Later that night. Robbie is waiting for his mother to return from her late-night committee meeting. He takes a book and tries to read.
Ellen:Hello there, Robbie. What are you doing up this late?
Robbie:Reading.
Ellen:Reading? At this hour? Ah, come on,
Robbie. What are you doing up this late?
Robbie:Things on my mind.
Ellen:Do you care to talk about them?
Robbie:Sure, if you don't mind listening.
Ellen:Robbie, Robbie, remember me? I'm your mother. If you have something you want to talk about, I'm always prepared to listen.
Robbie:You haven't been around much lately.
Ellen:So that's it. OK, let's talk.
Robbie:You and Dad are like ships that pass in the night. Dad works hard, and he works late.You work hard on all your committees, and you work late.
Ellen:I thought you were proud of the work I do.
Robbie:I am, Mom Real proud. You are one fantastic mom, but…but I've been noticing how little quality time you spend with Dad and Me …and the family.
Ellen:It's a real problem, Robbie.I know it.
Robbie:I'm concerned. There must be a way that Dad and you can spend more time together.
Ellen:Well, we always talk about taking a vacation together----with the family.
Robbie:I think you ought to take a vacation away from the family----alone. Kind of a second honeymoon.
Ellen:It would be wonderful, but our schedules won't allow it.
Robbie:I think I have an idea.
Ellen:You do?
Robbie:Yup.I think I have an idea that will bring Dad and you together in a more scheduled way.
Ellen:What is it?
Robbie:Well, you know how Dad is always talking about the kids in the ward and how important it is for them to be paid attention to?
Ellen:Yes.
Robbie:Well…and how hard it is because the doctors and nurses are so busy?
Ellen:Yes.
Robbie:Well, how would it be if you took some time to work with Dad towards solving
that problem?
Ellen:I don't get it.
Robbie:Like setting up a regular weekly reading program.You and Dad. You and Dr. Philip Stewart----going to the children's ward once or twice a week and reading to them.
Ellen:Not bad. Not a bad idea, Robbie. As a matter of fact, it fits right in with something I'm working on right now with the school-board committee.
Robbie:What's that?
Ellen:I've been trying to work out a program in the public school that will bring parents and teachers together once a week to read to the students-their own children, really. By doing that, it will encourage reading.
Robbie:So it might fit in with a program for reading to the kids in the hospital.
Ellen:You're right. We'll do it! I'm going to talk to Daddy about it right now.
Robbie:But Dad was so exhausted when he came home from work. Why don't you talk to him about it tomorrow?
Ellen:You are a very smart young man, Robbie. I think I'll wait unit tomorrow.
Robbie:You won't forget, will you?
Ellen:Believe me, I won't. It is a great idea, and I promise you I won't forget.
Robbie:Thanks, Mom.
Ellen:Thank you, Robbie. [She hugs him.]