Sam Post
317 Lantz Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
704 637 7757
smpost@bellsouth.net
Mrs. Gimple
Bill, a mechanic
A garage.
(BILL and MRS. GIMPLE in a garage.)
MRS. GIMPLE
Sometimes it starts. Sometimes it doesn’t.
BILL
Do you hear a noise?
MRS. GIMPLE
No.
BILL
Nothing?
MRS. GIMPLE
When it starts there’s a noise.
BILL
And when it doesn't, nothing?
MRS. GIMPLE
Sometimes there's a click. A quiet click. Almost imperceptible.
BILL
(loudly)
Not a klklklkkllklklkkl?
MRS. GIMPLE
(softly)
Just clk.
BILL
Clk?
MRS. GIMPLE
That’s it. Then I just sit there, turning the key. It used to take just a few times. Now, it either starts right up, or takes forever.
BILL
Sounds like the switch.
MRS. GIMPLE
My wrist is sore.
(She holds her wrist).
BILL
What'd you do to it?
MRS. GIMPLE
Tried to start the car – over and over and over.
BILL
Let me see that.
(She holds out her wrist. He touches it.)
Does that hurt?
MRS. GIMPLE
No.
BILL
That?
MRS. GIMPLE
A little.
(He takes her wrist and in his hands.)
BILL
That?
MRS. GIMPLE
Yes.
BILL
Probably carpel tunnel.
MRS. GIMPLE
You think?
BILL
Could be thorasic outlet syndrome.
MRS. GIMPLE
Isn't that in the back?
BILL
It originates in the back, but you can feel it all the way down your arm.
MRS. GIMPLE
It travels that far?
BILL
Pain is deceptive. The source can be anywhere.
(pause)
It could be a bone spur.
(He lets her hand go.)
Have you had an X-ray?
MRS. GIMPLE
I haven't been to the doctor. I was hoping my wrist would heal when my car got fixed.
BILL
Hard to say.
(pause)
It's the ignition switch. No doubt.
MRS. GIMPLE
I'd like you to fix it.
BILL
I can replace the steering column.
MRS. GIMPLE
You said it was the switch.
BILL
The switch is inside the steering column.
MRS. GIMPLE
You mean the steering wheel?
BILL
That’s part of it. Plus the column.
MRS. GIMPLE
You mean that whole thing that goes from the floor up to the steering wheel.
BILL
That's it. the steering column.
MRS. GIMPLE
How big is the switch?
BILL
About like that.
(He shows her with his index finger and thumb.)
MRS. GIMPLE
Isn’t that a waste?
BILL
Only way they sell it.
MRS. GIMPLE
Then do it. When you’re finished, call my husband and tell him to pick it up.
BILL
I certainly will, Mrs. Gimple.
MRS. GIMPLE
Would you also give him this envelope?
BILL
Sure.
MRS. GIMPLE
It’s a grocery list. He’ll need to go to the store.
BILL
Do you need a ride, Mrs. Gimple? It’s part of our service. We could drop by the grocery store if you like.
MRS. GIMPLE
I could use a ride to the airport.
BILL
Ah, you’re on a trip. Good time to get the car fixed.
MRS. GIMPLE
I won’t be back.
BILL
Until when?
MRS. GIMPLE
Never.
BILL
Never?
MRS. GIMPLE
No. So be sure to give Dr. Gimple the list and the car.
BILL
That's it? Anything else you need him to know?
MRS. GIMPLE
Ever had anybody leave you?
BILL
As a matter of fact, yes.
MRS. GIMPLE
Anything you would have liked to have said, after she left?
BILL
Actually, yes.
MRS. GIMPLE
Say that.
BILL
Say that?
MRS. GIMPLE
To Dr. Gimple. If it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for me.
BILL
He’ll think I’m a crackpot.
MRS. GIMPLE
Attribute it to me.
BILL
What I say?
MRS. GIMPLE
What you would have liked to have said.
BILL
Wanna know what it is? What I would have said? What I’m going to say to Dr. Gimple, and attribute to you?
MRS. GIMPLE
Why would you want to tell me?
BILL
It’s what I’m going to tell him.
MRS. GIMPLE
But it’s meant for someone else.
BILL
But you’re the one who’s going to be saying it!