Don't get us wrong, we care, just...
Sylvia, I know I haven’t always been there for you as a father, as a role-model, and I can’t say that your going to treatment is going to change any of that. I mean, if we’re going to be honest–Doctor?
Honesty is best, Steven. And I’m not a doctor, actually. I’m a licensed counselor.
Oh, well. I mean, that’s something, isn’t it? But you can prescribe drugs and like that?
No, Steven. I’m a–a psychologist. A talking doctor.
A talking counselor–wouldn’t that be more accurate?
I suppose that’s right, Steven.
You more than suppose, guy. But we’re not here for that. Your shit is not why we’re here, whatever insecurities in you made you go to–what, is that a master’s program? Like a liberal arts program? Do you do any clinical residency for that?
Steven, I think our time here might be best spent talking to your…
You haven’t been right about much, but I think you’re right about that.
Dad. Please.
Jake, please shut up. Please. There are adults talking.
Dad, I’m thirty-two.
Until you don’t call for money anymore, you’re twelve. How about that?
Steven.
Right. Sylvia, look. I’d much rather be playing golf right now. And that’s not because I don’t love you. That’s because I don’t think any of this is going to stick. I mean, how many times have you called me in the middle of the night to come and pick you up at the bus station, talking about how you were going to get your shit straight?
Steven, maybe you could focus on the aspects of your daughter’s and your relationship that you value.
Maybe you could go back to school and get some credentials.
Dad. For god’s sake.
Jake, shut up. I’m not angry with you right now, but we’re getting close. Real close. And you, Doc. Or whatever I’m supposed to call you. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking I’m the cause of all this. That’s some knee-jerk psychobabble right there. Sylvia, I wish you the best. But you’re going to have to get clean for you. That’s all I’m trying to say.
Sylvia, we all want to support you in your making healthy choices for yourself. Jake, you’re crying. Why are you crying? Is it out of concern for your sister?
Let’s call it that, doctor. Let’s say it’s that and not parricidal rage.
Maybe after this, the two of you could go somewhere and compare advanced degrees in the liberal arts.
I hate you, Dad.
I know you do sweetie. And that’s a start.
