Professor Hilbert finishes the manuscript.
He puts it down on the couch next to him.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
(pause)
It's... it's okay.
She turns to him.
KAY
It's not great
PROFESSOR HILBERT
No. But... it's okay. It's not bad. Not the most amazing piece of American literature in several years but... it's okay.
KAY
(pause)
You know, I think I'm fine with okay.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
It doesn't make any sense with the rest of the book though.
KAY
No. Not yet. I'll re-write the rest. My assistant said, she said she'd go back to the publisher and request more time.
He looks at her.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
Why?
KAY
I'm sorry.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
Why did you change it?
KAY
(pause)
Lots of reasons. But... I realized I couldn't do it.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
Because he's real?
KAY
No. Because...
(pause)
It's a book about a man who doesn't know he's about to die... then dies. But if the man does know he's going to die, and dies anyway... dies willingly, knowing he could stop it... isn't that the type of man you want to keep alive?
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