Book Excerpt From "Love In Action" (ISBN: 978-1-387-53039-7)

Book Excerpt From "Love In Action" (ISBN: 978-1-387-53039-7)

INT. – MICHAEL’S HOUSE, OFFICE – AN HOUR LATER

Michael and Gabriel are sitting on chairs facing each other.

MICHAEL

Have you been depressed?

GABRIEL

I don’t think I’ve been clinically depressed.

MICHAEL

If I did not know better I would never believe you were only 8-years-old.

MICHAEL

(beat)

How were your parents before they.

GABRIEL

Killed themselves.

MICHAEL

Yes.

GABRIEL

They were depressed for months. I tried to help but I couldn’t.

MICHAEL

You are so young.

GABRIEL

I still wanted to help.

MICHAEL

How have you been feeling?

GABRIEL

It’s normal to be sad.

MICHAEL

Of course it is. I want you to know there is nothing you cannot tell me. I will always be here for you.

GABRIEL

Thank you.

MICHAEL

You can always talk to me.

GABRIEL

Thank you.

Gabriel starts to cry.

GABRIEL

I tried to save them. Why wasn’t I enough to help them want to live?

Michael stands up. He kneels facing Gabriel. Michael pulls Gabriel close then embraces him in a hug.