ALTERNATE
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ALTERNATE
Story by Jimmy Shen and M.G. Flack
Screenplay written by M.G. Flack
Copyright.
EXT. BOOK STORE - DAY
A neon sign lights up the words EXQUISITE BOOKS.
A front window display shows a book called LIVES LEFT BEHIND.
INT. BOOK STORE - DAY
NATE, 40, handsome and dressed in a suit, helps unpack boxes
with EDITH, mid 20's.
EDITH
Do you know how hard it was to get
these authors together? Pelican
Publishing spent close to a hundred
thousand dollars on just airfares
and accommodation alone.
NATE
I'm sure your company will make
it's money back Edith.
Edith stops and glances at Nate.
EDITH
Thanks again for doing this Nate, I
mean with our past and you know...
NATE
Forget about it! This is different
business.
Edith smiles at him.
EDITH
You're like the perfect dream man
Nate. You're going to make a woman
very happy one day.
Nate gives out a little laugh.
EDITH
I almost forgot.
She pulls at a slip of paper.
EDITH
I got a few more cartons kept at
this address.
She hands the paper to Nate.
EDITH
Would you be a darl' and get them
for me? I'll finish the display
here.
NATE
You're going to make a man very
miserable one day Edith.
EDITH
Thanks alot, after the compliment I
gave you!
EXT. BUSY CITY DISTRICT - DAY
Traffic is heavy going in and out.
CROWDS shuffle past without the slightest recognition of
eachother.
Nate stands by the curb and hails for a cab.
NATE
Taxi!
A cab pulls over and Nate jumps inside.
INT. CAB - DAY
The TAXI DRIVER, scruffy and unshaven, looks at Nate.
Nate buckles up.
NATE
I'm going to Twenty eight Augustine
Lane. It's a couple of blocks from
here.
The Taxi Driver proceeds to the address, still glancing back
at Nate.
TAXI DRIVER
Do I know you?
NATE
We've never met before.
TAXI DRIVER
You look familiar, are you someone
famous?
NATE
I run a bookstore.
TAXI DRIVER
But you dress like a banker.
Nate stares at his suit.
NATE
I don't know why I dress like this?
I just do.
They hit a bump
CLUNK!
Something rattles in the back seat.
He glances over his shoulder -
and spots a golf bag with only one golf club inside.
NATE
You play golf?
TAXI DRIVER
No.
The car speeds faster.
NATE
You can relax on the gas. I never
said I was in a hurry.
The Taxi Driver doesn't answer.
Nate glances out the window.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Along the street -
everyone appears to wear the SAME OUTFIT, a dark hooded robe.
Other DRIVERS also wear the exact same outfit.
INT. CAB - DAY
NATE
Did you see that?
He looks back to see -
the Taxi Driver in a HOODED ROBE.
NATE
What the hell's going on?
Nate stares ahead to see -
EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY
Fifty feet ahead -
traffic is stopped at a set of lights.
A TOW TRUCK dragging a broken down porsche, waits for the
cross traffic to finish.
CRUNCH!
The taxi races up the porsche like a ramp and launches into
the air.
SMASH...
A SEMI TRAILER cabin COLLIDES with the taxi -
tumbling it sideways.
The truck SCREECHES to a halt -
cars COLLIDE.
CRASH!
The taxi lands back to earth on its roof -
glass shattering everywhere.
All traffic GRINDS to a stand still.
NATE
drags himself out of the taxi on all fours.
He leans against the taxi glancing at the accident.
The TAXI DRIVER walks around to Nate WIELDING the golf club.
NATE
You almost got us killed!
TAXI DRIVER
He blames you.
NATE
This was your fault...
TAXI DRIVER
He blames you for everything!
The Taxi Driver swings the club back over his shoulder.
NATE
Who blames me? Nooooo!
POW!
Nate covers his face as the Taxi Driver brings the club down.
EXT. CIRCUS - DAY
A little BOY, races from someone chasing him with a super
eight camera.
The footage is old and has burn marks, scratches and dust.
The boy smiles and laughs constantly looking back at whoever
holds the camera.
BOY
This way. Just follow me.
The background has old fashioned circus tents.
The SOUND of a projector can be heard.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD - DAY
Nate quickly jerks awake.
He's lying in a hospital bed.
BOB ARLEIGH, late 40's, sits in a chair besides Nate's bed,
going over some medical notes.
NATE
Dr Arleigh.
BOB
Please Nate, I would like you to
think of me as your friend and not
just your psychiatrist.
Nate nods.
BOB
Bad dream?
NATE
How did I get here?
BOB
Ambulance arrived at the accident.
NATE
That cab driver! Asshole hit me
with a golf club.
Nate ponders back to what happened.
NATE
The people, they were the same.
BOB
What people?
NATE
Everyone, I mean the drivers of
other cars. People on the side
walks, they were all the same
person. Even the cab driver.
BOB
But you know that's not possible,
don't you? Doctors have told me
that you suffered from a mild
concussion.
Nate is confused.
NATE
This felt like something different.
INT. BOOK STORE - NIGHT
Nate's bookstore is large.
It has an open space ground floor with a second storey
balcony of more books.
Tonight a large CROWD has gathered for a book signing.
Five authors sit at one long table signing books. They are
DAISETSU HANDA, early 70's, Japanese.
LANH TRUONG, early 50's, Vietnamese.
EGMONT ZIMMERMAN, late 70's, German.
AMEEN NASEER, mid 30's, Iraqi.
YASIN MALIK, mid 20's, Iraqi.
Alongside them is Edith. She watches over Daisetsu's shoulder
as he signs a book.
Nate watches the night's events from a distance.
Nate spots NERISSA, mid 30's.
She's dressed in an elegant evening dress and stares directly
at him.
She DISAPPEARS amongst the crowd.
EDITH
If I can get your attention
everyone.
Nate glances around to spot Nerissa.
EDITH
We'll just stop the signing for the
moment. Now everyone as you know
tonight is the book launch for
Lives Left Behind and we at Pelican
Publishing are so honoured to have
it's five co-authors here in the
one room.
The crowd APPLAUD them.
EDITH
Just so that you know who is who,
starting by my side here is
Daisetsu Handa, Lanh Truong, Egmont
Zimmerman, Ameen Naseer and Yasin
Malik. These men all have something
in common and that is their fathers
all fought in separate wars from
World War One, World War Two,
Vietnam War, Gulf War One and Gulf
War Two. All their fathers died in
battle leaving only their sons and
each one of these courageous men
had to overcome hardships. I've
read the book three times myself...
Edith puts her hand to her chest.
EDITH
Each time I read it I just wanted
to cry at how they overcame the
impossible.
She gives the crowd a great smile.
EDITH
But, we too at Pelican Publishing
overcame the impossible and that
was to get these men together from
around the world.
Everyone APPLAUDS.
Edith holds up a glass of wine and smiles at Nate.
EDITH
And a special thank you must go to
our kind host Nate owner of
Exquisite Books, without which we
would not have been able to hold
this book launch.
The crowd all hold up the glass to Nate.
Nate nods to the crowd.
EDITH
So drink up people then buy up!
INT. BOOK STORE - SECOND FLOOR - NIGHT
Crowds all mingle with eachother between both floors.
Nate wanders up to the second floor holding a copy of Lives
Left Behind.
He reads the back jacket -
then proceeds to open the book.
NERISSA
Hello.
Nate stops in his tracks, closing the book.
NERISSA
Exquisite Books. How long have you
had this bookstore?
Nate can only smile.
NATE
You know I really can't remember.
Must be that long ago. I guess I
have other things on my mind.
Nerissa smiles.
Nate offers his hand.
NATE
I'm Nate.
NERISSA
Nerissa. Have you read the book
yet?
NATE
No, haven't had a chance. I saw
you earlier, staring, at me.
NERISSA
I was just admiring the view.
Nate gives out a little laugh.
NATE
So what do you do?
NERISSA
I work with books as well.
She offers him a business card.
NERISSA
Let's get together sometime. Get
inside eachother's heads.
Edith abruptly PULLS Nate to one side.
EDITH
I would appreciate if you didn't
speak to her.
Nate reads the card: PELHAM PUBLISHING. NERISSA PELHAM.
NATE
Worried about some business
competition Edith?
EDITH
Of course not, but she is from
another publishing house none the
less.
NATE
Don't worry Edith, I don't plan on
handing out the novel to her. I
remembered what you said, that it
was too weird? That no-one would
get it?
Edith takes a gulp from her wine.
Nate searches for Nerissa but she has gone.
EDITH
I certainly didn't mean to stop you
from writing, but yes I still stand
by what I said, that novel made no
sense. Anyway I feel I've kept a
loyalty to you by doing book
launches in your store year after
year.
Nate nods.
Edith caresses Nate's face.
EDITH
I've always been loyal to you.
He becomes horrorfied when he notices -
- her HAND is decrepit.
Nate jumps back.
Edith walks back down the stairs -
wearing the DARK HOODED ROBE.
Nate glances at the whole crowd to see -
everyone wearing the SAME OUTFIT.
They all cover their heads with the hoods.
A HOODED FIGURE
proceeds up the stairs slowly.
NATE
walks backwards away from this figure -
bumping into the FIVE AUTHORS all wearing the robes.
EGMONT
Have you ever been to war?
NATE
No...
A high pitched WHISTLE.
BANG!
Straight through the roof a large bomb SMASHES to the floor.
The AUTHORS smile.
EGMONT
You will.
The bomb EXPLODES into a blinding flash.
EXT. CIRCUS - DAY
The little Boy continues running amongst the circus tents.
A MIDGET juggles fire, ignoring the boy and camera.
A MUSCLEMAN bench presses two TRAPEZE GIRLS who sit on either
side of the weight bar.
They smile and wave in a RAPID manner at the camera.
BOY
This way, quick I'll show you.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Nate and Bob sit at a busy restaurant having dinner.
Nate keeps observing everybody as he chews his food.
Bob stops eating then pulls out a little bottle from his
pocket.
BOB
I'm going to change your
medication.
NATE
Why?
BOB
When we first met I thought it
could've been bipolar disease, but
you have some of the traits of mild
schizophrenia but then not others.
I find it hard to understand
myself.
NATE
There is someone that people say
blames me. For what, I don't know?
I don't even know who he is?
Bob slides the bottle across the table.
Nate reads the label.
NATE
Haldol?
BOB
It's stronger than the Mellaril
medication.
Nate SLAMS the bottle on the table.
NATE
I'm not schizophrenic Bob! I have a
normal life. Something is happening
to me and I don't understand it.
BOB
Nate I'm your only friend in this
city. I'm trying to help you. You
have symptoms of schizophrenia that
appear to be getting worse. What
your seeing is not real.
Nate shakes his head.
NATE
It sure feels real, I can't seem to
focus lately. My mind goes blank
when I try to think back.
BOB
Take the medication. I'm sure
within a few weeks we'll see an
improvement.
Nate slips the bottle into his pocket.
NATE
That's what you said about the
Mellaril.
BOB
Be back in a second.
Bob leaves and walks to the restroom.
A WAITRESS, mid 30's, walks to the table, holding a copy of
Lives Left Behind.
WAITRESS
Sir, could I get you to sign this?
She places the book in front of him.
NATE
Why?
WAITRESS
Your Nate, right?
NATE
I didn't write this book?
The Waitress laughs.
WAITRESS
I know that silly!
She stands there waiting.
NATE
What?
Nate tries to turn the cover -
- a STRONG VACUUM force keeps the cover closed.
WAITRESS
I'll just get a pen.
She's oblivious to Nate's problem with the book.
NATE
What the hell?
Nate PRIES open the book with all his might.
The first page is blank -
except for the words: HE BLAMES YOU.
Nate looks up to see -
- the Waitress CHARGING at him -
- in her hand a machete, SCREAMING like a banshee.
She DIVES across the table at him.
He jumps out of his seat -
Narrowly missing being hacked by the Waitress.
No other PATRON in the restaurant even acknowledge what's
happening.
Nate SCRAMBLES for the front door.
INT. RESTAURANT - BY THE BATHROOM - NIGHT
Bob comes back from the bathroom only to see Nate -
burst through the front door screaming.
The Waitress looks at Bob, normal.
BOB
I'm sorry. I'll get the bill.
EXT. BOOK STORE - NIGHT
Nate slows down along the street, continuously glancing over
his shoulder.
A WAR SIREN alarms in the distance.
Nate notices -
- no PEOPLE or even CARS along the street.
He stands outside Exquisite Books.
The front glass display shows several copies of Lives Left
Behind, all of which are moving.
The sound of several engines RUMBLE.
Nate glances down the street.
The street shows nothing.
He looks back at the glass display...
SMASH!
Dives for his life -
- a twenty foot tank CRASHES through the front window and
onto the street.
CRASH! SMASH! CRASH!
THREE MORE TANKS drive through shop fronts further down the
street.
Nate stumbles over himself.
He is dwarfed by the nearest mechanical beast.
It aims its cannon in his direction.
CLUNK! CLICK!
SOUNDS of a shell being loaded.
NATE
What do you want from me?
Nate makes a run for it.
BOOM!
The tank fires...
... missing Nate...
but hitting a shop just ahead.
BANG!
The explosion throws Nate across the street and into a wall.
NATE
staggers to his feet.
BOOM!
The wall behind him EXPLODES.
Nate is thrown high into the air by the force.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
BANG!
Another shell explodes in the sky.
Nate SOARS higher into the sky.
A high pitched WHISTLE can be heard.
Nate can see this INCOMING SHELL.
It EXPLODES with a blinding WHITE FLASH.
INT. NERISSA'S CHATEAU - BEDROOM - DAY
Nate is woken by sunlight shining in his face.
Nerissa opens up curtains lighting up her bedroom.
NERISSA
Morning, mind you it's closer to
midday.
Nate glances around Nerissa's bedroom.
It's very large and spacious.
Her bed has satin sheets with dozens of pillows.
NATE
Was that a dream?
Nate watches as Nerissa slips on a robe.
NERISSA
What did you dream?
NATE
I was having dinner with a friend
of mine and suddenly I'm being
chased by tanks shooting at me.
NERISSA
Well you're with me now, so let's
not talk about bad dreams ok?
NATE
How did I get here?
NERISSA
You gave me a call. I wasn't doing
anything, so we got together...
She gives him a kiss.
NERISSA
You hung over?
Nate takes a deep breath.
NATE
No, actually I feel good.
NERISSA
As do I. Certainly didn't expect
anything like last night.
She heads off to her ensuite.
NATE
Maybe we should tape it next time!
EXT. NERISSA'S CHATEAU - OUTSIDE GROUNDS - DAY
Nerissa and Nate sit by a cliff-face, eating a banquet of
assorted foods.
Nate is amazed by the view.
The ocean splashes against the cliff face...
... the white foam forms into TWO LOVERS embracing then
dissolving.
The clouds on the horizon form the same two lovers, with rays
of sunlight shining from behind giving them a heavenly aura.
NATE
Am I dreaming this?
NERISSA
It's beautiful isn't it. I love
coming out here. This is my heaven.
NATE
How can you afford such a lavish
lifestyle by just working with
books?
NERISSA
I'm a publisher, is that a crime?
This is what I worked to achieve
Nate. I'm entitled to some luxuries
aren't I?
NATE
Are you working on any books at the
moment?
NERISSA
Just a book on babies, no big deal.
Nate pulls out the bottle and pops one of the pills.
NERISSA
What's that?
NATE
Haldol, I have to tell you
something...
NERISSA
I know what it's for. I knew
someone else who use to take
Haldol.
NATE
Nerissa, I have a doctor who is my
only friend since I moved here. He
thinks that I... have a few
problems. I don't know what's the
matter with me, but I don't believe
I'm schizophrenic.
NERISSA
Then what are the problems?
NATE
There's this man, dressed in a hood
who keeps making these horrible
things, happen to me. They feel so
real, but they can't be.
Nate shakes his head and stands up walking to the edge of the
cliff.
NATE
I keep having a dream that I'm
running around circus tents.
Someone is following me but I don't
remember who? It's like my mind
keeps blacking out when I try to
think back.
Nerissa listens.
EXT. BOOK STORE - DAY
Nate walks towards his book store.
He stops and watches as traffic passes by.
PEOPLE shuffle about on both sides of the street.
There are no smashed windows or debris left over from the
tanks.
His own shop is perfectly in tact.
Opens his store then -
- LOCKS the store from the inside.
INT. BOOK STORE - DAY
He grabs a copy of LIVES LEFT BEHIND, takes a seat in the
middle of his store.
The far wall of the store has a HUGE COLLECTION OF BOOKS that
cover both floors of the store.
PLONK!
One of the books drop -
and catches Nate's attention -
He ignores it.
Nate opens the cover of Lives Left Behind.
The first page has the publishers details, copyright and
printing details.
Nate flicks through the book -
just the five author's stories.
PLONK!
Another book drops.
Nate rests Lives Left Behind on the seat and walks to the far
wall.
He touches the bookshelf to feel for any rumbling -
- nothing.
He slides them back into place.
Walks back to the seat and picks up Lives Left Behind,
flicking through it once more.
Every page is blank.
NATE
Huh?
Every book RUMBLES.
A large quantity of books all MOVE in unison, from BOTH
FLOORS.
Nate's watches -
- a thirty foot tall BOOK MAN -
- STOMP toward him.
It's perfectly proportioned, right down to each hand, with
single books representing each finger joint.
BAM!
The BOOK MAN slams desks out of the way.
Nate is frozen.
POW!
The book man slams Nate.
EXT. BOOK STORE - DAY
Nate CRASHES through the front window of his shop.
CRUNCH! CRUNCH!
The book man climbs through the front window.
Nate jumps to his feet and stops two ROBED PEOPLE.
NATE
Help me! Can't you people see that?
The BOOK MAN picks up the two robed people and -
THROWS them across the street like toy soldiers.
EXT. BUSY STREET - DAY
Nate races down the middle of the road...
trying to stop cars that pass by...
still being chased by the book man.
BOOK MAN flips cars out of the way.
The sound of a CROWD CHEERING.
Nate races around a corner and into -
A GERMAN NAZI MOTORCADE.
Paper confetti fall from the building windows.
A SOLDIER
aims a flame thrower at Nate.
Nate drops and screams -
- The soldier shoots flames above him.
Nate glances over his shoulder him to see -
the BOOK MAN slowly collapsing into a pile of BURNING BOOKS.
SOLDIERS surround Nate.
Egmont Zimmerman steps out of a car, dressed as a German
Captain.
NATE
Egmont?
EGMONT
Hurensohn!
NATE
What the hell is going on?
EGMONT
Das geht dich einen feuchten
Scheissdreck an!
Nate watches as Egmont leans closer to him.
Egmont's head OPENS UP like a flower, pealing from four
sides.
Nate SCREAMS and cowers back.
Egmont's head closes back together and he smiles.
EGMONT
Hosenscheisser!
KAIN
Enough!
Nate glances up to see KAIN, mid thirties, dressed like
Hitler.
NATE
Who the fuck are you people?
KAIN
You don't recognize me Nate? Don't
you remember how we met?
Nate studies Kain.
Egmont leans closer again.
EGMONT
He blames you!
NATE
You're the guy in the robe? What do
you want from me?
KAIN
Your death, your demise! I hate
everything about you, I can destroy
your life, piece by piece and I
intend to watch you go insane.
KAIN
SNATCHES the flame thrower off the soldier.
KAIN
YOU HEAR ME?
Nate is blinded by the flames.
INT. HANDS B/W - NIGHT
A TYPEWRITER -
Two hands type then stop, then type again.
A YOUNG WOMAN
Gently stops the hands from typing.
YOUNG WOMAN
It's late. Aren't you tired?
EXT. BEACH - DAY
Nate is woken up from being kissed by Nerissa.
NATE
Nerissa. Am I dreaming?
NERISSA
No you're not.
NATE
Have I died at some point?
NERISSA
Why would you say such a thing?
Nate sits up.
NATE
I feel like I'm between two worlds.
I got someone constantly trying to
kill me, and then I have you giving
me life.
NERISSA
Who is he?
NATE
Some man that hates me for God
knows what reason. I've never seen
this person before in my life
except in my dreams and now he
tells me he knows how to destroy my
real life.
Nerissa leans away.
NERISSA
Have you spoken to your Doctor
friend?
NATE
What are you saying? You think I'm
crazy?
NERISSA
I didn't say that at all!
NATE
One thing I do know, this all
started when I tried to go twenty
eight Augustine Lane.
NERISSA
What do you know about that
address?
Nerissa grabs Nate by the scruff.
NERISSA
Who told you about that address?
NATE
I don't remember who told me!
Nate forces her to let him go.
Nerissa covers her face and sobs.
The ocean shore rises up and gently splashes around her.
WATERY HANDS raise out of the water and caress Nerissa's
hair.
Nate sits back watching.
NERISSA
Sometimes I wish I was dead! I
should've been there, I'm so sorry!
She looks back at Nate
NERISSA
I think you should go.
INT. NATE'S BEDROOM - DAY
Nate wakes in bed.
He leans over to a bedside table and holds up Nerissa's
business card.
The phone rings.
Nate drops the card and answers the phone.
NATE
Hello? I forgot. I'll be there
soon.
INT. DR ARLEIGH'S OFFICE - DAY
Nate sits in Bob's office. The ticking of a clock on the wall
keeps both men silent.
Bob keeps jotting down Nate's comments.
NATE
Did I tell you about Nerissa?
BOB
I don't recall that you did.
NATE
She's a publisher from a company
called Pelham Publishing. She lives
by the ocean. When I'm around her I
feel very calm.
BOB
Have you gone back to the book
store?
Nate glares at Bob.
NATE
No.
BOB
Have you still been taking your
medication?
NATE
Yes.
Nate sits up rubbing his temples.
NATE
I can now clearly say this all
started to happen when I tried to
go to an address. Twenty eight
Augustine Lane. Then the cab had
the accident. That address mean
anything to you?
Bob shakes his head.
BOB
Do you know who lives there?
NATE
No idea.
BOB
Who gave you the address?
NATE
Edith. That bitch knew something!
He jumps out of his chair.
BOB
Where you going? You still have
twenty minutes left.
NATE
Can I ask you to go the address?
BOB
Why me?
NATE
There's something there. Answers.
There has to be! But I got to find
out what Edith knows.
He races out of the office.
EXT. BUSY STREET - DAY
Nate walks outside. The sky is BLEAK and OVERCAST.
NATE
Damn it.
An ELDERLY MAN over hears Nate's comment.
ELDERLY MAN
Looks like it's going to rain cats
and dogs!
DROPS start to sprinkle.
The elderly man opens his umbrella.
ELDERLY MAN
So grateful I brought my umbrella.
BAM!
A naked CORPSE lands on the elderly man at two hundred miles
an hour!
SMASH!
Another one lands on a car windshield nearby.
NATE
Fuck me!
CRASH! THUD!
More CORPSES, both male and female land -
- along the street
- onto footpaths
- other PEDESTRIANS
EVERYBODY panics.
Nate makes a run for it rains CORPSES from the sky.
Walking through the raining corpses is Kain. He carries an
axe, and heads after Nate.
KAIN
Why did you tell Arleigh to go the
address? Why won't you go there?
Nate keeps watching between Kain and the sky as he tries to
get away.
KAIN
You're like an insect that won't
die!
NATE
Your not real Kain, you're just
some bogey man from my dreams.
BAM!
Kain slams the axe into a CORPSE.
THUD!
One corpse lands behind Nate.
He trip backwards.
KAIN
You call Edith a bitch? What the
fuck do you know about her?
NATE
She's got something to do with
this.
KAIN
You're nothing compared to her,
understand? Nothing!
He stands over Nate and lifts the axe over his head.
KAIN
Bogey man or not, in time I will
kill you Nate!
Nate notices -
- a CORPSE zooming down from the sky -
- ready to pummel him.
NATE
Fuck you Kain!
The corpse CRASHES onto Nate.
EXT. CIRCUS - DAY
The little boy keeps racing around the tents.
BOY
Keep up!
FEMALE VOICE
Where are you going?
BOY
I want to show you my friend.
The boy stops at a LION that rests out in the open. It is not
chained down. The boy stops and slowly treads towards the
sleeping beast.
FEMALE VOICE
Is this your friend?
BOY
No.
In a sudden burst, the lion growls at him.
EXT. AUGUSTINE LANE - DAY
Thirty houses are joined together side by side with the same
style front lawns.
Number twenty eight is a run down townhouse.
Bob parks his car and steps out.
He walks to the front door and knocks. No answer. He taps
again.
BOB
Hello? Anybody home?
He twists the door knob. It opens.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Bob walks inside. Along the walls are old B/W framed photos
of an AIR PILOT in uniform.
Dust is thick along the walls and bench tops.
BOB
Hello? Anyone home? Don't be
alarmed.
He stops by another framed photo of a BLURRED FACE.
He proceeds into the main room.
EXT. AUGUSTINE LANE - DAY
The lane is quiet, not a soul around.
BOB
Oh my God no! Nooo! Nooooo!
Bob gives out a hideous scream.
INT. EDITH'S OFFICE - DAY
Edith's office has a fantastic view of the city.
BANG!
Nate bursts through the office door, pursued by EDITH'S
SECRETARY.
SECRETARY
Ma'am he just forced his way
past...
NATE
Why did you send me to that
address?
Edith nods at her Secretary. She closes the door.
EDITH
What are you talking about?
Edith stands up and pours Nate some water.
NATE
Twenty Eight Augustine Lane.
She looks at him bemused.
EDITH
Why would I send you to that
address?
NATE
To pick up the extra cartons for
the book launch, the other night!
You wrote the address down.
Nate FUMBLES trying to find the slip of paper.
EDITH
I wanted you to go the warehouse,
here, at the publishing house.
NATE
Then what is that address?
EDITH
That's where I live.
She offers the glass of water to Nate. He pops the lid of his
medication and gulps them down.
The BOY wanders into the office.
BOY
Here we go loopy loo ... Here we go
loopy li...
The boy walks around Edith's desk and gives her a hug.
BOY
Who's this mum?
NATE
Your son?
EDITH
Yes. Kain Say hello to Nate.
The boy smiles.
NATE
I've seen him in my dreams.
EDITH
You are beginning to scare me a
little talking about my son and
knowing my address...
Nate stares at the boy.
NATE
Here I go loopy loo, here I go
loopy li...
INT. B/W DINNER PARTY - NIGHT
Six DINNER GUEST, both male and female, drink wine and eat at
a large dinner table.
At one end of the table is Nerissa. She stands up.
NERISSA
I'd just like to say what a
wonderful year this has been at
Pelham Publishing. After a long and
hard past I have finally fulfilled
my dream and built a successful
company.
The guest raise their glasses.
NERISSA
Everybody in this room is like my
new family. Without which I would
surely die!
Everybody laughs.
NERISSA
I love each and every one of you.
To Pelham Publishing!
GUESTS
To Pelham Publishing!
A constant CLAPPING -
- from the opposite end of the dinner table.
There sits Kain, clapping and smiling.
Nerissa lowers her glass.
KAIN
Irony works in some vicious ways,
don't you think?
NERISSA
If you're speaking of the
anniversary, I haven't forgotten. I
have been thinking about it lately.
Kain stands up.
KAIN
I'm sure you have! But I think
about it every day. You don't,
that's obvious with your
celebrations!
NERISSA
Life does go on Kain.
KAIN
No, it doesn't.
EXT. RIVER - WORLD WAR 1 - NIGHT
Nate stands by a rivers edge.
WAR SIRENS ring out in the distance.
SOLDIERS -
marching closer.
Nate ducks behind a dirt hill.
Several GERMAN TROOPS march behind Egmont Zimmerman. Their
faces cannot be seen but their eyes glow red.
EGMONT
Hosenscheisser, where are you?
Troops look in all directions. They stop and wait, still not
knowing where Nate is hidden.
EGMONT
You must protect us from the Hun!
The river starts to STIR.
A LARGE GORILLA pops up from the water -
Treading towards the shore, closer to Nate.
Nate can see it wearing a German military helmet.
In one arm it carries a topless WOMAN and in the other hand
it carries a club. It stands at least twelve feet tall and is
straight out of an old war propaganda poster.
Finally it stops, standing above Nate.
EGMONT
Yes? He's there? Then kill him
du verdammter Arschficker!
The gorilla lifts up the club.
Nate STANDS up...
and makes a break for it.
Immediately the troops let RIP with flame throwers.
Nate yells -
ducks for cover, never stopping.
He notices more GORILLAS treading out of the river.
EGMONT
Hurensohn!
EXT. STREET - WORLD WAR 1 - NIGHT
Nate races out onto the street to see -
- PEOPLE run in every direction trying not to get shot by
German soldiers.
- A Gorilla jumps down from a building and club a PASSERBY
straight into a shop front.
Another MAN stops infront of Nate brandishing a rifle.
He aims the rifle at the gorilla -
BANG!
The Gorilla is hit but -
charges at the man.
In a split second the man is raced off his feet and taken
away.
Nate glances down to see the rifle on the ground.
He picks it up and hides behind a car.
SMASH!
Another GORILLA, clubs the car.
Nate leans forward -
- aims. POW!
The gorilla drops backwards dead.
An ARMY OF RUSSIANS charge along the street.
He is swept up by the commotion and charges with them.
EXT. TRENCHES - WORLD WAR 1 - NIGHT
The street comes to an end and leads to a large open field.
Nate stops and stares -
- at hundreds of SOLDIERS charging the GERMAN ARMY
German troops use flame throwers, TOASTING any one they can.
BOOM! -
- Land mines EXPLODE, sending unsuspecting soldiers into the
air.
GORILLAS stand in the thick of the fight swinging their clubs
at oncoming soldiers.
Nate is knocked over.
He suddenly spots Kain, walking towards him through all the
fighting.
KAIN
This is what you wanted isn't it?
All this killing? This was more
important!
Nate stands up ready to fire at Kain.
NATE
I have to be dreaming? This can't
be real.
Kain snatches the rifle off Nate.
KAIN
Of course it's real!
WHACK!
He thumps Nate in the head with the butt of the rifle.
KAIN
It's all about who you left behind!
Nate staggers away.
Soldiers ignore him and race around.
Amongst the charging soldiers -
A crying JAPANESE WOMAN. She is terrorfied as she runs past
Nate.
EXT. HIROSHIMA - WORLD WAR 2 - NIGHT
More people that race past Nate are JAPANESE CIVILIANS.
Nate, dumbfounded, is shoved out of the way.
JAPANESE CIVILIAN
Baku Yaro!
GARGANTUAN WAR SIRENS on legs, resembling something akin to
'War Of The Worlds', roam Hiroshima City.
They lean down -
- wailing away, scaring civilians out of the city.
Nate stops to see Daisetsu Handa, dragging his dead FATHER
along the street.
His father is dressed in a Japanese Military outfit.
DAISETSU
Kusu o taberu na!
Nate tries to help him.
DAISETSU
Achike!
NATE
Let me help you!
A high pitched WHISTLE comes from the sky -
The book Lives Left Behind -
... drops down to earth...
... grinding to a halt...
just above the ground hovering in mid air.
Both Nate and Daisetsu stare at it.
Nate reaches out -
- opens the cover.
BOOM!
EXT. HIROSHIMA SKY - WORLD WAR 2 - NIGHT
A NUCLEAR BLAST obliterates Hiroshima.
Nate is FLUNG past the gargantuan wailers.
They stare at him flying past.
They too become ENGULFED.
The blast radiates so bright that the sky changes to -
EXT. BATTLE OF MIDWAY - WORLD WAR 2 - DAY
The blast smoke begins to clear.
From such an altitude, Nate watches -
the BATTLE OF MIDWAY below.
He plummets down.
FIGHTER PLANES zig zag around him.
An AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER is fired upon.
SPLAAASSSSH! Nate hits the ocean.
A small life boat with AMERICAN SAILORS grab Nate.
SAILOR
Get him out of the water!
Nate is dragged on board the life boat.
NATE
I can't move!
SAILOR
That was one hell of a jump.
The Sailor points at the Aircraft Carrier which is only fifty
feet away and under heavy attack.
Japanese fighter planes DIVE BOMB the ship.
BOOM!
EXPLOSIONS rock the starboard bow.
BATTLE SHIPS cover the sky with GUNFIRE and MISSILES.
More planes crash into the Aircraft Carrier.
CREAK! SNAP!
The ship makes an eerie loud noise.
SAILOR
It's starting to sink, everyone
paddle!
The very ocean itself begins to BOIL -
and up rises a large VOLCANO.
It SPEWS out boiling VOLCANIC MAGMA into the sky -
hitting several planes.
Nate is awestruck by the sight.
SAILOR
Oh my God everybody jump out!
Nate's attention falls on a plane that is about to crash into
their life boat.
All the sailors DIVE out leaving Nate last.
He jumps off the life boat.
CRASH!
Nate is THROWN into the air -
EXT. JUNGLE - VIETNAM WAR - DAY
- And lands on a dirt ground.
He is helped to his feet by the very same SAILOR, now dressed
as an army soldier.
SAILOR
C'mon this way!
They stop at a hill crest.
EXT. CLEARING - VIETNAM WAR - DAY
Hundreds of AMERICAN TROOPS charge and fire at a -
living MOUNTAIN shaped like Lanh Truong's face.
It bellows out in a loud voice and uses the surrounding trees
to sweep away the troops like ants.
NATE
That's Lanh!
SAILOR
That's Charlie alright!
A jet ROCKETS past -
- dropping NAPALM across Lanh's mountain face.
It ERUPTS into a ball of flames.
The mountain gives an almighty roar.
Chinook helicopters fly overhead, dropping more troops into
the battle.
SAILOR
We got to get down there!
EXT. STREAM - VIETNAM WAR - DAY
The sailor keeps racing along a stream.
Water hands raise up and grab Nate.
NATE
Wait!
The sailor keeps running, ignoring Nate's plea.
A SHRUB moves -
A VIETNAMESE SOLDIER shows his face.
He carries a small SHOULDER ROCKET launcher.
VIETNAMESE SOLDIER
Do con hoang!
The soldier fires the rocket and again it is the Lives Left
Behind book.
It slows down in front of Nate.
NATE
Shit, not again.
BOOM!
Nate goes flying backwards -
- through BRANCHES, high up amongst the trees.
A flock of birds scatter...
and fly away...
only to MORPH into JETS...
and U-Turn back, roaring past Nate.
EXT. MOUNTAIN BASE - VIETNAM WAR - DAY
Nate lands with a THUD!
Nobody seems to be around this clearing.
TREES lean down and grab him -
moving him closer to a MOUNTAIN FACE of Kain.
KAIN
Don't you remember?
NATE
Who are you? Why do you hate me so
much? I can't take it any more!
Mountain Kain proceeds to swallow Nate.
He rolls down the tongue.
KAIN
You will remember this.
EXT. DESERT - GULF WAR 1 - NIGHT
Nate rolls down a sand hill and lands on his back.
Ameen Naseer, appears before him.
He is distorted and has extremely long legs and a small body
and carries a gun.
AMEEN
Madar kharbeh!
Nate glances to his right and notices -
- that they're on a FLOATING MASS OF LAND.
There are several other floating land masses across the night
sky.
Nate quickly looks in the other direction to see -
more American troops fighting a FLAMING OIL DEVIL, looking
more like a scene from 'King Kong'.
Nate raises his hands to surrender.
Ameen gestures for him to stand up.
NATE
Just don't shoot.
Ameen shoves Nate with the rifle to join fellow PRISONERS.
He is handed a sack and watches as the other prisoners seem
to sprinkle large round seeds along the surface of the
ground.
Nate reaches into the sack and pulls out a handful of
MINIATURE SKULLS.
Instantly he drops them in dismay.
AMEEN
khange khodah!
He laughs and points at Nate.
A TANK WITH CENTIPEDE LEGS crawls at Nate, aiming the canon
barrel at him.
More TANKS CRAWL to halt nearby.
Nate glances down at his feet...
the skulls are CHEWING the land away.
OIL OOZES through the dirt around his feet.
BOOM!
He is shot into the air by an OIL FOUNTAIN -
flying upwards to another floating land mass.
EXT. DESERT - GULF WAR 2 - DAY
Nate grabs hold of the edge of the land mass only to find
that he is standing in a MAN MADE HOLE.
Yasin Malik leans over the hole and offers Nate a hand.
NATE
Don't touch me!
A large SAND HAND lifts him out of the hole.
Nate glances around -
IRAQI SOLDIERS sit on a BURNT OUT TANK playing cards.
YASIN
Your path lies that way.
YASIN
points to a path made of burnt out MILITARY VEHICLES.
Thousands of various vehicles from CHINOOK helicopters,
TANKS, JEEPS, PLANES and even DEAD SOLDIERS, are neatly lined
up in a row.
On either side of the path is an OCEAN OF OIL.
American and British battle ships line the sides of the path,
as if they were guarding.
NATE
What if I don't go?
Yasin smiles.
YASIN
You've come this far.
Nate proceeds along the path.
EXT. PATH - GULF WAR 2 - DAY
Nate wanders along the path. His very body begins to flame up
but this doesn't alarm him.
NATE
Go out.
The flames stop.
Nate laughs, slightly insane.
His whole body changes to a burnt out RUSTED METAL NATE.
He keeps walking and glances at his hands.
NATE
I know it's not real! I know now
what's going on!
He changes back to normal Nate.
NATE
You don't scare me!
A NAKED NERISSA climbs out of the oil and stands before Nate
completely blacked out.
Nerissa LASHES out and jabs her hand inside Nate's mouth.
He chokes and coughs -
falling over as her arm goes DEEPER down his throat.
She begins to turn him INSIDE-OUT through his own mouth -
revealing a black interior of him, covered in HAND WRITTEN
WORDS.
Nate lays on the path as a blacked out HUMAN SHAPE with white
writing -
And lets out a SCREAM.
INT. DR ARLEIGH'S OFFICE - DAY
The bottle of Haldol sits on Bob's office table.
Bob breaths at a very quick pace -
- staring at the bottle.
Nate walks into the office.
NATE
I understand what's happening to
me.
Bob slowly glances at him.
BOB
Do you now?
Nate notices his tone.
NATE
I must be having a nervous
breakdown.
Bob laughs to himself.
BOB
Breakdown? Then what am I having?
NATE
I don't understand?
BOB
You had to keep pushing to find out
what was happening to you.
I offered you my advice and even
went to the address, only to find
out nothing matters anymore.
Bob scratches at his face.
NATE
What are you doing?
Bob hits the intercom button.
BOB
Miss Kreen will you come in here
please?
Bob opens a drawer and pulls out a HANDGUN.
NATE
Bob, what's at the address?
Bob gives out a laugh.
BOB
Too scared to find out? But you
made me fucking find out!
NATE
What did you see there?
MISS KREEN, mid twenties, walks into the office.
BANG!
Bob fires a single shot into her forehead.
She HITS the wall dead.
Nate flinches -
NATE
You're all crazier than me! This is
about Kain and Edith!
Bob stands up -
- and points the gun at Nate.
BOB
It's not about them! It's about
fucking you!
Bob
LOADS the barrel into his own mouth.
NATE
Bob! No!
BANG!
Fires the gun and blows his brains out.
Silence.
Nate stands in the office dumbstruck with two dead corpses in
the office.
EXT. BUSY STREET - DAY
Nate races out of the office building. Everyone walks past
him oblivious to what has happened.
NATE
Taxi!
A cab pulls over and Nate jumps inside.
INT. CAB - DAY
As soon as Nate closes the door, he realizes he has the same
cab driver as before.
NATE
I'm going to Twenty eight Augustine
Lane. It's a couple of blocks from
here. Try not to crash this time.
TAXI DRIVER
Crash? We've done all this before?
NATE
Yes we have.
TAXI DRIVER
This feels like a ritual. It's all
been done before.
EXT. AUGUSTINE LANE - DAY
The cab pulls up and Nate gets out.
Again the lane is quiet. Nate watches as the cab pulls away.
He proceeds to number twenty eight.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
The front door is ajar and Nate pushes it open.
NATE
Hello?
He walks inside and glances at the photos on the walls. His
head aches and he pushes the paintings off the wall.
NATE
What is this place? Hello? Anybody
home?
Nate walks to the main room.
INT. MAIN ROOM - DAY
Inside this room is dark and dank.
Dust fills the air as STREAMS of sunlight filter through
vertical blinds.
WAR PHOTOS lay on tables.
An ELDERLY EDITH, sits dead in a chair.
She has a small diary resting on her lap.
An empty bottle of Haldol lays on the floor at her feet.
Nate walks inside the room studying the surroundings.
NATE
Edith?
He checks her pulse then notices the book on her lap.
He takes the book, glancing at the cover.
It's a hand written title: LIVES LEFT BEHIND.
A sharp pain -
PIERCES Nate's head.
He opens the book.
NATE
Do you know how hard it was to get
these authors together? Pelican
Publishing spent close to a hundred
thousand dollars on just airfares
and accommodation alone. I'm sure
your company will make it's money
back Edith. Thanks again for doing
this Nate, I mean with our past and
you know. Forget about it! This is
different business.
Nate is confused.
NATE
You're like the perfect dream man
Nate. You're going to make a woman
very happy one day. I almost
forgot. I got a few more cartons
kept at this address.
He flicks through more pages: BOGEY MAN OR NOT, IN TIME I
WILL KILL YOU NATE. FUCK YOU KAIN.
He can't believe what he's reading: YOU HAD TO KEEP PUSHING
TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO YOU... IT'S NOT ABOUT THEM
IT'S ABOUT FUCKING YOU! BOB NO...
NATE
What the fuck is going on?
Towards the back of the book: WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?
He flicks to the very back page -
to the very last word -
which reads: NERISSA.
TAP! TAP! TAP!
The SOUND of the front door SCREECHES open.
He stands there frozen.
From around the corner -
walks a SIX MONTH OLD BABY in diapers and wearing glasses.
NATE
Nerissa?
Baby Nerissa picks up the bottle of Haldol and rests it onto
a table.
NERISSA
Did you finish your medication?
NATE
Not that it matters, because I know
what's happened. I've gone mad and
I'm stuck in my own make believe
world.
Baby Nerissa takes a seat next to Edith.
NERISSA
My poor mother eventually couldn't
cope with it all. After reading
that book for years, she decided to
overdose on the medication that was
for my father. Did I ever tell you
my father's name?
NATE
No.
NERISSA
It was Jake Pelham. You're holding
his diary.
Nate SLAMS both hands against his head.
He drops to the floor.
NATE
You people don't exist.
Baby Nerissa stomps towards Nate on the floor.
NERISSA
We exist. You don't!
Nate lets out a terrorfied scream.
NATE
I do exist!
NERISSA
Everything you have ever spoken is
in that book. Everything you
encountered is in that book.
NATE
No it can't be? I have a life.
NERISSA
What life? Where did you live six
months ago?
NATE
I don't remember.
Baby Nerissa begins to morph into adult Nerissa clothed.
NERISSA
I own a store called Exquisite
Books in my real life.
Nate struggles trying to keep it together.
NATE
Who am I?
NERISSA
I don't know where my father got
you from, but as a child Kain and I
gave you life from a poster we saw.
Nate begins to cry.
NATE
And my thoughts and words are from
a book. So why tell me this?
Nerissa glances up -
then disappears.
The whole room BLACKS OUT completely.
A wind blows onto Nate's face.
EXT. RUBBLE - NIGHT
Nate finds himself standing on a demolished building.
WAR SIRENS BLARE away in the background.
Kain
walks towards Nate from amongst the rubble.
He doesn't look menacing, he looks HAGGARD and WORN OUT.
NATE
Nerissa told me who I am.
Kain offers a wry smile.
KAIN
I'm sure she did.
NATE
Why do all this to me? If I don't
exist there is no point.
KAIN
I never knew my father. But when he
died in battle the military sent us
a diary that he kept, which showed
us he was losing his mind. He wrote
about someone called Nate and hated
his only son, and you ask me why?
Nate is dumbfounded.
KAIN
I did nothing to my father and to
read such things about yourself. He
wrote about you Nate like you were
some normal, real person, you're
not even real! And he wrote me in
as some Hitler Nazi.
Kain plonks down on the ground.
KAIN
I'm tired of it all Nate. I'm
ending all this tonight. You won't
be in my thoughts anymore.
NATE
But you can't kill me. Nerissa can
conjure me in her dreams.
Kain laughs.
KAIN
She's on her way to my place right
now. I'm going to kill her in the
real world.
NATE
Kain, you can't!
KAIN
If my father always thought of me
as some monster, then so be it!
Nate grabs Kain by the scruff.
Kain giggles to himself.
KAIN
The brilliant thing is there's not
a thing you can do about it. Do I
scare you now normal Nate?
Nate hits Kain.
NATE
You're crazy!
KAIN
And I accept it.
Kain starts to disappear.
KAIN
I'm starting to wake up. Seeing you
want to know so much about who you
are. Let me show you.
Kain fully disappears.
INT. BLACK
Nate's world blacks out.
He glances in all directions confused.
A tiny B/W picture appears before him. It's of Kain as a
child.
EXT. CIRCUS - DAY
The little BOY, races from someone chasing him with a super
eight camera.
The boy smiles and laughs constantly looking back at whoever
holds the camera.
BOY
This way. Just follow me.
The background has old fashioned circus tents.
The little Boy continues running amongst the circus tents.
A MIDGET juggles fire, ignoring the boy and camera.
A MUSCLEMAN bench presses two TRAPEZE GIRLS who sit on either
side of the weight bar.
They smile and wave in a RAPID manner at the camera.
BOY
This way, quick I'll show you.
The little boy keeps racing around the tents.
BOY
Keep up!
FEMALE VOICE
Where are you going Kain?
BOY
I want to show you my friend.
The boy stops at a LION that rests out in the open.
It is not chained down.
The boy stops and slowly treads towards the sleeping beast.
FEMALE VOICE
Is this your friend?
BOY
No.
The lion GROWLS at him.
The boy jumps back startled, then laughs.
He continues to run.
A YOUNG GIRL -
joins in the running and they both laugh at TRAPEZE ARTISTS
practicing and flipping.
FEMALE VOICE
C'mon I'm getting tired.
The boy stops outside a small information booth.
POSTERS are placed along the outside walls of the booth
almost one on top of the other.
The boy tears away several posters then stops at one hidden
away.
It's a professional 1940's hand drawn propaganda poster of a
man watching a city flying into the sky.
Underneath is the slogan: DO NOT ALTERNATE, INVEST IN LIBERTY
BONDS.
The man in the poster is NATE.
Both the girl and boy point and laugh.
INT. KAIN'S APARTMENT B/W - NIGHT
KAIN
stands in the centre of the apartment watching the old circus
footage.
KAIN
There's your answer.
He SHUFFLES to a table and lifts up his bottle of Haldol.
KAIN
What does it look like I'm doing?
He washes down a handful of tablets with a glass of water.
KAIN
I don't know how many were in
there? I lost count.
The film in the projector flips over and over.
Kain SHUFFLES over to the projector. Packing away the film.
KAIN
Aren't you happy you know the
truth? I admit it's different this
time around, just feels different.
But with Nerissa and myself dead...
He laughs to himself.
KAIN
I'm surprised I didn't do this last
year or the year before.
INT. BLACK -
Nate stands on a single PILLAR, surrounded by a 360 degree
window, showing Kain's POV of his apartment.
NATE
You can't kill Nerissa! This is
between me and you.
The distorted face of Kain, MORPHS from part of the window.
KAIN
I won't have Nerissa thinking of
you. Then that would give you life.
NATE
There must be something I can do.
INT. KAIN'S APARTMENT B/W - NIGHT
KAIN
You can get the fuck out of my
head!
TAPPING -
at the front door.
Kain gives a sinister smile.
KAIN
Must keep thinking about you. So
you can see what happens.
Kain shuffles to the front door then -
SLAMS his hands against his temples.
KAIN
No! No! No! You don't mention her
name! You helped kill my mother!
You and Dad.
TAPPING -
KAIN
Coming.
He opens the door and Nerissa CHARGES in.
NERISSA
I got your message. What have you
done?
KAIN
I have to get rid of him.
NERISSA
Who? Nate?
She notices the projector.
NERISSA
I know this time every year brings
back her anniversary, but you have
to let it go.
She guides Kain to the sofa.
INT. BLACK -
Nate watches Nerissa.
NATE
Nerissa! Oh god please don't hurt
her! I beg you!
INT. KAIN'S APARTMENT B/W - NIGHT
Kain slaps his head.
NERISSA
Hey, hey, don't do that! Don't do
that.
KAIN
I think he loves you. He won't stop
calling your name! A what? A
chateau?
Nerissa is bewildered.
NERISSA
How can you know that?
KAIN
You dream of him?
NERISSA
Every year with Mum's anniversary I
can't help but dream of him.
KAIN
It's his fault she's dead! His
fault!
Nerissa stands up, searching the apartment.
NERISSA
Where's your medication?
KAIN
I've taken it.
She discovers the empty bottle.
NERISSA
What, all of it?
INT. BLACK -
NATE -
closes his eyes.
NATE
Nerissa, I know the truth makes
things different...
INT. KAIN'S APARTMENT B/W - NIGHT
Kain's eyes are closed.
Nerissa is confused.
KAIN
... But I still want to live out
memories of the chateau by the
beach. I want to feel and sense
each of those moments just as much
as you do again.
Kain lets out a scream, slaps his head again.
KAIN
If he's not real, then what the
fuck is that?
NERISSA
Kain you're scaring me.
Kain pounds his own head and face.
KAIN
Shut up Nate! Just Shut up! Shut
up!
Nerissa notices Kain's mouth is bleeding.
NERISSA
Calm down. Let me get something for
your mouth.
INT. BLACK -
Nate watches as she walks out of view.
Kain's POV
faces a GLASS COFFEE TABLE -
at a large JAGGED ASHTRAY.
Kain's hand picks it up, weighs it.
NATE
You can't do this! Don't do it!
The distorted Kain appears from the window.
KAIN
You make me sick! I'm not going to
let you touch my sister!
The window blacks out.
A tiny white light shines down onto Nate from above.
NERISSA (O.S.)
Kain? Huh!
THUD!
NERISSA (O.S.)
Hphhhh! Stop it! No!
CRASH! The sound of glass shatters.
Nate glances up at the light.
NATE
You son of a bitch! Leave her
alone!
NERISSA (O.S.)
Somebody help... Please Kain!
Noooo...
THUD!
The SOUND of heavy BREATHING.
The 360 degree window LIGHTS UP, revealing -
- KAIN standing in a bathroom, facing a CABINET MIRROR.
His face is DRENCHED in blood.
KAIN
Do I scare you now?
Kain's face twitches -
- staggers back -
holding his chest.
INT. BLACK -
The window blacks out again.
KAIN (V.O.)
Pills are kicking in. Time to go
home.
Nate's surroundings change -
EXT. RUBBLE - NIGHT
Nate stands on a dirt hill, surrounded by demolished houses.
Absolute quiet.
STORM CLOUDS
form a black void in the night sky.
Nearby is a an OLD ARMY JEEP.
NATE
Time to go home.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
SMASH!
Nate rams the jeep through an old wooden fence and onto a
deserted street.
Buildings begin to CRUMBLE and CRACK at their foundations.
EXT. JEEP - NIGHT
WHOOSH!
CARS begin to lift into the air.
Nate floors the jeep.
More VEHICLES begin to ROLL in the jeep's path.
Nate swerves like mad to not hit any.
NATE glances at the rearview mirror to see -
CARS being sucked into the void.
BUILDINGS crumbling into pieces.
EXT. AUGUSTINE LANE - NIGHT
Nate SCREECHES the jeep to a halt.
The POUNDING of a HEARTBEAT is deafening as Nate blocks his
ears.
The thirty houses have all been DEMOLISHED.
NATE
Kain?
KAIN as a BOY skips past Nate.
He holds a leash, leading a LION.
BOY
Here we go loopy loo ... Here we go
loopy li ...
NATE
Kain?
Nate jumps out of the jeep.
NATE
Kain?
Both the boy and lion look back at Nate.
BOY
I'm going home now. You should too.
Nate follows the boy.
NATE
What happened to Nerissa?
BOY
Nerissa?
The boy grins.
BOY
She doesn't live here anymore.
The boy lays down where number twenty eight use to be.
He lets the lion go.
Nate watches it run in a different direction.
The BEATING sound becomes erratic.
The boy grabs his chest and MORPHS into Kain.
In the distance -
The STORM VOID circles them, slowly destroying everything.
NATE
What is happening?
KAIN
I'm dying Nate.
He gives a smirk.
KAIN
Everything must go!
Nate grabs Kain.
NATE
You have to wake up. Do it!
Kain laughs.
KAIN
There's nothing out there for me.
NATE
What about Nerissa? You killed her.
KAIN
I did what I had to do!
Kain gives a JOLT.
KAIN
Last waltz of life.
Nate SHAKES Kain.
NATE
Wake up! Wake up! Please god...
Just wake up!
KAIN
We're all going to be just dirt in
the ground.
Kain closes his eyes -
and dies.
NATE
Kain? KAIN?
The HEART BEAT stops.
Nate stands up and watches as -
- DEBRIS is vacuumed into the night sky.
- CARS TUMBLE and shoot up.
- BUILDINGS crumble and DISINTERGRATE.
- The very ROAD and FRONT LAWNS rip up.
An upward spiralling AVALANCHE of debris ROARS towards him.
NATE -
Closes his eyes.
NATE
Do not alternate...
BLACKNESS.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD - DAY
Nerissa lies on a bed attached to a life support system.
Her head is covered in bandages.
A DOCTOR, mid sixties, studies her chart.
A POLICE OFFICER stands nearby.
OFFICER
So what's the verdict?
DOCTOR
Her skull has been fractured across
the right temple. It's way too
early to tell how the operation
went.
The officer leans over the bed.
OFFICER
Poor kid will probably be a
vegetable when she wakes up.
DOCTOR
If she wakes up.
OFFICER
Found her brother slumped in the
bathroom. OD'd on his own
medication.
DOCTOR
Any other family we can contact?
OFFICER
No.
The Officer leaves.
OFFICER
Thanks Doctor, if she wakes up,
give me a call.
DOCTOR
Don't suspect that'll be any time
soon.
The officer glances back at Nerissa.
OFFICER
Here's hoping she's dreaming of a
nice place.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
A beautiful clear day.
Nerissa, dressed in a bathing suit, stands along the waters
edge.
She watches -
ocean WAVES forming shapes of HANDS, gently pushing DOLPHINS
riding the waves.
She smiles.
SPLASH!
Nate pops up from the wave, walking back to shore.
NATE
Did you see me that time?
NERISSA
Not that time. I saw the dolphins.
He splashes at her.
NATE
You should come in. The water is
perfect.
Nerissa grins.
NERISSA
I can imagine.
She SPLASHES at him and races for the ocean.
They both laugh and chase eachother.
The End.
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