TheMatthewShepardStory

ACT1
Scene1

Intheloungeitiswarm.Matthewisdrinkingbeerandsittingonacouch.Somepeoplestandin
cornerswhileotherssitbunchedtogethertalkingandlaughing.Awindowisopenedintheleft
cornerlettinginthesoftmoonlight.Twoyoungmenwalkinaboutthesameheighttheyscanthe
loungeafewtimesthengotothebar.TheyturnandseeMatthewsittingonthecouchalone.The
mensmileinvitinglythenstarttoadvancesteadilytowardshim.

MAN1:
HesitsdownononesideofMatthewandhisfriendontheotherside.HelooksatMatthewthen
athisfriendandsmilesslyly.Hey

MATTHEW:
Heglancesatthemquicklythenathisbeer.Hey.Hishandshakesalittle.

MAN1:
Itsokay.Matthewlooksupatthemthenbackdownathisbeer.Hehesitatesthen:Iremember
whenIusedtobeshy.Afraidtomeetnewpeople.HeseesMatthewlookathimandgets
encouraged.Youlooklikeaniceguyandweseenyouallaloneandthoughtwemightkeepya
company.
Matthewsipssomeofhisbeerandnodshishead.

MAN2:
HelooksathisfriendthenatMathew.Sodoyoucomehereoften?Weliverightaroundthe
corner.

MATTHEW:
YeahIliveacoupleofneighborhoodsdownfromhere.Heglancesatthem.Iusuallycomehere
withsomeofmyfriendsbuttheiratapartyandIdidntreallyfeellikegoing.Breathesthen:So
Idecidedtocomehereandhang.

MAN1:
Thisisourfirsttimecominghere.Hescansthelounge.Itlooksdeadinhere.

MATTHEW:
Helooksaround.Yeah,sometimesitsmorealiveinherebutitsmostlyrelaxed.


MAN2:
Unliketheclubwejustcamefrom.HeputshisheaddownandMatthewlooksathim.

MATTHEW:
Whatclub?

MAN2:
RockyHooks.HeseesthatMatthewisinterested,hecontinues.Weheardthereweresomenice
guysuptherethatwecouldmeet.Wewentand.Hestopsandislookingfaroffintospaceasif
rememberingahorridstory.Hecontinues:Wegotinandhangedwithsomepeople,dancing,
talking,andjusthavinagoodtime.Hesmilesforamoment.Thensomeguyscomein,runningto
us.Theycalledusfagsandsaidiftheyeversawourassesagaintheywouldbeatus.Hepauses
andMatthewsitspatiently.Weputupagoodfightwedid.Heglancesathisfriend.Butitwasnt
goodenough,sowewerebasicallythrownout.

MATTHEW:
Imsorry.Afireisburninginsidehim.

MAN2:
ItsokayMatthewcutshimoff.

MATTHEW:
No!Peopleheadsturninstantlyandhelowershisvoice.Noitsnotokay.Hechokesonhis
wordsabit.Allyouwantedtodowashaveagoodtimelikeeveryoneelse,butyettheyjust
wouldntleaveyoualone.Theycouldntleaveyoualone.

MAN1:
Exactly.Matthewlooksawayfromthem.Compassionate.Ithappensatleastoncetous.

MATTHEW:
Itshouldnt

MAN1:
Iknowbutwegottagetthroughit.Orelsewelljustbemiserableourwholelives.Heputshis
handonmatthewsshoulder,lookscaringly.Peoplewilltalkbutwhocares.Youjusthavetoget
stronger.HesmilesatMatthewthenathisfriend.

MATTHEW:

Stilllookingaway.Itswhatever.

MAN2
Hey,thatshowyouhavetolookatitsometimes.Thereisashortsilencebetweenthem.

MATTHEW:
Hethinksthen:Stilldidntgetyournames

MAN1:
OhminesAaronhisisRussell.Russellwaves.Aaronlooksdownsmilesthenlooksbackup.
Guessweshouldhavebeentoldyathathuh.

MATTHEW:
Ohitdoesntmatter.Smiles.MinesMatthew.

AARON:
Matthew.Huh,thatsanicename.Matthewsmiles.Youknowthatsmycousinsname

MATTHEW:
Ohreally

AARON:
Yeah.Hegoesintohispocketanddigsalittle,thenpullsoutapicture.HegivesittoMatthew.

MATTHEW:
Chuckles.Wow,hesreallysomethin.

AARON:
Yeahhesfive.Justturnedfivetoo.HelooksatRussell.

RUSSELL:
YoureareallyniceguyMatt.CanIcallyouMatt?

MATTHEW:
Sure

AARON:
Goodlookintoo.Therearenttoomanyguyslikeyouyouredifferent.Matthewlooksathis
beerandsmilesshyly.Heseeshiswatchandhiseyebrowsraise.


MATTHEW:
Ohman.Startsgettingup.Itslate.Igottago.

AARON:
HelooksatRussell.Wecantakeyouhome

MATTHEW:
Looksathimashegathershimself.Ohno.Hepicksuphistrash.Icanwalk

RUSSELL:
Asifheheardajoke.Walk.Noneedwecandriveyou.Matthewtriestospeak,butiscutoffby
Aaron.

AARON:
LooksintoMatthewseyes.Weinsist

MATTHEW:
Okay.Smiles

AARON:
StartsheadingforthedoorRussellandMatthewfollow.Whatsthebigrushanyway.He
shoveshishandsinhispockets.

MATTHEW:
Imstudyingforanexamthatstomorrow.Hethrowshisdrinkaway.

RUSSELL:
TryintogetthemAshuh.TurnsheadtowardsMatthew.

MATTHEW:
Yeah

RUSSELL:
Shouldastayedincollege

AARON:
Noshit

MATTHEW:
Itsnotallitscrackeduptobe.

AARON:
Yeah,butitsbetterthanbeingonthestreetwonderinghowyougonnagetyournextmeal.
Theyleavethestage.Therearefadedsoundsoftalking,music,andlaughter.

Scene2
Theyareoutsidenearthefiresidelounge.Thereareafewcarsparkedoutsideinthelot.A
coupleoflightpolesstandontwocornersofthelot.TheywalkatasteadypacewithMatthew
lingeringbehindtheyapproachamediumsizedcar.
AARON:Pointstoit.Thisisit

MATTHEW:Looksadmiredly.Prettynice

AARON:Thanks.Itsaclassic.Matthewstandsnervous,helooksatAaronthensmiles,thenhe
looksathisfeet.Ohsorry,youcanrideintheback.Hegoestoopenthedoor.

MATTHEW:Thanksagainforthis.Hegetsin.

RUSSELL:Notroubleatall.Hopsin.
InthefrontRussellandAarontalkinhushedvoices,avoidingMatthewseyeshisgaze.Aaron
startsthecarandtheydriveoff.Itisquietbetweenthem
Narration:Iknewsomethingwaswrong.TheydidntevenaskmewhereIlivedthewhole
atmospherechanged.Wedrovewaypastmyneighborhoodandtheninanemptyfield.I
rememberaskingthemmultipletimeswhereweweregoingandtheysaidtheyneededtoget
something.Iprayedthattheywouldjustshowmesomethingormaybejustwantedtorobme,
butinmyheartIknewtheywantedsomethingmore.IknewwhattheywantedbutIcouldnt
pullmyselftobelieve.

Thecarstopsinafieldwithnothingbutalongfence.Matthewbreathesuneasily,andlooks
outsidethecarintothehorizon.

MATTHEW:
Wherearewe?Heisshakingnow.RussellandAaronlookateachother,thensmile.Matthews

voicebecomesshakyanddemanding.Wherearewe...wherethehellarewe!

AARON:
Annoyed,getsoutthecarandRussellfollows.HecomestoMatthewssideandswingsopenthe
door.Getthehellout.

MATTHEW:
Staresatthem.Afraid.WhaWhat?AaronquicklygrabsMatthewbyhishair,pullshimoutthe
ofthecarandthrowshimontothegrass.Matthewmoans.

AARON:
Harshly.Youheardmefag!HelooksatRussell.Tiehim.MatthewtriestorunbutRussellgrabs
hisshirtandpullshimbackwards,thenhepuncheshiminhisface.

MATTHEW:

Screamsthenfallsonhisback.Russellstompsonhischestrepeatedlythenstops.Whimpering.
Why?Chokesonhiswords.Whyareyoudoingthistome?Helooksupatthemandtheypull
himbackandtiehimtothefence.Please.Onthevergeofcrying.Pleaseno.

RUSSELL:
Shutthehellupyoufag!HetakesoutagunandpointsittoMatthewshead.Matthewturnsand
Russellsmiles.HeplayswiththetriggerandMatthewcloseshiseyes.Aarongoesinto
Matthewspocketsandtakesoutawallet.MatthewkeepshisheaddownandAaronopensthe
wallet.

AARON:
Fiftybuckshuh.Nicefamilyyougotheretoobadyourenevergonnaseeemagain.Helaughs
thengoestohiscar.Hecomesbackafewsecondslaterwithagun.Matthewschestisheaving
rapidly.

AARON:
HeliftsMatthewsheadup.Matthewisshakinghislipisquivering.YouknowYoudbea
prettyalrightguyifyouwerentgay.HeisstillholdinghisheadandMatthewseyeswater.

MATTHEW:
Inavoicesolowitishardlynoticeable.Please

AARON:
NO!AaronliftsthegunandwhacksMatthewinthefacewithit.Matthewcontinuouslyshakes.

AaronhitsMatthewonhisbackusingallhisforceandMatthewletsoutaloudcry.ShutupFag!
HebeatshimoverandoveragainandMatthewisconstantlyinandout
screamingNo,Please,CCant,No,HHeHelp!

MATTHEW:
Godwhygod!Godwhyareyyoudoingthis!Pleplease!Aaronlooksdisgustinglyathimand
whipshimharder.
AARON:
Helaughs.God,ha.Godwonthelpyou.Yousingreatagainsthim.Hewantsustobeatyou,
thatswhathewants.YoushouldathoughtofGodwhenyouwereturninggay!Helaughs
uncontrollably.RusselljoinsinandwhipsMatthew.Matthewhasstoppedscreamingandis
hunchedoverbuttheycontinuetobeathim.AwhilelaterRussellpullsbackbutAaroncontinues
tobeathimandiscursingathim.

RUSSELL:
AaronIthinkheshadenough.Aaronstops.Somebodygonnacomebysoonenough.Weneed
toleave.

AARON:
Alright.HelooksatMatthewthensmiles.Wellleavehimhere.

RUSSELL:
Surewhatever.Theywalktothecar,getinanddriveoff.

ACT2
Scene1
Inahospitalroomthereisawoman,herhusband,ason,andtwocops.Thewomansitsclosely
toherhusbandandclutcheshishandinachairherheadisonhischest.Thesonstandsina
cornerwithhisarmsfoldedleaningonthewall.Theroomiscoldbutinviting.Matthewlayson
thebedunconscious.Onepoliceputshisheaddownandanotherlooksatthemwithafalse
smile.
POLICE1:

Iknowthismustbehardforyou.Shelooksdown.Butwemusttellyouthatyoursonwastiedto
afence.Judycloseshereyesandtearsstreakdownherface.Shecontinues:Hewasbrutally
beatenwithwhatwefigurewasaheavymetal.Maybeagun.Judycontinuestoclosehereyes,
Dennislooksatthepolicehiseyeswateringandhecontinuestocomforthiswife.Loganisstill

hestaresatthepoliceimpatiently.

POLICE1:
Clearsthroat:Webelieveweknowwhodidit.Judylooksather.Yeahtheylefttracks
everywhere.Whoeverdidthistheywerentverysmart.

Canyoupleasethisisntthetimerightnow.

Okay.ShelooksatMatthewthenputsherheaddown.Imverysorryforyourloss.Heseems
likehewasaveryniceboy.

JUDY:
Withoutlookingather.Hewas.ThepoliceleavesandthefamilyisleftalonewithMatthew.She
startscryingandDennisholdshercloser.Logancomesovertowardshismotherssideandhugs
her.
NARRATION:Iwatchedthemfordayssittingtherestaringatme,andcrying.Icouldntsay
anythingtothem.IknewIwasgoingtodie.IwantedtosayhowsorryIwas,butIcouldnt.
Finallytheyhadtopulltheplug.

Scene2

PROSECUTOR:
Thatwillbeall.Hewalksbacktohischairandthedefenseattorneycomestothestand.

DEFENSE:
NowMr.BryeryousaidyouheardthemtalkingtoMatthewShepardisthatright?Hearcheshis
eyebrow.

MR.BRYER:
Thinking.Yes

DEFENSE:
Howcouldyouhearthem?

MR.BRYER:
Helooksquestionably.WellIjustdidtheyweretalkinginanormaltone.

DEFENSE:
HowloudisthemusicintheLounge.

MR.BRYER:
Thinking.Notthatloud

DEFENSE:
Andhowfarawayisthecouchfromwherethebaris?

MR.BRYER:
Iitisafewfeet

DEFENSE:
Afewfeet

MR.BRYER:
Yes

DEFENSE:
Wellhowdoknowwhatexactlytheyweretalkingabout?

MR.BRYER:
Idontknowexactly

DEFENSE:

Howdoknowtheyweretalkingabouthistroublesoreventakinghimhome?

MR.BRYER:
Idontknowexactly.Helooksattheprosecutorthenathislap.

DEFENSE:
Turns.Thatwillbeall.Mr.Bryerleavesthestandwithhisheaddown.
Aaroniscalledtothestand.Heisboldbutlooksstraightahead.Hesitsandstaresatthedefense
attorney.

DEFENSE:
Mr.McKinneywhathappenedonthenightof

AARON:

MeandRussellwastiredfromworkingalldayatthefactoryOGerretsRefrigerators.He
glancesatRussellforasecond.WewerethirstyandseenthattheLoungewasaplacewecould
chillandhaveadrink.Wewentinsideandlookedarounditwasprettynice.Thenthisguykept
staringatus.Hemotionedforustocometohimandwewereguessinghehadsomedrugsor
somethinglikethatsowewentover.Hebreathesthen:
DEFENSE:
Thenwhathappened?

AARON:
Hesaidhehadsomedrugsathishousesoweweregoingtodrivehimthere.Helooksdownthen
backup.Whenweweredrivingheyelledforustostop.HewasfreakingmeoutsoIstoppedand
askedhimwhatwaswrong.Hestopped,hisnoseflaring,thenhecontinued.Hehesaidhe
neededhelpwithhislegorsomething.Wewentaroundandwasgoingtohelphimwhen...and
thenhetriedtokissme.Helookedaway.Hegrabbedmyprivateareathentriedtopullmedown.
HewasprettystrongandittookRussellawhiletopullhimoff.Hiseyesbecamewatery.Iwas
freakedoutandhejustwouldntstop.Wedidntwanttobuthemademe...Hewasgoingagainst
GodagainsteverythingIwastaughtinmylife.Hewaswrongandheknewit.HescreamedbutI
couldntstop.

DEFENSE:
Whydidntyoustop?

AARON:
IkeptthinkingthatGodwouldwantmetodothistofreethismanfromhissins.Heislooking
upnow.Freethisman.

DEFENSE:
Lookstowardthejury.Thatwillbeall.
Theprosecutorstandsandpassesthedefenseattorneyasifitissomesortofstandoff.Helooks
Aaronthensmiles.

PROSECUTOR:
HowareyoudoingtodayMr.McKinney

AARON:
Leansback.AlrightIguess.

PROSECUTOR:
ThatsgoodsoyousaidthatyoustoppedintheFiresideLoungeforaquickdrink.


AARON:
bored.Yeah.

PROSECUTOR:
Youalsoknewthiswasagaybardidntyou.

AARON:
Yeah,butwewerethirstysoitdidntmatter

PROSECUTOR:
Yesbutdoyouagreethatyouareagainstgays.

AARON:
Gettingirritated.Yes,butwewerethirsty,soitdidntmatter.

PROSECUTOR:
Thinks.Sowhenyouwentinsidesomeguymotionedforyoutocomeover,andyouwentover?

AARON:
Hesitates.Yeahso

PROSECUTOR:
Thenyouwentwiththisrandomguytohishouse?Aaronsitsquietlyandlooksaway.Isthis
correctMr.McKinney?Aaronlooksbackathim.

AARON:
Yeahthatscorrect.

PROSECUTOR:
Thenhetriedtokissyouandmolestyou.Hethinks.Matthewwasnttoostrongwhycouldnt
youpullhimoff?

AARON:
Isaidhewasstrongerthanhelooked.

PROSECUTOR:
Youwerentunderanydrugsasyourgirlfriendhastestifiedalready.Andyoudidntcallthe
policewhenheattackedyou.


AARON:
NobutIcouldntcontrolmyselfhefreakedmeout.

PROSECUTOR:
Youwerentunderanyinfluence

AARON:
Harshly.Hekissedmeaman

PROSECUTOR:
Itwastwoofyouoneofyoucouldhaveheldhimoffastheothercalledthepolice.

AARON:
Ididntknowhowtoreact.Heisthinking.Ifreedhimfromhissins!

PROSECUTOR:
DoyouknowMr.McKinneythatMatthewwasbeatensobadlythathisownfamilycouldnot
recognizehisface?Thathewastiedtoafenceandpistolwhipped.

AARON:
Panickingalittle.Yeahso

PROSECUTOR:
DoyouknowthatyourgirlfriendhasalreadytestifiedthatyouandMr.Hendersonwentintothe
FiresideLoungeandpretendedtobegayinordertoearnShepardstrustsoyoubothcouldrob
him.
AARON:
Sheslying!

PROSECUTOR:
Andwhywouldshedothat?

DEFENSE:
Standsandissweating.ObjectionCausingthewitnesstocontemplateonthingsheobviously
doesnotknowtheanswerto.

JUDGE:
Sustained


PROSECUTOR:
Excusemeyourhonor.NowMr.McKinneyyouareagrownmanarentyou?

AARON:
Yes

PROSECUTOR:
Thenyouknowyouareresponsibleforyouractions.Andthattheirareconsequencesforallof
them.

AARON:
Yes,butIhavetoldyouwhathappened

PROSECUTOR:
Thatyouhave,andwehavenoproveofhimtryingtorapeyou.Butwedohaveprovethathe
wastiedtoafenceandbrutallyharassedandbeatenuntilhedied.Aaronisstaringwithadeep
hatetheprosecutordoesntsmile,buthiseyesarefriendly.Thatwillbeall.Heturnsandwalks
backtohisseat.Thecurtainsclose.

ACT3
Scene1
Overview:InthecourtRussellhasagreedtotestifyagainstAaroninordertoavoidthedeath
penaltyhehasconfirmedwhatAaronsgirlfriendhassaid,andnowAaronsdefenseattorney
hasstatedthatAaronandRussellhadintendedtorobShepardbutnotkillhim.Itisnowtimefor
theclosingstatementfromtheprosecutorandeveryoneissilent.

PROSECUTOR:
LadiesandGentlemenofthecourtAaronMcKinneyandRussellHendersonhavebrutally
harassedandbeatenmyclientssonMatthewSheparduntilhedied.Theytiedhimtoafenceto
sitthereuntilhebledout.Heturnstowardthejury.MatthewShepardwaslovedbymanyand
wasagreatstudentwhohadagreatpersonality.Heturnstowardthebenchesandwalkstowards
them.Hewaslikeanyother21yearoldmalehewantedtochillataLoungeandmaybemeet
someonenicethatnight.Pauses,then:Buthecouldntbeleftalone.Theycouldhavejustrobbed
him,butbecausehewasofhissexualorientationtheyhadtokillhim.Heturnsbacktowardsthe
jury.Thesemenhaveliedshouldbeheldresponsiblefortheirownactions.Ifearthatifwethe
lawsystemdonothingagainstthiscrimeitwillsettheexamplethatitisokaytohurtsomeone
becauseoftheirsexualpreferences.Isclosetothejurynow.Ihopeyoucanputthesemenwhere

theybelongbeforetheysavagelykillanotherinnocentvictimwhowantednothingbuttobeleft
alone.Hewalksbacktohischair.

JudyandDenniscrytogetherarminarm.Loganisontheothersideofhismotherrubbingher
shoulder.Noemotiononhisfacehesaysitsokaytoher.Thejuryhasreachedaverdictand
McKinneyisfoundguiltyandissentencedtolifewithoutparole.Russellstaresathimslouched
inhischair.JudyisdazedatAaronastearsstreakdownherface.DennishugsJudytighterand
isconstantlysaying:itsover,itsoverJudy.

Scene2
ItisOctober17,1999inCasper,Wyomingoutsideofthefuneralthereisacrowdofangry
protesters.TheyholdsignsthatreadNoTearsForQueersandFagMattinHell.Dennis
andJudyhurrytogetinside,buttheycanthelpandlookbackeveryfewsecondsonlytoseethe
protestersincreasetheircharade.FredPhelpsleaderoftheWestboroBaptistChurchin
Topeka,Kansasistheheighteningofthescandal.Heisaveragelookingfora50yearoldman.
Hehaswhitehairandisvisiblyshorthisvoiceisloud,assertive,andaggressive.Mostofthe
peopleattendingtheprotestandeventhechurchareinsomewayrelatedtohim

PHELPS:
Goddamnsallfags.Andweknowthis.Hepausesthenlooksathisaudience.MatthewShepard
knewthisbuthedidntwanttolistentoGod.DennisstoppedafterJudyalreadywentinhe
staredviciouslyatPhelpsbutalsowithhurtineyes.HecriedGodbutGodhadalreadyhada
deafeartohim.Inaboomingvoice:HedidntcareaboutGoduntilhehadtobebeaten.He
laughedalittle,andthenturnedtowardshisaudience.Ithinktheybeatthegayoutofhim.They
begantolaughasifitwasthemosthystericalthingtheyeverheard.Dennistwistedhisbodyand
deathinhiseyesandstartedsteadilydownthestepsforthem,butamanheldhimbackandwas
whisperingtohim.DennisturnedandwalkedinsidewhilePhelpsandhiscrewlaughedharder
liketheirheartswouldburstoutoftheirchests,andbegantochantGodHatesFags,Hes
goingtoHell,NotearsforQueers.

InsidethefuneralthereweremanyofMatthewsfamilymembersmourningandtalkingamongst
themselves.ThereverendlookedatJudycrying,notmovingandfrownedhewasdeeplymoved
bythemournersforheknewthemforquitesometimeandknewMatthewsincehewasin
diapers.Heneverbelievedinbeinggaybuthedidntcondemnorharasspeopleaboutit.He
believedpeopleneededtotaketheirownpaths.HebelievedinMatthewsomuchthathe
regardedhimashisgodson,sowhenheheardthedevastatingnewshewentinsaneinsidehis
mind.Hestayedupallnightwhilehiswifecomfortedhim.

REVERENDDELL:

HewalkedovertoJudysittingalittleoverfromherhusband.Hesitsontheothersidewhere
thereisanopenspacehesmiledatherwithloveandcaring.Heputhisarmsaroundher,and
shelookedupathimtryingtocrackasmile.Hestrugglestospeak.I...Iamsoyourboyhad
thebiggestheartIveeverseen.Atearstreaksdownhisfaceandhehugshertighter.Imso
sorryImsosorryAnd...Heputshisheaddownandputshishandovermouthseemsto
battlingwithtryingnottocry.IllalwaysbehereIwantyouknowthat.Hesmilesagain.

JUDY:
Sheisstilllookingathimandshesmileseasierthanbefore.Thankyousomuch.Youdont
knowhowmuchbetterthatmademefeel.

REVERENDDELL:
Heisabouttocry.Yourwelcome.Hekeepsholdingherbutamancomesoverandinformshim
itstimetostart.Helooksatthemtheninalowvoice:Yeah.LooksbackatJudy.Okay.Helets
goofherslowlythenkissesherforheadandwalksontotheplatform.Hestrugglestonotcry.
LoveonesofMatthewShepard.Helooksupastheyturntheirfullattentiontohim.Hewasabig
heartedchild.Heaffectedeveryonehetouchedandtriedhisbesttodowhatwasgood.Heblinks
rapidlythenstopsheisstilllookingupsmilingnow.HeiswithGodnow.Henodshisheadasif
tryingtoconvincehimself.HeiswithGodnow.Alittlewhilelaterpeopleareallowedtosay
their.
Judycomesfirstlookingstraightaheadandwalkingatasteadypast.Shedoesntsmileandsome
tearscontinuetostreakdownherface,butshedoesntwipethem.

JUDY:
Shestandstallandproudbutalsowithdisappointment.Mysonwasawarmheartedboy.He
neverhurtanyonebutonlytouchedalmosteverypersonsheartstringhetouched.Helighted
everyonesfacewhentheycamearound.Shelooksforwardandsmiled.Ilovedhimwithallmy
heart.Hewasamazing,hadambition,andhehadcourage.Hewasshybuthedidntletpeople
gettohim.Hestilltriedtocarryouthisdream.Shetightensherlipsandtearsbegintostreak
moreheavilytheylookedontoherasifshewasanangelwithReverendDellontheedgeofhis
seat.Heislovedandheknowsithewillalwaysshareaspecialplaceinmyheart.Sheisnow
cryingandshewalksoffthestand.Thereverendcomesquicklytowardsherbeforeshesitsdown
andhugsher.ThenDennisgetsupandhugsherthengetsonthestage.

DENNIS:
Hegetsonthestandandlooksangryashecries.Heissearchingforwords:Mymysonwasnot
likeotherpeople.Hewasdifferentandthatswhatwassogreatabouthim.Healwaysloved
goingshootingwithmeinthewoods.ImeanIlltellyahewasanaturalbornshooter.Hissmile
fades.IfanythinghewasoneofthemostgentlepeopleIveevermet.Hesniffs.Heloved

scienceandparticularlytheenvironmenthewasverygoodatittoo.Pauses,then:Hebattled
withinhimselfhewentintoadepressionwhenhehe.Helookeddownandbegantobreak
down.SomepeoplestoodupincludingtheReverend.Dennisseyesfilledwithrageandhe
lookedasifhewasgoingtothrowup.Hewasthegreatestsonanyonecouldeverhave.Crying.
PleaseGod.Heshakeshisheadandpeoplearestaringintentlysomegoingtothestand.He
breaksdownonhisknees.Ilovehimhesthegreatestfriendanyonecouldeverhave.Heis
shakingandcryingnow,anduJudy,ReverendDell,andotherfamilymembersrunovertohim
ashecriesandcontinuestospeak.Theyusherhimoffthestand.IIHewasthebestandhe
didntdeserveitnono.

AfterithassettleddownLoganwalkstothestandneitherstraightaheadnorstruggling.
LOGAN:
Hestaggersabit.Ashegetstothestandheputshisheaddown,shakesitthenlaughs,thenputs
itbackup.Themembersareconfusedanditisevidentontheirfaces.Youguysmakemesick.
Somelookdisgustinglyathimwhilemostarestillconfused.Alotofyouguysnevercametohis
graduation,hisawardceremonies,orevenhisbirthday.Thenwhenhediesyouwantcometohis
funeralasifyouknewhim.Theystareathimamazed,andsomeashamed.JudyandDennisare
amazedbuttheysaynothing.ThenyousitthereamazedasifyoudontknowwhatthehellIm
talkingabout.

JUDY:
Hervoiceissmall.Logan

LOGAN:
Hisbreathingbecomesfaster.Youfreakinloserscalledhimfagbehindhisbackandmadefunof
hisrelationshipsthenhavetheaudacitytocometohisfuneral!

JUDY:
Loganstop!Standingnow.

LOGAN:
Hisbreathingbecomesevenfaster,thenhisvoicebeginstobreakoff.Thenyouactasifyouare
sad.Youshouldbebecausehewasthebestpersonyouhellholeswillevermeet!

JUDY:
SheandDennisarerunningtoLogannowandsoisReverendDale.PleaseStop!NowStopthis!

LOGAN:
Heishystericalnow,crying.No!Helooksaround.Youpeoplearesosofake!You.Heisnow

pointingtothemgettingupthenbendingdownlikehisstomachhurts.Panting.IhateyouandI
hopeyouguysBURNINHELL!TheyrushLoganoffthestandandhekeepspullingawayfrom
them.Theypullhimintothehallwaywherethereiscrowdtryingtofollowbutarebeingpushed
away.Loganssobscanbeheardandhisconstantyelling.Ihateyou!BURNINHELL!The
curtainsclose.

Scene3
InthejailcellAaronlaysonabed.AninmateisintheroominthecornerglancingatAaron
everyfewseconds.Aarondoesnotseemtonoticehimbutcontinuestostareattheceilingitis
darkexceptfromalightoutsideofthecell.

INMATE:
HelooksoveratAaronthenpeeksoutsidethecell.Afterafewminutesheseemstobesatisfied
soheleansbackagainstthewallandlightshiscigarette.HelooksatAaronagain.Heyman.
Letsoutsomesmoke.YouthatAaronguyrighttheguywhokilledsomegayguyjustforthefun
ofit.

AARON:
Aaronstilllayingdown.Yeah.

INMATE:
Heshiftsonhisfeet.YouknowIwasinthatlounge.Aaronisquiet.YeahIwasnexttoyouand
yourboyRussell.heardhesnitchedonya.

AARON:
Herollshiseyes.Yeah.

INMATE:
Thinking.YeahyouknowIheardthatstoryyouwastellingtheboyyoukilled.

AARON:
Uhhuh

INMATE:
YeahIthoughtitwasquiteinterestinghowyoutoldastoryofbeingthreatenedbecauseofbeing
gaythenyouturnaroundanddosomeinworse.

AARON:
Whatsyadamnpoint.


INMATE:
Sowhathappenedyouthebulliesofthatstorywerentyainreallifeyoudidthatdidntyou.

AARON:
Hesitsup.Whythehelldoesitmatter.

INMATE:
Ah,noreason.Gotanyregrets.
AARON:
Hellno.IddoitagainifIcould.Pauses,then:Hewasadisgracefromthisplanet.

INMATE:
Ohreally.How?

AARON:
Hechuckles.Whatdoyoumeanhowhesafagwhatcouldbeabetterreason.

INMATE:
Doyoueverlistentowhatyousay.

AARON:
YeahanditsoundlikeImaprofittome.

INMATE:
Aprofitthatsinjailandgotnolife?Whatkindofprofitisthat?
Aprofitthatspreadspureignorance?

AARON:
Hejumpsoffhisbed.Youthinkyousomebodyorsomthin?

INMATE:
Puffssmokeandlooksathiscigarette.Nah.Iaintsayingnothinglikethat,butwhatIamsaying
isyouaintnobetterthanthedirtonyourshoes.Helooksupathim.

AARON:
ImdirtLookatyou.Youactlikeyounotinthesamesituation.

INMATE:

Yeahsamesituation,butdifferentcrimes.Aarongotupfromhisbed.Ididntkillsomeonewho
wasinnocent.

AARON:
Heislookinghimupanddown.Hewasntinnocentshouldaneverwentwithstrangersstupid
ass.Helaughsandtheinmateeyeshasamotiveaboutthem.IhadeveryrighttodowhatIdid.
WithoutwarningtheinmateleapedatAaronandgrabbedhisnecknotsqueezingitthough.
Aaronisfrightened.

INMATE:
Youthinkyouaresotoughdontya.Aaronisshaking.Youkillpeoplewhoarelonelyand
lookingforafriend.HeisbreathingheavilyonAaron.Hechucklesalittle.Whatgivesascum
likeyoutherighttokillhimasifyoudonthaveyourownsins.Heissmilingnowhethrows
Aarontogroundbutnotharshly.Aaronisonthefloorlookingathimabitshaken.Theinmate
goesbacktohiscornerandshakeshisheadblowsanotherringofsmoke.Ifyoureallybelieve
thosethingsyousaidyouhaventtheslightestofcommonsense.

Scene4
JudyandDennisareoutsidelayingonthecleancutgrassinthebackyardlookingupintothe
blueandorangeeveningsky.Therearebirdschirpingandaserenitycalmandsettle.Judyhas
herhandsonherstomachwhileDennishandsarebehindhishead.

DENNIS:
ItseemsLogansdoingokay.Hegothiswholecollegecareergoingforhim.

JUDY:
Yeah.Thereisamomentofsilencebetweenthem.

DENNIS:
Tryingtostartaconversation.Ihearyourorganizationsdoingverywell.

JUDY:
Yesitis.Thekidsaregettingbetterattalkingtoothersandinteracting.

DENNIS:
Thatsgood.Hesitates,then:IvealsoheardthatDellwasintheorganizationnow.

JUDY:
Shiftsuneasily.Yesheis.


DENNIS:
Blinks.Itseemsyoutwoaregettingcloseragain.

JUDY:
Yeswearejustfriends

DENNIS:
Iseenhimhugyouatthefuneral.Hewasstaringatyou

JUDY:
Dennis.Shelooksathim.Werejustfriends.Shesmiles.

DENNIS:
Stilllookingathernotcompletelybelievingher.Okay.Heturnsbackaround.Momentsof
silence,then:Imgladyouredoingthis.IknowMattwouldhavewantedyouto.

JUDY:
Shesmilessadly.Yeshewouldhave.Shelooksatherhusband.Imisshimsomuch.

DENNIS:
Hiseyesbecomewatery.Imisshimtoo.Heholdsher.TodayIwasatthebarandIheardaguy
makingajoke.Judylooksathimseeingheispain.Hetalkingaboutaguywalkingintoabar
with.InthejoketheguyaskthisguyIguesswhowasaregularatthebar.Judyseeshowmuch
hestrugglingandholdshimtighter.Theguywhowasaregularsaidthatyouwilllikemondays
thatswhenallthefreakscomeout.Thinking.ThentheotherguyaskedIlikeFridaysatclubs
usually.ThentheguywhowasaregularsaidohnoyouwontlikeFridaysthatsgaysnight.
HelooksatJudy.Theylaughedandthentheguywhowastellingthejokesaidwedontlike
thosekindoffreaks.Heshakeshishead.

JUDY:
Comforting.Baby,theywereonlyjoking.

DENNIS:
IusetomakejokeslikethosewhenIwasyoungerwithmyfriends.Heputshisheaddown
ashamed.

JUDY:
Itsokaybecauseyouknowitsnotrightnow.


DENNIS:
Itsnotokaymanypeoplestillthinkitis.

JUDY:
ThatswhyIvemadethisorganization.Thisorganizationwillenlightenpeopleoftheworld
abouttheviolencethatisplacedtowardsthosewhoarelikeMatthew.Dennissmilesandhugs
Judytighterthenreleaseshisgrip.

DENNIS:
Helooksupattheskyandlaysbackinthegrass.Ithinkthingsaregoingtogetbetterforus
Judy.Hesmiles

JUDY:
SheislyingdownlookingupalsoTheyholdhands.Shesmiles.Ithinksotoo.
Thereareafewbirdsstillchirpingandeveningskythatisnowyellowandorange.Theyareleft
holdinghandssmiling.Thecurtainsclose.