INT. CUBICLE, A&E, HOSPITAL – NIGHT – LATER
Holly perches on a plastic chair. A NURSE (20s, female) examines the Baby, who kicks happily on a nearby bed.
NURSE
He’s fine. How ’bout you? Kept your postnate appointments?
Holly almost shakes her head.
NURSE
Should look after yourself. Baby depends on you. What’s his name?
HOLLY
Where’s the toilet, please?
Whoosh … the curtain is whisked open. A POLICE OFFICER (20s, female, black) peers in. Bright, friendly, efficient, we will later know her as MARIE-CLAIRE.
MARIE-CLAIRE
Hi! Here to collect ‘Holly and baby’ when they’re ready to go.
The Nurse is alone in the cubicle. She smiles, hands Marie-Claire an envelope.
NURSE
Yep, here’s her referral. She’s in the loo, two doors down on the left.
Marie-Claire’s face drops. She snatches the letter, jogs away.
INT. CORRIDOR, HOSPITAL – NIGHT
Head down, Holly clutches the Baby, hurries along, searches for a way out. Suddenly, she’s face to face with a POLICE OFFICER (30s, female, white).
AILEEN
Holly? Found you! I’m Aileen.
Aileen is so chatty and friendly, Holly is swept along.
EXT/INT. CAR PARK/POLICE PATROL CAR – NIGHT
Aileen chats gently, leads Holly to a waiting Police Patrol Car, settles her inside. Despite the breezy conversation, Aileen notices everything about Holly’s handling of the Baby.
AILEEN
Your partner Jonah is waiting and I’m taking you both to an overnight unit for some sleep. How’s the little one?
HOLLY
OK.
AILEEN
What’s its name?
HOLLY