#scene 10

FRAU GABOR: 

Dear Herr Stiefel­ 

(Thinks again)

 Moritz, I've spent the entire day thinking about your note. Truly, it touched me, it did, that you'd think of me as a friend. Of course, I was saddened to hear that your exams came off rather less well than you'd hoped, and that you will not be promoted, come fall. 

Int. Bedroom - Night

Moritz, in his room, is reading the letter

(voice over)

And yet, I must say straight away, that fleeing to America is hardly the solution. And even if it were, I cannot provide the money you request.

Moritz throws down the letter. He begins to pack a bag.

MORITZ:

Uh-huh . .. uh-huh ... uh-huh ... well, fine.

Not like it's even worth the time.

But still, you know, you wanted more.

Sorry, it won't change-been there before.

Int. Study - Day

FRAU GABOR: 

You would do me wrong, Herr Stiefel, to read into my refusal any lack of affection. On the contrary, as Melchior's mother, I truly believe it to be my duty (to curb this momentary loss-

Int. Bedroom - Night

MORITZ:

The thing that sucks-okay-for me,

A thousand bucks, I'm, like, scot-free.

And I mean, please . .. That's all I need.

Get real-okay? By now, you know the score.

Int. Study - Day

FRAU GABOR: 

Should you like, I am ready to write to your parents. I will try to convince them that no one could have worked harder last semester, and also that too rigorous a condemnation of your current misfortune could have the gravest possible effect on-

Int. Bedroom - Night

MORITZ:

You wanna laugh. It's too absurd.

You start to ask. Can't hear a word.

You wanna crash and burn. Right, tell me more.

Int. Study - Day

FRAU GABOR: 

Still, Herr Stiefel, one thing in your letter disturbed me. Your-what shall we call it-veiled threat that, should escape not be possible, you would take your own life.

Int. Bedroom - Night

MORITZ:

Okay so, now we do the play. 

Act like we so care. 

No way. You'll write my folks? 

Well, okay. Babe, that's how it goes.

Int. Study - Day

FRAU GABOR: 

My dear boy, the world is filled with men-businessmen, scientists, scholars even-who have done rather poorly in school, and yet gone on to brilliant careers. Consider, for example, that rare and estimable essayist, Leopold Habebald-

MORITZ:

They're not my home. Not anymore.

Not like they so were before.

Still, I'll split, and they'll, like . .. Well, who knows?

FRAU GABOR: 

In any case, I assure you that your present misfortune will have no effect on my feelings for you, or on your relationship with Melchior. 

Int. Locker Room - Afternoon

Moritz’s last day. The boys jeer at him.

MORITZ AND HANSCHEN:

Uh-huh . .. uh-huh ... uh-huh ... well, fine.

Not like it's even worth the time.

But still, you know, you wanted more.

HANSCHEN:

Okay, so nothing's changed.

MORITZ:

Heard that before.

MORITZ AND OTTO:

You wanna laugh. It's too absurd.

You start to ask. Can't hear a word.

OTTO:

You're gonna crash and burn.

MORITZ:

Right, tell me more.

MORITZ AND ERNST:

You start to cave. You start to cry.

You try to run. Nowhere to hide.

GEORG:

You want to crumble up, and close that door.

Int. Study - Day

FRAU GABOR: 

So, head high, Herr Stiefel. And do let me hear from you soon. In the meantime, I am unchangingly and most fondly yours, Fanny Gabor. 

Int. Kitchen - Afternoon

Moritz takes his belongings, and his suitcase, and dashes home. He slams his belongings down on the kitchen table. He’s home alone. 

MORITZ:

Just fuck it-right? Enough. That's it.

You'll still go on. Well, for a bit.

Another day of utter shit-

And then there were none.

Moritz makes his way to his father’s room.

MORITZ AND OTTO:

And then there were none

Int. Bedroom - Afternoon

MORITZ, OTTO AND GEORG:

And then there were none

Moritz pulls out the nightstand drawer.

MORITZ AND BOYS:

And then there were none