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FATHER

What the fuck you care?

DOMINIC

You’re my father. I care. Sons are supposed to care about their fathers … or haven’t you heard?

FATHER

(coughing)

Don’t get wise with me! I can still get out of this chair and whomp you one!

DOMINIC

(smiling sadly)

Is that the only form of communication you know?—“Whomping” people?

FATHER

(laughing)

Ah, it’s not even worth it! You and your fancy words … What do you know about bein’ a man?

DOMINIC

Dad, I wanted you to be there tonight. You knew I wanted you there … didn’t you?

His father looked at him and the hardness in his eyes seemed to soften a bit. Looking away, Joseph Kazan spoke in a low voice.

FATHER

Yeah … yeah, I knew.

DOMINIC

So why weren’t you there? Did it really feel better to crawl into one of those sewers you call a bar and get filthy drunk? Did you think that getting juiced would make it all go away? What do—

FATHER

Shut up! Shut up before I whomp ya!

His father had put his hands over his ears, trying to shut out the offending words.

DOMINIC

No, I don’t think so. I don’t think you’ll be “whomping” anybody. Ever again.

FATHER

That’s brave words from a wimp like you.

DOMINIC

Don’t talk to me about “brave.” Why didn’t you come to the play tonight? My play! Your son’s play!

FATHER

What’re you talkin’ about?

DOMINIC

What were you afraid of, Dad? That maybe some of your buddies might see you? Might catch you going to see a bunch of “faggots"?

FATHER

Hah! See, you even admit it yourself!

Dominic’s mother moved in between the two men.

MOTHER

Oh God, look at you two! So much anger … so much hate. Please, stop it…!

DOMINIC

Hate? No, Mom, that’s not right. A lack of love, maybe … but not really hate. There’s a difference.

FATHER

(looking at his son)

What the hell do you know?

DOMINIC

I think that’s the heart of the problem around here—not enough love in this house. There isn’t any love here. No warmth … no love.

FATHER

Shit, I’ll tell y’about love! I worked for yer Mom for thirty-five years. Worked hard! Did she ever have to go out’n take a job like other guys’ wives? Shit, no!

His father was trembling as he spoke, his florid face puffy and shining with sweat.

DOMINIC

There’s more to love than that, Dad. Like the love between you and me … When I was a kid, did you ever just sit down and play with me? Did you ever tell me stories, or try to make me laugh? How about going fishing together, or flying a kite? Did we ever do anything like that?

FATHER

A man has to work!

DOMINIC

Did you really love your work that much?

FATHER

What do y’mean?

DOMINIC

Did you love your work more than me?

FATHER

(confused, angry)

Don’t talk no bullshit to me!

DOMINIC

It’s not bullshit, Dad. Listen, when I was little—no brothers or sisters—I spent a lot of time alone. Sometimes I needed someone to guide me, to teach me.

FATHER

I never ran out and never came home at night … ask your mother! I was always there, every night!

DOMINIC

(smiling sadly)

Oh, yeah, you were there physically. But never emotionally, can’t you see that? I can remember seeing other kids out doing things with their fathers, and I can remember really hating’ them—because they had something I never did. That kind of stuff hurt me a lot more than your belt ever did.

His father did not respond, but looked down at his lap, where he had unconsciously knotted his hands together.

MOTHER

Dominic, leave him alone now. Let’s all have some coffee, and we can—

DOMINIC

No, Mom. Let’s finish it. Let’s get it all out. It’s been a long time coming.

(to his father)

Hey, Dad … do you know I have no memories of you ever encouraging me to do anything? Except all that macho shit.

FATHER

What kind of shit?

DOMINIC

Remember when I saved my paper route money and bought