(Buffy knocks on Dawn's door)

DAWN: Go away.

(Buffy opens the door and stands in the threshold. Dawn sits forlornly on her bed.)

BUFFY: I'm sorry.

DAWN: You hurt my arm.

BUFFY: I know.

DAWN: Butthole.

BUFFY: Really sorry.

DAWN: I tell you I have this theory? It goes where you're the one who's not my sister. 'Cause mom adopted you from a shoebox full of baby howler monkeys and never told you 'cause it could hurt your delicate baby feelings.

BUFFY: That's your theory?

DAWN: Explains your fashion sense. And your smell.

BUFFY: (sincere) I'm sorry, okay?

DAWN: Broken record much?

BUFFY: You can't even take an apology. You always do that. Ever since-

(Buffy stops herself and sits down next to Dawn.)

BUFFY: I just had a bad day.

DAWN: Well, join the club.

BUFFY: Can I be president?

DAWN: I'm president. You could be the janitor.

BUFFY: (smiles) Okay.

(Buffy reaches up and strokes Dawn's hair.)

DAWN: Buffy?

BUFFY: Yeah?

DAWN: What's wrong with mom?

BUFFY: I don't know.

(they both look worried. Buffy continues stroking Dawn's hair was we fade to black.)

• Buffy & Dawn

written by: Douglas Petrie; . Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/83noplacelikehome.html