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turning to page one
The family is half-way through their meal. MICHAEL is sitting watching them eat, thinking about his lovemaking with HANNA.
PETER
You’ve inconvenienced your mother.
MICHAEL
How many more times? I’ve said I’m
sorry.
PETER
You scared her.
MICHAEL
It’s hardly my fault, I got lost,
that’s all. That’s why I was late.
Can I have some more?
He reaches for more stew. THOMAS goes on eating, a look of contempt on his face, too superior to engage in this.
EMILY
How can anyone get lost in their
own home town?
MICHAEL
The doctor told me I had to take
walks.
EMILY
So?
MICHAEL
I meant to head for the castle, I
ended up at the sports-field.
EMILY
They’re in opposite directions.
MICHAEL
It’s none of your business.
EMILY
He’s lying.
CARLA
He’s not lying. Michael never lies.
CARLA smiles benignly. EMILY knows she’s right. They all eat on for a few moments.
MICHAEL
Dad, I’ve decided, I want to go
back to school tomorrow.
CARLA
The doctor says you need another
three weeks.
MICHAEL
Well I’m going.
CARLA
Peter?
PETER
If he wants to go back, then he
must.
MICHAEL can’t breathe, as if some decisive moment in his life has been reached. PETER is looking at him, seeming to know