Corrine scoops up Cory. He barely reacts. Carrie looks up at her, motionless.

CATHY. They’re withering like flowers without sunlight, Momma.

CORRINE. Oh, no, they’re not. Not my Dresden Dolls.

Corrine tries to tickle Carrie, who just turns away. Corrine stares at her a moment, then puts Cory down and smiles at them.

CORRINE. Well, was the gala party all I promised it would be?

CATHY. Who was that man you were dancing with?

CORRINE. Oh, him. An old friend, Bart Winslow.

CATHY. He didn’t look that old.

CORRINE [ignoring]. Now, listen. I have to go away for a little while.

CHRISTOPHER. What? Why?

CORRINE. My father has decided to trust me with one of his major investments. I have to visit a company and make a report.

CATHY. You’re going to take a vacation and leave us here?

CORRINE. It’s not a vacation. It’s work, and it’s for my father. Look, I’d take you all if I could. You know that. But just think what this means. Even my mother was shocked. I’m winning him over.

CATHY. But we thought . . . you said . . . he was about to die.

CORRINE. He’s very sick, but he has the best doctors in the country, and they’re prolonging his life. You saw him at the party, but as you know, he didn’t stay long.

CHRISTOPHER. What if he dies while you’re away?

CORRINE. I’d have to rush back, of course, and the first thing I’d do would be to get you all out and downstairs. Don’t worry. My mother will make sure you’re all fine.

Corrine looks at the twins.

CORRINE. I’ll bring some more toys for them before I leave.

CATHY. They don’t need more toys. They need friends their age, school, fresh air.

CORRINE [undaunted]. And they’ll have it all, as will both of you. Got to go.

Corrine kisses Cory and Carrie.

CORY. Momma, take us outside.

CORRINE. Soon, darlings. I’ll bring you some new toys when I come back. Now, just do whatever Grandmother Olivia tells you to do. Keep the noise down and continue to amuse yourselves.

CATHY. Continue? Who said we were?

CORRINE. We’re almost there, Cathy. Just a little longer.

Corrine kisses Cathy on the cheek, hugs Christopher, and hurries out. The door is heard being locked behind her. Cathy looks at Christopher.

CATHY. Nothing about us last night. Why didn’t the old hag tell?

Christopher shakes his head.

CATHY. Maybe she did. Maybe Momma doesn’t care.

CHRISTOPHER. Don’t be stupid.

CATHY. You’d better work harder and faster on that key, Christopher.

Christopher says nothing, looks at her, and then goes to the table. After a moment, he does start working on the key.

CATHY. I’m taking a bath.

Cathy takes Carrie’s hand.

CATHY. C’mon, Carrie. You, too.

Cathy leads Carrie to the bathroom. There’s the sound of the water starting to run into the tub. Cory goes over to Christopher.

CORY. What are you doing, Daddy?

CHRISTOPHER [looking up sharply]. I’m not Daddy, Cory. I’m Christopher.