FADE IN on an early Los Angeles morning. It is barely light out. A mother and her two-year-old daughter sit reading in a rocking chair. The book they hold is called “Earth, Sun, and Moon.” Outside, we hear the tentative chirps of birds.

The mother, be-robed and dishevelled, looks as if she is still asleep. The child gazes intently at the book. She is wide awake.

MOTHER (reads)

“Earth’s layers are the core, the mantle, and the crust. The core has a

solid center surrounded by hot liquid. The mantle is a

 thicker liquid. The crust is hardened rock –“

CHILD

But —

MOTHER

What?

CHILD

The crust on my toast isn’t hardened rock.

MOTHER

That’s true. Ideally.

CHILD

It’s crunchy.

MOTHER

Yup.

CHILD

Why?

MOTHER

Why what?

CHILD

Just, why?

MOTHER

It’s a long story. Can I give you a kiss?

CHILD (brushes her away)

Mama. Turn the page, please.

The mother, smiling and shaking her head, does so. We FADE TO BLACK.