Act 1

The Shadow Boxopens with Joe's interview. Joe is a terminally ill patient vacationing on the grounds of a large hospital, a guest in one of three cabins, two of which are otherwise occupied by other patients and their families. He admits that he hasn't seen his family in six months due to excessive hospital bills and the belief that one day he will return home.

Joe shares that he has explained "the whole setup" to his wife, Maggie, and has asked her to relay the information to their young teenage son Steve. He is concerned about his wife's ability to cope with his illness, but for Maggie "it just takes her a little time." Joe explains to the interviewer his own emotional struggles with his condition, admitting his anger and fear.

Joe leaves the interview to meet up with his family back at the cottage. When...