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from pages 10 to 14 of a script I am working on:
CUT TO:
INT. DINING ROOM – EVENING
Vinson and Florence sit at the dinner table. Vinson is finished with his dinner. Florence has not really touched her food. Candles create the only light in the room, throwing a warm glow on the walls.
FLORENCE
I did not eat much.
I did not eat much.
VINSON
How long were you traveling?
How long were you traveling?
FLORENCE
There are things I’ve seen.
(beat)
You understand.
(pause)
No, you cannot understand.
Vinson stands up.
FLORENCE
Sorry.
Vinson takes their plates and leaves the room. He comes back with a wine bottle and two glasses. He remains standing.
FLORENCE
(gesturing)
I noticed you are writing
(gesturing)
I noticed you are writing
again. Your desk…
VINSON
(interrupting)
I have been writing a little.
(beat)
But not to completion.
(another beat)
I really haven’t been
writing anything.
FLORENCE
Do you ever…
(Pause)
How do you live alone? So
completely alone.
Vinson straightens up, pondering. He looks at her.
VINSON
I suppose we’re are all alone.
I suppose we’re are all alone.
She looks at him.
FLORENCE
We are all connected.
We are all connected.
VINSON
Well, there you have it.
Well, there you have it.
He sits down and begins pouring the wine. He looks at her. She shakes her head.
FLORENCE
I’ll just throw up.
I’ll just throw up.
Vinson sets the bottle down and begins drinking his wine, maybe a little too fast. Florence watches him.
FLORENCE
I don’t know why I am here.
I don’t know why I am here.
VINSON
I’m not looking for answers.
I’m not looking for answers.
FLORENCE
In the next few weeks I will
In the next few weeks I will
continue to grow weaker. I
will become sick and my body
will not be able to fight.
The radiation was far stronger
than any of us anticipated
or understood.
She speaks deliberately, slowly. She has stopped looking at her father.
FLORENCE (CONT’D)
Many have gone before me.
Many have gone before me.
Friends. Children. There was
so little…
(beat)
…so many…
She cannot continue, but she keeps herself from crying. She turns toward her father and looks into his eyes. He looks back at her, then turns away.
VINSON
I have made a bed for you
I have made a bed for you
in the library.
Florence smiles at him, almost with pity.
He stands up.
VINSON
I’ll stoke the fire.
I’ll stoke the fire.
He leaves the room. Florence stays in her chair. She silently, stoically cries, wipes her eyes, then slowly, with effort, stands ups.
CUT TO:
INT. VINSON’S STUDY – EVENING
Vinson is kneeling beside the fireplace watching the flames. Florence now stands at the door.
FLORENCE
I believe mother loved you very much.
I believe mother loved you very much.
VINSON
I think this fire will burn for
I think this fire will burn for
some time. If you get cold
please tell me.
He stands up.
VINSON (CONT’D)
And you should find plenty to read.
And you should find plenty to read.
He gestures at the many shelves filled with books glowing in the light of the fire.
FLORENCE
Thank you.
Thank you.
VINSON
You’re sure this old chair is okay?
You’re sure this old chair is okay?
She nods.
He leaves the room.
VINSON
(from beyond the door)
I’ll be up early.
(from beyond the door)
I’ll be up early.
Florence turns to look at the fire. Her face glows it its light.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKY – NIGHT
Clouds pass in front of the moon.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDSCAPE – SAME TIME
Leaves glisten on barely visible trees, gently quaking in a soft breeze.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRARY – NIGHT
Florence sleeps fitfully. She is in a cold sweat.
pilgrimakimbo 