In Act One, Grandpa reads some bad news. A little later, Grandpa's friend comes to visit. Nat is very upset about something. Why is Nat so upset?
[ In the kitchen / dining area. Grandpa is reading the newspaper with a troubled look on his face. Robbie enters. ]
Robbie: Morning, Grandpa. Is something the matter, Grandpa?
Grandpa: The editorial in this paper has my friend Nat Baker real upset. Ah! I'll read it to you. "The old library building on Chestnut Street, which has been vacant for over a year now, was supposed to be made into a community center to serve the senior citizens as well as the younger people of Riverdale. Due to lack of funds for the repainting of the interior of the building and for the furniture needed, the plans for the community center have been postponed indefinitely." He's coming over to talk about it.
Robbie: Is it that serious a problem, Grandpa?
Grandpa: It is. Nat's not as lucky as I am, Robbie. He doesn't have any family with him. He lives alone and depends on places like a community center to be with people—people his own age.
Robbie: But there's the old community center on Elm Street.
Grandpa: It's small, and the problem is that it's set up primarily for kids to play. Ping-Pong tables, soda machines, and lots of music. It's too noisy for some older people like Nat.
Robbie: I never realized that.
Grandpa: It's hard for some older people to take all that noise. That's why the new community center is a good idea. Part of the building for older people, part of the building for younger people.
Robbie: I see what you mean.
[ The doorbell rings. ]
Grandpa: That must be Nat.
Robbie: It could be Alexandra. She's coming over this morning to help me with my math.
[ Robbie goes to open the door and welcomes Alexandra inside. ]
Alexandra: Hi, Robbie.
Robbie: Hi, Alexandra. Come on in. Do you want something cold to drink?
Alexandra: I'd love some cola, please.
Robbie: Cola coming up. I really appreciate you coming over to help with my math. My final exam is next Tuesday.
Alexandra: You're so good in all your other subjects. I just can't understand why you have so many problems with math.
[ Grandpa comes over from the doorway. ]
Grandpa: Hi, Alexandra.
Alexandra: Hi, Mr. Stewart.
Grandpa: I thought that was Nat Baker who rang the front doorbell. Don't let me interrupt you.
Robbie: No problem, Grandpa. We're just having some cola before getting to tough stuff—math.
Alexandra: He'll do anything to avoid getting down to math lessons, Mr. Stewart.
Grandpa: I was the same way.
Robbie: Really, Grandpa?
Grandpa: Really. I didn't like math, I wasn't good at it, and I didn't like studying it.
Robbie: But you had to be good at math. You graduated from engineering school.
Grandpa: I was. But not in high school. For some reason, I couldn't get a handle on it. Then, in college, I became good at it.
Alexandra: Then there's hope for Robbie.
Robbie: I can't wait. You think I can just skip it now and get to it at college?
Alexandra: You'll never get to college to find out, Robbie, if you skip it now.
[ The doorbell rings again. ]
Grandpa: That must be Nat.
Alexandra: Sit down, Robbie. Let's get to work.
[ Grandpa brings Nat Baker into the room. ]
Grandpa: I'd like you to meet my friend Nat Baker. This is Alexandra Pappas, and this is my grandson Robbie, whom I think you've met once or twice before.
Alexandra: Nice to meet you, Mr. Baker.
Robbie: Hi, Mr. Baker. We met before.
Nat: Where?
Robbie: In town. At the hardware store.
Nat: I remember now. Right. Hi. Hello, Alexandra.
Grandpa: Don't let us keep you from your math tutoring, Robbie. I know you want to get to it.
Robbie: Stay... stay.
Alexandra: I told you. He'll use any excuse to avoid math.
Nat: Did you read the story in the paper, Malcolm?
Grandpa: I did.
Nat: It's a serious matter for a lot of us. A serious matter.
Grandpa: It is. Come on out to the patio. We'll talk about it out there.
Nat: Thanks. Nice to meet you... again.
[ Grandpa and Nat walk toward the patio. ]
Alexandra: What's the problem?
Robbie: Come on! You'll hear about it.