Lab Journal Entry #23

[matril]

"Taking Care"

Int., Clancy’s garage, daytime. Camera is focused on shelves

CREATURE
(VO, labored but more fluent than last time) The family is out now. Brother works and sister and mom...shop.

I listen. I learn. I practice. I make movie, listen to voice, try again. It is better now.

But I do not sound like friends. My voice...is wrong.

Camera flashes past cracked mirror with quick glimpse of Creature’s reflection.

CREATURE
I look wrong too. Not like friends. I call them friends. I wish. They do not know me. Not yet. Maybe someday.

Noises from the house. Hurried camera movement as CREATURE returns to hiding place, whispers

CREATURE
They never come here. Not since I come. Safe here, I think. But I still worry. Not ready to see me yet.

MRS. CLANCY
(Off) Abby, did you forget the toilet paper?

CREATURE
(Whispers) Toilet.

ABBY
(Off) No, it’s right here, Mom. We got everything on the list.

MRS CLANCY
Except a job for you.

ABBY
Hmm. I chose to ignore that item.

MRS CLANCY
Abby, I know you’re bored out of your mind staying at home with me. You have fantastic qualifications that are being wasted. And we could really use the extra income –

ABBY
There aren’t any jobs in my field in this area anyway. And who’s going to take care of you? Make sure you don’t get hurt?

CREATURE
(Whispers) Take care. Hurt.

MRS CLANCY
I’m not made of glass. And plenty of people get by just fine without their sight.

ABBY
Yes...after years of getting used to it. You’ve only had a few months. And it’s not just your sight, it’s the pain. They’re serious headaches. Sometimes you can barely get out of bed.

MRS CLANCY
(Sighs) I know, I know.

ABBY
Mom. I care about you. We all do. And if Phillip can keep at this job for a full year, then he can get insurance coverage for all of us and you’ll be able to see that specialist –

CREATURE
(Whispers) Insurance...coverage.

MRS CLANCY
(Exasperated) Oh, he’s been talking to you about this, has he? The two of you, conspiring to sacrifice every bit of your own happiness for your poor old mom. I won’t have it.

ABBY
Mom – (Phone rings; Abby goes to get it) Hello? (Pause) Yes, this is Abby. (Pause) Sophie? Oh my gosh. It’s really you. How did you – (Pause) Oh, yeah, definitely. We can pick you up right now. Just let me write down the – (Pause) Uh-huh. Got it. We’ll be right there! (Hangs up) Mom, you won’t believe it.

MRS CLANCY
Sophie’s here?

ABBY
(Giddy with excitement) At the bus station. If we hurry we can get her back here before Phillip comes home. He’ll be over the moon to see her. (Sound of clattering feet, clamor, then door shutting)

CREATURE
Over the moon.