ACT ONE

SCENE B

FADE IN:

INT. CLARKE LIVING ROOM – LATER

Ren is standing near the staircase by a mouse cage. Karen and Dave sit on the sofa. Ariella hurries down the steps, heading out. She screams when she sees the mouse in Ren's hand. She points at him.

ARIELLA

Why?

REN

This is our class pet, Lionel. It was my turn to watch him for the day.

ARIELLA

I guess he is kind of cute.

REN

You want to hold him.

ARIELLA

Not that cute.

She moves for the door.

KAREN

Ariella, aren't you forgetting something?

ARIELLA

Oh, yeah.

She blows them three kisses.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Bye.

KAREN

You said you were going to finish your chores today. The dishes are piling up in the sink.

DAVE

I think some of the food is starting to come back to life.

ARIELLA

I'll get it done as soon as I come back from helping Mae pick out a costume. I promise.

Ariella exits.

Dave checks his watch.

DAVE

I'll say she'll be home by midnight.