INT. CLOTHING STORE - AFTERNOON

Women's casual wear department. J.C. Penny.

Legend "1961"

An African-American man carrying two J.C. Penny shopping bags is ushered past the

department store managers and security guards on walkies that have gathered at

the entrance to the woman's dressing rooms.

CUT TO:

INT. DRESSING ROOM - AFTERNOON

A bed has been formed by a chair and three benches.

A STRIKING AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN in her twenties lays across it. Her face and

clothes are covered in sweat. Her skirt is stained.

She holds something wrapped in a soft sweatshirt on her chest. We can't see it,

but WE HEAR THE BABY CRYING.

She's just given birth.

There are three frazzled saleswomen in the dressing room with her. They watch her

with quiet smiles.

A fourth SALESWOMAN arrives ushering in the man with the shopping bags.

SALESWOMAN:

This is Mr. Mathison. He's

a doctor.

DR. MATHISON looks over the scene and then directly at the striking woman.

DR. MATHISON

You okay?

The woman nods, "Yes." Sweat trickles down her face. THE BABY'S PIERCING CRIES

ECHO IN THE SMALL ROOM.

SALESWOMAN:

An ambulance is on the way.

Dr. Mathison puts down his shopping bags and moves to her. He kneels down and

gestures for the bundle of sweatshirts in her arms.

DR. MATHISON

Is there a name yet?

Beat. The woman smiles for the first time.

WOMAN:

Elijah.

She hands him the wrapped child. We can't see the baby, but THE PIERCING CRIES

SEEM TO GET LOUDER.

WOMAN:

Is he supposed to be crying

like that?

The doctor lowers the baby to his lap and unwraps him.

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