What Lies Beneath Page #4

Claire smiles.

CLAIRE:

Sweetheart, I've known this day was

coming for a long time. I've got

your father and the garden and the

new house. You really don't have to

worry.

Caitlin smiles back and nods, her face betraying some concern.

Claire takes her hand.

CLAIRE:

Really.

She nods reassuringly and pulls Caitlin into an embrace. Her

eyes close.

CAITLIN (V.O.)

Mother...

EXT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - DAY

Claire's frozen in the hug.

CAITLIN:

(beat)

Mom.

Her eyes open. Widen to reveal Claire, holding Caitlin on

the college campus. The URBAN SKYLINE looms in the background.

CAITLIN:

I have'ta go.

After a moment's hesitation, she releases her grip. Caitlin

glances over her shoulder to make sure no one's witnessed

this overt display of maternal affection.

CAITLIN:

I'll call you.

Claire produces an ENVELOPE, which she presses into her

daughter's hand. It's a book of TRAIN TICKETS.

CLAIRE:

Come home anytime.

Caitlin looks at Norman.

NORMAN:

Really gonna leave me, huh?

She nods. They share a tender look.

NORMAN:

Be good.

She throws her arm, briefly, tightly around his waist. A bit

overwhelmed, he slowly brings his hand to the back of

Caitlin's head. After a moment, she steps back...

CAITLIN:

Bye.

...then turns and makes her way toward the large, old Columbia

dorm. A banner is draped across its portals which reads:

"WELCOME CLASS OF '04."

Claire watches her daughter melt into a crowd of similarly

shaggy freshmen, smoking and talking on the front steps. Her

eyes are shining. Norman wraps an arm around her waist as

she daps at a tear with a Kleenex.

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