Next Scene of The Screenplay

Heyah, reader! Now, reading this, you might be thinking "Is this from the same screenplay I read earlier?" Well. Yes. Don't worry, it'll become relevant sooner or later.
-------------------

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOLYARD, 4:00 PM., AUTUMN. The playground is completely still, but for one little girl, MARIA, around 10, sitting on the swingset, gently swinging back and forth, feet not leaving the ground. The swings squeak; they’re in good need of oiling.

TANYA, 36, walks by the schoolyard and notices MARIA. She stops, staring at the girl just sitting there, alone.

TANYA

Hey, kid. Are you okay?

MARIA looks up to answer. (MARIA’s voice is emotionless throughout the conversation.)

MARIA

...Yeah.

TANYA

Where’s your mommy?

MARIA

She’s not here anymore.

TANYA

Where is she?

MARIA

Daddy won’t tell me.

TANYA walks a little closer, as MARIA looks back down.

TANYA

Where’s your daddy?

MARIA

He’ll be here soon. He’s always late.

TANYA

Well, it’s dangerous for a girl like you to just be sitting here. Now, listen, I’m going to keep you company until your daddy comes by, alright? And then, we can all have a chat, okay?

MARIA

Whatever.

TANYA crouches down to try and make eye contact; MARIA’s eyes are fixed firmly on the ground.

TANYA

What’s your name?

MARIA

What’s yours?

TANYA

I’m Tanya. Tanya Forrester. And you?

MARIA

Maria.

TANYA

And, what’s your daddy’s name?

MARIA spots something from behind TANYA’s shoulder.

MARIA

You can ask him yourself.

TANYA turns around, looking up to see FREEMAN standing there, GLARING at her.

FREEMAN

The fuck are you doing with my daughter?

TANYA

I was keeping her company. You do know you left her alone here?

FREEMAN

Yeah, and I’d prefer it if she was left alone. If you could back off, that’d be great.

(to MARIA, keeping his eyes on TANYA)

C’mon, Maria.

MARIA gets off the swing, skipping to her father’s side, giving TANYA a backward glance. TANYA gets up, glaring at FREEMAN.

TANYA

Listen, I don’t know how long your daughter’s been waiting here for-

FREEMAN

Well, what the hell do you want me to do? Get fired just so I can pick up my little girl on time? It’s my fucking little girl.

TANYA

You’re what’s wrong with this country. What kind of example are you setting for your girl?

FREEMAN

None of your fucking business.

FREEMAN and MARIA exit, walking to their car, leaving TANYA standing at the swingset, staring at them in disgust.