(HAUNTING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) Captions by Julie Taylor. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2020 (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (WASPS BUZZ) (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (GUNSHOT ECHOES) (CAT YOWLS, WATER SPLASHES) (INTRIGUING PIANO MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) Breakfast in five, Honey Bear. OK, Daddy. I'm gonna steal one of these. Want some more eggs? No, thanks. Mrs Ellis showed us this year's citizenship award. It's a medal. It's really big, like the Olympics. Really? Well, not that big. It's pretty big. I'm gonna win it. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if you did. It's given to the person who exemplifies St Alden's values ` faith, honesty, grace and compassion. I just don't want you to be disappointed if you don't win it. When are you having another date? Why? Does it bother you when I date? No. (DOOR SHUTS) Why would it bother me? WOMAN: Hey! Hey, Aunt Angela. Hey! Hey, Honey Bear. I found your gal. Em and I were just talking about me dating. Not a date; I found you a nanny. Wasn't that the assignment? I mean, new babysitter. I know you don't need a new nanny. I don't need a new babysitter either. It's stupid. She's still upset about Miss Levia. You should babysit me, Aunt Angela. It would be an honour, my queen, but I think my patients might object. Don't worry, Em. We're gonna find you someone you like. Oh! She also says she's gonna win another award this semester. Oh! She's got drive. You should be thrilled. Right, Emma? (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) Emma? There's a dead cat in the fountain. Don't be sad. Probably happened very fast. I don't think it felt a thing. (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) WOMAN: Jenny, did you finish your homework? GIRL: Wanna hang out later? WOMAN: Good job. Your art is getting so much better. (WASP BUZZES) (CHILDREN YELP, WHIMPER) Calm down, everyone. I guarantee you it's more afraid of you than you are of it. Emma Grossman. (WASP BUZZES) (BUZZING CONTINUES) Thank you, Emma. You're welcome, Mrs Ellis. (INDISTINCT CHATTER) How did you do that? We have a nest in our backyard. My dad says wasps only attack when they feel threatened. It's nature, Milo. I hope you're not allergic to dust. This probably isn't the best place in the house to have a meeting, but I'm on a deadline. No worries. Do you make everything here? No, hardly anything any more. I have two factories going, but this is where it all began. Cool. So, tell me about you. Your resume says you were a professional snowboarder. Yep, right up until I blew out my ACL. I hate to hear that. It's for the best. I still hit it hard; I just try to avoid the dangerous stuff. Sure. So, you're been a nanny for five years. That's right. Seem to like it. I love kids. There's no BS. They're not complicated. If they're sad, they cry. If they're happy, they laugh. It's refreshing. So, is there anything else I need to know? Your references all seem to love you. I make a mean grilled cheese. (CHUCKLES) You wanna know the secret ingredients? Sure. Pickles and mustard. Boom. Done. (CHUCKLES) Well, um, can you start next week? Emma's about to begin her spring break. Sure. I can start whenever you need` MAN: Uh, Mr Grossman. Here are the Steigel plans, and you have a materials call in five minutes. Thank you. Is there anything else? Nope. Is there anything you wanna ask me? What's your daughter like? Emma is... very focused. She's a normal little girl, but she can be very focused. I don't know how else to say it. She's smart ` straight A's, never gets into trouble, loves hot chocolate. My kind of girl. Mine too. And your wife? Should I meet with her too? She died just after Emma was born. I'm so sorry. Thanks. So, it's, uh` it's just the two of us, and, um, we manage. Well,... I guess I will see you next week. Looking forward to it. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Your watch is sick. Right? I got it for my birthday. BOY: I got a watch for my birthday too, but I don't really wear it. WOMAN: Careful there. BOY: You're it. EMMA: Whoa, watch out. Aah! Katie, are you all right? Are you OK? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Here. Let me help you. I'm so sorry. Here you go. Who's it? You're still it. Let's go! (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) (WASPS BUZZ) Brought you your favourite. Thanks, Daddy. You wanna read together? We don't have to, Daddy. I know how busy you are. What would you give me for a basket of hugs? A basket of kisses. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) (INTRIGUING PIANO MUSIC) A basket of kisses. A basket of kisses. A basket of kisses. A basket of kisses. A basket of kisses. (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) You look like a movie star. Don't make me late, Dad. I won't. (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) (INTRIGUING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) (CHOIR VOCALISES) CHOIR: # Rise up # and sing. # Rise up. # (APPLAUSE) Nice suit, Milo. Thanks. (CHUCKLES) He has been counting down the days. Oh, tell me about it. And now our final award ` the St Alden's citizenship medallion. Every year, we honour someone of character, someone who truly embodies the values that this school was founded on. This year, I am proud to award the St Alden's citizenship medallion to Milo Curtis. (APPLAUSE) What?! Good job. Here you go, Milo. Good job. Thanks! Yay! (APPLAUSE) Wow! I'm sorry I missed our parent-teacher conference. I had a big installation in the city. No worries. We can reschedule. How is Emma doing? I mean, (CHUCKLES) not to put you on the spot. Right. She's fine. She's, um... I have to say, I've never met anyone quite like her in my 20 years of teaching. Why does that sound like a bad thing? No, I didn't mean that in any fashion at all. Emma's never had one mark against her, and she's one of our top students. She can be a real leader when she wants to be. But...? Emma lives in her own particular world, and I'm sure it isn't anything like the world that you and I live in. I mean, she has many remarkable qualities that are great in a child. Her courage is... most unusual. She's almost without any physical fear. And she really knows how to come across when she has to. She could be an actress, I bet. CHUCKLES: Please. (CHUCKLES) Not an actress. LAUGHS: All right. Mrs Ellis? Oh, hi. Excuse me. Sure. Mm-hm. I'm proud of you, Honey Bear. I know you're disappointed. That medal's mine. I deserve it. Milo can't even talk in front of the class. Emma. Everybody has something special to offer. Milo's a good kid. Yeah? Well, he's an awful public speaker, and he can't spell. Emma! (SIGHS) You're right. I'm sorry. Milo's my friend. I'm really happy he got it. (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) (INTRIGUING MUSIC) (WAVES CRASH) MILO: Wow, you're right; this place is cool. We should go back now. Emma, what's wrong? What do you want? (HEARTBEAT THUMPS) I think you know. (INDISTINCT CHATTER) One, two, three. (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) Oh, it's good. I'll email it to you. Hey, Dad. Can we get going? Sure. Has anyone seen Milo? I haven't seen him. Emma, have you seen him? Um, the last place I saw him was by the bonfire. (GIRLS SCREAM) GIRL: Help! Help! Quickly! Mrs Ellis, please come. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (BREATHES HEAVILY) Oh my God! Milo. Milo! Come on! Come on, baby. Breathe. Somebody do something! Call 911! Milo! Milo. Milo. Come on, Milo. Milo. (SOBS) Somebody help us! Somebody help us! That poor kid. He was lying there on the rocks for hours before they came and took him away. It's horrible. How is she? She's OK. Mm. I think she's in shock. Mm. I think we all are. She's up in her room reading. I'm sure it'll hit her later. (SIGHS) Yes, I'm sure it will. (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) (CLOCK TICKS) (TAP RUNS) Emma. Morning, Dad. Morning, hon. Do you want some cereal? There's just enough left. No, I'm OK. Thanks. How are you feeling? I'm all right. I hope it doesn't rain today. I meant about yesterday. You must be pretty sad, right? If you wanna talk about it, I'm here for you. OK. Do you need someone to talk to? I don't really think there's anything to talk about. (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) Give her time. Kids process differently. Don't make her feel self-conscious. (SIGHS) You're probably right. She's just so strong. You know? I mean, even her teachers are talking about it. Just hope she can... take some time,... feel. (CAR HORN HONKS) Look who's here. Great job, by the way. She seems perfect. Miller said she was great with Sam. Professional headhunter ` that's me. Are you gonna finally take my friend Lizzie out? Oh my God. You are relentless. Yes, I will call her. Hey there. Let's get this party started. Washer, dryer, obviously. Wow, this place is amazing. Thanks. It was a fixer-upper my wife and I bought right before Emma was born. Was this your wife? Oh, yeah. That was, um, our Christmas card one year. There she is. Emma, this is Chloe. Chloe, this is Emma. Hi, Emma. It's very nice to meet you. I like your necklace. Do you wanna see my medals? We have to finish the tour first. Anyway, emergency numbers here. All the keys go in that, uh, little place there. Um, fire extinguisher's under the sink. We have a couple upstairs in the bedrooms. (FOOTSTEPS RECEDE) (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) I wanna watch a movie. The wind was blowing the window open. I'll be down in a minute. (LOW, UNEASY MUSIC) (MUSIC PLAYS ON TV) Elmer! Nell! I don't get it. This is stupid. What's stupid? Shirley Temple. The woman was a United States ambassador. I can't imagine she was very stupid. I meant the movie. Oh, Nell, that I should find you... When's my dad coming home? Soon. He has a meeting. So, are you sad about the kid that drowned? I don't think it matters if I'm sad. He's dead anyway. Besides, my dad said you don't feel anything when you drown. You're all warm and fuzzy, aren't you (?) So, what are you into? Music? Horses? I'm into everything. What's the deal with your dad? Got a girlfriend? No. Why? Just asking. No biggie. He had one for a while. I didn't like her. So he dumped her? EMPHATICALLY: Yep. You're sorta something else, aren't you? And you're sort of a thief. Excuse me? And you're smart. I saw you take the pills from my dad's bedroom. But not enough for my dad to notice. Don't worry. I won't tell. I think I'm gonna stay up past my bedtime tonight. Now go and get me some ice cream. You little bitch. (WHISTLE BLOWS ON TV) And bring me a couple of cookies while you're at it. (CHOIR SINGS) (SLOW PIANO MUSIC) (CHILDREN SNIFFLE) It's OK. It's OK. It's OK to cry. We all miss him. I'm so sorry. Thank you. Thanks for coming. Hi, Emma. Oh, don't ask me how I am; I don't wanna lie to you. It was a beautiful service. He had a good last day ` a really good last day. I mean, he has never won anything before, and he was so proud of that medal. I just wish I knew where it was. You don't have the medal? Well, I think maybe it sunk to the bottom. Is there anything I can do for you? If you have any pictures of that day, I'd like 'em. Pictures of him playing, happy. It really does help. (SNIFFLES) (INTRIGUING PIANO MUSIC) (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Dad? What are you doing in my room? Just picking up a little. It is picked up. It's always picked up. Anything else? No. (INTRIGUING PIANO MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (CAR DOOR SHUTS) Mrs Ellis. Believe me, nothing like this has ever happened in our 95-year history, and we're using every resource we have to make sure that it never happens again. But there is a legal issue that we have to contend with. Sure. We're reaching out to all the parents to gather whatever information we can. Well, OK, I don't really understand. So, this is an insurance thing? Or...? Well, that's one component, yes. Well, what did happen? No one's given anybody an update. How did Milo fall off that cliff? That's what we're gonna find out. Are the police involved? We're not at liberty to share that. Obviously, if and when the authorities are involved, we may share that information with the families. Some families. Excuse me, but is there something you're not telling me? Please don't misunderstand. We're just trying to get to the facts. But if Emma heard or saw something, we need to know. That boy couldn't swim, and he was afraid of water. Why was he out on the rocks? HUSHED: You little shit. Any information would be helpful. As it seems, Emma was the last to see the boy. I'm sorry? At least three people saw her near the rocks. Now, we're not saying Emma did anything wrong. Well, I should hope not. Listen, I'd be very careful what you insinuate. (GLASS SHATTERS, EMMA SCREAMS) Emma? Emma?! Emma! What happened? Are you OK? We'll show ourselves out. Yeah, sure. Let me see this arm. Let me see. Right. Let's get you cleaned up. OK? (WHIMPERS) You're lucky you didn't cut yourself worse, Honey Bear. I'm sorry, Daddy. It's OK. Accidents happen. Do you know why Mrs Ellis was here? It was about Milo, I bet. Is there anything you want to tell me about that day? Anything at all? Nope. You're sure? You weren't ever out on that rock face, were you? No. Mrs Ellis says you were. She's lying. Honey, why would Mrs Ellis lie? Because she hates me. She never liked me. I don't know why. Why would she say that? Honey, I don't know what's going on; I'm just... just worried about you. WHISPERS: Sorry, Daddy. I don't mean to get upset. I'm just sad about Milo. Do you want me to read to you? I'm not really in the mood. OK. Daddy? What would you give me for a basket of kisses? A basket of hugs. (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (EXHALES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) Hi. Sorry. I was just checking on you and Emma. Um... And we're out of milk. (SANDER WHIRRS, WASPS BUZZ) (SANDOR POWERS DOWN) Hey. Um, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you last night. I probably could have waited to do the market list. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Yeah. So, what's up? Um, hey, do you mind if I, like, smoke in here? I would never do it around Emma, but out here, I thought maybe... You see everything against that wall? It's all flammable. So, no, I don't think this is the best place for a smoking area. Ah. Got it. So, how can I help ya? Emma's arm seems good. I'm sorry. I should've been paying closer attention to her. I was with her one minute, and when I turned around, she was gone. Yeah. I understand. Stuff happens. Stuff happens. Hell yeah, it does. So, let me ask you ` how are things with you and Emma? Everything OK? Oh, she's great. Such a cool kid. That's good to hear. She's so... fun and smart and funny. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Never would have thought of Emma as funny. Oh, not in a weird way. She's funny, like... I don't know, like, different in a good way. Most girls her age are pretty lame ` purple leggings and princess posters everywhere. But Emma's like... a lady. You know? I do know. Oh, I was looking at more pictures of your wife. She was pretty hot. Yes, she was. Thank you. (WASP BUZZES) (SLAP! BUZZING STOPS) Gotta get rid of these wasps. Well, I'd better get back to Emma. She wants to go on the scooter. Great. Anyway, I love my job here. I just wanted you to know. Thank you. I appreciate that. I'm sure Emma does as well. Yeah. We love each other. (FOOTSTEPS RECEDE) Your dad thinks you have major issues, Curly Sue. What do you mean? He knows what's up. He was grilling me about you. What'd he ask? Wouldn't you like to know. Don't worry. I told him how great you are. I got you, girl. Just don't mess with me. (VEHICLE APPROACHES, BRAKES SQUEAK) Why is Mrs Ellis at Milo's? You must be shitting bricks. Gross. Why would you say something like that? Cos they're closing in on you now, babe ` building their case. What do you mean? One day the police will get involved, and you'll have to come clean about what you did to Milo. I didn't do anything to Milo. Sure you didn't (!) Anyway, you'll see. You'd better get your story straight or you're gonna get busted. (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) (LOW, UNSETTLING MUSIC) Yeah, I'd be worried too if I were you. I'm not worried about anything. You're just being a bitch. Look,... I don't know what you did to that kid on the rocks, but I know it wasn't good. And I know you're lying to everybody. And you stole from my dad's room. Well, I guess we both have secrets to keep for each other, don't we? My dad says it's not good to keep secrets. If you see something, you should tell. Are you threatening me, Honey Bear? (CRUNCHES) Do you know what they do to kids that go to jail? Not really. Well, if it's something like stealing or hurting someone, you get sent to a hospital, where kids yell and scream and cut themselves. You never get out. But if it's something really bad, like maybe if someone... dies, you get sent to the electric chair. You're silly. Nobody would put a kid in the electric chair. Sure they do. Do you know what happens in the electric chair? It cooks you. Your skin crackles and shrivels like when we make bacon in the morning. I don't believe you. A kid wouldn't even fit in that big chair. They have a special one for kids. It's even painted pink, and they put pee-pee pads underneath it for when you piss yourself. God, you're disgusting. Google it. (CRUNCHES) (VEHICLE DEPARTS) Emma? (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) Em? Emma? Em, are you out there? Emma? (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (UNSETTLING, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) (CAR ALARM CHIRPS) (DOOR CREAKS) (CAR ENGINE STARTS) (WASP BUZZES) (LOW, OMINOUS MUSIC) (SHOUTS) (SCREAMS) (TYRES SCREECH) (BREATHES HEAVILY) (WASP BUZZES) WHISPERS: Wow. (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (WASPS BUZZ) Hello? (LOW, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) (CLOCK TICKS) (SIGHS) (LOW, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) (EXHALES) (LOW, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) There she is. How was your day? Did you do anything fun? Well, I don't know if it was fun exactly, but I had a good day. (TAP RUNS) (LOW, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) (FLOORBOARD CREAKS) What are you doing? CHUCKLES: Oh, nothing. What's in your hand? Nothing. (LOW, OMINOUS MUSIC) (CLOCK TICKS) Oh, Emma. Where did this come from? Emma! How did Milo's medal get into this house? I... I don't know. Where did you find it? It was hidden under the bed. I found it cleaning. Thank you, Chloe. I need to talk to Emma alone. Sure thing. Emma. How did Milo Curtis' medal get under your bed? I don't know how it got there. How should I know how it got there? Um... Were you ever at any time out on that rock face? Yes, Daddy. I went there once. So Mrs Ellis wasn't lying when she said you were there. I guess she wasn't lying. Yes, Daddy. Were you with Milo? For a minute. And what happened? Emma! This is very serious, and I can't help you if I don't know the truth. Milo and I were playing a game we made up. It was kinda like Capture the Flag but with his medal instead. I won, so Milo gave me his medal to wear. So he gave you the medal out on the rock? No. I got it... later on. I don't know where Milo went after that. (SIGHS) Emma, do you know Mrs Curtis has been looking for this? She wanted to bury Milo with it. That's stupid. Milo wouldn't even know if he was buried with it or not. Daddy? What's wrong? Where are you going? Just need some air. Hey, Ange. It's me. Listen, I need the name of a good child psychiatrist for Emma. It's nothing urgent. I just think that she needs someone to talk to. (SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE) ON PHONE: OK, I have the perfect person. Oh, OK. Good, thanks. Um, I'll call you back. (INDISTINCT POLICE RADIO TRANSMISSION) (INTRIGUING MUSIC) (MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY) Mr and Mrs Grossman, there's something wrong with your daughter. I'm sorry. (CRUNCHES) I think I saw something in the fountain. (INTRIGUING, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Who did this? (PANTS) (CLINK!) Pretty happy with yourself, aren't ya? What do you mean? You know exactly what I mean. Nope, I really don't. Oh. You mad I shitboxed you with Milo's medal? You're so gross. Eat your eggs. I feel bad for you. I wouldn't wanna go do this. And I don't want to. I wouldn't say anything. Nothing good can come of this for you. Forgot who I was dealing with. You'll be just fine, you little psycho. (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) Emma? We have to go. (FOOTSTEPS RECEDE) (DOOR OPENS) It's good to see you, Emma. Any time I see one of Milo's classmates, it reminds me of how many friends he had and what a good person he was. How's your school break going? Fine, thank you. Mrs Curtis, we have something that we wanna give to you. Where did you find that? Apparently Milo let Emma wear it for a while, and... and then when he... didn't come back, she kept it. She knows it was wrong, and she wants to apologise. Isn't that right, Emma? That's right. I'm very sorry. I shouldn't have kept it. I don't understand. Milo gave it to you to wear? Why? It was a game. I was gonna give it back, but he... I never saw him again. Well, I don't know what to say. (SNIFFLES) I'm glad you brought it back to me. This whole day is... I'm still in shock about Mrs Ellis. I'm sorry? She's dead. She rolled her car on Glenvale Avenue, and she was just here, talking about Milo. I-I didn't know. I'm really sad, Daddy. Mrs Ellis was my favourite teacher. Do we know how it happened? On the TV, it said there was a wasps' nest in her car ` it was a science project or something ` and she was stung. I don't know. It doesn't make any sense to me. Daddy, I'm not feeling well. Can we go home? Sure. So, now we don't have to talk about Milo ever again, right? I'm gonna run, Daddy. Chloe and I are baking cupcakes today. (SANDER WHIRRS) (LOW, OMINOUS MUSIC) (KEYS CLACK) (LOW, ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) Hey. We've gotta leave soon for our doctor's appointment. I'll be ready. Daddy? I was thinking. You're right. I think something good will come of this. I hope so. (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (DOOR SHUTS) Emma, I have some magazines on the table you might like while you wait. I'm just gonna have a little chat with your dad, if that's OK. Oh, of course, Dr March. (EXHALES) So, how can I help you and Emma? I don't know. Um... Well, what is your primary concern? Emma has always been different, very much in a good way, but also... there's a... coldness. I don't know how to say it ` um,... a lack of emotion? I mean, she has emotions, but ` she laughs and cries and all that ` but it can be, um... I don't know. She's lying to me. And I don't trust her any more. Well, it's very common for children her age to lie. Most kids struggle with their emotions. They very often don't know how or what they should be feeling at any point in time. It can be very taxing on a parent. Mr Grossman, everyone thinks their issues are bigger than they are,... (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) ...more unique. Obviously, there are the rare cases, and I've had them, of real psychological illness. Anyway, I'm looking forward to talking to Emma. (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) (UNSETTLING MUSIC BUILDS) So, I'm not the kind of doctor who operates on people or things like that. I'm what's called a` You're a shrink. Wow. You know that term. I watch Intervention. Oh. Yes. Well, I'm a psychiatrist, which is a fancy word for someone to talk to who can help you sort things out. I don't really need anything sorted out. Really? Well, why is that? I mean, most people have something that they would like to be different. I don't. I see. I understand that... your friend Milo recently passed away. That's right. How did that make you feel? Pretty sad, I bet. I cried for two days. Oh. I understand. Was that the first time someone you knew died? No. Oh. I see. Dr March,... why do people get so upset when people die? It's gonna happen to everyone sooner or later. Mm. That's a great question, Emma. We all do know it's inevitable, and we grieve anyway. To feel or to have empathy for others... is what it means to be human. MUFFLED: You have an ability to express yourself. Thank you for sharing. MUFFLED: How could you say no to this face? (BOTH LAUGH) MUFFLED: That's so funny. Emma, I'm going to tell you a secret. I did the exact same things as you when I was your age. (BOTH CHUCKLE) (CHUCKLES) Well, you two seemed to have really hit it off. (CHUCKLES) Oh, we had a great talk. Didn't we, Emma? Yes. (CHUCKLES) Um, Daddy, can I go outside? Sure. Mm. Mr Grossman, I have seen thousands of kids in my practice. (DOOR OPENS, SHUTS) And Emma seems 100% perfectly average. (CHUCKLES) In fact, (CHUCKLES) I told her she reminds me of myself. (PENSIVE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) ON PHONE SPEAKER: # ...that you'll be. # When I was down, when I was down, # somebody told me something. # It was simple, but I follow it to this day. # Hey, go follow your rainbow. # Follow your rainbow. # Hey, go` # (MUSIC STOPS) Hey there. Hey. How'd the appointment go? Fine. Emma's up in her room. Well, I guess I'd better put on some clothes, head up there. I hope you don't mind me taking advantage of the sun. No, you... gotta take advantage of it. Gotta take advantage. Yep. (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) Don't you have any friends? What do you care? Clearly, everyone thinks you're mental. Whatever, Chloe. Now that everyone knows you stole that dead kid's medal, it's just a matter of time. Matter of time until what? Until they find out what you did to him. You don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you'll end up in the little pink chair. I'm gonna have my dad get rid of you. Go for it. He won't do it. Your dad and I... understand each other. You can give me that psycho stare all you want, but the fact is this ` your dad's a DILF. D-I-L-F. OK? And he's single, and he was totally just scoping me out. You wouldn't mind if he and I hooked up, would you? The poor guy needs a release. I mean, just look at him. Stay away from my dad. Or what? Wouldn't I make a good stepmom? You don't scare me, little girl. I don't care if you stood there and watched that little kid drown or even if you pushed him in. Where I come from, a spoiled little princess like you ain't nothing. Believe me. It's not nice to threaten people. You and me ` we're not nice. Are we? (LOW, OMINOUS MUSIC) (INSECTS CHIRP, DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE) Oh, Emma, you scared me. Do you like Chloe? Wait. What? She said that you like her, that you... understand each other. She said she could be my stepmother some day. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait. Hold on a second. First of all, that would never happen. And why would she say something like that? You tell me. Emma. I don't want a stepmother. Ever. Everything's gonna be OK. I have a meeting, but I will be home early. OK? And we'll talk. Great. I'll wait up. LOUDLY: Have fun on your date. So, you never remarried? Nope. Like playing the field that much, huh? (LAUGHS) Yeah, I love it (!) (CHUCKLES) It's so fulfilling (!) I mean, you know, especially raising a young girl. (TINKLING PIANO MUSIC) WOMAN ON TV: I'm not gonna say who, but someone freakin' had sex on my bed. (ELECTRICITY CRACKLES) Great (!) WOMAN ON TV: No way. Yes. (CLATTERING) (SIGHS) When I first opened the store, I had about four months I was really worried, but then business picked up, and it's been really good for six years now. Emma? (LOW, OMINOUS MUSIC) (TINKLING PIANO MUSIC CONTINUES) (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) Dammit, Emma. (TRAIN HORN BLARES) Emma? (TRAIN RUMBLES) (PAINT POTS CLATTER) (CLICK!) (DOOR RATTLES) (GRUNTS) Emma! Emma, let me outta here. This isn't funny. Emma! (SLAM!) (LOCK CLICKS) (FLAMES WHOOSH) (GASPS) (SOFT, LOUNGE MUSIC PLAYS) (FLAMES WHOOSH) Emma? Emma! (GRUNTS, SCREAMS) (SCREAMS) Let me through! It's my house! (SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE, MAN SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY) Emma! Sir, are you the homeowner? Are you the homeowner? Yes! Yes, yes! I have a 9-year-old daughter. Her name is Emma. She's here with her nanny. Sir, your daughter is fine. She's in the house with one of my deputies. Now, unfortunately, there's been a terrible accident. The nanny, Chloe, was in the work shed when the fire broke out. (FIREFIGHTERS SHOUT INDISTINCTLY) (VOMITS) I think she's in shock. Emma hasn't told us much, but apparently the young woman would sneak a smoke in the work shed. (SOMBRE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) I will give you two a moment. Honey Bear. It's OK, Daddy. Nothing happened to me. (SOMBRE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) Emma, I know you're awake. I think we're in trouble. I think we're both in very big trouble. And we need to talk, and I need you to tell me the truth. I'm your father. I love you. I'm going to do anything I can to help you. (SIGHS) You hurt Milo, didn't you? LOUDLY: Didn't you?! He was gonna tell on me that I took his medal. I didn't mean to hurt him. And when I pushed him,... he fell. He kept on yelling and yelling that he couldn't swim. I didn't believe him. He always overexaggerated. After a while,... he stopped yelling, and I couldn't see him any more. WHISPERS: I'm so sorry, Daddy. I didn't wanna get into trouble. I won't do it again. Mrs Levia, your first nanny, what happened to her? She should've never grabbed my arm. So I kicked her. And she fell down the stairs. I didn't do anything wrong. She's the adult. She should've protected herself better. And Mrs Ellis and the wasps. And tonight, what did you do to Chloe? Emma! The sheriff will get to the bottom of this eventually, so don't give me the bullshit story. You said 'bullshit'. Emma, do you know what could happen to you?! Do you?! What could happen to us? WHISPERS: Yes, Daddy. They're gonna take me, and they're gonna put me in the little chair, the little pink electric chair. WHISPERS: I really don't wanna go there. I don't wanna pee myself. Emma, what are you talking about? Chloe said she knew about Milo and one day everyone would. (SNIFFLES) She said they were gonna take me to this little electric chair they put kids in. She told me she was gonna be my stepmother. Emma, calm down. I don't want a stepmother! Ever! She stole pills from your room. I watched. She fooled you. You weren't gonna do anything about it. Not one thing! So you did. Isn't that right? Someone had to. (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (LINE RINGS) VOICEMAIL: This is Dr March. I am out of the office for the next two weeks. If this is an emergency, please call 911 or you can call my associate Dr Metz at 914-555-0113. (PHONE BEEPS) (SIGHS) (CELL PHONE RINGS, VIBRATES) This is David. Oh, hi, Mr Grossman. This is Sheriff Peterson. Sorry to call you so early. Just checking to see that you and Emma were doing OK. (SIGHS) Yeah. Yeah, we're doing OK. Thank you. Good, good. Also, I was wondering when would be a good time to talk. I don't wanna intrude, but there are some questions I need to ask you and Emma, if that's possible. Uh... Yeah, Emma's very sick. She's upset about the accident, as you can imagine, and I have a big day at work. Could we postpone maybe for a few days? How's Monday? You and Emma? I'll come by the house. Sure. That'll be great. I'll see you then. (CELL PHONE BEEPS) Emma. Pack your things. We have to leave. (MOODY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) Where are we going? The lake house. Why? You hate it there. I don't hate it there. That's what you said once. How long will we be there? I don't know. What are we gonna do there? I just need a place to think. MAN: Ha ha! There he is. Hey, look at you. Well, you haven't changed a bit. Well, cold air, hard work, no cable TV and you too could live forever. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Is that who I think it is? It can't be, cos Emma's just a baby, and you're a full-grown woman. It's very nice to meet you. Nice meeting you too. You look just like your Ma. Well, I'm glad you finally got to come up here. Your sister's been bogarting the place. Angela would live here full time if she could. Well, if you need anything, you let me know and I'll be right up. And it's good to see you after all the years, Emma. You too. Thanks, Brian. I'll call ya if I need ya. All right. (BIRD CALLS IN DISTANCE) (WATER LAPS SOFTLY) ANGELA ON LAPTOP: (SIGHS) You still should've called me, David. What good would that have done? And I wasn't thinking straight ` still not thinking straight. Chloe, that poor girl. How could such a thing have happened? What did the police or firefighters say? They're... investigating. Well, how's Emma? Should I come up to the lake house? I could take off work. No. It's fine. We're just... taking some time away. Look, I gotta go. Hey, call me. I'm worried about you, David. (CELL PHONE RINGS, VIBRATES) Hello? We found the source of the fire. It was deliberately set. Do you know who did it? Not yet. But from what we've sent the lab, we'll know pretty soon. OK. All right. Keep me posted. Will do. (CELL PHONE BEEPS, CLATTERS) (LOW, OMINOUS MUSIC) (EXHALES DEEPLY) (SCREAMS) (SCREAMS) (PANTS) (CELL PHONE RINGS, VIBRATES) Aren't you gonna answer? (RINGING CONTINUES) (TINKLING PIANO MUSIC) (SIGHS) MAN ON LAPTOP: The killings started with the family pet, but as Timothy grew, so did his crimes. Dr Michalowicz, an expert on violent child sociopaths, explains. MAN ON LAPTOP: The violence seems to be inside them, buried like a bad seed. (CELL PHONE CHIMES) Eventually, it grows, and once it starts, it doesn't seem to stop. Emma. I don't like you sneaking around like that. How long have you been standing there? Were you snooping on me? I think you were snooping on me. I told you ` I didn't do anything wrong. I would never hurt anyone for no reason. I'd never, ever do that. Do you think I would? Do you, Daddy? I don't know any more. That makes me sad. (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) (KISSES) (GAS HISSES) (PLOP!) (GAS HISSES) (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) (SNIFFS) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (COUGHS) (COUGHS) Why? Why would you do that to me? I'm the only person you have. No. If something happened to you, I'd live with Aunt Angela. At least she thinks I'm nice. WHISPERS: Oh my God. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) (RIVVRS' 'TERRIFIED') # Pour me a drink # and leave the bottle, # cos I can see # no ending in sight # to this fight, # to the war that I wage # in the back of my mind. # Just pour me somethin' # and keep it comin' through the night. # Cos I... # am # terrified. # I don't know why. (SNIFFLES) # But I don't wanna think. # And this whisky does me right. # It grips me tighter # than any lover # has tried... I brought you your favourite. Can I have whipped cream on it? Sure. # ...to something that # I've outlasted. # I'm just the sum # of all my worst habits # intertwined. # And I'm... Do you wanna read together, Daddy? I don't think so. I think you should just sleep. Will you sit with me until I fall asleep? Sure, Honey Bear. # I don't know why # I need somethin'... The doctors told your mommy that if she didn't take her medicine, she might die. And she said, 'Only if you can promise me that it won't hurt my baby.' She always did whatever she wanted to do, no matter what the cost. You remind me of her. Do you know where we're gonna go yet? Yes. Somewhere safe. # ...terrified. # I'm scared to let go. # I don't know why... # I love you, Daddy. I love you too, Honey Bear. Angela, she tried to kill me. She turned on all the gas in the house. ON PHONE: David, what you're saying doesn't make any sense. You're talking about Emma. No, you don't understand! She's 9 years old. 9-year-olds don't kill people. Listen to yourself. You need help. Let me come get you. She needs help, but I'm not going to let them take her away. She's not gonna live the rest of her life in some institution or prison. I'm her father. I have to protect her. And I have protected her. I am so sorry, Angela. I am so deeply sorry, but there is no other way, and I have thought about every other option, because... she'll do it again. David. David, wait. Wh-Wh-What have you done? It's done. (OWL HOOTS) (OWL HOOTS) (SNORES SOFTLY) WHISPERS: Night-night, Daddy. (GUNSHOT) You're alive. Yes, Daddy. I didn't drink the hot chocolate you made for me; you did when I switched them. (GROANS) (DIALS) (LINE RINGS) WOMAN ON PHONE: 911. What's your emergency? (SCREAMS) (SCREAMS) Help me! My dad's trying to kill me! I'm sorry; can you say that again? What is your emergency? Emma! I'm Emma Grossman. I'm at our lake house. Emma! Emma? Emma? (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC BUILDS) Emma, I know you're in there. (SIGHS, KNOCKS ON DOOR) Emma! Open the door! (DOOR HANDLE RATTLES) (WHIMPERS) Emma! (DOOR THUMPS) Open the... Emma, just come out. I'm not gonna hurt you. We'll just go to sleep together. We'll go see Mommy. (LOW, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC BUILDS) Emma! (SCREAMS) Stop right there, David. What the hell's going on? SCREAMS: Help! He's trying to kill me! Don't listen to her. She's not right. There's something wrong with her. Put down the gun. I have to do this. SOBS: Please. I have to protect her from herself. They're coming for her. (SIRENS WAIL IN DISTANCE) I will not let you hurt that girl. That's just the problem. Nothing hurts her. Forgive me. (GUNSHOT) (SCREAMS) (SIREN WHOOPS OUTSIDE, STOPS) (LOW, ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) (GASPS) (SCREAMS) (SOBS) (INDISTINCT POLICE RADIO CHATTER) He was gonna shoot that little girl, no question. Just wish I'd gotten here sooner. I'm so sorry. Was Daddy sick? Yes. Yes, I think so. I think your daddy was sick. Everything's gonna be OK. Angela,... when we go home, can I have ice cream? You can have whatever you want. (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC SWELLS) (TINKLING PIANO MUSIC) Captions by Julie Taylor. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2020