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EXT. MANSION-LATER
An ambulance pulls up in front of the house and a driver gets out.
INT. MANSION
Max, in a wheelchair, is about to exit the building for his ride home. He spots Joseph in the meeting room, sitting and reading.
MAX
I want to thank you.
JOSEPH
How are you feeling?
MAX
Hurts a little.
JOSEPH
Breaks heal. You’ll be good as new.
MAX
No, I won’t.
JOSEPH
What?
MAX
I won’t be able to walk for three months, then with a cane for a couple of months, then I’ll limp.
JOSEPH
So?
MAX
So, it’ll be too late to come back here, to do the training, to find a country that will take me. I broke my leg, Joseph, but I also ruined my chances of getting out.
JOSEPH
No, Max, that’s not…
MAX
Goodbye, Joseph. And thanks again.
Joseph watches Max wheel the chair out to the waiting ambulance and drive off. Bondy walks up and stands next to Joseph.
BONDY
Shame.
JOSEPH
He’ll be back.
Bondy’s expression indicates he thinks otherwise.
EXT. COW BARN—LATER
Joseph and Otto are cleaning out stalls.
JOSEPH
Max left.
OTTO
I heard.
JOSEPH
He may not come back.
OTTO
Too bad. Max was just getting into the swing of things here. (beat) That was a pretty good thing you did at the pond.
JOSEPH
Nothing much.
OTTO
Yes it was. (beat) That Max was a stupid kid.
JOSEPH
Maybe I’m the stupid one.
OTTO
Why?
JOSEPH
I do such a great thing, then I talk to Esther about it and I turn it into dust.
OTTO
Girls will make us do that sometimes. Especially girls we like.
JOSEPH
Who said anything about liking her?
OTTO
Just a guess.
JOSEPH
Well, it’s a pretty good guess.
OTTO
Want some advice?
JOSEPH
No.
OTTO
Okay. (beat) I’d try and relax with her. Don’t take it all so seriously. Besides, you’re in good shape. I have it on good authority she likes you a lot.
JOSEPH
Then how come she’s so tough on me?
OTTO
She’s tough on everyone.
JOSEPH
Me, mostly.
OTTO
Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’s probably the same reason you’re tough with her.
JOSEPH
Scared?
OTTO
Smart boy.
JOSEPH
Back at the pond, how come you didn’t jump in?
OTTO
It never occurred to me. I went looking for Bo, to get him to do something. Besides, I saved Max once. Now it was someone else’s turn.
JOSEPH
It never occurred to me to look for anyone.
OTTO
(sarcastic)
You are one of the chosen ones, Joseph. You will lead us into the promised land.
Joseph throws a shovel full of whatever they’re cleaning toward Otto. Otto side steps, then flings some back at Joseph.
OTTO (CONT’D)
Is this any way for the leader of a people to behave?
JOSEPH
Well, it feels pretty good, Otto, so it must be right.
They resume the horseplay.
INT. MANSION—NIGHT
Campers and staff are seated in the meeting room. There is general chatter until Bondy walks to the center of the room.
BONDY
I have some news. We are going to be favored by an esteemed visitor.
The reaction is upbeat until:
BONDY (CONT’D)
Herr Colonel Obermeier and his staff informed me they will be honoring us with a visit next week. To see how we are progressing.
OTTO
To see what they can steal.
GRETA
Are they going to close the camp?
BONDY
What makes you think that?
GRETA
I always think of what scares me the most. And it scares me to think I won’t see you all anymore.
BONDY
Naturally, they are up to no good, Greta, but I can’t imagine they’re planning to close our camp. Here’s what I propose. In honor of their visit, we will put on one of our plays.
CARL
Which one?
BONDY
(smiling)
I’m sure we’ll think of something.
INT. COW BARN
Joseph is watching Esther as she works around the cows, brushing them, cleaning the stalls, etc.
ESTHER
Are you here just to watch, or can you give me a hand?
JOSEPH
I prefer watching, but what do you need?
Esther hands Joseph a hose and some milk pails.
ESTHER
These need to be cleaned out.
As they speak, Joseph is cleaning the pails and Esther is doing her work.
ESTHER (CONT’D)
Why do you think Obermeier is coming?
JOSEPH
The truth?
ESTHER
As opposed to?
JOSEPH
I think he’s coming to measure us for a box. I don’t think the box has been made yet, but he’s coming just to be ready should the order to box up the Jews comes down.
ESTHER
(stunned)
You really think that?
JOSEPH
As opposed to?
They work in thoughtful silence for awhile.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
If I scared you, I’m sorry. I’ve always had trouble being too blunt. My parents were always telling me I needed to develop tact, but I never got around to it. Another failing.
ESTHER
It’s not that you scared me. It’s more like you forced me to acknowledge something I knew, but didn’t want to know. You know?
JOSEPH
I know. It’s sort of like a voice in the back of your mind that keeps saying something, but you don’t want to listen. Then suddenly…
ESTHER
…it starts to yell and you can’t ignore it.
JOSEPH
(excited)
That’s it.
ESTHER
(calmly)
Yes, that’s it.
JOSEPH
Then you agree with me about Obermeier.
ESTHER
I agree and I also discovered something.
JOSEPH
What’s that?
ESTHER
That I can talk to you as a friend.
They work in silence for a while.
EXT. FARM
JOSEPH
So when did you discover you could use words to bully people?
ESTHER
(laughing)
About the same time you did, I guess.
JOSEPH
Now maybe we can stop at the same time.
ESTHER
(unsettled)
Are you almost finished with the pails?
JOSEPH
(smiling)
Haven’t even started.
Bondy is walking through the farm with Obermeier. They are followed by Joseph walking with Schmidt. As Bondy walks, he points out various things to Obermeier, who takes it all in with cold interest. Joseph and Schmidt walk in silence as they all listen to Bondy.
BONDY
And that is the old tractor shed. We have made it somewhat bigger and are using it not only for the tractor, but for all of the farm equipment.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
Such as?
BONDY
The plows, the threshers…
COLONEL OBERMEIER
How did you get threshers? Most German farms don’t have threshers.
BONDY
I am a lucky man, Colonel.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
So far, Bondy.
BONDY
(ignoring the threat)
And there is where we keep the horses.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
Yes, with the cows.
JOSEPH
Oh, no, Colonel. We couldn’t get them all into the same shed, so we had to build another barn for them.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
(shocked)
You have increased the size of the herd?
JOSEPH
Oh, yes, sir.
Bondy, who has been trying to keep Joseph quiet, finally gives up and he jumps in.
BONDY
Not by much, Colonel. One, maybe two heads. That’s it. And precious little milk from either of them. (laughing) They eat more than they’re worth.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
Ah, Bondy, you are a treacherous person. I never know just how to take you. You are either a consummate liar or a most naïve, trusting man.
BONDY
Ah, which is it, sir?
COLONEL OBERMEIER
Remains to be seen.
Bondy continues on as if nothing has occurred.
BONDY
If we had enough time, I would love to take you down to the pond to see the lovely fish.
Obermeier waves him off.
BONDY (CONT’D)
Well, perhaps some other time.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
(waving it off)
Yes, some other time.
BONDY
However, while you are here, the campers have worked up a little play you might be interested in seeing.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
No. We have to go.
BONDY
A few minutes. They have been working at it for a week. In your honor, Colonel.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
(entering the house)
Well, in my honor…
INT. MEETING ROOM OF MANSION
Bondy, Obermeier, Joseph, and Schmidt enter the meeting room, which has been arranged for a theatrical production. They take seats in the first row as the rest of the campers and staff fill the rest of the seats. The lights dim and the play begins as two players enter. As the play proceeds, Obermeier and Schmidt become increasingly agitated.
OTTO
(as Haman)
Oh, King, I think it is time for us to have a feast in your honor.
JOSEPH
(as King)
It has been a long time between feasts, Haman. I agree. I would enjoy a little relaxation. A feast would be welcomed.
OTTO
Perhaps we can ask the Queen to entertain us at the feast?
JOSEPH
Another outstanding idea. You do your job well, chief advisor.
OTTO
Thank you, your Majesty.
JOSEPH
Have my Queen brought in.
Otto leaves and returns with Marlene.
OTTO
The Queen, your Majesty.
JOSEPH
My Queen, you look lovely tonight.
MARLENE
(as Queen)
Thank you, my King.
JOSEPH
My Queen, I have decided to have a feast and I request that you perform and entertain us with song and dance.
MARLENE
My King, I am your Queen, not an entertainer. I will not obey.
OTTO
(enraged)
My King, this must not be permitted. The Queen must obey to set a proper example for the rest of your subjects.
JOSEPH
You are right. (to Queen) Obey or be banished.
MARLENE
I shall not obey. I am not an entertainer. I am a Queen.
JOSEPH
You are banished. Take her away.
Otto leads Marlene off stage, then returns to Joseph.
OTTO
She is gone, My King, but now you are in need of a Queen.
JOSEPH
What should I do?
OTTO
Make all the women in the land enter a contest, the winner to become your new Queen.
JOSEPH
Excellent. See to it.
The stage darkens, then re-lights. Joseph and Otto have been replaced by Carl and Esther.
CARL
My niece, I have news. There is to be a contest for who will be our next Queen.
ESTHER
What is that to me, my uncle?
CARL
All the women in the land must enter.
ESTHER
Surely you don’t also mean to include me. As I am Jewish, I’m sure the pagan King would not consider me.
CARL
You must enter. However, if you are picked, you must understand that you have been chosen by God to fulfill his word, that it is God’s work you will be doing.
ESTHER
Does the King know that it was you who foiled the plot against his life?
CARL
It would appear not. But it doesn’t matter. As Jews, our lives are preordained to be difficult.
The stage darkens. Carl exits with Esther. The stage lights to find Joseph and Otto waiting for Esther, who enters.
ESTHER
My King. My name is Esther and I have come for the competition.
JOSEPH
After seeing you, there will be no others. My Queen.
OTTO
Sire, you must interview others.
JOSEPH
Esther shall be my new Queen. See to it.
The campers in the audience begin to cheer.
OTTO
Yes, my King.
Otto and Esther leave.
JOSEPH
I have begun to love her already.
The stage darkens, then relights to reveal Carl. Otto enters and walks past Carl.
OTTO
(angry)
I walk past, but you do not bow. How dare you?
CARL
I am Mordecai the Jew. I bow only to my God.
OTTO
(calls off stage)
Arrest this man. He shall be punished for not bowing to me.
The campers in the audience begin to boo. The stage darkens, then relights to reveal Joseph and Otto.
JOSEPH
My scribes told me a man foiled a plot against my life.
OTTO
So I was told, my King.
JOSEPH
How should such a man be rewarded?
OTTO
He should be dressed in finery, placed on a horse, and taken in honor throughout the land.
JOSEPH
See to it.
OTTO
Who is this man, my King?
JOSEPH
He is known as Mordecai, the Jew.
OTTO
(furious)
As you wish. (beat) My King, there are a people in your land who live by their own laws and pray to their own gods. They might be traitors. What should we do?
JOSEPH
Take care of the matter in your own way. I will now visit my Queen.
Joseph exits.
OTTO
(loudly)
Now hear my new order. All Jews are to be killed in two weeks. And build a high gallows for Mordecai, the Jew.
The audience boos. The stage darkens, then lights to reveal Joseph, Otto and Esther.
ESTHER
My King, I have a request.
JOSEPH
What is it you want, my Queen?
ESTHER
I want my life.
JOSEPH
Who threatens your life?
ESTHER
(pointing to Otto)
He does, My King. He has ordered the death of all Jews. I am a Jew, my King.
JOSEPH
(furious at Otto)
Arrest this man and hang him. My Queen is a Jew and it was a Jew who saved my life. Bring Mordecai to me.
The audience cheers. Otto walks off stage as Carl enters.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Mordecai, will you be my new chief advisor?
CARL
Yes, my King, because you freed the Jews and because of your love for Queen Esther.
The audience cheers as the stage darkens. The lights come up on the meeting room as the campers leave. Bondy and Obermeier are the last to leave.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
You surprise me, Bondy.
BONDY
Why is that?
COLONEL OBERMEIER
I assumed you were clever. I never thought you were brave.
BONDY
It’s just a play, Colonel.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
I’m afraid you underestimate me, Bondy. I’ve been a student of Jewish culture for years.
BONDY
That surprises me.
COLONEL OBERMEIER
It’s what they teach in all war academies. Know your enemy.
BONDY
Am I your enemy, Colonel?
COLONEL OBERMEIER
At no time more so than now.
Obermeier leaves. Joseph enters.
BONDY
We may have overplayed the hand.
JOSEPH
I don’t think you can overplay hatred. We’ll survive.
BONDY
I can count on that?
JOSEPH
We’ll survive.
DISSOLVE—FLASH FORWARD
INT. LIVING ROOM
More of the reunioners.
OTTO
That was a dangerous thing to do.
CARL
In the end, it made no difference.
JOSEPH
No, it made a difference. It made a difference to us.
OTTO
That’s true. It made me feel better about myself.
MARLENE
Still, Bondy put us all in jeopardy. Obermeier could have had us shot.
JOSEPH
No, not then. That came later.
CARL
Thinking back, you have to admit that Bo was an odd fellow. A man of many sides.
GRETA
Well, I always thought he played the piano beautifully.
JOSEPH
(nostalgically)
Bondy and his run away piano.
DISSOLVE—FLASH BACK
INT. MUSIC ROOM
A group of campers are playing chamber music. Bondy is at the piano. They are racing through the music, the group trying desperately to keep up with Bondy, but he finishes first by a long shot and waits, somewhat befuddled by the others’ slowness.
EXT. WOODS
Joseph and Esther are strolling in the woods. VO we hear Marlene, Otto and Joseph.
MARLENE (VO)
I want to tell you how sorry I feel about Esther not being here.
JOSEPH (VO)
Thank you. I’m sorry too.
MARLENE (VO)
How long is she gone?
JOSEPH (VO)
Three years, October.
OTTO (VO)
I’ll tell you, Joseph, if you hadn’t married her, I would have.
Joseph and Esther hear a NOISE. They stop and see a badger scurrying across their path. They seem comfortable with each other, smelling flowers, looking at the trees, watching birds.
ESTHER
This is going to change, isn’t it?
JOSEPH
Everything changes.
ESTHER
You are sounding more and more like Bo. Philosophical, cautious, tactful.
JOSEPH
All terrible things to be, right?
ESTHER
No, just not the way you were when I met you.
JOSEPH
Ten days ago.
ESTHER
It’s ten months ago.
JOSEPH
Feels like ten days ago.
They continue to walk, talking as they go.
ESTHER
I’m serious, Joseph. You have changed since I first met you.
JOSEPH
I’m ten months older.
ESTHER
Not as arrogant. More patient with the new kids.
JOSEPH
You must be talking about someone else.
ESTHER
That’s one thing that hasn’t changed. You’re still difficult to get close to.
JOSEPH
I never realized you wanted to get close.
ESTHER
I thought we were friends, but you’re so busy defending yourself.
JOSEPH
Believe it or not, Esther, I was a pretty happy kid until a few years ago. There wasn’t anything I had to defend myself from.
ESTHER
We were all pretty happy.
JOSEPH
I think the worst thing was seeing what all this has done to my parents, particularly my father. He used to be proud of his job, his position, his income. Now they live on money from his brother in New York. Soon that will stop. It all seemed so hopeless.
ESTHER
Seemed?
JOSEPH
Do you know where Kenya is?
ESTHER
What?
JOSEPH
There’s a family in Nairobi, in Kenya, that will take me. They are ready to lie that I am their nephew, that I was in Germany in school and would like to come live with them.
ESTHER
When?
JOSEPH
Any day now. Bo told me yesterday.
Esther is stunned and sits on a log to ponder this.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Maybe I’ll become a big game hunter. (beat) No, that’ll mean I have to shoot animals. Can’t do that. Maybe I’ll just trap them, then let them go. (beat) Not much of a job. Maybe…
ESTHER
Maybe you’ll just be quiet for a while.
JOSEPH
Just trying to make some jokes. I don’t like to see you unhappy.
ESTHER
Not unhappy, Joseph. Just mixed up. I’m glad for you. I’m worried for me. I’ll miss you, but I’m glad you’re going. At times, I find you whining and childish, but every morning I wake up wondering what Joseph is going to do today to make me smile. If I didn’t think you were such a jerk, I might think I loved you. (beat) Jump in here any time you’d like.
JOSEPH
You never answered me. Do you know where Kenya is?
ESTHER
(flustered)
Africa, I don’t know. Why?
***
For all installments from “Gross-Breesen,” click here.
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Henry Meyerson’s full-length and one-act plays have been published by Samuel French, Inc and have been internationally produced. His plays The Activist and Jump Jim Crow earned grants from The New Jersey Council on the Arts. Many of his short stories have been published through the years. Meyerson has a Phd in Clinical Psychology and an MFA in Playwrighting. Synopses of his full-length plays and screenplays can be found at his website.