Mumford Page #9

It's taken all her energy to say this and she sinks down a

bit into the couch.

MUMFORD:

When did you start to feel this way?

SOFIE:

About six months ago, I guess it is

now. God, it seems like years. What

a bore! I'm embarrassed by it. Before

this happened -- when I'd hear people

talk about this kind of thing -- I

thought it was a bunch of bullshit.

She sees something in his face and suddenly laughs -- it's a

weak but magical sound.

MUMFORD:

What?

SOFIE:

You think that now! You think it's a

bunch of hooey, don't you?

MUMFORD:

(unconvincing)

No.

SOFIE:

I saw it. I saw it in your eyes.

Mumford is knocked off balance -- she's right. She saw him

clearly.

SOFIE:

That's okay. Maybe it is. My mother

always says -- "Everything that's

wrong with you is in your head." I

suppose that's true.

MUMFORD:

Back when this started, was there

anything unusual happening in your

life? A change of job, of living

situation... a loss of some kind?

SOFIE:

No... but it started one year to the

day after my divorce became final.

That's not too suspicious, is it?...

But it wasn't like I was feeling bad

about the divorce. Just the opposite.

MUMFORD:

Hmm.

SOFIE:

Hmm? Is that a professional opinion?

MUMFORD:

Hmm, as in -- that's interesting.

Sometimes, with enough clues, it's

possible to figure these things out.

SOFIE:

Even if you don't think it's real?

MUMFORD:

I don't know what's real and what

isn't. That's never been my strong

suit. But if you're tired all the

time and you've had to give up the

life you were having and come back

home when you didn't want to... that's

worth trying to fix. Maybe I can

help you do that.

SOFIE:

What would you do?

MUMFORD:

We... we would try several things.

But I need to see you a lot.

SOFIE:

I don't know. I barely made it today.

MUMFORD:

I'll come to you. We'll try a little

walking.

Sofie suddenly looks defeated.

MUMFORD:

We'll take it slow. You'll never

feel you can't handle it.

SOFIE:

I don't think I can afford it. I

don't want my dad paying.

MUMFORD:

We'll work it out.

Sofie gives him a long look.

SOFIE:

You have the best answer for

everything.

(Mumford shrugs)

You seem so... hopeful. Are you always

this sunny?

MUMFORD:

No one ever thought so. You must

bring it out.

SOFIE:

Is it contagious? 'Cause everyone

agrees my immune system's way down.

MUMFORD:

Maybe you'll catch it.

SOFIE:

Can I ask you something?

(Mumford:
of course)

Didn't you tell my dad you didn't

think it was a good idea to come to

the patient?

(he admits it)

So what changed?

Mumford just smiles. He doesn't want to tell her the truth --

everything.

EXT. BROCKETT HOUSE - MAGIC

A taxi drops Mumford in front of the Brockett's large and

beautiful house, which sits on an isolated lot on the

outskirts of town.

INT. HALLWAY TO BACK VERANDA, BROCKETT HOUSE - MAGIC

Althea leads Mumford toward the back of the lavishly appointed

house. The weird thing, what gets in the way of the decor,

is the cardboard boxes of all sizes which are stacked

everywhere. Many are unopened, but the rest are spilling

their styrofoam-nugget and bubble-wrap guts to reveal some

hint of their contents: a huge variety of catalogue-ordered

housewares, clothing, linens, gadgets, and knickknacks. If

it can be ordered from an upscale catalogue (and everything

can), it is here. Althea sounds very nervous, cheery.

ALTHEA:

-- sorry everything's in such an

uproar. Lots of big occasions coming

up, and of course Christmas is only

eight months away --

(giggles uncontrollably)

-- I don't know what's keeping Jeremy.

You know he stays in the city three

nights a week -- I guess I explained

that...

(Mumford nods)

...I know Katie's here, but I'm not

so sure about Martin... I'm making

dinner myself tonight, so I'll have

to leave you, I'm afraid...

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