"F R O Z E N"

by 

Brent Boyens

Revisions by

Reed J. Murphy

11/6/09

reed843@yahoo.com

FADE IN:

INT. MARK'S HOUSE - BEDROOM – DAWN

We're inside a bedroom -- pretty bare and with not much of a bed. 

The SOUNDS of A FAUCET RUNNING and TEETH BEING BRUSHED, coming from a nearby bathroom.

An acoustic guitar rests in a corner.
A few clothes are strewn about on the floor.
A photo of ROBERT LARSON and his son, YOUNG MARK, both smiling at a football game, rests on a nightstand.  
Beside the photo, a PENDANT RING that has been re-made into A NECKLACE. 

Beat. After the unmistakable flush of a toilet, MARK LARSON, clean-shaven, now grown up and in his early 20's, walks out of the bathroom and dries off his hair with a towel. Despite his young age, Mark already looks as if the world has beaten the life out of him. 

He walks over and rummages through his closet. 
Grabs a Kroger Employee T-shirt from inside.
Pulls it over his head.

And then he goes to his nightstand. Grabs a plastic Kroger Name Tag and pins it to his shirt.  
And, tenderly, he takes the PENDANT-RING NECKLACE and wears it around his neck.

Then Mark stares at THE SMILING PHOTO OF HIS FATHER.
Stone-faced. And somewhat sad.

Mark takes a deep breath. Beat.

				   MARK
			    (sotto)
		 ... Catcha later, Dad.

Mark leaves his Kroger T-shirt untucked, grabs his car keys and heads out the door.

										  CUT TO:

EXT. KROGER STORE - PARKING LOT - ESTABLISHING - DAWN

Various customers move in and out of the Kroger food store.

INT. KROGER STORE - DAWN - CONTINUOUS 

Mark works behind the check-out register. 
Takes swigs from a water bottle. 
Listens to his iPod. 
Bored. He has better things to do......
And then something catches Mark's eye.

WHAT HE SEES -- From across the store, A LITTLE BOY, no more than 6 or 7 years-old, stands in front of a gumball machine. Spreads his arms out like a music conductor.

				   LITTLE BOY
		  Open Sesame...!!
				(no response from
				 the gumball machine)
		  I said, "Open Sesame"!!
				(still nothing; very
				 dramatic)
		  "OPEN SESAME", says ME!!

Mark cracks a smile.  He finds this kid somewhat amusing.
He's about to go over and help him ...

... but suddenly The Little Boy's FATHER arrives and notices the boy's dilemma. He rubs the Little Boy's head good-naturedly.

				   LITTLE BOY'S FATHER
		  Whoa, hold on there, sport!  You need a 
		  quarter if you want a gumball. 
				 (reaches into his pocket
				  and gives his son a
				  quarter)
		  Here you go...

				    LITTLE BOY
		  Thanks, Daddy!!

Mark watches them both.  Somewhat transfixed. 
Definitely brings back a sad memory.

Suddenly a PERKY CUSTOMER pushes her cart up to Mark's register. She unloads her groceries. Glances outside the store. 
Takes a deep breath and smiles.

				   PERKY CUSTOMER
		   Such a beautiful day outside, isn't it?   
		   The sun is shinin' ... birds singin' 
		   ... flowers in full bloom ... It always 
		   puts me in a good mood!

No response from Mark. 
Still watching the Father and Little Boy.
Perky Customer notices. Leans closer to Mark.

				    PERKY CUSTOMER (CONT'D)
                    (can't help being nosy)
		   Are you okay?

Mark quickly snaps out of it --

				     MARK
		   Huh, what?  Oh!  Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.
		   Sorry. I'll scan your groceries.

And Mark begins scanning her groceries.

					PERKY CUSTOMER
              Do you go to school around here?
           
No response. Like a robot, Mark continues scanning the groceries. An awkward moment.
Then Mark snaps out of it again --

					 MARK
		    Huh? Oh, uh ... no. Not anymore.
		    I dropped out. Quit.

					 PERKY CUSTOMER
		    You quit?  Why on earth would you 
		    do that?

Then Mark meets her gaze. Solemn.

					 MARK
		     Personal reasons.

The Perky Customer is at a lost for words.  
Isn't sure how to react...
Finally, she forces a smile.

					 PERKY CUSTOMER
			    ("bullshit")
		     Well, you have a nice day!

And she loads up her bags and pushes her cart away.

										     CUT TO:

EXT. KROGER STORE - PARKING LOT - LATER - NIGHT

It's late. Mark has finished work and walks through the wet Kroger parking lot. It has recently just rained. 
He gets into his old, beaten-up car.
Drives off.

										     CUT TO: 

EXT. MARK'S HOUSE - LATER - NIGHT

Mark's car cruises down the street and pulls up in front of his house. Abruptly stops. 

INSIDE MARK'S CAR,

Mark turns off the ignition. He retrieves his cell-phone from the passenger seat. Presses it to his ear. 

					 VOICEMAIL
				 (mechanical)
		      You have one new message.

Beat. We now hear the voice of KELLY, Mark's girlfriend.

					  KELLY (V.O.)
			 Hey babe, it's me Kelly. I haven't 
			 heard from you in a while and just 
			 thought I check in to see how you 
			 are doing ... I don't know if your 
			 cell-phone has been acting up again, 
			 but hopefully we can get that taken 
			 care of ...

Mark continues listening to his voicemail.
Looks at A PICTURE OF KELLY taped to his dashboard.

She's very attractive.
Has a stunning smile.

					  KELLY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
			  Umm, yeah ... Sooo, anyway, I hope you 
			  are in good spirits and feel free to
			  call me whenever you get the chance...
				  (pause)
		       It would be really great to hear from you.
				  (another pause)
			  Take care of yourself, okay? ... Bye.

Mark shuts off his phone. Stone-faced. 
Touches the photo of Kelly ... 
Then he steps out of the car.

							                     CUT TO:

INT. MARK'S HOUSE - HALLWAY - LATER - NIGHT

Light from Mark's bedroom spills into a dark hallway.
A SHADOWY FIGURE DANCES on the wooden floor.

The SOUND of a GUITAR being strummed. 
Somebody starts SINGING.
We PUSH FORWARD towards the bedroom to investigate...

INSIDE MARK'S BEDROOM,

We find Mark sitting on a wooden stool. A single light stand overcasts him. Drowning the bedroom in semi-darkness. 

Currently, he's in the middle of writing a song.
(Or perhaps trying to find an emotional release?)
He's SINGING. Really LOUD. Strumming his guitar. 
And HIS VOICE ECHOES throughout the empty household.....

									      DISSOLVE TO:

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - LOBBY - DAY

Mark sits in a chair inside a lobby. The entire room is stark white. He has cup of coffee in hand. 
Drinks it. Waiting for his name to be called. 

Then he feels his PENDANT-RING NECKLACE around his neck.
Somehow it gives him a sad, unbearable weight. 
But he still clings to it --

Then a MAN IN A SUIT approaches Mark.

				   MAN IN A SUIT
		 Mr. Larson?  
			 (points down the hall)
		 This way, please.

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - OFFICE - DAY - CONTINUOUS

The MAN IN A SUIT rummages through a storage shelf. 
Lined up against a wall.

Mark sits in a leather chair in front of the office desk. 
Unflinching. Like a statue.

Clearly, he doesn't want to be here.

				  MAN IN A SUIT
		 I'm sorry about your loss, Mr. Larson.
		 Really. I am. Now according to your 
	      dad's will and last testament, he 
		 wanted to leave you with a few personal 
		 items....

The Man In A Suit produces A CARDBOARD BOX off the shelf.
And puts it on top of the desk. 

Mark still doesn't flinch. 

				  MAN IN A SUIT (CONT'D)
		 Although it's not much, there might be 
		 something that'll interest you. And, of 
		 course, we're always remembered for the 
		 gifts we leave behind to our children.

Mark looks at him. Grim.

				  MARK
		 Yeah. That's what my dad used to tell me.

The Man In A Suit takes in his point.
Gestures toward the box. 

				   MAN IN A SUIT
		 Would you care to look through it now?

Beat. Mark shakes his head: "No. Not right now."

The Man In A Suit nods. Understandable.
Slides over paperwork for Mark to sign.

				   MAN IN A SUIT (CONT'D)
		 All right. Well, if I can have you sign 
		 these release forms, then we'll be done 
		 here.

										     CUT TO:

INT. MARK'S HOUSE - LATER - DAY

Mark enters the house. Hugs the CARDBOARD BOX under his arm.
He walks into the kitchen. 
Sets the cardboard box down on the table.

He goes to wash his hands at the kitchen sink.
Then checks his HOME ANSWERING MACHINE. No messages.

When finished, Mark picks up the box again --

INSIDE MARK'S BEDROOM,

-- and walks inside his bedroom. Goes to open his closet.
Stands on his tippy-toes. Puts the box high up on a shelf.
AND BURIES THE BOX UNDERNEATH A MOUNTAIN OF CLOTHES.

Then he walks over to a calendar tacked up on a wall.
Takes out a marker and 'X's' out the date. Then leaves.

HOLD ON the CALENDER. Over a semi-transparent image of this calendar, 

A SERIES OF SHOTS DEPICTING "MARK'S BEREAVEMENT" MOMENTS. 
RANDY NEWMAN'S "LOSING YOU" PLAYS.

-- Mark trudges alone in the park. The SOUNDS OF CHILDREN LAUGHING and PLAYING, as if to mock him, can be heard from a nearby playground.

-- Mark at Kroger working behind the register. 
Going through the motions of the same boring routine.

-- Mark steps out of the post office. Carrying an armful of mail. And tries to balance a steaming, hot cup of coffee with his other free hand.

-- Mark takes a marker and 'X's' out another date on the calendar. 1 week has gone by.

-- Mark eats a sandwich inside Kroger's breakroom. Listens to his cell-phone. Another VOICEMAIL from KELLY:

				   KELLY (V.O.)
		 Hey! It's me again. Just wanted to check
		 in and see how you are holding up...

Mark switches off his phone. Then bites into his sandwich.

-- Inside Mark's bedroom. He's SINGING and PLAYING HIS GUITAR. Also, he begins to show a little stubble.

-- Mark walks down a sidewalk. Stops for a moment. He notices PARISHIONERS are filing in for CHURCH SERVICE. Then he continues to walk on by.

-- Mark 'X's' out another date on the calendar. 
2 months have passed.

-- Mark sits inside A LAUNDROMAT. His dirty laundry knocked around inside A WASHING MACHINE. Currently, Mark is focused on reading A NEWSPAPER. Especially the OBITUARY SECTION: So many names, faces and stories of so many people. All dead. Then without taking his gaze away from the newspaper, Mark slips a quarter into the washing machine.

-- Mark inside his bathroom. Stares at his reflection in the mirror. Bags are under his eyes. Almost has a full beard.

-- Mark plays guitar again in his bedroom. Singing LOUDER.

-- A Homeless Man sits on the curb. Begging for spare change.
Mark walks up, reaches into his pockets. Hands the Homeless Man a few dollars. The Homeless Man tries to thank him, but Mark continues on his way. Stone-faced.

-- Again, Mark 'X's' out another date. 4 months have passed.

-- Mark walks near THE PLAYGROUND. He reads a text on his cell-phone. From Kelly. It says: "Been thinkin' about you. Hope you are OK. Love, Kelly." 

Mark rubs his eyes. Gathering his thoughts. Then notices the kids LAUGHING and PLAYING on the swing set.

QUICK FLASHBACK -- YOUNG MARK seated on a swing. LAUGHING as he's pushed high into the air by HIS FATHER. Both are smiling.

BACK TO MARK -- He starts to walk away. Somewhat haunted by this memory.

-- Mark, now with a fully grown beard, sits alone in his bedroom again. And finishes playing his guitar. Spent. 
The image of a man slowly falling apart.........

END MONTAGE & SONG
									    FADE TO BLACK.

FADE IN:

INT. KROGER STORE - DAY

Mark is behind the check-out register. Scanning groceries.
Again, it's the same old routine. 

Then he touches the PENDANT-RING NECKLACE around his neck.
A feeling of sadness overcomes him. Beat.

										     CUT TO:

EXT. KROGER STORE - PARKING LOT - LATER - DAY

As Mark walks out of the Kroger food store. He digs into his pocket for his cell-phone -- but drops it, and the cell-phone SMASHES IN PIECES onto the cement. 

Mark curses under his breath.
Bends down to pick up his broken phone --

-- and SUDDENLY A CAR APPEARS. It BRAKES. 
Then SKIIIDS--HARD--IN FRONT OF MARK --
MARK JUMPS BACK -- CAUGHT BY SURPRISE --
-- AND HE ALMOST GETS HIT!!! 
THE CAR BARELY MISSED HIM BY AN INCH....

Mark looks very disturbed. He tries to catch his breath; the wind knocked out of him --

-- and THE DRIVER inside the car PUNCHES HIS HORN. HARD.
Rolls down his window and shouts out:

				     THE DRIVER
	           YO, PAL! Watch what you're doing!
		      I could have KILLED you!

And The Driver speeds off.

After a moment, Mark's breathing slowly returns back to normal.
His legs somewhat like jelly as he stands up --

Suddenly AN OLD TATTOOED MAN, pushing a grocery cart, walks out of the store and dubiously regards Mark --

					OLD TATTOOED MAN
			Boy, you look like you just made
			lemonade in your pants.

-- and pushes right on by, as if nothing happened.

Mark ignores him and just stands in the parking lot ...
And watches the car speed away ...
He looks white as a ghost ...

											CUT TO:

INT. MARK'S HOUSE - LATER - DAY

Beat. Mark slowly opens the door and enters the house. 
Still somewhat shaken from the car incident.

He goes into the kitchen. Looks inside his refrigerator.
Grabs a carton of orange juice and pours himself a cup.
Tries to calm his nerves.

He sits down at the table. Retrieves his broken cell-phone. 
Well, it's no good now. 
And he plops it on the table. Near the HOME ANSWERING MACHINE.
Apparently, he has a few new messages. 

Beat. Mark presses the "PLAY" button. 
Takes sips from his orange juice. 
Listens:

					THE MAN IN A SUIT (V.O.)
			Mr. Larson, hi!  This is Mitchell Preston
			from Hughes & Coleman Attorney at Law.
			I wanted to call and let you know about 
			our extended insurance policy, which we 
			offer every other year, and --

Mark skips to the next message.

					LIBRARIAN (V.O.)
			Hello, Mr. Larson. I'm calling on behalf
			of the Public Library and reminding you 
               you have three book titles that are 
               currently overdue --

Skip. Next message...

					KELLY (V.O.)
			Hey ... It's me, Kelly. I tried calling 
			your cell-phone and I got a "no service" 
			signal, so I thought I'd try your home 
			number instead ... Lately, it seems like 
  			we haven't been able to get connected.

Mark continues to half-listen as he goes back to the refrigerator. Pours himself another cup of orange juice.

					KELLY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
			So, yeah, I'm just checking in and hope
			things are going well with you. Then again, 
			I don't hear too much from you anymore, so
			I guess that kind of leaves me scrambling
			in the dark for clues ...
				 (almost laughs)
			It'd be much easier if I had psychic 
			powers, right? Then I would know exactly 
		 	what's going on inside your head ....
				 (beat; a bit serious)
			But I don't know what's going on inside
			your head .... Or what you have been up
			to ... Or how you are feeling ... 
			And that's what scares me. 
				 (beat) 
			I know this might sound stupid, but there
			was a guy I once fell madly in love with
			a long time ago. He was very considerate 
			... very human ... never was afraid to share 
			his feelings or laugh at himself ... 
			wonderful sense of humor ... And somehow he 				     could always find some special, stupid reason 
			to really enjoy about life that felt 
			meaningful. 
			And I found that very attractive ...
				 (a tense pause)
			But he's not here anymore ... He's frozen. 				     Dead. Or more like he's become a different 				     person completely ... And I miss him.

And Kelly finally loses it --
She breaks down and cries over the phone.
Mark now pays full attention and really starts to listen.

					KELLY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
		     I'm sorry, Mark, but what else do you
			want me to say?!  Should I just put on 
			a big smile and walk around as if I'm 
			not hurting either? I just can't do this
			anymore, I just can't do this! You never
			call, you never tell me what's going on
			or ask me how I'm doing, and I might as
			well be dead, too.

					KELLY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
				(takes a deep breath; 
				 tries to compose herself)
			I know how much you miss your dad. I know
			things must be very tough for you and 
			that you are grieving ... But you're not
			the only one who has lost someone ...
			And I'm losing someone right now and you 
			don't give a shit!
			Pardon my language, but it's the truth.

Mark's eyes begin to well.

					KELLY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
			I mean, is this what you really want? Do	
			you really want to keep going on like 
			this and shut everyone out of your life?
			Is this what your dad would want ... ?
				(beat)
			I just want you to be happy. But what 
			you are doing isn't healthy. And, believe
			it or not, there are people who really, 
			truly care about you if you would just 
			let them. Especially me.
			That's all. No strings attached. 

Beat.

					KELLY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
			Anyway, you probably have more important
			things to do, I'm sure. But if you happen
			to find the Mark I once knew, send him 
			my way ... I know he's out there somewhere 
			and that he's a lot stronger than he gives 				     himself credit for ... Part of me still
			believes in him ....
				(beat)
			If not, then he's lost to me.
				(beat)

CLICK. The end of the message. Nothing but static.

Mark looks as if he just got punched in the gut.
Emotions brew inside of him, waiting to be unleashed.

He slowly rises from the table, calmly leaves the kitchen and walks to his bedroom. Locks the door behind him shut. 
HOLD ON the DOOR as WE STAY OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM, giving him some privacy......... 

And then we hear it: MUFFLED SOBS.....
And then MARK'S MUFFLED SOBS GROW LOUDER.....
AND THEN HE CRIES, TOO...........

										   TIME CUT:

INT. MARK'S BEDROOM - LATER - NIGHT

CLOSE ON: An alarm clock. It's 11:43 PM. 

We find Mark lying on his bed. Staring blankly up into space.
Emotionally drained. A long beat.

Then Mark glances at the PHOTO OF HIS FATHER on the nightstand. 
He's thinking. Then feels his Pendant-Ring Necklace.

And then he remembers something. Shoots a look at HIS CLOSET across the room.

											CUT TO:

LATER -- Mark has gotten out of bed and opened up his closet. 
He shovels away the mountain of clothes from inside.
Until he finds the CARDBOARD BOX from earlier.

Mark sits down and sets the cardboard box on the desk.
He just sits there. Nervous. 
Very reluctant of opening the box.

A tense beat.

Finally, Mark opens the box. Takes a peek inside. 
There are various items and MEMORABILIA:

An old, tattered football jersey..... A steel harmonica.....
A wooden crucifix...... A Swiss Army knife.......
And A WHITE ENVELOPE with the name "MARK" scribbled on front.

Mark reaches inside the box. Takes out the envelope.
Opens it up and begins to read a letter......
......Handwritten by Mark's father, ROBERT LARSON.
					ROBERT (V.O.)
			"Dear Mark, I know reading this letter
			maybe very hard for you, but it is my
			hope that it will give you some comfort
			if it's at all possible... I wish I could
			tell you everything how these last few 
			days of my life have meant to me. But I 
			can honestly say it has taught me how
			precious and rewarding life can be. 
			And, unfortunately, how much I have taken 
			it for granted ...

As Robert Larson's voice-over continues.....

										DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FAIRVIEW CEMETERY - TOMBSTONES - MUCH LATER - DAWN

A pink-colored sun awakes behind the trees. The air is crisp.
A light frost has gently touched most of the tombstones ....

Mark's car slowly crawls through the cemetery. Then stops. 
He steps out of the car. Wears a coat.
And he makes his way respectfully through the graveyard.

					ROBERT (V.O.)
			Please don't blame yourself for what has 					     happened to me. My car accident wasn't 
			your fault. No one could have foreseen 
			that it would happen -- but it did. I was 
			just in the wrong place at the wrong time 
			coming to visit you at college ...
				(beat)
			Yet despite my condition and being 
			infirmed at the hospital, I'm just thankful 
			that I'm still able to write to you. 
			Even if it is for one last time ... And I
			hope this letter is safely delivered to you.
			Despite our circumstances ...

Mark continues to walk among the tombstones. Takes note of all the various names etched in stone. 
All of them ignored. Faded. And long forgotten ...

Then Mark stands in front of one particular tombstone.
He reads the engraved words:

"IN MEMORY OF ROBERT LARSON."
"LOVING HUSBAND & FATHER." 
"FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD."
"What we once enjoyed we can
never lose.  All that we 
love deeply becomes a part
of us." -- Helen Keller."

Then Mark clutches the Pendant-Ring Necklace.
And softly touches the engraved words.....
.....Then, with a great effort of will, he bends down before his father's grave. Kneels. Lowers his head. 
It is a moment of silence. Reverence. And prayer.

Tears fill his eyes.

					ROBERT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
				(tender, as if a whisper)
			I am so proud of you. And I love you with
			all my heart. And please know that I'm
			at peace with God ... He waits for me.
				(beat)
			But it is not the end for us. It is only
			just the beginning. 
Beat.

					ROBERT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
			Always remember today is a gift ... Embrace 
			and celebrate it... Take care of those who 
			love you, and try your best to forgive the 
			poor bastards who don't. Both are sometimes
			very hard to do, but in the end it's very
			much	worth it. Even if it means we have to 				     accept love and forgiveness as well.
				(beat)
			Never push them away...."

Slowly, Mark lifts his head. Off his gaze -- 

										DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MARK'S HOUSE - BATHROOM - LATER - DAY

CLOSE ON: a razor blade sits on the bathroom sink.
Mark's hand picks it up.

He looks at his gruff reflection in the mirror. 
Grimaces at the sight of his beard. 
He then takes a can of shaving cream--squirts some foam into his hands--and he begins to lather his face.

											CUT TO:

INT. KROGER FOOD STORE - LATER - DAY

Mark, clean-shaven again, does the usual duty of scanning groceries. However, this time he seems a little more relaxed.
Friendly. And somewhat peaceful.

											CUT TO:

EXT. CHURCH - FRONT ENTRANCE - LATER - DAY

PARISHIONERS shake hands with A FRIENDLY MINISTER, who stands by the big, ornate door as everyone heads straight inside the church.

Suddenly Mark climbs up the steps of the front entrance. 
He's dressed in the best Sunday clothes he can afford. 

The Friendly Minister notices Mark. Slowly approaches him.
He's been waiting for his arrival. 
Clearly, both are old friends.

The Friendly Minister, as if he senses Mark's pain, puts a comforting hand on Mark's shoulder.
Mark, almost reluctantly, accepts the kind gesture.
And they both walk inside.

											CUT TO: 

EXT. THE PARK - A GRASSY KNOLL - LATER - DAY

A sunny, bright afternoon. Mark sits on top of a green, grassy knoll located somewhere in the park. STRUMMING HIS GUITAR. 
SINGING LOUD AND CLEAR.

A SMALL CROWD--mostly teenagers and college students--have gathered around and watch Mark perform.
They CLAP their hands and enjoy his music.

											CUT TO:

EXT. THE PARK - PLAYGROUND - LATER - DUSK

Mark patiently stands near the empty swing set on the playground. Apparently, he's waiting for someone. Beat.
Then he looks up ...

... and sees A SMALL SPORTS CAR slowly approaching from a distance... Then it stops only a few yards away.

The car door opens and A YOUNG BEAUTIFUL WOMAN steps out.
IT'S KELLY. 

Not wanting to overstep their boundaries, both Kelly and Mark keep a respectful distance. It's somewhat awkward.
And, tentatively, they wave 'Hi' to each other. 
Really unsure what to do. 

A long beat.

Then it becomes too much for them. Both Kelly and Mark begin to walk--then sprint--and finally embrace each other!
It really has been too long. 
And they both cry in each other's arms.......

									    SLOW DISSOLVE:

INT. MARK'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MUCH LATER - NIGHT

We're inside Mark's bedroom again. A little more clean and tidy this time. And the old bed has been replaced with a new one.

Mark enters and switches on a light. He has A DUFFEL BAG slung over his shoulder and carries A FEW TEXT BOOKS. Then sets them down next to his new bed.
He begins to take off his Pendant-Ring Necklace. 
And sets it down on the nightstand.
Near the PHOTO OF ROBERT LARSON AND YOUNG MARK.
SMILING AT THE FOOTBALL GAME. 

(NOTE: The memorabilia from the cardboard box earlier in our story are now displayed on the nightstand, too.)

Mark picks up the photo and gingerly holds it in his hands.
Looks at it for a moment. Very thoughtful............
...................................And then he GRINS.

					MARK
			Hey, Dad...

He sets the photo back down and gets ready for bed.

CLOSE ON: Over a semi-transparent image of THE PHOTO, 

A FLASHBACK 

of Young Mark on the swing set, being pushed by Robert Larson. 
He enjoys every second playing with his son.
Young Mark joyfully LAUGHS and yells: 
"Higher, Daddy, higher!!" 

Robert smiles. And with gentle strength, he pushes Young Mark up high as he can into the air.... 

Young Mark LEAPS off the swing set.....
And he happily REACHES toward THE CLOUDS.....
And he can almost touch the sky..................

									    FADE TO WHITE.

ROLL CREDITS. And then a legend appears:

WHAT WE ONCE ENJOYED WE CAN NEVER LOSE. ALL 
THAT WE LOVE DEEPLY BECOMES A PART OF US. 
-- HELEN KELLER.

						THE END