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Description
int. bomb shelter

The inside of the shelter is lined with bunk beds, one on each side and one at the back. There are a few boxes under the beds marked food, and there are blankets folded up on the beds. A lamp hangs from the ceiling. Stephan reaches up and turns it on. The bombs can be heard in the distance. The children hop up on the beds, some holding there heads, others crying. Gerald is comforting Allison, who is wailing. Nancy comes in and sits down, holding Jaime. Stephan takes one look outside, holding a bowl in one hand, and shuts the door.

STEPHAN

Everyone all right?

They all nod. Nancy looks up at him, worried. He nods his head.

STEPHAN

Good. Finish your breakfast now. Don't let it get cold.

He sits down next to Norma, who is clutching her bowl and spoon so hard her knuckles are white. He puts a hand on hers. She looks up at him, scared.

GERALD

(pessimistically)

How are they supposed to do that?

STEPHAN

Help them.

Gerald starts helping Allison to eat. She takes a few bites, tears streaming down onto the spoon. The others soon follow suit, helping each other out. Stephan smiles at Norma and she lifts the spoon to her lips. He nods encouragingly. Nancy is able to put Jaime down next to Gerald so he can eat. She forgot her own bowl. Stephan hands it to her.

NANCY

Thank you.

Stephan nods and moves to sit next to her. He doesn't have a bowl, so he plays with his cigarettes. She notices.

NANCY

Are you alright?

STEPHAN

(agitated)

I need to get to work. That was Evie on the phone. Something's wrong.

NANCY

Well, you can't go now. There's an air raid.

STEPHAN

You went out in air raids all the time.

NANCY

(exasperated)

Because I had to. If you don't have a good reason to be out there, then don't go out there. Its suicide.

STEPHAN

I do have a good reason.

NANCY

(reasoning)

I bet all your colleagues are safely holed up in a shelter right now. You should do the same.

Stephan shakes his head.

STEPHAN

Firemen and soldiers are out there right now. Their job is important. Mine is, too.

NANCY

You're not either of those. Stay at least until the children are settled. It will scare them if you go out now.

Stephan nods and leans back against the wall. The bombs can be heard in the distance. Jaime brings his empty bowl over to Nancy. She takes it and sets her bowl and his to the side. Jaime climbs up beside her.

JAIME

Mommy, I'm tired.

NANCY

Go to sleep, then, love. Its all right.

NORMA

(to Nancy and Stephan)

Can we use the blankets?

NANCY

Of course. All of you, get comfortable and try to sleep. Its all right. I'll be right here when you wake up.

Nancy and Gerald help the children settle in. Gerald nods.

NANCY

(quietly to Gerald)

You should sleep, too.

GERALD

(glancing at Stephan)

I don't want to leave you alone with him.

NANCY

(firmly)

Gerald, I will be fine, but I'm going to need you later. So get some rest.

Gerald relents and crawls up into one of the bunk beds. Nancy goes back to sit next to Stephan, Jaime's head next to her leg. She kisses him on the forehead, stroking his head. Stephan puts a cigarette to his lips, preparing to light it. Nancy gives him a look. He sighs, putting the cigarette back.

STEPHAN

(quietly)

How much longer do I have to wait?

NANCY

Just a little while. Be patient.

STEPHAN

Patience was never one of my strong points.

NANCY

(amused)

I've noticed.

He shoots her a look that's not without humor itself.

STEPHAN

Have you always been this calm in adversity?

NANCY

No, but I had to learn how. You do what you have to do in these situations.

STEPHAN

I don't know how you do it with all these kids. Men take comfort in barking orders. Kids are much different.

NANCY

You're right. They're much more fragile. They have to be handled with care and patience and gentleness.

STEPHAN

Good luck trying to teach that to me.

Nancy shakes her head.

NANCY

You just have to try.

They look around. Its very silent except for the sounds of slow, even breathing. Even Gerald is asleep.

NANCY

(whispering)

Okay. Its safe.

They go over to the door. Stephan looks out while Nancy stands behind him.

STEPHAN

Okay.

NANCY

I still say this is madness.

STEPHAN

(smiles, amused)

Stay here with the children. If they get hungry, there's food in the boxes. Don't come out till the all clear sounds.

NANCY

I won't. And you damn well better come back.

He smiles at her swearing and leaves quickly. Nancy watches him climb over the back wall and disappear, then closes the door.