAL: Ever been to a shrink?

ANDY: Always thought I could do it on my own. You?

HAL: Ah! I’d sooner tell you my problems.

DUAYNE/DELI WORKER: I’m sorry Dr. Trott, I accidentally made your sandwich with dill pickles when you specifically asked for sweet. I can remake it right now.

DR. TROTT: Oh that’s not necessary Duane.

DUANE/DELI WORKER: I just hate myself for screwing up. I never can do anything. Mother was right.

DR. TROTT: Duane…..

DUANE/DELI WORKER: You have to let me Dr. Trott. I know I can do a better job, really. I want to remake it.

DR. TROTT: If you insist, thank you.

HAL: You got’em right where you want them don’t you?

DR. TROTT: I’m sorry?

HAL: You thrive on it. The insecurity, the doubt, the self loathing. You come into town every few months, needlessly stir up neuroses, like lawn mowing in a dust ball.

DR. TROTT: I don’t create the feelings, I just give people a safe place to put them.

HAL: You ride into town like the Joan of Arc of Gestalt, a week later, your patients are reassurance junkies begging for a fix and you’ve ridden off into the sunset while someone has to pick up the pieces.

DR. TROTT: How does that make you feel Harold?

HAL: Do shrinks have that implanted on a chip somewhere?! Memorize a few key phrases, buy a couch, you’re Sigmund and Freud?

DR. TROTT: Well I respect your point of view and I’m glad you feel comfortable discussing it……

HAL: You never actually say anything, for God’s sake, get to the point!

DR. TROTT: Is it possible that in reality you thrive on it? That you derive satisfaction from and using your words, “picking up the pieces”?

HAL: Don’t make me out to be some kind of parasitic misery-loving egomaniac!

DR. TROTT: Those are your terms, not mine. Try to stay evidence based Harold. [Taking food and walking out door.] Don’t be so hard on yourself. [While out the door.] Thanks for the sandwich Duane.

ANDY: You going to eat all that Harold? Or can I have some?

[Cut to scene of Magilla and Delia at his house listening to music and sitting on his bed.]

MAGILLA: Bet you don’t know what this song’s about.

DELIA: I do to.

MAGILLA: What?

DELIA: It’s about this girl…….

MAGILLA: It’s about sex. Do you even know what that is?

DELIA: Duh!

[Magilla gets up and closes the door. Then he starts dancing around and Delia joins in. He then takes a shoe box and opens it to reveal make up.]

DELIA: What’s that?

MAGILLA: Make up! It’s my mom’s.

DELIA: You stole it?

[They put some on and then start playing dress up. His mom then opens the door.]

MAGILLA’S MOM: Delia, I think it’s time for you to go home now. [She turns the music off.]

[Cut to scene of Andy on the phone.]

ANDY: All right, I understand. [Ephram enters.] No no, there’s really no need to explain. No no no, of course not. All right, we’ll talk again soon. [Hangs phone up.]

EPHRAM: Who was that?

ANDY: Ah just work stuff.

EPHRAM: Was it about Colin Hart?

ANDY: Matter of fact it was.

EPHRAM: What’d they say?

ANDY: Who? Oh they decided not to pursue the surgical option.

EPHRAM: What?

ANDY: Well you can hardly blame them, it’s a tough decision to make.

EPHRAM: Wait, so that’s just it?

ANDY: Well nothings just it. Colin’s status is constantly evolving. And who knows, tomorrow, next week, next month, could be a whole new ball game.

EPHRAM: So you’re just going to let it lie?

ANDY: There’s no point in forcing the issue.

EPHRAM: That’s the new thing right? This whole laissez-fair, country doctor bit.

ANDY: Doctors don’t have all the answers Ephram.

EPHRAM: They don’t?

ANDY: No, sometimes parents have the answers too. Hey. When you’re done letting the cold air out of the frig, set the table will you?

[Ephram closes the refrigerator door and storms out of the room.]

{Commercial break}

[Ephram and Amy in the hallway.]

AMY: Hey Ephram.

EPHRAM: Uh, my dad told me last night. Sorry.

AMY: I shouldn’t have got my hopes up.

EPHRAM: You know, once in a while people in New York would say no to my dad at first….

AMY: Then what happened?

EPHRAM: He persuaded them he was right. You know except….

AMY: What?

EPHRAM: Well in this town, people are different. You gotta know them 25 years before they’ll let you change their tire.

AMY: So, you don’t think your dad could convince the Harts?

EPHRAM: I don’t know, but maybe you could.

AMY: Me? No really? You think?

EPHRAM: Yeah.

AMY: Great….thanks Ephram.

[Cut to scene of Delia and Magilla in their classroom. It is recess time.]

DELIA: Want to play four-square with me?

ANOTHER BOY: Hey Magilla, we’re playing dodge ball. You in?

MAGILLA: Yeah.

ANOTHER BOY: We got Magilla!

DELIA: You want to play with me after school then?

MAGILLA: No.

DELIA: Why not?

MAGILLA: Cuz last time I got in trouble, moron. [Nicer this time.] I can’t, my mom said. [He gets up to join the other boys.] Hey guys...

[Cut to scene of Dr. Trott in Dr. Brown’s examination room.]

DR. BROWN: Well that mole seems to be fine, let’s check it again next time you’re in town. Any other ones?

DR. TROTT: M yeah.

DR. BROWN: So when will you be in town again?

DR. TROTT: Most likely February or March.

DR. BROWN: The unorthodox way to practice?

DR. TROTT: Well I could say the same of you….I was told this consultation would be free of charge?

DR. BROWN: Well I don’t need the money, so I skip the paper work.

DR. TROTT: A glib response somewhat wasted on a psychotherapist.

DR. BROWN: Well, people keep asking me and it gets kind of old. As if every act of altruism required a rationale.

DR. TROTT: Altruism?

DR. BROWN: Yeah, you know like…. Oh I get it I get it, a psych rotation, you think I’ve got some kind of subconscious motivator, like winning friends and influencing people. Or a, well go ahead, give it your best shot.

DR. TROTT: I just wonder what it means when a world-renowned neurosurgeon with a better than average shot of making the history books, moves to the middle of no where and gives his most precious research away for free.

DR. BROWN: And he won’t be buying a football team anytime soon? Got me Doc. I don’t think of those kinds of things. I guess some people are just too hard headed out of complexity.

DR. TROTT: I believe that the average level of neurosis in non-mentally ill individuals is strikingly similar. It’s the spectrum of self awareness that differs. I call it “denial factor”.

DR. BROWN: Well that sounds vaguely familiar.

DR. TROTT: Who do you talk to Dr. Brown? A friend, a colleague, wife?

DR. BROWN: Well I get a certain perverse pleasure out of solving my own problems.

DR. TROTT: Everyone needs someone….

DR. BROWN: Those others ones look fine too. Might want to keep an eye on them. You can put your clothes back on, unless you’re loving that gown.

DR. TROTT: Ok. [She goes behind the little changing area to change.]

DR. BROWN: So lay it on me. What does happen to those unfortunate individuals who deny their own neuroses?

DR. TROTT: The effects vary of course, in extreme cases, the pattern can be something along the lines of complete emotional spiral resulting in total breakdown.

DR. BROWN: You don’t say?

[Cut to the Abbott’s house. Amy is getting prepared for dinner with the Harts as Bright starts to walk out…]

AMY: Bright, where you going?

BRIGHT: Got a date.

AMY: Tonight!? No no no no you have to be here for dinner!

BRIGHT: I don’t think so. I got one shot with Jenna Maxwell and Mom’s tuna cornflake casserole….not gonna seal the deal.

AMY: Bright….you can’t go. You have to be here.

BRIGHT: What?

AMY: Mom invited the Harts over!

BRIGHT: So?

AMY: So I’ve got all the research prepared about the surgery! All you have to do is just….

BRIGHT: I thought they already said no.

AMY: They could change their minds.

BRIGHT: Fat chance. Besides, I don’t think we should be getting involved…

AMY: We’re already involved Bright! Colin is your best friend, you have to help me! You have to tell them that…

BRIGHT: It’s a lost cause Amy!

[He starts walking towards the door.]

AMY: What is wrong with you?! Don’t you want him back!? [The door opens and closes.]

[Cut to dinner at the Brown’s house.]

ANDY: That bad huh?

EPHRAM: Depends, what is it?

ANDY: Point taken. What do you think Delia?

DELIA: It’s fine.

ANDY: Is something wrong Delia?

DELIA: Magilla wouldn’t play with me today.

ANDY: Well he probably just wanted to play with his other friends for a change.

DELIA: Magilla doesn’t have other friends.

ANDY: Well I’m sure he’ll want to play with you again tomorrow sweetheart.

DELIA: No he won’t. He said he can’t play with me anymore.

ANDY: Why not?

DELIA: His mom said.

ANDY: Why would she say a thing like that?

DELIA: She doesn’t like me.

ANDY: That’s impossible.

EPHRAM: You have to have a parent talk.

ANDY: What with Magilla? I’m not his parent.

EPHRAM: No. You have to talk to his parents.

ANDY: You know, that is actually a very good idea Ephram. Tell you what. We’ll go over there right after dinner. Hey, we could stop off and pick up some ice cream on our way over as sort of a peace offering.

DELIA: That might work!

[Cut to dinner at the Abbott’s. The Harts are over.]

MRS. HART: I can’t remember the last time we were so well taken care of. Thank you for having us over Rose.

MRS. ABBOTT: How are you holding up?

AMY: Must be hard to have a nice time anyway when Colin’s just…..

MRS. ABBOTT: Amy!

MRS. HART: I think about him all the time.

AMY: Then why wouldn’t Dr. Brown be performing surgery…..

MR. ABBOTT: Amy……you’ll have to forgive her, she’s been under some strain lately.

AMY: Don’t talk about me like I’m not here!!

MRS. ABBOTT: Amy Nicole that is enough!

MRS. HART: I feel the same way you do honey. There’s nothing that we can do.

AMY: Yes there is. Dr. Brown is one of the premiere brain surgeons in the United States. Patients fly all around the world for a consultation, and we have him, right here. And he wants to help us.

MRS. HART: No, no he doesn’t. We agreed that Colin should have the surgery. It was Dr. Brown who changed his mind. [Amy looks surprised/shocked.]

[Cut to Andy and Delia and Magilla’s home.]

ANDY: These things are starting to melt, you think I should ring again?

DELIA: You rang 4 times. They don’t want us to come in. [The door opens.]

ANDY: There we go, see. Good evening. I’m Andy Brown, and I think you know my daughter Delia. Hope you don’t mind our dropping by like this…we rang the bell a couple times and uh…

MAGILLA’S MOM: Well I think we’ll pass…

ANDY: Well I’ll just get right to the point. It’s come to my attention that there’s been some kind of misunderstanding.

MAGILLA’S MOM: No, I I I …….

ANDY: My daughter is under the impression that you don’t want her playing, with your son Stuart.

MAGILLA’S MOM: Do you really want to discuss this in front of your daughter?

MAGILLA’S DAD: What’s this Jenny?

MAGILLA’S MOM: Uh, this is a friend of Stuart’s, Howard, and his daughter.

ANDY: Andy Brown. Pleased to meet you. You know Delia was telling me and amusing story on the way over here, she said that she and your son were playing the other day and uh, this is hard for, me to believe because Delia had been a tomboy ever since she was in the womb! But then, well, they were playing dress up! Well I can assure you that as a physician, that at this age, this kind of play is perfectly all right. All the same, if it bothers you, you don’t have to worry, because it won’t happen again.

MAGILLA’S DAD: [To his wife.] Why didn’t you tell me about this?

MAGILLA’S MOM: I was going to….

MAGILLA’S DAD: [To Andy.] Keep your daughter away from my son.

ANDY: I’m sorry?

MAGILLA’S DAD: You heard me.

MAGILLA’S MOM: Please, don’t come back. [Shuts the door.]

ANDY: Let’s get these home before they melt. [Referring to ice cream.]

DELIA: Dad, is something wrong with me?

ANDY: Nothing is wrong with you sweetheart. There’s nothing wrong with you.

{Commercial break}

[Cut to Ephram playing piano in the theater. Amy comes in.]

AMY: Why didn’t you tell me?

EPHRAM: What?

AMY: Your father turned them down?

EPHRAM: What?!

AMY: The Harts asked him if he could do the surgery……

EPHRAM: Wait! Wait! Why wouldn’t my dad want to operate?

AMY: You tell me.

EPHRAM: No no it’s impossible. I mean my dad’s a jerk, but he’s never turned anyone down before. My dad’s never met long odds he didn’t like.

AMY: Well he didn’t like Colin’s.

EPHRAM: Sure you got this right?

AMY: The Harts told me.

EPHRAM: Because the guy I know would give his life not to rescue a kid from a coma. You know, be a town hero.

AMY: Are you sure he didn’t tell you anything about this?

EPHRAM: Why would I lie to you Amy? You’re the only person I care about in this whole, stupid, town. Look, I didn’t know. I swear.

[Dr. Abbott walks into his office.]

DR. ABBOTT: There’s still too many chairs in the waiting room Louise. I said 10 chairs, and I meant it. We need to redo the color coding on the patient files by Friday at the latest. And get a copy of the seating chart from the recital, we don’t want any surprises like last year. Oh, and uh get me some coffee will you? [Dr. Abbott walks into his office and closes the door.]

LOUISE: Good morning Dr. Abbott. [He opens the door.]

DR. ABBOTT: Morning Louise. Was there something……

LOUISE: When you say “we” do you mean “we” or do you mean “me”?

DR. ABBOTT: Hah I’m sorry I…….

LOUISE: “We need to redo the color coding”…do you mean “we” or “me”?

DR. ABBOTT: Well….you I suppose.

LOUISE: Then I’d appreciate it if you say “Could you please have the folders redone by Friday, Louise?” And furthermore, I was not hired to make coffee. So, if I choose to do so, it will be on a case by case, personal favor basis. Is that understood?

DR. ABBOTT: Yes, Louise.

LOUISE: You were the one who told me my lack of assertiveness was limiting my career potential.

DR. ABBOTT: Oh now, I…..

LOUISE: So now I signed up with Dr. Trott.

DR. ABBOTT: Ah.

LOUISE: You can hang your own scarf. [She turns around, looks satisfied, then walks back to the counter.]

DR. ABBOTT: Oh hahaahha now…… [Walks out the door.] Dr. Trott!!

[Cut to scene of Dr. Abbott outside bombarding the trailer.]

DR. ABBOTT: Dr. Trott!?!? Dr. Trott!

[Enters the trailer.]

DR. ABBOTT: Dr. Trott! What do you call this!? [Holds up scarf.]

DR. TROTT: Hmm, a scarf?

DR. ABBOTT: Not that! My assistant Louise, she was a completely normal person before you got to her with rabid, invasive, self indulgent claws on her. Stop filling people’s heads with this garbage have you no scruples?! You wreak people’s lives and charge the board! You’re like a …. [Brenda comes in.]

BRENDA: Excuse me Dr. Trott? I am having a breakthrough…

DR. ABBOTT: All right all right.

DR. TROTT: Will you excuse me Brenda?

DR. ABBOTT: Excuse me! I’m not done talking yet…!

DR. TROTT: I am done listening though! [Pushes him out and closes the door.] Good day Harold!

DR. ABBOTT: Oh no it is not! It is not a good day to you hear me?! [Bangs on trailer.] Dr. Feelgood! I will have you evicted! [Hits trailer again.] I will have you towed! [People look at him weirdly.] You’re all crazy!

[Cut to Andy and Edna in Andy’s office, Delia walks in.]

ANDY: Hi sweetheart.

DELIA: Hey….

ANDY: That didn’t sound very enthusiastic. Friend still not talking to you eh? He’s got a lot of willpower for a 3rd grader.

DELIA: He wasn’t in school today.

ANDY: Oh he’s probably just out sick.

DELIA: I asked Ms. Violet, she said he wasn’t coming back!

ANDY: Do you believe this? Those parents yanked their kid out of school for playing dress up? I mean that’s, that’s medieval! All right Delia, here’s what we’re going to do. We are going over there right now….

EDNA: Word in the QT doc.

ANDY: And I will see that they listen to reason!

EDNA: Boss….

ANDY: They clearly know nothing about child rearing. I mean if I could tell that they’re doing it wrong….

EDNA: [Whistles] In your office Sarge!!

[They walk into the office.]

ANDY: Look I don’t know what the…. [Edna slams the door.]

EDNA: As Dr. Sourpuss’ nurse, I was privy to some information which I normally would not disclose, but under the circumstances, it’s about little Stuart. Magilla. He wasn’t born a he.

ANDY: What?

EDNA: Not a she neither exactly. Ambiguous genitalia. What some in the profession would call “pseudohermaphrodite.”

ANDY: This is the gorilla kid? The one who to put a bug up his own nose?

EDNA: The parents see right off that they’re in a deep serious in this one and they send him to a specialist in Denver. This genius followed the prevailing wisdom, and suggested that since Baby Magilla has a fairly well formed, you know what, and generally looks masculine, the parents show rear him as a boy, no questions asked. And Delia comes along, and they see their boy playing with a girl. Playing like a girl.

ANDY: Well a situation can only become more complicated as he approaches puberty. I should probably talk to them about something…..

EDNA: You can talk till you’re blue in the face Doc, it’s not going to change, this family’s ideas about how to raise their child.

ANDY: Well not change per se…

EDNA: No!

ANDY: All I’m saying is I could just….

EDNA: No! Let me tell you this, and I mean no offence by it. But I’m not entirely sure anyone’s ever told you this before. There are some things that you. can’t. fix.

[Cut to the Brown’s house. They are getting ready to go to the school ballet performance.]

DELIA: I’m ready, let’s go.

ANDY: Need some help with that? [Referring to tie.]

EPHRAM: I got it.

ANDY: Amy nervous about the recital?

EPHRAM: She’s too pissed off.

ANDY: Made some difficult decisions. What the Harts decide is their prerogative and we have to respect that.

EPHRAM: What the Harts decided? What you decided for them! This is so typical. The one time it matters…

ANDY: It always matters Ephram. It just so happens that this time it matters to you. That doesn’t mean I….

EPHRAM: Amy matters to me. And as pathetic as it may be, you were her only shot. She’s not used to being let down by you. Not yet.

ANDY: This to me Ephram. These people asked me what I would do if it were my son. And I told them that I thought it was risky. It’s tempting to leap in and try and surgically fix things…

EPHRAM: That’s a load! You know it. If it were your son, if it were me? You’d let me sit there in a coma when there was a zillion% change you could ride in there on a white horse and save me? I don’t think so. And if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were scared. We’re going to be late.

[Ephram, Andy, and Delia arrive at the school and are in the theater getting seats for the performance.]

ANDY: [Walking through seats.] Excuse me. [Finds a spot.] Excuse me would you mind moving over one so my daughter can sit next to me?

WOMAN: No.

ANDY: No you wouldn’t mind, or …..

WOMAN: I’m a person, and I’m important.

ANDY: You wouldn’t by any chance be a patient of Dr. Trott’s would you?

WOMAN: Well yes….

ANDY: Good, sit on the other side sweetheart. [Talks to Harold] You really got this down don’t you?

HAROLD: I read The Art of War.

ANDY: How long did you have to wait for these seats?

HAROLD: 3 hours!

MRS. ABBOTT: He brings his backlog of medical journals.

HAROLD: The Harts told us about your decision.

ANDY: Oh?

HAROLD: It’s what I’d do. It’s the more cautious choice.

ANDY: Well thank you. Glad you agree.

HAROLD: I said it’s what I’d do.

[Cut to backstage. The dancers are getting ready to perform. Mrs. Hart enters with a bouquet of flowers for Amy.]

MRS. HART: Amy? [Gives her the bouquet.] Colin would never forgive me if I didn’t make sure you got these. I know he would give anything to be here. [She hugs her.] Good luck.

[Norah Jones’ Nightingale song comes on.]

[Ephram walks in.]

EPHRAM: Amy? [She sighs.] Amy? What’s wrong?

AMY: He’s not coming back.

EPHRAM: You don’t know that. He could come out of it! He probably will.

AMY: [She turns her head and we see a tear stream down her face.] He’s gone.

EPHRAM: Amy? Amy?? [She just looks at the flowers.]

[Ephram runs out of the room and finds the Abbotts.]

EPHRAM: Dr. Abbott! Dr. Abbott you have to come back here now!

DR. ABBOTT: What is it?

EPHRAM: It’s Amy! Com’on!

[They get up from the seats and run backstage. She is leaned up against the wall.]

MRS. ABBOTT: Amy??

DR. ABBOTT: Amy, Honey? Sweetheart can you hear me? [He picks her up.] We’re going home. We’re going home sweetheart. Sweetheart? [They exit.]

{Commercial break}

[We open with Andy ringing the doorbell at Magilla’s house.]

MAGILLA’S MOM: [Opens door] I can’t talk to you.

ANDY: Look, it’s just for a minute.

MAGILLA’S MOM: You saw what happened last time. Sorry. [Attempts to close door.]

ANDY: I’m not here to tell you how to raise you kids. I need your help. Please.

MAGILLA’S MOM: I’ll come around the side door. Don’t knock. [Closes door. Andy walks to side door. She opens the door.]

ANDY: Mrs. Foster, did you pull your son out of school because of what happened the other day?

MAGILLA’S MOM: Uh, no no no! My husband and I have been thinking about sending him to a boy’s school anyway, over in Cloverton.

ANDY: I know about your son’s condition.

MAGILLA’S MOM: [Stunned] How could you?

ANDY: I won’t. I’m ethically bond not to disclose your son’s medical history to anyone. But I want to help you. As a doctor….

MAGILLA’S MOM: We’ve been to doctors! Don’t you understand? All we want to do is, put this behind us.

ANDY: You still won’t be able to put it behind him. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. These kids grow up to be very special people. They’ve got a lifetime of empathy inside of them by the time they turn 10, and that’s a tremendous gift. But you cannot put him in a box and try…..

MAGILLA’S MOM: Just go. [She attempts to go inside.]

ANDY: Stuart’s not the reason I came here. But I would like to ask you to do one thing for me. For my daughter.

[Cut to scene of Delia and Magilla getting out of their cars and walking towards each other.]

DELIA: I brought you the hat you like. Take it.

MAGILLA: I don’t like that hat.

DELIA: Yeah you do, you said.

MAGILLA: [Reluctantly] Ok. [Takes hat.] It’s too small. People will know it’s from a girl.

DELIA: So?

MAGILLA: I hate girls.

DELIA: Well I hate boys?

MAGILLA: All boys?

DELIA: No.

MAGILLA: I don’t hate girls I guess.

DELIA: Goodbye Magilla.

MAGILLA: Goodbye Delia.

[They part and he puts her hat on. They get in their cars. Cut to Delia in the car.]

ANDY: Ready to go kiddo? [She nods.] How did that go?

DELIA: Fine.

ANDY: Maybe you two could stay in touch, like letters or e-mail. You’ll make new friends Delia.

DELIA: I don’t want to make new friends. I don’t want to say goodbye to people anymore.

[Cut to Ephram and Amy walking in the hallway.]

EPHRAM: You look better.

AMY: I feel better!

EPHRAM: Really?

AMY: I’m, totally fine. [They reach her locker and she opens it and puts books in/takes books out.]

EPHRAM: Yeah cuz last night…was pretty….

AMY: Freaky right? It’s funny because the exact same thing happened to me last fall when I went on this family trip and I didn’t have time to study for Mr. Brinny’s chem. test, I just spazzed out! I just lost it! You know I feel good that I got it out of my system because I feel completely, totally, together you know? I’m so embarrassed that everyone say me like that! It’s so not typical of me…… what?

EPHRAM: You’re talking faster than my brain processes language.

AMY: Oh. Sorry I’m a little bit uh, uh, ….Anyway, so, how are you?

EPHRAM: How are you?

AMY: I’m great.

EPHRAM: No, how are you really?

AMY: I’m completely fine. Really I am.

EPHRAM: Cuz you know, if not, you can tell me.

AMY: I just told you I am.

EPHRAM: All right, but you know if you want to talk about anything or whatever, I’ll be here.

AMY: [Suddenly] Oh my god! I completely forgot! I’m supposed to meet Kaitlin and Paige to go to the mall. I gotta go.

EPHRAM: Here. I’ll be here. [Looks disappointed.]

[Cut to Edna in Andy’s office talking with Hal.]

EDNA: If you want to see him, I need a reason, you could be the Unabomber for all I know.

HAL: Not today, Mother.

ANDY: [Talking to a patient on their way out of the examination room.] You call me if there’s a problem all right?

PATIENT: Ok doctor.

HAL: [Talking to patient.] Hello Marge.

MARGE: Hello.

ANDY: Dr. Abbott!

HAL: Could I see you for a moment?

ANDY: Sure.

HAL: In private…

[They walk into his office.]

HAL: Love what you’ve done to the place.

ANDY: Put down some table paper, some tongue depressors, the sky’s the limit.

HAL: I find it’s more convenient to store extra swabs under the table.

ANDY: Did you really come into my office for the first time since I’ve been here to tell me where you store your swabs?

HAL: First day you came here, you thought you recognized me.

ANDY: Yeah, you said it was from the mental ward.

[They both laugh.]

HAL: That was a good one. [Clears throat.] You did recognize me. I was finishing up with a V.A. when you got there. Oh there’s no reason you should remember me. You, were harder to miss. Even then we all knew we were in the presence of something greater than ourselves. It’s like being on the junior high basketball team with Michael Jordan. The chief would describe each new feat of yours, with unmitigated jealousy, almost hatred.

ANDY: Gee. I always thought Doug liked me.

HAL: [Laughs.] He hated you! You brought him face to face with his worst fear, that you would never be extraordinary. He met you, he abandoned his dreams of greatness. He wasn’t alone.

ANDY: So you were going to be….

HAL: A surgeon. Yes. I was almost a surgeon, unfortunately I, I discovered I didn’t have the hands for it. So after my residency, I just, came back here, joined my father’s practice in this miserable little town, I became a family doctor. No small thing in times like these. But you, you are a man with a gift much larger than yourself. Larger than your own, hopelessly bloated ego, if that’s possible.

ANDY: Thank you.

HAL: Sharon and James Hart don’t know who you are, I do. I do. They don’t know what you can do for their son they’re terrified of making a mistake. I know, and you know, somewhere within the world’s thickest dura, you owe it to this kid to perform whatever miracle you’ve got up your sleeve. You owe it to Colin, and to his parents, and to my [pause] poor heartbroken daughter, and to the universe or whoever decided that you would be Leonardo and I would be….less remarkable… Hell! You owe it to me.

[Cut to Ephram playing piano in the theater. Amy enters the theater.]

AMY: What’re you playing?

EPHRAM: [Grabs composition.] Uhhh nothing.

AMY: Did you compose this nothing?

EPHRAM: Hey what are you doing here anyway? There’s no rehearsal.

AMY: Uh I had a free period, so I thought I’d……that’s not true. [Sits on piano bench.] I came here because I wanted to tell you something. [Pauses, plays a couple keys.] Yesterday when I told you, I was ok, I wasn’t. I’m not…I’m not ok. [Sigh] I remember in 4th grade, Ms. Kitzlinger’s class, and Ms. Barber’s class, went on a field trip to the brewery. But on the way back home, I got into the wrong bus. Colin thought they had left me behind. He walked back 3 miles, and stayed at the brewery till nightfall, trying to find me. Couldn’t leave me behind. What were you playing before?

EPHRAM: You said nobody brought you flowers, but Colin. It would have been your first solo. So, I wanted to make sure someone remembered. I wrote you a song.

AMY: Will you play it for me?

EPHRAM: No, it’s not finished.

AMY: Please?

[Ephram sets up the composition, and plays the song.]

NARRATOR: Thing about your touchstone, you come to depend on it. No matter whether you set out to or not. But not even your own personal Rock of Gibraltar is permanent. Rock has her own needs to think of. And just because you want someone to stick around, doesn’t mean she will. Dr. Brown knew something about that.

[Cut to Dr. Brown walking to Dr. Trott’s trailer.]

ANDY: Got time for one more hopeless case Doc? I had a medical consultation last week. Parents wouldn’t consent, they wouldn’t put their faith in me.

DR. TROTT: Why do you think that is?

ANDY: They didn’t believe that I could heal their son.

DR. TROTT: Did you?

ANDY: What?

DR. TROTT: Did you believe you could heal him?

ANDY: Well I was abdicating the procedure. I believed it to be the proper course of action for the best chance of a positive outcome.

DR. TROTT: Not the surgery, the surgeon. You.

ANDY: I wasn’t thinking about me or my abilities. I was thinking about these people. Someone’s parents, someone’s son. This kid is the boyfriend of a girl my kid goes to school with. I was thinking something was wrong, if we can’t bring him out. I was thinking about the outcome. You never think about the outcome. I just lied to you. The truth is, in the end, it was me. I told them I wouldn’t do it.

DR. TROTT: You were scared.

ANDY: My son said something like that to me.

DR. TROTT: And?

ANDY: It was easier before. When I….didn’t know so much about my patients. I didn’t care. I used to be able to fix things.

DR. TROTT: You told me that you moved here to be a father, and a doctor. Now you are.

ANDY: Yeah, I just didn’t know it would be so hard.

DR. TROTT: Welcome to the human race Dr. Brown.

[Andy steps out of the trailer, and she starts the trailer and drives away.]

[The End]