AMONGST FRIENDS
by Kieran Prendiville
Transcribed by Margaret Pattison

SCENE: Night. Raining. Street outside Fitzgerald's. Melodramatic music plays.

Peter is lying prostrate over the side of the bridge. He stands up and staggers into the street. An ambulance begins driving slowly
toward him. He turns around to look at the ambulance and stops.

CUT TO: Ambulance cab interior. Dr. Ryan is sitting in the front next to the paramedic.

Dr. Ryan, to the paramedic: Just hang on a minute.

He opens the ambulance door.

CUT TO: Ambulance exterior.

Dr. Ryan emerges from the ambulance, takes a couple of steps toward.
Peter: Peter! Come on!
He reaches his hand out and puts it on Peter's arm.

Dr. Ryan: Come on.
He puts his arm around Peter's shoulder and leads him to the back of the ambulance. He opens the back door. Peter stops, overcome by
emotion. He leans back against the ambulance.

Dr. Ryan puts his hand on Peter's chest: Stay with her.
He nods. He pats Peter's chest and nods again.

Peter moves toward the ambulance door. Dr. Ryan holds it open for him and places his hand on Peter's back as he climbs in. Dr. Ryan
closes the door and starts walking toward the front of the ambulance.

CUT TO: Same street. Rear shot of the ambulance driving away.

ROLLTITLES

SCENE: Hospital mortuary interior.

One official in dark uniform stands near a wall. Another official in dark uniform enters and they greet each other. The first official
leaves. Camera follows him out, panning over to Assumpta's body laid out under a white sheet. Her head is uncovered. Her
face is bluish white. Peter sits on a chair next to her, leaning over as if to talk to her. His back is to the camera.

Closeup of Peter and Assumpta's faces. He reaches out his hand and touches her cheek and hair with the back of his hand.
(Note: Take a good look, this is the last time we see Assumpta.)

SCENE: Hospital corridor interior.

Dr. Ryan is leaving an office and putting on his jacket. He starts walking down the hall. He sees a hospital worker in a dark jacket: Excuse
me.

The worker looks up with a questioning look.

Dr. Ryan: The priest, is he still here?

Worker: No, he's gone about ten minutes.

Dr. Ryan: Oh.
He pauses, then: Thank you.
He turns and adjusts his tie.

SCENE: Night. Rain has stopped. Church exterior. Camera pans along building facades to a lighted window.

Off-camera (Dr. Ryan's voice): So, keep an eye out, would you Ambrose?
He pauses, then: No, no, not worried exactly, just...you know.

SCENE: Dr. Ryan's office. Dr. Ryan and Father Mac are there.

Dr. Ryan, into phone: Well thanks, bye.
He hangs up the phone.

Father Mac approaches, holding up a drink: Um, here's to absent – enemies.

Dr. Ryan looks Father Mac in the eye, reprimandingly: Not mine.

Father Mac looks at Dr. Ryan: She couldn't stand me, Michael.

Dr. Ryan: Only what you represented.

Father Mac: She made an exception in my case.
He takes a drink.

Dr. Ryan looks away: I think the exception was Father Clifford.

Father Mac continues watching him, appears to grind his teeth.

SCENE: Early morning on a country road. Garda car interior.

Ambrose at the wheel, driving. He appears to be looking for something.

CUT TO: Road just ahead of Ambrose's car. Peter veers into view and staggers off the road into a glade. He appears to be oblivious of
everything around him.

CUT BACK TO: Garda car interior. Ambrose spots Peter and pulls the car over, turns off the engine. Through the driver's side window he
watches Peter enter the glade with the statue of the Virgin Mary. He removes his seat belt and opens the car door.

SCENE: Forest glade, facing road.

Ambrose emerges from the car, closes the driver's door, opens the rear door, picks up a thermos bottle, closes the rear door, walks into
the glade.

CUT TO: Forest glade. Camera angle above and behind the statue.

Peter approaches, looking up at the statue. He looks down and takes a
seat at her feet.

Ambrose enters.

CUT TO: Forest glade. Camera at eye level in front of statue.

Ambrose approaches Peter, stops in front of him, conversationally: Did you walk here?

Peter does not respond.

Ambrose: From Cilldargan?

Peter looks off to the side, all choked up, manages to keep his voice even: At least I'm able to.

Ambrose opens the thermos and pours a cuppa, friendly: You look frozen.
He gives Peter the cup.

Peter takes it, looks down at it. Ambrose puts the thermos down, takes off his jacket. Peter starts to cry again. Ambrose places the
jacket around Peter's shoulders, reaches into his breast pocket for his mobile phone. Peter tries to regain his composure. He
watches Ambrose take out the phone.

Ambrose (to Peter): We were worried.
He starts to dial. He turns his back to Peter, takes a few steps away. He pushes the send button: Michael, I found him.

Peter rolls his eyes.

Ambrose: He's fine, yeah, well.
He listens, then: Yeah, I'll see you back at the house.
He takes the phone away from his ear, pushes the off button. The phone beeps.

Peter, looking off to the side: Not going to top meself, Ambrose.

Ambrose puts the phone away, turns back to Peter, tries to be upbeat: I might as well if I go back without you.

Peter, flatly: Really.
He looks up at Ambrose.

Ambrose, congenially: The wife'll kill me. She likes you.

Peter looks down and away again, starts to cry.

Ambrose looks up and around, then back at Peter, conversationally: Do you know how long I've known Assumpta Fitzgerald?

The mention of her name is too much for Peter, he breaks into tears.

Ambrose is on the verge of tears himself, forces himself to speak in a normal tone: Twenty-three years. We were at the National
School together. Brendan Kearney taught us our trigonometric tables.

Peter looks up at Ambrose.

Ambrose regains his composure: Michael Ryan...
He looks down: who tried to save her life tonight...
He looks back at Peter: delivered her. Padraig O'Kelley used to be--

Peter interrupts, agitated: All right! All right!

Ambrose, intently: No, no, Father, it's not "all right." It's not all right at all. You see, long before you ever set foot in BallyK, there was
enough love for Assumpta Fitzgerald to light up the sky.

Peter regards him in shock.

Ambrose: I know your pain is real. But there's a lot of it out there. You know what I'm saying?

Peter looks down, starts to cry again. He takes a deep breath and stands up.

SCENE: Garda car exterior rear.

The boot is open. Ambrose places the thermos and jacket inside, then closes the boot. Peter is standing at the driver's side.

Peter, calmly: What was she like?

Ambrose, slightly confused: What?

Peter: At school.

Ambrose: Assumpta? He thinks for a moment, then, with a smile: Couldn't stand her.

The corner of Peter's mouth flickers upward, then he looks down.

SCENE: Morning. Overcast. Peter's cottage exterior. Close-up of doorway. Dr. Ryan is standing in the open door.

Off-camera(Ambrose's voice): Get some sleep.

CUT TO: Street in front of Peter's cottage. Peter and Ambrose have just gotten out of Ambrose's car. Peter closes the car door and
walks toward the house.

CUT BACK TO: Peter's cottage exterior. Close-up of entryway.

Peter walks past Dr. Ryan into the entryway: Go home, Michael, I'm fine.

Dr. Ryan empties two pills into his hand. Peter grabs his hand: I said I'm fine.

Dr. Ryan: No, they're for me.
He pats his stomach then swallows the pills: You know where I am.

Peter: Michael. When you delivered her. Assumpta.

Dr. Ryan: Yeah.

Peter: How was she?

Dr. Ryan pauses, considers, then: Difficult.

Peter looks down.

Dr. Ryan: What else?
He reaches over and pats Peter's shoulder. He leaves.

Peter closes the door.

SCENE: Street outside Quigley's restaurant.

Niamh is pushing the pram. She stops in front of the restaurant, where
she sees Quigley, Liam and Donal.

Niamh: Dad. Are you serious?

Quigley, defensively: What?

Niamh, looking at Liam bringing a box into the restaurant: This. This your idea of showing respect?

Quigley, indignant: What, is the whole town supposed to stop working?

Niamh, troubled: It'd be a start.

Quigley looks around: Look, Niamh, just because somebody passes away--

Niamh stares at Quigley: Not somebody. Assumpta.

Quigley looks back at Niamh, intently: I know who she was. I do care. Everybody's close to somebody. But life goes on, you know?

Niamh swallows, looks down, walks away.

Quigley looks bothered.

Liam exits the restaurant, stops in front of Quigley, sighs shortly: I don't feel good about this, Mr. Quigley.

Quigley: Not a problem, Liam.
He turns and enters the restaurant.

Liam watches him go, turns, exhales, rubs his neck.

SCENE: Peter's cottage doorway interior. Close-up.

Peter opens the door. It is Father Mac.

Father Mac: I'm sorry. Did I wake you?

CUT TO: Peter's cottage doorway exterior.

Peter opens the door, steps back, looks silently furious, gestures with his arm for Father Mac to enter. Father Mac enters. Peter closes the
door.

CUT TO: Peter's cottage interior.

Peter closes the door, walks to the kitchen.

CUT TO: Peter's kitchen. Father Mac is standing there.

Peter enters: Uh, coffee?

Father Mac: Uh, no, thanks.

Both look down. Peter moves to the other side of the table.

Peter, neutrally: How are you feeling?

Father Mac looks up in surprise, looks around: I'm...fine, thank you, Father. Kind of you to ask. But this is not a--

Peter, bitterly: --social call.

Father Mac shakes his head briefly: No.
He sits down.

Peter takes the seat opposite him.

Father Mac: How are you?

Peter looks down, is silent for a moment, then looks back at Father Mac: What can I do for you, Father?

Father Mac looks around: What happened last night, Father--

Peter, venomously: What part of it?

Father Mac holds his gaze: The priest part. The sacrament part. The part--

Peter: That I performed.

Father Mac, slowly: Eventually.
He pauses, shakes his head slightly, then: What if there were a next time?

Peter, dazed: Father, I've just woken up.

Father Mac nods, looks Peter in the eye: When you're ready. Come and see me.
He stands.

Peter looks down. Father Mac (off-camera): Make it soon.
Peter looks up.

Father Mac leaves. Peter looks disbelieving. We hear the door close.

SCENE: Daytime. Village street.

Padraig is working under the hood of a car. A tow truck is parked in front.

A woman takes a few steps forward from behind the car, watches Padraig, looks around, considers: Somebody die around here?
Apart from my engine, I mean?

Padraig looks up at her reproachfully.

Woman, contrite: Oh God, somebody did die, didn't they?

Padraig nods shortly, turns back to the engine.

Woman, with feeling: I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking.

Padraig nods in acknowledgement, continues working.

Woman: Who?

Padraig looks up: Publican.
He turns back to the engine.

Woman: Were you close?

Padraig nods without looking up: Yeah.

Woman: How old was he?

Padraig: She.
He turns his attention to the engine again: It's your alternator.

Woman looks at the engine: Can you fix it?

Padraig shakes his head: I'd need a new one.

Woman, concerned: Can you do it?

Padraig: Have to get the part from Cilldargan.

Woman, taken aback: How long will that take?

Padraig shrugs.

Woman, conciliatory: Whatever you can do? And I'm really sorry about your friend.

SCENE: Daytime. Classroom interior.

Brendan is sitting at the front of the room full of pupils.

Brendan: Well I'd say 25 is very young. At least to me. Philip.

Philip: Was it God's anger because she didn't believe in him?

Brendan looks confused.

Graham: Yeah, is she in hell because she didn't go to Mass?

Kevin jumps up from his seat and grabs Graham under the arms, pulls him from his seat.

Brendan, reprimanding: Kevin!
He stands and goes over to where the boys have started fighting: Kevin! What are you doing?
He pulls Kevin off Graham.

Kevin: She's not in hell so tell him she's not!

Brendan, emphatically: No indeed she's not!

Graham looks dazed.

Brendan grabs Graham by the arm: And you little man should not be saying such things.
He leads him back to his seat.

Kevin slams the door behind him.

Brendan turns to the door: Kevin!

SCENE: Daytime. Hendley's interior.

Quigley, sorting through cold sandwiches in the refrigerated section: Kathleen, the sell by dates on these sandwiches are not just
random numbers, you know what I mean?

Kathleen: Don't take your bad humour out on me, Brian Quigley. I've been distressed.

Father Mac enters the store, strides immediately past Kathleen over to Quigley.

Father Mac: Kathleen.

Quigley: Father.

Father Mac: Brian.

Kathleen mutters: Terrible business, Father.

Father Mac turns back to Kathleen: Yes, terrible business indeed, but...life goes on, isn't that right?

Kathleen looks down.

Quigley looks down: Indeed.

Kathleen walks away.

Father Mac (to Quigley): Your opening still on for tonight?

Quigley, quietly: What of it?

Father Mac regards him silently.

Quigley, sarcastically: Oh you want to make a booking?

Father Mac: Well I wouldn't want to displace a paying customer.

Quigley nearly smiles: Don't worry about that.

Father Mac smiles: I must be off.
He turns to leave.

Quigley: What do you think of prawns, Father?

Father Mac, at the door, turns around to face Quigley again: Outside my province. They don't have immortal souls.
He opens the door and leaves.

Quigley steps up to the counter, where Kathleen is waiting: Prawn it is then.
He places a sandwich on the counter.
Kathleen picks it up and looks at Quigley balefully.

SCENE: Daytime. Fitzgerald's interior.

Niamh walks along the empty bar.

She walks slowly around behind the bar, stops just before the cellar door, swallows, averts her gaze, and steps past it. She looks at
the taps, which are covered. Then she hears a whimpering sound. She quickly opens the kitchen door and kneels down.
She rubs Fionn's head and neck, concerned: Oh Fionn, you poor thing. How long have you been locked in there? Ts. Oh.
She hugs the dog.

SCENE: Daytime. Outside. Next to Padraig's garage.

Padraig is working on a car's engine. Brendan and Kevin are standing next to the car.

Padraig: Well, whoever said that doesn't know what they're talking about, isn't that right, Brendan?

Brendan: What did I tell you, Kevin?

Kevin looks at the engine.

Brendan, looks at Padraig: Anyway I have to get back.

Padraig nods.

Brendan: Well? What about it?

Kevin looks at Padraig.

Padraig nods toward the school: Go on. Am I to be the only brains in the family?

Kevin half smiles, looks at Brendan, starts to walk away.

SCENE: Daytime. Fitzgerald's interior.

Niamh is walking with Fionn on a lead.

Niamh: I know, come on.
She walks toward the door.

She opens the door and leads Fionn out.

SCENE: Daytime. Street outside Fitzgerald's.

Niamh emerges from the pub with Fionn on the lead: Kevin, just the man. She walks up to Kevin and Brendan, who are just passing by: Could you ever take Fionn for a stretch? He hasn't been out all day.

Brendan: Niamh, the boy's at school.

Niamh: It won't take long, Brendan.

Brendan considers. Kevin looks at him hopefully.

Brendan relents: Go on, then.
Kevin smiles.

Brendan, jovially: Don't be long.

Kevin takes the lead from Niamh and walks away with the dog.

Brendan (to Niamh): How are you?

Niamh shakes her head, doesn't know what to say. She sighs.

Brendan looks around. Long uncomfortable silence.

SCENE: Fitzgerald's interior.

Niamh enters, closes the door, locks it, sighs.

A shadow appears on the stairs behind her, then Leo steps into view.

Leo (from the shadows on the stairs): You could have told me, Niamh.

Niamh, startled, looks around, whispers: Leo!

Leo descends the final few stairs: Did you not think?

Niamh: How long have you been...

They look at each other in silence. Then Niamh walks over to Leo: Come here.

Leo, stonily: My wife. Is dead.

Niamh looks down, then back at Leo: I know, Leo. I'm sorry.

Leo, quietly: She dumps me and then she dies. The effect I have on women, eh?

Niamh swallows, looks down.

Leo: The guards told me. Next of kin. Would I come and identify the body.

Niamh watches him silently.

Leo steps toward Niamh: You could have called me, Niamh.
He takes another step toward her, his eyes tear up: What was I? A blind date?

Niamh's eyes tear up, too.

Leo: I was her husband. She chose...me.

Niamh, sincerely: I'm sorry.
She steps over to him and hugs him. He hugs her back, tightly.

SCENE: Daytime. Hendley's interior.

The woman whose car broke down is looking at postcards. Kathleen is waiting behind the counter.

Woman, taking a postcard: So sad.

Kathleen: Pardon me?

The woman looks at Kathleen: The publican.

Kathleen nods in acknowledgement.

The woman turns back to the postcards: I believe she was very young.

Kathleen: She was.

The woman, holding a postcard, walks toward the counter: Well liked, I'd say.

Kathleen, watching the woman, says meaningfully: By the priest, anyway.

The woman registers interest: Excuse me?

Kathleen looks nervous, nods at the postcard: Do you want stamps with those?

SCENE: Daytime. Fitzgerald's door interior.

A shadow is visible through the frosted glass. The figure knocks, tries to peer through the door.

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's interior.

Niamh and Leo are still there.

Niamh looks at the door. We hear another knock.

Niamh: Don't mind them.

Niamh and Leo look into each other's eyes.

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's exterior.

The woman whose car broke down has her hand on the glass of the door, is trying to see inside. She steps away. She starts to walk
down the street. She puts her sunglasses on.

SCENE: Daytime. Quigley's restaurant.

Quigley is sitting alone at a table, drinking coffee and eating a sandwich. Through the restaurant window, we see the woman pass by.

CUT TO: Shot of fish tank in Quigley's restaurant. Camera pans to restaurant interior.

Shamie walks in from the kitchen, sits down at Quigley's table. He adjusts the silverware.

Quigley looks at him, rolls his eyes, opens a napkin and places it on his lap: Oh God, not you as well.

SCENE: Daytime. Peter's cottage exterior.

The woman from before walks up to the door, knocks, removes her sunglasses, smoothes her hair behind her ears.

The door opens. Peter, wearing a big grey sweater, steps into the doorway.

Woman: Father Clifford?

Peter: Yes?

Woman: Sorry to bother you Father. My name's Carmel Power. I'm a journalist with the Enquirer.
She holds up an ID.

Peter looks at the ID, raises his eyebrows, noncommittally: The Enquirer. Yes.
He looks at her.

Carmel, hopefully: Can I come in?

Peter looks around: Well let's see if I can help you first.
He looks at her, brow furrowed.

Carmel: I'm sorry, of course. Can I just say, my condolences over Miss Fitzgerald.

Peter watches her, very still.

Carmel: I didn't know her but...you must be devastated.

Peter, after a moment: We all are.

Carmel: You can feel it everywhere.

Peter, quickly: Yes.

Carmel: Father, really, I don't mean to intrude, but what my paper would like to do is...a celebration theme of Assumpta's life, you know?

Peter frowns.

Carmel: The effect a publican can have on a small community.

Peter, skeptically: And what would you want me for?

Carmel: I'd like to interview you.

Peter looks down, half smiles: I don't think so.

Carmel: Why?

Peter looks around: I don't know.
He pauses, looks around, looks back at her, sharply: I think I wouldn't come out ahead.

Carmel watches him.

Peter, coldly, accusingly: You're not exactly the Catholic Herald, are you?

Carmel, friendly: I'm not a monster.

Peter looks past Carmel: Excuse me.
He turns around, steps back inside, and closes the door.

Carmel turns around toward the street.

SCENE: Daytime. Street outside Quigley's restaurant.

Brendan cycles along. Quigley is leaned over the back of a car, which is open. Siobhan and Padraig are standing behind him.

Quigley: Because we're closed.

Siobhan: Is that not a little short-sighted, Brian, to close a restaurant at lunch time?

Brendan stops his bicycle next to the group.

Quigley lectures: Quigley's Prawn Cracker will be open at lunchtime, when it's open.

Siobhan and Padraig exchange a look.

Padraig looks at Quigley: Tonight?

Quigley nods shortly: Exactly.

Siobhan: Brian, we don't want to eat tonight, we want to eat now.

Quigley: Well I'm very sorry about that Siobhan, but I'm afraid I'm not equipped to serve you now.

Brendan: And what does that mean?

Quigley: It means that my chef is preparing for the grand opening.

Padraig: Shamie?

Quigley: Mr. Chung, yes.
He reaches up to close the back of the car.

Padraig looks through the restaurant window and sees Shamie sitting at a table reading a newspaper.
Padraig shakes his head: You're working him too hard.

Quigley looks over through the window, too. Shamie turns the page of the newspaper.

SCENE: Daytime. Fitzgerald's interior, darkened.

Leo and Niamh are sitting at the bar.

Leo: I suppose the priest was on hand to do the necessary?

Niamh: I'm glad he was.

Leo: I'm going to ask you a question, Niamh. You don't have to answer it, just don't lie to me, OK?

Niamh straightens up, looks down and around, clears her throat, looks at Leo.

Leo: Was there something going on between Assumpta and the priest?

Niamh watches Leo a moment, then: Is that what you think?

Leo, quickly, agitated, raising his voice: Niamh don't answer a question with a question was there something going on?

Niamh, evenly, threateningly: Don't you dare speak to me like that, Leo.

Leo, softly, calmly: I have to know.

Niamh: How can I answer a question like that, do you think she'd tell me?

Leo: Yes!

Niamh: Well she didn't.

Leo, quietly: Why can't you just say no? His voice starts to rise again: Why can't you just say don't be stupid Leo, Assumpta and the priest, are you mad?!

Niamh: What does it matter what I say? You're going to believe what you want to anyway.

Leo stares at Niamh disapprovingly, gets up, walks to the door, unbolts it, opens it, walks out without looking back.

Niamh looks away, bothered.

SCENE: Daytime. Church exterior.

Ambrose, in uniform, walks up to the door, where Peter is just pulling out the key.

Ambrose: You locking up?

Peter steps away from the door, puts the key in his front pocket: When I'm not here.
He starts walking away from the church, Ambrose falls into step next to him.

Ambrose: If ever people were in need of a church...

Peter, reprovingly: Ambrose...

Ambrose, conversationally: Will you be gone for long?

Peter: As long as it takes to see Father Mac.

Ambrose: He's left for Cilldargan.

Peter looks at Ambrose, nods in acknowledgement.

Ambrose: All set for Saturday?

Peter, confused: Saturday?

Ambrose smiles, reprovingly: My son's christening.

Peter's face registers recollection.

Ambrose: Don't worry, father.
He nods: It's not important.
He looks down and walks away.

Peter watches him go, sighs.

SCENE: Daytime. Quigley's restaurant interior.

Quigley(into phone): Oh for God's sake one lousy photographer, how busy can they be?
He listens, then: I know there's only two.
He listens again, then: No I didn't mean that I'm sure they're all--both--very professional.

Carmel enters.

Quigley, mumbles quickly into phone: Just write it up, will you?
He hangs up the phone, turns to Carmel, regretfully: Um, we're closed.

Carmel, brightly: I've eaten.

Quigley looks at the table next to him: Well, what, I'm uh...I'm a bit busy--

Carmel looks around: What a beautiful restaurant.

Quigley, appeased: Oh. You like it?

Carmel smiles and nods slightly.

SCENE: Daytime. Street outside Peter's cottage.

Leo gets out of his car and slams the door. He strides quickly to the door and raps the knocker three times.

SCENE: Daytime. Country road.

Brendan is cycling behind Peter, who is walking.

Brendan pulls up next to Peter, hops off the bicycle: Want a backie?

Peter does not look at him, keeps walking.

Brendan: Car packed up??

Peter: Car's fine.

Brendan: What are you doing?

Peter: Shouldn't you be at school?

Brendan laughs shortly: We're at lunch. Though God knows where you get it around here.

Peter: What do you want, Brendan?

Brendan: I was worried about you.

Peter, sarcastically: Pfff, oh I know, everybody is.

Brendan: Well then give something back.

They stop walking. Peter turns to look at Brendan, incredulous: What?

Brendan: What do you think you're doing here?

Peter stares at Brendan.

Brendan: As we speak the people of BallyK are wandering around as if their feet were in treacle. It's an effort to put one foot in front of
the other. There's nowhere to go. No reason to go there.

Peter stares at Brendan.

Brendan: And you wouldn't bother, only if you stayed at home the walls'd close in on you. People need--

Peter, venomously: Religion?

Brendan: Comfort.

Peter, angry, his face contorted: Yeah well I can't give them comfort. What am I, a shrink, I mean--what do you want me to say to
them anyway? He starts to shout: Jesus wants her for a sunbeam? I can't bring her back, Brendan.

Brendan regards Peter.

Peter: I can't even tell them that her life had meaning, because right now, I'm not sure that it did.

Brendan, quietly: You can do better than that.

SCENE: Daytime. Quigley's restaurant.

Quigley and Carmel are sitting at a table.

Quigley, looking aside: She walked her side of the street, I walked mine.
He looks at Carmel: We had our differences. I respected her.

Carmel: She was not, I believe, a religious woman.

Quigley: Assumpta.

Carmel smiles: Not a great lover of the clergy.

Quigley, matter-of-factly: Well, that's the way of it these days.

Carmel, carefully: But she liked the priest.

Quigley: Well, she was no ruder to him than she was to the rest of us. No come to think of it, she was a lot ruder.

Carmel smiles, tactfully: But...was there not...a bond between them?

Quigley eyes her suspiciously: What sort of bond would that be?

Carmel, knowingly: One that transcended their different vocations.

Quigley: And what's that in English?

Carmel: Well you know...was he--

Quigley: Father Clifford?
He laughs: You must be joking. Father Clifford thinks temptation is a song by the Everly Brothers.
He laughs heartily, then suddenly serious, leans forward: Does your paper do restaurant reviews?

Carmel deadpans: Are the waitresses topless?

Quigley: Liam and Donal? They'd be alone.

SCENE: Daytime. Father Mac's office exterior.

Father Mac gets out of his car, closes the door: There was no need to come into Cilldargan, Father.
He passes Peter standing on the sidewalk, walks toward the door of the building.

Peter: Sanctuary.
He turns to follow Father Mac up the stairs.

Father Mac: Angry husband?

Peter: Widower.

SCENE: Daytime. Hospital exterior.

Leo approaches the hospital, walks up the ramp, passes a couple coming out. The woman is pressing a tissue to her mouth, the man is
comforting her. Leo turns to watch them as he enters the building.

SCENE: Hospital corridor interior.

Leo pauses, looks both ways, walks toward another corridor.

The same worker that Dr. Ryan spoke to earlier approaches Leo: Yes, sir, can I help you?

Leo: My name's Leo McGarvey. The guards asked me to identify my wife.

The worker looks down, trying to recall the name.

Leo: Assumpta Fitzgerald.

The worker remembers: Ah yeah, that's all right, Mr. McGarvey. The priest already has.

Leo stares at him.

The worker, helpfully: Father Clifford.

Leo turns and walks away.

SCENE: Daytime. Quigley's restaurant interior.

Carmel and Quigley are still sitting at the table.

Liam enters, carrying a box.

Quigley(to Carmel): Everybody got on with Assumpta. Sweet, gentle child.

Carmel, defeated, wearily: OK. I won't keep you.

Quigley nods, pleased.

Carmel: Thanks for your help, Mr. Quigley.

Liam turns to watch them as he carries the box into the back.

Quigley holds Carmel's chair for her as she stands.

Carmel turns to him: Good luck with the opening.

Quigley waves his hand in a dismissive gesture, friendly: No problem.
He escorts Carmel to the door, closes it behind her.

Liam comes out from the back room: You know that sweet gentle child you were talking about? Are we talking about the
same Assumpta?

Quigley looks at him stonily.

SCENE: Daytime. Father Mac's office.

Father Mac is seated behind his desk. Peter paces the floor.

Peter: Father, what possible value has any decision that I take now? Rudely :I wouldn't trust my judgment over the time of the next bus and
you want to know what I'm going to do with the rest of my life?

Father Mac, harshly: I want to know what you're doing on Saturday.

Peter, rudely: What?

Father Mac, insistently: You have a christening.

Peter: Father, what are you...?
He stops, considers, then, calmly: Father, less than 24 hours ago I wouldn't have had a problem with this conversation.

Father Mac closes his eyes, gestures with both hands: I know what's happened--

Peter continues, urgently: Because I would have told you that me and Assumpta Fitzgerald were gonna get married.

Father Mac: She was already married.

Peter: Yes. And I was a priest.

Father Mac, sarcastically: Win double.

Peter, dismissively: I knew you'd understand.
He turns and walks toward the door.

Father Mac: I'm not a counselor.

Peter reaches the door, turns back to face him: Good. Because I really don't want to debate it.
He opens the door.

Father Mac: I need to know.

Peter, rudely: Do whatever it is you have to do.
He leaves.

Father Mac, loudly: By Saturday!

The door slams.

SCENE: Daytime. Classroom interior.

Brendan is sitting in front of the room full of pupils.

Brendan hears a whimpering: What's that noise?

Boy: Sounds like a dog, sir.

Brendan: Graham, go outside and take a look.

Graham stands up from his desk, walks to the door, opens it, lets Fionn in.

Kevin: Fionn! He claps his hands twice and embraces the dog.

Brendan: Kevin, take the dog outside.

Graham returns to his seat. Kevin looks at Brendan while holding the dog's collar.

Brendan: And I'm sorry, back to where he belongs.

Kevin, petulantly: Sir...

Brendan: Kevin, he's not your dog.

Kevin: There won't be anybody there.

Brendan: Well if there isn't, then...
He looks down, considers, then looks back at Kevin: Take him home. Speak to your father.

Kevin nods, leads the dog out by the collar, closes the door behind him.

The bell rings. The pupils move to get up.

Brendan, reproachfully: Ah ah ah ah! Did I say you could go?
Everybody sits back down.

Brendan looks at them: Remember Assumpta in your prayers.
He waits a moment, then: Go on, then.

The pupils get up and leave.

SCENE: Street outside the Glenwood pub in Cilldargan.

Peter walks along the sidewalk, enters the pub.

SCENE: Father Mac's office exterior.

Father Mac is standing in the doorway, Leo is standing outside.

Father Mac: He didn't say. But there is a place he goes to, when he's in town...The Glenwood.

Leo smiles: On Elm Street? I know it.
He turns and leaves.

Father Mac watches Leo go.

Leo opens his car door, gets in, closes the door.

SCENE: Daytime. Classroom interior.

Brendan and Carmel are sitting at a pupil's desk. He is holding a mug.

Brendan takes a drink from the mug.

Carmel: And the priest used to drink in the bar, even though she hated the clergy?

Brendan swallows: She didn't practice voodoo, you know.

He looks out the window: Sure he had to eat.
He takes another drink: She had a business to run.

Carmel, probing: Well, they were fairly close.

Brendan: Who?

Carmel: Assumpta and the priest.

Brendan, feigning ignorance: How do you mean?

Carmel, confidentially: Well, you know. Bit of a spark.

Brendan, innocently: In what way?

Carmel, in a stage whisper: You can talk to me, you know. I'm not one of those kinds of journalist.

Brendan: Then why are you asking those kind of questions?
He takes another drink.

Carmel stares at him.

SCENE: Daytime. Glenwood Pub interior.

Leo strides purposefully in, sees Peter, slows down.

Peter, seated, drink in hand, sees Leo, lowers his drink, puts it down.

Leo (off-camera): What a role model you are.

Peter: Another time, eh, Leo?

Leo: You look a wreck.
Taunting: My wife upset you?

Peter, warning: Leo--

Leo, sarcastically: You know, dying and all.

Peter stands.

Leo, angry: Go for it, Father!

Peter tightens his jaw, steps back, walks away. Leo follows him. The other customers watch them.

Peter, sitting again, through closed teeth: I don't want your company.

Leo, standing over him, hatefully: I wouldn't choose yours, either.

Peter, challenging: What do you want?

Leo: Simple answer to a simple question. Did you lay a hand on my wife.

Peter scoffs, picks up his drink.

Leo knocks it violently out of his hand, yells: I'm talking to you!

The barkeeper strides over: All right, all right, that'll do. Go on, out, the two of you!
He pulls Leo back.

Leo: Get your hands off me!

Barkeeper: Reed! Call the guards!

Peter, pointing toward the bar, calming: There's no need for that, OK, we're going.
He walks toward the door, over his shoulder, through clenched teeth: Leo. Outside.

SCENE: Daytime. Sunny. Glenwood Pub exterior.

Peter steps out, closely followed by Leo.

Peter stops, turns to Leo: I've had enough of this, Leo. Just leave it.

Leo, challenging: Or what?

Peter, forcefully: Leo. Go home and mourn Assumpta.

Leo grabs Peter's sweater and pushes him up against the wall.

Conveniently, there is a garda post right next door to the pub. Three guards are hanging around.

Guard, jovially: Do you feel lucky, lads?

Leo lets go Peter's sweater, steps back. Leo and Peter watch each other closely.

Guard: Well do ya?

Leo, to Peter: This isn't over. Father.
He walks away.

Peter looks at the guards watching him, explains abashedly: It's a nickname.

The guard gives him a look that says, yeah sure it is. Peter walks away in the opposite direction from Leo.

SCENE: Ambrose and Niamh's kitchen. Niamh is putting some food into the oven. Ambrose is sitting at the table holding Kieran.

Niamh closes the oven: I don't want Father Mac.

Ambrose: At least he believes in God.

Niamh leans on the back of a chair, insistently: I want Father Clifford.

Ambrose: It's not a question of what we want.

Niamh: He's the one who brought us back together.

Ambrose, reasonably: It's a question of what we can get.

Niamh looks indignantly at Ambrose: He agreed.

Ambrose: That was then.

Niamh: I don't care.

Ambrose: Oh, neither does he, love.

Niamh reaches over and takes Kieran: Your tea is burning.
She whispers to Kieran as she puts him over her shoulder. She walks out.
Ambrose watches her, bewildered.

SCENE: Peter's cottage interior.

Peter picks up a pair of football shoes, wraps their laces around them, and stuffs them into a blue nylon duffel bag. He pulls the string
closed on the bag. He looks intense.

SCENE: Daytime. Street outside Peter's cottage.

Niamh pushes the pram over to Peter's car: Where are you going?

Peter opens the passenger's side door, puts his bag inside: It's just the way things are, Niamh.

Niamh, challenging: Oh is it?
She picks Kieran up from the pram, hands him to Peter: Do you remember this fellow?

Peter takes the baby: Niamh, please.
He looks at the baby and coos at him.

Niamh pushes the pram up off to the side, stubbornly: You gave your word.

Peter: Things change.

Niamh: Life goes on.

Peter looks at Kieran, holds him up to give back to Niamh: Live it.

Niamh looks at them, then steps past and climbs into the rear seat of the car.

Peter gets into the front passenger's seat with Kieran.

CUT TO: Peter's car interior.

Peter is on the front seat on the passenger's side, holding Kieran. Niamh is on the rear seat.

Peter: Niamh, don't do this.

Niamh, stubbornly: You can wait a day.

Peter, insistently: I don't want to.

Niamh gives him a challenging look.

Peter, resignedly: OK.
He hands Kieran to Niamh on the rear seat, gets out of the car.

CUT TO: Long rear shot of Peter's car on the street.

Peter closes the passenger's door, walks around to the driver's side.

CUT TO: Leo's car interior.

Leo sits in his car, watching Peter's car.

CUT TO: Long shot of Peter's car pulling away.

CUT TO: Close shot of Leo's car starting up and driving after Peter.

SCENE: Father Mac's office interior. Father Mac is seated behind his desk. Carmel is seated in front, her folded hands resting on the
desk.

Father Mac: The Enquirer, was it, you said?

Carmel nods: Mm-hm

Father Mac: That's...one of the English tabloids.

Carmel: No, it's Irish.

Father Mac, slowly: Glory be.

Carmel: I know what you're thinking, Father. But this is an affectionate tribute.

Father Mac, sarcastically: Ah, how lucky we are.

Carmel looks down, considers. Then: The curate seemed...very touchy.
She looks back at Father Mac.

Father Mac: Well of course! It was a frightful tragedy for everybody.

Carmel: Of course it was.
She pauses, looks down: I don't know. It seemed an odd reaction. Like they were, well...
She searches for the word, then, looking at Father Mac, pounces on it: Close!

Father Mac laughs heartily and stands up.

Carmel looks up, astonished. She starts to get up also: I don't see what's funny.

Father Mac, walking to the door: My dear child, if you have time to waste...
He reaches the door and opens it: Ask anybody in town, they'll all give you the same answer.

Carmel walks through the door, Father Mac behind her.

CUT TO: Father Mac's office entryway interior.

Father Mac comes out of the office, accompanies Carmel to the outer door: Assumpta Fitzgerald and a Catholic priest.
He chuckles, unlocks the outer door, opens it: There's as much chance of me converting to Judaism.

Carmel looks bewildered, steps out the door.

Father Mac closes the door, leans against it: Shalom.

SCENE: Peter's car interior.

Peter is driving down a country road. Niamh is in the back seat holding Kieran. Through the rear window we can see Leo's car following
them closely.

Niamh: Where are we going?

Peter, eyes on the road: I don't know about you, Niamh, but I'm going home.

Niamh, reassuringly, to Kieran: He'll be in a better mood tomorrow.

Peter notices Leo's car following them in the rear view mirror. He stops the car, turns to Niamh: Give me your word that you'll stay in
the car.

Niamh: What?

Peter, insistently: It's important, Niamh, give me your word, please.

Leo knocks on the driver's window.

Niamh, upset: It's Leo.

Peter: I mean it.
He gets out of the car.

Niamh is left behind looking nervous.

SCENE: Forest glade with the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Peter follows Leo: Let's just get it done, Leo.

Leo removes his jacket, with animosity: Fine by me.
He drops his jacket onto the ground, steps up, and slaps Peter backhanded across the cheek.

Peter takes it, licks the inside of his mouth, looks past Leo. Leo slaps Peter across the other cheek with his open hand. Peter takes it
again, licks the inside of his mouth again.

Leo: In case you're wondering, Father, turning the cheek is fine by me. I could do this all evening.

Peter: Well, I haven't got all evening, just get on with it.

Leo gestures around at the statue: Is this where you took her, to be alone, what?

Peter lowers his head.

Leo: What did you do? Slip behind the blessed virgin?

Peter roars, punches Leo hard across the mouth. Leo punches Peter back, hard.

Niamh runs over, cries: No!

Peter pushes Leo down. He lands face up on moss-covered rocks.

Niamh rushes over: That's enough! Stop it, are you trying to kill each other.
She kneels by Leo, who is unconscious, turns to Peter: Are you going to give him his penance now?

Peter, his nose bloodied, wrings his hands: Don't start.

Niamh leans over and taps Leo on the cheek, coaxes: Come on Leo. Wake up.

He opens his eyes, looks at her.

Niamh: It's me, Niamh.

Leo starts to get up, groans: I know who you are, Niamh.
He opens his eyes wide, frowns, groans, looks up at Peter, asks Niamh: Did he do that?

Peter looks contrite.

Leo: You couldn't have done that, not on your own.

Peter, with tears in his eyes, quietly: You were out of order, Leo.

Leo looks at Niamh: What's she doing here?

Peter looks at Niamh, concerned: Niamh. Go back to Kieran.

Niamh looks from Peter to Leo, stands up, walks away.

Leo gets up, slowly takes a step toward Peter.

Peter: I didn't "bring" Assumpta here, Leo.
He pauses, looks at the statue, admits: I did meet her here once, by accident...
He looks at Leo, insistently: But not what you meant.
He looks at the statue again: She told me that that was the most famous statue in Ireland.

Leo turns to the statue.

Peter continues, gazing at the statue: Cause no matter how long you stared at it, or how much drink you'd taken, it will not move one
millimetre.

Leo squints his eyes, looks at Peter from the corner of his eye, deadpans: I wouldn't be so sure.

Peter looks at Leo, concerned: Look, I think I've got some aspirin in the car--

Leo: Forget it.
He regards Peter for a moment, then: I have to ask you a question, Father. I'd appreciate it if you gave me an honest answer.

Peter nods: I'll try.

Leo: Did you love her?

Peter breathes in sharply, looks at Leo: Yes.

Leo: She love you?

Peter frowns, curiously: Is that what she told you?

Leo closes his eyes, barks: Don't do what Niamh did, come on!

Peter: I believe she did...when she died.
Peter waits, then: But Leo, we never--

Leo, evenly: And when she married me.

Peter, sincerely: It's the best I can do. She never said.

Leo turns and walks toward the statue.

Peter watches him sadly, then follows him.

Leo, standing in front of the statue: It was always you, Father, wouldn't you say.

Peter looks down.

Leo: Huh?

Peter looks up at the statue, then at Leo. He places his hand on Leo's chest, slowly, emphatically: I am sorry.

Leo turns toward Peter, bitterly: You should be.
Leo walks away, back toward his car.

SCENE: Peter's car interior.

Niamh is sitting on the rear seat, holding Kieran. She watches Leo get into his car, start the engine and drive away, says (to Peter): Is
he all right to drive?

Peter is sitting in the driver's seat, looking over his shoulder: He'll be fine.

Niamh: She never needed to give him a chance, did she?

Peter turns around and looks out the front window, frowning.

Niamh: So where to now? Madison Square Garden?

Peter turns back around to look at her, looks down, his eyes fill with tears, he looks at her again: Niamh. Do you understand? I'm not
sure how much of the whole rigmarole I believe in anymore.

Niamh: What, Catholicism?

Peter shrugs, looks down.

Niamh: Why should you be any different?

Peter looks at her in surprise.

Niamh: I prefer a priest who believes in the Creator of all things. But I don't want to be picky.

Peter looks down again, half smiles.

Niamh, reassuringly: You'll get there, Father, wherever you're going. But until you do--

Peter turns around to her and interrupts: Niamh--

Niamh continues, louder: Until you do, I think most people would prefer if you fought your demons among your friends.

Peter watches her, frowns slightly.

Niamh, with assurance: Now. Take me home.
She looks down at Kieran.

Peter, suddenly: What are you doing later?

Niamh, playfully: Are you asking me out?

SCENE: Street outside Quigley's restaurant.

Father Mac gets out of his car, closes the driver's door.

SCENE: Quigley's restaurant interior.

Father Mac enters the restaurant, closes the door behind him, smiles: Ah. Brian.
He walks in.

Liam and Donal are wearing waiters' uniforms, setting tables. Quigley is sitting at his usual table, eating.

Father Mac: Can you, ah, fit me in?

Quigley: At last, a paying guest.
He raises his wine glass in tribute.

Father Mac smiles, shakes his head, and wags his finger.

Quigley lowers his glass: Oh I was forgetting. He leans over and pats the chair next to him: Pull up a chair.

Father Mac comes over and sits down.

Quigley: Would you like something to drink? Liam.

Liam looks at Father Mac expectantly.

Father Mac looks up at Liam: Have you got a white Macon?

Liam looks down at his white uniform, confused: No it's...just something Mr. Quigley gave us to wear.

Father Mac: Ah. If only the wine were as old as the jokes.
He looks over at Quigley, chuckles politely.
He looks at Liam again: Never mind.
He reaches for the wine bottle on the table in front of him: This will do fine.

SCENE: Peter's living room interior.

Peter picks up the phone, holds the receiver to his ear, looks up at the ceiling, waits, then: Brendan! It's Peter.

SCENE: Padraig's kitchen.

Padraig is bent over by the washing machine. He stands up and walks over to the phone, which is ringing. He picks it up: Hello?

SCENE: Peter's living room interior.

Peter pushes some buttons on his phone, holds the receiver to his ear, waits, then: Siobhan, it's Peter here.

SCENE: Quigley's restaurant.

Kieran is in his carrier on a chair at Quigley's table. Liam is standing next to him feeding Kieran a bottle. Quigley and Father Mac are still
sitting at the same table.

Quigley: Well what can I say? Eat, drink, and be merry.

Father Mac looks off into the distance, thoughtfully: For yesterday she died.

Quigley looks down at his plate, sighs shortly: Not you as well.

Father Mac: What did you expect? A hoolie?

Quigley gestures at the food: Well. People have to eat.

Father Mac looks at Quigley: People have to be hungry.

Liam looks at Father Mac. He looks over at Donal, who is standing aside, leaning against the wall. Donal looks at Liam, then looks down
sadly.

SCENE: Fitzgerald's interior.

Leo sits alone at the bar, holding a bottle of beer against his cheek. The door opens. Leo turns around to see who it is.

Carmel steps in hesitantly: Unbelievable. It's open.
She closes the door.

Leo turns his back to her again: Up to a point.
He stands up, walks behind the bar: Want a drink?

Carmel walks over to the bar: Whiskey.
She sits down at the end of the bar: Are you in charge?

Leo gets the drink: Carmel.
He brings the drink over to her: It is Carmel, isn't it?

Carmel nods.

Leo: Just because this is the back of beyond, people know when someone's trying to stitch them up.

Carmel, feigning ignorance: Excuse me?

Leo, brusquely: Drink up, your car's ready.
Then, gently: Go home.

Carmel scoffs, looks indignantly at Leo.

Leo: You don't belong here.
He pauses, looks at Carmel, then: Neither do I.
He looks away, takes a swig of beer from the bottle.

SCENE: Dusk. It has just rained. The streets are wet. Street leading out of BallyK. Wide angle.

Leo's car drives along the street, stops in the middle.

CUT TO: Leo's car exterior. Close-up.

Leo unrolls the driver's window. Fionn is on the rear seat. He whimpers.

CUT TO: Street behind Leo's car. Long shot.

Kevin runs into view, stops at the end of the street, watching Leo's car.

CUT TO: Leo's car exterior. Close-up.

Leo is sitting in his car. He turns his head to look at the exterior rear view mirror.

CUT TO: Rear view mirror of Leo's car.

Shot of the street behind him, with Kevin standing alone at the end. We hear Fionn whimpering.

CUT TO: Leo's car exterior. Close-up.

Leo is sitting in his car. He looks out the open window. We hear Fionn whimpering.

CUT TO: Street behind Leo's car.

Kevin is standing alone at the end of the street.

CUT TO: Leo's car exterior. Close-up.

Leo rolls up his window, holds his hand up toward the dog. Fionn continues to whimper.

CUT TO: Street leading out of BallyK. Wide angle.

Kevin is standing alone at the end of the street. Leo's car is parked in the middle of the street. Leo opens his car door, gets out of the car,
leans back in, pulls Fionn out. Fionn runs down the street toward Kevin, his lead trailing behind him. Fionn barks several times.

CUT TO: Leo's car exterior.

Leo is standing next to the open car door, watching Fionn run.

CUT TO: Street behind Leo's car.

Fionn reaches Kevin, Kevin leans over to grab him, gets hold of his collar, turns and waves at Leo.

CUT TO: Leo's car exterior.

Leo is standing next to the open car door, waves to Kevin, smiles, turns, gets back into his car, closes the door.

SCENE: Dusk, overcast. Hill overlooking a lake.

Peter climbs up the slope alone. When he reaches the crest, he stops and looks up.

CUT TO: Hilltop.

Brendan stands up. Siobhan is sitting next to him on a rock. Dr. Ryan is standing behind him. Padraig stands up next to Dr. Ryan.
Eamon, next to him, hops down off the rock he was sitting on and removes his cap. Niamh and Ambrose, standing facing each
other, turn to face Peter.

CUT TO: Overlooking the lake.

Peter comes the last few steps toward the group.

CUT TO: Hilltop.

The entire group moves toward Peter.

CUT TO: Overlooking the lake.

Peter and the rest of the group meet. Everybody embraces him.

CUT TO: Hilltop.

Quigley is walking, carrying a nappy bag over one shoulder, Kieran in his carrier in the other hand. Liam and Donal follow him,
carrying paper bags. The rest of the group is seated on rocks, with drinks in their hands.

Quigley calls as he approaches the group: I hope you like Chinese!

Padraig: Little left over, was there Brian!
He chuckles.

Quigley, handing Kieran's carrier to Niamh: Niamh!

Padraig (off-camera): Come on then, help yourself to a drink.

Brendan (off-camera): Glad you could make it Brian. How was the opening?

Quigley puts down the nappy bag: Discrete.
He removes a bottle of wine from his jacket pocket.

Siobhan: Kept the chef busy anyway.

Eamon: Why didn't you bring him?

Liam (off-camera): He went for a burger.

General laughter.

Niamh and Ambrose are examining Kieran in his carrier, looking concerned.

Ambrose: Brian, what have you been feeding my child?

Liam looks up: Wonton noodles. He loves them.

Siobhan(off-camera): What's wrong with you?

Donal: Chinese food at a wake?

Peter deadpans: Works well in China.
Scattered chuckles.

Donal: How can you have a wake without a body?

Brendan: Tragedy brings out the best in you, doesn't it, Donal, hm?

Donal, in agreement: Hm.

Niamh, sitting down: Think she can see us?

Siobhan, reassuringly: I'm sure she can.

Niamh, shyly: What would she say?

Padraig: Have youse no homes to go to?
Scattered chuckles.

Quigley opens a can of beer: Probably telling God he doesn't exist.

Liam: And he's telling her there's no Brian Quigley.
Loud laughter.

Liam: Whoops.
Laughter continues.

Padraig: She had the tongue on her all right.

Siobhan: Do you remember that feller who had his eye on her earlier, your man, uh, Enda.

Liam: Enda, yep.

Siobhan: I'll never forget. I was at the bar--

Brendan: When are you not?

Siobhan: Oh that's good, coming from you.

Padraig: Don't mind him, Siobhan, go on.

Siobhan: And he just kind of stood there. He drew himself up like a cock and says he, je suis un rock star. And she just flipped the bar
towel over her shoulder and she turned around and said she, Enda. If you're a rock star, one of my most cherished illusions has just been shattered.

Liam laughs. Others smile.

Brendan recites: Had I the heavens and brided cloths
And wrought with golden and silver light.
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light.
I'd spread the cloths under your feet
For I being poor have only my dreams
I'd spread the dreams under your feet.
Tread softly, for you tread on my dreams.

Padraig (off-camera): I have one.

Siobhan (off-camera): Uh-oh.

Quigley (off-camera) Speak up, Padraig!

Padraig: Here lies, thank heaven, a woman who
Quarrelled and stormed her life through
Tread lightly o'er her sleeping form
For fear you wake another storm.

Chuckles.

Quigley clears his throat, looks around.

Niamh: Go ahead, Dad.

Quigley: Reader, pass on.
Don't waste your time on bad biography or bitter rhyme
For what I am this cumbrous clay insures
And what I was...is no affair of yours

Siobhan sings: The more the sound of a voice
That is sorely missed
Or someone who's speedily returning
Aroon, Aroon, won't you come back soon
To the one that will always love you

Applause, calls of "Great stuff", "Yeah".

Padraig: Will you sing like that for me?

Siobhan stands: Don't be in such a hurry.

Peter clears his throat, hands Kieran to Niamh.

Niamh takes Kieran: He likes you.

Peter, looks at his hands, wipes his hands on his jeans: Funny way of showing it.

Niamh smells Kieran's bottom, hands him to Ambrose: Here.

Ambrose: What.

Niamh: Wonton noodles, I think.
General chuckles.

Ambrose takes Kieran.

Padraig: Go on. Change him, Ambrose.

Ambrose looks at Kieran skeptically: I'll send him back.

Niamh, jesting: I'll send you back.

Padraig: Good idea, we're running short of beer.

Dr. Ryan, seriously: Peter.

Peter smiles, looks at Dr. Ryan: Yeah?

Dr. Ryan gestures at the round.

Peter, taken aback: You want ME to sing something?

Dr. Ryan: Sing, say, anything, it doesn't matter.

Donal: Another lament.

Dr. Ryan: No, Donal, something cheerful. Something uplifting.

Peter looks at a loss.

Dr. Ryan: Go on, Peter.

Peter swallows, acquiesces, licks his lips: I've never been to a wake
before.

Liam: How about when Middlesborough lost the cup?

Peter reaches for a glass of wine on the cooler in front of him: Apart from that. Um.
He waits, then: I don't really know what to say.

Kieran coos. Everybody watches Peter.

Peter puts the glass down, folds his arms, looks around: Assumpta was...
He looks down: I think you all know what Assumpta was.
He looks around again: I think you know what she meant to me, as well. Ah, but that's not for now. Not for here.

Everybody is looking down, away from Peter.

Peter, getting choked up: What is for here, I mean the words don't matter. It's what we do. And how we look after one another. That's all
I've got to say.
He looks down.

Padraig nudges Peter with his shoulder, nods toward the glass on the cooler: Your glass is nearly empty.

Peter pats Padraig on the shoulder: That's what I mean.

Quigley picks up a wine bottle, Peter picks up his glass, Quigley pours in wine. Music swells.

Peter: Assumpta.
He takes a drink.

Everybody echoes him, takes a drink.

Camera pans back.

SCENE: Morning. Church interior. The pews are full. Ambrose, Niamh holding Kieran, Siobhan, and Brendan sit in the front row.
Kieran in christening gown.

Peter, wearing white vestments: It will be your duty to bring him up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us. By loving God
and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you're undertaking?

Ambrose and Niamh, listening intently: We do.

Peter looks at Father Mac, sitting in the second row next to Quigley.

Father Mac draws in his breath.

Niamh holds Kieran over the baptismal font.

Peter: Kieran Peter. I baptize you in the name of the Father...
Peter pours water from a cup over Kieran's head: And of the Son...
Peter pours water over Kieran's head again: And of the Holy Spirit.
Peter pours water over Kieran's head again. He puts the cup down:
There.

Peter reaches for a towel. Niamh lifts Kieran up and whispers to him. Ambrose, Brendan and Siobhan admire him. Peter hands the towel to Siobhan, who pats Kieran's head dry.

SCENE: Morning. Church exterior.

The congregation is exiting through the door. Peter steps out with Ambrose and Niamh carrying Kieran.

Ambrose, sincerely: Thanks Father. You did us proud.

Peter, joking: I thought I nearly drowned him.

Niamh, reassuringly: I'll be sure and tell him when he grows up.

Padraig approaches, accompanied by Brendan and Siobhan (to Peter): Are you coming to Brian's house?
Padraig leaves.

Ambrose: Oh yes of course.

Peter gestures at his clothes: Yeah, I have to get changed.

Brendan and Siobhan leave.

Niamh: We'll see you soon.
Niamh and Ambrose leave.

Dr. Ryan, Liam, and Father Mac leave behind Peter.

Quigley passes Peter: You won't be long, Father, will you?

Peter: I won't.

Extras continue to leave behind Peter.

Peter turns and enters the church again.

SCENE: Church interior.

The pews are empty. Peter walks slowly down the center aisle. When he reaches the front, he removes his scarf, folds it, looks bitterly up
at the altar, clenches his teeth, genuflects, walks toward the altar.

SCENE: Sacristy interior.

Peter is wearing civil.

Brendan opens the door, enters, sees Peter, closes the door: I hate to think you'd leave without saying good-bye.

Peter looks uncomfortable, feels caught.

Brendan: Do you know where you'll go?

Peter whispers: Kinda.

Brendan nods, heartfelt: Good. That's the main thing.
Brendan looks around, back at Peter: Will you be back?

Peter raises an eyebrow, looks at Brendan: Never say never.

SCENE: Daytime. Sunny. Road leading through fields outside of town.

Peter, wearing civil, carries a tramper's rucksack on his back. Brendan walks next to him.

Peter: What will you say?

Brendan: I don't know. What would you like me to say?

Peter: A man's gotta do?

Brendan laughs: Sounds a bit final.

Peter: And this isn't?

Brendan, sincerely: It's whatever you want it to be.

Both look back at the town. They shake hands.

Brendan: I have a baby's head to wet.

Peter nods.

Brendan turns and walks back toward town.

Peter looks back at the church. We hear a dog bark. Peter looks over the town. He turns and walks away.

ROLL CREDITS