(We open in the main room of the Louie's Sweet Shop location. The camera, however, lingers on a dark area. Everything's empty. The tables, jukebox, radio, TV, candy, shelves, decorations, and cash register are gone. The words "Louie's Sweet Shop" have been removed from the windows, which are covered with paper. Louie finally comes through the room, carrying a large box and whistling. He's followed by Whitey and Sach, both carrying suitcases.)

Sach: I can't believe it, Louie. You're really retiring.

Louie: You bet. It still feels like it's all a dream.

Sach: Gee, I wish Chiefy could be here to see you off. (Shakes his head) I've barely seen him lately. I guess he's been at the real estate agency.

Whitey: *Nods* He must be really busy.

Louie: It's more likely he's been at Mike's Tavern down the street. Do you remember how drunk he was when you went to Vegas a while ago?

Sach: (As they walk through the door) Don't remind me. Chuck, Myron, and I spent half that trip trying to keep him standing upright. He hit the bar in that hotel whenever we weren't gambling or being chased by those guys who wanted my brain.

Whitey: *Shakes his head* I just don't get it. Things are finally goin' pretty well for the Chief, too.

Sach: I think he's mad because Butch moved back to Kansas and took Jane with him.

Louie: You heard what Butch said. He wasn't getting anywhere here. I got a letter from him the other day. He's going to open a music shop, and Jane will do his books and help him sell instruments. That'll make him much happier.

Sach: That's all Butchy ever wanted. (Frowns) I sure miss him, though. Don't get me wrong, Myron's a nice guy, but Butchy was a sweet kid.

Louie: (As they set the boxes on the front stoop) But he's not a kid anymore, Sach. You and Whitey aren't, either. And I'm not getting any younger.

Sach: Pshaw! You're as young as the day I met you.

Whitey: Younger.

Louie: Tell that to my back. (Sach pushes the door open. They reveal Myron, Marsha, Mama, Duke, and Sally loading boxes, bags, and suitcases into the back of a large black car.)

Mama: Louie, what took you so long?

Louie: (Kisses his wife's forehead) I just wanted to say "good-bye" to the store, Mama.

Duke: Things sure ain't gonna be the same around here without ya, Louie.

Myron: I haven't even known ya long, and I'm sure gonna miss ya.

Whitey: How much longer will you be, Louie? Chuck really wanted to try to make it to say goodbye.

Sally: And Slip's missing, too.

Sach: So's Dan and Kathy.

Louie: Well, we do need to get going if we want to miss the traffic. We have a long drive ahead of us to Florida.

Mama: (Nods) It's going to take us a couple of days to get down there.

Sach: Will you call us when you get to Ft. Lauderdale?

Louie: (Nods) I'll call Mike's Tavern or the Ling's Chinese Restaurant. They both have my number. Mike Clancy and the Lings are old friends. (Sighs) I'm sure gonna miss this place, but it'll be nice to live out our retirement in Florida.

*We suddenly hear a very loud "LOUIE!" from about a block away. Cut to Danny and Kathy running down the sidewalk.*

Danny: *As he and Kathy join them; gives Louie a hug* Oh man, I didn't think we were gonna make it! I'm gonna miss you, Louie!

Kathy: Did ya really think you'd leave for Florida without us sayin' good bye?

Louie: (Hugs both of them) I'm gonna miss you, too. After all, I helped bring the two of you together.

Kathy: (Grins) We'll think of you whenever we go on dates in ice cream shops.

Mama: (She sighs) And you two do look beautiful together! Papa did good.

Danny: I think I'm gonna cry...

Kathy: Here. (Hands him her handkerchief) You're always forgettin' yours.

Danny: *Sniffs* Thanks.

Louie: Danny, we'll still write and phone.

Mama: And Papa's doctor says this will be good for him and for me.

Danny: I know... *blows his nose into the handkerchief* I'm just so HAPPY!

*Whitey pats Danny's back.*

Louie: (As Sach and Duke load the last of the boxes and suitcases in) Is that everything, boys?

Duke: I think so.

Sach: Maybe we ought to go back in and check one more time...

Whitey: We did that already, Sach.

Sach: Well, we might have missed something...

*Just then we hear another voice call out "LOUIE!" this time from the subway entrance. We see Chuck, dressed in a good suit, fedora in hand, jogging towards everyone.*

Chuck: *jogs up* Louie, Mama, thank goodness I made it! I had to beg my boss to get out early. I'll be making it up tomorrow evening.

Louie: (Hugs Chuck) Hello there, Mr. Big Time Reporter! How's the fast-paced newspaper business?

Chuck: It's wonderful, Louie. I swear I haven't been this happy in YEARS.

Louie: You look happy. (Smiles) I know I'm happy. I'm going to miss all of you, but I think I really needed this. The Sweet Shop hadn't been doing well in years anyway. The neighborhood just isn't like it used to be. All the kids hang out uptown,and most families have moved to Connecticut and New Jersey.

Mama: We both needed this. Your health needed this, Papa. Remember what your doctor said. You couldn't have done this for much longer. It would have destroyed your nerves even further than it already has. I think he called it being burnt out...and I've said as much for years.

Chuck: *Sighs* And we sure didn't help much, dragging you into scheme after scheme. I'm so happy you finally have this opportunity.

Louie: (Nods) I sold the Sweet Shop to that real estate agency Slip works for now. Do you know how much this place was worth? It's worth more than I made in the last three years alone! I know property values have gone up in this part of New York, but I didn't know they'd gone that far up!

Chuck: It's amazing, really. I'm glad you got a good deal for it.

Sach: I'm just glad you didn't sell that that nasty old Sheila.

Louie: (Grins) Slip got me a better deal on this place than anything Sheila offered me.

Chuck: *Shakes his head* I wish Slip would tell us how he did that. Talking to him lately is just so... *sighs*

Sach: So annoyin'. He ain't no fun anymore. He hasn't been fun since that trip out west to find the uranium mine. He was drunk for most of that trip to Vegas.

Sally: I wish I knew what was wrong with him. Everything seems to be going so well. He finally has a good job. He has friends. He has me.

Louie: (Shrugs) I wish I knew. It would make me happier to know he's clean and sober when I go.

*From the direction of Mike's tavern, we see Slip on crutches, making his way toward the group. He looks rather sloppy in his usual rumpled suit. His hat is nowhere to be found, but the lock of hair that falls over his eyes is there 110 percent. He doesn't call to the group. He just concentrates - such as it is - on making his crutches work.*

Sach: Chiefy! (He hurries over) Where have you been? You almost missed Louie leaving!

Slip: I been at Mike's. Where ya think I been?

Chuck: *Frowns* Slip...

Louie: I'm glad you're here, Slip. Thank you for handling the sale of the Sweet Shop.

Slip: *Limps over to Louie* Yeah. Didn't want no one else to.

Slip: Thought ya'd be gone already.

Mama: We were waiting for you!

Louie: We wouldn't leave without saying good-bye to my favorite boy.

Mama: You not only found us a good deal on the shop and apartment, you helped us find the condo in Ft. Lauderdale, too.

Slip: Yeah, I did.

Louie: We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts. (He gives Slip a hug) How's your leg feeling, anyway?

Slip: *Gives a half-shrug* Eh. It's been better.

Louie: Well, I hope you feel better soon. (He nods at Sally) I'm sure my Sally can help you. Take care of her, Slip. She's a wonderful girl.

*Slip just nods.*

Louie: (He sighs, looking around) I'm sure gonna miss this place. (Shakes his head) But it just hasn't been the same the past few years. So many people have moved to the suburbs or died. The old neighborhood isn't what it was. We need new surroundings.

Mama: (Whitey and Duke help her in the car) Come on, Papa! If we don't get going now, we'll get stuck in rush-hour traffic for sure!

Louie: (He gives everyone one last round of hugs, even Slip) Well, you all be good now! I'll write and call when we get to our hotel! (He climbs in the car. Everyone waves and yells "good-bye" as the car drives off down the road, making a turn for the Lincoln Tunnel.)

Sach: (Sniffles, wiping his eyes) I'm sure gonna miss ol' Louie. Ain't gonna be the same around here without his banana splits an' him yellin' at us all the time.

Sally: I'm gonna miss Mama, too. She always gave the waitresses good advice about love.

Kathy: Dan, can I have my handkerchief back?

*Danny nods and hands over the handkerchief.*

Kathy: Thanks. (She proceeds to bawl into the handkerchief)

*Danny pulls Kathy to him and joins her in crying.*

Duke: (Sniffles) Ain't gonna be right around here without Louie n' Mama.

Sach: Who are we gonna owe IOUs to now?

Duke: (Small smile) Everyone else in town.

Marsha: Louie was one of the good ones. He was a great boss. I miss workin' for him already. The boss at the diner I'm workin' at now ain't nearly such a sweetheart.

*Slip turns and starts to limp away.*

Chuck: *Sees Slip retreating; makes a face* Slip? What was that? You only made small talk with Louie! *watches Slip continue on a few more steps* Slip!

Sally: (Turn to him and nods) That's right. I know you're disappointed he's leaving. I'm going to miss him, too.

Duke: Slip, what's wrong with you?

Sach: Yeah, this ain't like you.

Slip: I ain't disappointed. Louie made his choice. He's desertin'.

Chuck: He isn't deserting, Slip. They're both moving on with their lives.

Slip: *Manages to turn to face them all again* After all we been?

Chuck: What's that supposed to mean? Do you think he's owes us or something?

Sally: (She and Sach runs up to Slip) That's what you're so upset about, isn't it? You're upset because Louie chose to leave, move on with his life.

Sach: You're upset because Louie changed. You hate changes.

Slip: I ain't upset 'bout nutin'.

Chuck: Maybe. Maybe not. But you are drunk.

Slip: So?

Sally: Knock it off and stop being stubborn. If you're not upset over nuthin', why have you spent the last few months drinking yourself into a stupor?

Slip: Better than dealin' wit' shit.

Sally: No, it isn't. Do you know what the amount of liquor you've been drinking can do to you? Do you want to lose your job, now that you're doing so well? Do you want two broken legs?

Slip: Doin' well? *snorts*

Sally: You have a job. You have friends. Ok, you have a busted leg. That happens. You'll get better. What more do you want?

Sach: I know what he wants. He wants everything to be exactly like it was when we were kids.

Chuck: But we aren't kids anymore, Slip.

Sally: (Nods) Ok, so things are changing. Life is like that. That doesn't mean things can't still be wonderful.

Sach: How do you think I feel? I don't even have a little job!

Slip: I ain't gotta listen to this. *starts away again*

Sally: (She moves in front of him) Yes, you do. You've needed to hear it for years. (Takes his shoulders) Terrance Aloytious Mahoney, listen to me. Life changes. That's the way of things. Get used to it. People are going to move away. Businesses are going to close down. There's nothing you can do but ride out those changes and GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE.

Sach: Chiefy, she's right.

Slip: Right now I'm gonna get my life on at Mike's.

Sally: No, you're going to try to ignore it.

Slip: What's the difference?

Sally: Changes are going to happen whether you want them to or not. You can drink all you want, but it won't stop them.

Sach: (He frowns) Chiefy...don't you want to live?

Slip: *Half-shrug* Live? *makes a pfft sound and turns again*

Chuck: Slip, you're being ridiculous.

Sally: You're being an ass. I'm ashamed of you.

Slip: *Stops and turns, looking at Chuck* Here. *flips Chuck a coin* Call someone who cares.

*Chuck holds the coin so tightly in his fist, his knuckles turn white. Smoke actually seems to be coming out his ears.*

Sally: (Hands him the ring on her finger) Then you won't care if I give you this back. I hope you choke on it.

*Slip just seems to stare at Sally, almost seeming to have expected to get the ring back.*

(Sally reaches back and hits Slip as hard as she can in the cheek...then turns and walks off in the opposite direction. What the guys don't see are the angry and frustrated tears sliding down her face.)

Sach: (Narrows his eyes) You deserved that. You're lucky I don't do it, too.

Slip: *turns to Sach* What's holdin' ya back?

Sach: 'Cause somewhere in that stubborn, broken body is the Chief I admire and respect.

*Slip raises an eyebrow, then snorts and gives a very short, humorless laugh.*

Sach: You're my best friend. I ain't gonna desert you.

*Again, Slip turns to head for Mike's.*

Sach: Chiefy, wait up! (He hurries after him.)

Duke: (He joins Chuck) What's goin' on? I saw Sally goin' down the street cryin' like her heart broke.

Chuck: *Shakes his head, as if coming out of a daze* Slip's lost it. He's absolutely flipped.

Duke: Did he and Sally have another fight?

Chuck: It was more like him and the three of us.

Duke: He's pissed 'cause Louie left, ain't he?

Chuck: Yeah. I'm afraid this might have been the last straw. *frowns deeply* Duke, I don't know what to do.

Duke: Go back to work, Chuck. Let me talk to him. It might help to hear it from someone who ain't part of the group.

Chuck: *Nods, but he's clearly still very disturbed* Yeah, okay.

Duke: I know you're worried, and I know he's your brother, but I think he'll be ok, eventually.

Chuck: I hope you're right. *claps Duke's shoulder as he passes him and heads slowly for the subway entrance*

Duke: (Mutters to himself) Me too, Chuck. (He heads in the direction of Mike's Tavern.)

(Cut to Mike's Tavern. It's a narrow room that's mostly filled with cracked red booths, old wooden tables, a small stage, and a large, scarred old bar. Mike Clancy stands behind the bar, wiping glasses. He shakes his head when he sees Sach and Slip come in.)

Mike: Hello, boys. Slip, I sort of expected to see you, but I ain't seen Sach since the two of you tried to pass yourselves off as old enough to drink when you were both teenagers.

Sach: I don't want Chiefy drinkin' at all.

Slip: An' drinkin's all I wanna do.

Sach: Mike, get him a soda. He don't need the liquor. Get me one too, while you're at it.

Mike: Since when did you give the orders?

Sach: Since I was the sober one.

Slip: *Growls* I don't want no soda.

Mike: (Shakes his head) You've had enough lately, Slip. Maybe you shouldn't be mixin' alcohol with whatever you're takin' for that bum leg.

Sach: That's what we've been tryin' to tell him.

Slip: I ain't takin' nutin' for it.

Mike: (Frowns) Slip, did you n' that Sally of yours have another fight and break up again?

*Slip plops the ring on the bar.*

Mike: Is this the third or the fourth time she's given you that back?

Sach: The third, I think.

Mike: I'm sure she'll come around in a few days. That's the way of women.

Sach: I sure hope so. She was awfully mad. She really belted Slip one.

Mike: Did she, now? Would that account for that nice little bruise formin' on your cheek there, lad?

*Slip flicks his eyes up to meet Mike's briefly, then Slip looks away again.*

Sach: Yeah.

Mike: Do you want some ice for that eye?

Slip: If there's scotch wit' it.

Mike: We'll do that later. How about I just give you some ice first?

(Duke walks in as Mike prepares a bag for Slip's eye. He sits down at the bar on the other side of Slip from Sach.)

Mike: (Gives Slip the towel with the bag of ice) Here you go, lad. I hope this helps. (Turns to Duke) Hello, Duke my boy. Where you been lately?

Duke: Oh, here, there. Can you set me up with a beer? Nothin' too hard this early in the day.

Mike: Aye, that I can do for you, boy. (He goes to get Duke the requested drink)

Duke: (Turns to Slip and grins) Nice shiner. Where did you get that from?

Slip: Who d'ya think?

Duke: Wow. Where did Sally learn to hit like that?

Sach: Probably Mama.

Duke: Sach, maybe you'd better go on home. This is between me and Slip.

Sach: Aw Dukey, I wanna talk to him.

Duke: It's my turn, Sach. You talk to him at home.

Sach: Aw, ok. (He pats Slip on the back) I'll see you at our place, and we'll all talk then, ok?

*Slip grunts his response.*

(Sach sighs and leaves. Duke turns to Slip.)

Duke: Ok Slip, spill it. I'm not your brother or one of your underlings. You can level with me. What's going on here?

Slip: I ain't in the mood to change. I known Louie like my own pop. Knew 'em longer, too. Now he's left.

Duke: (Shrugs) So you find another pop.

Slip: Where, bright boy?

Duke: Look around you. Or better yet, move. You work in real estate. You could probably move to the suburbs or somethin'.

Slip: *Snorts* Only place I'm goin's to a farm if I ever get outta here. An' I ain't replacin' Louie.

Duke: Then move to a farm. Maybe it's high time you did. All the drinking in the world can't stop time, Slip.

Slip: You tryin' ta get ridda me now?

Duke: Yes, I am. Slip, you're turnin' into a tub of lard. Everyone's noticed it, including Louie. Becoming a lush is not going to make time go in reverse and turn us into troublemakin' kids again.

Slip: You wanna play leader, don'tcha?

Duke: I want you to grow up.

Slip: An' I want everyone to leave me the hell alone.

Duke: I thought you and Chuck had this discussion after the Christmas Carol play we did a few years ago.

Slip: That was different.

Duke: How?

Slip: Louie wasn't leavin' then. *Makes a face at Duke* How long you gonna keep this up, Coveleske?

Duke: (Sips his beer) Until you stop acting like a jerk.

Slip: *Snorts* Mike, got a cot?

Duke: Slip, you're scared shitless.

*Slip opens his mouth to rebut, however nothing comes out. He thumps the make-shift ice pack on the bar.*

Slip: Mike, gimme a beer if I can't get the damn scotch.

Mike: All right. (He brings the beer) And I might as well tell you boys this now. I'm sellin' the bar and my liquor license.

Duke: Mike, why? This is a great place!

Mike: Maybe for you, laddie, but I'm tired of handlin' drunks all day, an' not bein' able to cook or talk to people when they're sober. I want to concentrate on the food.

Slip: *Mutters* Damn....

Mike: I ain't leavin' New York. I won't even leave the Bowery. This is my home, sure as it's yours. I want to find a little place in the area and start a restaurant, a real restaurant.

Duke: (Grins at Slip) You know, I think a place down the block just became available...

Slip: Go 'head, buy Louie's. Throw another change on the pile. *down half of the beer in one gulp* I had enough. *grabs his crutches and makes to get up*

Duke: What's wrong with changes?

Slip: *Leans on the crutches* Me an' change don't get along. I'm leavin'. You gonna follow me?

Duke: (Shakes his head) Nahh. I wanna finish my beer.

Mike: Are you gonna be all right, lad? Do you need money for Billy Hallop's jalopy?

Slip: I ain't in no mood for listenin' ta Hallop tonight. *heads out slowly*

Mike: (Shakes his head) That boy's headin' for a rather bad fall...an' not just 'cause of his leg.

Duke: His problem is there's only one thing in his life that he's ever really been afraid of...and that's change. And change is the one thing you can't stop.

Mike: I sure hope he figures things out soon.

Duke: Me too, Mike. (Sighs and turns to his beer)

*We switch to outside as Slip comes out of the tavern. A beat-up jalopy comes chugging down the road. It pulls to a stop alongside the curb. We see the driver is Danny.*

Danny: *Leans over* Hey, Slip, want a lift? My jalopy might actually be worse than yours, but it gets me places.

Slip: (Shrugs) Sure. Why not. (Danny helps him in the passenger's side) Where's Kathy?

Danny: I dropped her off at her place. *shifts into gear and pulls back onto the street* This sure was a tough day, huh? I didn't even know Louie that long. *shrugs* He and Mama will like it in Florida. I've visited there a few times. I think I like New York better, though. *Frowns* How's your leg doing? *shakes his head* I think I sprained a finger last week. Still hurts like crazy.

Slip: Ehh, it's ok. Better. (Makes a face) If you sprained your finger, how are you drivin'?

Danny: I'm using the other fingers. I had to use crutches one time. They dug into my underarms something awful. You seem to be doing pretty well on them.

Slip: Thanks.(Makes a face) Dan, I know you like to hear the sound of your own voice, but I'm really tired. Could you shove it long enough to get me home without a headache?

Danny: Oh. *sheepish smile* Sorry. Good intentions?

Slip: Yeah. Just had a bad day, that's all. (He leans back)

*Danny nods as he continues to drive Slip home. We fade out as Danny steals a quick glance at Slip and gives a worried look.*