East of Eden
written by Paul Osborn, from the novel by John Steinbeck
Abra: (softly) Mr. Trask. (she waits) Mr. Trask -- can you hear me? Is it just Cal you won't answer? Can you answer? (Adam makes no sign) I think you can understand me, though. I think behind your eyes you're just as alert as ever and understand everything I say -- only you can't show it. (pauses) Mr. Trask, it's awful not to be loved. It's the worst thing in the world. Don't ask me -- even if you could -- how I know that. I just know it. It makes you mean -- and violent -- and cruel. And that's the way Cal has always felt, Mr. Trask. All his life! Maybe you didn't mean it that way -- but it's true. You never gave him your love. You never asked for his. You never asked him for one thing. (pause) Cal did something very bad and I'm not asking you to forgive him -- or bless him or anything like that. Cal has got to forgive you -- for not having loved him -- or for not having shown your love. And he has forgiven you. I know he has. But you must give him some sign, Mr. Trask -- some sign that you love him -- or he'll never be a man. All his life he'll feel guilty and alone unless you release him (she pauses) I love Cal, Mr. Trask. And I want him to be happy and strong and whole. And only you can do it. Try! Please try! Find a way to show him! Ask for something. Let him help you, so he knows you love him. Let him do for you -- (she looks at him a moment more) Excuse me, Mr. Trask, for daring to speak to you this way -- if you hear me -- but I had to! (upset, she runs from the room)