The Missing Case of Dean Norman

Scene Five

Scene changes to the kitchen, fade in we see Sandra washing the dishes. A door opens and slams shut

Sandra: Dean? Is that you?

Dean enters still bloodied up and bruised. He enters crying, Sandra is in shock and runs towards him

Sandra: Dean! What happened to you my sweet?

She hugs him and tries to calm him down

Sandra: Ssshhh, it's okay, mummy's here

She grabs a napkin and wipes the blood and tears off his cheek and mouth

Sandra: Who did this to you?

Dean does not answer

Sandra: Dean... answer me

Dean still doesn't answer

Sandra: Answer me!

Dean starts to cry again

Sandra: Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout at you. Listen, sit down and I'll make you some Ovaltine okay?

Dean doesn't answer and wipes the tears off his face. Sandra quickly tries to make Dean some Ovaltine but in the rush she drops a mug and breaks it

Sandra: Oh sh- sorry

Dean looks scared

Sandra: Look, I'm sorry... I'll make a new one, can you go get the broomstick and palette and clean that up for me sweetie?

Dean nods and goes to get the broomstick and palette whilst Sandra makes him some Ovaltine. He cleans it up and the Ovaltine is ready, Sandra places the mug on the table and Dean sits down again

Sandra: Oh what a good boy you are, now here, drink this while I sort this mess out

Dean: (Low voice) Thank you

Sandra: Your welcome sweetie

She kisses him on the cheek and is about to leave

Dean: Mummy?

Sandra: Yes sweetheart?

Dean: I'm sorry for this morning

Sandra: It's okay, apology accepted

She smiles at him and goes to the hallway (backstage) to make a telephone call to the headmaster, Mr. Saviour. Dean stays seated and slowly drinks his Ovaltine

Sandra: (On the phone) Is this administration? Can I speak to the headmaster please? Yes, it's urgent. Hello, Saviour? Can you explain to me how the hell my son comes back from school all bruised and bloodied up? Yes! Trouble? What trouble? Oh my God, listen I've told you time and time again to move him from that class into another class... I don't care if it's not possible, I can't keep on having to see my son being beaten up like this!

Sandra continues adlibbing

Whilst Sandra is arguing on the telephone, Dean again looks out into the open (to the audience) and a quiet high frequency sound can be heard gaining volume. After a while, Sandra comes back into the kitchen, Dean still looking out into the open, Sandra comes and pats Dean on the shoulder, everything stops

Sandra: You alright dear?

Dean: Y...yes I'm fine

Sandra: Do you need to take some-

Dean: No I'm fine

Sandra: I think you need some sleep...

Dean nods in agreement but looks concerned

Sandra: Don't worry, if it happens again just shout out and I'll come, okay?

Dean: Okay...

Sandra: Go on then, I'll call you when dinner is ready okay?

Dean: Yes...

Fadeout