Int. Shack - morning

Dark in here, cobwebby and decrepit. We see Paul approaching

outside the grimy window. He steps up to the glass and shades

his eyes, peering curiously in as we

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. NURSING HOME - DAY

Paul approaches the back door, returning from his walk. He

reaches for the knob...and a figure in white lunges from

behind the dumpster to grab his wrist. He whirls, gasping in

fright--it's Brad Dolan, wearing his orderly's uniform.

BRAD

Out for a little stroll, Paulie?

PAUL

Let go...

Paul tries to pull away, but Dolan's got him tight.

BRAD

What's with this poncho you got

on, huh? This isn't yours.

PAUL

I got it off the wall there.

There's a whole row of them.

BRAD

But not for you, Paulie, that's

the thing. Those are for the staff.

PAUL

I just borrowed it. Don't see what

harm it does.

BRAD

It's not about harm, it's about

rules. You probably don't think an

old fart like you has to mind

rules anymore, but that's just not

true.

Brad's eyes keep shifting--he obviously doesn't mind abusing

the elderly as long as he doesn't get caught doing it.

PAUL

I'm sorry if I broke the rules.

BRAD

You got no business up in those

woods anyway, especially in the

rain. What if you fall and bust a

hip, huh? Who you think's gonna

have to hoss your sorry old bacon

back down here? Me, that's who.

PAUL

You're hurting me!

BRAD

What do you do up there, anyway?

You're too old to go jerk off, so

what do you do?

PAUL

Nothing. I just walk, that's all,

I like to walk!

Brad lashes out and grabs Paul's other hand, which he's been

holding tightly clenched shut.

BRAD

Come on. Open up. Let Poppa see.

Paul uncurls his fingers, revealing the crushed remnants of

a bit of toast, his palm slick with a greasy oleo smear.

ELAINE (O.S.)

Paul?

They turn. Elaine stands just inside the screen door with a

cup of tea. Brad's eyes become calculated, wondering how much

she's seen. Elaine keeps her tone level, betraying nothing:

ELAINE

I saw you coming back, thought

you'd like some tea.

(beat)

Are you coming in?

PAUL

Mr. Dolan and I were...chatting.

About the weather. I think we're

through now.

Brad lets Paul loose, leans close:

BRAD

Paulie? You tell anyone I squeezed

your po' ol' hand, I'll tell 'em

you're having senile delusions.

Who you think they'll believe?

Brad walks off. Paul turns, watches him go. The screen door

opens and Elaine steps out, her face pale. Paul gives her a

strained, though grateful, smile as we

CUT TO: