Gutters the screenplay (draft)

Chapter three adaptaion

INT. PETER's cot- day

DENMARK coughs. PETER wakes. He turns to face DENMARK, who is laying on his back, a hand covering his mouth. His other arm is wrapped around PETER. PETER props himself up, looking over at DENMARK.

PETER:

Are you alright?

DENMARK smiles and ruffles PETER's hair.

DENMARK:

Yeah, I'm fine. Just choking on my spit. It's still early. You can sleep longer, if you want.

PETER:

I can't go back to sleep. I'm up now. Are you sure you're okay?

DENMARK pushes PETER's head back onto the pillow.

DENMARK:

I told you, I'm fine! You don't have to be worrying about me.

PETER:

I was just asking! I'm not worried. Berwald used to say you were too stupid for your own good. So, you know, don't be stupid.

DENMARK sits up.

DENMARK:

Hey, that's what got me here, isn't? Too stupid to give up!

PETER:

He said that about you, too.

DENMARK:

I don't doubt that for a second.

DENMARK looks exhausted, despite sleeping quite soundly. He leans his head against the wall and sighs. PETER struggles to keep from crying.

DENMARK:

I know, kiddo, I know. It's alright.

After a pause DENMARK situates himself so that he's looking PETER straight in the eye.

DENMARK:

Peter, come with me. I can't stay, and I don't want you to, either. Especially not with these people. They obviously aren't taking very good care of you, and I don't trust them.

PETER:

I don't need anyone to take of me! I'm growing up, Den! I can take care of myself!

DENMARK:

I don't doubt that for a second, but it's much more dangerous out there.

DENMARK sighs, and rubs the back of his neck.

DENMARK:

I might not be as fun as I used to be, but I can't just leave you, Peter.