I was made, created by the greatest and the best – Willy Loman. My God, My Creator, I’m a stoop.
I’m made of sand brought over from other buildings and I’ve seen a lot over the years. Biff and Happy bringing more sand so Willy could make me better. One day there was a loud noise about the time they came back, everyone was distressed and Willy saying “They weren’t stealing. Don’t ask me about stealing,” I don’t know what that is but I do know I was bigger and better than ever after that.
Happy and Biff used to play hoops after school. Bernard came in yet again to get Biff for study, can’t think why study is important. Willy is important, he’s the best, I know, he made me!
Willy’s outside again, sitting on me and enjoying the fresh air. Breathe deep, Willy, breathe deep, get that fresh air into your lungs.
But there he goes again. Can’t enjoy fresh air but has to start talking to no-one. No, Willy, Ben’s not here, he has not invited you to go back to the jungle. Don’t spoil a lovely day by talking to Ben he’s just not here. Talk about how you made me.
***
There you go again, talking to that girl. Willy, you are outside on your stoop, the stoop you made so cleverly, look at Happy, he’s lost weight and you can’t look at him?
***
Here’s Linda, without Willy…so that’s why she looks worried, he’s not here. I know I’m always worried when Willy isn’t here, he’s the best and makes me look fabulous. But why is she talking to Charley? He’s never here during the day when she is hanging out the washing. They’re talking about Willy.
Linda: I’m so worried about Willy.
Charley: How long has he been on the road this time?
Linda: He left the day before yesterday so everything must be okay so far.
Charley: He came to me before he left to get $50. I’m going to offer him a job, it would be better than having him begging off me each week.
Linda: I do appreciate you and your money. A job would be much better, make him feel like he’s doing something useful and earning his money. Thank you for being such a good friend to him.
Hmmm, Charley’s gone now. I know there are problems, Willy’s changed so much over the years. He used to come home all happy and excited to be back, sharing his stories with the family but over the years he’s changed. He drives in looking pensive and unhappy. Sometimes it feels as if he’s back too soon and that’s always the time when Linda is more worried.
***
Happy and Biff are back, sharing a room together like in the old days. Ah…it is good to have everyone here again, pity Willy doesn’t look so happy, he’s talking, no arguing with Biff again. Used to think Biff was an Adonis but now he just wants him to be well-liked.
***
Biff’s here shooting hoops, doesn’t really look as if his heart is in it. Willy should be home…here he is! Hey Biff! Your Dad’s here, you talk and be happy. But…but…they’re arguing. They’ve never done that before. A buyer in his room. Oh I’m sure it was innocent Willy says so, she was just having a wash.
***
Willy, you don’t plant in the middle of the night. I’m sure things will grow better planting during the day. You made me during the day. And why are you discussing twenty thousand dollars with Ben? he’s not even here. I know it sounds like a great proposition but I don’t think it sounds so good.
***
Willy died. I don’t really know what that meas but they’re talking about him as if he’ll never come back. That can’t be right. Everyone who dies seems to come back and talk to Willy so why can’t he come back and talk to me? Biff is very upset, keeps saying Willy had the wrong dream and that he should have stayed with making things. Then he said the best thing to Charley “…there’s more of him in that front stoop than in all the sales he ever made.” Yes, that’s my Willy!