Scene 4

It is late at night. The farmhouse is quiet. There is a knock at the door. GLASS, who isn't used to visitors, particularly in the middle of the night, gets up to see who it is. He holds on to something in case it is someone or something dangerous. He opens the door to find a young man.

MAX

Dr. Glass?

GLASS

Yes?

MAX

I'm so sorry to disturb you, sir. I should have timed things better. I caught a ride from the last town and I didn't realize how long it would take to get here.

GLASS

It's past eleven o'clock.

MAX

Is it? I'm sorry, sir.

GLASS

You are who?

MAX

Oh sorry, sir. I'm Max, Max Street. I-I just graduated from the University of Toronto medical school. I'm a doctor.

GLASS

Yes…

MAX

Yes. And sir, when I was writing I came across your work and I-I just think that your work is the most fascinating thing I read during my studies.

GLASS

I've been retired a long time now.

MAX

You have? Nobody seemed sure. It actually took a fair amount of sleuthing to get here.

GLASS

And what was it you were looking for again?

MAX

You.

GLASS

Me?

MAX

I just—I read all your work. It stopped so suddenly and I just had to know more.

GLASS

Yes, well. Those days are over. I'm sorry you've travelled a long way for nothing. Goodbye.

MAX

Sir, sir, if it's past eleven o'clock, could I? Do you have a barn or something I could sleep in tonight? There's nothing around here for miles.

GLASS

Seventy to be exact.

MAX

Seventy?

Pause.

GLASS

Well, come in. You'd better come in.

MAX

The barn would be enough, sir, or a shed would be fine.

GLASS

Nonsense.

MAX comes in.

MAX

I wrote my thesis on the comparison between plant and human biology.

GLASS

Congratulations. I'm sure you'll go far.

MAX

You live here alone?

GLASS

With my daughters.

MAX

Oh.

GLASS

There's a spare room on the second floor. You can sleep there.

MAX

Thank you so much, Dr. Glass. I would have phoned but your number is un—

GLASS

I don't have a phone.

MAX

Oh.

GLASS

Keeps the nonsense out.

MAX

I can't believe I found you.

GLASS

You have.

MAX

I have…

They stare at each other.

GLASS

Are you researching anything now, then?

MAX

I'm studying the bond between plants.

GLASS

Bond?

MAX

Yes… relationship I guess you could say.

GLASS

Interesting.

MAX

Thank you. Yes, I think so.

GLASS goes to a cupboard and pours himself a brandy. He turns and realizes he hasn't offered one to his guest.

GLASS

Would you care for—

MAX

…Yes, thank you.

They sit with their drinks, staring at one another.

GLASS

There are clean sheets in the cupboard upstairs.

MAX

Thank you… Dr. Glass? I was wondering if… do you?… Are you working on anything currently?

GLASS

I'm retired.

MAX

Oh yes… you said that—

GLASS

I did. How did you come up with your topic of research?

MAX

I-I guess I was always fascinated with connection, or maybe disconnection… I can't really picture a mind like yours retired.

GLASS

Life wears you down.

MAX

Yes.

GLASS

You wouldn't know at your age.

MAX

Oh no, I guess not. Do you farm out here?

GLASS

No.

MAX

Oh… what do you do? If you don't mind me asking.

GLASS

Keep active. Raising girls.

MAX

Would you ever publish again?

GLASS

It's late. You're tired, I'm sure.

MAX

Yes.

He puts his drink down and heads to where GLASS has indicated the room is. He passes a desk where one of GLASS's big black notebooks is opened. He lingers for a moment.

(reads) "DNA of fraternal twins is no more similar than ordinary siblings. Coagulation of the blood ultimately stopping the hemorrhage." You're writing!

GLASS quickly snaps the notebook shut.

GLASS

Nothing of importance.

MAX

Dr. Glass? Could I? Would you be willing to take on an assistant?

GLASS

To my retirement?

MAX

But you're working—

GLASS

What is it you came for, boy? In the middle of the night?

MAX

I-I'm not sure. I just thought… I just wanted to talk to you and, well, if you were working, I thought I could help. I was hoping—

GLASS

You are a young man, I'm sure there are places you'd rather be than in an old farmhouse with an old man.

MAX

No, sir.

GLASS

You'd be terribly lonely.

MAX

I'd be learning. Please, sir? From one of the best.

GLASS

It's getting late. I have a lot to do tomorrow.