AT THE HOSPITAL

KARINE

Complication, what complication? A complication, is that something serious?

KARINE hears intermittently, as though frequently cut off.

DOCTOR

(veiled woman) That will depend. When we performed the appendectomy, we discovered other lesions which had allowed the infection to spread and start again in other sites, most importantly in the liver…

…the appendicitis might even be the secondary infection site. We have to identify the source as rapidly as we can…

…drainage… antibiotics… then wait… we will let you know… complex operation… the liver has been attacked… I must go back to the operation room… no, I’m afraid you can’t come… answer all your questions as soon as possible…

ROMAIN and MARIE arrive on the run and hug KARINE tight. She hears them in fits and starts as before. Phone ringing.

MARIE 1

Karine…

ROMAIN

…everything’s going to be all right, Karine.

MARIE 1

…as fast as we could.

ROMAIN

I’m sure… fine.

MARIE 1

How soon… news?

ROMAIN

…nothing else to do… moment.

MARIE 1

…rest… stay here… and me. You must get some rest now.

ROMAIN

…a strong guy… confident. You’ll see.

MARIE 1

…eat something?

ROMAIN

…coffee maybe?

MARIE 1

Okay… sure… stay with you. Have… John?

ROMAIN

…be here soon… flights from Toronto all the time.

MARIE 1

Want me… call… parents?… turn out fine. You’ll see.

ROMAIN

I’ll go… coffee… okay?

MARIE 1

(to ROMAIN) Romain…

ROMAIN

What?

MARIE 1

Thanks… love. Thanks for being here.