THE CALL PAUL DID NOT MAKE TO HIS MOTHER

MONIQUE

Hello?

PAUL

Hello, Mum?

MONIQUE

Hello Paul! It’s so nice of you to call me!

PAUL

I just wanted to let you know I won’t make it in time for supper.

MONIQUE

Okay, no problem, we’ll just start without you.

PAUL

I won’t be at any other supper either… ever… nor Christmas Eve, or your birthday, Karine’s wedding, Marie’s thesis defence or Paul’s appendicitis. Nothing. Ever.

MONIQUE

You’ll never be here?

PAUL

Right, I’ll never be there.

MONIQUE

So, we won’t wait?

PAUL

No, don’t wait.

MONIQUE

Well, I’m glad you called to let me know. That was nice…

PAUL

It’s the least I could do.

MONIQUE

Paul, just tell me one thing… did you have time to be afraid? Did you have time to feel any pain? Did you have time to change your mind and wish I’d come to save you?

PAUL replies to his mother, but is drowned out by the salsa music.

THE EYE

(perhaps MONIQUE’s film replaying all by itself?) I just wanted to tell you… I wanted to wish you courage, courage in being born; it’s not easy being born, but that’s life, isn’t it… it’s not always easy…

Music.