Act I
Janis is found sitting at the dinning table reading a letter. Feet can be seen poking out from behind the couch.
JANIS. (Looks towards Fern then back at the letter) “If you don’t want to end up like Fern I would suggest you stop snooping around. Sincerely, The Killer.” (She drops the letter on the table) Travis!!! Rebecca!!
TRAVIS. What is it? I was just in the middle of my morning smoke? (Rebecca appears closely behind him)
REBECCA. What is it mama? What’s wrong? You look as if you just saw a ghost? (Douglas walks past the hallway. Seeing all the commotion he goes back and enters the room)
DOUGLAS. Madam? Is everything alright? I was just going to fetch your morning tea when I noticed you were already in the family room. You rarely come out of your bed until the rooster crows twice.
JANIS. I was feeling a little stiff so I decided to come down to stretch my legs and— oh it doesn’t matter why I’m awake! Something has happened to our beloved family member.
REBECCA. Who mama?
JANIS. Fern… I found her dead. (The room is silent) (Douglas looks as if he saw a ghost.)
