INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – EARLY EVENING – THANKSGIVING 2020
Kathryn, a bald patient, sits upright and eager in a hospital bed. Kim sits at her bedside in a chair.
KIM This is for you. In good health.
Kim hands Kathryn a discrete box.
KIM (continuing) I saw this at the jewelry store that I drop in on near my house. I thought of you immediately. I went to leave after I browsed but I was drawn back; I could not leave without getting it for you--
Kathryn opens the box and lifts out a delicate gold chain with a turtle charm dangling at the end. Kathryn smiles broadly, curiosity blooming from her smile to her scalp.
KIM --Because slow and steady wins the race. One treatment at a time, one day at a time, you are inching your way to the finish.
KATHRYN (slowly) The Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and steady wins the race. I love it. I love you. Thank you. Thank you.
Kim affixes the necklace around Kathryn’s neck. Immediately, Kathryn begins rubbing it absently.
KATHRYN Did you give me the tortoise because I have no hair?
KIM No, because like I just said, slow and steady wins the race.
KATHRYN Got it. But the tortoise... (beat) ...it’s not the hare. (beat) The hare.... Hair? The tortoise is not the hair!
KIM (slowly, deliberately) Correct. The tortoise is not the hare. The tortoise wins. Slow and steady.
KATHRYN (nodding) Yes. The hair isn’t there. It’s the tortoise that’s there. Right?
KIM Yes. Correct.
KATHRYN (nodding, continuously) So I have the tortoise, because I have no hair.
KIM Correct, no hare.
Gleefully, Kathryn pecks emphatically with her finger at her bald head.
KATHRYN Because if I had hair, you would’ve given me the hare!
Kathryn’s finger pauses, continuing to point. The innuendo washes over Kim, and her face drops.
KIM (voice catching in her throat) No, that’s not why I got it!
KATHRYN (cackling) Pleeeeease? Say it is! I love it even more! I am in no hurry; I am no hare. I am the turtle and the turtle has no hair!
The two laugh raucously.
END.
***
True story. It’s one of my best Bestie moments. The tortoise is such a thoughtful gift that it makes me want to get everyone a tortoise when they go through hard times. I hope I never have a need to buy a tortoise for someone…however, it will be my privilege to do so. The Tortoise and the Hare featuring Bugs Bunny and Cecil Turtle.
Is it bad that this has me chuckling 🤭 out loud. I’m not trying to be insensitive but I can just appreciate your whack sense of humor in this moment. Laughter is not the only thing, this story is of perseverance and forward motion, the gift is such a thoughtful, precious and symbolic representation of that moment and the journey you are on.