RODNEY, 68, has just retired after a 45-year career as a television executive. While he had a storied career, he had no children and his wife divorced him in 1998. Faced between living retired life alone or moving into a retirement home, RODNEY chooses the latter. As he enters the building as a resident for the first time, he is greeted by EMILY, the receptionist.
EMILY
How are you today, Sir?
RODNEY
Good, thank you. My name’s Rodney,—-
EMILY
Hello Rodney, who are you here to visit?
RODNEY
I’m confused. I’m not here to visit anyone.
EMILY
Oh…unfortunately we don’t provide that level of care here.
RODNEY
I’m a new resident here.
EMILY looks at her computer.
EMILY
Wait a minute—-oh you’re *that* Rodney!
RODNEY
Yes, the new resident. Now can you just show me to my room?
EMILY walks over from behind the desk.
EMILY
Of course, follow me.
RODNEY follows EMILY to his room, a comfortable space with an independent kitchen area, queen bed, bathroom, and small living room area with a TV mounted on the wall.
EMILY
One more thing before I go.
EMILY hands RODNEY a pamphlet.
EMILY
These are all our activities for the week. TV Bingo’s coming up in a few minutes. I’d get there soon if you want a seat.
EMILY leaves, and RODNEY unpacks his belongings. He hangs his most prized possession on the wall: a plaque commemorating his honor of 1998 KTN Employee of the Year, awarded to the most valuable employee at Kids Television Network. He had used his prior experience at broadcast television to transition KTN away from kids programming, leading to ratings and financial success. He places his favorite picture on his nightstand: him on his honeymoon in 1986, with his ex-wife cropped out.
RODNEY looks at both the plaque and the photo for a moment, smiles, and then leaves his room for TV Bingo. The room is packed, surprising RODNEY despite EMILY’s words. He finds an empty seat next to two other men, EARL, 75, and GERALD, 81, and sits down next to them.
RODNEY
Awful chatty here.
EARL
It always is. Say, am I losing my mind or are you new here?
RODNEY
First day.
GERALD
So you’re not a mole?
RODNEY
A mole?
GERALD
Yeah, you’re not here to pick up our secrets to help your own team?
RODNEY
Secrets? Team? I thought this was bingo?!
EARL
And what fun is bingo without competition?
RODNEY
So you don’t just play regular bingo?
GERALD
Regular bingo is for old people. You’re in for a real treat.
The event coordinator, CINDY, takes control of the room.
CINDY
Who’s ready for TV Bingo?!
Many people cheer.
CINDY
Alright, I see we have a new person with us tonight. Why don’t you introduce yourself, tell us all who you are.
RODNEY
If I must…alright, uh, I’m Rodney, and it’s my first day here.
CINDY
And what did you do before you got here, Rodney?
RODNEY
I was Head of Programming at KTN. It was short for Kids Television Network, but I’m proud to say I led the network through a rebrand that’s allowed it to stay alive and well today. A little show called Murder In The Dark saved the network and my job.
CINDY
OK then, everyone give a warm welcome to Rodney! If you choose.
RODNEY gets a mixed reaction, with some people clapping and others abstaining.
GERALD
Rodney, see that lady over there?
GERALD points across the room to a woman, 67, who is walking out of the room.
RODNEY
I do. She looks mad. And lonely.
GERALD
Don’t talk to her about KTN. When they rebranded, she told him it’s her or his job. He chose his job.
RODNEY
That’s odd, same thing happened to me. I did the right thing though. I made boatloads of money for 25+ years and could care less about Sharon.
GERALD and EARL are taken aback, not knowing what to say.
RODNEY
That’s Sharon, isn’t it.
GERALD nods.
RODNEY
I just moved back in with my ex-wife.
EARL
I’m sorry you didn’t know earlier.
RODNEY
So…what’s been going on with her lately?
GERALD and EARL look at each other.
EARL
You wanna tell him?
GERALD
I told him about Sharon, you can tell him about—-
CINDY [yelling]
B4, THAT’S B4!
EARL
Oh I got B4.
GERALD
Always ahead of me, dammit.
RODNEY
Tell me about what?!
CINDY [yelling]
O68, THAT’S O68!
EARL
Two in a row!
RODNEY sighs.
GERALD
We’ll tell you later. Meet us for lunch one of these days. You’ll find us.
RODNEY nods, then gets up to leave.
CINDY
Whoa there, no leaving before the game’s over!
RODNEY
Oh, I’m leaving before the game’s over.
RODNEY continues to walk out, looking back to see if SHARON notices. He catches her glancing at him, then turning to the man next to her to share a subtle laugh.