VISUAL

Television news studio as seen through a TV screen.

Two news anchors, one male and one female, sit next to each other behind a news desk. The words “All Breaking News All The Time!” run diagonally across the front of the desk in exciting italic letters.

The appearance of the two anchors is remarkably similar to that of other evenings. The male anchor, John Vernon, wears a beautifully tailored suit with an American flag lapel pin. His razor-cut brown hair shows a dignified and reassuring hint of gray at the temples.

The female anchor, Marsha Wayne, wears a pastel jacket, also with an American flag pin. Her stylish blonde hair conveys substance mingled with accessibility.

VOICE

John: Now it’s time for our Breaking News human interest segment. Isn’t that right, Marsha?

MARSHA: That’s right, John, and Breaking News reporter Tiffany Clermont is here with us. She’s going to revisit the fire at the Bolinas Mall that took place six months ago. What have you got for us, Tiffany?

VISUAL

The image shifts to Tiffany Clermont, sitting in a chair with a cane back, padded seat, and wooden arms, specifically selected to represent a casual authority. She is wearing tan slacks, a dark top, and black shoes with just a hint of heels, all designed to show that she is an on-the-go field reporter.

A screen just off Tiffany’s shoulder displays an image of fire consuming the Bolinas Mall buildings.

VOICE

TIFFANY: For this report, I followed up on the death of Katherine Hart, who lived at an apartment building called the Apthorp in Bolinas, and who lost her life on the night of the incident.

I wanted to learn how the other Apthorp residents were coping with the death of their friend.

I had met them while I was reporting on the events leading up to the fire, and so I have four interviews for you. The first is with Audrey Brewer.

I’ve edited out my questions to keep the focus on Audrey. Here it is:

VISUAL

Audrey Brewer stands in an interview room with Tiffany. A fireplace and flowers on a side table combine to provide a comfortable atmosphere. There are two chairs.

VOICE

Audrey: Are you sure you want to talk to me? I mean, I don’t live at the Apthorp any more.

Well, I think it’s very nice of you. Where to you want me to sit? Here? I won’t be in the way?

How am I? These days I worry about almost everything, so I guess I’m the same as anyone else. We’re all so selfish, aren’t we? We want things to go our way, no matter what.

I used to think I was so grounded. I was so proud of how everyone at the Apthorp wanted to know what I thought, and how I always knew what to do. But when it really mattered, I didn’t know, did I? At the fire, I went with Fairfax instead of staying with my friends. If I had stayed, I could have made a difference.

And then Katherine … Yes, you’re right, no one can tell the future, but I should have been there.

Katherine was so happy, just for that short time. Things should have been different for her. I could have made them different.

Excuse me, what time is it?

Oh. We’ll have to stop soon. I don’t want to be late for my job. I always make it a point to be on time and where I’m supposed to be. No, no, I’m not important. It’s social work. I try to help, but I doubt that I make much of a difference.

F F? You mean Fairfax, right? Afterwards, I tried with him. I did. I really did.

He’s such a good person, and he was always comforting me. But that night I chose him, and I shouldn’t have.

I don’t see him any more.

Isabella used to tease me about him all the time. You’re going to talk to her, too, aren’t you? She calls me, you know. So do the others. I should get together with them.

Maybe someday.

Really, I’ve got to go now.