Welcome Home: SCENE 7

INTERIOR KENNEL AREA — DAY
ROBBIE IS HOLDING MR. BUN AS HE TALKS ON A CELL PHONE.

ROBBIE
Hi, Mom. How’s my best girl? … Nope, just keeping company with Mr. Bun. Well, that and telling you I finally met the new apartment manager. … She’s really nice, Mom. And guess what?! She says I can have a dog! … Yeah! Of my very own! … During the day? … Why couldn’t he come to work with me? He’d have lots of company. And he’d get to know Mr. Bun. … Dr. Em? No. I’m talking to you. … Oh, Okay. I’ll talk to her.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA— DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE MAIN DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE.


ESTRELLA
No, no, no, no. I most certainly do NOT want to relinquish this greyhound. We’re keeping him. …

SOUNDS OFF
PHONE RINGS

ESTRELLA
(SIGHS) We, the Mayfield Veterinary Clinic, owned and run by Dr. Emily Mayfield. … Yes, she has a transfer of interest from the owner’s beneficiary. …

SOUNDS OFF
PHONE RINGS

ESTRELLA
Yes, those are the correct numbers on his tattoo. Would you hold, please? (PUSHES BUTTONS ON PHONE) Mayfield Veterinary Clinic, can you hold please? … Thank you, Mr. Dexter. (PUSHES BUTTONS ON PHONE) What were those numbers again? … Yes, that is his tattoo. … How about we make this as easy as possible, okay? … He’s here in the clinic, and he’s still recovering. He’s here. He’s going to stay here. He’s not coming back to you. How about you fix your records? … Okay? Okay. And when will Dr. Mayfield get those papers? … That will be lovely. … And you, too. (PUSHES BUTTONS ON PHONE) Mr. Dexter? … Oh, good, I didn’t lose you. What can we do for you today? …

CUT TO:
INTERIOR KENNEL AREA — DAY
ROBBIE IS HOLDING MR. BUN AS HE TALKS ON A CELL PHONE.


ROBBIE
So what do I say to her? … Well, sure she’s a nice lady, but what if she says ‘no’? … I just need to ask her, don’t I? … Yes, Mom, I’ll remember to say ‘please.’


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA— DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE MAIN DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE.


ESTRELLA
No, I don’t think it would do any harm to put off Moxie’s allergy shot for three days. Why? … No, Mr. Dexter, I’m not in the Chipper Clipper, so I don’t know Gordon’s schedule. But I know Gordon loves your Moxie. I’d trust his new schedule, if it was me. … (SMILES) I see. No, Mr. Dexter, we don’t want to make Moxie come all the way to town twice in one week. He will be so much happier if he can get his shot and his shampoo on the same day. … Of course you will. (TYPES ON THE KEYBOARD) It’s done. Third Tuesday of the month. You take care of little Moxie. (HANGS UP)


CUT TO:
INTERIOR TREATMENT AREA — DAY
CYNTHIA IS IN THE TREATMENT AREA FILLING OUT CHARTS.
ROBBIE ENTERS WITH PAYCHECK ON LEASH


ROBBIE
Hey, Cyn, can I ask you something?

CYNTHIA
Something wrong with Paycheck?

ROBBIE
Is something wrong? I don’t know, Cyn. Is there?

CYNTHIA
No. He looks good, doesn’t he? What did you want to ask?

ROBBIE
You sure he’s okay?

CYNTHIA
I’m sure Robbie. What was your question?

ROBBIE
How do I talk to Dr. Em about a dog?

CYNTHIA
(PUZZLED) You talk to Dr. Em about dogs all the time.

ROBBIE
About a dog for ME.

CYNTHIA
(TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT ROBBIE IS TALKING ABOUT) What about a dog for you?

ROBBIE
I can have one now. (PAYCHECK IS LEANING AGAINST ROBBIE’S LEG) (TO PAYCHECK) Isn’t that great, Paycheck?

CYNTHIA
So why do you need to talk to Dr. Em?

ROBBIE
Mom said I should. To make sure it’s okay for me to bring my dog to work with me.

CYNTHIA
Okaaay. (STIFLES A SMILE) Your mom’s right. You do need to ask Dr. Em.

ROBBIE
How?

CYNTHIA
Just like you said it to me.

ROBBIE
But you’re not Dr. Em, Cynthia.

CYNTHIA
It’ll be okay. Just ask her like you said it to me.

CUT TO:
INTERIOR EXAM ROOM #1 — DAY
ROBBIE IS CLEANING THE EXAM TABLE
A. MICHAEL ENTERS


ROBBIE
Hi, Dr. Kendrick.

A.MICHAEL
Robbie.

ROBBIE
You like dogs?

A.MICHAEL
Uhhhh. Yeah.

ROBBIE
I can have a dog.

A.MICHAEL
That’s nice.

ROBBIE
And I want to bring him to work with me. (BEAT) Or maybe her. Do you think it might be a girl?

A.MICHAEL
To work with you?

ROBBIE
If Dr. Em says I can.

A.MICHAEL
Well, let me tell you how I feel about that.

ROBBIE
(EXCITED) I’ll go ask her right now.

ROBBIE EXITS


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA
ESTRELLA IS SEATED AT THE MAIN DESK
ROBBIE ENTERS


ROBBIE
(TO ESTRELLA) I can have a dog!

ESTRELLA
Really, Querido? How wonderful! Where are you going to get your dog?

(BEAT)

What are you going to name your dog?

(BEAT)

Okay. What is your puppy going to do during the day?

ROBBIE
I hadn’t thought about those. But I’ll bet Officer Trumbull could help me find a dog of my own. I don’t know about a name, though.

ESTRELLA
The dog will tell you its name. They always do.

ROBBIE
Really? They tell you?

ESTRELLA
I’ll come over to your apartment and I’ll help listen for his name.

ROBBIE
But I want him to be here, Estrella. I want him to come to work with me.

ESTRELLA
That’s a good idea, Robbie. Does Dr. Em know about your dog?

ROBBIE
Not yet. My mom says I have to ask her permission.

ESTRELLA
That’s a good idea.

ROBBIE
Will you ask her for me?

ESTRELLA
You know I can’t do that, Querido. But I’ll be beside you when you ask her.

ROBBIE
Thanks, Estrella.

(FADE TO WHITE)

(FADE IN)
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS STANDING AT THE COUNTER
OFFICER TRUMBULL IS STANDING ON THE CLIENT SIDE OF THE COUNTER
EMILY IS BESIDE OFFICER TRUMBULL


ESTRELLA
(TURNS TO HALLWAY DOOR AND CALLS OUT) Robbie! Can you come up front?

ROBBIE ENTERS

ROBBIE
I’m here, Estrella. Oh, hi, Officer Trumbull. Got any new dogs?

OFFICER TRUMBULL
Hi, Robbie. No, son, all I have today is a problem.

ROBBIE
What kind of problem?

OFFICER TRUMBULL
Well, it’s a dog problem, Robbie. There’s this great dog that needs a home —

ROBBIE
I can have a dog.

OFFICER TRUMBULL
That’s nice, son, but this dog has a special problem.

ROBBIE
I’m pretty good with dogs.

OFFICER TRUMBULL
But see, this dog works. He has a very important job, and he has to go to work every day.

ROBBIE
Boy, he must be a really important dog.

OFFICER TRUMBULL
He is. Problem is, he doesn’t have any place to go after work.

ROBBIE
He’s HOMELESS?

OFFICER TRUMBULL
Well, not exactly. But he doesn’t have a family of his own, so after work he’s really lonely.

ROBBIE
Yeah. I know what you mean. My apartment’s pretty lonely, too.

OFFICER TRUMBULL
Oh, yeah?

ROBBIE
Sure is. After I get home from having supper with Mom. (TO EMILY) What happens to important dogs, Dr. Em?

EMILY
Officer Trumbull, you have any ideas?

OFFICER TRUMBULL
I was hoping you all might know of someone who could bring an important dog to work every day, and take him home at night. Someone to be his family.

ROBBIE
Hey! I could do that! I can have a dog, and I go to work every day! (TO EMILY) Couldn’t I do that, Dr. Em?

EMILY
That’s a great idea, Robbie. I mean, I think it’s a great idea. What do you think, Officer Trumbull?

OFFICER TRUMBULL
Yes, m’am, I think it’s a real good idea. But maybe we ought to ask the dog what he thinks.

ROBBIE
Do I get to meet him? Is he a boy?

ESTRELLA
(CALLS DOWN THE HALL) Cynthia, would you bring him in, please?

CYNTHIA ENTERS WITH PAYCHECK ON LEASH

ROBBIE
Paycheck! You were talking about Paycheck?! (KNEELS DOWN AND PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND THE GREYHOUND) Hey, buddy, do you want to live at my house? You can sleep on the bed. There’s plenty of room for both of us.

EMILY EXITS THROUGH HALLWAY.
EMILY AND ESTRELLA GIVE EACH OTHER A HIGH FIVE AS EMILY PASSES BY.

(CONTINUED)

Welcome Home: SCENE 6

INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE MAIN DESK TALKING ON THE PHONE

ESTRELLA
A salt water tank? … Well, of course. The colors are so much brighter. … I can see that could be a very delicate problem. … No, sir, we don’t have an ichthyologist on staff. … No, I do not suggest you should just wait and see if she dies. I’m going to give you the number of the ichthyologist Dr. Em uses. … Yes, sir, a Dr. Haggartay. … Whenever you’re ready. … 813-555-1218. … No, sir, it’s Tampa. … Yes, sir. Good luck. (HANGS UP THE PHONE)

(BEAT)

ESTRELLA
(CALLS OUT) Cynthia! (BEAT) Cynthia? (BEAT) Robbie, do you know where Cynthia is?

SOUNDS OFF

ROBBIE
(CALLING OUT) Right here with me, Estrella.

ROCKO TROY ENTERS

ROCKO
(WITH BRAVADO) Hi, Estrella!

ESTRELLA
(STARTLED) Rocko!

ROCKO
The one and only.

ESTRELLA
(RECOVERING HERSELF) What do you have for me today?

ROCKO
(CONSIDERS THE POSSIBILITIES) Everything! For you, Estrella, everything.


CYNTHIA ENTERS


ESTRELLA
(GIVES CYNTHIA A QUICK GLANCE) (TO ROCKO) How much time do you have, Rocko?

ROCKO
Oh! (LOOKS AT HIS WATCH) Well. Well. I only have one more delivery after you. And then?

ESTRELLA
Well, well? And who is the receptionist at that delivery?

ROCKO
It’s at Pet Craft. You know, that place with the boy with the long hair and the falling-down pants.

ESTRELLA
Rocko! How do you know his pants fall down?

ROCKO
(DEMONSTRATING) Because he has to hold them up with one hand all the time. (HE WADDLES AROUND THE RECEPTION AREA WITH ONE HAND GRABBING HIS PANTS.)

ESTRELLA AND CYNTHIA LAUGH.

ESTRELLA
So you’re not putting me off for the boy with the falling-down pants?

ROCKO
I would never put you off, Estrella.

CYNTHIA
Smooth, Rocko.

ESTRELLA
Even if I was far away?

CYNTHIA
(TO ESTRELLA) Is this what you called me in here for?

ESTRELLA
(TO CYNTHIA) No.

ROCKO
(SIGHS) Do you want the invoice first?

ESTRELLA
If you wait until the delivery is done, I’ll get to see you again.

ROCKO EXITS

ESTRELLA
(TO CYNTHIA) So, you have news to share?

CYNTHIA
(IN A RUSH) Armando got a commission in the Hamptons and wants me to come join him there for two months.

ESTRELLA
Two months alone together. It’s wonderful.

CYNTHIA
Two months away from work. Two months away from my dogs. Two months away from home. Two months away from paying the bills.

ESTRELLA
Don’t you have some vacation time?

CYNTHIA
Oh, sure. Six days.

ESTRELLA
Couldn’t you use those days to visit your Armando in the Hamptons?

CYNTHIA
I hadn’t thought about that.

ESTRELLA
Love always finds a way, Querida.

CYNTHIA
But, Estrella, the dogs.

ESTRELLA
You think we wouldn’t take care of your babies?

(BEAT)

ESTRELLA
Over here. Come over here and look with me at the calendar. What days will be best with your Armando?

(CONTINUED)

Welcome Home: SCENE FIVE

INTERIOR TREATMENT AREA — DAY
EMILY AND A. MICHAEL ARE TALKING AS EMILY EXAMINES PAYCHECK.

EMILY
You know, even though Paycheck is big for a greyhound, he just seems about mid-sized to me, after having lunch with O’Howloran. But then, an overweight Labrador Retriever seems mid-sized to me after my Irish Wolfhound.

A. MICHAEL
He still needs more pounds on him.

EMILY
(TO PAYCHECK) You’re not much of an eater, are you, fella? (TO A. MICHAEL) Give me a handful of kibble.

A. MICHAEL
Why?

EMILY
I never met a greyhound who wouldn’t take a treat from your hand. (EMILY HOLDS OUT HER HAND AND PAYCHECK NIBBLES KIBBLES.) That’s my boy. (TO A. MICHAEL) Okay, you can put him back in his crate for now. I’ll have Robbie take him out and walk him through the clinic a couple of times this afternoon so he can start getting his bearings on his new home.

A. MICHAEL
(CLOSING THE DOOR ON PAYCHECK’S CRATE) This afternoon can’t have anything as interesting as I had while you were gone for lunch.

EMILY
Really?

A. MICHAEL
A genuine exotic.

EMILY
As opposed to a fake exotic?

A. MICHAEL
(GLARES AT EMILY)

EMILY
Okay, what did you see?

A. MICHAEL
A chameleon with clear eyes, symmetrical mouth, firm body muscles, and good hydration.

EMILY
So, why was he here? He? She? Could you tell?

A. MICHAEL
(ARCHLY) HE was brought in because HIS owner’s little brother let HIM out of the habitat.

EMILY
And?

A. MICHAEL
And his owner was afraid of poisoned bugs.

EMILY
Really?

A. MICHAEL
Really.

EMILY
So, what happened?

A. MICHAEL
I gave the chameleon a full exam, minus invasive tests, of course. Told the owner to call me at 9:45 tomorrow morning if there are any problems.

(BEAT)

EMILY
Nice job, Doctor. (BEAT) You like exotics?

A. MICHAEL
Oh, yeah. You?

EMILY
Me? Birds. After the dogs and cats.

A. MICHAEL
Well, yeah.



CUT TO:
INTERIOR EXAM ROOM #1 — DAY
ROBBIE IS CLEANING THE EXAMINING TABLE AND THE FLOOR.
CYNTHIA ENTERS CARRYING A BOX OF SAMPLES AND PRODUCTS FOR DOGS, CATS, AND BIRDS.

ROBBIE
Hey, Cyn.

CYNTHIA
Hey, yourself. (SHE BEGINS TO PUT ITEMS FROM THE BOX ONTO THE SHELVES ABOVE THE SINK.)

ROBBIE
Why so glum?

CYNTHIA
Hm? Oh, nothing.

ROBBIE
Is, too, something.

CYNTHIA
(STOPS STOCKING THE SHELVES AND TURNS TO LOOK AT ROBBIE.) How do you know that?

ROBBIE
I don’t know, Cyn. You just don’t have on your happy look.

CYNTHIA
Wow, a girl can’t get a thing past you, can she, Robbie?

ROBBIE
Okay, then. Why so glum?

CYNTHIA
Armando wants me to go to the Hamptons and stay with him and not come home for months.

ROBBIE
Who are the Hamptons?

CYNTHIA
Not who, where. New York.

ROBBIE
You would like New York, Cyn. Don’t they have lots of baseball in New York? And shows and stuff. And shopping. You love shopping, Cyn.

CYNTHIA
It wouldn’t be in New York City. Besides, it would mean being away from here. And what about Gideon and PooDoo? Why hasn’t Armando thought of them? How could I leave our dogs?

ROBBIE
My apartment manager says I can have a dog; so, I could take care of them for you. I could bring them to work everyday, and they would only miss you a little.

CYNTHIA
(GOES BACK TO STOCKING THE SHELVES) It’s just too long. (BEAT) I’d miss THEM, Robbie.

ROBBIE
Yeah. Yeah, you would.



(CONTINUED)

Welcome Home: SCENE FOUR

EXTERIOR FENCED PASTURE BEHIND EMILY’S HOUSE — DAY
EMILY IS WALKING WITH HER IRISH WOLFHOUND O’HOWLORAN.


EMILY
He’s not a bad person, O’Howloran. And he really does love that Clumber Spaniel. (BEAT) What’s not to love, huh? So he loves Churchill, and he’s scared. It is scary, seeing someone you love being miserable and not knowing how to help. (SHE STOPS) Am I walking too fast for you? (RESUMES WALKING WITH O’HOWLORAN AT HER SIDE) He’s just posturing, that’s all. It’s what men do when they’re scared. (BEAT) Women cry. It’s easier. (LOOKS AT HER WATCH) Lunchtime’s over, big boy. Back to the house.



CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE MAIN DESK.
A FRANTIC TEENAGED BOY ENTERS, PULLING A LITTLE RED WAGON. HELD ONTO THE WAGON WITH BUNGEE CORDS IS A SMALL ANIMAL HABITAT, MEASURING 2’ BY 2’ BY 3’. THE HABITAT IS MADE OF A HEAVY WIRE FRAME, OVER WHICH IS STRETCHED HARDWARE FABRIC OF SMALL MESH. THE BOTTOM OF THE HABITAT IS A 4” DEEP TRAY FILLED WITH SAND. INSIDE THE HABITAT ARE:
A 2’ TALL FICUS TREE IN A POT
A POTHOS VINE, ALSO IN ITS OWN POT
A DISCONNECTED WATERFALL
A SMALL DISH OF ICE CUBES
A VITALITE UV TUBE WIRED TO THE TOP OF THE HABITAT. THE LIGHT’S ELECTRIC CORD IS ATTACHED TO THE HABITAT’S OUTSIDE EDGE WITH A BUNGEE CORD.


ESTRELLA
Who’s this?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
(WHISPERS) Camo.

ESTRELLA
(WHISPERS) Who’s Camo?
WALTER RAVANCZEK
(WHISPERS) My chameleon.

ESTRELLA
(WHISPERS TO THE HABITAT) Hi, Camo. (TO THE KID, STILL WHISPERING) And who are you?

A. MICHAEL ENTERS, STANDING IN THE DOOR FROM THE HALLWAY.


WALTER RAVANCZEK
(WHISPERS) Walter Ravanczek. With a “Z.”

ESTRELLA
(LOOKING AT THE COMPUTER) (WHISPERS) Olga?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
(WHISPERS) Yeah, that’s my mom.

ESTRELLA
(WHISPERS) Why are we whispering?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
(WHISPERS) Because he’s already stressed, and I don’t want to make it any worse.

ESTRELLA
(WHISPERING)Uh-huh.

A. MICHAEL
(VERY SOFTLY) What have we got?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
My chameleon. Camo.

A. MICHAEL
(WHISPERS, TO ESTRELLA) Send him to exam room two. But give me a minute, first.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR EXAM ROOM #2 — DAY
A. MICHAEL IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR, FACING THE DOOR.
WALTER RAVANCZEK ENTERS, PULLING THE HABITAT ON ITS LITTLE RED WAGON.
A. MICHAEL AND WALTER RAVANCZEK WILL SPEAK QUIETLY THROUGHOUT THIS SCENE.

A. MICHAEL
Nice habitat.

WALTER RAVANCZEK
Thanks. I made it.

A. MICHAEL
Nice transport.

WALTER RAVANCZEK
What? The wagon. It’s my kid brother’s. Little rat.

A. MICHAEL
So what’s up with Camo?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
He hasn’t eaten anything today. And I don’t know what he ate last night.

A. MICHAEL
Last night? Why don’t you know what he ate last night?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
Because my stupid little brother let him out of his habitat last night, and I didn’t know it until I found him on Mom’s begonia.

A. MICHAEL
How long was he out?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
(CLOSE TO TEARS) Hours. And he’s not eating this morning. (WALTER OPENS THE DOOR OF THE HABITAT AND PUTS HIS HAND INSIDE. A SMALL, GREEN CHAMELEON CRAWLS OUT OF THE FICA TREE AND ONTO WALTER’S HAND.) Mom uses a pest control guy, and I’m scared Camo ate some poisoned bugs.

A. MICHAEL
(VERY SLOWLY INSERTS HIS OWN HAND INTO THE HABITAT, HOLDING IT JUST BELOW WALTER’S HAND) You don’t need to worry about that. Chameleons won’t eat anyone who’s already dead.

WALTER RAVANCZEK
Right. Right. (HE MOVES HIS HAND SLOWLY, SO THE CHAMELEON STARTS TO MOVE ONTO A. MICHAEL’S HAND.) Hey, look. He likes you.

A. MICHAEL
How about his weight?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
It’s been staying steady. I weigh him on the first and fifteenth of every month.

A. MICHAEL
Yeah? How?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
On my mom’s Weight Watcher’s food scale. It’s really keen. Measures Camo to the tenth of an ounce.

A. MICHAEL
Nice. Did you weigh him when you found him today?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
No. I was so scared I just disconnected everything so I could bring him to you.

A. MICHAEL
(VERY SLOWLY TAKING HIS HAND AND THE CHAMELEON OUT OF THE HABITAT) What had to be disconnected?

WALTER RAVANCZEK
Well, you know. I had to empty the waterfall and get the hose off, and disconnect the Vitalite. Everything else just stays in there.

A. MICHAEL
Okay, Camo, let’s see how you’re doing.

A. MICHAEL PERFORMS EXAM:
(LOOKS INTO CAMO’S EYES) Eyes look good.
(LOOKS IN CAMO’S MOUTH) All symmetrical in there. That’s good.
(PULLS UP A BIT OF SKIN ON CAMO’S BACK) Umm, nice hydration. (TO WALTER) Ice was a good idea.
(EXAMINES CAMO’S TOES AND TOENAILS) Uh-huh.
(VERY GENTLY PALPATES SIDES OF CAMO’S BODY WITH THUMB AND INDEX FINGER) Nice tone. Feels good. You’re a lucky boy, Camo. Walter’s taking really good care of you. (TO WALTER) I think he’s just feeling stressed from his adventure. Take him home, give him back his waterfall and light. If he hasn’t eaten by 9:45 tomorrow morning, call me. There are some tests we can run, but I don’t want to do that unless Camo really needs them.

WALTER RAVANCZEK
You mean he’d have to come in the car again?

A. MICHAEL
No, if we need to do a fecal or blood test, I’ll come to your house. We don’t want to stress Camo any more than we absolutely have to. (A. MICHAEL GENTLY PUTS CAMO BACK INTO THE HABITAT. THE CHAMELEON CRAWLS ONTO THE FICUS TREE. A. MICHAEL CLOSES THE DOOR OF THE HABITAT.)


(CONTINUED)

Welcome Home: SCENE 3

INTERIOR EXAM ROOM #2 — DAY
NO AUDIO
A. MICHAEL IS EXAMINING THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER ELSIE. MRS. LARSON TALKS, AND TALKS, AND TALKS. A. MICHAEL CONTINUES TO EXAMINE ELSIE, SILENTLY.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA STANDS AT THE COUNTER, TALKING WITH GORDON PATRICK TUDOR.
GORDON IS HOLDING A PETITE PAPILLON, ABIGAIL.


GORDON
This is a sweet one. I wish my Tatiana was as easy to groom.

ESTRELLA
She is a little dumpling. Maybe it’s because her mamma is such a dear.

GORDON
I’m a dear. I deserve a dumpling.

ESTRELLA
Gordon, you and I both know you wouldn’t trade your Tatiana for all the dumplings in the world.

GORDON
That’s true. And she is dramatic.

ESTRELLA
(LAUGHS) And where is the surprise in that?

GORDON
(WISTFULLY) Still, this one would be a perfect partner to go to the nursing home with me.

ESTRELLA
It’s kind of sad that no one visits Abigail and her mom. It’s just the two of them in that house.

GORDON
Alone? (BEAT) Like Mr. Dexter and his Moxie?

ESTRELLA
You have ‘that look’ again.

GORDON
Well?

ESTRELLA
Well, I have to say, Querido, you’re right. (HOLDS UP HER LEFT HAND )Here there are two alone, and there, (HOLDS UP HER RIGHT HAND APART FROM HER LEFT) there are two alone. (BEAT) But Abigail is here today, and Moxie was just in for his checkup last week. So they don’t need to see Dr. Em for another six months. And who knows what life can do in six months?

GORDON
Ah, but they come to me for grooming once a month. I think I can arrange things so their appointments happen to be on the same day.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR TREATMENT AREA — DAY
NO AUDIO
EMILY AND ROBBIE ARE WORKING WITH PAYCHCECK THE GREYHOUND. ROBBIE TAKES THE LEASH AND WALKS PAYCHECK IN A SMALL CIRCLE IN THE TREATMENT ROOM. EMILY AND ROBBIE ARE BOTH DELIGHTED AT PAYCHECK’S PROGRESS.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS SITTING AT THE MAIN DESK.
MR. AND MRS. LLOYD WYNTER AND THEIR CLUMBER SPANIEL CHURCHILL ENTER.

MR. WYNTER
I’m just saying, I don’t want to have to take a second mortgage on the house.

MRS. WYNTER
Oh, for pete’s sake, Lloyd. We don’t even know what Dr. Em is going to say.

MR. WYNTER
I’m just saying—

ESTRELLA
Mr. and Mrs. Wynter! And Churchill. Dr. Em is ready for you right now.

MR. WYNTER
Listen, Estrella, before we —

ESTRELLA
(TO CHURCHILL) Hi, gorgeous. Would you like a cookie?


CUT TO:
INTERIOR EXAM ROOM #1 — DAY
EMILY IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR WITH CHURCHILL.
MR. AND MRS. WYNTER ARE SITTING IN CHAIRS, WATCHING.
A. MICHAEL IS STANDING BEHIND EMILY, SCOWLING AT MR. WYNTER.



MR. WYNTER
I’m just saying, if it’s going to take a long time for this to work, well, he’s uncomfortable now and we shouldn’t let him suffer like this, so I think —

A. MICHAEL
What you think isn’t going to fix this dog’s—

EMILY
You’re absolutely right, Mr. Wynter. The condition of Churchill’s skin is showing us some pretty extreme allergic reactions. I’d recommend that we take some blood and send it to the dermatologist. She can tell us specifically what Churchill’s allergies are, and what it will take to get your boy’s quality of life back again.

MRS. WYNTER
How long will it take to find out?

MR. WYNTER
How much will it take?

EMILY
Not long. About a week, usually.

MRS. WYNTER
Then let’s go ahead and do it.

MR. WYNTER
How much is it going to cost me?

MRS. WYNTER
(TO MR. WYNTER) That’s not really the point, is it, dear?

MR. WYNTER
(TO MRS WYNTER) I’m just saying there’s no point in spending a lot of money if it can’t be helped.

A. MICHAEL
(TO MR. WYNTER) Oh, is that what you’re saying?

MRS. WYNTER
(TO A. MICHAEL) If you don’t mind, Doctor.
(TO MR. WYNTER) Lloyd, you know you love this dog, and you know you don’t want him to be miserable.

MR. WYNTER
That’s just what I’m saying.

MRS. WYNTER
(TO EMILY) Of course we want to have the tests for Churchill. Today will be perfect.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA – DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE MAIN DESK
CYNTHIA IS STANDING IN THE DOORWAY


ESTRELLA
Everything okay with you and Armando?

CYNTHIA
Just ducky.

ESTRELLA
Are those ducks in a row, or ducks amiss?

CYNTHIA
Why is it that men think the world revolves around them and that you can drop everything just because they say so?

ESTRELLA
Drop everything and do what?

CYNTHIA
Fly to the Hamptons! Just like that! Just fly away to the Hamptons. Poof!

ESTRELLA
You know we will always take care of Gideon and PooDoo here.

CYNTHIA
So you think I’m supposed to go off and leave my dogs for two months just because Armando says so?

ESTRELLA
Two months?! (BEAT) What would you do in the Hamptons for two months?

CYNTHIA
Well, Armando will be painting, so I could sit adoringly and watch him, I suppose.

ESTRELLA
What’s wrong with Armando’s studio here?

CYNTHIA
There is not one darned thing wrong with his studio. Except for the fact that it’s over a thousand miles away from his commission.

ESTRELLA
Commission? Armando has a commission? Cynthia! This is good news! Why didn’t you tell me?

CYNTHIA
(BEAT) He did good, Estrella. His New York show was good. He sold paintings, and he got a commission. Imagine. Just like that.

(CONTINUED)

Welcome Home: SCENE 2

INTERIOR MAYFIELD VETERINARY CLINIC RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE MAIN DESK.
CYNTHIA IS SITTING AT THE SIDE DESK.

SOUND OFF: PHONE RINGS

CYNTHIA
Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. This is Cynthia. Can I help you? … Hi, Baby. How’s the Big Apple? How’s my big boy?

ESTRELLA
Ah, Armando, our resident artist. (TO CYNTHIA) Well, how is he?

CYNTHIA
(TURNS HER BACK TO ESTRELLA) Me, too, Baby. (GIGGLES)

ESTRELLA
When does he get home?

CYNTHIA
You sold how many? … More news than that?

CLIENT MRS. LARSON ENTERS WITH HER GOLDEN RETRIEVER ELSIE.

MRS. LARSON
Hi, Estrella! Hi, Cynthia!

CYNTHIA
(WAVES HELLO TO MRS. LARSON AND CONTINUES TALKING ON THE PHONE) Where? … Armando, you’ve got to be kidding—

MRS. LARSON
(TAKES A POSTCARD OUT OF HER PURSE AND HOLDS IT OUT) Elsie’s here for her checkup, right on time.

ESTRELLA
(TO MRS. LARSON, RELUCTANTLY) Of course she is.

CYNTHIA
For how long?

ESTRELLA
(TORN BETWEEN EAVESDROPPING ON CYNTHIA’S PHONE CALL, AND TENDING A CLIENT AND PATIENT) Hello, Mrs. Larson. How is Elsie doing?

MRS. LARSON
Just Great!

CYNTHIA
Oh, no!

MRS. LARSON
(TO CYNTHIA) Of course she is, honey. Just look at that beautiful coat.

ESTRELLA
Oh, no?

MRS. LARSON
Well, Estrella, of course it is. Elsie’s coat is a show-stopper.

ESTRELLA
(FINALLY OUT OF HER CHAIR AND STANDING AT THE COUNTER FACING MRS. LARSON) Yes, it is. So, what does this beautiful girl need today?

MRS. LARSON
(WAVING POSTCARD IN ESTRELLA’S FACE) It’s right here. Her annual checkup, just like you said.

CYNTHIA
How can you even ask me that? You know I can’t.

ESTRELLA
(GIVING UP, TO MRS. LARSON) Okay then. You just bring that beautiful girl right through here and we’ll get you settled in room two.

ESTRELLA, MRS. LARSON AND ELSIE THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER EXIT.

CYNTHIA
I am happy for you, Armando. … Yes I am. A show in New York, and now a big commission. … I know it’s a big deal … Of course I’m happy for you. But I can’t just leave my job and fly off to the Hamptons.

ESTRELLA ENTERS

CYNTHIA
Have you even thought about the dogs? What about Gideon and PooDoo?

ESTRELLA
What is happening?

CYNTHIA
(TO THE PHONE) I can’t talk about it right now, Armando. … I just can’t. … Well, you’re going to have to wait. (HANGS UP THE PHONE)

CYNTHIA EXITS.

ESTRELLA
(TO CYNTHIA’S DISAPPEARING BACK) What is happening?

CLIENT ENTERS CARRYING A SMALL ANIMAL CRATE.

CLIENT
I don’t usually put them both in one crate, but I knew you wouldn’t make us wait.

(CONTINUED)

Welcome Home: SCENE ONE

INTERIOR EMILY’S HOUSE — DAWN
EMILY IS IN HER KITCHEN WITH HER IRISH WOLFHOUND O’HOWLORAN. SHE IS DRESSED FOR WORK. HE IS FOLLOWING HER AROUND.

EMILY
You’re a good boy to eat all your breakfast. Still hungry? (SHE GETS A LARGE DOG BONE OUT OF A CANISTER) Oh, come on. You know the drill. (BEAT) Sit, O’Howloran. (HE SITS. SHE GIVES HIM THE DOG BONE.) Good boy.

EMILY SITS AT THE KITCHEN TABLE AND WATCHES O’HOWLORAN AS HE EATS THE BONE.

EMILY
So, what are your plans for the morning? Chasing squirrels? Guarding hearth and home? Taking a nap? (BEAT) Me? Hmm…. I never know, do I, old fellow?

EMILY GETS UP FROM THE TABLE, TAKES A BACKPACK OFF A HOOK BY THE DOOR. SHE UNLATCHES A JANGLE OF KEYS FROM A LOOP ON THE BACKPACK.

EMILY
See you at lunch, kiddo. Keep the squirrels guessing.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR A. MICHAEL’S APARTMENT — DAWN
A. MICHAEL IS STANDING AT THE COUNTER EATING YOGURT OUT OF THE CARTON. A PRAIRIE DOG SITS ON THE COUNTER WATCHING HIM.

A. MICHAEL
The world famous veterinarian, A. Michael Kendrick, bestows a treat upon the beautiful Sarah Bernhart.

HE PLUCKS A STRAWBERRY OUT OF THE CARTON, PUTS IT IN HIS MOUTH, WORKS IT AROUND HIS MOUTH, TAKES IT OUT OF HIS MOUTH AND PLACES IT ON THE COUNTERTOP.)

A. MICHAEL
Thrilled at his generosity, Sarah Bernhart scurries to the treasure and picks it up with a dainty paw.

THE PRAIRIE DOG SCURRIES TO THE STRAWBERRY AND PICKS IT UP, BRINGS IT TO HER MOUTH AND BEGINS TO EAT IT.

A. MICHAEL
Ah, my beauty, it is time for you to go back to your palace. Do not fret. You will be surrounded by your lackeys, and I, your hero, will return anon.

A. MICHAEL PICKS UP THE PRAIRIE DOG AND HOLDS HER TO HIS CHEST AS HE WALKS TO A BAY WINDOW WHICH IS FILLED WITH LARGE, COMPLEX PRAIRIE DOG HABITATS.

A. MICHAEL
(OPENING THE DOOR TO THE LARGEST HABITAT) Sweet dreams, Sarah. See you tonight.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR ESTRELLA’S HOUSE — DAWN
ESTRELLA IS SITTING ON HER COUCH IN THE LIVING ROOM, SURROUNDED BY CATS.

ESTRELLA
Can you stay out of my magazines today? (TO THE BLACK CAT) Be nice to Paulie. (TO THE CALICO) No tearing up the toilet paper. (TO THE ONE WITHOUT A TAIL) You can sleep on the bed but not under the covers.

ESTRELLA SITS BACK AND RELAXES WITH HER CATS, MANAGING TO PET EACH ONE OF THEM.

ESTRELLA
Keep the mice at bay. I’ll be back by dinnertime.

SHE RISES, GIVES EACH CAT A PARTING PET AND WALKS TO THE FRONT DOOR. SHE PICKS HER PURSE OFF A TABLE, FISHES HER KEYS OUT OF THE PURSE, AND PICKS UP A TRAVELING MUG OF COFFEE. SHE BLOWS A KISS TO THE CATS AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HER.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR MAYFIELD CLINIC KENNEL AREA — DAY
ROBBIE IS STANDING BESIDE THE KENNELS HOLDING MR. BUN.

ROBBIE
So, Mr. Bun, do you have a big day planned? I brought you fresh celery, with lots of leafy top stuff. How does that sound?

SOUNDS OFF: DOG BARKING

ROBBIE
Sorry, Mr. Bun. I have to take a walk with Leroy or he’s just gonna pop.

ROBBIE GIVES MR. BUN ONE LAST PET AND CUDDLE AND THEN PLACES THE RABBIT IN HIS KENNEL.


(CONTINUED)

Beginnings: SCENE EIGHT

INTERIOR EMILY’S OFFICE — DAY
EMILY IS TYPING ON THE COMPUTER WHILE SHE TALKS WITH STUART, ON THE SPEAKERPHONE. ALL OF STUART’S DIALOGUE IS HEARD VIA SPEAKERPHONE.

EMILY
Do we have our same seats?

STUART
Of course we do. (BEAT) Do you honestly think I’d risk losing OUR SEATS?

EMILY
Just checking.

STUART
Dinner before?

EMILY
Huh? Oh, yeah. Don’t we always?

STUART
Meet you there?

EMILY
Sure.

STUART
Where?

EMILY
Where what?

STUART
Are you on the computer?

(BEAT)

STUART
Emily, are you on the computer while you’re pretending to talk with me?

EMILY
Uh….

STUART
Emily, take your hands off the keyboard

EMILY
It’s not a problem.

STUART
Dr. Mayfield, Stuart here. Take your hands off the keyboard, and turn your chair around.

EMILY
(TAKES HER HANDS OFF THE KEYBOARD) Hi, Stuart.

STUART
Are you still looking at the monitor?

EMILY
(SLOWLY TURNS HER CHAIR AROUND) Nope. (TURNS HER CHAIR BACK TO FACE THE MONITOR)

STUART
So, I’ll meet you there, and you have to tell me where that might be.

EMILY
That new place on Buena Vista.

STUART
Italian? Chinese? Thai?

EMILY
Uh-huh.

STUART
Uh-huh. (BBEAT) How’s the new junior doc working out?

EMILY
Oh, fine.

STUART
Uh-huh. (BRISKLY) Well, I’m glad it worked out. Sure looking forward to “La Boheme” this Saturday after we have Italian or Chinese or Thai.

EMILY
(LOOKS AT THE PHONE) It has NOT ‘worked out’, Stuart McGregor!

STUART
Nice to have you with us, Dr. Em.

EMILY
I can’t say it has worked out. It’s too early to tell. At best it’s just the beginning of a work in progress.

STUART
(BEAT) Is there progress?

EMILY
I think so. Maybe. Come on, Stuart, it’s the beginning of a probationary period.

STUART
Gotcha. You know, I’d be willing to bet that my nephew hasn’t said it, so I’ll say it for both of us. Thank you.

EMILY
Yeah. So. Opera on you, dinner on me?

STUART
Same as always.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR TREATMENT ARENA — DAY
CYNTHIA AND A. MICHAEL ARE STANDING FACE TO FACE.

CYNTHIA
(PLEASED) He is. It’s not a one-man show. He’ll be showing with two other artists.

A. MICHAEL
Are the others Southern folk artists, too?

CYNTHIA
Armando doesn’t DO folk art.

A. MICHAEL
What does he call it?

CYNTHIA
His AGENT calls it post-modern impressionism.

A. MICHAEL
Ri-i-ight. Does he have family in New York?

CYNTHIA
Listen, you pompous son-of-


CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS GETTING HER PURSE OUT OF THE CABINET BESIDE HER DESK.
EMILY AND ROBBIE ARE IN THE CUTOUT TO THE HALLWAY.
AN UNKNOWN MAN RUSHES IN THE DOOR AND PRESENTS HIMSELF AT THE RECEPTION COUNTER.

MAN
(TO ESTRELLA) Are you the one that keeps calling?

ESTRELLA
Give me a clue. You are …??


MAN
Millard Whitehall.

ESTRELLA
I’ve been trying to speak with a Phillip Whitehall.

MAN
Well, Phillip Whitehall is dead.

CYNTHIA AND A. MICHAEL ENTER, LOOKING AROUND THE CORNER AND LISTENING TO THIS CONVERSATION.

ESTRELLA
I’m so sorry for your loss.

MAN
What’s all this about his greyhound?

EMILY
Mr. Whitehall’s greyhound has had a serious injury and requires extensive care.

MAN
Swell. That’s just swell. Like I need one more decision.(BEAT) Listen, why don’t you just put the dog down?

A. MICHAEL
Look, mister —

EMILY
That dog has a chance of full recovery.

MAN
I don’t want him. Just put him down. You can do that, right?

A. MICHAEL
What are you, god?

CYNTHIA
Come with me, doctor.

CYNTHIA PUSHES A. MICHAEL OUT OF THE HALL AND INTO THE TREATMENT ARENA.

ROBBIE
(TO A. MICHAEL AS HE IS REMOVED BY CYNTHIA) God wouldn’t want to hurt that dog.

EMILY
(TO THE MAN) Are you the owner of this dog?

MAN
I wouldn’t have a dog. It was my father’s.

EMILY
Is there anyone in your family who will take responsibility for your father’s dog?

MAN
Lady, nobody’s going to be paying for that dog.

EMILY
I see. In that case, would you be willing to sign the greyhound over to me?

MAN
If I do that, can I just wash my hands of this whole thing?

EMILY
Absolutely.

MAN
Where do I sign?

ESTRELLA
(SLAMS HER PURSE DOWN ON THE DESK, OPENS A DESK DRAWER AND REMOVES A FORM) Right here. Or do you want me to fill it out first?

MAN
(GRABS THE FORM AWAY FROM ESTRELLA, SIGNS HIS NAME, AND STOMPS OUT THE DOOR)

ROBBIE
What’s his name?

ESTRELLA
Not worth mentioning.

ROBBIE
I mean the dog.

EMILY
Well, it looks like that sweet boy’s care is coming out of my paycheck.

ROBBIE
Paycheck, huh?

ESTRELLA
Junior Doctor!

A. MICHAEL ENTERS

ESTRELLA
(TO A MICHAEL) We need a night shift to look after our new puppy.


CUT TO:
INTERIOR HALLWAY — DAY
EMILY AND A. MICHAEL ARE STANDING IN THE HALL AFTER EVERYONE ELSE HAS LEFT THE BUILDING.

EMILY
There’s a cot in the storeroom. Pillow’s on the top shelf, a couple of blankets with it. (BEAT) I appreciate your taking the first shift with our new boy.

A. MICHAEL
He’s a sweet dog.

EMILY
I realize you need a space of your own here. (LOOKS AROUND) I’ve arranged a desk for you. (BEAT) See you in the morning.

CUT TO:
INTERIOR HALLWAY — NIGHT
A. MICHAEL IS SEATED AT A CARDTABLE, WITH HIS LAPTOP ON TOP OF IT. HOBBS THE CAT IS SLEEPING ON TOP OF THE COMPUTER. A. MICHAEL PICKS UP THE CAT AND HOLDS HIM.

END EPISODE TWO: Beginnings

Stay tuned for EPISODE THREE: Welcome Home

Beginnings: SCENE SEVEN

INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
CYNTHIA IS AT RECEPTION DESK.
ROBBIE AND ESTRELLA ENTER.
ESTRELLA PUTS HER PURSE IN A CABINET BESIDE THE DESK.

ESTRELLA
We’re back. Thanks for handling the desk. Anything critical?

EMILY ENTERS CARRYING A CHART.

CYNTHIA
No. Actually, it’s been pretty calm. Just the scheduled clients. I even got a little filing done.

ROBBIE
(HANDING HIS BASKET TO EMILY) Dr. Em, does Mr. Bun look tired to you?

EMILY
(TAKES THE BASKET AND CHECKS THE RABBIT) How are you, Mr. Bun? He doesn’t seem stressed. How was the talk?

ROBBIE
(EXCITED) The kids really listened, and some asked questions, and we knew all the answers, and they were even gentle with Peter Bunny. (TO RABBIT) Weren’t they, Mr. Bun?

ESTRELLA
It was great. Linda asked if we could come again next year. Robbie’s a natural with the kids once he forgets he’s in school.

CYNTHIA
Kids and animals recognize a good heart.


INTERIOR TREATMENT ARENA – DAY
ROBBIE IS RETURNING MR. BUN TO HIS CRATE: AN OVERSIZED METAL CAGE LINED WITH A BABY BLANKET. WHEN THE RABBIT IS IN THE CAGE, ROBBIE HOLDS OUT HIS HAND TO HIM.

ROBBIE
Here’s a bit of banana for you, Mr. Bun. (WATCHES AS MR. BUN TAKES THE TIDBIT.) The kids really loved you, Mr. Bun.

GORDON TUDOR PATRICK ENTERS, CARRYING MOXIE.

GORDON
Hi, Robbie. Is Mr. Bun okay? Little guy’s not sick, is he?

ROBBIE
Oh, no. We went to Linda’s school and talked to the kids.

GORDON
You and Mr. Bun went to school?

ROBBIE
And Estrella. And Captain Ahab.

GORDON
A parrot and a rabbit, huh? That must have been some talk.

ROBBIE
Oh, Gordon, Mr. Bun doesn’t talk.

GORDON
Captain Ahab didn’t use any of his bad words, did he?

ROBBIE
Nooo. He only whistled for the kids. (TO THE DOG)
Hi, Moxie. Boy, you sure look pretty.

GORDON
Yes, even in this humidity.

A. MICHAEL ENTERS


ROBBIE
(TO MOXIE) Do you need to go potty, little man?

A. MICHAEL
(TO HIMSELF) What kind of fool can’t even tell the difference between a male and a pregnant female?

GORDON
(TO A. MICHAEL) Really? Here in Florida?

A. MICHAEL
(TO GORDON) Apparently there are all kinds of fools in Florida.

GORDON
(TO A. MICHAEL) Like my daddy says, a dog smells his own tracks first.

A. MICHAEL
(TO GORDON) Is that what passes for southern wisdom?

ROBBIE
(TAKES MOXIE FROM GORDON) Boy, Moxie, I’m sure it’s time for you and me to go outside.

ROBBIE AND MOXIE EXIT

GORDON
(TO A. MICHAEL) You can always tell when a man’s a southern gentleman, because he knows when it’s time to leave. (BEAT) I, for example, must now talk with Estrella about an invoice.

GORDON EXITS

A. MICHAEL
(TO GORDON’S BACK) Coward.



CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE DESK
GORDON ENTERS


GORDON
You know, that Kendrick fellow is such a twit.

ESTRELLA
Tell me something I don’t know.

GORDON
No, darling you tell me, please, that he is not going to be in our lives forever.

ESTRELLA
Define forever.

GORDON
A week? (BEAT) A month? (BEAT) Oh, please.

ESTRELLA
Or until he bites a dog.

GORDON
Oh, you sweetheart. (HE HANDS HER A PIECE OF PAPER) And speaking of sweethearts, how about saving Mr. Dexter a trip next door, and put this with the clinic invoice?

CUT TO:
EXTERIOR EXERCISE YARD — DAY
ROBBIE AND MOXIE ARE WALKING AROUND AND KEEPING EACH OTHER COMPANY WHILE MOXIE DECIDES WHETHER OR NOT HE IS GOING TO POO.

CUT TO:
INTERIOR RECEPTION AREA — DAY
ESTRELLA IS AT THE DESK, TALKING ON THE PHONE

ESTRELLA
(DIALS A NUMBER ON THE PHONE. LISTENS FOR A MOMENT. HANGS UP.
REDIALS, PHONE BEEPS NUMBERS AS IT REDIALS.
LISTENS A MOMENT. HANGS UP.
REDIALS, PHONE BEEPS NUMBERS AS IT REDIALS.
LISTENS A MOMENT. HANGS UP.
REDIALS, PHONE BEEPS NUMBERS AS IT REDIALS.

ESTRELLA
(TALKING ON THE PHONE) You want a message? I’ll leave you a message. This is Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. Animal Control Services has brought us your beautiful greyhound. He is a very sick boy. You must call us back. Our number is 555-881-9765. (HANGS UP)


(CONTINUED)