INT. HOTEL GAME ROOM—DAY
Claudia and her father sit across from each other, interview style. The bag of puzzle pieces rests on the table between them.
DAD
Do you have to tape this?
CLAUDIA
Yes.
DAD
I’d rather you didn’t.
CLAUDIA
I’d rather you hadn’t disappeared.
DAD
Fair enough.
Dad stretches. He’s trying to stay calm, but his hands are shaking.
DAD (CONT’D)
What do you want to know?
CLAUDIA
Are you gay?
DAD
Not going to ease into this with a little small talk?
CLAUDIA
No. Are you gay?
DAD
Yes.
CLAUDIA
Can you say it?
DAD
What do you want, Claudia?
CLAUDIA
I want you to say it.
She crosses her arms.
DAD
Sweetie, I want to talk to you, but I need you to—
Claudia stands up and slams her hands down on the table.
CLAUDIA
I don’t care about what you need! What about what I need?!
Dad sits there for a moment, staring at her. Finally, he takes a deep breath.
DAD
You’re right. This conversation is for you. What do you need?
CLAUDIA
Answers.
DAD
Okay. Then just sit back down and . . .
He gestures to the bag of puzzle pieces on the table.
DAD (CONT’D)
We can do the puzzle and I’ll answer your questions.
Claudia thinks for a moment. Finally, she nods and sits back down. Dad dumps out the pieces and begins sorting.