At the Bridge

Divorced nine years ago, Robert asks his ex-wife Joyce to meet him on the bridge. Their son, Connor, turned 18 and Robert is making his last child support payment to Joyce. Robert has been mostly absent from Connor’s life. But today, he seems more interested than usual, to converse with Joyce. Why did they have to meet at the bridge when Robert could have simply mailed the last check? Suddenly Robert blurts out an invitation to dinner. Joyce is stunned and caught off guard. It was difficult enough for her to meet him in person. Robert confesses that he wants to make changes. Joyce still harbors anger and bitterness about their divorce. She had to raise Connor as a single mother. When pressed to answer the invitation to dinner, Joyce fabricates she is getting married to a dentist. Robert is shocked by the news. When Connor shows up at the bridge, the awkward moment between father and son is compounded by the news of Joyce’s upcoming marriage. Connor is hurt over his father’s absence from his life. As Robert begins to leave, we see his pain and anguish as he hesitates to walk away and then finally wishes Joyce happiness. Connor confronts his mother. She cannot explain why she lied about getting married to a dentist. Connor hits her with the truth. She has not gotten over Robert. Joyce allows her heart to lead and she tries to catch up with Robert.