Shelter from the Storm/Transcript

In the Powers’ ice-cream shop, Brain shows Ladonna a globe with a hurricane over the Atlantic ocean. Arthur, Buster and Muffy are eating fruit salads at a table.

Brain: There it is: Hurricane Sadie. As big as France and heading towards Elwood City.

Ladonna: You actually made this?

Brain: The globe came from a kit and I just layered a flexible touch-screen over it. It wasn't that hard.

Muffy: Why did they name it Sadie? It seems too nice a name for a hurricane.

Buster: They should have called it something scary like Nigel.

Brain: It has to begin with an S. They're all named alphabetically by the World Meteorological Organization.

Ladonna: You sure know a lot about hurricanes.     

She sits down with the others.

Brain: They're fascinating. They're the most powerful storms on the planet. Did you know the winds can gust over 200 miles an hour?

Ladonna: I just think they're scary. We had a couple back in Louisiana and all I can say is be prepared.

Muffy: Oh, the Crosswires are super-prepared. We have a generator and tonnes of spring water - both sparkling and still - and three cases of smoked trout.

Arthur: Aren't you gonna get sick of eating fish?

Muffy: Probably, but Daddy can't resist a sale. We're having a hurricane party tonight. Want to come?

Arthur+Buster+Ladonna: No, thanks!

Muffy: Suit yourself.          

Brain puts a tub of ice-cream on the counter.

Brain: Here, Muffy, take some ice cream for your party. If the shop loses power, it'll all just melt.

Buster: Oh, yeah, I forgot. We're having a party too.

Arthur: Yeah, so are we.

Ladonna: Me, too. Big, big party.

~~~

Title Card: Lightning over the Read house

~~~

A traffic light sways in the wind while Brain and his dad nail board in front of the window of the ice-cream shop. All other windows in the street have already been boarded up.

Mr. Powers: Well, that should do it.       

They pack up their tools.

Brain: Oh, I left my weather globe inside.

Mr. Powers: Should we get it?

Brain: No, that's all right. I'll just pick it up tomorrow. Plus, I still have to set up my anemometer to measure the wind speed. We should have invested in a digital barometer to measure the storm's pressure, but I just really like the way the aneroid ones look.

~~~

A trashcan is blown past the Read house. The Reads sit in front of the TV.

Weatherman (on TV): The strongest winds will just miss downtown Elwood City,b ut the area bordering the river will be hit very hard.

The light suddenly goes out.

Arthur+D.W.: Ah!    

The light goes on again, but the TV now shows a test pattern.

Mrs. Read: Don't worry, we're safe.

D.W.: to Kate: Don't worry, we're safe.

Kate: to Pal: (burbles)

Pal: (whines)      

Kate pats him.

~~~

Brain checks the digital display of an anemometer in his room.

Brain: 109.5, 109.7… Woo-hoo! We just hit 110 km-per-hour winds.     He makes notes on a clipboard.

Mr. Powers (from downstairs): Dinner!

Brain: Be right there!   

He looks through a crack in the boarded-up window.    

Brain: This is amazing!

~~~

The Crosswires sit in their dining room with smoked trout and bagels on their plates. Mr. Crosswire raises his glass while classical music plays.

Mr. Crosswire: To spending Hurricane Sadie all together. Except for Chipster who's soaking up the sun at Tallahassee Tech. (chuckles)       

The lights go out and the music stops.    

Mr. Crosswire: Bailey?

Bailey: I'm on my way, Mr. Crosswire.         

He turns on a flashlight and goes out.

Bailey turns on a power generator outside the house.

Inside, lights and music go back on.

Mr. Crosswire: And to being prepared.

~~~

The Compsons play charades in their living room. It is Ladonna’s turn and she blows.

Mrs. Compson: Er, wind? Something windy.

Mr. Compson: ‘Gone With The Wind’.

Madison: ‘The Wind In The Willows’.

Bud: It's ‘The Three Little Pigs’.

Ladonna: How'd you guess that? I just started.

Bud: I can read minds.     

Mr. Compson’s cellphone rings.

Ladonna: No, you can't!

Mr. Compson: Rufus Compson here.

Bud: Yes, I can. I can tell what you're thinking right now.

Mr. Compson: Oh, hello, sir.

Ladonna: Okay, what?

Mr. Compson: Can you hold on for one moment, please?      

He leaves the room.

Bud: You're thinking... that Bud Compson sure is a strange one.

Ladonna: Yeah, but I'm usually thinking that so it's kind of cheating.  

Mr. Compson comes back in.

Mr. Compson: The Katzenellenbogan River is starting to overflow. They need the Army Corps of Engineers down there. I have to report for duty as soon as the winds die down.

Bud: How long will you be gone for?

Thursday: My birthday's this Thursday. Will you be back in time?

Mr. Compson: I don't know, sport. But I'll try my hardest.

~~~

The next morning, the wind has stopped. A big tree in the Crosswires’ back yard has fallen over the pool. Muffy wakes up in her bed.

Muffy: (yawns)     

She notices, that her digital alarm clock does not show the time. She tries to turn on the lamp, but it does not work.

Muffy goes downstairs in her nightgown.

Muffy: Bailey! My lights don't...    Ah!    

She has stepped in water. The whole floor is covered a few inches deep. Bailey brings rubber boots.

Bailey: Alas, we've lost power and have had a bit of flooding. Galoshes, Miss Muffy?

~~~

Arthur watches TV in his pajamas while eating an apple.

Weatherman (on TV): While Elwood City avoided a direct hit, many homes by the river have had to be evacuated. Some people even had to leave their pets behind.       

The TV shows a dog on the roof of a flooded house. Arthur looks shocked.

~~~

Later, Bud and D.W. help Mr. Read clear up fallen branches in the Reads’ yard. Arthur and Ladonna repair the roof of Pal’s doghouse.

Arthur: Can you imagine having to leave your pet behind? I feel so bad for those people. And their pets.

Ladonna: When I talk to my dad, I'll ask him if he's seen any strays. They sent the Army Corps of Engineers down there this morning.

Arthur: I didn't know your dad was in the Army.

Ladonna: Yeah, the Army Corps of Engineers mainly designs, builds and fixes stuff, and his job is really important when there's an emergency like this.

Arthur: Wow, that's really cool!

Ladonna: Yeah, it is. Except when he has to miss really big events like one Thanksgiving, my first school play.

Arthur: Oh, that is kind of rough. Well, it's only early June, so he probably won't miss any big events this time.

Bud: That's not true, he could miss...

Ladonna: Bud Compson, mind your own beeswax.

Bud: Okay.        

He takes another branch away.

Arthur: What, what's he gonna miss?

Ladonna: Oh, nothing. There, good as new.        

Pal runs into the doghouse and looks pleased.

~~~

Ladonna and Bud walk back from the Read house.

Bud: Why don't you want Arthur to know it's your birthday?

Ladonna: I don't want him feeling sorry for me. In fact, if Dad's away, I think I'll just skip my birthday this year.

Bud: You can't do that. How will you get older?

Ladonna: I'm still gonna turn nine, turnip-head. I just won't celebrate it.

Bud: But... not celebrating your birthday, it's against the laws of nature.

Ladonna: Oh, relax. It's just a day like any other. There's a lot worse things than missing a birthday.

~~~

Brain and his dad stand in front of the ice-cream shop, where a tree has fallen and knocked a big hole into the front wall. Mr. Powers uses his cellphone.

Mr. Powers: Okay, thank you.    Insurance will cover the damage. It'll take a while but we're going to rebuild this.

Brain: I don't understand. We prepared. We did everything we were supposed to.

Mr. Powers: Hurricanes are unpredictable.

Brain: But look at the rest of the street. Not a single other shop was damaged. What are the chances of that happening?

Mr. Powers: It is strange. But sometimes these things just happen.     

He picks Brain’s broken globe out of the rubble.       

Mr. Powers: Hey, look, it's your weather globe. Maybe you can fix it.

As Brain takes the globe, part of the ceiling inside the shop gives in.

Brain: (gasps)       

He looks horrified.

~~~

Brain sits at his desk and tries to repair the globe. When he touches some wires with an amperemeter, there are sparks but the display shows a face with X-ed out eyes.

Brain: Ah!       

He runs and closes the window where a gust of wind blows in. He looks scared. Then he dumps the globe in the trashcan.

~~~

Back at school, Arthur and Buster stand at their lockers.

Arthur: I can't stop thinking about that poor dog I saw on TV. What if that were Pal? I'd be worried sick about him.

Buster: I remember how sad I was when I lost Pierre.

Arthur: Pierre?

Buster: My pet rock. I had him in the pocket of my bathing suit when I went to the beach last summer.  (sniffs) If only I had taught him how to swim!  

He blows his nose.   

Buster: Hey, you should call the animal shelter. Maybe you could help out in some way.

Arthur: That's a great idea. Thanks.     

Buster grabs him.

Buster: Do it for Pierre!   

The boys pass Muffy and Brain at their lockers. Muffy bangs her locker door, causing Brain to jump. He has rings under his eyes.

Brain: Ah!

Muffy: Brain! I just heard about the ice-cream shop. That's so terrible. How are you feeling?

Brain: Um… okay. A little jumpy but...

Muffy: Did you hear what happened to me? Our house was destroyed.

Brain: What?

Muffy: Well, not exactly destroyed but our first floor got flooded and we have no power. We have to move to a hotel.

Brain: Oh, that's terrible. I...

Muffy: I know! It only has four stars. Although there is a Jacuzzi in every room. But... Oh, Francine, did you hear what happened to me?         

She runs after Francine.

~~~

Shortly afterwards, the kids sit in the classroom.

Class: (chatter)

Mr. Ratburn: All right, settle down. I know the hurricane has affected us all, but I think it's a good idea if we jump right back into schoolwork. Please open your history books to chapter seven.

Brain realizes that his school bag is empty.

Brain: Uh, Mr. Ratburn, I seem to have left all of my books at home.

Mr. Ratburn: Oh. That's okay, Alan. You can use mine.

~~~

Ladonna comes home from school looking sad.

Mrs. Compson: Ladonna, is that you? Wannna talk to Dad?    

Ladonna immediately brightens up and runs into the living room.

Ladonna sits in the living room and has a video conversation with her dad who stands in front of an uprooted tree wearing an army uniform.

Ladonna: And after you left, we helped the Reads clean up their yard which wasn't so bad. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for stray pets, okay? Arthur asked me to ask you.

Mr. Compson: Will do. And how about you, sport? How are you doing?

Ladonna: Okay, I guess. Do you know if you're gonna be back for my birthday yet?

Mr. Compson: Well, a lot depends on the weather. If it rains again, I might have to stay longer to...   

The connection breaks.

Ladonna: Dad? Dad?  (sighs)          

She closes the laptop. Bud brings a brochure showing pictures of cakes.

Bud: What kind of birthday cake do you want? Mom and I went to a bakery today.

Ladonna: You decide.       

She throws the brochure on the floor and leaves.

Bud: Me? I can't decide. It's not my birthday.

Ladonna: I don't care.

~~~

Mr. Crosswire stands at a large hotel’s reception desk. The receptionist talks, then shakes his head. Mr. Crosswire walks to his family.

Mr. Crosswire: There was a mistake. They overbooked and now they don't have room for us.

Muffy: Oh! How rude! Fine, we'll just take our business elsewhere.

Mr. Crosswire: Well, there's the rub, Muffin. I called other hotels but they're all full. The hurricane displaced a lot of people.

Muffy: So, where are we going to stay?

~~~

A while later, the Crosswires stand in a shelter.

Muffy: Hh!

Mr. Crosswire: Well, it may not be a luxury hotel but there's plenty of warm beds.

Muffy: A shelter?! We’re staying in a shelter?!

~~~

That night, Ladonna lies in bed. In her dream she walks into the kitchen. Her parents are waiting with a cake full of candles.

Mr.+Mrs. Compson: Happy birthday!

Ladonna: Huh? But it isn't my birthday.

Mrs. Compson: But your dad might not be around on the day of your birthday.

Mr. Compson: Or the next three.

Mrs. Compson: So we're celebrating them all at once. That's why there are 30 candles on the cake.

Mr. Compson: And that's not all.     

He leads Ladonna to a Christmas tree where Madison, Bud and Gussie are standing.     

Mr. Compson: Merry Christmas.

Ladonna: But it's only June!

Mr. Compson: I know but there's a good chance I might miss this Christmas too. And before I forget, I got you a car.      

He hands Ladonna a car key.       

Mr. Compson: But that's for high school graduation. Well, what are you waiting for? Open your pre...    

His cellphone rings and he walks away.    

Mr. Compson: Rufus Compson here. Oh, hello, sir. Mm-hm. I see. I'll be there right away.     

He comes back.   

Mr. Compson: Sorry, sport. There's been another emergency. Looks like we'll have to celebrate your graduchrismirthday some other time.    

He takes back the car keys and leaves. All of his family stare after him. Ladonna drops to her knees.

Ladonna: It's not fair!

The dream ends. Ladonna sits up.

~~~

Brain lies in bed while the wind blows outside his window. He pulls the blanket up to his eyes and looks at creepy shadows on the walls.

The parents come into Brain’s room as Brain is pushing a dresser in front of the window.

Mr. Powers: Alan? Are you okay?

Brain: I have to put something against the window.

Mr. Powers: Why?

Brain: That tree outside. It could fall into this room any minute.

Mr. Powers: That's not gonna happen.

Brain: You can't be sure. You said it yourself. Sometimes these things just happen.

Mr. Powers: Here, get back into bed. I'll sit here until you fall asleep.

Brain: Are we all gonna be okay?

Mr. Powers: Yes. I promise. And in the morning, we'll talk about some ideas that might help you feel better.       

Brain pulls the blanket over his face. Both his parents look worried.

~~~

Part 2

~~~

It is night in the shelter. Bailey sleeps with a teddy bear. The Crosswire parents are also asleep, but Muffy lies awake.

Mr.+Mrs. Crosswire: (snore)

Muffy: Aww…

Muffy gets up, walks to a buffet and picks a piece of cheese out of a bowl. A girl of the same age approaches her.

Kaylie: I wouldn't eat that cheese. Tastes like glue. But there are oat and cranberry granola bars on the bottom.

Muffy: Thanks. I'm Muffy.

Kaylie: Kaylie Lamott, Mayor of the shelter.     

They shake hands.

Muffy: Really?

Kaylie: Well, not officially but I know this place inside and out. My Mom and I were evacuated before Hurricane Sadie hit.

Muffy: How on earth do you get any sleep? It's like a snore factory in here.  

Kaylie hands Muffy a packet of earplugs.

Kaylie: Ear plugs and if those don't work, I use earplugs and earmuffs.   

She puts earmuffs on.

Muffy: That's a great idea!

Kaylie: What?

Muffy: I said...

Kaylie: Hee-hee, I'm just kidding ya. Come on, I'll show you the best part about this place.

~~~

The girls walk downstairs, take a running start and slide along a corridor.

Kaylie: Woo-hoo!

Muffy: Whee!      

They fall on their backsides.

Kaylie+Muffy: (giggle)     

An elderly lady opens a door and gives them a stern look.

Lady: A-hem.

Kaylie+Muffy: Sorry.       

They walk back.    

Kaylie+Muffy: (giggle)

~~~

Meanwhile, Ladonna lies in bed. She hears rain outside and goes to the window.

Ladonna: Great, more rain. There goes any chance Dad will be back in time.  (sighs)

~~~

The Powers sit in a therapist’s office.

Mr. Powers: He's been really jumpy and having trouble sleeping so our pediatrician suggested we see a therapist.

Dr. Paula: I think that was a good idea.

Brain: I'm fine. Really. You guys don't have to worry about me.

Dr. Pauly: You know what, why don't you let Alan and I talk alone for a little bit? Would that be okay with you, Alan?     

The parents leave the room.

Brain: You can call me Brain, everyone else does.

Dr. Pauly: Okay, and you can call me Dr. Paula.

Brain: I'm not crazy, you know.

Dr. Paula: Who said anything about being crazy? Please, if a hurricane destroyed my office, I'd be a little jumpy too. How do you feel right now?

Brain: Great...   Okay, a little nervous, I guess.

Dr. Paula: So tell me, what was it like when you saw the shop after the hurricane? Kind of shocking, right?

Brain: Yes, there was this tree sticking out of it and, I mean, we did everything we were supposed to.

~~~

An hour later, Brain is still sitting on the couch. He is now hugging a pillow. 

Brain: And if that could happen to our store, why not our house or my school? I'll never feel safe again.

Dr. Paula: Oh, I think you will but things happen in their own time.

Brain: Is that clock right? Have I really been talking for an hour?

Dr. Paula: Yeah, time flies when you're having fun, huh? And when you're in therapy. How are you feeling now?

Brain: Better. Hey, maybe I'm cured.  Hh!      

The wind rattles the blinds on the window. Brain moves to the edge of the couch. Dr. Pauly closes the blinds, making the noise stop. Then she sits down besides Brain.

Dr. Paula: Listen, it's gonna take a little time to feel safe again. It doesn't just heal overnight. But we're gonna work on this together, okay?    

Brain nods.

~~~

Arthur walks into the classroom and sits with Buster and Ladonna.

Arthur: Hey, I called the animal shelter like you said. They are trying to reunite pets and owners. But they're short on funds, so… I'm raising money for them.    

He takes a collection can out of his backpack.      

Arthur: Care to donate?

Buster: Sure.     

He puts a banana on the can.          

Buster: Here you go.

Arthur: Buster, I'm trying to raise money, not fruit.

Buster: What if they rescue a pet monkey? It could come in handy.

Arthur: (sighs)

~~~

That afternoon, Arthur sits at the Reads’ kitchen table with D.W. and Bud. He counts money while the little kids color in books. Mrs. Read stands at the kitchen counter.

Arthur: I've only raised 3 dollars and 35 cents. That's not gonna help much.

D.W.: Arthur, Arthur, Arthur. Everyone knows you don't sell the pudding, you sell the wiggle.

Arthur: What does that mean?

D.W.: You can't just ask for money, you've got to tell people a heartbreaking story. "Somewhere there's a poor little kitty, all alone, cold, looking for her mommy."

Bud: Stop! I can't hear any more. (sniffs)   Take my coloring book. (sobs)   

He slumps down on the table.

D.W.: I rest my case.     

Mrs. Read serves sandwiches.

Mrs. Read: D.W. might have a point. You could make a website that gives people more information. I could help you.

Arthur: Okay.     

He leaves with his mom.

D.W.: Bud, I was just making it up.

Bud: It's not that, it's Ladonna. She told Mom she doesn't want to have a birthday party ‘cause Dad's away.

D.W.: Not have a birthday party? I don't buy it. Even a bad birthday party is better than no party at all.

Bud: That's what I say.

D.W.: You should throw her one anyway.

Bud: I will. We'll have a clown, no, a magician. No, a clown magician in a Tyrannosaurus rex suit.

D.W.: That's what you'd like. You have to throw her a party that she'll like. Ask Arthur, he'll know what to do.    

They start eating the sandwiches.

~~~

In the shelter, Muffy walks up to Kaylie who is putting on a jacket.

Muffy: Oh, I can't believe I'm still here. I miss my room, my walk-in closet, my whirlpool bathtub. Wait, are you leaving? Great, now I'll be all alone.

Kaylie: My Mom and I are just going to look at our house. We haven't seen it since the hurricane. Wanna come?

Muffy: Okay, I'll just let Dad know where I'm going.

~~~

A while later, Muffy, Kaylie and Kaylie’s mom stand in front of the Lamotts’ house. The roof and some of the walls are badly damaged.

Muffy: Kaylie, I'm...I'm so sorry. I had no idea.     

Kaylie looks like she is about to cry. She hugs her mom. Muffy looks thoughtful.

~~~

Brain and Dr. Paula stand in the therapy room.

Brain: (breathes in)

Dr. Paula: And exhale.

Brain: (breathes out)  No offence, Dr Paula, but I know how to breathe. I've been doing it for nine years.

Dr. Paula: (chuckles) I know. You seem like an old pro. I'm teaching you how to breathe when you feel afraid. I bet you didn't know that sometimes I sing. And every time before I perform, I'm a mess. This fear climbs inside of me and takes over, like a bully inside my head. Focusing on your breath is one way to stand up to the bullying fear. So the next time the wind blows, you give it a try.

~~~

That night, it is windy and rainy. Brain and his dad stand by Brain’s window.

Brain: (breathes loudly)  It's not working. Maybe we should just move to the Sahara Desert. No trees can fall on you there.

Mr. Powers: Alan, you're the smartest, bravest, most determined person I know. You're gonna beat this.

Brain takes the world globe out of the trashcan.

~~~

Muffy comes out of the school when she hears a complicated car horn. Her dad drives up in his “Derby Winner” muscle car.

Mr. Crosswire: Your chariot awaits, madam.

Muffy: Where's Bailey?

Mr. Crosswire: Oh, he couldn't make it, Muffin, because… he's preparing our welcome-back dinner. We're going home!

Muffy: Woo-hoo! Oh, I can't wait to see my room, my bed, my flatscreen HD...  

She suddenly looks sad.

Mr. Crosswire: What's wrong, cream puff?

Muffy: Nothing, it's just... Can we stop off somewhere before going home?

~~~

Kaylie lies on her bunk in the shelter. Muffy stands next to her while Mr. Crosswire sits on the next bunk.

Kaylie: You want us to move in with you?

Muffy: I've got it all figured out. We have a charming guest suite, or, if you don't like that, we can put you in the carriage house or...

Kaylie: Muffy, that's really nice of you but we can't. We're going to stay at my uncle's in Florida while our house gets rebuilt. But I appreciate the offer. Hey, do you think we could ever be, like, you know, friends?

Muffy: Are you kidding? After what we've been through.

~~~

On Thursday morning, Ladonna lies on her bed and writes in her diary.

Ladonna: "Dear diary, today is my birthday. But Daddy's not here, so it won't be any fun."

Mrs. Compson (downstairs): Ladonna, hurry up! You're going to be late for school.

Ladonna: "I just want today to be normal, but Compsons can't resist the urge to throw a party. Guess I'll just pretend to have a good time."

~~~

Ladonna walks into the kitchen. Mrs. Compson sits at the table reading the newspaper and Bud is eating cereal.

Ladonna: Okay, where's everybody?

Mrs. Compson: Gussie and Madison left for school already.

Bud: I'd wish you a happy birthday but you told me not to, so I'm respecting your wishes.

Ladonna: Good.    

She pours herself cereal.

~~~

Mr. Ratburn addresses the class.

Mr. Ratburn: Normally I don't like to take class time for such things but I must wish one of our students...

Ladonna: Here it comes.     

She smiles.

Mr. Ratburn: ...a big congratulations. Arthur Read has built a very helpful website. Arthur...

Ladonna looks disappointed. Arthur walks to the front and presses a button on a laptop, which is connected to a large TV screen.

Arthur: 'Help After Sadie' is a site dedicated to reuniting pets and owners who were separated by the hurricane. My Mom and I found some of their stories online. They're really moving.

Arthur starts a video. A lady shows a picture of a dachshund.

Lady: He looks tough but Winston's just a big softie.

A couple hold a picture of a cat.

Man: We last saw her about seven, after her dinner.

Another man holds a picture of a Saint Bernard.

Alfonz: Jack is, well, he's my best friend.

Arthur stops the video.

Arthur: All the money goes to the animal shelter, so, please, give what you can.

~~~

When Ladonna is about to leave the school, she meets Buster who is carrying a couple of wooden boards. He drops them.

Buster: Ah… Rats!

Ladonna: What are you doing with all that?

Buster: Oh, the treehouse was damaged by the storm. I'm gonna fix it. Yup, got everything I need right here.      

He holds up a bottle of glue.

Ladonna: You're gonna use glue??

Buster: Yeah. Why? Should I use something else? I've got some gum.   

Ladonna shakes her head.

Ladonna: Come on, we have to pick up some tools first.      

She and Buster pick up the boards.

Buster: You'll help me?

Ladonna: Sure, why not? It's not like I've got anything better to do.

~~~

Buster and Ladonna walk up to the treehouse carrying boards and a toolbox.

Ladonna: Where's the damage? It looks fine to me.

Buster: You're right. That's so weird. What a...    

Ladonna’s family and friends jump out of the bushes with presents, balloons and a cake.

All: Surprise!

Ladonna: I knew it! I knew you were planning something. But how did you guys know it was my birthday. I didn't say anything.

Bud: I told 'em. I knew you wanted a party, even if you said you didn't. Told you I could read minds.

Mrs. Compson: But there is something I don't think you were expecting.   

Mr. Compson steps out from behind a tree. He is wearing his uniform.

Mrs. Compson: I can't stay too long but...

Ladonna: You made it!     

She runs up to him and they hug.

Arthur: Hey, where's Brain? He said he was gonna be here.

~~~

Meanwhile, Brain is walking through the woods towards the party with a present. The wind blows in the treetops.

Brain: (does breathing exercise)   I'm smarter than you, I'm stronger than you and I'm braver than you! You are not going to boss me around!      

He walks on.

~~~

A while later, the party is in full swing. Ladonna unpacks Brain’s present. It is the repaired world globe. When Ladonna touches it, the words “Happy Birthday Ladonna” appear.

Ladonna: Best present ever!    

Brain smiles.

~~~

There is a sign saying “Grand Reopening” outside the Powers’ ice-cream shop. A crowd has gathered and Brain cuts the red ribbon.

Crowd: (cheer)

~~~

The ice-cream shop is full of people. Steve drops his ice-cream. The dog from the roof in the TV broadcast is sitting beside Kaylie, Muffy and Arthur. It starts licking up the ice-cream.

Kaylie: Sadie, no! Ice-cream is for people. Ugh. Now that we've adopted a dog, I think we need to adopt a dog trainer.

Muffy: Since your website's doing so well, I think you should consider charging a fee to visit it.

Arthur: Muffy, it's a charity!

Ladonna, Bud and Mr. Compson sit at another table.

Ladonna: Okay, what number am I thinking of now?

Bud: Infinity.

Ladonna: That's not a real number.    Oh, but you were right anyway!

Dr. Paula stands at the counter. Brain serves two smoothies.

Brain: One Hurricane Sadie smoothie, on the house.

Dr. Paula: Thanks. I love anything that's sweet… and "frozen".    

She winks at Brain.   

Dr. Paula: So, Brain, you're finally back in the shop. How do you feel?     

Brain thinks.

Brain: Thirsty.     

They clink their glasses and drink.