Burke

Hospital break room. Absolute silence, except for the faint hum of the refrigerator. The clock reads 2:17 am. Samantha is alone, pouring herself coffee. Doctor Burck enters silently, his white coat stained with blood. He says nothing as he enters. The door closes behind him with a dry click.

SAMANTHA: (He/She jumps, turning around) Doctor Burck… I didn't hear you come in.

DR. BURCK: (He/She walks slowly towards the coffee maker, without looking at it) Almost nobody does it. (Coffee is served in silence. Then he observes her.) Shouldn't you be in the east wing, inside?

SAMANTHA: (Surprised) I was... I finished my round. I thought I could take a break.

DR. BURCK: (A slightly ironic tone) A break… so soon? How curious. Some inmates take weeks to dare to sit down.

SAMANTHA: (Defensively) It's not audacity, doctor. Just… tiredness.

DR. BURCK: (He walks slowly towards her, stopping very close) Here, Samantha, exhaustion becomes a part of you. Like the silence… or the smell of chloroform.

SAMANTHA: (She observes him, uncomfortable but intrigued) Does he always talk to the inmates like that?

DR. BURCK: (Smiles, barely) Only with those I find interesting.

SAMANTHA: (Walking towards the table, in a firm tone) And what do you find interesting about me?

DR. BURCK: (Sips his coffee. Long silence) That you're not afraid… or at least you're a very good actor. Although your hands… (Points with his/her eyes) They are trembling.

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