Two SURGEONS in gray clothes and a NURSE in white bring in a gurney, struggling with the sand. There is MIES again, asking questions to the doctors, they send him away. There is also MYRNA, she looks at MIES. Both are quite nervous.
MYRNA: Can I do something for you?
MIES: For me?
MYRNA: Yeah, maybe... I'll bring something to eat for you...
MIES: No, no thank you.
MYRNA: Are you sure? It's no trouble.
MIES: No, thank you.
MYRNA: What are you thinking about?
MIES: (visibly disturbed) What?
MYRNA: I know... It's awful, isn't it.
MIES: (sighing) Yeah...
Cut to the SURGEONS carrying WES. They put him on the table. KAREN follows them.
Dr. KILLAT: Please leave us alone.
KAREN: I want to stay with my husband.
Dr. KILLAT: (preparing for the operation) It's quite a
horrible sight. You might get sick.
KAREN: I don't care.
Dr. KILLAT: But I do.
KAREN leaves... She goes to the kitchen, looks at the sink, sweeps sand from it. MYRNA comes to her.
MYRNA: Do you want me to hug you?
KAREN: No.
MYRNA: Why?
KAREN: Leave me alone.
Cut to the surgeons. They are talking while operating WES's heart.
Dr. KILLAT: Double fuel injection... Full guarantee
for three years or 16 000 miles...
Dr. WAYNE: So what?
Dr. KILLAT: Do you have something better?
Dr. WAYNE: What would you say to a turbo Diesel FI 1.4?
Overdrive... (showing something in the wound) Now here... As I
said: overdrive, ABS, stereo, and a clock... Just here (pointing
at something, the other surgeon helping him) It's enough... Stereo,
all the comforts... Good... change.
The NURSE gives some instrument to him.
Dr. WAYNE: Beautiful shape, looks like Jane Mansfield on the beach.
Short glimpse of the open heart.
Dr. WAYNE: Yeah. Close it... You just want to give a ride to some pretty baby... Okay, done. Look at this: it looks like... what a mess...
He looks up and turns on a lamp that's hanging over the table.
It is night. The surgeons are still operating. A man in a white suit appears.
JERRY: Hi guys.
SURGEONS: Hi, Jerry.
JERRY walks to KAREN.
JERRY: (smiling) Hello. May I introduce myself? My name is Masur. Jerry Masur. I'm the head of the finance department of Holy Cross hospital.
KAREN turns away, avoiding his stare.
KAREN: (trying to stay calm) What do you want?
JERRY: Which number have you given to our telephone operator?
KAREN: I didn't give any numbers...
JERRY: (still smiling) Yes, you did. (looking at papers
he holds in his hand) 37985423172
KAREN: (nervously pretending to wash dishes) Yes?
JERRY: Yes. And we checked it.
KAREN: (trying to smile) I didn't give you any numbers.
JERRY: Yes you did. And this number doesn't exist.
KAREN: I couldn't possibly give you any numbers.
JERRY: Maybe you just made a mistake?
KAREN: (looking into his eyes) No, I didn't.
JERRY: I understand that you are under great pressure.
I'm sorry for pestering you in such a moment, but you have to
understand me. The operation will cost a lot. The hospital cannot
risk...
KAREN: How much.
JERRY: 87,463 dollars and 29 cents. Plus taxes.
KAREN faints.
JERRY: (looking down at her) Sheeeeet...
MYRNA comes running.
MYRNA: (to JERRY) What did you do to her?!
JERRY: Nothing ma'am. She just fainted.
MYRNA: But she talked to you!
She kneels at Karen's side, turns back to JERRY.
MYRNA: Who are you?
JERRY: (still smiling) I'm sorry. I should have introduce
myself. My name is Masur. Jerry Masur from the finance department
of Holy Cross hospital.
MYRNA: (rising) Oh, my God! He doesn't have insurance!
JERRY: He doesn't?
MYRNA: (terrified) He does not.
JERRY: Hmmm... Now I may faint myself...
Cut to the operating table. The surgeons are still working
and talking about finances.
Cut to the empty cross and than to MIES's worried face. Fade out.
Photos ©Propaganda Film
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