The Honour of Wanting to Quit

Joan is preparing breakfast, after a short time Frank comes on stage, yawning, stretching, paying no attention to Joan, picks up newspaper and reads it
Joan looks at Frank, frowns, unhappy

Joan: Yes, Frank, I agree, it is a simply gorgeous morning.

Frank (muttering behind newspaper)

Joan: Yes, Frank, I had an absolutely wonderful night, thank you so much for asking.

Joan: Frank, would it be too much to ask that you at least speak to me?

Frank: Wha... what is it, dear?

Joan: What is it? Is it possible to at least get some semblance of awareness that I am sharing this house with you?

Frank: Sorry hon, I was just reading about the Branchcom merger here...

Joan: Honestly, Frank, I could not care less whether Branchcom merged or dropped off the face of the earth.

Frank: Considering the fact that over half of our investments and our tomorrows are tied up in Branchcom, I suggest you may want to get concerned!

Joan: Tomorrows? What’s tomorrow? For that matter, what’s today?

Frank: You are in some kind of funk? What’s the problem?

Joan: The problem? Frank, we are the problem.

Frank: Care to elaborate?

Joan: Elaborate? To elaborate we need to use words, and lately the only words between us are when we’re fighting.

Frank: So we are fighting now?

Joan: Don’t treat me like one of your employees, Frank. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m your wife.

Frank: Then that would make me your husband, wouldn’t it? So perhaps you may want to treat me like your husband.

Joan: That would be much easier if you were around from time to time—or if you spoke to me.

Frank: What are you trying to say, Joan?

Joan: I simply don’t care anymore!

Frank: Care? You don’t care?

Joan: No, Frank. I don’t care! I am about ready to...

Frank: To what, Joan?

Joan: To give up, that’s what!

Frank: Give up on what?

Joan: On you, on me, on us!

Frank: Are you suggesting...?

Joan: I don’t know what I’m suggesting. I only know I can’t go on any more, not the way things are.

Frank: I’ve tried to be a good provider, Joan. It’s not easy, you know...

Joan: A good provider? Oh yes, there’s simply no better provider anywhere in Mortgage Heights subdivision. You’ve given me it all—except you.

Frank: So you want... a divorce?

Joan: I want to quit! I’m ready to give up on us, on our life, on our marriage! Did you hear me? I want to quit!

Frank: Quitting is unacceptable. Quitting is dishonourable. It’s unthinkable.

Joan: You want to know what’s unthinkable, Frank? Living together, going through the motions, yet miles apart.

Frank: I don’t want to lose you, Joan.

Joan: Look around, Frank. We lost each other years ago.

Frank: So just like that—it’s over?

Joan: I said I want to quit. I want to quit where we are at, how we are.