Sarah

"Sarah" is a chilling and poignant short screenplay exploring the complexities of Alzheimer's disease and its impact on a family. The story centers on Sarah, a woman in her 60s battling the debilitating effects of the illness, and her daughter Terri, who struggles to care for her while grappling with the emotional toll of her mother's decline. Act I opens with Sarah in her suburban home, exhibiting signs of confusion and disorientation. Her daughter Terri, overwhelmed by the situation, tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy while her husband Tom, a veteran, struggles to understand and cope with Sarah's condition. A visit to Dr. Annesti, Sarah's longtime friend and physician, reveals the grim reality of her diagnosis: Sarah is in the late stages of Alzheimer's and has a limited time left. The doctor advises Terri and Tom to keep Sarah active and engaged, emphasizing that inactivity will only accelerate her deterioration. Act II delves deeper into the family's struggles. Sarah's delusions become more frequent and intense, leading to embarrassing and unsettling situations. Terri, burdened by her mother's condition and her own anxieties, tries to shield her family from the harsh reality of Sarah's illness. Tom, frustrated and overwhelmed, suggests a day care program for Sarah as a temporary solution before she needs permanent care. Terri, however, is resistant to the idea, fearing that it will further isolate her mother. Act III marks a turning point in the story. Sarah, increasingly disoriented, experiences a terrifying hallucination where she witnesses the disappearance of her family into a sinkhole in her backyard. The play culminates in a tragic climax where Tom falls into the sinkhole, seemingly disappearing into the abyss. Terri, consumed by fear and guilt, is also drawn to the sinkhole and vanishes. Act IV reveals the aftermath of the tragedy. Sarah, seemingly unaffected by the events, continues to live in her own reality, oblivious to the loss of her family. Elaine, Sarah's caretaker, arrives to find the house empty and Sarah feeding birds in the backyard, unaware of the sinkhole and the fate of her family. The play concludes with Sarah being declared mentally incompetent and committed to a mental institution. Despite the tragic circumstances, Sarah finds solace in her own world, clinging to the remnants of her memories and refusing to succumb to the darkness that surrounds her. "Sarah" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, highlighting the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease and the complex emotions it evokes. The play serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance in the face of life's greatest challenges.