GROUNDING

A FATHER stands in the doorway of his son's room. His SON is sitting on the bed, looking down at his feet.

FATHER

You're grounded.

SON

Why?

FATHER

Because you intimidate me. You're becoming a better version of me and it scares me. I'll keep you in here till you're worse.

SON

That's not fair! I don't do anything wrong!

FATHER

What is it that you do?

SON

I go to social events and feel jealous of everyone. I plot their demise in my head.

FATHER

Like murder?

SON

No, social demise. I imagine worlds where I become more powerful than all of them.

FATHER

How about me? Do you imagine becoming more powerful than me?

SON

No I don't think about you.

FATHER

Then I'm re-grounding you for that! You could at least pay me the respect of imagining my demise!

SON

When I think about you I think mostly nice things.

FATHER

Like what?

SON

I remember that you took me to see the Stars. And that you bought me the DeathStallion Space War set.

FATHER

I see. How about the summer program at Marathon College?

SON

No I didn't care about that.

FATHER

Then you're grounded for that! Triple grounded! Until you become exactly what I want, but in a non-intimidating version.

SON

Ironically, this will drive me to overcome you and prove myself better.

FATHER

QUADRUPLE GROUNDED!