Page 51 of Curtain Call
The world around me changes
The trees are bare and everywhere
The streets are full of strangers
I love him
Colin told Riley at the hotel that he loved him. Riley never said it back. He realizes that he has never told Colin those three little words and now, he’s not sure he will ever get the chance again. Riley’s eyes are wet, and his voice is strong. The words are meaningful, and the pianist gives him a little nod of encouragement.
But every day I'm learning
All my life
I've only been pretending
Without me
His world will go on turning
A world that's full of happiness
That I have never knooooooooown
Riley belts out the last word even after the piano stops. He holds the note. It was dramatic. It was everything the moment needed. It was perfect. No. He was perfect. An audition that will put Riley’s name on the shortlist for future auditions. When the note finishes, Riley gasps a breath and his voice is scratchy.
I love him
Riley is sobbing. Tears, snot, and ugly crying all mixed in this dramatic scene. Except he’s no longer acting.
I love him
Riley can’t breathe and drops to his knees. He’s pulling at the collar of his shirt.
I love him
Riley’s voice is faint. Tears streaming down his face.
“Colin,” he squeezes out the whisper.
The room spins.
His vision blurs.
He feels cold and clammy.
The room goes dark.
Act 2
Scene 1
Setting: Shoreline Treatment Facility
Hyannis, Massachusetts
January 11th
Riley
