Fourth Floor

Apartment #412

"Hey, sis."

"Hey."

"..."

"..."

"I liked the lunch you made today."

"Thank you...It's Mom's recipe."

"..."

"..."

"I love this movie."

"I know."

"..."

"..."

"So, umm...there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"Okay...?"

"Well, I guess you've read the letter that -"

[Stiffening of body.]

"Sis, you okay?"

"Yeah, I...just...go on."

"Alright, umm, you've read it, right?"

"Obviously."

"I was wondering if we could - ?"

[Soft sob.]

"It's okay, Nic. Shh, don't cry."

"I'm s-sorry."

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry. For bringing up the letter."

"I just...don't want to have to see them ever again."

"I understand, I understand."

"..."

"But you can't keep avoiding this forever, you know."

"I'm not avoiding it. It's just too fresh for me to talk about at the moment."

"..."

"I mean, that night is still imprinted in my mind as if it was just yesterday and I hate having to see the events replay over and over and over again!"

"..."

"And in answer to one of your previous questions, no, I don't think we should go meet them no matter how much they plead."

"They're our parents, sis."

"And they're in jail. They're bad people. I don't want to go near them ever again and I don't want you to do so either."

"You can't stop me from -"

"You're still my little brother and you aren't an adult yet. Yes, I can stop you."

"But they're apologizing to us, Nic. Maybe things could actually work out if you'd simply try to forgive -"

[Abrupt departure from room.]

"- them."

[Deep, sorrowful sigh.]