Hampton Christopher - The Height of the Storm

It was impressive. Dont you think? Pause. What is it youre looking at? Come and sit down Andr doesnt move. Its no use just standing there, you know. Pause. She goes up to him and glances out of the window, as if she wanted to check what Andr is looking at, then moves off. You ought to come and sit down. Her gaze falls on Andrs old armchair; she smiles. Her gaze falls on Andrs old armchair; she smiles.

She rests her hand on the back of it, as if she wanted to stroke it. Im thinking this was already here when I was a child. It was, wasnt it? This chair All in all, nothing much has changed here Pause. Shes hesitating about saying something to him, finally decides to take the plunge. I was looking through your desk, you know, and I came across your diaries Pause. For the first time, Andr looks at her. I didnt know you were still writing I mean, these last few months Pause. I dont know what to do with them What would you do, if you were me? Pause. He looks away again. Anyway, there are so many heaps of paper to sort through I dont know how you found your way around.

I always feel compelled to tidy everything away I cant bear mess. It upsets me. I dont know who I get that from Because you and Mum are the complete opposite Arent you? Summoning up this image causes a fragile smile, which disappears immediately. But now all that needs organising. Thats what Im here for. Pause. No, I didnt sleep much last night.

And not only because of the storm Obviously. All this has disturbed me, you can imagine. And then theres the very fact of sleeping here. In my childhood bedroom. I think I must have slept there at least I dont know. Ten years.

Maybe even longer Pause. At one point, when the rain had eased off, I got up and found myself here. All by myself. There wasnt a sound. And I stayed here. In the drawing room. I was thinking about you.

About all the things we said to each other yesterday evening She turns to him. You understand, we need to find some solution. Andr turns towards her, his expression somewhat hostile. (Unconfidently.) Of course, this is a wonderful house I dont deny it. Were all attached to it. But is it still what the situation calls for? Andr abandons his position close to the window and sets off towards his chair, moving slowly. His annoyance is palpable. I mean You cant live in this place on your own. If you want to buy a loaf of bread, you have to take the car Andr stops in his tracks. Its just common sense, Dad.

You cant live here on your own. Andr Croissants. Anne What? Andr I have croissants. Not bread. Anne Yes, yes I know. Same thing.

Andr Bread and croissants? The same thing? Anne No. Obviously. Andr So? He shrugs his shoulders, to demonstrate the irrelevance of what his daughters saying. And goes to sit down. Anne What I meant is the house is isolated. When there were two of you, it was still viable. But now it might be time to come up with something else.

A different configuration. Dont you think? With some things, you need to know when to let go. Sometimes. The bell rings. She sees he hasnt reacted. You want me to get that? Andr Its quite simple. I have croissants, thats all.

With butter. And jam. Strawberry jam, if you must know! Anne Right. I Dont move. Ill go. She goes to the door. Andr I dunk them in my coffee.

At one time, I also used to like apricot jam. But thats a bygone age. Time has passed. Under the bridge. Except that nowadays who understands that? Who understands? She comes back with a bunch of flowers, which has clearly just been delivered. Anne Oh, look Yet more flowers. See? Its really Theres no card.

Strange Do you know where the vases are kept? Two days now Ive been searching for vases She starts to unwrap the flowers. Anyway, theyre beautiful. Dont you think? Youve always loved flowers I remember Peonies were your favourite You often used to buy them for Mum? She loved flowers as well Didnt she? All the same, its strange not to send a card with them. How do we know who sent them? She glances at her father. Shes still searching the cupboards for a vase. Pause. Then, cheerfully, as if shes trying to distract him. I went for a walk yesterday.

I went for a stroll round the town. I didnt know theyd put up that building What is it? A sports centre? You know the building I mean? Opposite the Town Hall Yes? Its really hideous. Dont you think? I sometimes wonder who makes these decisions. Ah, theres a vase She continues to arrange the flowers, very casual. Anyway, on my walk, I passed an estate agent. Andr reacts to this. I dropped in and had a word with the man there. Charming fellow.

And I explained the situation to him. He doesnt understand what shes talking about. The situation, Dad I explained it to him. And he suggested calling round, to have a word with you about it. And also to get an idea of what might be involved Hes glaring at her accusingly. Obviously, you wouldnt be committed to anything. But weve been talking about it for such a long time without doing anything about it So, as Im here this weekend, I thought it might be a good opportunity Dont you think? An opportunity to make some concrete progress. Brief pause. Anyway.

He said hed try to drop by tomorrow. Just for a visit. If you agree, of course. Andr By the ton. Anne (who hasnt understood) Sorry? Andr By the ton! Anne I I dont know what you mean. Andr (as if to himself) What you have denied me in grams, I will rip from you by the ton.

Anne What what are you saying? Andr I will build you a city out of piles of rags, yes, I will. Without plans and without cement, I will build you a structure you can never destroy. Which will be supported and inflated by a kind of overflowing undeniability I will install for you proud and overpowering fortresses. Fortresses made entirely from alarums and excursions Toll the bell! Toll the bell! For all of you! Oblivion to the living! Anne is paralysed by this outburst from her father, which seems to come from beyond the grave. Suddenly, a key can be heard in the front door. A change of atmosphere.

Anne returns to the real world. She turns: her mother appears, followed by her sister, lise. Theyre back from the shops. lise has carrier bags in both hands.