Summary: Shaun sees that a friend shuts others out from helping, but refuses to see the same problem in his own life.
Style:  Dramatic.  Duration:  4min
Actors: 2M

Characters
Shaun, Adam (two friends)

Script

(Shaun and Adam enter from opposite sides, as though meeting at a planned place and time.)

SHAUN
Hey, Adam. Thanks for meeting me. What did you find out about Josh?

ADAM
Man, he's all messed-up. The big dufus!

SHAUN
What's wrong with him?

ADAM
He pulled muscles in several directions and maybe even broke something. They're still doing tests. But, he says his Daddy didn't raise no weaklings and he'll be all right.

SHAUN
Such a hot-shot! How did it happen?

ADAM
Well, apparently Josh got it into his head that he just had to finish building that tree house for his little brother by himself -- and by tonight!

SHAUN
Wouldn't anybody help him?

ADAM
We tried. He said he'd let us know if he needed help but he never talked to anybody about it. Said he didn't want to bother anybody.

SHAUN
So did he fall out of the tree or something?

ADAM
He's out of his tree, all right! ha-ha But before he fell he tried to carry a bunch of boards strapped on his back as he climbed up. He made it all the way to the top before he slipped and bounced to the ground.

SHAUN
Well, hopefully he'll be okay and will have learned his lesson that it's not a bad thing to ask for help when you need it.

ADAM
I hope so too, but don't hold your breath. He can be pretty stubborn.
(The two boys stand and think about what's happened for a moment, then SHAUN changes the subject.)

SHAUN
Adam, the other thing I wanted to discuss was that spiritual thing we talked about the other day. You know, the one that had you so messed up.

ADAM
Shaun, you're my friend and my Christian brother, and I don't want to hurt your feelings, but get off my back. You're not helping anything by nagging me.

SHAUN
We need to sit down and pray ...

ADAM
I can handle this on my own. I didn't get to be the captain of the football team by crying on everybody's shoulder every time I got messed up inside.

SHAUN
But I really think with God's help ...

ADAM
You just don't know what it feels like to be pulled in several different directions and have your heart broken all at the same time. I've just got to do this on my own and the quicker the better!

SHAUN
I told you I'd be there for you.

ADAM
Yeah, you and everybody else. I just feel like I've got all these burdens strapped on my back and I'm about to lose my grip. I feel like I'm being tested.
But my Daddy didn't raise no weaklings. I'll be all right. Just wait and see.
(Adam walks off stage leaving SHAUN starring in disbelief. He turns to the audience for his last line.)

SHAUN
Is it just me, or did that sound real familiar?

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