The Confession

By Steven Zerr

Setting: Addicts anonymous meeting, basement of a church. Not very well lit, slightly smoky due to cigarettes. Table with coffee and donuts behind the circle of chairs.

Characters: five to seven attendees, plus a preacher running the meeting

Two or three people stand up one at a time, state their name and problem, and how long they’ve been sober. Typical AA stuff.

The main character stands up:

“Hello, my name is Gary (‘Hi Gary’, says the room back to him). I’m an addict. I’ve been an addict for the last 14 years. At first it was okay, pleasurable, controllable. Slowly it became a need, not an indulgence. I couldn’t control myself anymore. Last year I took a life for it. For years they just kept asking me, ‘What would You do for a Klondike bar? What would YOU do for a Klondike bar?’ Well, I killed a man for a Klondike bar! I just couldn’t take it anymore! I snapped. I just need somewhere to go, someone to talk to”

He sits down. Everyone looks shocked as they think about what he said. The preacher clears his throat and says:

“Well, I don’t think we’ll be going for ice cream tonight. Can I get some volunteers for cleanup and we’ll see you all next week.”

Gary raises his hand enthusiastically.

Fade to credits.