The Absent

Nice house.

You own it?

The bank owns it.

Is Oscar home yet?

No.

Still at school.

Let me know when he gets back.

Hey, mom.

Rob, Oscar's home.

- Hi, honey. - Hey.

How was school?

Awesome, I got a B plus today on my test.

Excellent.

Can I go play video-games?

- I don't see why not. - Cool.

Hey, can you just do me a favor and

make sure you change out of your school clothes?

Sure.

Slow down young man.

I had the right of way.

Oh, it's your world, huh?

Help me!

Are you okay?

Is he okay?

Oh God.

Oscar, can you help me with this, sweetie?

Sure, mom.

Oh my God.

- Did you run him over? - Oscar.

Are you okay, sweetie?

Oh my God, I don't know what happened.

The brake must have slipped.

Thank God, I got in the car in time.

Okay, so I'll see you tonight?

You know you shouldn't skip the rest of the practice.

I have some things I have to do.

All right.

I'll see you tonight.

Okay, see you.

What a nice surprise!

Thanks, Oscar.

Geez, I didn't know you knew how to cook.

My dad taught me before he died.

Hey, there's something I think we need to talk about.

Sure thing, sweetie, what's going on?

Stop drinking so fast.

Thank you.

I might have made the coffee a little hot.

This is good, sweetie, what's in it?

Eggs spread in syrup.

Wait, what is this?

Powdered sugar.

Oh my God.

Oscar?

Oscar!

Help!

Oscar!

What'd you do?

What do you want me to do with it, boss?

Put it in the bag.

Dear Vincent.

I've been waiting to see you for such a long time.

I'm up for a parole soon

and I think I have a good chance.

I like you, I've taken a liking to science

but I also have developed a love of writing.

I hope to see you soon.

Love, Oscar.

Hey, Vincent.

This was mailed to the school care of you.

Looks like it's been in circulation for a while.

It's probably my brother Oscar.

Trying to cheese me from getting the job.

I didn't know you had a brother.

Long story.

I'll see you at the awards banquet tonight.

It's been a pleasure for me and you guys

should really be proud of your kids.

They worked really hard.

It's a pleasure to teach them today,

it was so hard, and it's just been a great experience.

So, anyway without further ado,

let's give out the warm welcome waiting for them, all right?

The Most Valued Scientist award.

This year the award is going to go to Miss Katie Anderson!

Thank you all so much.

This team has really given me something

to look forward to this year,

and God, I can't speak for everyone.

But getting out of bed in the morning

and going to high school can be the worst

experience of your life.

But this team has made me see past that.

It's given me a purpose,

a reason to get up, so thanks.

That's it.

Thank you guys so much for coming.

It's been a great night.

Hey, congratulations.

With my success?

Yes, and I will talk to you tomorrow.

- Okay. - Yeah.

Anyway, I need you to...

Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Congratulations.

Well, kiddo, it's time to go home.

Can I stay just a little longer?

Sure.

Okay.

But who are you gonna ride home with?

I can give her a ride, Miss Anderson.

Are you sure, Mr. Burton?

No problem.

Well?

Bye.

Just drive safe.

Did you have fun up there?

Yeah.

Did you?

No, I was very nervous.

I hate speeches.

I was so nervous.

Your speech was a lot better than mine.

So why don't you just hang out and then

come to me before you leave, I'll give you a ride.

- Okay. - Right?

- Cool, thanks. - You got it.

Well, this is the end of the road.

Thanks for everything.

You're welcome.

Katie.

I probably shouldn't tell you this,

but I'm gonna tell you anyway.

What?

You're beautiful.

Oh...

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Oh sorry.

* Does it ever seem like living *

* Slowly someone's life *

* But the day you don't *

Hey, what's up?

Where were you?

That's right, you had your science nerd thing tonight,

didn't you?

I won Most Valuable Scientist award.

You won most valuable, what?

Oh God.

Just shut up, you're such a jerk.

I'm sorry, it's just I've never heard

of that award before.

Well you are an idiot.

So, are you gonna come over or what?

I don't know.

I could hardly move at practice,

I was so tired from last night.

Come on, pussy.

Shut it.

What are you, wet?

That sounds like something a guy would say.

Well, are you coming over or not?

Do I have to call someone else?

Yeah, no I'll see you at midnight.

Shh!

What?

My parents.

So?

I thought you stood me up 'cause I'm some kind

of a brain now.

The only change I notice is your tits

got a little bigger this year.

Wait hold on.

Come here.

Just slow down.

Katie.

Come here.

Stop!

What's wrong?