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turning to page one
David hides and hears the sound of people running and guns firing. He tries to cover himself with leaves, moving slowly and quietly, and smears mud on his face. Silly little things out of inexperience and despair. Despite his efforts, he is quickly discovered by Lisping Man, who takes aim at David with his tranquilliser gun. David puts his hands up.
LISPING MAN
What you did to that woman was
dreadful. I can’t understand why
you would turn her into a dog and
then kick her to death.
DAVID
She killed my brother. I would have
done the same thing if she’d killed
you. You’re like a brother to me.
You’re my best friend in the whole
world.
LISPING MAN
I don’t believe I’m your best
friend in the whole world. You used
to spend a lot more time with the
man with the limp.
DAVID
That doesn’t matter. We didn’t
speak much but we both knew that in
a pinch we’d be at each other’s
side. Did the man with the limp
make it?
David is not very convincing. But Lisping Man mellows.
LISPING MAN
They’re getting ready for the pier.
It all begins next week.
Everyone says they’re going to make
it as they’re very well suited and
the child will help them get past
the fighting. What time do you get
up in the morning?
DAVID
Whenever we like. And we eat
whatever we like.
LISPING MAN
You’re not thinking of coming back?
You know, if you told the Hotel
Manager about your brother she’d
probably forgive you.
DAVID
No. It’s really nice being on your
own. There’s no one tying you down.
You listen to music whenever you
like, go for walks whenever you
like, have a chat whenever you
like. I don’t miss companionship at
all. I only miss you because you
were my one true friend. Are you
going to shoot me?
LISPING MAN
I’m afraid I have to. I only have
two days left.
David becomes aggressive all of a sudden.
DAVID
What did you say? I can’t
understand you, the way you speak.
LISPING MAN
I’m going to shoot you. I only have
two days left and I need more time.
DAVID
You really believe another day will
make a difference? Have you seen
how ugly you are? You haven’t got a
chance. If I were a woman, I’d…
Lisping Man prepares to shoot him. Shortsighted Woman jumps out from behind a bush and stabs a knife into Lisping Man’s leg, then David grabs Lisping Man’s tranquilliser gun and shoots him.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Thank you.
SHORTSIGHTED WOMAN
Don’t tell anyone I helped you. If
you want to repay me, there is a
way. If you kill a rabbit, bring it
to me to eat. Do you promise?
DAVID
Yes.
SHORTSIGHTED WOMAN
Bye.
Shortsighted Woman leaves. David stands still and watches her walk off through the trees until she disappears. As soon as he realizes what has just happened he searches through the still-unconscious Lisping Man’s pockets. He finds some bird feathers, which he throws away. He strips off Lisping Man’s clothes and takes them with him, along with his gun and shoes.