#828: Positive Attitude explain

[Cueball sits hunched with his knees drawn up to him on a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV. A friend stands by.]

Cueball: I’m sick and I’m scared.

Friend: Well, remember - having a good attitude is the most important thing. Think positively and you’ll get better.

[Darkness surrounds Cueball on the bed. The friend is off-screen.]

Cueball: So if I’m sad or afraid or feel like crap sometimes, then…

Friend: …then if you don’t recover, it will be your fault.

[Cueball clutches his hands to his face and leans back.]

Cueball: Well that makes me feel even worse.

Friend: See? You’re doing this to yourself.

Cueball: No!

Friend: Stop it!

Cueball: Argh!

[Close up on Cueball, holding up his hand, pointing to himself.]

Cueball: Okay, you know what? Screw this. My attitude isn’t my problem. - My disease is my problem, and I’m treating it. - I’m going to be glum and depressed and pessimistic some days, and I’m going to get better anyway.

[Cueball sits on the edge of the bed, his friend still standing in front of him.]

Cueball: Wait, that ended up sounding optimistic.

Friend: I guess you suck at pessimism.

Cueball: Maybe I’ll be better at it tomorrow.