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It is a hot summer’s day. CONNOR, late twenties, is sat next to a teenage boy, FREDDIE. They are travelling by train on a long distance journey. CONNOR appears tired, a total contrast to FREDDIE who is very much awake. FREDDIE fidgets constantly, an act which visibly grinds the patience of CONNOR. CONNOR makes no secret of his irritation and ‘tuts’ loudly to show his frustration. FREDDIE is oblivious to this and continues to fidget. He then stops and begins to scan the carriage and fellow passengers with great amazement. He then swings his feet back and forth, banging into the lower part of his seat as he does so.

                  CONNOR

  Do you have to do that?

FREDDIE continues as CONNOR rolls his eyes. CONNOR then scans the carriage and realises that other passengers are curiously studying him and FREDDIE. He smiles apologetically. He leans closer to FREDDIE.

                  Can you stop that, please?

FREDDIE continues.

                  (To other passengers)

                   I’m sorry.

CONNOR is visibly embarrassed. He laughs nervously as the banging continues.

                  (With authority)

                   Freddie...

FREDDIE focuses on the ceiling while he continues to disrupt the carriage with his banging. CONNOR leans forward and across FREDDIE, grabbing his feet as he does so. As he manages to restrain FREDDIE, he notices the other passengers are clearly confused by what is going on. CONNOR holds this position for several seconds. He then lets go, takes a deep breath and slouches in his seat. FREDDIE continues to focus on the ceiling.

Pause

CONNOR closes his eyes. While continuing to stare at the ceiling, FREDDIE begins to bang his feet once again. There is a chorus of sighs and tuts from fellow passengers. The train comes to a halt. FREDDIE is visibly nervous.