Robert is in his early 20s and has a demanding career as a successful model.  He is in an Eating Disorder Clinic and is addressing another patient.  This monologue is part of a one-act play, The 7th Disorder.

ROBERT:

That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.  I don’t model because I want to be a girl, I model because I’m attractive.  And I’m attractive because I’m, I’m careful. 

Careful about how I, how I operate, how I control myself, how I manage my energy.  My body’s energy. You don’t understand what it’s like.  To have to parade in front of a room full of gawking strangers.  And strut, strut, hips right, left, look sexy, make them want you.  This is serious business!  If the clothes don’t sell the designer won’t hire you again.  So you gotta, work it, work it.  Make everything look good.  Ignore the man in the second row who is fixated on your ass.  And again, strut, strut and turn and turn.  Give ‘em what they paid for.  The pressure is overwhelming.  You have to be in top physical condition, always.  So, I devised an exercise routine. 

Every morning, pre dawn walking, walking, walking.  Until the walking takes on speed.  Faster, faster, gaining speed and I’m running.  Running so fast I never want to stop.  Just keep running, running.  At noon I venture to the gym, to play tennis or volleyball or basketball.  Never leaving before three.  Then, at night, another run.  One mile, two, three.  Five miles.  Six.  Eight.  Ten miles.  I don’t know how to stop.  I can’t stop.  Running.  I have to keep.  Going.  As long.  As.  I.  Can.  No matter how tired.  No matter how weak.  I must.  Keep.  Moving.  As long as there’s energy in me.  Energy to burn.  I.  Must keep.  Moving.  It’s what I had to do, to keep working.  It’s what I had to do to stay beautiful.  Physical beauty increases your worth, and I am a valuable commodity.