(Barbara has come to the hospital to visit Tony, who suffered a leg wound when a land mine exploded on the beach.)

TONY BRIGGS
They're keeping the place as empty as possible for casualties. That's why they're clearing me out the day after tomorrow. I shall be able to stooge around with my little stick like a wounded, bloody hero.

BARBARA
Now, don't get a chip about it. It wasn't exactly cowardly, what you did. They had the funeral yesterday.

TONY
Yes, I know.

BARBARA
And I went.

(Tony is startled to hear that.)

BARBARA
I felt I knew them, in a way. Her husband was there, and a woman I took to be his wife. I wonder if they thought about the pain they'd be leaving behind them.

TONY
Oh, well, that's love, I suppose.

BARBARA
Is it?

(Tony repositions himself on the side of the bed, causing Barbara to worry.)

BARBARA
Well, if you fall off that bed, you’ll be here this time next week.

TONY
(annoyed)
Why didn't you come to see me before?

BARBARA
Well, perhaps I thought you wouldn't want to see me.

TONY
If there's any doubt around here, it's not in my mind. You know that.

BARBARA
Now, don't make yourself vulnerable.

TONY
(angry)
I am vulnerable!

BARBARA
Well, then, don't be. And don't be quixotic. It's not going to do anybody any favours.

TONY
Quixotic?

BARBARA
Yes, about...about me and my baby. Don't get stuck on the idea that I'm... I'm a poor, friendless, little thing in a cold, hard world...because you are a bit, aren’t you?

TONY
I want to look after you, yes.

BARBARA
Well, I want to be looked after...when I'm tired, when I feel there's no future, when I worry about what's going to happen to Stevie. Is that how you see yourself...as a provider?

TONY
Not totally.

BARBARA
When I was a girl in Guernsey, I couldn't wait to throw off the chains. But do you...ever? And all I can think of now is the pain I'll cause them when I go there with my baby.

TONY
You could go there with me.

BARBARA
(amused)
What would your father say to that?

TONY
What the devil has it got to do with him?

BARBARA
Well, he's coming to see you. I answered the phone when he rang the pub.

TONY
(angry)
Well, he can mind his own damn business!

 

(from "Flesh and Blood" by John Finch)