Widows and Children First: Scene 1 Summary

It is now five years later and the scene takes place in the interior of Arnold's small apartment in Manhattan. Ed is cooking breakfast for Arnold and David, a fifteen-year-old boy whom Arnold is in the process of adopting. It is revealed that Alan has died and Arnold is proceeding with adopting David because it is a goal that Arnold and Alan shared.

Ed has separated from Laurel and is staying with Arnold and David temporarily until he finds an apartment. A phone call interrupts the morning and it is clear from Ed's one-sided dialogue that the caller is Laurel who wants Ed to recommit to the marriage, but Ed cannot do that.

Arnold reminds Ed and David that a social worker is coming to inspect Arnold and the household as a preliminary action prior...