SCENE 3

Scene opens in the kitchen of the Cartwright’s lower middle class home. There was recently a going-away party, and the walls are adorned with posters that say “GOOD LUCK DOC” “WE LOVE YOU, DR. RICHARD” etc. Ms. Cartwright’s (somewhat older looking than in the previous scene) mascara is running from her crying.

mom

sobbing

Oh Richie, we’re so proud of you.

Mom gives Richard a big hug.

Richard

Thanks, mom.

Mom won’t release her bear hug. She’s crying.

richard

I’m, uh, real proud of myself, too.

Mom is still hugging Richard, crying, she uncaps a medicine bottle in the midst of her embrace and pops a few pills.

mom

Your father doesn’t deserve a son like you, that rat bastard.

Richard

Used to being put in this position, still hugging mom

Pop’s not so bad, mom.

mom

Still embracing Richard, sobbing

Next time you talk to him tell him to go fuck himself.

Cut to mom in front door vestibule waving to Richard, who is pulling away in an overstuffed early eightees station wagon with wooden paneling, decorated with a hand-painted sign showing through the rear window that says MED SCHOOL OR BUST.