In Act Two, Robbie tells Ellen how he feels. Robbie wants his parents to spend some time together. But Ellen knows that she and Philip are too busy to take a vacation. So Robbie tries again. What is Robbie's idea?
[ Late at night in the kitchen. Ellen returns from her school-board meeting and finds Robbie sitting at the table. ]
Ellen: Hello there, Robbie. What are you doing up this late?
Robbie: Reading.
Ellen: Reading? At this hour? Ah, come on, Robbie. What are you doing up this late?
Robbie: Things on my mind.
Ellen: Do you care to talk about them?
Robbie: Sure, if you don't mind listening.
Ellen: Robbie, Robbie, remember me? I'm your mother. If you have something you want to talk about, I'm always prepared to listen.
Robbie: You haven't been around much lately.
Ellen: So that's it. OK, let's talk.
Robbie: You and Dad are like ships that pass in the night. Dad works hard, and he works late. You work hard on all your committees, and you work late.
Ellen: I thought you were proud of the work I do.
Robbie: I am, Mom. Real proud. You are one fantastic mom, but... but I've been noticing how little quality time you spend with Dad and me... and the family.
Ellen: It's a real problem, Robbie. I know it.
Robbie: I'm concerned. There must be a way that Dad and you can spend more time together.
Ellen: Well, we always talk about taking a vacation together with the family.
Robbie: I think you ought to take a vacation away from the family—alone. Kind of a second honeymoon.
Ellen: It would be wonderful, but our schedules won't allow it.
Robbie: I think I have an idea.
Ellen: You do?
Robbie: Yup. I think I have an idea that will bring Dad and you together in a more scheduled way.
Ellen: What is it?
Robbie: Well, you know how Dad is always talking about the kids in the ward and how important it is for them to be paid attention to?
Ellen: Yes.
Robbie: Well... and how hard it is because the doctors and nurses are so busy?
Ellen: Yes.
Robbie: Well, how would it be if you took some time to work with Dad towards solving that problem?
Ellen: I don't get it.
Robbie: Like setting up a regular weekly reading program. You and Dad. You and Dr. Philip Stewart—going to the children's ward once or twice a week and reading to them.
Ellen: Not bad. Not a bad idea, Robbie. As a matter of fact, it fits right in with something I'm working on right now with the school-board committee.
Robbie: What's that?
Ellen: I've been trying to work out a program in the public school that will bring parents and teachers together once a week to read to the students—their own children, really. By doing that, it will encourage reading.
Robbie: So it might fit in with a program for reading to the kids in the hospital.
Ellen: You're right. We'll do it! I'm going to talk to Daddy about it right now.
Robbie: But Dad was so exhausted when he came home from work. Why don't you talk to him about it tomorrow?
Ellen: You are a very smart young man, Robbie. I think I'll wait until tomorrow.
Robbie: You won't forget, will you?
Ellen: Believe me, I won't. It is a great idea, and I promise you I won't forget.
Robbie: Thanks, Mom.
Ellen: Thank you, Robbie.
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