In Act One, Philip comes home late from work at hospital. And although it is quite late, Ellen isn't home yet. Robbie sees that his parents are very busy. A little later, Robbie talks to Grandpa. What do they talk about?
[ In the Stewart house late at night. Grandpa is working on his checkbook at the kitchen table while Robbie is hanging around. ]
Robbie: Where's Mom?
Grandpa: She went to a school-board meeting.
Robbie: I don't know how she does it. She sure keeps busy.
Grandpa: It's important to her. There are lots of places to go, lots of things to do. She can't sit around and do nothing. Philip works late.
Robbie: I guess you're right. I wish I had her energy.
[ Philip enters the front door, looking tired, holding his briefcase. ]
Philip: Anybody home?
Robbie: We're in here, Dad.
Philip: Oh. Hi, gang.
Grandpa: Hello, Philip. How was your day?
Philip: My day was just fine. So was my night. It's almost ten o'clock. Mmm. I'm starving. Um... where's Mom?
Robbie: She went to a school-board meeting.
Grandpa: There's a note for you on the refrigerator.
Philip: Oh?
[ Philip checks the note on the refrigerator and starts making a quick sandwich. ]
Philip: Did you have dinner, Robbie?
Robbie: Yeah. Mike and I had a hamburger at the diner. I came home a little while ago. You've been working late almost every night this week, Dad. Aren't you exhausted?
Philip: I don't have time to be exhausted.
Robbie: You and Mom haven't had dinner together with us in almost a full week.
Philip: Yeah, I feel bad about us not having dinner with the family, but our schedules are so different. Either I'm at the hospital doing paperwork, or Mom is at a committee meeting. I frankly don't know what to do about it.
Robbie: I'm worried about you and Mom. You really have been working too hard.
[ Philip takes a bite of the sandwich and puts it down. ]
Philip: Well, I think I've had enough of that sandwich.
Robbie: You didn't finish it.
Philip: It's not good to eat before going to bed. A cookie can't hurt, though.
[ Philip grabs a cookie and prepares to leave the kitchen. ]
Philip: Well, I'm heading off for bed and a good night's sleep.
Robbie: Well, good night.
Philip: Good night, son. Good night, Dad. I'm going to bed.
Grandpa: Good night, Philip.
Philip: Haven't you finished balancing that checkbook?
Grandpa: I found another mistake. I'll be off to bed myself in a minute.
Philip: OK. Good night.
[ Philip leaves. Robbie sits down across from Grandpa. ]
Robbie: I'm really concerned about them, Grandpa.
Grandpa: Concerned about whom?
Robbie: About Mom and Dad. They hardly ever see each other. Dad often works late, and Mom has all these committees she's on.
Grandpa: What do you propose to do about it? You have that look in your eye.
Robbie: I don't know, but there must be a way of getting them to spend more time together. Quality time.