The Girl in the Yellow Dress (2025)- Scene Six

(The Dunning house, a 1980s-era kitchen with a small round table. MRS. DUNNING is at the table, on the phone with someone.)

MRS. DUNNING

(On phone.)

No, I don’t know if my insurance covers that, that’s why I’m calling.

(SYLVIA enters and tries to pass unnoticed. MRS. DUNNING waves her back.)

MRS. DUNNING (continued)

All I need to know is if North American covers unexpected– No it’s under my husband’s name, not mine but– please don’t put me on hold! –Crap.

(To Sylvia) Glad you decided to come home.

SYLVIA

Hey.

MRS. DUNNING

How was school?

SYLVIA

Fine.

MRS. DUNNING

Did you get your homework done?

SYLVIA

Yeah.

MRS. DUNNING

I was being facetious. I’m your teacher, I know you didn’t do your homework.

SYLVIA

I pass your tests, don’t I? (Tries to exit.)

MRS. DUNNING

Did you have something to do with that fight today?

SYLVIA

No.

MRS. DUNNING

Really, because everyone is talking about how “Silver” dumped Brandon Delaney for Robert Adams.

SYLVIA

They’re saying what!?

MRS. DUNNING

(Motherly)

I’m sorry. Look, it’s alright. What other people say doesn’t matter. When I was your age–

SYLVIA

Don’t say you know what it’s like.

MRS. DUNNING

Don’t get mad when I’m trying to help.

(Sylvia tries to leave.)

MRS. DUNNING

Sylvia, your father called. He’s coming to town this weekend to take us to dinner.

SYLVIA

What?

MRS. DUNNING

Just don’t plan anything for this weekend, okay?

SYLVIA

I’m not going!

MRS. DUNNING

You have to.

SYLVIA

Whatever, mom! I’ll go some other time.

MRS. DUNNING

I don't know how much time we have left.