[ Algric just squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, taking in a deep breath. Holding it. Letting it out. None of this is new, of course. She’s needled him about every aspect of his life; this is just one more layer of terrible.

When he opens his eyes again, he just looks tired. ]

He’s - he’s my boyfriend, Mum. And I’m very, very glad to have him in my life.

[ Her gaze is cold, curling into frigid hate as she looks up at Algric’s face. ]

“What’d you come here for then? I told you not to.”

[ Another deep, bracing breath. ]

I - I wanted to talk. All right? That’s all.

[ His mother looks him over again... and shuts the curtain in his face. ]