Fright

Yes?

Hello.

Hello.

Missus Lloyd?

YES.

I'm Amanda.

Oh yes, do come in.

Thank you.

It's certainly turned cold.

Sorry I was so long.

That's all right.

I was just putting Tara to bed.

He knows we're going out and he's playing up but,

he'll get over it.

How old is he?

Hmm?

How old is he?

Your little boy, Tara.

Nearly three.

Oh, super.

Let me take your coat.

Thank you.

Good, Jim's got him quiet at last.

Would you,

would you like to go up and see Tara?

Yes, I'd better.

He's really very good.

It's long past his bedtime.

He should sleep the whole night, once he's off.

You all right?

Yes, I was just putting my books down.

Nice house.

Thank you.

And this is my husband.

Jim, this is Amanda.

Hello, nice of you to come.

This is my Tara.

We don't often get a night out.

Are you mad?

Supposing I hadn't come to look in.

Supposing we'd gone out and left him.

Haven't you got any idea at all?

The cat?

Spooky wouldn't hurt him.

Oh no.

But he's often playing with the cat.

You've never complained before.

That's not the same as leaving Spooky in his cot.

Haven't you ever heard of children going to sleep,

and cats lying across their faces and,

oh God, it doesn't bear thinking about.

I'm sorry.

I didn't think.

He didn't think.

Well, I'm sure I would have noticed the cat Missus Lloyd.

I want Spooky.

Well, you can't have Spooky, my darling.

You know he has a special little basket

that he sleeps in downstairs.

Now I've got Amanda here to look after you.

She's a nice, pretty young lady.

Say hello to Amanda.

Hello, Tara.

I want Missus Marion.

Missus Marion couldn't come.

She has to cook Mister Marion's supper.

But she sent Amanda along, who is very nice.

Amanda.

That's right.

There, didn't take you long to be friendly, did it?

Jim, I'll try and get him off.

You take Amanda downstairs

and show her the living room and how the television works.

Okay-.

All right now, I'm going downstairs Tara.

So if you want me you just call, all right?

There we are Sweetheart, down you go.

Let's cover up.

Sleep well, won't you? Night night, Sweetheart.

A bit creepy, I suppose.

It's also old and musty.

I haven't had a chance to do much with it yet.

We've only been here a couple of months.

Yes, I know.

Do you?

YES.

It's a very small village.

Everyone knows about everybody.

Very nosy about strangers.

Thank you.

Oh, the uh, telly's pretty old, but it works all right.

You turn it on, just here.

Yes I know, we used to have one like that.

Oh.

Yes, I suppose we should get a new one.

You're still at school?

No, college.

Oh.

Technical college.

What, what do you do there?

Child welfare course.

Oh that's handy.

So you're something of an expert.

What do you do, change nappies all day?

Oh no, it's not a crash.

We do theoretical work.

Psychology, physiology, things like that.

I SEE.

Sometimes we do, we visit children's homes,

for practical work,

mostly maladjusted children,

aged from five to fourteen.

That must be very interesting.

Oh yes it is.

Where are you going?

Going?

_?

Oh, the Plover Inn.

Oh, nice.

Is it?

I've never been there.

I believe they have very good food.

Yes, me neither,

well I went there for a drink once.

It's very expensive.

Well, we don't get out much,

and it's something of a special occasion.

Oh super, anniversary?

Sort of.

Well that's all right, he's fast asleep.

Oh good.

How about a sherry Jim, do you mind?

No, of course not.

Would you like a sherry, Amanda?

Oh, yes I'd love one, thank you.

It's lovely and quiet here.

Some people might think it's too quiet.

Not for me.

In our house, the telly's always blaring,

or the people next door having arguments.

Dreadful.

You won't hear a sound here.

Well, apart from the occasional ghost or poltergeist.

Jim.

Sorry.

Just kidding.

You've got a great sense of humor.

Well that's all right.

Those sort of things don't bother me.

Is there anything I ought to know, Missus Lloyd?

Know?

About Tara.

Oh, you won't even hear him, I hope.

He's so tired, he should sleep like a log.

That's super.

I've left the number of Plover Inn here by the telephone,

in case of emergencies.

God forbid.

Don't worry, I'll cope.

Yes of course, but don't hesitate to ring if...

Missus Lloyd,

nothing's gonna happen, don't worry.

Now you go out and enjoy yourself.

Yes, come on worry guts.

It's just that I'm not used to leaving him.

You've gotta get used to it, come on.

Thanks.

There is a bolt up there if you feel more safe.

No, I feel safe.

Darling, you're getting hit up, come on.

Sorry.

Have you done much babysitting Amanda?

Well, a bit.

And do all your Mums go on the same?

Yes, they do, it's quite normal.

In fact, you're very good.

There you are, you see?

Come on.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight Amanda,

and we will see you later.

Goodbye.

Have a lovely time.

Do you think she knows?

What?

Anything.

Why should she?

I know, something she said,

about everyone knowing everything.

Just words.

In a small village.

I thought we were supposed to be celebrating.

I'm sorry.

Let's forget it, tonight at least.

Hello?

Who is it?

Oh fuck.

Amanda?

Hello, and what do you want?

I want a story.

You want a story?