The Healer

Actors: 4 Notes: The Doctor can easily be ommited if people are a problem - Alice can get his points across while he remains off stage. Also, it would be simplicity itself to change the gender of any part you need.

Synopsis

Andy and Sara are at a doctor’s office, waiting with foot-tapping impatience. Sara (who happens to be missing a finger on her right hand) wonders out loud how long their mutual friend Alice has “been in there.” Andy (who happens to be missing his left arm!) replies that it’s been about an hour, and takes this chance to remind Sara for what is obviously the umpteenth time that he is only here to provide moral support to Sara and Alice. He has absolutely no belief that the Doctor will be able to heal Sara, let alone Alice, and hasn’t the slightest thought of asking for healing himself. He doesn’t want them to be disappointed, but he fully expects that they will be. The subject turns to Sara’s missing finger. He admits that he can understand why Sara wants it replaced. We live in a base-10 society, and Sara can only count to 9. Moreover, the Doctor will certainly be able to at least provide a prosthetic finger to fill in the gap, as it were. Sara, on the other hand, is convinced that this Doctor is a miracle worker in the true sense of the word. She is holding out hope for a real, honest to goodness, flesh-and-blood finger. Andy doesn’t really concede the point, but he changes the subject to Alice’s injury. Apparently, she’s missing her head! It’s been in the freezer for 10 years! Certainly there is no chance whatsoever that the Doctor can heal this injury. Moreover, he’s certain that a prosthetic head will not be satisfactory in the least, and maintains his concern that Alice and Sara will both be deeply disappointed. Not dissuaded from her faith in the least, Sara asks Andy quite pointedly if he wouldn't like to be healed. “Of what?” he replies innocently. With only a little sarcasm, Sara points out that he is missing an arm, and Andy explodes at her in anger. “You bi-armed people are all the same,” he complains, “always trying to force your beliefs on us one-armed people.” He likes being one-armed. It’s part of his lifestyle! Taken aback, Sara apologizes.

Just then, Alice emerges from the exam room, head fully intact. As Sara and Andy watch in awe, the Doctor explains that she should get some rest, drink lots of fluids, and avoid heavy thinking for a few days. Alice tries to pay him, but he assures her that the cost has already been covered in full. Before returning to his office, the Doctor looks at Andy and tells him pointedly that he’d be back in a few minutes, if he is ready.

Andy and Sara both ooh and ah over Alice’s head. Andy in particular is completely amazed – almost unbelieving – as he reaches out and touches her head to be sure it’s real. Alice proudly shows off the fact that there isn’t even a scar, and then asks Andy is he wouldn’t like to go see the doctor. Not quite so defensive this time – and clearly starting to hope - Andy worries that he hasn’t got his arm with him – like Alice has her head. Alice assures him that the Doctor didn’t even use her head – it’s all brand new. He also worries that he’s cutting in front of Sara, who insists she doesn’t mind. Finally, his excuses used up, Andy follows the Doctor out when he beckons from the door.




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