Le choix tragique

Theresa Johnson: [to Hillary] Honey, it's almost lunchtime. I'm gonna go get us some sandwiches. Do you think you can stay here and play by yourself for a little while?

Hillary Johnson: Yeah, I wanna go on the swings.

[as she runs towards them]

Theresa Johnson: Good.

[pause]

Theresa Johnson: No, wait!

[she beckons Hillary back over]

Theresa Johnson: Don't forget Mary Beth!

[hands Hillary her doll]

Hillary Johnson: [happily] Okay.

[she runs back to the swings, Theresa walks off to a large tree in the park and hides behind it, watching Hillary swing as Reed's van pulls up. He exits the vehicle with a social worker]

Calvin Reed: Hillary!

Hillary Johnson: [happy to see him] Hi!

Calvin Reed: Hi! Could you come over here, please?

Hillary Johnson: [getting off the swing and walks to him] Mom's gone. She went to get sandwiches.

Calvin Reed: I know. She asked me to come get you, take you over to my house.

Hillary Johnson: Why? Is she gonna be there?

Calvin Reed: [patiently] Now Hillary, you and I are going to have to talk about some things.

Hillary Johnson: [pointing to the social worker] Who's that?

Calvin Reed: Her name is Mrs. McCurdy, and she's a very nice lady. She's going to come with me.

Hillary Johnson: [protesting as Calvin leads her to his van] But I'm not supposed to go with anybody but my mommy.

Calvin Reed: [as Theresa watches from behind the tree, crying] I know, sweetheart. But this time is different.

Hillary Johnson: [frightened] My mommy told me to stay here.

Calvin Reed: [soothingly] It's OK, we're just gonna go over to my house.

Hillary Johnson: [crying] Why can't we wait for her?