(Dawn is pouring out bowl after bowl of cereal in the kitchen as she talks)

DAWN: Well, wouldn't you? Every kid tries to make the substitute cry. It's like a rite of passage.

JOYCE: I certainly would not. Being a substitute is an *extremely* difficult job. Besides... (looks at the bowls) Honestly, Dawn, how many bowls of cereal are you planning on eating?

DAWN: Oh, these aren't for eating. I'm just trying to get the extra out of the way so I could...

(she sticks her hand in cereal box, pulls out a toy)

DAWN: get this. Anyway, (pointing to Joyce) I want eggs.

JOYCE: You want the cereal prize, but you don't want the cereal. You *are* growing up. All righty, half an omelette coming up.

DAWN: Oh, um, with ketchup if you please?

JOYCE: Mm-hmm.

(Joyce turns away from the stove, holding the two plates. Suddenly she stops and blinks as if dizzy. Dawn looks up from unwrapping the prize.)

JOYCE: (confused) Oh, what is the... (looks at Dawn) Who are you?

(Dawn looks confused. Suddenly Joyce collapses to the floor, the plates shattering. Dawn grabs the telephone and dials 911.)

• Dawn as the Key
• Joyce's Illness

written by: Rebecca Kirshner; Transcribed by Joan the English Chick (pisces@englishchick.com).. Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/82outofmymind.html