Stolen Generation

PROLOGUE - ROBERT

PROLOGUE I – Scene I

FADE IN

INT. MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT

The day is July 18, 1933 in the Chicago, United States. The last member of young ROBERT's family died seventeen days ago. He is currently living with his godparents, MR and MRS. BEST. MR. BEST just came home from work, and is quarreling with his wife about sending ROBERT to the orphanage. ROBERT woke up and overheard their conversation while sitting in the hall way.

MR. BEST is lying on the bed, and MRS. BEST comes out of the bathroom.

MRS. BEST

Honey, listen... We can't go and raise this child! We already have four. We don't make enough to raise another one.

MR. BEST

(Exhausted)

Stop... I want to hear this right now. I already have a rough day at work.

MRS. BEST

Yes, yes... I know. But this is exactly why we must send that child away.

MR. BEST

(a little agitated)

No. We promised Molly we will be his godparents. When Molly died in that accident five years ago, we didn't even attend her funeral.

MRS. BEST

(disappointed, then sarcastically)

Oh come on! We were in Hawaii at the time. We came back and his grandmother already said she'll take care of him. It wasn't our fault she died.

MR. BEST

(angrily)

Have you ever wonder why his grandmother took him in?

A SHORT SILENT.

MRS. BEST

She –

MR. BEST

It because she thought we couldn't love a Mix. And you know what? With you acting like this, she is absolutely right!

MRS. BEST

(sarcastically)

Are you blaming me now?

MR. BEST stands up.

MRS. BEST

It's my fault that a Niger stole Molly from you? It's my fault that you had a rough day at work today? Yeah fuck me! It's always my fault anyway!

MR. BEST opens the drawers and pulls out three Nat Sherman cigars.

MR. BEST

I don't want to talk to you when you're like this.

MRS. BEST

YOU COME BACK HERE –

MR. BEST opens the door and exists. the door closes behind him. MRS. BEST screaming behind the door.

CUT TO:

INT. SECOND FLOOR HALL – NIGHT

MR. BEST

(surprised)

You heard us?

ROBERT

No sir.

MR. BEST

You don't have to lie, son. Don't mind her. She's always like that. We still want you in our family.