Second Time Lucky

“Second Time Lucky”

INT. - CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, DAY

The room is the neutral beige of a funeral director’s attempt at pleasing everyone, despite the lone Cross above the altar. The pews are barely half-filled and the casket is plain, a small arrangement of lilies and greens piled on top. A portrait of an elderly man, MICHAEL, is propped on an easel next to the altar. The lectern is offset, so as not to obscure the view, and the CELEBRANT (sweet, late 50s, female) is mid-speech. One of the attendees checks his watch.

CELEBRANT

… As we all know, Michael was a family man-

Someone in the audience coughs suddenly and loudly, then mumbles an apology.

-who adored his wife, Caroline, may she rest with him in peace, and together they had three wonderful children, who he cared for deeply.

She smiles warmly at the siblings (CHARLOTTE, DANIEL, JESSICA) in the front row, but not one of them meets her eyes. She adjusts her collar and ploughs on.

CELEBRANT

He will be dearly missed. His friends-

The doors swing open and she is cut off as an elderly man in funeral attire staggers into the room. The CELEBRANT pales and clings to the lectern.

MICHAEL

HE WILL NOT!

He lurches forward to the front of the room.

CELEBRANT

Sir-

MICHAEL

He WILL NOT be missed!

His children stand, horrified.

DANIEL

Dad?