Fade to Black

Prompt: Tricky

FADE IN:

INT. THE OVAL OFFICE – DAY

RMN sits lounging in his executive leather chair, tapping the top of a desk with a pencil. His wife PAT tidies the top of his desk, which is already tidy.

RMN
(sighing)
If only Checkers was here.

PAT
Checkers has been dead for years, honey.
Can you not put this pencil sharpener in
your desk drawer?

RMN
I like a sharp pencil.

PAT
Are you ready to make your little speech?

RMN
Henry says I shouldn’t mention the war.

PAT
Well, just do what Henry says.
And don’t mention Checkers.

RMN
Damn.

PAT
Language!

EXT. ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN – DAY

Reporters gather in front of RMN and PAT. Lightbulbs pop. [Director’s notation: yes, I want the pops.]

RMN looks distracted, nervous. PAT takes his hand.

PAT
(whispering)
Smile, Richard. You have such a lovely smile.

FADE TO BLACK.