#828: Positive Attitude

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

Man: 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 the man on the bed. The friend is off-screen.]]

Man: 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.

[[The man on the bed clutches his hands to his face and leans back.]]

Man: Well that makes me feel even worse.

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

Man: No!

Friend: Stop it!

Man: Argh!

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

Man: 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.

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

Man: Wait, that ended up sounding optimistic.

Friend: I guess you suck at pessimism.

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