Hetal at 7 years old

Hetal is seven years old. He's a scrawny, slightly geeky-looking Indian boy growing up in Vancouver. He lives in an apartment building with his father and no mother. His father is harried and tired and works long hours. Hetal is writing homework at the kitchen table.

Hetal

When I'm finished, we can buy the new art set I wanted, right?

Hetal's Father

You can have the painting set when you get your first term grades.

Hetal looks out the window wistfully. There's a tree growing up beside the apartment and the focus is on the sunlight-dappled leaves.

HETAL

That's another three months. I'll lose the light.

Hetal's father is looking at figures on an accounting book. They don't add up. He's pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration and worry.

HETAL'S FATHER

The light'll come back. Why don't you go read a book? You've worked long enough.

Hetal looks worried about his father, but doesn't say anything. He just gets out of chair, heading for a door at the edge of the panel, presumably to his bedroom.

Hetal's father looks at the blank screen of his cell phone, obviously waiting for a call.

HETAL'S FATHER

You had to leave, didn't you? And he needs you so much now.

Salali talks to Hetal's Father

Hetal is twelve and sleeping in his bed. He's grown into some of his adult features. His hair is cut very short against his head. He's tossing and turning, sleeping fitfully from the dream.

HETAL

It's not possible. Where'd you even come from? How do you know?

Hetal's father wakes up in the other room and can hear his some thrashing.

HETAL'S FATHER

Hetal?

Hetal's father stands at the doorway to his son's room. He is unsurprised to see a small, glowing figure kneeling at the foot of his son's bed. It's a small, unearthly squirrel that is watching Hetal sleep.

HETAL'S FATHER

You can't have him.

The squirrel looks up at Hetal's father. There is no threat or menage on its face.

Salali

It's not your choice.

HETAL'S FATHER

But he's still my son.

Hetal is sleeping peacefully now. His father stands in the doorway with his arms crossed and a sense of finality about him. The squirrel is now on the windowsill about to jump out.

SALALI

You can't put it off forever. He's already started, you know.

The squirrel is gone and Hetal's father looks down at his son, lovingly. He is a very worried parent.

HETAL'S FATHER

But I don't have to make it easier.