Socialize the Losses; or Free, Base Scene D

Medical Exam Room

The application of disinfectant on a cotton swab by the NURSE to PERDY's injury as they sit facing each other. Bandages are reapplied. An examination table is obscured by a privacy curtain.

NURSE

You're healing nicely in just a week.

You might even get away without any scars

...Nothing disfiguring anyway.

The doctor says you're well enough to do this on your own;

Just put on this salve and replace your bandages every day,

Gently, just like I'm doing.

Okay. That feels better, right?

Perdy nods her head.

NURSE

(gestures toward the curtain)

Now. I have to see about this.

Her mother's coming to pick her up

but did you want to stay?

Perdy shakes her head and makes a polite and hasty exit.

NURSE

Okay. We'll see you next week!

A Beat.

NURSE

(to the curtain)

Are you alright? Do you want another People?

I'm sure I can find one without Angelina on the cover.

A Beat.

NURSE

If you want me to tell her, I can

But you'll feel better if you do it yourself.

I know it feels like the end of the world,

but it isn't.

JENN enters. The Mayor wears clothes that can only be described as glamorous and tasteless at the same time. This must contrast with everyone else who simply dress for cold weather.

NURSE

Hello, Mayor Arcaddy.

JENN

I was carpooling practice, but I got here as fast as I could. How's Mis'ess Basser?

NURSE

Oh, are they married?

I have to tell you, I see, uh, accidents all the time

but this actually makes it, uh, sweet. You know?

Half a Beat.

JENN

I meant, “How is Perdy Basser?” Where is my daughter?

NURSE

(gestures to the curtain)

She's in there.

She has something important to tell you.

JENN

(into the curtain)

Devon?

What happened?

(hushed, to the Nurse)

What happened?

NURSE

I guess she's decided to let me tell you.

She is pregnant

with Ezekiel Basser's baby.

The Nurse winces slightly but the Mayor's stern face turns into a cautious smile.

JENN

(if you really want to do the voice, this is your only chance)

Well, praise be to God!

I thought she had mono or something!

Quick fade to black.