FRANCESCA (cont'd)(softly)
Don't you see, I've got to know thetruth, Robert. I've got to know thetruth or I'll go crazy. Either way.

　　Just tell me. But I can't act likethis is enough because it has to be.

　　I can't pretend I don't feel what Ifeel because it's over tomorrow.

　　Robert, keeping his face from her, tries to tell her:

　　ROBERTIf I've done anything to make youthink that what's happened between usis nothing new for me -- is someroutine -- then I do apologize.

　　FRANCESCAWhat makes it different, Robert?

　　Robert turns to face her. He is so hopelessly in love he canhardly find the words. His eyes fill up with tears.

　　ROBERTBecause... if I even think abouttomorrow -- if I...

　　(voice cracks)even think about leaving here withoutyou -- I'm not sure I can... that I -(he shakes his head)He can't even finish. He kneels down before her wrapping hisarms around her and burying his face into her body. Francescastarts to cry -- out of happiness, out of pain -- holding ontohim as if for dear life.

　　FRANCESCAOh God... what are we going to do?

　　She kisses him -- over and over, not wanting to be even aninch apart. As if any space between them might separate themforever.

　　Suddenly, OS, they hear a CAR DRIVE UP to the house. Theypanic. Francesca runs to the window to see:

　　MADGE, a girlfriend, has come for a visit. Madge is holdinga homemade dessert.

　　FRANCESCA (cont'd)No. No. Where's your truck?

　　ROBERTBehind the barn. I better go.

　　Francesca turns to him -- speechless -- not wanting him to go.

　　ROBERT (cont'd)Don't worry. I meant upstairs.

　　He exits. Francesca gathers herself and heads for the frontentrance, quickly cleaning up the plates.

　　INT. FRONT HALL - DAYFrancesca opens the door to Madge.

　　FRANCESCAMadge?

　　MADGEHi. I made some brown betty. I sentFloyd off to town with the boy. I said -(entering)"Floyd, I'm going to visit mygirlfriend and spend the afternoonand that's all there is to it. Hesaid who's going to make lunch? Isaid I'm taking a sick day. Eat atthe dinner." Isn't that hilarious?

　　(MOVES INTO KITCHEN)He didn't dare raise an eyebrow -- Idon't even want to tell you how latehe was out last night with those goodfor nothings from the Sandford ranch.

　　I am so sorry, honey, I let two dayspass before I came by, but with theboy home the time just escapes me.

　　Have you heard from Richard? How'sthe fair? God, it's hot.

　　Following her into the kitchen, Francesca doesn't know whichquestion to answer first.

　　EXT. PORCH - LATER THAT DAYMadge and Francesca sit facing the pasture beside a tablewith coffee and brown betty. We parachute into the middle ofthe scene.

　　MADGE... I said to her, "what's the pointof summer school if all he's going todo are these art projects. The boyneeds so much work in math and hisspelling is a nightmare...

　　(continues)Francesca isn't listening. Her mind wanders.

　　FANTASY:

　　FRANCESCAMadge. Please. Something's happened.

　　I've met someone. I've fallen in lovein a way I've never thought couldhappen my entire life. It's our lastday together. I feel like I'm going todie when he leaves. Please. Help me.

　　MADGEOh, honey. I'm so sorry. But you'vegot to be grateful for even feelingthe little you've be given. Believeme. Go to him. Don't let him leavewithout these new precious hoursyou've got left. And if you needanyone to cry on, you know where I am.

　　END OF FANTASY:

　　Madge shoves a plate at her.

　　MADGE (cont'd)More brown betty?

　　Francesca takes the plate. She can't think straight.

　　MADGE (cont'd)... Anyway, I'm glad that's overwith. Sara doing so well though.

　　Everyone thought I was crazy havingthem so far apart, but...

　　(CONTINUES...)FANTASY:

　　Francesca stands behind Madge, as the latter chatters on MOS.

　　She calmly picks up the brown betty and, from behind, shovesit into Madge's face and holds it there, trying to suffocateher with it. Madge struggles.

　　END OF FANTASY:

　　Francesca's mind races as Madge continues.

　　MADGE... without one lesson. Theinstructor couldn't believe it. So,who knows -- she may have talent.

　　How's Carolyn doing? What are herplans for next year?

　　Francesca realizes this is her moment. She holds her head andleans over, unsteadily.

　　MADGE (cont'd)Honey, what's wrong?

　　FRANCESCAI don't know. I woke up a littledizzy. I didn't sleep well. I thinkI need to lay down.

　　MADGEYou want me to call the doctor?

　　FRANCESCANo, no. I just didn't sleep well.

　　I'm not used to sleeping alone. Andthis heat. Would you mind?

　　MADGENo, of course not. I'll just clean up.

　　FRANCESCANo, leave it. I'll do it later.

　　Listen, maybe you and Floyd can comefor dinner on Saturday. I'm sureRichard'll have so many stories totell you both about the fair and all.

　　MADGEOh, that'll be nice.

　　CUT TO:

　　INT. BEDROOM - LATER THAT DAYFrancesca enters to find Richard, laying on the bed fullyclothed. She sits beside him. He strokes her arm, then guidesher to lay down. Once she's in his arms, he speaks.

　　ROBERTCome with me.

　　Francesca knew he was going to say this. Either answer shegives frightens her.

　　FRANCESCAHold me.

　　She turns to him and they embrace. Robert, however, fearsonly one response. On the soundtrack, we hear the song "DARNTHAT DREAM."CUT TO:

　　INT. KITCHEN - EVENINGThe song continues over the next few images. Camera slowlypans from the radio, upon which the song is playing, to abeautifully set table and candles. It arrives on Robertpreparing dinner.

　　INT. BEDROOMCamera pans the room from two OPENED SUITCASES, as Francescapacks to leave. She moves about the room as if with blinderson -- focused on her task, refusing to take in any sign ormemories that might hinder her. She is wearing a RED DRESS,with BUTTONS down the front.

　　INT. KITCHENRobert stands at the sink rinsing out some utensils. Waitingfor the water to turn hot, he looks out through the windowabove the sink. He sees a beautiful view of beautiful night.

　　He pauses as it strikes him that this is a view Francesca hasseen a million times -- that soon she would not see ever again.

　　INT. SECOND FLOOR LANDINGCamera follows her as she exits the bedroom with hersuitcases, then walks down the hall to the stairs, then downthe staircase to the front hall.

　　She quietly sets the suitcases down, hearing the radio andRobert in the kitchen. She pauses, then enters the livingroom. One of the throw pillows has fallen off the couch. Shereplaces it then takes a moment to look about the room. Sheslowly sits down on the couch.

　　We hear voices of the past, auditory memories conjured up byeach stick of furniture Francesca sees.

　　FRANCESCA (V.O.)Michael, get off the back of thatchair! What did I tell you!

　　WE HEAR HIM FALL AND BEGIN TO CRY.

　　FRANCESCA (V.O.)All you all right, honey. Let me see...

　　A sound of Chr............