LEO

By:  Matthew Szewczyk

INT. MEAT COUNTER – DAy
Faceless hands cut meat on a stainless steel table.  
			CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
Two men sit on a curb outside a grocery store. Under a gun-metal grey sky, winter is beginning to lighten though snow still lingers in the parking lot.  SAM, 24 white, and JEFF, 33 black, wear butcher's aprons and smoke cigarettes. 
SAM
75 degrees...  
(beat)
It's gonna be 75 degrees and tomorrow the women will wearing bikinis and tube-tops all day.
JEFF
(chuckles)
Yea..that sounds about right 
JEFF points off camera
JEFF
Tube-tops and snow boots. They'll be walking up and down the street like those girls in your magazines. 
SAM
In my magazines? 
JEFF
(Chuckling more)
Yeah I've seen those titty mags you look at with the girls celebratin’ Christmas in nothing but boots and a Santa's hat.
SAM 
(Laughing, he's caught)
Yeah well that's, that's just mostly outta boredom, and bsides, it sounds like you've been lookin at them too.
JEFF laughs as SAM drags his cigarette.  

SAM
But no doubt, if I find a good girl around here, I quit.
SAM thumbs over his shoulder back into the grocery store.
		SAM
You'll be choppin up the rest of those hogs all by yourself.  
JEFF 
Really? whatchu gonna do.  Use poetry to get a girl like that to take you home?
SAM
I might be able to swindle a few with my words and it’d be worth it cause I dunno what I can't stand more, slicin’ half pounds of ham or havin’ to see your face every morning and afternoon.
JEFF
(Chuckles)
Son, shit. You ARE a dreamer. 
SAM
Oh and what, you're not. Or is this it? Just butchin’ meat.
JEFF
Nah I've had dreams.
SAM
Like what?  The NBA?
JEFF
Nah man, fuck no.  You know you're a real fuckin asshole sometimes you know that? 

SAM
Come on.   
JEFF
I've had dreams, I wanted to be on a game show, that was what my dream was. 
(beat)
I'd come home from school with my sisters and brothers and we'd watch TV before my mother came home from work. 
(beat)
FAMILY FEUD that was our show was.  
SAM
The one with that fat guy as the host? 
JEFF
Yea man but no, that was LOUIE ANDERSON, he WAS on FAMILY FEUD, but he hosted like 10 years later.  We watched back when T.V. wasn't like what is today. 
SAM
Whadduh you mean? 
JEFF
Well yah know every negro you see on TV is either aggressive, dumb or hustinlin’, or all of the above. But back then man, back in the 80s, it was different.  
SAM listens, waiting for JEFF to continue. 
JEFF
I mean every couple of episodes there'd be a black family on and that's when we'd all get real excited because I mean these people looked well-to-do, educated and dressed real nice like they were going somewhere. They had sport jackets and slacks, and the girl she'd have a bowtie in her hair. 
(beat)
I thought they got clothes from the show just for playin'. 
(beat)              
They seemed so happy man, it was like being on the show led to, to like a transformation cause they sure as hell didn't look like the poor black folks we knew.  
JEFF chuckles and stares into the parking lot. 

		JEFF
It drove my mother crazy on the nights the black families were on,
JEFF lets out a large laugh
I mean absolutely nuts, cause even if they lost, we'd be running all over the house celebratin’ man cause we had the urge to dream like we were kings.
(beat)
My brother Steven be up all night whispering about the sorts of things he would buy.  Silverware for my mother, a dollhouse for the girls and always he talked about buying himself a baby blue Cadillac...
(beat)
Man those were dreams.  
JEFF stands and tosses his cigarette about to leave. 
SAM
And what about you Jeff, what did you want to buy?
JEFF
Nothin man.  For me the dream  wasn't about the money. 
(beat)
I just wanted the transformation, you know. To see who I'd become after wearing those clothes they gave you just for playin'  
CUT TO:
INT. STAIRWAY - NIGHT
A heavy metal door swings open at the bottom of a dark steep staircase and a silhouette passes through the doorway, hopping off the cold concrete outside.  The door moans like an aging oil tanker as it swings shut. The silhouette ascends, each footstep pounds the old wooden staircase with the weight of thick logs.  
CUT TO:
INT. APARTMENT ROOM - CONTINUOUS
SAM unlocks the door to his apartment and flips on the lights in his ONE-ROOM STUDIO.  He throws his coat onto a couch and turns on a stereo.  SAM sits down at his computer, lights a cigarette, and begins to write.  
CUT TO:
EXT. GROCERY STORE - MORNING - ESTABLISHING
INT. GROCERY STORE MEAT SECTION - DAY
SAM prepares different pieces of meats on a stainless steel table.  Sometimes with the precision of a surgeon, sometimes with the haplessness of a medieval executioner, he dices pieces of ham, chicken and turkey.  SAM looks up past the meat counter into the store and watches a young woman, CLAIRE, 21 and wearing a long dress, coat and boots, escort her grandmother MRS. DELPHI through the aisles.  The two walk out of sight and SAM returns to cutting meat. 
And then JEFF appears from a doorway.  
JEFF
Hey Sam man you have the inventory spread sheet yet?
SAM looks at JEFF then out into the store after CLAIRE and MRS. DELPHI and then back to JEFF. 
SAM
No I forgot to grab it, just gimme a second
CUT TO:
INT. GROCERY STORE - CONTINUOUS
SAM slowly walks along the back of the store peering down each aisle.  He passes one aisle and then does a double-take.  He looks… 
CLAIRE crouches in the aisle on one knee examining the label of a can for MRS. DELPHI.  SAM watches mesmerized by the arch of her body and the flow of her dress.  She looks up and the two make eye contact.  SAM holds his gaze for a moment and then walks away.     
CUT TO:
INT. GROCERY STORE - LATER
SAM walks into JEFF'S OFFICE. 
SAM
Sorry about that
SAM throws a clipboard onto JEFF’s desk 
JEFF
No problem.
SAM turns to leave.
JEFF
Hey hold on a minute, I've got a question for you.
SAM
Yea what's up? 
JEFF
Remember when you were trying to collect money from that guy Jean? 

		SAM 
You mean Paul

		JEFF
Yea whatever.  I’m talking about that guy that disappeared on you and you couldn’t find him and then you went on vacation down to West Water and   
SAM
Right and I walked into some random coffee shop on the boardwalk and bam there he was, yea I remember, what about it.  
JEFF
Man I always thought that was crazy, like just one of those coincidences that’s so hard to explain. I mean this punk takes your money, you can’t find him but the good lord delivered man, he didn’t let you down, he hooked you up.    

		SAM
Yea, I guess so
JEFF shuffles through some papers on his desk.
JEFF
You ever read the horoscopes man?
SAM
(Sarcastic)
Yea you know me Jeff, all the time.
JEFF 
Nah man for real look at this.
JEFF hands SAM the newspaper.  A horoscope is circled with a highlighter, it reads:  "Pursue a dream of your past and it will lead to better and brighter things.  A change in scenery is a transformation worth considering"  
SAM
Ok so…
JEFF
That's the horoscope from today's paper.
SAM stares blankly for a moment. 
JEFF
Remember our conversation? 
     (beat) 
About the game show yesterday?  
SAM
   (befuddled)
A coincidence? Yea maybe I guess. But only if you're LEO 
A wide smile crosses JEFF's face, he leans back in his chair. 
JEFF
August 29th baby.  
SAM
So what do you think this means?
JEFF 
I think I’m about to be hooked up, I’m not sure, but all I know is if the good lord helped you recover some sinful gambling debt I don’t see why he can’t put me on FAMILY FEUD…
AND THEN off screen a bell rings, SAM turns around to check the counter.  MRS. DELPHI, 60, stands waiting. 
SAM
Hold on I gotta get that.
CUT TO:
INT. GROCERY STORE MEAT COUNTER - CONTINUOUS
SAM walk to the counter. 
SAM
Well hello Mrs. Delphi, I'm glad to see you out and about. 

MRS. DELPHI
Yes it's good to see you too Sam. Just because they won't let me drive doesn't mean they can keep me from my shopping.
SAM
Surely not Mrs. Delphi
MRS. DELPHI
I told them Sam, and I was serious with them.  I told them I'd walk the whole 8 miles here before I'd let someone else do my shopping for me.  Those folks, they just can’t stand to give an old woman her freedom, but I make my own choices thank you very much.
(beat)
Now is the honey ham you've got there still fresh?
SAM nods  
Well then make it my usual please.   
SAM
You bet,
SAM begins packing meat into a baggy. 

		SAM
So you walked all the way here in the snow then Mrs. Delphi? 
MRS. DELPHI
Of course not!  I was just bluffing though I guess I wasn't too convincing. But at least you can't say I didn't try.
SAM  
I see
MRS. DELPHI
I've arranged for my lovely grand-daughter to assist me with all my errands.  
SAM
Your grand-daughter Mrs. Delphi? 

MRS. DELPHI
She's been in town for awhile at the university, her name's Claire and she's incredibly helpful. Taking me to the grocery, helping out with my laundry, she even reads me the newspaper front to back, every day.
SAM looks up from bagging the ham with a moment of interest.  JEFF walks up to the counter.
				SAM
Really?  
JEFF
Hello Mrs. Delphi, I thought it was you. 
MRS. DELPHI
Oh hello Jeffery so nice to see you again. 
JEFF
Good to see you too, we thought they might be holdin’ you up in those homes at Sunnyside. 
MRS. DELPHI
Nope that's only when your too old.  And the way I see it, you're only too old once you start acting too old. So you better believe I'll be doing my own shopping until I’m dead, or too scattered to know better. 
SAM finishes bagging the ham and hands over the counter to MRS. DELPHI. 

SAM
Here yah go Mrs. Delphi
MRS. DELPHI
Thank you Sam.  
MRS. DELPHI turns to walk away. 
SAM
By the way Mrs. Delphi, if you don't mind me asking... 
(beat)
MRS. DELPHI turns back to look at SAM. 
		SAM
When's your grand-daughter's birthday? 
CUT TO:
INT. STAIRWAY - NIGHT
SAM pulls open the heavy metal door and begins to ascend the staircase.
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT ROOM - CONTINUOUS
SAM paces around his room, he turns on the TV and sits on his couch watching for a few moments, then turns it off.  He turns on his stereo, lights a cigarette, and begins to type.  A phone rings and SAM answers. 
SAM
(Talking to the phone)
Hello? 
(beat)
Yea, yea, I had to make a few last minute changes.
     (beat) 
I know you've gotta go to print by three but they're almost done.  
SAM begins typing while listening to the voice on the other end. 
SAM
Yea I forgot it's about time for LEO to have another five star day. 
SAM listens for a moment
SAM
No don't use an old copy I'll be done in a minute.  
We see the cursor on his computer blinking after a line of text that says "LEO: Take advantage of a special relationship with a stranger you meet in an unordinary place"
SAM
Don't worry I'm sending it over right now.  
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. GROCERY STORE - ESTABLISHING 
INT. MEAT SECTION - DAY
SAM and JEFF stand at a large metal table cutting different pieces of meat.  The scraping of their knives is rhythmic and continuous.   
SAM
So have you given anymore thought about what the paper said? 
JEFF
A bit, mostly just crazy thoughts. 
SAM looks up at JEFF for a moment who continues to cut meat.
JEFF
I'm keeping my eye out though just in case something comes along.
JEFF looks up at Sam and chuckles
				JEFF
You know just in case the people from the television call me up to play.
SAM stops cutting

SAM
You think they might call you? 
JEFF
Well I dunno, if the paper's right I suppose it's possible.
Astonished, SAM drops the butt of his knife to the table.
SAM
Well how do you think they'd have your number?
JEFF lets out a sigh, looks back down, and continues cutting... 
JEFF
Yeah... I've thought about that.
SAM stares at JEFF blankly waiting for him to finish
SAM
You know I'm pretty sure the only way you get on a game show is if you contact them.
JEFF
Yeah I thought about that
(beat)
I figure that if the paper's right then things must be already working themselves out, like maybe brother Steven decided to apply or something. 
SAM
Your brother, did you talk to him? 
JEFF shakes his head "no."
SAM looks ups to see CLAIRE walking through the store.  JEFF continues to shake his head as he chops more meat.
SAM
Hold on a second.
CUT TO:
INT. GROCERY STORE - CONTINUOUS
SAM, with mop in hand, walks across the back of the store scanning the aisles.  He stops.  Claire stands in an aisle looking at products.  
SAM walks down the aisle and pauses next to CLAIRE who is adjusting something on the shelf.   
SAM
Excuse me ma'am, but did you spill something?
CLAIRE looks at the mop then to SAM.
CLAIRE
No I don't think so. 
(beat)
This isn't that trick where you point at my shirt and I look down and then you flick my nose with your finger is it?
SAM
No ma'am I was just told there was a spill on this aisle.
CLAIRE looks down the aisle, it's clean.  
CLAIRE
Well maybe you’re in the wrong place because unless something invisibles been spilt, it looks pretty clean to me.  
CLAIRE returns to looking at the shelves disrupting SAM’s confidence.  
SAM
Yea, I guess you're right.
SAM turns to leave then turns back
SAM
By the way we don't like to be STRANGERS around here
CLAIRE looks at SAM suddenly, startled and intrigued

SAM
My name's SAM, I work over at the meat counter so if you ever need anything just let me know. 
SAM starts to walk away, CLAIRE'S jaw drops partly, she’s taken aback.  CLAIRE looks at SAM and then the shelf and then holds up her hand to stop SAM.
CLAIRE 
Actually I think I am looking for a turkey.  
She laughs
	
claire
I’m cooking for the Art department’s potluck tonight, and honestly well, I have no idea what I’m doing.
Sam smiles
SAM
Then I’m glad you asked
  
CLAIRE
Are you sure? I don’t want to bother you if you’re too busy mopping.
SAM looks down the aisle. 
SAM
I don’t think we’ll have a problem as long as it all stays invisible I think we’ll be just fine.    
CUT TO:
INT. GROCERY STORE - CONTINUOUS
SAM and CLAIRE walk slowly together. 

SAM
Your grandmother, she’s got fiery personality for someone her age.  
CLAIRE
You know my grandmother?  
SAM 
Everyone knows Mrs. Delphi, she says she’s been shopping at HYVEE since before any of us that work here were born.    
CLAIRE
But how’d you know we were related? 
SAM
I saw you come in with her the other day.  
CLAIRE 
	   (chuckling) 
Now the truth comes out, you waited until I came in alone and made up an awful excuse to introduce yourself.  
		
		SAM
		No no, now you’re jumping to conclusions.
CLAIRE
	   (Smiling)
I'm pretty sure that classifies you as some kind of a stalker.  
SAM
Not a stalker, it's just hard not to pay attention to the people who come in.  You know this place isn't exactly bubbling with excitement.
SAM smiles, hoping CLAIRE will reciprocate.
				CLAIRE
The grocery store, or the town?  

		SAM
The grocery store.  
     (beat)
Anyway, after her husband died we hadn't seen her for awhile, thought her family might have put her away in a home.  But it’s good to see her out, she seems proud to still be able to do her own shopping.  
	(beat)
You must be one heck of a grand-daughter to be helping her out.
CLAIRE
She is proud.  After my grandfather passed away I was the only one who lived nearby and I knew she needed…
SAM
...she needed your help?
CLAIRE looks at SAM...
CLAIRE 
Right, but it's not that she needed help, really I think she can take care of herself.  The problem is she's lonely, if weren’t for me she'd be on the phone fifteen hours a day calling relatives because after grandpa died she really has no one else 
	(beat)
Which, of course, makes things very difficult for me.
SAM walks behind the meat counter and rests his arms over the glass…
SAM
How so?
CLAIRE
I've been in this town too long. I’ve been in this whole state too long, and I feel it beginning to swallow me up like a bad drug habit.  
	(beat)
I've got this plan to transfer to a school in a big city and leave these cornfields and cow patties behind.  
SAM shows a brief look of dread and then concern and then
SAM
But then if you left, you'd leave her too.
CLAIRE
And now that my grandmother's alone I couldn't help but feel responsible for her unhappiness if I was to leave.  
SAM
Sounds like a good reason to stay.
CLAIRE rests her arms on the counter…
CLAIRE
I know it does and that's what I had decided to do, to stay, but recently 
	(beat)
Well recently I’ve felt like I’m being told to take an opportunity to get out while I still can.  
SAM 
What’s telling you to get out now?
CLAIRE
I'm not sure, it’s confusing and honestly, pretty superstitious. 
CLAIRE looks at SAM hoping he won't pursue any further.  When he looks on she sighs and then
CLAIRE
OK, you promise you'll won't laugh or think I'm crazy?  Because seriously I'm pretty sure I think I'm crazy right now.
SAM motions to the meat counter around him
SAM
	 (Sarcastic)
Well I mean I am a pretty important guy, but for you, I promise I won’t judge.  
CLAIRE waits for a moment attempting to determine SAM’S sincerity. 
CLAIRE
I read my horoscope the other day, and usually I hardly ever pay attention to those things
SAM smiles
SAM
Yea?
CLAIRE
But last week I was reading the paper to my grandmother and my sign, LEO, well the paper said I should look for a change in scenery, that it would lead to a transformation.  
(beat)
I started thinking about the big city again and those corn stalks started to look like skyscrapers, and then I was pretty sure the horoscope was a sign I should leave.
SAM
I see
CLAIRE
But then I read the paper today and now I'm not so sure.  
SAM
Why?  What'd the paper say today?
CLAIRE
It said I should take advantage of a relationship.  A special relationship with a stranger in an unordinary place, and now I feel like I'M the stalker, and I can't believe I'm telling you this but, but my horoscope, the one in the paper today, well I’m not sure, but I think it was talking about you.  
CUT TO:
MONTAGE: INT. STAIRCASE - NIGHT
SAM climbs the stairs to his apartment
CUT TO:
EXT. GROCERY STORE - EVENING
Arms locked, SAM and CLAIRE exit the grocery store laughing. 
CUT TO:
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
SAM paces around his room.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The camera emerges from behind SAM'S head to reveal CLAIRE opposite him in a booth.  CLAIRE laughs and talks animatedly.  
CUT TO:
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
SAM types on his computer.
CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The camera emerges from behind CLAIRE'S head to reveal SAM opposite her in a booth.  SAM laughs and talks and reaches to hold her hand across the table.
CUT TO:
INT.  SAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
SAM types on his computer.
CUT TO:
INT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT
SAM and CLAIRE exit a movie, his arm wrapped around her shoulder.
CUT TO:
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 
SAM closes his computer and stands up.
CUT TO:
INT. BLACK BACK DROP  
SAM and CLAIRE'S lips lock.
CUT TO:
INT. SAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
SAM walks towards the camera and flops down on his bed next to CLAIRE who is wrapped in sheets.  He turns off the lights.  Black screen. 
SAM
Claire, I want you to stay with me.  I want to be with you forever.    

EXT. ESTABLISHING - GROCERY STORE - DAY
INT. MEAT COUNTER - MORNING
SAM and JEFF cut meat.  Their carving is fast and aggressive.  Suddenly SAM stops and looks at JEFF. 
SAM 
I don't understand why you won't call your brother.  
JEFF
Man, lay off it already.
SAM (cut up) 
Is it because you’re scared?
JEFF
Nah, not scared.
SAM
Well I think its cause you’re scared.  I think you know if you talk to him and he hasn't called the game show then all you've been living in is a fantasy.
JEFF
I said lay off it Sam will yah?
SAM 
All this crap.  All this crap about "well if the paper's right I suppose this and if the paper’s right I suppose that" You know its all crap if...
JEFF
...enough already.  Fine, you want me to call my brother?  Is that what you want? Okay Sam, I'll call my brother.
JEFF storms out of the kitchen and into the back office.  SAM continues to cut meat pounding with rage.  Seconds pass and then JEFF returns.
JEFF
There are you happy?  I called him and he had no idea what I was talking about.  Absolutely no idea, he told me he hasn't thought about that game show in years.  Are you happy now? Are you satisfied Sam? 
SAM
No I'm not happy.
JEFF
Well you should be man, you were right, okay?  You were right, it’s all a big joke, one big fantasy.
SAM stops cutting and looks up at JEFF.   
SAM
No Jeff, the only fantasy is the one you create by refusing to do anything for yourself.
JEFF 
What's that supposed to mean.
SAM sighs and throws his knife down, removing his apron and preparing to leave.  
SAM
Forget it.  I can't take anymore of this today.
JEFF
No, I refuse to do anything for myself?  What the hell is that supposed to mean?
SAM stops at the door.
SAM
Jeff, I'd tell you if I could I swear I would, but it isn't worth it.  I can't help you when you won't help yourself.

		JEFF
What the hell are you talking about.  

		SAM
Remember that guy Paul?  The guy who owed me money?  Well I didn’t just go down to West Water for a vacation Jeff.  It wasn’t a coincidence.  I asked around, talked to his friends, did some leg work and they told me he was down there.  It wasn’t a coincidence; I wasn’t in West Water by chance. I did the work, I found him there.

		JEFF
What are you talking about, what does this have to do with anything?

SAM sighs…
SAM
Exactly, like I said I’d tell you if I could, but whatever I say it doesn’t really matter, you are beyond understanding.
CUT TO:
Montage EXT. SIDEWALKS - DAY
SAM walks home with his hands in his pockets along sidewalks and city streets.
INT. STAIRCASE - DAY
SAM climbs the stairs to his apartment.  Opens the door to his studio AND THEN
INT.  SAM'S APARTMENT - DAY
CLAIRE sits in front of SAM'S computer.  SAM'S mouth drops open as he stares at CLAIRE. What does she know? He looks at his computer and his desk as if a sleeping viper were coiled on his shelves.
SAM
Claire, what are you doing here?
CLAIRE
Sam.  The door was unlocked I was just stopping by to leave you a message. 
SAM  
You know you could have come by the store. 
CLAIRE
I know. 
CLAIRE waits for a moment and closes her eyes, she opens them
CLAIRE
Sam what is all of this?  
SAM
All of what?
CLAIRE
Please don't lie Sam.  Just be honest with me.
SAM 
Claire what are you talking about...
Claire turns to the computer dissolving the screen-saver, the screen brightens her face.  
CLAIRE
Horoscopes December 2nd, Horoscopes, December 3rd,
She scrolls the mouse frantically
CLAIRE
Horoscopes March 13th, these are file names, and there's, there's tons of them, there’s so many here
SAM begins to walk towards CLAIRE, she spins around to face him.
SAM
Claire no you're mistaken...
CLAIRE
SAM do you work for the paper?
SAM stops in his tracks, swallows and looks to his desk, the viper is gone, the cat's out of the bag.  SAM stares off detached, how does he get out of this, think quickly, think quickly, AND THEN 
CLAIRE
Sam answer me, do you work for the paper!?
Failure
SAM
I do, but it's not what you think. 
SAM begins to step forward.  Claire recoils stopping him in his tracks, she shuns him away.
CLAIRE
No no no no.  Sam you don’t write the horoscopes do you?
(beat)
Just answer me please be honest, do you write the horoscopes for the paper, is that your job?
SAM
I don't know what you want me to say...
CLAIRE screams not looking SAM in the eye.
CLAIRE
DO YOU WRITE THE FUCKING HOROSCOPES FOR THE PAPER!?
SAM
Yes!
CLAIRE screams and SAM rushes to grab her, a misplaced kick throws her off balance and she and SAM tumble to the floor.  Claire sobs.
CLAIRE
   (Crying)
Get off me, get of me. 
SAM 
Just give a chance to explain...
Claire
No no, get off me
SAM
Claire, just let me explain!
CLAIRE
You’re a liar.  You’re a liar. You're not even real.  Everything I know about you, its just a dream.  All of this its just fantasy, nothing here is real.
SAM raises up straddling CLAIRE, he grabs a newspaper off his desk. 
SAM
No it is real. I promise I love you I need you.

		CLAIRE
You’re a liar!
SAM
Our feelings, Claire, they're real.  Our hearts, they're real.  This is just paper, this is just me taking control. 
CLAIRE
WHAT?!
SAM
I had to take control, I had to.
CLAIRE 
I’m so stupid I can’t believe I trusted you. 
SAM
No Claire, you're beautiful, you’re everything I've ever wanted and I, I work at a meat counter, I'm fucking butcher's assistant.
CLAIRE
So what, what’s that have to do with anything?!
SAM
You would have never even seen me.  You would have never given me a chance.  This is what I had to do, I had to take control.  
CLAIRE
Sam, Sam. You've taken control.  You’ve taken control alright. I never want to see you again.  Get off of me!

		SAM
This doesn’t change anything, we’re fine.

		CLAIRE
Sam, we don’t exist. It doesn’t change anything because you and me were never real.  
									CUT TO:
EXT. ESTABLISHING GROCERY STORE – DAY (NOTE:  This will be one continuous shot)
SAM cuts meat on the stainless steal counter top.  He is silent and detached; his thoughts are far away from his job and the meat section of the grocery store.  SAM puts his knife down and walks out from behind the meat counter.  He walks through the store passing shoppers and kiosks filled with vegetables and fruits.  He walks to the store-front, passing rows of shopping carts, passing easels with advertisements and past a manager who looks up, confused.  SAM walks out the store’s entrance, passing over the black velcro-carpets laid down to peel the snow off people’s feet.  He stops outside on the store-front’s white curb and surveys the parking lot.  Then SAM starts walking again passing more shoppers and more shopping carts, he throws off his apron into the aisles of cars and he keeps walking.  SAM approaches an old JUNKER and gets in.  He sits in the driver’s seat, silent except for a rugged exhale forced from his nose.  He clenches his fists and raises them to his chest and then SAM releases a painful violent scream like a wall-street broker who has just lost everything.  SAM has lost everything.  And then SAM is coughing, seething, spasming like the car has lost cabin pressure and oxygen is scarce.  And then a knock on the driver’s side window reverberates through the car and SAM is sucked back to reality.  He looks to the window, and tries to compose himself; he can’t see whose outside because the window is frosted over.  He waits a moment and the knocks come again.  His breathing slows and he reaches between the door and the seat and slowly rolls down the old window.  JEFF leans his head down so he can see SAM inside. 
					JEFF
Guess what man?  I did it.  I sent in my application.  I’m gonna be on FAMILY FEUD! 

					CUT TO:
CREDITS