FADE IN:
EXT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - OLD BEACH - EARLY MORNING
SUPER: "SPRING 1983"
SUPER: "BASED ON A TRUE STORY"
Alex, ten years old, and his father, NICOLA, watch the sun rise. The sun is slowly creeping from the horizon; the waters remain serene, only but a ripple is seen traversing upon the seas's glassy surface.
The pebbly sand reflects the sun's peeping rays. Seagulls are seen flying above as if in direct collision with the sun. The wind gently abducts a few drops of water and brings them ever so gently upon the shore.
ALEX
Dad?
NICOLA
Yes, Alex?
ALEX
(curiously)
Do people die?
NICOLA
Unfortunately son; death is one of
those things that we all must eventually face.
(beat)
You see Alex, time is very
precious, but like everything in
life, it cannot last forever.
ALEX
But why do people die dad? Why
can't we live forever like in some
stories?
NICOLA
Because, everything in life has a
destiny, son. We live, we pursue
our destiny, and ultimately we must
face nature's laws and abide by
them. Even stories have an end.
ALEX
Dad?
NICOLA
Yes, what else troubles your young
mind?
Alex draws in the sand.
ALEX
What's destiny?
NICOLA
Destiny.., it's like a path that is prepared for us from the moment of our birth. It is our job to discover the road, and be brave enough to follow it.
ALEX
(Confused)
I don't understand, dad.
NICOLA
Think of it this way. Have you ever
seen the stars at night?
ALEX
Yes, many times before. I always start counting them in order to fall asleep. I always get to 128, and then I wake up to the sun. But I'm sure there are more than 128.
NICOLA
(Smiling)
Yes, that's right. Now imagine that somewhere within the stars lies every bit of information about your life. What you're going to wear. Who you're going to marry. How many kids you will have. And even the exact time and day that you die. All the big things and even small details are in there, Alex, all you have to do is discover them.
ALEX
Do you mean like a work-schedule?
NICOLA
(Smiling)
Yep, something like that.
ALEX
But, dad, how come people die
         
NICOLA
(Concerned)
Hmm,... it's one of those big
mysteries that truly no one knows the answer to; only the person that writes our destiny may hold that
answer. But, life and experience
will teach you the necessities of those things that we can't express or explain; one day I'm sure you'll discover that.
Alex pulls at his ear.
ALEX
Dad?
NICOLA
Yes?
ALEX
Am I ever going to die?
Nicola picks up a shell and throws it into the water.
NICOLA
(Confused)
Yes son. You, me, the birds flying above us, the fish in the water,
the ants in the sand; one day, the Great Writer in the sky, will
finish writing our story, and then
(beat)
we all have to pass on. Nothing in the universe is above this law,
Alex, nothing.
ALEX
(Upset)
But I don't want to die, Dad.
NICOLA
Nothing does. Do you think that
those fish in the water would not like to live forever? Or those
birds in the sky, would they not
love to fly forever? Of course they would, but as we are given time, we are also robbed of it.
NICOLA (cont'd)
But, don't trouble yourself with
these things; you're going to be an
old man, grey hairs and everything.
ALEX
Dad, is there any way you could
borrow my destiny from the stars,
just for a second, so I can see it,
and then give it back to them. Just
to prepare for it you know? 
NICOLA
(Smiling)
Alex, destiny can only be seen by
the person that wrote it. To us it
is like ridding a bike through
mist; we just won't know what's
around the corner until we get
there.
ALEX
(fast-loud)
But, how can I find out what path
to follow, or what corner to cut so
I can reach the end faster and
safer.
NICOLA
Don't worry about your destiny for
now. For the moment, look behind, a
part of your destiny seems to be
nearer than you thought.
ALEX
(Looking behind him)
Sofia!
SOFIA
Alex!
Sofia (same age as Alex) approaches with her mother, Natalie. Alex runs towards her.
NATALIE
Hi, Nick. How are you?
NICOLA
I'm fine, Nat. How about yourself?
NATALIE
Not bad, except that Sofia is driving me crazy. I'm about to marry her off just to find some peace and quiet.
NATALIE
I don't know where they get the
energy;
(Both laughing)
I swear Nick, kids these days don't have organic body parts, they must have machines or something. And then, it's one question after another, they have to know every little thing that God created. You'd think I was raising a child genius or something.
NICOLA
Tell me about it. Alex is killing me, too. The easy stuff I don't mind answering, but when he starts with 'Death' and 'Destiny' and all that stuff, it makes being a father just a bit more challenging.
NATALIE
Just make up a few stories, that's all. They usually turn to stories the way adults turn to the bible. It's not like they will remember everything, right?
NICOLA
Listen, Nat, it's one of those things that either way they will be confused. Stories will blur and confuse their reality; and, the truth is too bleak and disheartening for their blurred reality; either way it gets messy. I do think that somewhere in between lies the closest method for success. But getting it into their heads, that's the hard part.
Alex chases after Sofia.
SOFIA
Alex?
ALEX
What is it?
SOFIA
I have a present for you, but you
have to promise me that you're
going to keep your eyes closed.
ALEX
Why do I have to close my eyes?
SOFIA
Because, otherwise it will fly
away. Now just close your eyes, OK?
ALEX
(Closes his eyes)
OK, OK, I promise. Wouldn't want
things flying all over the place
anyway.
[Sofia kisses him]
ALEX
(Surprised)
Wow. I sure am glad you didn't let
that fly away.
SOFIA
Do you love me, Alex?
ALEX
I'm not really sure what love is,
Sof', but if it's that warm feeling in my guts that I get whenever you
are near, then yes, I love you. 
(beat)
You see, it doesn't matter what my
destiny is, all I care is that you
are in it. And one day, Sofia, I
will marry you. Like father says,
it's only a matter of time.
SOFIA
You promise?
ALEX
I promise. I swear on the STARS.
Alex gets up and starts running toward the hill. When he arrives at the top, he starts jumping and cheering.
ALEX
Sofia, Sofia, I did it! I am reaching for the stars!
SLOW FADE OUT:
EXT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - OLD BEACH - LATE MORNING                                                              
SUPER: "MANY YEARS LATER"
SUPER: "PRESENT TIME"
The Scene: An old man sits motionlessly upon the sand and gazes into the sea.
Young men are playing around, however, nothing seems capable of interrupting the old man's repose.
His white hair flutters in the wind as his eyes are fixed with a nostalgic beam as they stare upon the warring of the waves.
ANDY
Hey old man, do you mind passing us
the ball, It's that round thing near your legs.
OLD MAN
(wondering-looking at the sky)
They're out there you know!
ANDY
(confused)
What's out there?
OLD MAN
The stars...
(smiling)
All 128 of them.
ANDY
I'd believe you, old man, but the
trouble is that it's 11 in the
morning. So why don't you pass me
that ball and ease up on that
medicine.
OLD MAN
You're not looking hard enough.
Somewhere behind the sun's
insulting rays they sleep.
(looking at Andy)
You and I have a meeting tonight my
friend, I shall wait.
ANDY
Why don't I just get the ball
myself and leave you to your
friends.
OLD MAN  
I have had many friends in my life,
but none as constant as those that
sooth our eyes to sleep. Searching
for a good friend is like searching
for a rose in December.
(Beat)
And even if such a finding were
made, it is still rather bitter
to discover December in the rose.
But amongst the stars, I've found
an eternal summer.
(Beat)
I, too, was young once, full of
passion and drive, but youth only
lingers in the mind and not on
the body. I could tell you a story,
my young friend, that would amaze
you. And perhaps, convince you that
there are stars even when night is
not present.
Andy hesitates.
ANDY
(Takes the ball and gives
it to his friends)
Hey guys, play on without me.
(To Old Man)
Alright old man. I'll let you teach
me where to look.
OLD MAN
Before I teach you where to look,
I'll teach you where to sit.
Sit next to me and hear how a man
becomes the child of destiny.
Andy starts to speak, but just looks at the man.
SLOW FADE OUT:
INT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - HOME - MORNING
SUPER: "SARANDE, SOUTHERN ALBANIA"
SUPER: "DECEMBER 31, 1990"
A small room in poor condition. RITA cleans, while her son ALEX (teenager) and husband NICOLA are sleeping.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO)
Last night, Mr. Berisha urged the
regime to initiate a broad program
of liberalization. However, the
first Secretary of State, Ramiz
Alia, refused to permit the taped
interview to be aired. The government is responding to
popular pressure by proclaiming a
series of economic and legal
reforms. Mr. Berisha praised the
first steps but urged the regime to
expand reforms...
RITA
Alex, wake up, it's 8 o'clock in
the morning.
ALEX
Mom, I don't have school today.
Pretend you see stars instead of
the sun and let me sleep a few more
minutes.
RITA
It's New Year's Eve tonight and I
wont allow the New Year to find the
house in such a wretched condition.
(Beat)
Why don't you go out and play
soccer with your friends? Leo kept asking about you all morning.
Alex struggles to get out of bed.
ALEX
Alright already. It's O.K mom, it's
not your fault. It's my fault that
I let dad marry you.
RITA
(Rita kisses)
Ha-ha, very funny. I have your
father to thank for your delicate
sense of humor. Now get out of here
before my broom mistakes your butt
for dust.
Rita enters her bedroom. Nicola is in bed, awake
RITA
...and I was wondering where my son
gets his habits.
NICOLA
From your side of the family. If
I'm not mistaken, your father has
mastered the art of seducing his
bed. I believe he has made all the
bears in Antarctica jealous with
his snoring hibernation.
Rita laughs and kisses him.
RI TA
Hibernation or not, he is your
father in law.
NICOLA
I must say I liked him more when he
was my father out of law.
RITA
Are you being funny just for the
kisses?
(She kisses him again)
Because if you are, its working.
EXT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - HOME - MORNING
Alex exits the house. Two little kids, OLIVIA and MENELAUS, are playing.
ALEX
Olivia.
OLIVIA
Oh my God, you're up so early?
Something must be wrong with you,
or you just did not go to sleep
last night.
ALEX
Ha-ha. Olivia, tomorrow I am taking
you to the old beach, OK?
OLIVIA
(Smiling)
You promise?
ALEX
On the stars.
MENELAUS
What about me?
ALEX
You too, Menelaus.
MENELAUS
Then promise again.
ALEX
I promise on the sun.
MENELAUS
That's a trick. I won't fall for
it. Promise on the stars!
ALEX
(Smiling)
On the stars, Menelaus.
Alex kisses them and leaves.
EXT. ALBANIA - SOCCER FIELD - MORNING
Alex and his friends are playing soccer. SOFIA (teenager) comes over. Alex, sees her, stops playing, and asks someone to replace him.
ALEX
Hey, Sof.
SOFIA
Hi, handsome.
Kissing.
ALEX
(Smiling)
Handsome? You must have had a good
breakfast. So, what's up?
SOFIA
I would say the stars, but that
would only make you happy, and I
couldn't have that on my
conscience.
ALEX
(Alex smiles)
Are you coming to the old beach
tonight?
SOFIA
Maybe.
ALEX
Maybe? That's the only word that we
didn't learn in school. We learned
words like "yes", "indeed", and
'absolutely".
SOFIA
Then yes, indeed, and absolutely.
EXT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - OLD BEACH- NIGHT
Sofia and Alex sit next to each other and gaze at the star- filled sky. Alex has his arm around Sofia.
SOFIA
Alex, do you love me?
Lost in his thoughts. Realizes that Sofia asked a question.
ALEX
Well, if by love you mean that warm
feeling I get in my guts whenever
you...
SOFIA
Oh stop it Alex. We're not kids
anymore. Can't you look me in the
eyes and tell me what you feel?
ALEX
Sof', you are beautiful in a way
that I will never understand. And
if spending my whole life with you
is the only means of understanding,
then I would be a happy man.
He kisses her.
SOFIA
I love you Alex.
ALEX
And I love you too.
(Beat)
You know, yesterday I had a dream.
SOFIA
Was I there?
ALEX
I did say "dream" didn't I? Then
you should automatically assume you were there.
BOTH LAUGH
ALEX
But it was kind of weird.
SOFIA
What was so weird about it?
ALEX
You and I were both on this huge
boat, traveling somewhere.
Suddenly, I jumped into the water.
I tried desperately to get back on
the boat, but another one came and
took me away. The weird thing was
that the boats were heading in
opposite directions. Your face
seemed like a star disappearing out
of view. And then I woke up. What
do you think it means?
SOFIA
Maybe it has to do with your
destiny. Do you believe in destiny Alex?
ALEX
(Optimistic)
Yes, and I'm looking at my destiny
right now. I won't accept any
destiny that does not include you.
(Optimistic)
And one day, you and I shall go to
America together.
SOFIA
(Laughing)
You're so cute...
(Kissing him)
Suddenly becomes serious.
Sofia (CONT'D)
Welive in a communist country. 
Can't even go to the next city
without reporting it. What makes
you think we'll be able to go 6
thousand miles away?
ALEX
Leave it to the stars Sof', leave
it to the stars.
EXT. ALBANIA- SARANDA- CENTRAL PARK- LATE EVENING
There are many people in the park. The older people play cards. The younger people hang around and talk loudly.
A black Jeep stops at the front side of the park. ARMY OFFICER jumps out of the Jeep.
ARMY OFFICER
I have news; the communist regime
of 50 years has come to an end.
Most of the members of parliament
have already resigned. The borders with Greece are finally opened.

RITA
Alex, Alex, where are you?
ALEX
Mom, Dad, I'm here. Let's go. We
have to go.
RITA
Where, honey, what's this crazy
thing you're talking about?
ALEX
Mom, everybody is leaving for
Greece. Our dream, finally. We have to go now.
RITA
(To her husband)
Do something.
NICOLA
Alex, this is crazy. If it's true
that the borders are open then we
can all leave later on, together.
We have waited long for this; let's wait a few more days.
ALEX
I can't dad. You were the one who
told me to have courage and follow my destiny. I am becoming the man
that you taught me to be. The stars dad, the stars.
Alex looks in the crowd for someone.
ALEX
Sof'
SOFIA
Alex.
[They hug each other]
ALEX
Our dream, Sot', it's finally here.
We are going to Greece and then we
will try to go to America, Come on.

He helps her to get on a truck. Other people are boarding it as well.
SOFIA
I'm ready Alex!
[Natalie grabs Sofia's hand pulls her out of the truck]
NATALIE
Over my dead body! Get down here
young girl. I'm not about to let my
daughter perish with these idiots.
SOFIA
Mom, I love Alex, and I want to go
with him. You don't understand,
just let me go.
NATALIE
How can I let you go with a bunch
of people who don't even know where
they are going, or what they are
going to do once they get there?
SOFIA
I don't care where we go or how we
get there. I just know that Alex
will be there with me, and that's
enough for me.
RITA
(To Natalie)
They're in love, Nat. I don't want
Alex to leave either, but what can
a parent do derail the heart of
youth. Don't separate them, let
them find their lives together.
[Natalie keeps Sofia from leaving]
NATALIE
Sorry, Rita. I'm not about to loose
my daughter because these two are
in a spur of love. My daughter's
safety is more important than
adolescent love.
[The driver starts the engine]
SOFIA
(Crying)
Alex, don't leave me. You said you
love me! Alex!
ALEX
I am leaving because I love you.
I promise I will come back and take
you away to America. I promise
Sof', just look up at night and
you'll know.
[Rita takes her jacket off and gives it to Alex. Nicola takes all the money from his pocket.
NICOLA
Take this money; you may need to
exchange it in Greece.
ALEX
Where are Olivia and Menelaus?
RITA
Sleeping. Olivia wants to wake up
early in the morning for the
promise you made. Poor girl.
ALEX
Kiss them for me, would you?
[Rita nods. She takes off her cross and gives it to Alex]
RITA
Take this. It will give you
strength in the moments that you
will need it most.
ALEX
Mom, this cross is important to
you.
RITA
(kissing him)
This cross I wear around my neck,
but you I wear around my heart.
The truck starts to move. Rita and Sofia run after the truck. It speeds up and disappears with Alex. People stand mournfully. Some walk toward their houses.
Nicola checks his watch and stares up at the sky.
EXT. GREECE- ALBANIA BORDER- REFUGEE CAMP- MORNING
SUPER: "JANUARY 1, 1991"
Cars arrive from many directions. People talk loudly, shout, and push each other.
A SERIOUS OFFICER interviews people.,
SERIOUS OFFICER
(subtitled)
What's your name?
ALEX
(subtitled)
Alex, sir.
SERIOUS OFFICER
Are you Greek?
ALEX
My parents are Greek.
SERIOUS OFFICER
OK, go on this side, please.
Alex sees that the officer is dividing people into two groups.
ALEX
Sir, I don't understand?
SERIOUS OFFICER
What don't you understand?
ALEX
Why are you dividing these people?
SERIOUS OFFICER
Because there are both Albanian and
Greeks amongst these people.
ALEX
Where's the crime there?
SERIOUS OFFICER
I can't put Albanians and Greeks
together.
ALEX
Why not? You're not mixing lions
with sheep, your mixing human
beings. We have been living
together for many years and never
had any problems.
SERIOUS OFFICER
Listen, these are my orders and God
willing I'm not about to let a
smart ass kid change my mind about
enforcing them.
(a beat)
Take the opportunity I'm giving
you. Don't worry about these
people.
ALEX
And God willing I'm not about to
let a heartless man force me
to betray my blood.
Alex thinks for a few seconds and joins the Albanians.
An Albanian old man looks at Alex with admiration.
EXT. GREECE-ALBANIA BORDER- REFUGE CAMP- NIGHT
People try to sleep, shivering and cold. A little baby cries. Alex tosses restlessly.
Alex hears footsteps. He gets out of his bed and sees Greek Soldiers going quietly inside one of the other tents. Alex hears people arguing. One of the soldiers points his gun at the old man.
Alex follows the soldiers. Alex sees them raping her. He looks at their guns and hesitates.
Alex goes back to his tent and prays, kissing the cross from Rita.
ALEX
(whispers)
Sof', thank God you have a stubborn
mother.
EXT. GREECE-ALBANIA BORDER- REFUGEE CAMP-MORNING
Alex wakes up and leaves the tent. He finds the old man outside his tent
ALEX
Good morning, sir.
AGED MAN
(without looking at him)
What's so good about it?
ALEX
I saw what happened last night.
AGED MAN
My little girl is in the hospital.
I can't even complain to anyone.
(a beat)
How can I be a father in a place
that negates my profession?
ALEX
Can't you do anything? Report it or
something?
AGED MAN
Report it? If I talk they will kill
her. I have to sit and stare upon
the faces that raped my angel. The
land where liberty was born has
degenerated to this.
ALEX
I wish I had words that would make
sense, but I don't.
AGED MAN
Just because we are in the land of
poetry does not mean we should all
be poets.
As a father I can only mourn, as an
immigrant I can only hope.
But the hope of an immigrant has
developed wings, yet still we give
chase, still we give chase...
Alex goes to the other side of the camp, where breakfast is being served. Everybody waits for food. Women and children are served first. LEO looks at Alex.
LEO
Alex, hey, Alex. It's me, Leo.
ALEX
Leo, what the hell you doing here?
LEO
I like being beaten twice a day, so
I thought I'd give this place a
try.
[Both laugh]
ALEX
Leo, this place is a major fuck-up.
I've seen dogs that were given more
courtesy than these people.
ALEX (CONT.)
Last night I saw two soldiers raping a young girl right in front of my eyes.
LEO
It must have been a Tuesday night. Wait and see what they do on the weekends when they're all drunk. I have seen shit in here that no one would believe back home.
(whispering)
I keep my mouth shut and go my own way. Ignorance is how us immigrant keep waking up in the morning. Learn it, learn it quick!
ALEX
Learn it? I have already lived it last night. Even though it felt more like cowardice then ignorance.
LEO
So what? Cowards are survivors. You want to be a hero? No problem, let me arrange your funeral as soon as possible. You like roses right? Cowards are like bacteria, pal, we are fucking survivors!
You know why my grandparents survived all those wars,
because they had little balls, and I'm glad they passed them unto me. Be bacteria, my friend, and survive.
ALEX
Well I suppose since you look like bacteria, its only natural
that you would act like one.
[Both laugh]
LEO
You know, a pretty boy like you might find it difficult to adjust to the Greek way of.. . . living. They invented blowjobs, you know, and anal sex amongst men. So keep that in mind when you insult my bacteria theory.
ALEX
Since your sense of humor has not
escaped you, tell me, how are we
going to escape this fuck fest?
LEO
(Lowering his voice)
I'm leaving for Athens tonight.
You in or what?
ALEX
What are they just going to let us
leave?
(beat)
You may have the heart of a
bacteria but you don't have the
size of one.
LEO
(Laughing)
Leave that to me, old pal.
EXT. GREECE-ALBANIA BORDER- NEXT MORNING
Leo and Alex sneak past the guards. They get to the highway and try to flag down a vehicle, but it speeds by.
A truck approaches. They wave wildly. It stops. Truck Driver gets out.
TRUCK DRIVER
(Subtitled)
Where you boys heading?
LEO
Athens.
TRUCK DRIVER
20,000 drachmas per person.
ALEX
We said Athens pal, not New York.
Leo, that's too much money man.
TRUCK DRIVER
I hope you're soccer players then,
because you two going to be walking
a very long time.
LEO
All right, all right. Here's your
fucking money.
ALEX
Leo, tell me the difference between
a bitch and a bacteria again?
Leo gives the Truck Driver money. They climb on the truck.
INT. GREECE-ATHENS-CENTRAL PARK-LATE EVENING
[Alex and Leo find a spot to sleep)
LEO
We can sleep here for tonight. It's
not much but...
ALEX
It's perfect.
Shivering in the cold, they lie on the grass.
LEO
We're sleeping in a park, what's so
perfect about that?
ALEX
The quietness of this place seems
almost surreal. No matter where home is, it always appears noisier
than all other places. But here, the stillness in the air
is strangely delicious.
LEO
Great, I'm freezing my tiny balls
off in a park with an Albanian poet. That's all I needed.
ALEX
(Smiling)
Better me then some big Greek
officer who thinks your bacteria
philosophies to be arousing.
They both laugh. Alex looks up at the sky.
ALEX
Leo?
LEO
Hey dude, don't tell me I'm going
to have to sing you to sleep?
LEO (CONT.)
Have you heard me sing? I make deaf
people bleed in the ears.
ALEX
Do you believe in destiny?
LEO
Destiny?
ALEX
Yeah, destiny. Fate. A pre-ordained
existence.
LEO
All I know is that when my ass itches, it's in my power to scratch it or not. And if I knew that God willed my ass to itch, then it would give me great pleasure NOT to scratch it.
ALEX
(serious)
I believe in it, Leo.
LEO
(smiling)
What, that God willed my ass to itch?
Both laugh.
LEO (CONT.)
(serious)
Well, it's good to have belief in
something. It helps sometimes.
ALEX
It didn't keep that girl from being raped. And sure as hell it's not going to keep us warm tonight.
LEO
What you gonna do? Life is a whore that loves to overcharge for her shitty services. And us Albanians, we live to pay the bitch.
INT. GREECE - ATHENS- CENTRAL PARK - DAY
LEO
Morning Alex.
ALEX
I'm still counting them.
LEO
Counting what? Get up before the
police starts counting us in jail.
ALEX
You're a fucking virus, you know
that Leo?
LEO
Yea, well at least I'm a funny virus. I'm the sort of virus you want to take home to daddy.
Both are up.
ALEX
Alright I'm up. Tell me pal what
are we going to do for a job, eh?
LEO
We're going to do what all
immigrants do: first we're going to pray for a job, then we are going to look for one. And if we still can't find one, then we do what all disappointed young immigrants do:
get drunk and get laid. The first might be harder to find, but the second sure is sweeter.
ALEX
How can you think of women in times like these?
LEO
Pal, I think about women more times than women can think.
ALEX
Well, put some money in your pocket before you put in a condom. I'm sure the money will be used first.
LEO
What can I say, I'm one of those rare geniuses that learned to wipe before I knew how to shit.
ALEX
(laughing)
Well, we're in deep shit as it is, so I hope your laughing your balls off.
LEO
(smiling)
Don't worry; an immigrant's drama is long. It's only a matter of time before things look up.
ALEX
Lets hope things look straight before we are as lucky as for them to look up.
INT. GREECE - ATHENS BASEMENT - AFTERNOON
Leo and Alex lie on cots.
ALEX
Leo?
LEO
What now? Has your butler forgotten
the tea?
ALEX
Do you ever dream?
LEO
Don't let my good looks fool you, but I am human after all. I do dream, sometimes.
ALEX
I dream a lot.
LEO
It's just part of our sleep, that's all. I dream about me and MADONA lying naked in a pool of cream, but I know it means nothing.
ALEX
I'm talking about daydreaming, eyes
wide open.
LEO
What's the difference? You dream with your mind not your eyes. My grandfather lost both eyes in the war, and he had dreams every night.
ALEX
The difference is that night dreams you can't control. But in day dreams, you are the actor; the hero or villain, which ever role you choose; you are the director; you are the very center of the
universe, be it flawed or perfect.
LEO
(laughing)
Listen, Spielberg, you've done
enough dreaming already. I don't
give a shit if you do it with your
eyes closed or open, but can you at
least do it with your mouth shut?
We need some fucking sleep.
ALEX
You're so romantic.
LEO
(smiling)
Yeah, that's what your mother said.
[BOTH LAUGH]
INT. GREECE - ATHENS - BASEMENT - EVENING
SUPER: "TWO YEARS LATER, 1993"
Alex, nervously staring at the wall while Leo tries to write a letter. Alex releases his emotion and JUMPS off the couch.
LEO
What's the matter, did my good
looks startle you?
ALEX
What's good about them? You have
two ears, two eyes, a nose, and a
mouth; and so does a dog. I don't
see the dog celebrating.
LEO
Why would a dog celebrate? A dog
knows only one sexual position; I
know at least twenty. And when I'm
drunk, I invent even more.
ALEX
Placing a beer bottle on a girls
stomach is not a sexual position,
pal.
LEO
It is if the girl is conscious! And
I don't think I have seen a dog
with a Heineken bottle on top of
another dog. So yes, I do have
something to celebrate.
A beat.
ALEX
(Serious)
What's going on with us here?
LEO
(Smiling)
Well tell me baby, what would you
want to go on with us?
ALEX
(Serious)
All jokes a side, Leo, our future is not looking good here. My dreams, which are the only thing I have, even they are beginning to wither away.
(beat)
I want to go to America, that's my
only dream at the moment.
Leo looks at Alex and start laughing. Suddenly realizes that he is serious.
LEO
To us America is merely a dream. It's a gamble that has no winners. It takes courage and money to even attempt this dream, and I have neither.
ALEX
I would rather try and fail than to live the rest of my life saying "What if". Regret is more painful than failure.
LEO
(concerned)
What about Sofia? You're going to
abandon her?
ALEX
How do you think Sof' would react
to see me coming home a loser. I would die the moment I see her disappointed that her boyfriend didn't keep his promise!
LEO
Better a loser than an empty chair.
ALEX
In your world where bacteria's have their own theory its true, but not in mine!
LEO
(Ironically)
OK Alexander, go conquer a new
world while I stay here and develop
my bacteria theory.
Alex wrings his hands.
ALEX
Leo, I have made my decision. I'm
going to America.
A beat.
LEO
(disbelief)
Are you serious?
With uncertainty in his eyes, Alex nods!
OLD MAN (V.O.)
It became obvious that the distance
between their two worlds was
insurmountable. One belonging to
the sparkling world of dreams and
stars, while the other remained
perpetually imprisoned within the
world of cowards and proud
bacteria.
EXT. GREECE - PATRA - PASSPORT CHECK POINT - AFTERNOON
LEO
So that's it?!
ALEX
Yea, Leo, that's it.
Fighting back emotions, Alex and Leo hug for the last. Before Alex enters the ship, he looks back one final time at Leo and heads toward the passport check point.
OLD MAN (V.O.)
It was the moment of truth. The
jokes, the irony, the vile sarcasm
had subsided, the only thing that
remained was the agony of lost
friendship.
SLOW FADE IN:
EXT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - OLD BEACH - EARLY AFTERNOON.
ANDY
(Wondering)
I assume you're Leo..... Or maybe
you're Alex?
OLD MAN
(Smiling)
Is that really important? Or would
you rather like to know which
theory I belong to?
(beat)
Anyways, after traveling 36 hours
with the ship, Alex arrived in Ancona, North of Italy.
ANDY
Well, I don't get it; how did Alex
manage to pass the security checkpoint?
OLD MAN
(Smiling)
Through good fortune and a false
passport.
SLOW FADE IN:
EXT. ITALY - MILAN - MORNING
The ancient streets of Milan convey the delicious irony of antiquity living in harmony with the great machine of modernism.
The Piaggio motorcycles are seen engulfing the brick roads like an army of ants.
Alex with ice cream in hand, moves around in a state of hypnosis and disbelief; completely enchanted by the visual tango of the architecture.
ANDY (V.O.)
Wait a minute old man; you
completely lost me! How did this
guy go from a ship to a city?
EXT. ALBANIA - SARANDA - OLD BEACH - EARLY AFTERNOON.
Old Man stops momentarily as if a piece of the puzzle is missing in his mind.
OLD MAN
What's your name, son?
ANDY
Ernand, but my friends call me
Andy.
OLD MAN
(Smiling)
Well, Andy, how old do you think I
am?
ANDY
(Laughing)
I don't know...Is it a three-digit number?
OLD MAN
I didn't ask you how old I look, I
asked how old do you think I am!
ANDY
I don't know; seventy, eighty?
OLD MAN
Yea, something like that. Now Andy,
would a seventy, eighty year old
man tell a story completely
coherent?
ANDY
(Blushing)
I guess you're right. But continue
anyways.
OLD MAN
Now, after Alex got off the ship in
Ancona, he boarded a train towards
Milan.
(Ironically)
Was this the missing chromosome in
the evolution of our story?
FADE OUT.
EXT. ITALY - MILAN - PIAZZA DUOMO - MID-DAY.
A crowd of people have gathered around a group of performers. Alex, hearing the spectacle, joins the crowd. Being in awe of the performance, Alex does not realize his bag is on the floor. A man's hand is seen slowly slithering to snatch his bag.
Searching for money to give to the performers, he realizes that his bag is missing. A state of shock overwhelms his body. Desperately trying to communicate with the people he angers a local man. The ANGRY MAN brushes Alex away and continues with his business.
ANGRY MAN
(Subtitles) - Italian.
Go fuck yourself.
Trying to find someone who understands him, Alex runs into ILIR. Ilir, unshaven and dirty, dressed in homeless attire.
ILIR
(Subtitles) Italian.
What's going on? What do you want?
ALEX
(Subtitles) - Albanian.
My bag! My bag!
ILIR
(Surprised)
You're Albanian?
ALEX
I don't believe this crap, I look
away for two seconds and my bag is
gone. I had everything inside; my
passport, my money, everything.
ILIR
Oh man, I feel really bad. Is there
anything I can do for you since you
don't speak Italian? You want me to
call the cops or something?
ALEX
Call the cops? And tell them what,
that they stole my fake passport?
ILIR
(Confused)
What?
ALEX
(Tired)
Nah, forget about it, long story.
(beat)

Puts his hand to his head.
ALEX (CONT'D)
I really need to lie down.
Alex sits down on the steps and places his head on his hands. Ilir thinks about leaving then decides to sit next to Alex.
ILIR
What part of Albania you're from?
Alex suddenly realizes that Ilir has remained and is sitting next to him.
ALEX
(In bad mood)
I'm from Saranda. You?
ILIR
I'm from Tirana. My name is Ilir
but everyone calls me "The Bee".
ALEX
Why is that?
ILIR
I guess because I always tell
things the way they are. And that
stings some people. So how long
have you been here?
ALEX
Just two days. I arrived here on
Monday from Greece.
ILIR
From Greece? Why would you come
here from Greece? You think life is
easier here than in Greece?
ALEX
Just a stop on a long journey. I'm
planning to go to America eventually. 
Ilir
Well since you're not in America, what are you going to do?
Alex
Seeing that I have as much as that piece of bird shit on the floor, I have no choice but find work. Any kind. Maybe later, I will buy another passport and try again. 
Ilir
Do you speak any Italian?
ALEX
Not one word.
ILIR
No money, no language.
(Smiling)
Oh yea, the doors will definitely open for you.
ALEX
The only thing that opens for us Albanians is the grave.
ILIR
And we'd be lucky if we're thrown in it.
(beat)
If us Albanians don't stick together and help each other, the rest of the world sure ain't gonna give a damn. Tonight you can sleep at my place, it's not actually my place, it's just an old abandoned warehouse. Nevertheless, it keeps you dry. Tomorrow morning we can go to a charity nearby. They give free food and free cloths; 
(ironically)
And they both pretty much taste the same.
ALEX
(smiling)
I really appreciate it, honestly.
ILIR
When you only have two coins in your pocket, God finds it very merciful when you give one away. So by helping you, I'm winning some points with the bearded one above.
They both smile and head towards the abandoned house.
INT. ITALY - ANCONA - TRAIN STATION - AFTERNOON
Outside the charity building. Many people wait in line, mostly Albanians. The huge wooden doors slowly open and everybody pushes to enter this safe haven. The room inside resembles more the infrastructure of a cathedral than that of a dining room.
ALEX
Now that they have us all in here, do the plan to feed us?
ILIR
(laughing)
Just give it a second, the lobster takes time to boil.
Everybody laughs. A door opens and an Old Lady comes out.
ILIR
Here we go again!
A priest comes out the same door.
ALEX
Are we getting food or are we being baptized?
ILIR
We have to sing.
ALEX
We have to what?
ILIR
Sing! You know, that funny voice that sounds awful when it comes out off your mouth.
ALEX
Why the hell do we have to sing.
Everybody
(Subtitled) - Italian
Io didiko ke se neva...
ILIR
(In loud voice)
Because if we don't sing the lobster doesn't come!
Everybody laughs. Suddenly Ilir becomes serious.
ILIR
There's nothing free in this world. We have to give some of our voice in order to get some food to maintain our voice.
(beat)
The priest believes that if we sing, we'll become good Catholics, if we became good Catholics we are ready to eat... but what he forgets is that if we are ready to eat, then soon after we're ready to shit it all away and the cycle begins again. Funny eh?
ALEX
(ironically)
With the voices these people have, only the devil would want them to sing. 
(looking on the other side)
Now where is that damn lobster.....
Everybody laughs.
EXT. ITALY - MILAN - MORNING
SUPER: "ONE YEAR LATER, 1994"
Alex wearing old clothes and very old shoes, is walking along a busy street. Suddenly notices a shop displaying expensive shoes. After staring at the shoes for a moment he finally enters the shop.
A shopkeeper looks at Alex with disbelief.
Shopkeeper
(Subtitles) Italian.
Good morning , sir.
ALEX
Morning.
Alex walks around the shop until his eyes find the most expensive shoes he'd ever seen. He tries them on and walks to the counter.
SHOPKEEPER
(smiles)
Do you like the shoes, sir?
ALEX
(smiles too)
They feel like walking on a piece of haven.
SHOPKEEPER
Well then how would you like to pay for haven, cash or charge?
Alex holds out his empty pockets. The shopkeeper's smile disappears.
SHOPKEEPER
Then place the shoes back please, and get out of here!
ALEX
(desperate)
Its cold outside to be barefoot.
SHOPKEEPER
Pardon me?
ALEX
My shoes are too old and its very cold outside. I'm sorry that I don't have money but no way I am giving them back.
SHOPKEEPER
(raises his voice)
Listen here, boy, you have already corrupted my shoes with your filthy stench; now, put them back and I wont have you arrested.
ALEX
Listen here, pal, you have already corrupted my sight with your face but I don't make a big deal out of it, nevertheless put YOURSELF back and I won't have to do it.
SHOPKEEPER
(in disbelief)
What? Stand right here and don't move you little punk! 
Alex stands defiantly as the shopkeeper calls the Police.
Few minutes later the cops arrive.
Policeman
(to shopkeeper)
Morning sir, what's going here?
SHOPKEEPER
(emotionally)
Listen, officer, this gentleman refuses to pay for shoes.
POLICEMAN
(confused - smiling)
So, don't give him the shoes then.
SHOPKEEPER
How can I not give him something which he already has on? He won't give them back. That's the problem!
The policeman turns at Alex and gives him a good cop-look.
POLICEMAN
(strict)

So what seems to be the problem here? Why don't you give back the shoes?
ALEX
(desperate voice)
I don't have any money to pay for them officer, and my feet get too cold if I wear my old shoes.
Changes the tone of his voice.
POLICEMAN
Listen kid, you either pay for them or you take those shoes off!
Alex looks at the floor.
POLICEMAN (cont.)
Do you have any ID on you?
Alex pulls an old ID from his back pockets. 
ALEX
I got this ID from a charity.
POLICEMAN
Why don't you ask the charity for shoes?
ALEX
(ironically)
They are charity, not Santa Clause 
officer?!
POLICEMAN
(strict)
Don't be a wise ass! Either you pay or take them off now!
ALEX
I don't have a choice then, shoot me or arrest me, but I'm not giving them back.
POLICEMAN
(to shopkeeper)
The boy refuses to take off the shoes. Do you want me to take action?
SHOPKEEPER
(upset)
Take action? I don't want you to take action, I want you to take this vagabond off my shoes and out of my store right now!
POLICEMAN
(ironically)
Sir, I'm a policeman, not a clown. I can take him to the nearest police station, and you can file a suit against him. That's all I can do.
SHOPKEEPER
(very upset)
That's just fine with me! These damn foreigners are pollution, I tell you. They're only good at stealing, and nothing else!
INSERT - MAGAZINE COVERS
"Albanian Emigrant Refuses to Take Off Stolen Shoes!"
"Shopkeeper Sends Emigrant to Court for Pair of Shoes!"
INSERT - MAGAZINE COVERS
"Albanian Emigrant Wins Case, Government Pays for Shoes!"
"The Emigrant Who Beat the Government!"
CUT TO:
EXT. ITALY - MILAN - COURT - EVENING
Leo walking in the street, eating a banana, sees the headlines in the newspaper and begin to read them. He suddenly realizes that Alex is the cause of the headlines.
LEO
(smiling)
I will be damned! A martyr for shoes. This bastard is worse than bacteria!
Leo waits Alex outside the local Court where Alex was scheduled to appear.
Alex is coming out. Few photographers are approaching him, but Alex avoids them. Leo appears from behind.
LEO
So you walk in with holes in your shoes, and you walk out a hero?!
Alex stops but doesn't look back.
ALEX
(in disbelief)
I knew a guy who would say that but cant be him, didn't have the balls to follow my dream, and his apparently!
Alex
(looking back)
Leo is that you?
LEO
I would say the one and only, but my mother had an oven for a womb.
ALEX
What the hell you doing here? I thought you were staying in Greece? Why this sudden change?
LEO
Well, as I was sitting home deciding whether I should masturbate to a Madonna video or dance to a Michael Jackson song, I realized that even bacteria are in the great danger of developing balls and wanting to improve their pitiful existence.
They hug.
ALEX
(smiles)
Its good to see you Leo, with balls or without.
LeO
Now I have a question for you: where the hell do we go from here?
ALEX
(looking up at the sky)
We go where THEY tell us to go!
LEO
(sighing)
Ah, not that shit again!
Alex and Leo walk way into sunset as the voice over begins.
OLD MAN (V.O.)
Their reunion was as delicious as their first meeting as boys long ago. They seemed to be indispensable ingredients in each other's recipes; Either to strengthen, or weaken the theories yet always balancing them to a universal symmetry.
INT. ITALY - MILAN - TRAM - LATE NIGHT.
Very few people inside the tram. 
ALEX
(sarcastically)
Its funny how even bacteria, sometimes, take the tram instead of walking with their thirty legs.
Leo understands the irony and doesn't say anything, but can't stand Alex's smile.
LEO
What do you want from me, eh? You want me to take back everything I said? Well for-fucking-get it! 
ALEX
No I don't want you to take everything back; I just want you to realize that you yourself have reduced your own theory to toilet paper.
Leo pulls at his ear.
LEO
You think you're the only person that dreams of America? I have dreams too, Alex; perhaps I may not have the courage to enact them, but I dream nevertheless. It's funny, though, I only dream because you are dreaming a head of me.
ALEX
(confused)
What do you mean?
LEO
Its in the nature of bacteria to follow more predominant creatures. The sprinkles of your dreams have became like bread crams, all aligned to form a path for me to follow.
ALEX
But I'm just as scared as you are. Every immigrant follows a path that has already been paved by those who dreamt before him.
LEO
Not you. You're different.
ALEX
Even dogs are different, Leo, but they still bark at the same end of the day.
LEO
You see, that's just it.
ALEX
What is?
LEO
For you there is no end. You dream of America as if that dream has an end, but you will never wake from that dream.
ALEX
You're dreaming that very same dream as I am.
LEO
You still don't get it, do you? It is in my genes to jump in the water after someone has already measured its depth. I only see my dream behind your shadow, and it is in shadow that I follow it.
ALEX
Every star casts a shadow on the one behind. Yet, that is not to say that the one in darkness has no purpose.
LEO
Oh believe me man, I already know my purpose. As terrible as it is, I like to think that it needs to be.
ALEX
(smiling)
Of course it needs to be. Who else but you is going to convince me that Jesus Christ was Albanian?
LEO
You still don't believe that? Its a proven fact! He turned water into wine, and than he turned the wine into Raki, who else but an Albania would do that, eh?
Both laugh.
As they stand to exit the tram, a little kid, Milto, a 15-16 year old kid (chubby, short and gypsy looking face) creeps behind Leo and gently places his hand in Leo's back pocket. Leo notices and snatches his hand.
LEO
(Yelling)
You little piece of shit! Don't you know it's bad to steal from Albanians? For one, we don't have any money to steal, and secondly, if we catch the thief, we rob his ass. 

ALEX
Relax, Leo, It's just a little kid.
LEO
So what, should we let him steal until he's a big kid and punish him them?
MILTO
Yea, yea, that's a good idea. When I turn 21, I'll call you dumb fucks and you can spank me. 
LEO
Oh, you think you're funny you little shit face?
ALEX
(smiling)
I think he's very funny.
LEO
Shut up Alex. What's your name kid?
MILTO
Your mother calls me by many names: "Stallion", "Oak Tree", "Little Assassin", etc., etc. etc....
ALEX
(laughing)
He's definitely funny, Leo. 
LEO
Listen here you little punk, if you don't tell me your name right now, I'm gonna call the cops and put your ass behind bars.
MILTO
(smiling)
No you're not!
LEO
And why the fuck not?
MILTO
Look at you: you're nothing but a broke-ass immigrant just like the rest. If you call the cops they will only put me in a detention center, but they will send you back to whatever village you escaped from. 
ALEX
(Laughing)
This little kid got you by the balls, Leo. 
MILTO
Milto!
LEO
What?
MILTO
Milto, that's my name. 
LEO
What kind of name is Milto?
MILTO
Gypsy. 
ALEX
What's a gypsy kid like you doing on the streets at this hour? Where are your parents? 
MILTO
They died in a car accident when I was eight years old. After that, I was as homeless as you two appear to be. 
LEO
Who the fuck says we're homeless?
MILTO
Come on, two Albanians wandering around this time of night with that half ass sad look in their face. Give me a break. 
LEO
Who the fuck says we're Albanian?
MILTO
Well let's see. You're wearing black boots, tight black jeans with a black leather jacket. You probably smoke Marlboro red and drink Heineken, and one day you dream of driving your BMW in Pelham park in the Bronx? Is that about right?  
ALEX
Jesus Christ Kid, you some kind of agent? 
MILTO
Nah, I've just been in the streets long enough to spot an Albanian when I see one. 
LEO
Let me ask you this: how does a gypsy kid manage to survive on the streets all alone? 
MILTO
Work. 
LEO
Work? What kind of fucking work does a kid do? 
MILTO
The kind that's available. 
ALEX
Let's say we were interested in, oh I don't know, working, what kind of work might there be available for us, if any? 
LEO
What? You kidding me, Alex? Have we sunk in that shit hole of a mess where we are gonna ask a fourteen year old for work? 
ALEX
You know what's your problem, Leo, too much fucking pride. You'd rather rott where you stand than even consider asking for help. You wanna shit on your dreams, that's fine by me, just don't soil mine in the process. 
MILTO
Hey, hey, hey. Just relax the both of you. This aint the place for that kind of discussion. I know this Diner by the next stop, it's pretty cheap and the food is decent. What do you say, eh? 
LEO
I mean, we might as well eat something. I haven't eating in so long that I'm starting to forget what's it like to shit. 
INT. - DINER- LATE NIGH
LEO
Does anyone have any idea how we're going to pay for the food tonight?
ALEX
We either run after we eat or wash dishes. 
MILTO
It's on me tonight. 
LEO
On you? Why, do you have five kidneys or something that you sell? 
Milto puts his hand in his pocket and shows a stack of money wrapped together. 
ALEX
Goddamn! You must have five kidneys and five hearts. 
LEO
How the hell does a gypsy kid make that kind of money? I mean, you don't look like someone to be carrying deep pockets. 
MILTO
Like I said: work. I'm an honest guy trying to make an honest living. The definition of honest might change now and then, but still, work is work. 
ALEX
So how do we become... honest... like you?
MILTO
There is only one code you need to know: be honest with the streets and the streets will be honest with you. Everything else is a footnote. 
LEO
Are we talking about the kind of honesty that eventually gets your ass raped in jail? 
ALEX
Fuck, Leo! Just when we get a chance to do for something that can help us, your goddamn bacteria senses kick in. 
MILTO
If life has taught me anything it's that the more you FUCK IT, the less chance it has to FUCK YOU. I mean, lets face it, if you're not willing to risk the moment for a better moment, then you might as well dig yourself a hole and jump in it. 
LEO
You know what, us Albanians, we spend our whole fucking lives digging holes, and the sad part is, we dig them for other people. Now, just because I want to know whose hole I'm digging, doesn't mean I'm a pussy. 
ALEX
Leo, relax... Nobody is saying...
MILTO
Where are the two of you sleeping tonight? 
ALEX
Some old charity building. It's a fucking breeding ground for singers. 
MILTO
Forget that. Tonight the two of you come with me. I have a place, it's not much, but it's warm and you won't have to sing if you don't want to. 
LEO
What you mean a place? Who do you live with? 
ALEX
Here we go again... Can't you just accept the cards life has given you without questioning the method they are dealt? 
LEO
What, can't I ask a question anymore? That's exactly why I'm gonna survive all this shit, and you're gonna drown yourself in your bravery, Alex. 
MILTO
Listen, I live with some friends, roommates, if you will. Most of the time they are out on the streets trying to be honest; and the time they are home, they're too drunk to notice anything. So they won't mind if you wont mind. 
EXT. - CITY STREETS- NOON
MILTO
Alright, this is what I want you to do: look around in the crowd and try to pick out anyone who seems lost or tired or depressed; you know, someone not mentally sharp or anything. Then, just point them to me, and I'll take care of the rest. Easy right? 
LEO
Take care? What are you gonna take care?
MILTO
(smiling)
Well, I'm going to 'take' their money, and 'care' for it in my pocket. Whatever we make, we split it three ways. 
LEO
Robbing people? Is this what you call honest work? 
MILTO
Hey man, you want honesty, then join Green Peace and baby-sit the planet. Like I said, the definition of honest changes in the streets, you got that? 
LEO
Changes? I'd say it fucking mutates! 
ALEX
Shut up! Let's just do this alright.
Alex looks around and sees a tourist taking pictures.
ALEX
(Pointing at tourist)
Him. That guy right there taking pictures. He seems like cattle. 
MILTO
(smiling)
And we're the wolfpack! Alright, you two stand watch in case you see any police and I'll go be honest with our friend there. 
Alex and Leo nervously stand watch as Milto slyly approaches the tourist, who seems completely engaged in the beautiful scenery. Milto, standing almost frozen behind the man, slowly puts his hand in the tourist's back pocket and begins to gently lift some cash. As Milto is elevating the money, the tourist notices and immediately turns around. Impulsively, Milto sprints as fast as he can away from the enraged tourist and towards Alex and Leo.  
MILTO
Run! Run you idiots! 
Alex and Leo see Milto come dashing by with a great spur of speed. They both begin accelerating, almost frantically, behind Milto. Leo begins accelerating with such haste that he completely overtakes both Alex, and ultimately, Milto. 
ALEX
(Running and smiling)
That's the fastest bacteria I've ever seen. 
The three of them manage to hide in a nearby park as the tourist continues his relentless chase in the city. 
LEO
(Out of breath)
What the hell do you call that, eh?
MILTO
(Smiling)
Plan B. 
Alex laughs and sits on a rock. 
LEO
Plan B? Well let me tell you something about plan A: it fucking failed twice. I thought you gypsies were supposed to be good with this kind of stuff? 
MILTO
Right. Gypsy. Not magician. 
ALEX
Forget that, how much did you get? 
MILTO
(Counting the money)
Uh... about... 38 bucks or so. 
LEO
You turn me into an Olympic sprinter for 38 lousy bucks?
ALEX
That's just it, next time we're gonna have to aim higher. 
MILTO
I like how you're thinking man. That's what I mean about honesty;you're being honest with yourself and I dig that.
LEO
(Sighing)
It's gonna be a long day. 
MILTO
This time we'll try a woman. I can't take another round of running through the city. 
LEO
What? You actually have to steal money from a woman? Please man, just pick out any woman you want, and in 20 minutes, she'll give me the money. That's bacteria style baby. 
ALEX
No one is stealing money from a woman. I'm not about to unlace my character for a scrap of change. Even before I let myself slip away from who I am, from who I was brought up to be. It's just not in my stars to degenerate in such a way. 
MILTO
Touching speech, it really was; but let me tell you two dreamers something, I've seen your kind come and go without amounting to anything. Look around you, the city slumps and ghettos are built on youth too interested in dreaming and not concerned with cold reality. 
LEO
Both of you just shut the hell up. Look at that chick over there. God damn! She'd give the desert a wet dream. Alright here goes, watch me work gentlemen. 
ALEX
Leo... hey Leo...
MILTO
He's a romantic coward, and you're a virtuous dreamer, and I don't know what's worse. But let me tell you that it's like stepping on shit with both feet. 
LEO
Listen Milto, I'm going to need your help if I'm gonna have any chance with Sofia Lauren over there. I going to go up to her and engage her in conversation, when I give you the signal, I want you to run up to her and snatch her bag. I'll chase you, pretend to kick your ass and return her the purse. Thus, opening that sweet little passage between her thighs. 
MILTO
Are you crazy? 
LEO
Look, take the money in the purse, and then leave it so I can return it back. You'll have your money, and I'll have my moment of heroism. Fucking simple man. 
ALEX
That's pathetic, Leo. Yet somehow it does not surprise me much. You criticize this kid for stealing money to eat, and here you are stealing something much worse.
LEO
And what's that Mr. Morality? 
ALEX
Bravery. But I guess nature left you no other method to obtain any kind of momentary delusion. 
LEO
Uh... I'll be sure to remember that when she's riding my sausage into seventh heaven. Milto, when I scratch my head, you come running, OK? And make it believable; act like nature has made you its personal tampon disposer. 
Leo approached the woman and engages her in conversation. 
LEO
You know, I can't decide what's more heavenly, Michelangelo's ceiling or your back side. 
Kiara
(Speaks with Italian accent)
God displayed his immortality with one, and his humanity with the other. Though I must confess, he showed his sense of humor with you. 
LEO
(Smiling)
Pardon me while I search for my pride under your feet. My name is Leo. 
KIARA
And mine is Kiara. 
LEO
The name is pretty, too. Life just comes so easy for some.
KIARA
I hope you have no preconceived notions with that word. 
LEO
What word?
KIARA
You know, "easy". 
LEO
Oh no, I didn't mean to suggest that... I mean you don't seem... What I'm trying to say is that...
Leo begins scratching his head.
KIARA
What exactly are you trying to say?
LEO
What I'm trying to say is that...
Leo scratches his head even harder, but Milto does not see the signal as he is talking with Alex.
KIARA
Something on your mind? Or should I say head? 
Milto comes running and grabs her purse and disappears into the crowd. 
KIARA
(Screaming)
My purse! My purse! 
LEO
(Yelling)
You damn overgrown insect! Stay right here ma'am, I'll be right back with your purse. 
As Leo runs after Milto, Alex approaches Kiara. 
ALEX
Don't tell me you fell for that?
KIARA
Excuse me? 
ALEX
I mean, that little charade those two put on. It was quite a show; it really was a classic performance. One bastard steals your bag while the other bastard pretends to hunt him down and returns in triumph. It's almost Shakespearean. 
KIARA
I can't believe it. How completely stupid of me to fall for such bad acting. 
ALEX
Oh yea. Those two have been performing this act many times here. Any minute he'll return with your purse, yet, without the cash inside, and, of course, expecting to share your bed for his unquestioned bravery. 
Leo comes running to Kiara with her purse in his hand.
LEO
Little punk was quick but I finally scared him into throwing your purse down. I think he stole your money though, but at least your other things are still inside. 
Kiara grabs the bag and slaps Leo in the face.
KIARA
Pathetic creature! Come one, let's get out of here.
Kiara grabs Alex by the arm and starts walking away. Alex turns around and smiles at Leo.
LEO
I've just been disinfected. Shiiiiit! 

Kiara and Alex sit on a park.
KIARA
How is it that you were able to unearth their plot so instinctively? In retrospect I can see their angle, but what's yours?
ALEX
Must every man you meet have an angle? Nice guys, though endangered, are not completely extinct yet. There are still some of us left.
KIARA
Is that it, you're a nice guy?
(she looks in his yes)
There is something about your eyes; they're deep and wild, almost uncontrollable. I know why you helped me, it's because of love.
ALEX
You reminded me of someone I know.
KIARA
You're not like all the other brutes I run into, you're different.
(she pauses for a second)
You must love her.
ALEX
In a away that no poet could describe. When I saw you stand there, some aspect of her mysterious beauty manifested itself within you. My eyes didn't see Sofia, but my heart felt her there.
KIARA
Sofia; is that her name?
ALEX
Yes. It's funny how everything in nature seems to echo your lovers name. Nature sings and sings and I alone have ears to listen.
KIARA
Where is she now, your little nightingale?
ALEX
Not here. She's destined to be a constant star in the constellation, while I am fated to be a falling one. This journey that I am on is in her name, in her honor. A man will do almost anything to show his loved one that he's not a failure. Returning home after the journey is always the hard part.
KIARA
And where is home?
ALEX
Home is where the twin eagles kissed and united their blood. Albania.
KIARA
There are a lot of eagles in Italy.
ALEX
For most of them, as for me, its merely a stop to ongoing journey.
KIARA
Does your journey have an end, Alex.
ALEX
America. It is the only land in which the paths of all dreams intertwine and end.
KIARA
And Sofia, will her path lead her to your end? Or will you find, as many people do in life, that the path of love is not always parallel to the path of dreams.
ALEX
And how about your self, is there anyone that has monopolized your heart?
KIARA
(laughing)
These days women do not have the luxury of falling in love. Men have stopped trying, so we have stopped caring. The only thing left is pleasure. At least that's what my boyfriend thinks.
ALEX
What a man thinks and what a man says only add to the nothingness of what he does.
KIARA
I wish my boyfriend were like you.
ALEX
It's getting late, I must go now.
KIARA
You dare leave a women in the heat of conversation?
ALEX
It's safer than leaving her when it gets cold.
KIARA
I must see you again. Tonight, midnight, I will be waiting right here. Don't be late.
They stare at each-other for a brief moment, then Alex stands and slowly walks away.
Int. - milto's house - evening
LEO
Well if it isn't Judas. Couldn't you at least have kissed me before you stubbed me in the back?
ALEX
I'm sure even bacteria need martyrs. Consider yourself the first. God, I'm starving. Is there any food left.
MILTO
There's some leftover pizza on the table. Help yourself.
LEO
Well, what the fuck happened? Did you get laid at least?
ALEX
You know, Leo, not every encounter between a man and a women ends up with cumshot.
Leo and Milto sign masturbation style.
LEO
You're such a sissy, Alex. You spend all day with a women and you don't even smell her panties? What a waste. At least we got some money off the bitch.
ALEX
How much was in there.
MILTO
A lot. Over 500 dollars. She must be a high roller or something to be walking around with that kind of change in her purse.
LEO
I can't believe you let pussy like that slip way. I would trade the American dream for a night with her in a heart beat.
All three of them sit quietly for a moment. Each person preoccupied with personal thought.
MILTO
The American Dream! To Americans it's a reality; to us, merely a dream.
LEO
And you don't even wake up in the morning with a hard on or nothing. It's very overrated you ask me.
ALEX
America was not made to arouse dicks, you Dick-head, it exists to arouse minds. To be American is an idea, it's high philosophy. It's not just about a piece of paper, its about all the qualities of the human being that elevate him from beasts.
MILTO
Come on Alex, you know as well as I that all these immigrants care about that wonderful green card. None gives a damn about the principles on which America was founded. Everyone uses America for personal reasons.
LEO
America is like mother Teresa with a big fucking nuclear bomb. She'll give you courtesy and charity, but when the bitch is mad, shell drop you like a faggot in a Nazi convention.
MILTO
Within your stupidity Leo, there is a touch of genius. It's very refreshing.
LEO
Isn't there a circus missing a gypsy somewhere?
Everybody laughs.
ALEX
There was a boy, once, who used to count the stars every night until he fell a sleep. Each night he would count one by one until he got exhausted and drifted to sleep. One night, this boy realized that the process of counting the stars itself was the triumph of the human spirit, and not merely the definitive number of how many stars there are. Maybe, just maybe its the same with us. That our journey is America.
LEO
I don't know about you Alex, but until I can see the statue of liberty's pubic hair, I won't consider it America.
MILTO
The french made it, so expect a lot of hair.
All three of them begin laughing. Then the door opens and a large, tall figure enters the room.
Giovanni
Rent control! Where's my fucking money?
MILTO
(scared)
Oh shit! Giovanni, I didn't know you were coming by.
GIOVANNI
You haven't paid your rent in two months, I was worried that something bad might of happened to ... my money. So where the fuck is it?
MILTO
(scared-smiling)
It's all here. I have it. Last month and this month.
Milto gives Giovanni the stack of money and he begins to count it.
GIOVANNI
(surprised)
Who the fuck are they?
MILTO
Uh, just some friends, man. They needed a place to stay for while so I let them crash here until they find some work. 
GIOVANNI
If they're gonna stay here, then they're gonna pay here.
MILTO
Come on, Giovanni, they got no money man.
GIOVANNI
Then they can work for me and they won't have to pay anything. You should know this already, don't disappoint me.
MILTO
(confused)
I was just...
Giovanni's cell phone rings.
GIOVANNI
(to Milto)
Hang on. 
(on the phone)
Hello?...Yeah baby, what's up?... 
(beat)
What you mean cancelling?... We had fucking plans tonight; I don't give a shit that your mother has the flu. Alright, fuck it; tomorrow night then.
Giovanni hangs up his phone, thinks for a second and then turns at the guys.
GIOVANNI
Now what am I gonna fuck?
LEO
(trying to be funny)
Don't look at me, I already have a bitch and he's sitting there.
(pointing at Alex)
GIOVANNI
(angrily)
What the fuck did you say.
MILTO
Nothing, man, nothing. He just thinks he's funny.
(to Leo)
Leo shut the hell up.
GIOVANNI
(to Milto)
I need you to deliver a shipment tomorrow morning. Bring your new boyfriends with you, make them earn their stay.
mILTO
(butt-kissing-style)
You got it man. First thing tomorrow. We'll be there.
GIOVANNI
And Milto, don't ever fucking disappoint me again.
Giovanni leaves the house.
MILTO
Leo, are you fucking crazy? Do you know who that is? He runs every illegal organization in the city: prostitution, gambling, bootlegging, money laundering, kidnapping, murder. You lucky you still breathing tonight. And by the way, that's your new boss.
lEO
Man he's lucky I didn't slap his bald head a new asshole. Walking in here like he's Julius Caesar or something. Fuck that!
ALEX
(Thinking)
What time is it?
MILTO
It's almost midnight.
ALEX
Shit. I got to go.
LEO
Go? Where the hell you're going?
ALEX
(ironically)
Leo, I am your bitch not your wife...
LEO
(smiling)
That's right. At least you got that straight baby.
ALEX
So, is none of your goddamn business that's where I'm going. It's a lovely place, you should visit sometimes.
MILTO
Alex, it's not safe to be walking around at this hour. Anything could happen.
ALEX
I've been honest with the streets so far, I think they'll return the favor.
LEO
You better not be going to a whore-house without me.
MILTO
Just take care of yourself out there.
Alex leaves the house.
EXT. city park - midnight
Kiara sits on a park bench waiting for Alex. The city park is romanced by the fugitive rays of the moon. The trees blow gently as the light breeze kisses each brunch and carries her leaves gently upon the floor. In such beautiful melancholy Kiara awaits Alex.
ALEX
(sweet-voice)
Have you been waiting long?
KIARA
(looking at the sky)
I've had my company. They're beautiful aren't they?
ALEX
Yes, I used to think so.
KIARA
(surprised)
"Used to"?
Alex sits near Kiara in the bench.
ALEX
You see, as a child their beauty seemed incomprehensible; yet now, their purpose in the universe is less romantic. And the sad part is that the change is not in them but in me.
KIARA
You're guilty of being human, God knows we've all committed that crime.
ALEX
And you, what crimes have you committed?
KIARA
I'm about to commit one now.
Start kissing.
ALEX
So am I, so am I.
INT. miltos house- late night.
MILTO
I wonder what Alex is doing?
LEO
Forget him, what the hell are we doing?
MILTO
It's after midnight.
LEO
What are we like some kind of gay vampires who only go out and rob by day?
LEO (CONT.)
You know what I need? I need a woman. And not those nice, classy broads in suits, but them really nasty bitches in glassy high heels whose asses have their own area code. You know what I'm talking about Milto? 
(beat)
Of course you don't, you probably never seen pussy before.
MILTO
(smiling)
I might know a place that might interest you.
LEO
Toy stores are closed kid. Us real men shop at night.
MILTO
Well let's just find out how real of a man you are.
EXT. outside bordello - late night.
MILTO
This here is one of the best whore-house in Italy. Only the best women from Europe come and work here. All you have to do is go upstairs, get a room, get undressed, and I will take care of everything else.
LEO
What about the money? I can't afford to pay for this.
MILTO
You don't worry about that, I will pay this time. All you gotta do is wait in the room and I'll have the finest specimen delivered right to you.
LEO
You know, I'm gonna take back every bad thing I said about the gypsies, you guys are alright, even though you like to fuck your own cousins, you guys are alright with me.
MILTO
Remember, when you get to the room, turn off the lights and get undressed. Some of them are a bit shy, the new girls I mean.
LEO
You got it. Just make sure you send me someone with big ass. If she can fit her ass in the elevator, then it's not big enough, get what I am saying?
MILTO
You got it chief. Now just go on to room 35 and I'll send her right up. I have to go pay first.
Leo heads up in the hotel, while Milto goes at the counter to pay the money. 
We see TONY, a tall and skinny dark haired man, at the counter smoking quietly. He sees Milto and greets him in a exaggerated fashion.
tony
(in American-Italian accent)
Hey Milto, how you doing? 
MILTO
Ciao Tony.
TONY
(imitating - GODFATHER)
How is business?
MILTO
(imitating Michael Corleone)
Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in...
They both laugh slyly.
TONY
So, what will it be, the usual?
MILTO
Nah, not tonight Tony. I got a friend in room 35 and really wanna show him a good time.
tony
I got some new girls from Sweden, I am sure they'd show him the time of his life.
MILTO
Nah, that's not what he is looking for. Do you have anyone that's ... confused?
tony
"Confused"?
MILTO
YEA, YOU KNOW, SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHICH SIDE OF THE FENCE TO FALL?
tony
YOUR FRIEND MUST BE A FUCKING FREAk!
MILTO
Yea, well that's what he likes. He likes them to look like Audrey Hepburn above, and Sean Connery below. That's what spins his wheels.
tony
Well you're in luck. I just got an import from Jamaica, very exotic; she got the face of an angel and the Dick of a mule.
MILTO
That's perfect. Send it up to room 35 please. And here's a little extra to keep it quiet.
Milto gives him folded money.
tony
You got it boss!
INT. bordello room - late night.
Leo sits naked in the darkness expecting a beautiful woman. After a while a figure enters the room. 
LEO
Is that you my darling? Come don't be shy.
The figure approaches Leo and sits next to him in the bed.
LEO
(kisses her lips)
What lovely lips you have.
(kisses her shoulders)
What lovely shoulders you have.
(kisses her breasts)
What lovely breasts you have.
(kisses her abbs)
What lovely abbs you have.
Gently removes her underwear.
LEO (CONT.)
What lovely pu.... what the fuck?
Leo sees an erect black penis. He grabs his cloths and sprints out of the room and comes running past the hotel lobby and past Milto. 
As Leo runs down the waiting lobby, covering only his genitals and behind with his clothes, an older gay-man notices him and remarks to Tony:
GAy-man
(in gay voice)
Hey Tony, how much for that one?
LEO
You fucking Gypsy!
Milto and Tony laughing their asses off. 
tony
Was it too big for you baby...
MilTO
(smiling)
I guess you're not a real man after all!
INT. miltOS HOUSE - 4 am.
Alex walks in the room and finds Leo sitting quietly in a chair while Milto is watching television.
ALEX
(notices Leo)
What the hell is wrong with you? You look like you seen a ghost.
MILTO
(laughing)
A very big chocolate ghost!
LEO
(angry)
Shut the hell up, you goddamn prick.
MILTO
It's not my fault you got sausage in a fish market.
LEO
(angrily)
I'm not gonna tell you again, Milto; shut your fucking mouth!
ALEX
What the hell you guys talking about?
MILTO
Should I tell him or will you? I mean it was your pleasure after all.
ALEX
What?
MILTO
To make a long story short, we went to a whore house and Leo ended up getting his ass drilled by a Jamaican bodybuilder.
LEO
(yelling)
He never touched me! I mean she never touched me! Whatever the fuck it was.
Alex
(smiling)
Queer bacteria? The world is coming to an end.
MILTO
At least he lost his cherry.
LEO
You know what, fuck you both!
Alex and Milto laughing.
INT. warehouse - early morning.
Alex Milto, and Leo enter the warehouse and await Giovanni. He is already waiting for them. The warehouse is old and empty; broken pieces of glass are scattered throughout.
GIOVANNI
Two Albanians and a gypsy, that's a sight for sore eyes. 
(to milto)
You're ten minutes late; you know how much I hate to be disappointed, especially after breakfast.
MILTO
Got lost on the way boss.
GIOVANNI
For someone who does my deliveries, that's very disturbing.
Giovanni picks up a package and places it on the table.
GIOVANNI (CONT.)
All you three wise guys have to do is take this box and deliver it to this address I give you. That's it, nothing to it.
LEO
What's in the box?
GIOVANNI
The Holy Grail. What the fuck do you care. Just get them there by 9 a clock.
MILTO
Consider it done, man. No problem there.
Milto grabs the box, and all three of them exit the warehouse.
InT. kiara's house - morning.
Giovanni enter's Kiara's house. He makes himself a drink and enters her bedroom. She is still a sleep.
GIOVANNI
(opens the blinds to her windows)
How's your mother?
KIARA
(slowly waking)
What?
GIOVANNI
Your mother. You said she was sick. So how is she?
Kiara
Uh... alright I guess. She's just an old woman in a young world. No medicine for that.
GIOVANNI
And you were with her, what, all night?
KIARA
I stayed with her 'till about 2 or 3, when she fell a SLEEP I CAME HOME AND CRAWLED UNDER A BOTTLE OF WINE.
GIOVANNI
3 am, eh? That's weird, 'cuz I came here about 4:30 AM and nobody was home. You must have had your wine at your mother's house.
KIARA
Baby, I'm really tired, can we talk about this later.
GIOVANNI
Why is it so fucking hard to remember what time you came home?
KIARA
I was tired, alright. Maybe it was after 4. I don't remember. Just drop it O.K?
GIOVANNI
O.K. just curios, that's all. Get dressed I'll make you some breakfast.
Giovanni goes downstairs and calls Kiara's mother on the phone.
GIOVANNI
(on the phone)
Hey Mrs. Santorino it's Giovanni, I heard you had the flu recently. I'm calling to wish you a speedy recovery.
Mrs. Santorino (O.S.)
What the devil are you talking about? My husband and I just got back from Sicily. Let me tell you, Giovanni, it as gorgeous; the sand, the water, the trees; I mean it was just a dream, everything........
Giovanni hangs up the phone and throws it against the wall. He immediately runs back in Kiara's bedroom.
GIOVANNI
(angrily)
You fucking Putana!
KIARA
You always were poetic in the morning!
GIOVANNI
You lied to me you bitch! Your mother never had the flu had she? 
(screaming)
Had she!!
KIARA
(smiling-ironically)
Flu, vacation, same difference. It's not like you ever listen to me anyways.
GIOVANNI
(screaming)
Bitch!
He slaps Kiara in the face. She gets up holding her face.
KIARA
You wanna know what I was doing last night: I got fucked! Yea you heard me; but not the kind of fucking you know; he fucked me with an organ you never heard of: his mind. Does that wound your great pride, knowing an immigrant fucked me in ways you never could?
GIOVANNI
What...who the fuck is he?
KIARA
What the fuck do you care? You don't know him anyways.
GIOVANNI
Bitch, if you don't tell me his name, I'm gonna end you right here!
Grabs her by her throat.
KIARA
(barely breathing)
Some Albanian guy. A-Alex.
Giovanni let's her go and moves back in disbelief.
GIOVANNI
(confused)
What did you say?
KIARA
Alex, why?
Giovanni leaves her bedroom and runs out of the house.
EXT. ciTY street - mORNING
Alex, Leo and Milto walk towards the address that they were told to drop off the package. Milto stops. His cell phone rings. Milto pulls out an old, massive cell phone (early 90's type).
LEO
(mocking the size of his cell phone)
Oh shit, the cell phone got a gypsy!
ALEX
You mean, the gypsy got a cell phone, you moron.
LEO
It's the other way around. Look at the size of that thing. It looks like a gypsy with a midget on his ear.
Milto answers the phone.
MILTO
(on cell)
Yea boss, what's up?
GIOVANNI (O.S.)
It's 9:45, where the fuck are you guys?
MILTO
Uh... we just finished the delivery boss. Everything went O.K. We're on our way back to my place.
GIOVANNI (O.S.)
(upset)
I wanna see you and your friends at your house in twenty-fucking minutes.
Milto hangs up the phone.
MILTO
(scared)
Oh shit, we're in big trouble. Giovanni wants to see us; he seems pissed. you two take the package the rest of the way, it's not far. I gotta be home before Giovanni get's there or else we're all in the grinder.
LEO
What's his problem, can't he wait. Let's do the delivery and the three of us will go back together.
ALEX
NO, NO, NO. Just TELL US THE DIRECTION, AND AFTER WE DROP IT OFF, WE'LL MEET YOU BY THE HOUSE.
Milto hands Alex the package and gives them directions. He then runs home with great haste.
iNT. mILTOS HOUSE-  morning.
Milto is sitting in the couch nervously. Giovanni, with cigarette in his mouth, enters the room. He notices that only Milto is home.
GIOVANNI
I sent three delivery boys. I only see one here. So where the fuck are they?
MILTO
(nervously)
They uh... just stepped out to buy some cigarettes and beer.
GIOVANNI
Listen to me very fucking carefully now. I'm gonna ask you some questions which may very well determine the longevity of you're life. You got that?
MILTO
(shaking)
Yea, boss. I got it.
GIOVANNI
Alex. Where is he from?
MILTO
Albania. 
GIOVANNI
(crunching his teeth)
Where was he last night between midnight and about 5 AM?
MILTO
Why you ask, boss? What happened?
GIOVANNI
(grinding his teeth)
Where...was...he?

MILTO
He left, boss. He went out.
GIOVANNI
With who?
MILTO
He left by himself. He didn't tell us anything. 
GIOVANNI
What time did he get back?
MILTO
He came back this morning. Right before we came to pick up the shipment. Is everything O.K. boss?
GIOVANNI
That piece of shit fucked my girlfriend. And he's gonna die for it. 
MILTO
What? Can't be. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding. 
GIOVANNI
A misunderstanding? She confessed to me that she fucked an immigrant named Alex. Now I don't give a shit if it's this Alex or another. I gotta start somewhere, It might as well be him. 
Giovanni pulls out his .45 Automatic and places it on the table. 
GIOVANNI
You've always been loyal to me, Milto. 
MILTO
Of course, boss. 
GIOVANNI
Then why is it still so easy for me to contemplate shooting you in your fucking throat?
MILTO
Do what you must. But nothing more.
Milto stands up in front of Giovanni. 
GIOVANNI
Where the hell you think you're going?
MILTO
Bathroom. I either have to vomit or pis. I haven't decided yet.
GIOVANNI
If you think you're being brave in the face of death, you're not. Make it quick. 
Milto enters the bathroom. He slowly opens the window and exits down through the fire escape. He runs in the street in order to find Alex and Leo.
EXT- CITY STREET- MORNING
Alex and Leo are walking in the street trying to find the delivery address. 
LEO
Let's face it, we're lost. 
ALEX
Wow, it almost took you a whole five minutes before you gave up. You're evolving, my friend. 
LEO
Why don't you evolve your mouth on my ass, eh pal? 
ALEX
(pointing to a store)
Gino's Restaurant. There it is, right there on the corner. 
LEO
See, told you it's here. And you though we were lost, such a pessimist. 
Alex and Leo enter the restaurant. They approach the security at the door. 
Guard
Can I help you?
ALEX
We have a delivery for Gino. 
GUARD
You can leave that here with me. 
ALEX
It's from Giovanni. 
GUARD
Stay right here.
LEO
Yea, and bring us back some fried calamari. 
The guard heads in the back room.
ALEX
Leo, do me just one favor, will you?
LEO
Forget it, you already know my dick is bigger, I'm not pulling it out.
ALEX
Just shut your fucking mouth. Don't say anything to these people. In and out, that's it. 
The guard returns.
GUARD
He's expecting you. This way gentlemen. 
They follow the guard into the back room. A middle-aged man with a moustache and slick hair sits in a expensive leather chair. The room is highly luxurious and decorated with all sorts of paintings and sculptures. 
Gino
What happened to the other guy Giovanni always sends? 
ALEX
He...
Leo interrupts Alex.
LEO
His brother got hit by a train trying to save a goat, so he had to go to the funeral. Even in this business, family comes first with this kid. 
GINO
Absolutely. La Familia, and then everything else comes second. Give your friend my deepest condolences. 
LEO
I will inform him of your kindness. 
GINO
Now, you have something for me that I would like very much. 
Leo gets the package from Alex. 
LEO
From us, to you. 
Leo places the package in front of Gino.  

Gino pulls out a knife and cuts the package, revealing a large amount of cocaine wrapped in plastic. He dips his knife in the powder and sniffs it with great enthusiasm. 
GINO
Ah! The powder of dreams, the powder of dreams.  
ALEX
(in low voice to Leo)
Is that what I think it is? 
LEO
No, it's sugar. 
GINO
Gentleman, this is something extra for you, for making my morning a little bit less stressing. 
Gino throws Leo a stack of cash. 
LEO
Now where's that calamari? 
Right at this moment the police break into the room with pistols drawn. 
Policeman
Hands up! Nobody fucking move an inch!
As Alex looks at the first policeman, he recognizes him as being the policeman from the shoe store. Gino's bodyguard suddenly opens fire on the police. The policemen fire back killing the bodyguard. Amidst this confusion, Alex and Leo crawl through a small door near the end of the room which leads them to back of the restaurant. They get out in the street and start running towards Milto's house. Halfway there, they see Milto running towards them. 
ALEX
(breathing heavily)
We messed up man, we messed up!
MILTO
You goddamn right you messed up. Have you any fucking idea the shit that you got us in now?
LEO
Hey, take it easy, it's not all his fault. I was part of it too.
MILTO
What? 
LEO
Why you look so fucking surprised? I was there when it happened. 
MILTO
This is some heavy shit, man. 
LEO
You told us to fucking do it, anyways, so you're just as much apart of it. 
MILTO
Are you guys insane? What, was I standing there like you holding his dick while he fucked Giovanni's girl?
ALEX
What? 
MILTO
You heard me. Giovanni came over my house because his girl confessed to sleeping with an Albanian named Alex. 
ALEX
(Thinking to himself)
Kiara?
LEO
Who the hell is Kiara?
MILTO
That's who Alex has been sneaking out at night to see. And turns out to be, she's Giovanni's woman. And guess what, he knows! And he has three bullets for us.
LEO
I can't believe this shit. The cops are chasing us, now Giovanni want's us dead because our friend here can't stick to masturbation. 
MILTO
Wo Wo Wo, what you mean the cops are chasing us? 
LEO
The place we went to drop the delivery was fucking busted by the cops. People started shooting each other and we crawled out of there. 
ALEX
(In deep thought)
Kiara?
LEO
Yea that's right. Kiara. Pretty name to die for ain't it fucker?
MILTO
We have to leave. We have to leave now. 
LEO
Where, Milto, where? We have no papers, where we gonna go? 
MILTO
(thinking)
... England...
Alex
(staring into the air aimlessly)
I've seen this before. All of this. It's been composed somewhere...
LEO
Man, you're totally fucked up you know that? 
MILTO
Let's go! We don't have time for this right now. The train station. Come one!
Milto grabs Leon and Alex and all three of them begin running through the city to go to the train station. As the three of them are scurrying through the city, the police is also giving chase and scavenging around in order to find them. 
INT- MILTOS' HOUSE
Giovanni is sitting in the couch waiting for Milto to get out of the bathroom. He gets very impatient. 
GIOVANNI
Hey, where you're going you won't have to wipe your ass, now get the fuck out of there! 
There is no reply. Giovanni picks up his gun and heads near the bathroom. He kicks the door open and sees the window flutters wide open. 
GIOVANNI
Fuck! 
He calls some of his workers on his cell phone. 
GIOVANNI
(on phone)
I want you to find that gypsy and his friends and bring them all to me, ALIVE! Search the whole fucking city! 
Milto, Alex, and Leo arrive at the train station. The crowds of people come and go as each person hurries to meet a personal destination. 
LEO
At least we're going first class right?
MILTO
Try under the train. 
LEO
You know it's serious when I tell you that this is no time for jokes. Now, how do we get tickets?
MILTO
You don't get it do you? There are no tickets? You need papers to buy a ticket, you're illegal, remember that. 
ALEX
You have papers. Why are you risking it? Get yourself a seat on the train, let us do the digging. 
LEO
I hate to say it, but Alex is right. I don't know about a seat in the train, but I know you've earned a seat up there, at least in my eyes. 
MILTO
It's funny how life is. Robbing you two that night has given me something I almost forgot I had a right to have: a family. 
Leo sees some cops approaching the train station. 
LEO
I know this is the time where we all hug and say shit like "forever and ever", but we got company, and they won't share our sentiment. 
MILTO
Let's go. Follow me. 
The three of them find the train which is heading to England and slowly creep to the end of it. One by one, they crawl under the train and find a spot between the carts. All three of them stay firmly tucked inside as the train begins to move. 
EXT- UNDER TRAIN- NOON
The train is seen moving quickly with the three boys under it. The floor appears almost blurry as the speed of the train cuts through the country side. 
MILTO
Alex, what were you saying earlier, about this being composed?
ALEX
I don't know. It's like I seen this somewhere. Sheer coincidences turning into things choreographed. 
MILTO
(smiling)
Can't see the stars from under here can we?
ALEX
Doesn't mean that they aren't there. 
MILTO
You know, I've never looked up once in my life. 
LEO
(smiling)
Your two feet tall, I find that hard to believe, Milto. 
All three of them begin laughing together. As they continue laughing, the metal bar that Milto is resting on begins to shake and loosen, first slightly, then heavily. 
MILTO
Oh My God, It's breaking!
ALEX
(yelling)
Grab my hand. Grab it!
MILTO
NO! I'll take you with me.
LEO
(shouting)
Grab his fucking hand! Do it!
Suddenly, the metal bar that is holding Milto completely falls apart. Milto's body falls with it. As Milto falls, his hand, only for a brief moment, comes in contact with Alex's hand, then, he disappears completely under the train. 
ALEX
(screaming)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO1!
LEO
(screaming)
Godddddd, nooooooooo!
OLD MAN (V.O.)
Destiny had made its dark choice, and we had made our vile epiphanies. From this moment, our eyes would remain forever bound to earthly agony, completely detached from those shiny pearls that so often soothed our longings.
The train comes to a stop in Amsterdam before continuing to England. Overcome by grief, Alex and Leo crawl out and climb onto the main platform. They find a bench and dit down. The beauty of the day stands in direct contrast to their internal suffering. They sit and contemplate, in an empty expression, was is gained and is lost. 
ALEX
(mournfully)
He earned one seat above, and we earned two below. 
LEO
It could have been any one of us down there. Why him?                                            This dream of yours has no sympathy, Alex, none. It has breath, and eyes, and a low toleration for happy endings.
ALEX
(wiping his eyes)
I can't stop now. 
LEO
WE can't stop now, Alex.
ALEX
No. From now on, everyone walks his own shadow. You put your own theory to action, don't depend on mine. Milto traded his theory for mine, he paid for it. 
LEO
He didn't die because he traded his dreams for yours, he died because he never had any dreams. As fucked up as it may sound, but his hour glass was empty when we found him. We merely added a few grains of sand, bought him some time. But Life verified him at last, as it will us, Alex, as it will us. 
ALEX
Is that the reasoning here? Life will make us victims of our dreams, and he being made a victim of the dreamers. 
LEO
Yes. And do you know what's worse of all? 
ALEX
What?
LEO
We both will learn to tolerate this equation. Why? Because it's the one law in nature which all others have spawned from. 
ALEX
And that very same law is responsible for us being here, in Amsterdam, instead of England. 
LEO
It's a living motherfucking organism. Now what do we do? 
ALEX
We go to England. 
LEO
I'm not forcing any unnecessary holes in my hour glass; no way am I getting under that train again.  
ALEX
There's got to be other ways to get there. 
LEO
So how do we find them?
ALEX
By being honest with the streets. 
Alex and Leo walk around the city of Amsterdam. They try to engage conversations with some bystanders, yet to no avail. People brush them off as if their existence seemed insignificant. After a few hours of walking aimlessly with no symptom of advantage, they find an old bar and walk inside. The bar is barely populated by what one might call "normal citizen." Drunks, prostitutes, and drug dealers highlight the scarred makeup of this bar. 
INT- BAR ROOM- AFTERNOON 
LEO
Well at least this place smells better than it looks. 
ALEX
I need a drink. 
They head towards the bar. They sit and order drinks. 
LEO
(to the bartender)
Vodka, three.
Leo raises three fingers in the air to signal the bartender for three shots of vodka. The bartender brings them the drinks. Alex and Leo both pick up their drinks, leaving one glass on the table near them.
LEO
What should we drink for?
ALEX
(recites a poem)
Here's to those that are giving,       Here's to those that have bled.      Let us smile for the living,            But let us drink for the dead. 
LEO
To the dead.
ALEX
To the dead.
They drink their shots of vodka and place their glasses next to the one that still is full. 
Bartender
Another shot fellas? 
LEO
(not in the mood)
If it's cobra venom, that will be great. 
BARTENDER
(pouring another drink)
You know what, this one is on me.
(beat)
What's with your friend there? 
Bartender looks at Alex, who seems in a state of hypnosis. 
LEO
Rough day. Rough night. Rough life. 
BARTENDER
That's why most people come in here. Being a bartender and all, you see and hear all of it, sometimes more than you'd like. 
LEO
Well I bet you haven't heard this. 
BARTENDER
Try me.
LEO
O.K. We're two Albanian's trying to get to America. We went to Greece, things got fucked up. We went to Italy, things got fucked up. Now we're stuck here; the plan is to go to England and from there to the promise land: America. 
BARTENDER
(smiling)
You're right. Haven't heard that before.
LEO
You see. Two little rats stuck in a labyrinth with no exits. Ain't that a bitch?
BARTENDER
(confused)
Why England? 
LEO
Why not England? Bottom line is we don't know why. England, France, Germany, Atlantis... who gives a shit? None of it is home. 
BARTENDER
And America is?
LEO
(pointing to his head and heart)
It is in here, and it is in here. And now, I've had enough to drink. 
ALEX
You and me, both. Now lets get out of here. 
BARTENDER
If you gentlemen are serious about getting to England, I might have some information that could benefit you. I get out in about ten minutes, if you happen to be waiting outside, I could share them with you, if not, then not. 
Alex and Leo exit the bar and wait outside. 
EXT- OUTSIDE BAR- AFTERNOON
ALEX
So what do you think? What's your take on this guy?
LEO
You're asking the opinion of bacteria? I'm touched. Well, the way I see it, we got nothing to lose. I say we stick around and hear what he has to say. We can always say "No". 
ALEX
You're right about that, we got nothing to lose. 
Bartender comes out of the bar and lights a cigarette. 
BARTENDER
(offering a smoke)
Suicidal? 
LEO
(takes the cigarette)
Only in the afternoon. 
Bartender offers one to Alex.
ALEX
No. I'm alright. 
LEO
Now, what information could you share with us?
BARTENDER
I said "could" not "would". I mean, if you gentlemen "could" persuade me, then I "would" definitely share them with you. 
ALEX
This ass hole wants money. Let's get out of here. 
LEO
How about if we do pay you and what you give us is garbage? Then I "would" have no choice but put this cigarette out in your eye. 
BARTENDER
I'm very sure it will interest you. 
ALEX
Leo, come on man, let's not waste any more time. We'll find something. 
LEO
Don't shuffle the cards, remember? Alright, Mr. Bartender, we'll bite. How much? 
BARTENDER
One hundred. 
ALEX
Shit! 
Leo counts one hundred dollars out of his pocket. 
LEO
(handing him the money)
Now "would" you please?
BARTENDER
I know this guy who drives a meat truck in and out of England. Being that it's a registered vehicle, you know, unions and all that shit, they hardly search him when he gets to the English border. Half the truck he fills with meat, and the other half he fills with people in your kind of situation. For five hundred each, both of you could find a spot. 
LEO
When's his next trip?
BARTENDER
Tonight. Ten p.m. 
ALEX
How do we know he's not just gonna dump us anywhere, after he gets the money?
BARTENDER
Look that's all I know. The rest you can talk with him. His name is Karl. This is the address where you'll find him.
Bartender writes the address on a piece of napkin. 
BARTENDER
Remember, ten p.m. Don't be late.       Time for me to head back to work.     Good luck gentlemen. 
The bartender goes back inside of the bar. 
LEO
(staring at the address)
I mean, what the fuck, we came this far, right? 
ALEX
You know, you've lost your bitter pride, Leo.
LEO
Yea, but you hang on to your dream, or else we're both finished. 
ALEX
(smiling)
Let's go. 
Alex and Leo find a taxi and give the driver the address. They arrive at a remote location near a warehouse. Various groups of people are seen skirmishing around, all different races. A meat packing truck is seen near the exit of the warehouse. The ignition is still running. Leo sees the driver and approaches him. 
LEO
I'm looking for Karl.
Karl
Yea I'm Karl. What do you want? 
LEO
Transportation. 
KARL
Plenty of buses around, kid. Get lost. 
LEO
No, no, no, you see, we heard you're the man to talk to about... night transportation. 
KARL
Yea, who told you that? 
LEO
A friend of yours at a bar. 
KARL
Old friend, big mouth. I assume he made some money off you with the information. 
ALEX
We need to go to England. Tonight. 
KARL
Of course you do, but I can't help you, I'm carrying a full load tonight. Sorry, come back in about a week, that's all I can tell you. 
ALEX
We don't have a week. We have to leave tonight. 
KARL
Well like I said, NO ROOM LEFT. Sorry pal. 
Karl heads toward the truck. 
LEO
How much would it cost to make room? 
KARL
Ain't interested, kid. 
Karl gets in the truck. 
LEO
(in a loud voice)
500?... oh, I'm sorry, I mean a 1000.
Karl turns off the ignition. 
KARL
What did you say? 
LEO
One thousand dollars cash, for both of us to get to England, tonight. 
Karl jumps off the truck. 
KARL
(smiling)
There's always room in my heart for more...and in my trucks.
Karl takes the money from Leo and leads them to the back of the truck. He opens the back of the truck and inside of it is a big cooler. A number of people are seen hiding themselves between the hanging meat and old boxes. 
ALEX
(in amazement)
Jesus Christ what a scene! 
KARL
Jump in. There won't be any stops until we get to the English border. When we get there, the security is just going to open the back and take a peak, when they do, make sure you're not in sight. It's gonna get cold in there, so buckle up. Any questions? 
LEO
Yea, uh... can you show us where we turn on the heater in there?
KARL
(smiling)
Very good. You're gonna need that sense of humor in there, believe me, you will. 
Alex and Leo get inside the back of the truck with all the other people. Karl closes the door and heads inside the truck. He turns on the ignition and begins driving. 

INT- BACK OF TRUCK- EVENING 
ALEX
God, look at all these people. It makes everything less tolerable when you find out that your suffering is not unique. I mean, they're all like us. Different in race and religion, but identical in nature. 
LEO
Wanna hear a joke?
ALEX
Yea, why not. 
LEO
An Italian guy, Turkish guy, Greek guy, and Albanian guy sit around arguing about whose daddy is the tallest. Italian guy says: "My daddy is as tall as a tree." Turkish guy says: "My daddy is as tall as a building". Greek guy say: "Oh, yea, well my daddy can touch the clouds with his hands". Now the Albanian guy asks the Greek guy: "When your daddy touched the clouds, were they hard or soft?"   The Greek guy says: "They were soft. Why?" The Albanian guy says: "That's because he was touching my daddy's balls." 
Both of them begin laughing. Slowly, their laughter subsides into a haunting, voiceless silence. The chilly atmosphere begins to amplify its presence within the truck's rear. The misty breath that escapes from each person's mouth gives testament to the oncoming bitterness of their situation. 
LEO
(labored breathing)
Is... is it just me or have things gotten colder between us?
ALEX
You always knew how to say the wrong thing at the right time. 
Alex notices a little boy sulking to his father's chest in attempts of keeping warm. Alex takes off his jacket and places it over the child's back. The father nods in approvement. 
LEO
(puzzled)
Why do you do it, eh?
ALEX
Do what?
LEO
Play the hero. I mean, a couple of days from now that kid won't remember any of this. He'll grow up, have kids of his own, and your act of kindness won't even exist in his memory. 
ALEX
Maybe you're right. But it will exist in mine. 
LEO
Do you think we'll make it? Or is there another train waiting for us? Fucking life, man. We're inside of a fucking moving freezer, and do you know what's the only thing keeping me warm? It sounds stupid, but I'll tell you: to see that look in your eyes once we get to America. That will justify everything. 
ALEX
(smiling meditatively)
Let's hope it won't be Winter when we get there. 
Alex crouches in the corner trying to keep himself warm. Leo takes his jacket off and places it over the young boys back and head. Then, he goes and sits next to Alex. 
LEO
If you're cold, I'm cold. 
ALEX
(weakly smiling)
Don't tell me you're becoming a good man, Leo?
LEO
I'm not. I'm just helping that little bastard remember. 
Alex puts his hand on top of Leo's hand, and gently begins closing his eyes; his head moving slightly front and back as if unbalanced. 
LEO
(worried)
Hey, hey, hey. Don't you fucking do that, you hear me. You keep your eyes open goddamn it! Alex, look at me!
ALEX
(weak voice)
Not much of a sight... I'm just tired... a little... just need some sleep. 
Alex slowly closes his eyes and lowers his head to a rest. Leo starts slapping Alex in attempts to keeping him wake.
LEO
(yelling)
Hey, wake up! Do you hear me?! Wake up...
As Leo continues trying to wake Alex, Alex begins slipping into a dream. 
EXT- WOODS- EVENING (Alex's Dream)
Alex finds himself walking in these woods; they are deep and wild; the moon's rays scarcely reach the floor as the interwoven leaves create a barrier. As Alex walks slowly from one tree to the next, he sees Milto in the distance. Milto stands still, his head is facing towards the sky, however, the sky cannot be seen. Then suddenly, Milto begins running. Alex quickly gives chase after him. As Alex gives chase, the trees slowly unlace their branches, creating an increasing image of the star-filled sky. Milto stops, looks above at the beautiful sky and points at the stars. Alex, too scared to look above, notices a few insects crawling at the base of a tree. Alex closes his eyes and slowly raises his head towards the heavens. He hears Milto's voice.  
MILTO
(hauntingly)
Open your eyes. Open your eyes. 
As Alex frightfully opens his eyes, the brightness of each star seems to exponentially enlarge to the point where all is intolerable brightness. Alex awakes outside the truck being cared for by British paramedics. 
INT- LONDON HOSPITAL- MORNING 
Alex awakes to the sound of a television broadcast. Leo is in a nearby bed watching the broadcast. 
BRITISH ANCHOR PERSON (ON TV)
A shocking tragedy has outraged England. A refrigerator truck full of immigrants turned into a icy death trap for half the inhabitants. Some of the victims were found to be women and children, as well as the elderly. Sources say that this incident has not been the first and certainly won't be the last. However, the severity of this incident has left a bitter stain in this peaceful community...    
LEO
Fucking English. God forbid someone disturbs their tea time. Human ice cones turn up in their back yard and the first thing in their mind is "how could this happen". 
ALEX
(coughing)
I really feel like shit. My chest feels like its collapsing.
LEO
Do you remember anything? 
ALEX
I remember getting in the truck, and then everything just went cold and dark. 
LEO
It almost stayed that way permanently for you, pal. 
ALEX
How you doing? 
LEO
Eh, I'm alive. Bacteria survives in any condition. 
ALEX
Who's not? 
LEO
They haven't released the names of the dead yet. But it's pretty bad. Half dead, half dying, and half hoping to die.  
ALEX
And us alive. Puts things in perspective doesn't it? 
LEO
You know, my father always told me: "Never tickle the lions ass before you feed him". One of these days that motherfucker is gonna bite us good. I mean, that whole shit with the drugs in Italy, Milto dying under the train, us freezing in the back of a truck, when does it end, Alex, when does it end?  
ALEX
I don't know. All I know is that we're alive, when maybe, we shouldn't be. Where we go from here, and how we're gonna get there, I don't know that either. 
A nurse walks into the room. Tall, dark, and pretty, she immediately captures Leo's eyes. 
NURSE
And how are the two of you feeling today?
LEO
(smiling)
Oh, I'm sorry, is it time for my sponge bath?
NURSE
(smiling)
You smell fine to me. 
LEO
You see, doctor, it's my heart that needs the cleansing. 
NURSE
I'm not a doctor, I'm a nurse. 
LEO
For me, you could be. 
She smiles shyly. 
NURSE
The doctor has reviewed your charts with me, and it doesn't look like you'll be staying here much longer. Oh, and I almost forgot: there is someone here who would like to thank you. 
The nurse steps out of the room and walks in with a little Chinese boy; the same boy from the truck. 
NURSE
This is little Han. We found him wrapped under two jackets. Unfortunately, his father passed away on arrival. But someone saved this boys life. Someone stayed only in a T-shirt just so this boy could have an extra layer of warmth. You wouldn't know where I could find these heroes would you? 
LEO
NO, I'm afraid I wouldn't. 
Han runs up to Leo, jumps in his bed and gives him a hug. 
NURSE
Well, I guess he found them after all. 
Leo, overcome by emotions, embraces the child with great warmth and care. 
NuRSE
There are some government officials that would like to speak with the both of you. I'll tell them to give you a minute.                        (beat)                                  Come on sweetheart, time to go. 
LEO
(affectionately)
Take care, kid. 
The nurse takes Han by his hand and exits the room. 
ALEX
Now, the both of you will never forget. 
LEO
You know, there might be something to your theory after all. When he came up to me like that, I... I felt... proud in myself. God knows it doesn't happen too many times.      Thank you. 
ALEX
(smiling)
I know this is the time where we hug and say shit like "forever and ever" but... 
LEO
Fucking asshole. 
They both begin laughing. 
OLD MAN (V.O.)
The English government, in their attempts to avoid appearing heartless and cruel, granted us temporary asylum and basic housing. Their half-hearted symptoms of kindness, however, were merely designed to cloak the wolf as a lamb. We knew, that when public interest and pity would subside, then, naturally, the government would send us back. But we didn't care. We continued to take brief delight in dissecting each others theories into a desert, then back into a blossom.  
INT- ASYLUM HOUSE- NOON
Alex and Leo sit around the government house to which they have been assigned to live for the time being. 
ALEX
I wonder what Sofia is doing right now, this moment. 
LEO
Well if you had the balls to call her, you'd find out. 
ALEX
It's not that easy, believe me. I promised myself that I would call her only when I got to America. Not before.
LEO
Yea well by the time that happens I'm sure her grandsons are gonna answer the phone. Let me tell you something about women: they always, always, always replace a lost branch with a longer one. You see us men, we're fucking stupid, we replace branches for twigs, but women, they have mastered the art of moving on. 
ALEX
I don't know; Sofia is different. I love her, I really do. She's the fuel behind all of this. 
LEO
Come on Alex, don't give me that romantic, "I'm a sensitive poet" kinda bullshit. She might of been the reason you started all of this, but goddman it, she won't be the reason you finish it. It's gone beyond puppy love now. Reality has pissed in our soup, my friend; don't think it's love that has left the stain. 
ALEX
The thing is we all lie to ourself. Nobody in this world can stand to look at himself in the mirror and face what's really there. I mean, we all got to sleep at night don't we?
LEO
Listen man, frankly put, I don't give a fuck about any of this. I really don't. All I'm telling you is that Sofia's on again off again longing for you is hardly worth raising her honor to the fucking stars. You and me have gone through some pretty huge life-changing experiences, now when my son asks me why I did it, I sure as hell won't say for LOVE. 
ALEX
Well, I'm sure it will be easier to explain to your son that daddy risked his life to prove a bacteria's point in life. Oh, yea, your son will love that. 
As Alex and Leo continue debating their separate notions, a roommate walks in.  
ROOMMATE
Hey, you guys wanna come down show these fucking English how real football is played? 
LEO
This bastard here wore me out. 
ALEX
Easy honey. 
LEO
Yea, you wish bitch.
ALEX
(excited)
Come one, Leo. We haven't kicked a ball in awhile. 
LEO
Why don't you bend over and I'll start with your right one?
ALEX
I'm going. Do whatever you want. 
LEO
Alright. Stop begging dammit. You know these English are hooligan motherfuckers; why we gotta play with them? 
ALEX
Because otherwise you'll never stop smelling like that. 
LEO
Like what? 
ALEX
Like a pussy. 
Alex and his roommate break into laughter. The three of them leave their house and join some other people at a nearby field. They split into two teams of ten and begin playing football (soccer). The English side plays rough; often, deliberately dirty. However, Alex moves gracefully with the ball, almost as if he and it were conspiring to a dance together. The English players are stunned as Alex, with great easy, scores a goal on the opposing team. Many spectators gather to see the match. Almost all of them being completely charmed by the natural skill of Alex's movement. Amongst the spectators are a group of girls; dressed in a school uniform, they confide in one another the limits of their taste. After the football game, the spectators and the players begin to mingle as friends meet with friends, and strangers become friends. Leo sees the group of girls watching and approaches them. 
LEO
Hey ladies, is it true what they say about English girls, that they like guys with exotic accents? 
GIRL
Nah, we're normal girls. We only like guys with big penises. 
The group of girls begin laughing.
LEO
Oh, yes, I have that deformity down low. That's why you didn't see me running around the field that much, I don't wanna trip on it, you know. 
GIRL
My friend thinks your friend is cute. 
LEO
Which one? 
GIRL
(pointing)
Stacy. With the ponytail, there. 
Stacy
Oh my god, Sarah, I'm gonna kill you. 
LEO
What, is she shy or something. 
GIRL
Yea something. Now why don't you be a good boy and call your friend over. 
LEO
(shouting)
Alex! Get your goal scoring ass down here! 
Alex hears Leo and begins walking towards him.
LEO
What about you and me baby? I'd like to take you for a walk and recite you some "Stakespear". 
GirL
Some what? 
LEO
You know, to be or not to be...in you. Baby, that is the question. 
GIRL
Stacy, you owe me, you owe me big time. 
As Alex approaches, Leo takes him to the side and has a few words with him. 
LEO
Man, we're about to dip our daggers into some English muffins here, so you better not screw this shit up. 
ALEX
What the fuck you talking about, Leo. 
LEO
I'm talking about those schoolgirls behind me wanting to invade our knights. You feel me? 
ALEX
Man, they look sort of young. 
LEO
You know my policy on that: "If an apple is green, it's ready to pluck; if a girl is sixteen, she's ready to fuck". Look at the ass on that redhead, I mean in ass-years she'd be like 90 years old. Come on, Alex, for me? Please? 
ALEX
I'm just going along for you alright? 
LEO
Fine by me. And you won't regret this, I promise you. 
Leo and Alex approach the two girls, Sarah and Stacy, that have remained behind. 
LEO
Sarah, Stacy; this is my friend Alex. 
ALEX
Hey. 
SARAH
Hey Alex.
StACY
(shyly)
Hi. 
LeO
Why don't you and I take a walk, Sarah. Let's give these two lovebirds some time alone.
SaRAH
(smiling)
Yea, you can tell me all about "Stakespear". 
Leo and Sarah walk away, leaving Alex and Stacy alone. 
ALEX
I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. My friend, he's sort of relentless sometimes. 
StACY
Yea, I know what you mean. My friend is like that, too. This time I'm glad she did it though.  
ALEX
You all go to school together?
STACY
Yea. We've known each other since diapers. How about you and your friend?
ALEX
Oh, god. We've known each other since... I'd say diapers but our parents couldn't afford any. 
STACY
(laughing)
You're funny and cute. 
ALEX
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. 
STACY
(laughing)
O my god, stop it. 
ALEX
So how old are you, Stacy?
STACY
Why don't you and your friend meet us tonight for some drinks; if we all add our ages together, then maybe, just maybe, they'll let us drink.  
ALEX
Alright. Where? 
STACY
Bar Byron. It's a hot-spot for youth infested melancholy. Beer's good too. 9 P.M. And wear something black.
ALEX
(smiling)
See you tonight. 
INT. Bar Byron- Evening
Alex, Leo, Sarah, and Stacy meet in front of the bar. They all show identification to the security. The inside of the bar is simple and bears the scent of antiquity. A large fireplace illuminates the wooden interior of the bar. The four of them find a table and sit down and order drinks.  
Leo
(grinning)
At least we know you ladies are over age. 
SaRAH
Over...under... depends on how much we drink. 
LEO
God I love the British. 
SARAH
So Alex, where did you learn to play football? 
ALEX
Back home. When your young, there's not much to do really. There's plenty of open fields there, so basically we'd just kick the ball around until it started making sense. 
StACY
I seen pictures of Albania, it's really beautiful. 
ALEX
The weather is, I'm afraid to say, somewhat better than here. 
LEO
I mean seriously, what's wrong with this place? Have you guys committed so many crimes that nature is trying to wash 'em clean? 
SaRAH
(looking at Leo)
Well... being wet does have its benefit now and then. 
LEO
God I love the English. 
ALEX
So what do you girls do for fun?
LEO
No, no, no, that's not the right question to ask. Let's say today is the last day before... I don't know... Armageddon. What would you girls do for fun?  
StaCY
That's one of those questions that you can't really answer without it first being true.
LEO
OK, OK. Let's just pretend, just make believe that tomorrow at 6 AM, all 5 billion people are gonna wake up dead; now tell me what you would do tonight?  
STACY
That's hard. I guess I would call my family and tell them I love them, and then I would probably want to have sex. I can't believe I just said that. 
LEO
Sarah?
SaRAH
I'd probably have sex first and then I'd call my family... if there was any time left. 
LEO
Do you know what this little experiment showed me? 
SARAH
What?
LEO
(smiling)
That I'm definitely getting laid tonight. 
SaRAH
Alright wise guy, what would you do? 
LEO
I would run around the streets naked. 
SaRAH
Why is that? 
LEO
So I can be the last thing people think about before they die. 
ALEX
Well at least people will die laughing. 
StACY
How bout you, Alex? What would you do?
ALEX
(hesitating)
I'd probably look up one last time...at them...
LEO
Oh boy, here we go again. Sorry about my friend, the weather here has reshuffled his brain. He's very normal in good temperature. 
StACY
Who do you mean by "them"?
LEO
(annoyed)
That does it . Come on Sarah, let's dance. Too much philosophizing going on here. 
Leo takes Sarah by the hand and both head to the dance floor. 
STACY
They're so much alike. 
ALEX
Practically twins. Well I shouldn't say that, who knows what they'll end up doing. 
STACY
So who is "them"?
ALEX
I've had this recent disenchantment with the whole notion of destiny. You see, as a child I was brought up to look at the stars and see them as a map, a sort of elevated chess table, on whose every slight movement my own actions would depend. Silly isn't it? 
STACY
No I don't think it's silly at all. I think it's very beautiful. Do you have a girlfriend?
ALEX
Uh, no. At this moment I'm completely alone. 
STACY
Do you miss your home?
ALEX
Sometimes. But then I think about where I am and where I'm going...
STACY
Where exactly are you going? 
ALEX
Had you asked me this question about a week ago, I would of said America. But now, it's as if my feet are moving forward and the ground is moving backwards, and the only thing changing is the scenery. 
STACY
Sounds like a lonely life to me. 
ALEX
Believe me, with Leo around, you're never lonely. He's like a bored housewife without any money. But, he's about the only family I got right now, so, it's not so bad. 
STACY
Sometimes I wish I could lead your life. I mean, I wake up, I go to school, I come back and spend some meaningless hours home, and then I wake up and do the same thing over again. Nothing exciting ever happens. But you, you go places, you see different cultures, different people, you experience life in its fullest. I would give anything for that.  
ALEX
After a while, the romance fades away. 
STACY
Yea but at least you feel alive and... I don't know... It's like my life doesn't really have to be, you know what I'm saying? Like I won't even leave a mark in the sand or something. But here you are, you've already left some many marks. I find that interesting. How come you never asked me if I had a boyfriend? 
ALEX
Do you have a boyfriend?
STACY
Well, after all this interesting conversation we just had, I wouldn't tell you even if I did. 
ALEX
(smiling)
It's alright. I already know. 
STACY
Really? Well tell me, do I? 
ALEX
No, you don't. 
STACY
And how did you figure that out? 
ALEX
That's because you haven't stopped staring at my eyes since we've got here. That tells me you don't have a boyfriend. 
STACY
Maybe I just like your eyes. 
ALEX
Maybe. 
At this moment, Leo and Sarah come back at the table. 
LEO
Did I mention how much I love the English? So, what have you guys been talking about? If my friend has bored you to death, I apologize.
StACY
No, actually your friend is very interesting. 
SaRAH
Excuse us gentlemen, while we go to the ladies room. Come on Stacy. 
Sarah and Stacy head to the rest room. Leo sits by Alex.  
LEO
We got this, you hear me, we got this. 
ALEX
We got what?
LEO
God, your slower than the senior Olympics. Can't you see, they want us, man. She was all over me while we were dancing. Her hand was fondling me in ways I'd go to hell for. Please, Alex, I'm begging you, please don't ruin this for me. Just go with it, alright? 
ALEX
You would sell your soul for a piece of ass, wouldn't you?
LEO
I would sell my ass for a piece of ass. That's how desperate I am right now. You don't understand, at night, all I see is that big black dick chasing me. It's a fucking nightmare man. I fucking have to get laid tonight. We have to get laid tonight. Remember, I'm cold, you're cold. I get ass, you get ass. Come on, baby, work with me here. 
ALEX
I don't know... I was just thinking about...
LEO
Oh, don't even say Sofia. Right now, I guarantee you that she's riding some guy like a fucking runaway train with no brakes. She's there, you're here. Remember the rule, when it's a different area code, it's not considered cheating. 
Sarah and Stacy return from the rest room. 
SARAH
Hey, we had an idea guys: why we buy two bottles of wine and go somewhere more private. 
LEO
That's a great idea, isn't it Alex?
ALEX
Yea. 
LEO
Why don't we go to our apartment; it's comfortable, clean, and we got plenty of drinks there. No need to waste money, right?
SaRAH
Got any wine? 
LEO
The cheapest wine in all of England. 
SARAH
What are we waiting for, then? Let's go. 
StACY
Come on guys. Why don't we just go to a park or something...
SARAH
Come on Stacy, live a little. Have some fun for a change. Your parents won't be home 'till the morning anyway. 
LeO
That's right. Life is short. Have fun today, pay the bills tomorrow. 
StACY
Alright, but I gotta be home before morning. My parents would kill me if they didn't find me home. 
LEO
Excellent. Let's go have some fun. 
The four of them leave the bar and head to the apartment. 
The four of them enter the apartment. It's small and completely clustered with cloths everywhere. There is a small TV and two couches. 
LEO
Well, at least we still have the wine. One out of three ain't bad, eh? 
ALEX
I'll get the drinks, you guys have a seat and relax. 
LEO
No, no, that's alright. Me and Sarah we'll have the drinks in the other room. It has a much better view. Come on Sarah. 
SaRAH
(hesitating)
Are you gonna recite some "Stakespear"? 
LEO
That's exactly what I had in mind. 
Leo takes Sarah into the other room, leaving Alex and Stacy alone. 
ALEX
Sarah seems nice. 
An increasing soft moaning is heard coming out of the other room. 
StACY
Yea, Leo too, seems like a nice guy. 
LEO (O.S.)
(moaning)
Ohh, Juliet, you fuck by the book. 
SaRAH (O.S.)
(moaning)
Oh, Romeo, Romeo... Oh god, oh god...
ALEX
(blushing)
Could be worse, they could be doing Othello. 
On the other room: 
Leo, wearing a long British guardsmen hat and only a leather belt with a cigarette hanging from his lower lip, sits on the couch while Sarah, in her mini skirt, rides him profusely. 
Consequently, they both reach a loud orgasm resulting in a symphony of screams. Sarah falls on top of Leo's sweaty body in exhaustion. She takes his cigarette and begins smoking. Suddenly, she realizes that Alex and Stacy are in the other room. 
SARAH
I wonder what those two are doing. They're very quite. 
LEO
Could be worse, they could be reading "Hansel and Gretel". 
They laugh. .

Old mAN (V.O.)
In reality, it was far worse then anyone could have imagined. What we didn't know at the moment was that both of them were minors. 
ANDY (V.O.)
Hold a sec; didn't you say that all of you had drinks in a bar. If there were minors, how did they get in the bar? 
 old mAN (V.O.)
Women have ways of blinding the law with their charms; in their case, fake identification. 
(beat)
The eye of the storm was when Sarah, a month or so later, began a rumor-filled chain which eventually ended with both of their parents. To make our luck even more infected, Stacy's father who happened to be a Judge, found it in accord with his parental duty to report both of us to higher authority.  
INT. ENGLAND - LONDON - INSIDE COURT HOUSE - MIDDAY
INSERT - CLOCK: 2 P.M.
Alex sits, his face white. Alex and Leo stand before a Judge with their accompanied lawyer. Several people are seated in the courtroom, including the parents of both Sarah and Stacy.
JUDGE
Alexander Kondi and Leonard Bushati, you are found guilty of inappropriate conduct with a minor and endangering the welfare of a child. You are sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. The sentence will be carried immediately!
Judge bangs his gavel. 

Stacy's Father
(angrily-shouting)
You bastards! You got what you deserved. 
LEO
Believe me pal, I wasn't the first to get there. It's a pit stop for the entire Royal Navy.  
The father spits on Leo's face. Leo approaches the father with force but the cops separate them and ultimately take them away in handcuffs. 
ALEX
(in disbelief)
We didn't know. We didn't know. 
INT. ENGLAND - LONDON - PRISON - MORNING
Alex and Leo arrive at their cell. It's small, bare, and almost uninhabitable. 
ALEX
Where did we go wrong, Leo? How could it come to this? 
LEO
How were we supposed to know that those bitches were under age? They got in the fucking bar, didn't they? Were we supposed to ask them for a piss sample? Two fucking years! And I'll tell you another thing, If we get out of here alive, I'm packing my shit and going back home. Better to be a living loser than a dead hero. 
ALEX
Then at least be a good friend and carry my body home, make sure I get a proper burial. 
LEO
Listen to me Alex, it's becoming not worth it. How long do we have to bleed before we realize it's our own blood? There will always be an America; there will always be a dream, but we won't have another youth. Is this how we're gonna spend it, like locked up criminals? 
ALEX
(raising his voice)
We have come to far to quit! Remember what Milto said? He said that the slums and ghettos were built with youth too interested in dreaming. What he meant was that the garbage of any society are those who give up, who give in to fear. That's not me! 
LEO
I really would hate to stand over your grave and finish this conversation with your tombstone. 
ALEX
If that's where it ends, then that's where it ends. 
EXT. Prison courtyard- afternoon
Alex and Leo walk around in the courtyard. There are many inmates of all races huddled up in groups. Some playing sports, some working out, some playing cards, while others merely engage in conversation with one another. Alex and Leo find a bench and sit down. 
ALEX
Look at them. Every single one of them has a story to tell. If America is the place where all dreams end, then this is the place where all nightmares begin. Yet, they call it home. 
LEO
You know, I was thinking about it last night: I am not taking any fucking showers in here. The worse you smell the better it is. God forbid you remind someone of that delicious April scent, I mean that's your ass right there. Do me a favor, smell me. 
ALEX
What? You fucking crazy?
LEO
Come on man, just take a sniff and tell me what I smell like. I just wanna make sure I stink. 
Alex sniffs near Leo.
ALEX
Yea, you stink. You happy?
LEO
If you're smart like me, you'll rub some dog shit on your shirt. 
ALEX
(annoyed)
Leo, where the fuck am I gonna find some dog shit in prison, eh? 
LEO
(smiling)
Then let me shit on you. 
They both begin to laugh. As Alex looks around the courtyard, his eyes come across the most horrific scene he could imagine: he sees Giovanni amongst a group of people. His laughter decays into a look of sheer desperation. 
LEO
What's the matter with you? 
Alex does not respond. He continues staring. 
LEO
Hey, do you hear me...
ALEX
You won't have to shit on me, because I just shit in myself. 
LEO
What the hell you talking...
ALEX
(pointing)
Look! 
Leo looks around and then finally sees Giovanni. 
LEO
Jesus Christ! If that's who I think it is, we are fucking dead. 
ALEX
Just shut up. Relax. He hasn't seen us yet. 
LEO
And I didn't think things could get worse. There's no fucking way we're gonna be able to hide for two years without being seen. 
ALEX
Who knows, maybe he won't recognize us. 
LEO
Alex, you fucked the man's girlfriend. Your face is the last thing he's gonna forget. 
Giovanni suddenly notices them two and immediately begins walking towards them. 
LEO
Oh shit, he saw us. What the fuck do we do? What the fuck do we do? 
ALEX
Nothing. Just shut the fuck up and don't move. 
Giovanni approaches them.
GIOVANNI
Either this is the best dream of my fucking life, or my eyes have gone in early retirement, because I know this can't be real.  
ALEX
What do you want?
GIOVANNI
World peace. An end to poverty. Your fucking spine hanging from my ceiling... the usual. 
ALEX
Then take it now. 
GIOVANNI
Oh, no, my little brave friend. I have plans for you. There's too many people here; I want it to be special. Just you and me. And after I'm done with you, I'm gonna play with your friend here. Oh, I'm not gonna kill him; I'm gonna sell him to some friends of mine. He's got pretty lips; they would like that. 
ALEX
Fuck you! 
Giovanni begins laughing nefariously and leaves. 
INT. inside cell - evening
Alex and Leo lie in their beds, neither one of them capable of falling asleep. 
LEO
We won't last two years in here. 
ALEX
Leo, if anything happens to me, I just wan't you to know that...
LEO
Why the fuck are you talking like that, huh? If you say your good-byes to me then we're both finished; you know that. As different as our theories are about life, they can't survive on their own. Quitting is something you don't know how to do; don't you fucking begin learning now.  
ALEX
(staring at the ceiling)
My hour glass is empty. 
Leo gets out of bed.
LEO
Hey, look at me. Fuck that, fuck that. No one is dying in here, you hear me. We defend ourselves. We do whatever it takes. What we're not gonna do is sit around and wait for that fuck to kill us. 
ALEX
Murderers, Leo? Is that what we are? Is that where the rainbow ends? 
LEO
No, that's not what we are, but if that's what we become, then I can live with that, but at least I'll be living. 
ALEX
That's right we'll be living... in shame and in failure. And when we go back home one day, they'll all point to us and say: "Look... look at the garbage that enters our city." 
LEO
You can flip your coin however you want, but I'm not dying in here. If we take a life defending our own, then we can live with that. 
ALEX
We've already lived with that. Good night.  
Alex turns around and closes his eyes. 
INT. boiler room - morning.
Alex and Leo, as part of their cyclical duty, are mopping the floor of the boiler room. The room is hot and damp. 
LEO
It's hotter than the Devil's asshole in here. I hope nobody sees us down here; our bare bodies glistening and shit, it's like we're throwing signals to get raped. 
ALEX
Could be worse. 
LEO
No I don't know how the fuck it could be worse. 
ALEX
At least you're not wearing that silly fucking hat and reciting Shakespeare. 
LEO
You saw that?
ALEX
Yea. I tried not to. But it was hard not to notice with you screaming like an idiot. 
LEO
What can I say, we don't all like to make love like you; some of us just like it loud and nasty. I will say this, some part of me thinks that her ass was worth getting two years. I mean, she fucked like she was possessed by a demon and I was the only priest alive. How was the other one? Tight? 
ALEX
Mop the floor and shut the fuck up. 
LEO
My bitch was loose man. It was like fucking the entrance of a cave. If she's under age, then she probably started taking it in kindergarten. Because all I did was add another lane in a 6 lane highway. 
ALEX
Yea well...
Suddenly, Giovanni and two other men come from behind. The two men grab and restrain Leo, while Giovanni stands face to face with Alex. 
GIOVANNI
I told you, I have plans for you, boy. Now I want your friend to watch as I cut you like I cut that whore who thought she could fool me. 
Giovanni pulls out a knife and begins licking it slowly. 
ALEX
You sick fuck!
GIOVANNI
(smiling)
Time to bleed, boy. 
Giovanni slices the air with his knife, cutting Alex in the cheek. He then lunges into Alex with full force. As Alex tries to grab the hand which is holding the knife, the two of them fall to the ground. They wrestle on the floor as each man tries to maintain possession of the knife. Alex manages to snatch the knife from Giovanni, and once it is in his possession, he stabs Giovanni, with great force, upon his chest. 
LEO
(shouting)
Bleed that you mother fucker! 
Seeing the death of Giovanni, the two men holding Leo run away in fear. Leo goes and helps Alex up. 
ALEX
(breathing heavily)
It's over... it's over...
A prison security team bursts through the door, with weapons fully drawn, and forcefully throws both of them to the floor. They place handcuffs on both of them and drag them out. They throw each of them into a small isolation room. Then, two teams of three guards enter the room and begin beating the both of them. Then, the guards leave them on the cold floor naked and beaten. 
INT. COURT ROOM - AfterNOON
Alex and Leo stand before the same judge again. This time charged with the murder of Giovanni. 
JUDGE
Seeing that this is your second offense in a relative short amount of time, you leave me no choice but to suspend any chance of leniency and subject you both to the full extent of the law. Therefore, I am placing you both in a maximum security prison where you will be tried for first degree murder. Seeing that the crime was committed on English soil, you will be tried on English soil; thus, I am denying any requests for deportation and or contact with your native government. Court dismissed! 
Judge bangs the gravel. 
Alex and Leo are placed inside a van and made ready to be transported to the prison. 
InT. inside van - afterNOON
LEO
Both our theories failed, didn't they? 
ALEX
They crashed...
Suddenly, A large truck skids off the slippery road and slams into the rear of the van, catapulting it off the road and into the sidewalk. Alex and Leo, thought wounded, climb out of the shattered windows and carry the driver and the policeman out before the van erupts into a large fireball. 
OLD ALEX (V.O.)
Just when we deemed our dreams breathless and blind, destiny intervened and unshackled their pulse once more. We did what any fugitive would do, we ran and ran. Our refuge came at an English sea port which housed and employed the worst in human nature. A week passed in arduous labor and constant paranoia. Finally, we found a ship whose destination was New York City. It was a cargo ship full of booze and cigarettes; we merely added to what was hidden. We took as much food and water as we could, and hid at the very darkest corner of the ship. Yet, destiny intervened again, this time, it was it's last interference. 
INT. lower decks of ship - late evening
Alex and Leo are tucked behind boxes of shipping merchandise. Their food and water has run out.  
LEO
How close are we? 
ALEX
I don't know. 
LEO
That's the last of the water. The food's gone, too. 
ALEX
There's a kitchen somewhere above. We find it, get some bottles of water, some caned food, and we get back here. 
LEO
Are you nuts? If they catch us up there, they throw us in the water or send us back. No fucking way. I say we stay here until we know we're in New York. 
ALEX
Who knows how long till we get to New York. Could be a week. We stay here without food and water , we'll be dead before we get there. 
LEO
I have a bad feeling about this, man. 
ALEX
Look, the quicker we go, the quicker we get back. We either die here, or we die trying. What do you say? 
LEO
Fuck it. Let's go. 
Alex and Leo slowly sneak out of their hiding place and slowly make their way to the upper decks. Once they get to the upper decks the search around for the kitchen. Inside the kitchen the take a few bottles of water, some canned tune and a fork. As they are about to exit the kitchen, a man wearing a suit sees them screams to them in Russian. Alex and Leo run away. He gives chase. Alex and Leo run all the way outside to the outside deck, where, in the distance, they can see the brilliantly lit city of New York. The Russian man catches them and draws a gun on them. 
Russian man
(in Russian accent)
Who are you? What are you doing here. 
LEO
Nothing man, we just work in the boiler. We wanted some food, that's all. 
The Russian man calls in the radio to inform his boss what he has just discovered. His boss informs him that there must be no witnesses because of the illegal substances that are hidden within the boxes. The Russian man tries to shoot Alex, but Leo jumps in the way and is shot on his shoulder, causing him to fall overboard. Alex, with a fork in his hand, lunges at the man and stabs him in the neck. Then, Alex grabs a life vest and jumps in the water after Leo. Alex, swims to Leo, who is severely wounded in the shoulder, puts the life vest on Leo, and they both swim towards Manhattan.  
EXT. in the water - almost midnight 
Alex is swimming with Leo on his chest, as Leo is wounded and incapable of swimming. 
LEO
(breathing heavily)
Don't think I was trying to be brave. 
ALEX
Leo, look; we've made it. 
New York City appears in view, bright and beautiful, with the Statute of Liberty proudly standing tall. 
LEO
Now you can look up again...
ALEX
(shouting)
Leo! Leo! Oh, God...
Leo, bleeding severely, dies in the arms of Alex. Alex swims with the body of his dead friend until he gets to the base of the Statue of Liberty. He places Leo's body onto the rocks and slowly loses consciousness next to Leo's body. Alex's spirit is seen elevating ever so slowly all the way to the top of the great Statue. Then, to commemorate the Millennium, fireworks are seen exploding all over the Majestic City. Then, Alex's spirit looks below, and sees the two bodies upon the rocks, causing it to be pulled back into the body.
EXT. OLD Beach - late eveNING
The old Alex, stands ever so gently and slowly approaches the restless water. He goes into the water until it reaches his knees. Andy slowly follows him. Old Alex closes his eyes and raises his head towards the beautiful star-filled night. Slowly, he opens his eyes, and sees those pearly splendors, and also, the one remaining victorious theory.  
OLD ALEX
(pointing to the stars)
They are beautiful, they are all beautiful. 
ANDY
Alex! 
FADE OUT.