INT utility room: piles of laundry, toys, a dog leash, shoes, refrigerator magnets, play money, and other miscellany are scattered everywhere. A three-year old GIRL plays happily amongst the chaos. Suddenly her eye is caught by a small garbage can next to the dryer. In it, amongst the grey strips of lint, is a bright red piece of paper with stickers on it.

GIRL

Hey!

She runs to the trash can, extricates the piece of paper, and leaves the room with it.

CUT TO:

INT dining room. A disheveled WOMAN, early 40’s, sits at the table in her robe, staring at her computer. She looks up when the GIRL enters. A look of dismay shoots across her face at the sight of the red paper.

WOMAN (low)

Uh-oh.

GIRL

Mama, look!

WOMAN

Hi, sweetie!

GIRL (holds up paper)

This was in the trash!

WOMAN

Really? Wow. How could that have happened?

GIRL

You put it there.

The WOMAN leans back slightly, opens her mouth to speak, then slumps.

WOMAN

I know.

GIRL

You’re not supposed to do that!

WOMAN

Honey. I’m sorry. There’s just–so much. And that one is

sort of–I mean–did you really want to keep it?

A MAN, also early 40’s, enters. He, too, is in a robe. He pours himself some coffee.

MAN

What’s up?

GIRL

Mama threw my artwork away.

MAN

Which one?

The girl holds up the sticker-covered paper. The man regards it, then turns to get the milk.

MAN

It’s not one of your best.

WOMAN

Honey!

MAN

What?

GIRL

I want it!

WOMAN

It’s fine. Keep it. I shouldn’t have put it in the trash. I love it!

Satisfied, the girl takes her drawing and goes. The woman turns and glares at the man. He raises his eyebrows innocently.

MAN

I’m sorry. She’s done better.

WOMAN

This isn’t art school.

MAN

You’re the one who threw it out.

She widens her eyes at him. He shrugs, smiles, and kisses her on the forehead.

MAN

Good morning, darling.

She makes a face, then laughs ruefully. Crossing to the fridge she pulls out some eggs, and we

FADE TO BLACK.