She holds up a CARRIER BAG, at the bottom an unmistakable outline of a very young BABY, apparently lifeless. The Receptionist’s face drops in horror.
PRE-LAP: KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
INT. FISHEYE OF CORRIDOR – NIGHT – WEEKS AGO
JONAH (17, serious) and Holly appear distorted through a security spyhole. They hold a MOSES BASKET between them.
INT. HALLWAY, FLAT – NIGHT
The front door opens to reveal Jonah and Holly in the corridor, tired and untidy but with an air of achievement. Inside the Moses basket, a young BABY makes small, random NOISES. They grin when they see GABRIEL (late 40s, calm), who greets them with a winning smile. He ushers them inside, warm and fatherly, takes up the Moses basket and kicks the door firmly shut.
INT. LIVING ROOM, FLAT – NIGHT
Gabriel places the Moses basket on the table, steels himself, peers inside it at the wriggling Baby. He’s captivated, but his face is unreadable. Holly and Jonah throw off their coats and join him. Finally …
GABRIEL
You guys OK? Holly – recovered?
His arm around her shoulder, he pulls her
in. Holly nods as she and Jonah stare into
the Moses basket.
GABRIEL
No one followed you?
Jonah shakes his head. Gabriel searches his eyes for doubt.
GABRIEL
Are you sure? Really sure? Because now it’s
here, they can circle, close in. Stay alert.
His tone and manner change, his face all warm smiles. He pulls them both to him in an affectionate group hug.
GABRIEL
Hey! Pizza time!
His arms around them both, and theirs around him, he leads them into the kitchen. Alone on the table, the Moses basket rocks slightly.
INT. LIVING ROOM, FLAT – NIGHT – LATER
The flat is small but clean and tidy. Aside is a stack of baby items: nappies, blankets, formula. Gabriel lounges on the sofa. Holly and Jonah snuggle happily either side. Six legs intertwine, six feet, three plates of pizza crusts. All stare at the TV. On it, a FANTASY TV SHOW ends.
HOLLY
Gabriel?
Gabriel turns the volume down.
HOLLY
Can we heal sick people?