Coming Back

Int. Kitchen. Day. KEVIN is wearing an apron and beating some eggs with an electric beater. Chopped vegetables of various colors are in neat piles on the counter. The door-bell rings, he quickly washes his hands and goes to answer it.

He finds BETH looking slightly frazzled sitting in a chair in the hallway by the front door, which is ajar.

KEVIN: Who is it?

BETH: Some lady asking for Mom.

KEVIN: Is she still out there?

BETH nods airily.

BETH: She asked if Megan Olson was in.

KEVIN: And what did you say?

BETH: I said ‘just a minute’ and then I sat down.

KEVIN walks to the door with an air of adultish concern (still wearing the apron)…

KEVIN: Can I help you?

WOMAN: Hi Sweety, my name is Gracie Huntsman. I’m an old friend of your mother’s. Is she in?

KEVIN: She left.

WOMAN: Do you know when she’ll be back?

KEVIN: No.

WOMAN is a bit put-off by his stoic (but not overly so) responses.

WOMAN: Okay Sweety. Thanks for your help.

WOMAN starts to walk away.

KEVIN: (loudly and abruptly) Can I take a message?

WOMAN turns around.

WOMAN: Oh, that’s okay Sweety. I’m sure I’ll run into her. How is she doing? How’d she take the news?

KEVIN: I’m sorry?

WOMAN: About Mr. Bailey’s passing – I know how close they were. I’m one of your mom’s old class-mates. To tell you the truth English was just about my least favorite subject but Pat Bailey was an icon of my childhood too so… No, you don’t need to tell her anything. I’m in a little early from California; doing the rounds; reconnecting. I’m sure I’ll be over for dinner soon so… Anyway, thanks again!

WOMAN walks off. KEVIN closes the door, walks in, sits down next to BETH and assumes a similar glaze.

BETH: You making omelets?

KEVIN: Yeah.