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Day 23 Assignment
Reply to post assignment.
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4 Replies
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Rob Springfield’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is the importance of putting words on paper, then improving the quality in future drafts.
RESOLUTION: Mark remembers that Dr. Green has a 24-hour safeguarding mechanism on the app against hackers. It will remove itself from all devices it wasn’t originally loaded on. The app deletes from John Stein’s device. Mark learns that Dr. Green put a recovery link for the app on his smartwatch. He reveals that John Stein and Manny stole millions from their uncle, the big boss. They are carried off by the uncle’s henchmen. Jeff and Mark share a heartfelt moment. Jeff shakes Mark’s hand for several beats as if he has saved the world. He gives him a hug. Mark feels like he’s ten feet tall. Julie and Ann hug and kiss him like never before. Mark gazes in awe. The family finally shed their emotional masks. The app is given to Dr. Green’s grandson. [Later, Mark learns that Dr. Green survived and is recovering in the hospital.]
OUTLINE – ACT 4 RESOLUTION
EXT. ROADHOUSE CASINO – BACK ALLEY – NIGHT
BEGINNING: Mark suddenly realizes the app has a 24-hour safeguard mechanism that erases it from devices it wasn’t originally installed on. The app vanishes from John Stein’s device. Mark discovers a link to the app on his smartwatch.
MIDDLE: Mark reveals John Stein and Manny’s secret. They stole millions from their uncle, the big boss. They are carried off by henchmen.
END: Jeff tells Mark how proud he is to have a terrific son like him. They shake hands. Ann and Julie embrace him with kisses. He stands in awe. The app is finally given to Dr. Green’s grandson. [Later, Mark learns that Dr. Green survived and is recovering in the hospital.]
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This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Robert Springfield.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Robert Springfield.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by
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Bob Rowen’s Act 4 Resolution (20% Quality Draft)
What I learned doing this assignment is I am beginning to see changes that need to be made…
Outline Key Scene 4, Act 4: (Wrap it up and show the “new normal”)
INT. DR. KASUN’S OFFICE – MORNING (offers Virgil a new opportunity)
BEGINNING: Dr. Kasun offers Virgil opportunity to be a speaker in the Cluster Program
MIDDLE: She discusses her reasons why it would be good for Virgil
END: Virgil accepts her offer
Write Key Scene 4, Act 4 (Cluster Program offered/accepted)
INT. DR. KASUN’S OFFICE – MORNING
Virgil enters Kasun’s office and sits down.
VIRGIL
Sorry I’m late.
DR, KASUN
No problem. I suppose you’re wondering why I wanted to see you this morning?
VIRGIL
Yes, ma’am.
DR. KASUN
A couple of things. How’s it going with the environmental report?
VIRGIL
As you know the paper is running a series on my complaints.
DR. KASUN
Are you liking the coverage?
VIRGIL
It’s okay except for the coverage advancing all the PGE lies.
DR. KASUN
The paper has to cover both sides.
VIRGIL
I know but lies are lies in my book and they need to be flushed out.
DR. KASUN
What about the unemployment appeals hearing? How’s that going?
VIRGIL
For me, it’s much more satisfying.
DR. KASUN
Why do you feel that way?
VIRGIL
I guess it’s because the hearing officer is willing to challenge the claims of PGE.
DR. KASUN
Sounds like it’s going pretty good for you. How about Roger Rapoport?
VIRGIL
He’s fantastic and I also met with Stan Sesser of the Wall Street Journal. Those guys were great to interact with. Very different from the local reporter.
DR. KASUN
Well now you’re getting to know what it’s like to be a whistleblower and that’s what I wanted to talk to you about this morning. I would like to have you be a speaker in our Cluster Program and talk about all of this.
VIRGIL
The topics being?
DR. KASUN
Sky’s the limit. Being a witness in a police brutality case, interacting with the news media, why you went from believing in the future of nuclear power to being opposed to it, and especially the trials and tribulations of being a whistleblower. You know, what it’s like being a whistleblower and why did you become one. People, and especially our students, want to hear about those things.
VIRGIL
All in one presentation?
DR. KASUN
No, of course not. You would present twice a week and you’ll also get a guest speaker stipend. What do you thing?
VIRGIL
Sound great.
DR. KASUN
An additional benefit, and I believe it to be very beneficial, would be what it would do for you.
VIRGIL
I’ll do it and I want to thank you for the opportunity.
Write other Scenes for Act 4
INT. DR. KASUN’S OFFICE – DAY (cry for help /go public/ best protection)
BEGINNING: Virgil meets Dr. Kasun who was referred by Dr. Kittleson
MIDDLE: Dr. Kasun reviews the secret police report and confirms Virgil needs help
END: A plan of attack is hatched
INT. DR. KASUN’S OFFICE – DAY
Virgil is meeting Dr. JACKIE KASUN (mid 50s) for the first time. Dr. Kasun has a well deserved reputation on campus for being a political activist.
DR. KASUN
I finally get to meet you. Bob Kittleson has shared your PGE difficulties with me. If just half of what he’s told me is true, you’re going to need a lot of help with how to deal with it.
VIRGIL
Dr. Kittleson is a straight shooter. I’m sure what he’s told you is all true.
DR. KASUN
What I meant to say is simply that you’ve got a lot to deal with.
Virgil pulls his simulation of the secret police report out of his briefcase and hands it to her.
VIRGIL
Did Dr. Kittleson share this with you?
DR. KASUN
Yes, and this was the first thing I wanted to talk to you about.
Dr. Kasun reads the simulation of the document.
DR. KASUN
Wow. And you’ve received threats to both you and your wife? I’ve heard you two are also being harassed by the police department? That true?
VIRGIL
Yes. And I don’t know what to do about any of it. I need help.
DR. KASUN
Okay. Yeah, that’s what Bob Kittleson said. The first thing I would suggest is that you go public with everything as quickly and in as many different ways as possible. That would be your best protection.
VIRGIL
Won’t that make matters worse for me and my family? We already have friends and even some family members who are turning against me.
DR. KASUN
That’s not surprising but what you really need to do right now is to get out front of this thing rather than just letting PGE and the Eureka Police Department control it. You need to go on the offense instead of remaining on defense.
VIRGIL
I’m guessing you have some suggestions on what I should do.
DR. KASUN
I do. Kittleson said you were denied unemployment benefits. Have you filed an appeal?
VIRGIL
No, ma’am I haven’t because I did make the phone call the Company accused me of making, which really wasn’t what the Company claimed it to be.
DR. KASUN
File the appeal because you can get the plant managers to testify under oath thus providing the hearing officer the basis for determining the real reasons why you were terminated. He or she (Kasun smiles) will provide a written opinion, which could prove very helpful in future public discourse.
VIRGIL
What if the hearing officer agrees with PGE?
DR. KASUN
You have to believe truth ultimately rises to the top.
VIRGIL
That’s it?
DR. KASUN
Oh no, of course not. There’s more. I’m going to suggest you also contact the environmental writer at the Times-Standard, which could prove helpful if the managing editor allows coverage. I have some more ideas but let’s get you started with these first.
INT. UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE – MORNING (appeals adverse decision)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
INT. UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE – DAY
Virgil’s number appears on the big screen. He’s been assigned to Window 6. Virgil picks up his stuff and goes to his assigned window,
CLERK
Good morning, Mr. Prater. I see you’re here about your denied claim. How may I help you?
VIRGIL
I understand I can appeal the department’s decision.
CLERK
That’s what the notice you received clearly stated.
The clerk hands a packet of material to Virgil.
CLERK
Here’s what you need to fill out and return to this office if you want to appeal the department’s decision.
VIRGIL
How long will it take?
CLERK
You can go right over there, fill out these forms and bring them back to me. Then you’ll be notified of a hearing date. I see your former employer responded you were terminated with cause so you need prove that’s not true. You can subpoena witnesses and documents if any of that will help you prove your case.
As Virgil complies with the clerk’s instructions, he keeps looking up at the clock as time passes. Virgil finally finishes completing and signing all of the paperwork and returns to Window 6. The clerk peruses the packet of materials.
CLERK
That’s a long list of witnesses!
VIRGIL
That’s what I’m going to need!
PLACEHOLDER
INT. NEWSPAPER OFFICE – AFTERNOON (connects with reporter who calls Virgil a whistleblower)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
E/I. SIDEWALK NIGHT (meets Rapoport & Sesser)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
I/E. SIDEWALK – NIGHT
Virgil parks his pickup. He walks down a dimly lighted street in El Cerrito, California. It is a blusterous, frigid night in the San Francisco East Bay Area.
INT. RAPOPORT’S STUDY – NIGHT
ROGER RAPOPORT, 51, sits in his study near a crackling fireplace reading a Wall Street Journal. Doorbell rings.
I/E. FRONT DOOR
Rapoport opens the door. A tall, lean, clean cut man is standing in front of him holding a large briefcase.
RAPOPORT
Virgil Prater?
VIRGIL
Yes, Sir.
Virgil looks like a poster Marine in civvies.
RAPOPORT
I’m Roger Rapoport. Please come in. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Virgil’s eyes make a quick survey of the man and his home as he follows Rapoport further inside.
INT. RAPOPORT’S STUDY
They walk into Rapoport’s study. The room is that of a liberal writer. Virgil gazes on couple of his books: IS THE LIBRARY BURNING? and THE GREAT AMERICAN BOMB MACHINE. Rapoport offers several seating options with a hand wave.
RAPOPORT
Make yourself comfortable wherever you like. STAN SESSER of the Wall Street Journal will be joining us shortly.
Virgil takes a seat on the couch opposite Rapoport.
RAPOPORT
Gosh, you don’t look anything like I had imagined.
VIRGIL
What did you imagine?
RAPOPORT
Thought you’d look more like a revolutionist.
Virgil produces a WITTY smile.
VIRGIL
Nope. Not hardly. — You’re indeed the prolific writer I’ve heard so much about.
RAPOPORT
Yup, — And I guess you’re the now infamous whistleblower that’s causing all the ruckus in PGE’s world.
VIRGIL
Whistleblower? — Yeah, I’ve heard that — don’t like it much.
RAPOPORT
Why not? You’re doing society an invaluable service.
VIRGIL
Yeah, sure. All it’s gotten me so far is the wrath of some really shitty people not to mention the trouble it’s cause my family. What all have you written?
RAPOPORT
Mostly articles for Look, Esquire, and Harper’s. I’ve written a couple of books. My latest book that’s just been published you’d probably find interesting: The Great American Bomb Machine —
There’s a KNOCK at the door.
RAPOPORT
That’s probably Stan.
Rapoport’s wife, SARAH, suddenly appears.
SARAH
I’ll get it.
SESSER (O.S.)
(muffled)
Is he here?
SARAH (O.S.)
(muffled)
Yes, he’s in Roger’s study.
SESSER (O.S.)
(muffled)
Good, can’t wait to hear what he’s got to say.
Sesser enters the study. Virgil stands up. The two writers greet each other. Virgil watches them closely.
RAPOPORT
Bob, I’d like you to meet STAN SESSER. Stan’s a senior staff writer for the Wall Street Journal — he’s currently doing a series on nuclear power.
Sesser, late forties, has long hair, gold rim glasses and appears to be from the world of academia.
Virgil and Sesser shake hands, their guarded expectations plain in the exchange. Virgil chooses a different chair with his back against the wall facing both men.
VIRGIL
It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Sesser. What’s your interest in nuclear power?
SESSER
My research so far has left me with a lot of unanswered questions that I hope to get some answers to this evening. It’s not everyday that we get to talk to an insider who’s willing to share what actually goes on in there. Roger has shared some things with me — I know you were a nuclear control technician — and I’ve read the coverage in your local newspaper up there — but first I have a question for you.
VIRGIL
Sure.
SESSER
Why are you doing this?
VIRGIL
Well — I guess my primary motivation these days is to protect my family. You know — I tried to address the problems at the plant but all I managed to do was to put my family and myself in jeopardy. I’ve been advised that going public is my best protection.
SESSER
Protection from what?
VIRGIL
From some very powerful and ruthless people who I managed to piss off — who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect a failed and dangerous technology.
SESSER
Okay. Okay, I understand. What I’m really interested in is hearing why it’s a failed and dangerous technology.
VIRGIL
The company and the government have been covering up things to keep the public from learning the truth about that place.
SESSER
What kinds of things are being covered up?
VIRGIL
That’s why I’m here — They’re endangering employees and the general public and lying about it.
SESSER
Why do the employees who work there put up with it?
VIRGIL
Because the vast majority of them are just plain gullible; they’ll believe whatever PGE and the AEC tells them — And the general public really isn’t any different. As for the employees? — They’re just trading their health and safety for a paycheck – plain and simple.
SESSER
Do you have any documentation to support what you’re going to share with us?
VIRGIL
I do. Mr. Rapoport asked me to bring some along.
Virgil begins to pull documents from his briefcase.
PLACEHOLDER
INT. UE APPEALS BOARD HEARING ROOM – MORNING (first day of appeal hearing)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
PLACEHOLDER: Virgil’s 6 year-old son answers the phone receives a threat intended for Virgil.
PLACEHOLDER
INT. UE APPEALS BOARD HEARING ROOM – MORNING (second day of appeal hearing)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
INT. GRAND JURY HEARING ROOM – MORNING (first day of grand jury testimony)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
INT. GRAND JURY HEARING ROOM – MORNING
Virgil is sworn in and seated. The Grand Jury Foreperson makes an opening statement.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
Thank you for appearing before the grand jury this morning. It looks like we will have a lot of ground to cover based on what’s been shared with one of our grand jury members. In order to proceed in an expeditious manner, we have some questions for you this morning after which time we’ll decide how we’re going to proceed. These proceeding are done in secret and since you’re not a defendant, you are not allowed to share what transpires here. Do you have any questions?
VIRGIL
No ma’am.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
From what I understand, this may very well be stressful for you so please feel free to request a break when you need one. Are you ready to proceed?
VIRGIL
Yes ma’am.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
Are you currently a employed at PGE’s Humboldt Bay Nuclear Power Plant?
VIRGIL
No ma’am. I was until I separated from the Company.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
How long did you work at the nuclear plant?
VIRGIL
For about six years.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
What was you job title when you left the Company?
VIRGIL
Nuclear Control Technician
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
Did you encounter any safety issue at the nuclear plant?
VIRGIL
Yes ma’am. Practically everyday.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
Doesn’t the Atomic Energy Commission ensure the safe operation of the plant?
VIRGIL
I used to think so but I don’t anymore.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
Can you expand on that for us?
VIRGIL
Yes ma’am. I entered the nuclear work force believing the AEC was committed to radiation safety but I learned, and I learned it the hard way that AEC is more like the fox guarding the henhouse. I was denied access to AEC compliance inspectors when they were in the plant for routine inspections. Plant management always connected the Company loyalists with the inspectors. And there were never any surprise inspections to see the normal operating conditions of the plant. The AEC would call up the plant to announce inspectors were coming and we’d clear up numerous conditions that were citable violations.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
We’re going to get into all that after our lunch break.
VIRGIL
I apologize for starting to babble.
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
No, no, that’s okay. We’re just going to have you list the safety problems this afternoon.
VIRGIL
May I say just one more thing before the lunch break?
GRAND JURY FOREPERSON
Certainly.
VIRGIL
You have no ideal how good it feels to get this stuff off my chest.
PLACEHOLDER:
INT. GRAND JURY HEARING ROOM – MORNING (second day of grand jury testimony)
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
INT. LECTURE HALL – AFTERNOON (Cluster Program presentation)
BEGINNING: Dr. Kasun intros Virgil and helps him to relax
MIDDLE: First she wants him to address whistleblowing and starts the questioning
END: Virgil explains role of whistleblowing in a democracy
INT. LECTURE HALL – AFTERNOON
The room is filling up fast with students and some university staff members. Dr. Kasun and Virgil are sitting together on the stage in clear view of most everyone. Virgil is noticeably nervous. Dr. Kasun grabs his hand and gives it a little squeeze.
DR. KASUN
(to Virgil)
I’ll introduce you Tell them what you have shared with me about being a whistleblower. Just be yourself, you’ll be fine.
The room is full with standing room only. Dr. Kasun goes to the podium.
DR. KASUN
Good afternoon. Welcome to the University’s Cluster Program, an innovative interdisciplinary approach to learning. Today we’re going to hear from a real true to life whistleblower.
Dr. Kasun looks over to Virgil.
DR. KASUN
We have a special guest, Virgil Prater, a former nuclear control technician who’s going to share with us what’s it been like being a whistleblower.
Dr. Kasun steps back from the podium, points to Virgil, and with a smile wiggles her index figure with a come-on motion. Virgil gets out of his chair and slowly walks to the podium.
VIRGIL
Thank you, Dr. Kasun. And thank all of you for coming today. It looks like all the publicity has produced this big turnout. Feel free to ask me questions at any time. Your questions will help me stay focused on what Dr. Kasun would like for me to talk about today. Whistleblowing!
Beat.
DR. KASUN
I’ll start with asking the first question. What was your first reaction to being called a whistleblower?
VIRGIL
I didn’t like it much but I couldn’t have told you why back then. I guess it’s because whistleblowers are not highly regarded in society.
Beat.
DR. KASUN
Why do you supposed that is?
VIRGIL
I’ve thought a lot about that and I think it’s because we learn from early on in our lives that kids who report acts of wrongdoing on the playground or in the classroom are called tattletales. They are viewed as snitches, squealers, and blabbermouths.
Beat.
DR. KASUN
Share with us the rest of your conclusion that you’ve shared with me. I found that part particularly useful in understanding why you initially balked at being called a whistleblower.
VIRGIL
It’s my view that later on in life the reporters of wrongdoing in various settings are viewed as ratfinks, betrayers, stool pigeons, back stabbers, turncoats, and double-crossers. In fact, if you think about it, most labels synonymous to whistleblower have negative connotations.
Dr. Kasun raises her hand to ask another question —
VIRGIL
(inerrupts)
I want to add a couple of more things. Consider what happens when the loyalty code is violated in the military when someone commits an act of wrongdoing. Or the unwillingness to go along in order to get along in the workplace when encountering acts of wrongdoing.
How about whistleblowers in government? They’re called “leakers, traitors, and cowards” by the powerful wrongdoers, who have been known sometimes to even suggest they be executed.
AUDIENCE MEMBER 1
Do you know any other whistleblowers?
VIRGIL
No, I don’t personally know very many individuals who have the makings of a whistleblower but, in my experience, those who do are not willing to stick their necks out very far in public for fear of repercussions or the outright retaliatory conduct of the wrongdoers. My good friend and fellow nuclear control technician, Forrest Williams, is an exception.
AUDIENCE MEMBER 2
What were the repercussions and retaliatory conduct spawned by the wrongdoers at Humboldt Bay?
VIRGIL
Some of that has already come out in the press with probably more to follow.
AUDIENCE MEMBER 3
How do you feel about being called a whistleblower now?
VIRGIL
I am strangely enough now more at peace with myself while admittedly at war with large segments of society. At peace with myself because I view myself as a truth-teller motivated to expose what really happened at the Humboldt nuclear facility and the role the government played in it. At war with large segments of society because of the widespread ignorance and tribalism that permeates the Machiavellian web of supporters and enablers of corporate and political misconduct.
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Subject: Arial’s Act 4’s Key Scene 4: Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is…not to worry so much about the ending. Everything will work itself out.
Resolution Scene:
BEGINNING: Kylantha is dead. The kingdom is free of her tyranny, and Dylan, Aylen and Gwen can finally be a family.
MIDDLE: It is Coronation Day at the Palace! Radario is bright with flower petals raining over the city. Aylen, Dylan and Gwen are all being crowned and are the new royal family of Solinta. Aylen casts an enchantment spell over the stack of flyers with the royal proclamation of their coronation. The papers fold into birds and the one she has flies out of her palm and alights on the breeze to fly out of the window with the other paper birds, giving us a similar journey through Radario as we saw in the opening scene.
END: We follow the paper bird, witnessing the grand celebration throughout the entire city. Every street is filled with crowds enjoying the wealth Aylen gained from the Goblin King’s treasure as royal guards and stewards toss out bags of coins like patrons on a Mardi Gras float tossing beads. And they lived happily ever after.
Other Scenes to Finish Act 4:
Aylen & Dylan Plan to Leave the City
INT. AYLEN’S ESTATE – DAY
BEGINNING: Aylen and Dylan wake up in each other’s arms after spending a wonderful night together reuniting.
MIDDLE: Dylan asks what her plans are and she is admits she is still plotting her revenge against Kylantha. He cautions her against it, and they argue. But during this disagreement, Aylen has an epiphany: She comes to realize that she is who she is today because of Key. If Key hadn’t betrayed her, she would not have gone to prison. She would not have met Syndra, would not have gained the treasure, nor would she have gone to the Lyceum of Havencrest to become a powerful sorceress. And although this might be something to cling to, to justify her anger, her anger instead dissipates. Aylen looks back on who she used to be – afraid of her own shadow, never willing to stand up for herself for fear of causing waves. Suddenly Dylan’s idea of leaving the past behind them and creating a new future together is possible. She has her revenge. She’s become her own woman and Key will never be able to take that away from her.
END: Dylan and Aylen renew their vows to be married, and Gwen is coming with them to wherever they want to go. Although they may not be an actual family in blood, they can live together as one. Gwen could be the daughter they lost and they will have more children. Aylen tells Dylan to go and settle his affairs, get his things, and meet back here where they can discuss where they want to travel and see the world together.
Dylan’s Capture
INT. DYLAN’S HOUSE – DAY
BEGINNING: Dylan arrives at the house he is leasing to pack his things.
MIDDLE: However, the royal guard is waiting for him sent by Kylantha. She knows who Aylen really is and she’s not going to let the two of them have their happily ever after ending.
END: Dylan puts up one helluva fight, but in the end, he is caught and taken to the palace.
Kylantha Sets the Trap to Lure Aylen
INT. AYLEN’S ESTATE – DAY
BEGINNING: A magical message arrives at Aylen’s estate.
MIDDLE: Dylan’s been taken into custody, says the message. If Aylen wants to see him alive again, she’ll come to the palace.
END: Aylen and Gwen put their heads together. They know this is a trap, so they’re going to use that knowledge to get the upper hand and set Dylan free.
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Harley Grant’s Act 4 – Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is that my protagonist has gone from being a weak character to a strong leader.
Key Scene 4: Resolution – Wrap it up and show us the “new normal.”
Act 4, Scene 4 A
Beginning: Priyanka is still pointing her gun at Rohan. She tells Sia to wait at the front door. Priyanka tells Rohan to put the knife on the table. He shakes his head no.
Middle: Rohan starts to laugh. He starts to walk toward Priyanka. She tells him to stop. Rohan says, “What? Are you going to shoot me?” Rohan takes one more step and Priyanka shoots him in the leg.
End: Priyanka tells him, “If you take one more step, it will be your last.” Rohan screams. He lunges toward Priyanka with the knife and she shoots him in the stomach. Rohan lands hard on the kitchen floor. A pool of blood begins to form. Sia yells, “Are you okay mommy?” Priyanka calls back, “Yes! I will be right there.” She leans down and whispers to Rohan, “Looks like you will never get to walk her down the aisle.”
Act 4, Scene 4B
Beginning: Priyanka and Sia attend a family meeting at the same house where the wedding took place in Act 1, Scene 1.
Middle: There are relatives old and young from all over the U.S. Priyanka tells Sia to go play with her cousins.
End: Priyanka walks into the study and is surrounded by the matriarchs of her family. Sia looks back and sees her mom hugging her aunts. Priyanka sees Sia, winks at her, and then closes the door.
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