REDEMPTION
The play takes place in a library setting. Sheldon Malloy, a retired police detective, sits at a table reading a newspaper. Eddie, a friend, approaches and sits at the table. During the two men's conversation it is revealed that Malloy is deeply grieving over the recent death of his long-time, beloved wife. Eddie tries to convince Malloy to get out of his apartment, take an active interest in life, make new friends, and the like. But when it becomes apparent that Malloy is not incouraged but rather more negative, Eddie politely excuses himself and leaves.
Once alone, Malloy lowers his head onto his arms in a display of obvious depression. At this time two young boys draw near and attract his attention. They ask Malloy to help them find something to read. He suggests they seek the aid of the librarian, but the boys claim the lady is too busy. When he asks why their parents don't assist them, the boys reply that they don't have any parents. From this he readily discerns that the boys are from a nearby orphanage.
The boys would like Malloy to find a book for them with a lot of action in it. He rises, takes a book from one of the nearby shelves and gives it to the boys. They ask him to read to them. As he prepares to do so, Pamela Welch, a volunteer worker at the orphanage, comes up looking for the boys. She explains that they must return to the orphange for supper. They boys relate how Malloy was going to read to them. She has the boys take the book to check-out.
Pamela tells Malloy that volunteering has given her a new look on life and that she's never been happier. She invites Malloy to join her. Taken with her warmth and appeal, he agrees. She expresses her enthusiasm at the prospect of working with him and leaves. He promptly goes to the shelves for more books.