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int. upstairs hall

Stephan cuts off Gerald on his way to the bathroom. Gerald stands angrily in the hallway. He starts knocking.

GERALD

(angrily)

Broom! Broom!

int. bathroom

Stephan stands in front of the mirror, looking at himself. He looks down at his scar. He touches it, grimacing a little, whether with pain or memory it doesn't matter. The banging on the door intensifies, along with Gerald's shouting. Stephan pulls his shirt over his head quickly and opens the door.

int. upstairs hall

Stephan stomps out of the bathroom past Gerald.

GERALD

(under his breath)

Hey! Bastard.

STEPHAN

(rounding on him)

Do you have something to say, boy?

GERALD

Do you? Because I didn't hear you say anything right now. Like maybe, excuse me, or I'm sorry for bumping you.

STEPHAN

(turning away)

Just stay out of my way and we won't have any problems.

GERALD

You just walk around here and expect us all to jump when you say, don't you? Well I don't like it and I sure as hell won't stand for it.

STEPHAN

(turning back)

Listen, boy, if you want to be the man of the house you're going to have to do better than a badly placed insult and a hollow promise. Now, until you're actually ready to take me on, keep your mouth shut.

They stare each other down. Stephan's face is like stone. Gerald is just angry. He has to look away first.

GERALD

(seething)

I will. Just you wait.

Stephan unceremoniously goes back downstairs, leaving Gerald glaring after him.

int. kitchen

Stephan comes in, tucking in his shirt. Nancy is babysitting the oatmeal. She glances askance at him as he starts tying his tie by the backdoor. Its a stormy day outside as he can see from the open door. He comes over and checks the oatmeal, adjusting his tie.

STEPHAN

Okay, you can take it off now.

NANCY

Do you want me to serve?

STEPHAN

Please.

Nancy starts putting oatmeal in the bowls that are laid out on the counter. He follows along behind, putting in peach juice, milk, peaches and sugar. He does so quickly, expertly, without ceremony.

NANCY

(hesitantly)

I'm sorry if I offended you earlier, Captain. I didn't mean to pry.

Stephan puts the spoon down and grips the counter. He sighs heavily.

STEPHAN

It's okay. Questions are natural.

NANCY

I've upset you, though.

STEPHAN

I'm fine. Don't worry about me.

Nancy doesn't say anything. They finish their job and put the food on the table. The children file in and take their seats. Gerald glares at Stephan, who ignores him. They all sit down and start eating.

Norma

(excitedly)

Hey! This is really good!

There is assent from all the children. Stephan looks at Nancy, who smiles and shakes her head.

The phone rings in the other room. Nancy starts to rise, but Stephan waves her down again.

STEPHAN

I'll get it.

He goes into the kitchen and answers the phone.

STEPHAN

Hello?

EVIE

(on the phone; there's a lot of noise in the background)

Captain! We need you here now!

STEPHAN

Why? What's wrong?

EVIE

Something's about to happen. We don't know what, but the Hopscotch is going crazy.

STEPHAN

On my way.

EVIE

(crackling on the line)

Captain, there's about to be an air raid.

STEPHAN

What?

The air raid alarm starts to sound.

STEPHAN

(sighing)

Great.

He puts the phone down and goes into the other room.

STEPHAN

Everyone grab your bowls. Out to the shelter. Double time.

He goes to the front door and grabs the children's coats, as well as his coat and hat and Nancy's. He goes back to the dining room and hands Nancy's coat to her. He puts his on.

NANCY

(helping the younger ones)

It's gonna be all right, children. Just go on outside and get in the shelter.

JAIME

(crying)

Mummy, I'm afraid of the bombs.

NANCY

(picking him up)

It's all right. It's all right.

STEPHAN

(to Nancy)

Come on. Let's go.

He rushes them all outside and into the shelter. Nancy almost trips, carrying Jaime, but he catches her and helps her inside.