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MOTHER: But I didn't. I didn't hit her that hard. (to
CYNTHIA) Come on baby, please wake up. I'm sorry
I slapped you. Please honey, please wake up.
(CYNTHIA starts to stir) Becky go and get me a
glass of water please. Cynthia'll be okay, don't
worry about her.
BECKY: (As she trots off to get the water) I'm not very
worried. She always wakes up eventually.
MOTHER: She what? What do y-
(CYNTHIA's eyes open and she pushes her mother's
hand and the cloth away from her forehead and stands.)
CYNTHIA: I'm alright.
MOTHER: (embracing her) Thank God you're okay. I'm so
sorry I hit you. I didn't mean to hurt you.
(CYNTHIA's arms stay firmly by her side as her
MOTHER begins to sob.)
MOTHER: I thought I'd really hurt you, I was so scared.
Please forgive me.
(BECKY enters with a glass of water as CYNTHIA
somewhat grudgingly lifts her arms to embrace her
MOTHER.)
CYNTHIA: It's okay, I forgive you.
BECKY: (holding out the glass) Here's a glass of water.
CYNTHIA: (breaking the embrace and taking the glass from
BECKY) Here Mum, have a drink.
(Drying her eyes and wiping her nose, the MOTHER
reaches out her shaking hand to take the glass.)
MOTHER: Thanks.
(She sips the water and lets CYNTHIA seat her in
the chair.)
CYNTHIA: Sit down.
MOTHER: I'm okay.
(The MOTHER sniffs back her tears, trying to
compose herself, struggling valiantly for a few
seconds before she loses it and bursts into tears
and runs offstage leaving CYNTHIA and BECKY
looking helplessly after her.)
BECKY: (pause) You really scared her.
