So Good: A short script

INT.  RUDYS KITCHEN – DAY (1953)

RUTH RANDALLS, around 27 years old, stands in a 50’s kitchen of her studio apartment next to the red square table containing four red chairs, holding onto the back of the chair closest to the door.

Into the room, enters FRANK RANDALLS, around 30 with an army uniform on, her husband of four years, returning home from the Korean War that just ended.

RUTH

Frank your…back…I am so happy to see you!

Ruth runs into Franks open arms. She hugs him warmly.

FRANK

Yeah, as back as I will ever be.

He smiles and hugs her back

I am glad to be home….especially back with my wife.

He smiles at her, taking her all in.

RUTH

You look beat up.

She smiles at him, taking him all in.

FRANK

Yeah I been beat up, chewed up, and spit out. But we got those communist. We got them.

Raising his left fist in the air, waving it away from her.

RUTH

And I am so proud.

FRANK

Yeah………

He smiles at the window and then the smile fades as he looks out.

RUTH

Whats wrong Frank?

She walks over behind him placing her hand on his shoulder.

FRANK

Oh nothing…Ruth.

He shakes her off and walks toward near the red sofa.

RUTH

Come on tell me. Tell me Frank.

She walks over to him and stands in front of him.

FRANK

Ruth its…..nothing. Really.

He looks her in the eyes.

RUTH

No tell me please… I am your wife.

She looks back at him.

FRANK

You wait for me Ruth?

RUTH

Of course Frank. Yes I waited for you.

She waves him off and smiles walking toward the rusty sink.

FRANK

That’s good to hear… cause you know…

He looks down.

RUTH

Know what?

She looks at him.

FRANK

Well the others. Their wives didn’t wait for them.

He looks at her.

RUTH

What do you mean?

She looks down at the empty sink.

FRANK

Johnson’s and Phillips wives didn’t wait for them, and Russell’s wife surely didn’t wait for him. She sent him a letter with a package telling him everything.

He grabs the back of the red chair closest to the door.

RUTH

Oh my. Well I waited like a good wife.

She continues to look down at the sink.

FRANK

I am glad to hear. Its just so bad about the other guys especially Russell.

He then sits down in that chair at the table.

RUTH

Wait! Did you say Russell’s wife didn’t wait?

She looks away from the sink then to him, then back at the sink.

FRANK

Yes Ruth.

Looking at Ruth’s back.

RUTH

No that is impossible. She stayed here with me the entire time you guys were shipped out.

FRANK

 Then when did she go? You know to that diner where they all go looking for that something we can’t give them while we are gone.

Looking at the door.

RUTH

I don’t know. The only time she could have left was when I was sleep. I guess.

FRANK

Must had been. Cause Russell…he got the letter.

He looks through the mail at the table.

Well sometimes women can’t be as strong as you. I am proud of you for that.

RUTH

Yeah….

FRANK

Ruth, you hiding something from me?

RUTH

No…Well yes. Don’t hate me but…

She grabs the ends of the sink tight.

FRANK

But what Ruth?

Still looking through the mail.

RUTH

I had to! Ok I had to! I was craving it and you were in Korea.

I went down there with her every night.

She turns around at him.

FRANK

So what? I am over there and I won’t know and that makes it right.

He is waving his hands in an angry way towards her still sitting down.

RUTH

It’s just the buttery bun, the crisp lettuce and tomatoes and juicy meat. It’s all so good!

She gets closer to the table.

FRANK

Stop!

He slams his hand on the table.

RUTH

No! And you know what I got apple pie after to.

FRANK

How could you?! You promised that if I am not eating real food over there than you wont over here.

RUTH

I couldn’t help myself. I got chocolate malt and fries with it too. That diner has the best double cheeseburgers. 

FRANK

You realize all the messed up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I been eating over there.

RUTH

I know and I am sorry. How can I ever make it up to you?

FRANK

Well you could…

RUTH

What Frank? Anything?

Standing at his chair.

FRANK

Treat me to a cheeseburger. And some apple pie…and chocolate malt………and fries

He grabs her hand and looks in her eyes.

RUTH

                         Ok, lets go.                

INT. HALLWAY OF RUTHS APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY

RUTH

Hey just out of curiosity, what was that package Russell received with the letter?

FRANK

(Chuckles)

A ketchup packet.

Ruth smiles.