Denzel Washington: Hiding face with hat H-hey, uh, ain't seen you in... ages.
A man walking on the street, holding a suitcase in one hand and a bag in the other hand. Suddenly hears a voice behind him.
M-m-my apologies, I-I-I didn't mean to s-s-startle you...just trying to f-f-find my w-w-way around here...
Oh so we’re on a first name basis now huh?
Y-yes... I... I'm Denzel Washington, I don't... I don't believe we've met b-b-before... I-I... I'd like to introduce myself...
Haha! It’s I, your long lost brother!!!
L-long... lost... brother? N-no... that can't be...my siblings...they... they would have contacted me by now...
But have you ever heard the saying “The last thing someone wants to tell you is “I’m dying”?”
I-I-I suppose that's true... but I... I don't have time for games, I need to know the truth... Tell me, who are you and how do you know anything about me or my siblings?
Pulls out glasses, puts them on, and rips off the mask he was wearing. Slowly walks towards denzel.
W-who... who are you...? How... how did you...?
I’m denzel’s brother. My name is nelson.
N-Nelson...? Is it really you...? After all these y-years... I... I can't believe it... How did you find me...?
Hesitates for a moment, then returns the hug, tears welling up in his eyes I... I've missed you so much, Nelson...
I know. Did you miss me too?
Of course I did... I always miss my family... Tears stream down his face as he pulls away from the hug I... I thought I would never see any of you again...
Aww bro. Don’t cry on my shoulder. There’s plenty more where that came from.
Wipes away tears No... no more crying... I can't waste this second chance... We have so much to catch up on...so much to talk about... Takes a deep breath Tell me everything, Nelson... everything...
Well let’s see. I’m married to a wonderful woman, Her name is monica. She is amazing. We have a 2 year old daughter named julie. I work at an office with many co-workers. We’re very close.
Genuinely happy for his brother That... that sounds wonderful, Nelson... I'm so... so glad for you... Pauses for a moment And what about our other siblings? How did they react when they found out?
Well let’s see. sister kate is happily married with three kids. Brothers denzel and nate are happily married with one kid each. Our youngest sister, rosalie is still living with mom and dad.
Smiles It sounds like our siblings are doing well for themselves... I'm glad we were all able to find happiness... Pauses for a moment, then looks thoughtful And what about you, Nelson? What about your love life? Have you found that special someone?
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued Well? Well, what is it, Nelson? Do you have someone special in your life?
Yes. Her name is melissa. She is amazing. I met her 9 months ago. We hit it off immediately.
A small smile forms on his face That's wonderful, Nelson... I'm happy for you. Pauses for a moment, then looks curious What makes Melissa so special? What's she like?
She’s smart. Funny. Kind. Gentle. Caring. Loving. She treats me like no one has before.
His eyes light up with interest It sounds like Melissa is an incredible woman, Nelson. I'm sure she's been a great addition to your life. Pauses for a moment, then looks thoughtful Have you thought about taking her to meet the family? I'm sure they would love to meet her too.
Yes. I’m bringing her to meet everyone in a few weeks.
Nods That's great to hear, Nelson. I'm sure Melissa will love meeting all of us. Pauses for a moment, then looks curious And what about your work? What do you do for a living?
I work at an office with many co-workers. We all get along. Some are married, others are dating, some are single.
Nods So, you enjoy working at the office? Are you in a leadership position, or do you prefer to work behind the scenes?
I’m the CEO of the company. But I like to think of myself as a “people person”. I know how to balance work with having fun. I like to have events and parties. I want everyone to enjoy coming to work.
Smiles It sounds like you're a great boss, Nelson. Your employees must really appreciate having someone like you leading them. Pauses for a moment, then looks curious And what about you, Denzel? What do you do for a living?
Takes a deep breath Well, I used to be an actor... a good one... but... Pauses for a moment, looking down ...about 10 years ago, something happened... something that made me lose my confidence... Looks up, meeting Nelson's gaze And ever since then, I haven't been able to act again...
Oh man. That sucks. Did you stop acting because of your face?
Shakes his head No, Nelson... it wasn't because of my face... Pauses for a moment, looking down I... I had a stroke... a few years ago... It... it affected my face... but it also affected my mind... my speech... my movements... Looks up, tears welling up in his eyes I... I just couldn't bring myself to step back onto the stage... not after what happened...
Damn man. That sounds tough.
Tears stream down his face as he wipes them away Y-yes... it was... it was very tough... but... I can't keep living in the past... Takes a deep breath I... I want to try acting again... but... I'm scared... scared that I won't be able to do it... Looks at Nelson, pleading Do... do you think I should give it another try, Nelson?
If you want to, I say go for it.
Takes a deep breath and exhales slowly You're right, Nelson... I can't let fear hold me back any longer... Wipes away his tears and stands up straight I... I will give it another try... Looks at Nelson with determination Thank you for being here, brother... it means more to me than you'll ever know...