int. sherin's bedroom - night
YOUNG SHERIN is lying in bed, her eyes squeezed tightly shut. The room is dark except for a "Jesus Loves the Little Children" night light and the glow of the moon coming shining through the curtains. Slowly, the shadows in the room begin to move. Sherin opens one eye and then closes it again, inching further under the covers.
A Monkey Shadow materializes in the darkness and makes its way to the bed. Sherin opens her eyes to see a grotesque monkey face grinning at her.
She backs away, into the corner of the bed, hugging a stuffed toy.
The Monkey Shadow reaches out a hand and extends a finger, which morphs into a talon.
Sherin closes her eyes as the talon bites into her left elbow and tears through skin, muscles, and tendons right down to her wrist. She opens her eyes to see blood and exposed bone, and vomits on the bed.
The Monkey Shadow starts to reach for her right arm, and Sherin screams.
MRS BLAKE opens the door and turns on the light.
MONkey Shadow
(disappearing)
See you soon, little girl...
Sherin continues to scream. She is holding her arm at an odd angle, but there is no sign of the gaping wound.
mrs blake
(looking at Sherin's arm and trying to cuddle her without getting covered in vomit)
Honey, what's the matter? Are you okay? Do you have an upset tummy?
Sherin opens her eyes and looks at her mother. She slowly winds down her screams.
YOUNG sherin
The monster came, Mommy. And he hurt me.
(she looks down at her arm and does a double-take)
It was here. My arm.
Mrs Blake reaches out and touches Sherin's arm, and the girl winces.
YOUNG sherin
Ow! Mommy, that hurts!
mrs blake
(frowning)
What on earth have you done?
YOUNG Sherin
It wasn't me, it was the monster! He hurt me!
Sherin begins to cry and avoids Mrs Blake's attempts to get a good look at her arm. MR BLAKE appears in the doorway.
mr blake
What's going on?
MRS BLAKE
I don't know. I thought it was just a nightmare, but she says her arm hurts.
MR BLAKE
It might be a good idea to get her checked out.
MRS BLAKE
I suppose. I don't think she's going to sleep anytime soon, especially not if it hurts as much as it seems to.
MR BLAKE
Take her to the ER. I'll stay with John.
Mrs Blake nods and carries Sherin out of the room.
