Unseparated

Inside her bedroom, MARIE LEIGH, a young woman in her late twenties, is in the middle of a video call with DARYL HANSOM, her younger and more clownish baby brother. He demonstrates the "Scouts technique" on how to save toilet paper, much to her chagrin, before updating her on his current situation; his job has been lost due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic and, thus, has had to stay at home with their parents. Suddenly, a name pops up on their screen intending to join the conference; ROB LEIGH, Marie's soon-to-be ex-husband. Marie initially refuses, but Daryl accepts the invite (He and Rob had been best friends before the marriage). A tired looking Rob is seated in front of mounds of unpacked boxes and bare walls, indicating a fairly recent move. Then he opens his mouth and a couples feud erupts with Daryl caught in the crossfire. An angry Rob throws a paperweight against the wall... only for the noise to come through on Marie's screen. They are still living in the same house! The current lockdown came into force just before the move could happen, so now Rob is confined to the spare room, Marie isolating herself in her bedroom and keeping well clear of his presence. "I just leave food at the door [of the spare room] and forget about him," she calmly explains. Accusations of loyalty, cowardice and food served in a doggy bowl (don't ask!) are fired back and forth. In the end, Daryl leaves the conversation, but not before imparting some much needed advice to both parties. Rob and Marie are left alone to fix things for themselves. A coy Rob suggests making dinner for a change. Marie smiles.