The Death & Life of John F. Donovan

"Man in Diner: That isn't... Hellsome High? It is you, isn't it? Ha! I'm sorry. I know that's not your name. John F. Donovan: No, that's, uh... That's a high school. Um, my name is... Man in Diner: John F. Donovan! I'm not that old! I'm sure you hate this, but my grandson is a huge fan of yours. I was walking with him down Canal Street just the other day and passed a poster for your show, and he just got so excited. He stood in front of that poster around 5 minutes. He wants to be just like you when he grows up. Magic powers included, of course. John F. Donovan: Does he? Man in Diner: He sure does, yeah. Well, I don't mean to bother you, you know. John F. Donovan: No, you're not. Please. Man in Diner: Oh, aren't you a kind man, sitting here trying to get some peace and quiet, and an old fool like me comes squawking in. John F. Donovan: No. No, really, it's... Man in Diner: Well, we'll be waiting for the next great adventure then, will we? Ok. John F. Donovan: I don't know sir. Man in Diner: What? John F. Donovan: I don't know anymore. I, uh... I feel... Sorry, I... I feel like Man in Diner: Talk to me. John F. Donovan: I, I feel... I've done everything wrong. You know? I've been thinking... What if I... What if I don't belong here? What if I've stolen someone else's place? Ah, Jesus, say something. Laugh at me or... Man in Diner: Oh, dear! I mean, who am I to contemplate these confessions, really? Hmm? John F. Donovan: I know, I know. I'm s... I'm sorry. Please go. I should have never bothered you with any of this. Man in Diner: In my opinion... things are simple. People on the other hand, have an inexplicable proclivity to make them complicated. It seems to me you already know you erred, which is, to say at least, atypical of most people. But, personally, I look at you, and all I see is a young man whose work matters to my grandson. I mean, how you chose to remedy your wrongs is yours and God's good businesses. But the question is... how could you have stolen a place... that was made just for you? John F. Donovan: Um, I'm sorry, I've never seen you here before. Man in Diner: Well, you see me now. Blimey! You know, I'd better get going. Go home. You're too young for lonely meals in dingy kitchens."

"Audrey Newhouse: This last letter suggests he was full of hope... Rupert Turner: Which is why I am sure you will understand that, for obvious reasons, that is the version that I chose to believe."