CORRINE. Oh, right. I’ll look for it in the car. Be good, children.

She heads for the door. They watch her leave.

Christopher starts to clean off the table.

The twins get up, depressed, and walk slowly back to their toys.

CATHY. You want to keep doing this?

CHRISTOPHER. We don’t have any choice, Cathy. It sounds like it’s working.

She shakes her head and helps clear off the table.

The twins have gone to a window and are peering out. Christopher sees them.

CHRISTOPHER. Cory, Carrie, step away from the window. Remember the rules.

CORY [whining]. Why can’t we go out now? It’s nice outside.

CARRIE. Please, Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER. Momma told you. Not yet.

CORY. Why not?

CHRISTOPHER. Because there’s an old man downstairs who doesn’t know we’re here, and we have to wait until he likes Momma again before she can tell him. I told you that, Cory.

CORY. Isn’t he our grandfather?

CARRIE. Why doesn’t he like us?

CORY [before Christopher can respond.] Doesn’t Momma still like us?

CHRISTOPHER. Of course. She loves us.

CATHY. Right. That’s why we’re still locked in the attic.

The twins, dejected, return to the floor and their toys, but they move lethargically.

CATHY. Damn her!

She rushes to throw open the window.

CHRISTOPHER. Cathy!

CATHY. Look out there, Christopher. It’s beautiful. Besides, don’t we need sunshine for vitamin D?

CHRISTOPHER [going to her]. We’re getting the vitamin supplements.

CATHY. Wonderful. Is there a supplement for happiness, too?

They look at each other. Reluctantly, but drawn, Christopher looks outside.

CHRISTOPHER. It is beautiful.

The twins rise and go to Christopher’s and Cathy’s side. The four stand there, gazing out.

The door opens, and Olivia steps in slowly. She stands gazing at them for a moment. She puts a box of food on the table and then stiffens.

OLIVIA [shouting]. Get away from that window now!

They back up quickly. The twins hold on tightly to their older brother and sister.

Olivia marches to the window, closes it, and draws the curtain closed.

OLIVIA. I told you to stay away from it during the day.

CHRISTOPHER. We were just getting some fresh air.

Olivia walks about the attic, looking at the toys, the book Christopher is reading, and Cathy’s needlework. Then she looks down at the mattresses.

OLIVIA. Is that a spot of blood?

CHRISTOPHER. Cory cut his finger on the rocker. There was a nail sticking up, and . . .

OLIVIA [quickly, to Cathy]. What have you been up to?

CATHY. What could I be up to here?

Olivia looks down at the bed again, then at them.

OLIVIA. I hope that’s not what it might be.

CATHY. What might it be?

OLIVIA. I’m sure you know. Did you get on your knees last night and ask God to forgive your mother for the sin she committed? What Bible quote did you memorize for me?

CHRISTOPHER. Honor your father and your mother.

OLIVIA [almost smiling]. Yes, well, that’s one your mother skipped.