Hopeless

Act Two

(Lights come onto patient room where the threesome remain)

Doctor: I have a couple suggestions for you. All will be safe for the mother, and you will walk away with no potential danger hanging over your heads.

Husband: (Standing again, laying hand on Wife's shoulder) What are these suggestions?

Doctor: The first one is that you can always terminate them both, and try again. Or–

Husband: (Outraged) You're barbaric!

Wife: (Gasps slightly but still says nothing)

Husband: You're threatening to kill our children!

Doctor: I'm doing no such thing! You asked for my suggestions, and I'm giving them! If you would rather go on the way you are–in the midst of certain turmoil–be my guest. I have no reason to help you. This does not affect me whatsoever.

Husband: (Throwing hands up) You're our doctor! It affects you directly.

Doctor: (Leans against counter) Perhaps, if I possessed an opinion on the matter.

Husband: (Still angered, but now becoming more somber) So you think we should just kill them both?

Doctor: (Maintaining the same plain expression and tone) I don't care either way. And you forget, you interrupted me and I didn't have the opportunity to finish talking. I have two other options.

Husband: (Rubbing forehead) Please, elaborate.

Doctor: Aside from the initial idea–which you clearly have rejected–we could attempt to end one of them while saving the other. However, this would put the mother in the most danger.

Husband: (Pointing finger at Doctor) You said she wouldn't be in danger.

Doctor: (Nodding) I did, yes. But this option puts her in more danger than the others.

Husband: (Throwing hands up again in exasperation) That doesn't even make any sense!

Doctor: (Raising voice slightly) Would you like me to continue or not?

Wife: (Very soft and out of the blue; voice sounds pained) Yes, please.

Husband: (Looks at Wife with concern while Doctor goes on)

Doctor: My third approach is to go through with the pregnancy and birth, and end one child after it is born. The other one will be born safely, and the problem will be solved. (Looks at tablet) If you choose this option, it will be helpful to know that they are due in approximately seven months and sixteen days.

Husband: (Full of spite, but not quite as indignant as before) That's sickening.

Doctor: Considering your situation, it isn't.

Wife: (Lets out a soft whimper of anguish; avoids looking at either men)

Husband: (Rubs Wife back while looking indignantly at Doctor) So we either take away these gifts of life and attempt again–

Doctor: Yes.

Husband: Or we can risk my wife's safety while trying to ensure only one will be born–

Doctor: (Nods) Essentially.

Husband: (Moves away from Wife to begin pacing) Or go through with the pregnancy and the birth and choose which one to keep.

Doctor: It's really very simple.

Husband: (Distressed) Please tell us... What would you do?

Doctor: (Sets tablet on counter; crosses arms) I, for one, would never, even in the slightest, be near the position you're in. And if I were, I would most definitely not get as emotional about it as you are. Honestly, this is a matter of logic and reason, not morality. To treat it as the latter helps no one in deciding what to do. I've seen it before–though, admittedly, very rarely. The happy couple gets the news, and in the span of one second the atmosphere plummets from a high mountain top to the deep valley below. Terror sets in. Panic, even. (Moves his arms from being crossed to having his hands in his pockets) The couple starts to demand for ways out–for suggestions of how to escape any future punishments. Your wife and you are no exception. You've even asked the typical question: what would I do if I were in your situation? Well, my answer is that I possess no opinion on the matter. This is an issue that requires an objective answer.

Husband: (Frantic, face contorted with emotion) Then what is the objective answer?

Doctor: (Picks up tablet again, studies the screen for one long minute while Husband waits expectantly and Wife continues to sit silently) I am tempted to go with the first option. After all, it is the easiest and allows for a fresh start.

Husband: (Thinks for a moment; looks down at Wife) What do you think?

Wife: (Shakes head slowly; on the verge of tears)

Doctor: Of course, there's always option two, which, while dangerous, eliminates the problem while still getting what you want.

Husband: (Standing straight in front of Doctor) I don't like the thought of putting her in danger.

Wife: (Practically whispering) Please, Dear. This isn't about me.

Husband: Please tell me how this is not about you?

Wife: (No answer; shifts uncomfortably)

Husband: (Turns to Doctor) Hypothetically, exactly what kind of harm would come to her?

Doctor: The radiations that would be necessary to penetrate her abdomen could potentially damage her skin and tissue. Not to mention the extraction process which has, in the past, been the cause of various internal organ disruption.

Husband: (Hopeful) So this has been done before? A women having twins has successfully given birth to one?

Doctor: Yes. However, I would not advise it, mainly because the woman who went through it suffered major health problems following the operation, not to mention the fact that the other two options are much more efficient.

Husband: (Rubbing face with both hands) I think we need a minute alone, please.

Doctor: (Sighing) Alright, but please don't prolong this. I have another appointment in (checks watch) twenty minutes.

Husband: (As Doctor exits through the door) Thank you. (Turns to Wife) Darling, we have a decision to make. An extremely important one.

Wife: (Whispers) I'm aware, Dear.

Husband: (Stands in front of her, takes her hands) So. What do you think we should do?