A Monster Calls Page #5

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MR Clark (CONT’D)

You all right there? You look

tired.

(beat, nothing from Conor)

You know, if you ever wanted to

talk

He’s interrupted by a labour-scream from the video and an

accompanying SHOUT OF HORROR from the class who can’t believe

what they’re seeing (”As soon as the baby's head comes out,

the doctor will suction amniotic fluid, blood, and mucus from

they baby’s nose and mouth”). Mr Clark looks up with an

amused smile, gives Conor a last look, and keeps patrolling

the classroom.

Conor sees Harry a few seats over. Harry’s watched the

exchange and looks as if he’s sussing Conor out, somehow.

26.

As the sounds of childbirth and the accompanying trauma of

the class continue (”The umbilical cord will eventually fall

off due to a combination of putrefaction and mummification”),

Lily enters from the front, eyes swollen from crying. She

sits next to Conor in the empty desk. He doesn’t acknowledge

her, despite her furious gaze.

Wounded, she looks up at the video and is comically horrified

by what she sees.

Mr Clark reaches the front of the classroom as the sounds of

childbirth reach their exhausted conclusion (“And mother’s

happy ordeal is finally over...”). Mr Clark clicks off the

Powerpoint and turns to the class.

Mr Clark (CONT’D)

Any questions?

Apart from Conor, Lily and Harry, every single traumatised

hand in the classroom shoots into the air.

27.

20 EXT. BIN street - that afternoon 20

Conor walks home by himself, lost in thought.

LiLY (o.S.)

Hey! Wait! Conor, wait!

She catches up to him. He ignores her.

LilY (CONT’D)

Why did you do that today? Why

didn’t you tell Miss Kwan what

really happened?

Conor

Why did you butt in when it was

none of your business?

LILY:

I was trying to help you.

CONOR:

I don’t need your help.

LILY:

(visibly hurt)

My mum keeps asking why you don’t

come over anymore.

Conor says nothing.

LilY (CONT’D)

(now genuinely distressed)

What the heck is wrong with you?

I’ve got detention all week now.

CONOR:

That’s not my problem.

LILY:

But it’s your fault.

Conor turns on her in fury. She steps back, frightened.

ConoR

It’s your fault. It’s all your

fault.

He takes off walking again, leaving her behind.

LiLY

(calling after him)

We used to be friends!

Conor carries on down the street, fast at first then slowing

as he nears his house. He looks back to see if Lily is still

there, half-hoping she will be. She isn’t.

28.

21 InT. conor’s sitting room - momentS LATER 21

Conor enters, not too happy. Mum is waiting there, cardboard

box open. Conor looks wary at an OLD-FASHIONED SUPER 8 FILM

PROJECTOR. Canisters of FILM sit next to it. Mum is nervous,

excited.

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