ABOVE THE DEAD . com
Season 1, Episode 2
"Grief"
INTRO
BLACK...
"Silent Night" instrumental playing...
FADE IN:
EXT. CABIN - NIGHT
Flashes (in between moments of darkness) of that horrific ending, of Fish lunging at Sam trying to bite her, of him approaching her, of him at bottom of ladder, of Merry peeing herself before being bitten, of Sam's face of shock as she screams and sobs...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (almost 5 years ago)
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
"Silent Night", still playing
Christmas presents galore, a creatively decorated tree, stockings stuffed, decor everywhere, delicious treats laid out...
DISSOLVE TO: MORNING (same scene)
"Silent Night" (dimming as background music).
Same POV (point of view) of living room, moving through the gifts, coming to find a basket with baby Merry inside, as Sam is heard joyously screaming, before running into scene, instantly hugging and holding Merry, with all the love in the world.
Standing back behind Sam, is both her moms, Brianna (32) and Kayla (31), with hands over their hearts, enjoying the precious moment and looking toward Fish, who stands off recording the entire thing. Kayla begins pointing Sam's attention toward the note in the basket, which she picks up discovering it to be a message from Santa, thanking her for all the love she has to provide this pup, who was found at the North Pole and needed a home.
Sam looked completely blown away by the gift and where it came from, as the two ran and played together all over the room, without a second thought to all the other unopened gifts...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. TREE HOUSE - DAWN
DARK with "Silent Night" slowly dissolving away, followed by a horrifying scream, waking Sam up.
Sam opening eyes, just lying there a moment, until one final gasp/scream came from below, as Sam popped right up, looking downward to the awful scene of her dad, eating what had to be Mrs. Pederson (her bag laying next to her, along with a cat carrier).
Sam instantly burying her head, hiding from the reality below. She rolls over a bit opening eyes, staring ahead, as if waiting to wake from what appeared as no nightmare she could have ever imagined. The sound below causing her to cover her ears. Suddenly she ponders a thought, rises and walks into bedroom, reaching for her gun, simply looking at it. Then reaches for and loading ammo. Again, simply staring at it. Now looking out window, at Merry's remains, and back to gun...
Suddenly, she tunes into the sound of a cat meowing. She walks back outside, looking below at the cat carrier, lying next to the corpse of Mrs. Pederson, who her dad continues to munch on. She quickly looks away, crouches down against wall of bedroom, closing her eyes. Now opens and takes another look downward as the cat continues to meow, which begins drawing attention from "Fish", who looks up from Mrs. Pederson (flesh/blood all over mouth/face), over toward the carrier, and begins moving toward sound of the cat.
Sam again looks away, closing eyes. Fish comes downward toward carrier, confused how to get to the cat. Sam opens eyes, again staring at gun in her hand. Fish continues messing with the carrier. Sam looks back down at them. She slowly aims gun toward her dad, and holds it on him, steady at first, before shaking and pulling away.
Suddenly, the carrier door flings open. Sam watching as the cat dashes away, and flees right up the tree (connected to the outhouse side). Fish moves toward tree, looking up. Sam watches him, along with the cat, who rests on the side of the outhouse, looking downward at Fish who eventually finds his attention going back to the remains of Mrs. Pederson. Sam watching her dad move back to Mrs. Pederson, before looking away and back toward the gun in her hand. She continues staring at it. She looks at the cat again, her dad, then again at the gun. This time she slowly begins moving gun toward her face. She stares right at it. Points toward her head. She closes her eyes...
Suddenly she flinches, looks down and sees the cat right against her leg. She stares at it a moment, as it then brushes up against her, and coming up to her face. She slowly let's grasp of gun go, dropping down next to her. Sam almost fighting herself at first, but finally grabbing the cat, pulling in close for a hug, and bawling like a baby, as every emotion from the night before, comes pouring out. Eventually the cat comes to rest in her lap, as Sam continues to weep. Down below, "Fish" eats from Mrs. Pederson, with a look up toward the sound of Sam crying. Several shots of the entire area, as Sam lets it all out...
DISSOLVE TO:
THEME TUNE/CREDITS
Scenes of bumper to bumper traffic, on the highway. People are growing impatient, becoming angry/annoyed with others, as opening credits roll…
CUT TO:
INT: TREE HOUSE - LATE MORNING
Sam asleep in her bed with cat cuddled close by. Sam slowly waking. Suddenly looks toward window, gently and swiftly she moves around the cat to look outside.
Her POV, of what little of Mrs. Pederson remained (no Fish). Sam immediately heading out door, scanning below with Fish nowhere in sight. Sam cautiously lowering the ladder, and just as cautiously climbing down it, looking all directions with each step she took. Once on final step, just before putting a foot on the ground, she freezes, with a look straight ahead.
Her POV, of Fish (bloated), sitting against tree looking right back at her, but unable to move at the moment. Sam continues staring at him while standing on that last step. She then puts a foot down onto the ground, followed with a look back behind her, and everywhere else before quickly pulling foot back up. Again, staring at her dad, as tears form, and she slowly moves back up the ladder, quickly pulling it back up. She stands there for a moment, fighting back more tears. She then walks over and into outhouse, closing door, to the sound of her inside weeping...
CUT TO:
Cat in bedroom, instantly running to Sam, who's opening a can of tuna. Sam looking at it, slowly reaching into can with her fingers, taking a small bite. Looking at it, hesitant to take another bite, before simply placing down on ground, for the cat.
Sam holding her tummy, sitting back on her bed, watching the cat eat. She then looks over at a few boxes of her favorite junk food, and once again begins forming tears. She sits there with her head in her lap. Suddenly, a few gunshots go off in the far distance, as she slowly moves her head up and toward window. Now looking to the cat, who continues to scarf. Sam moves from the bed, to the floor next to the cat, just staring at it...
DISSOLVE TO:
Multiple scenes flashing as the day goes on.
Sam picking up cat, looking at name tag which reads "Bailey Pederson".
Sam glancing out window.
Sam on floor, halfheartedly moving string for cat to play with.
Sam outside on deck of tree house, looking down toward her dad.
Sam placing down a half-eaten donut, and holding her tummy.
Bailey jumping onto bed, lying next to Sam, who lays there staring into space.
Sam now sitting on floor crying.
Bailey comes out of brush, climbing tree and back into tree house, where Sam is watching him.
Sam drinking water and suddenly reacting to something she sees out window, while running over looking out, before running outside bedroom onto deck, looking downward. Her POV of Fish walking away...
Fish walking past brush and around corner, as Sam is seen (in background) cruising over to, and dropping ladder. Bailey watching Sam slowly begin climbing down ladder, looking all directions with each step. Once to the bottom, she heads direction Fish took off in, but very cautiously as she keeps her eyes on the brush (lots of places for someone/something to be).
Creeping around the same corner Fish disappeared around, she becomes nervous (that he's gone), and begins almost running, before stopping as she spots him ahead. She steps/snaps a twig, causing him to turn toward her. She pauses, as he now comes back her direction. She turns, but waits while realizing he didn't appear to have any speed to work with. She begins backing up, allowing him to keep coming.
Wisely she checks her footing, and keeps an eye on the brush and other surroundings, while backing toward the tree house. She scoops up the cat carrier, on her way back to the ladder. She climbs, reaching the top, just as he arrives. She grabs the ladder but leaves it there, watching him clueless as how to use it. She sits back and simply watches him, content on bringing his attention back to the tree house.
DISSOLVE TO:
Sam on tree house deck (ladder now up), using a bag of chips to shake and make noise, as down below Fish is again approaching tree house (after leaving again), with his attention on her and the noise she makes. She stops, sits, and looks downward at him.
DISSOLVE TO:
Sam using string to stimulate Bailey. She takes notice of Fish walking away. She shakes bag of chips again, and even sprinkles a few down toward base of tree, to keep him close...
DISSOLVE TO:
Sam walking out of outhouse, tapping her hands against tree house railing, making enough noise to attract Fish...
DISSOLVE TO:
Sam in bedroom on floor (next to Bailey), head against pillow, asleep...
Eyes opening...
Suddenly hopping right up, running out onto deck, looking down all around for Fish. Her POV, of him nowhere in sight. She instantly puts ladder down, and climbs down, cautiously looking all around, yet careful not to stray too far from the tree house.
She now zips back up the ladder, running to bag of chips, and back down ladder, shaking bag once on the ground. She heads around same corner, as before, and comes face to face with him, causing her to fall backward with a yelp, but quickly back on her feet, both frightened and relieved (to still have her dad's presence).
Again, she backs up toward tree house, leading him that way, but this time suddenly out from the brush, comes another dead person (man who Fish killed), lunging at Sam, knocking her right into her dad. Screaming, she somehow crawls between his legs, popping back to her feet, but in the opposite direction of the tree house, as both her dad and the man, come at her.
Sam (crying) fights to find her focus as she backs away quickly, and begins going in a circle, until she has a direct route back toward the ladder, without being in their reach. Running right to ladder, she zips on up, catching her breath once resting up top, before again sitting down on deck against wall, shedding tears.
She looks down at the zombies, then over to Bailey, who nervously watches her from close by. She rises and walks into bedroom, coming back out holding gun, and sitting back down. Staring at it, just thinking. Looking back down at zombies, back at Bailey, then again to the gun. The other zombie grunts loudly, and Sam finds herself tuning in to him, before looking down. Now slowly rising, she finds an open shot, and aims gun down below, at the other zombie.
She stands there for several moments, before finding the nerve to fire, which she does several times, even hitting her target once in the chest, to no affect. She lowers the gun for a moment, just watching. Then again raising and firing three more shots, again hitting him at least once, to no affect.
Sam ponders her next move a moment, before leaving into bedroom. Once inside she begins reloading. Bailey is now way up the tree, hiding and terrified as Sam comes back out onto deck, finding her best location to shoot, aiming and firing six shots, the last in which nails the other zombie in the head, instantly dropping him. She stands there looking from his motionless body to her dad, who continues to look back up at her. Sam then scans over the entire area, before slowly crouching back down in her spot, and placing gun down next to her. Tears form...
Suddenly, a shot below is fired below, as Sam is freaked all to hell.
POV Fish, as a second shot nails him in head, instantly going down, followed by an off-screen scream, from Sam...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BRUSH - DAY
POV coming from pair of men, aiming guns forward as they rapidly/cautiously move toward apparent danger. They begin to slow as they come toward the side of Fish's cabin. Suddenly, three shots are fired as they both pause...
POV of one of them (RHETT, 1st appearance), looking toward the other man, who remains paused, (behind tree, face unclear) while listening, before he slowly begins approaching the cabin, as Rhett follows.
POV from inside window, of them approaching side and cautiously peeking around corner. Rhett peeks through window of house, scanning area before joining the other guy, at side of cabin.
Their POV of the tree house, as they both slowly move toward side of porch, for a better look at who is below the tree house. Rhett looking toward tree house, then all around before hesitantly following guy in front of him, as he begins slowly moving toward Fish's SUV and the tree house. Brush from below is still blocking their view, of who is below tree house.
Suddenly, six straight shots are fired, sending both men scattering toward the brush. Rhett into brush as other guy stops, and moves back toward tree house, aiming his gun. His POV, of dead zombie on ground, as he carefully moves forward, around the brush. He can see someone moving close by the dead zombie. He aims his gun as he comes around corner.
POV Scott (Fish's neighbor), with shock taking over his expression, and firing a shot right past Fish's head. Scott gets closer, almost hesitating before firing a final shot, right at Fish's head, instantly flinching, as Sam's scream from above, is heard while Fish drops to the ground...
DISSOLVE TO: (Sam's scream echoing through dissolve, into next scene)
Sam stepping off ladder (face full of tears), straight over to her dad, kneeling next to his body, unable to control her emotions...
Scott's lower half steps in front of her. She looks up at him, as Rhett also comes into view, back behind Scott, who stands there in shock, shaking his head. Sam looks back down to her dad, fighting the urge to embrace his bloody corpse, before crying out to him...
SAM
DAAAADDDDYYYYY!
CUT TO:
EXT. SCOTT'S CABIN PORCH - DAY
Rhett's POV, of the ground, before looking upward as he approaches Scott's place, with his wife (Amy, 23, 8 months pregnant), and his brother (Eli, 13), on porch expressing relief, at the sight of him. Amy with tears. Door behind them looks like it had been kicked in.
Rhett's grim expression as he quietly arrives. Amy becoming nervous by his silence.
AMY
Rhett? Where is my dad?
RHETT
He's fine...
Rhett just standing there quietly, still in shock...
AMY
Then what is wrong?
RHETT
Your neighbor, Fish, he's...he's dead. (long pause as Amy and Eli look on)
He was one of those things...Scott...he...took him down. His daughter...
AMY
Oh my god. Samantha? Is she...
RHETT
She's fine. I mean...she's not, but she is...
CUT TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE - DAY
Scott climbing off ladder, with a look upward, before slowly walking away, with a shake of his head. He stops for a second, starts to go again, but hesitates, before taking a step back, toward tree house with a look up at it, and then again turning and finally walking away.
A few steps later he again stops, this time his attention over toward the cabin. His POV of Merry's remains. Again, he looks to the tree house, again shaking his head, he resumes walking back to his place...
CUT TO:
EXT. SCOTT'S PORCH - DAY
ELI
Are you sure he was one of those things?
RHETT
(nodding)
I just don't know why. Scott said he was fine, when he
left here last night.
ELI
(looking all directions)
He must have been bitten.
Amy emotional/frightened as Rhett puts his arm around her, as they stand there waiting for Scott...
ELI
You really think that little girl's the one who fired all
those shots?
RHETT
Unless there's someone else up in that tree house,
with her.
ELI
Just hard to imagine...
Amy suddenly coming out of brace from Rhett, heading straight to her dad, who was just arriving.
AMY
Is she okay? (hugging him)
SCOTT
I doubt it.
AMY
Where is she? What did she say?
SCOTT
Not a thing. She's grieving, in shock, like the rest of us.
She doesn't want to leave the tree house.
AMY
She didn't say anything, though? Maybe I should go
talk to her?
SCOTT
It's worth a try. She has food up there, but I doubt she's
eaten, so start there.
Amy already heading away.
RHETT
And babe, we really need to know what happened here,
last night.
SCOTT
I tried asking. Promised her we'd do everything we can to
get her to her family.
ELI
From what I've heard of her family, that sounds like
a good idea.
CUT TO:
INT: TREE HOUSE - DAY
Sam on bed, simply dazed and staring straight ahead, for several moments, before Amy waddles inside, out of breath.
AMY
I don't care how impressive this mansion tree house is,
unless there's a secret elevator around here somewhere,
I'm either never coming back up, or never climbing back
down...(taking seat next to Sam, with a semi smile) At least
not for (rubbing her belly) a couple more weeks or so...
Sam, I'm not even going to say how sorry I am. I doubt it's
really what you need to hear right now. I'm just going to sit
here with you for a little while, and talk, or not talk. Or just
listen to you. But I will say this, Sam, I am scared to death,
right now. I have a baby, about two weeks from coming into
a world that no longer makes any sense. That terrifies me
more than I have yet to admit to myself (Sam slowly looking
at her), and certainly not to my husband, or his baby brother.
Maybe that's the reason I can be so brave to this point. I
keep lying to myself about just how worried sick I am...
Both of them sitting there in silence...
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH'S PORCH - DAY
Scott, Rhett and Eli, arriving at Fish's porch, as Amy meets them there.
SCOTT
Any luck?
AMY
Got her to look at me for a moment.
RHETT
But she didn't talk?
AMY
Not a word.
RHETT
(impatiently annoyed)
Well then, so what's the play here?
SCOTT
We're staying right here, it's safer than my place, and
the girl needs us.
AMY
Yes, she does and honestly, she's got the right idea. I'd
feel safer up there, than in (nodding to cabin) there.
SCOTT
I was thinking same thing, and that waiting here for
her family makes more sense than trying to get to
them, for now.
CUT TO:
INT. TREE HOUSE BEDROOM - DAY
Sam on bed, with sound of others out on tree house deck.
SCOTT
(off-screen)
That one's the bathroom, we can set up over here
in the other room, for now.
Others seen walking by, carrying items to other room, as Scott comes to doorway, looking in at Sam.
SCOTT
As promised, we're going to keep you safe, until your
family arrives. We've got plenty of our own food and
supplies, so won't be bothering you for yours. We can
give you your space as well, and set up over in the
next room. But you're free to sleep where we do, if
you want to, Sam.
Sam lying there silently...
SCOTT
And when you're ready to talk, we're here for that too...
Sam remains silent, as Amy arrives behind her father, moving around him, entering room with her things.
AMY
Out Dad, this is the girls room for now, stinky boys next door.
Scott a proud smile as he heads away, Amy begins settling in.
AMY
So...anything you need to talk about, say, ask, do...just let
me know, absolutely anything. As for me, I don't even
know where to begin. So, I'm just going to dive right in.
Sam lying there silently, with a blank stare.
AMY
We're all going to take a few minutes to settle in, then we'd
like to put your dad to rest, maybe say a few words.
Sam begins shedding tears and turning over, away from Amy.
AMY
I know it's hard to think about, Sam. My husband Rhett
and his brother, just lost both their parents yesterday.
I don't even think I've had the chance to tell them how
sorry I am. We all have to be so brave right now.
Sam doesn't move, but finally speaks.
SAM
How'd they die?
Amy unable to smile, but an accomplished nod, as she finally breaks through with Sam.
AMY
I tell you what… I'll tell you what happened to us out
there, if you can tell me what happened here...
Sam lying there without a response...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (a day ago)
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Bumper to bumper traffic, with no one moving on a one-way, highway. Some people outside their cars standing or lounging around.
POV finds Amy in a chair, next to her car along with Rhett, his parents (John and Saara) and Eli. Saara approaching Amy, after Rhett walks away from her.
SAARA
Hanging in there, sweetheart?
AMY
Oh yeah, ever since I became pregnant I've dreamed of giving
birth in a field, next to a backed-up highway, in front of a ton of
complete strangers, just before or as the world is mysteriously
ending.
ELI
I think I've seen that movie.
Amy a sneering look at Eli.
SAARA
Well, maybe it'll happen in your next pregnancy, because
you've got about four weeks until my first grandson is born,
and I'm sure whatever this virus is, it'll be long gone by
then and you'll be giving birth in comfort.
RHETT
It's more than a virus, Mom. People are losing it, the
roads are backed-up everywhere; something else is
going on...
JOHN
No need in conspiracy theories and getting everyone
paranoid.
RHETT
A couple of us should at least hike forward and see
what's going on. Come on, Eli.
ELI
Yeah, cause uh, I've seen that movie too!
Amy actually blurting out a laugh this time.
AMY
I agree with the kid, let's stick together.
RHETT
(frustrated) Well then let's break out the BBQ and
enjoy the beautiful day, why don't we?
SAARA
Rhett!
RHETT
I don't understand why everyone's so laid back right now?
JOHN
(sarcastically)
You're right, everyone, panic! Son, look at your wife,
she's making you look bad.
AMY
Oh, I've been making him look bad since five minutes
before I met the guy.
Amy a smiling stare at Eli...
ELI
What?
AMY
Figured you saw that movie, too.
ELI
That's not a movie, it's a documentary. One I've been
living for thirteen years.
Rhett rolling eyes and walking off. John going after him.
AMY
Oh, come on, babe.
John side by side with Rhett, walking off just a ways from the others.
JOHN
You make a good point, son. You just have to remember
that your wife is pregnant, your brother is only thirteen,
and your mom, well, she's only a woman. (Rhett a
crooked smile and shake of his head) They're all scared.
If they see you unable to hold it together, it's only gonna
make it all the harder, for them.
RHETT
What if things don't get better? How is she going to have
that baby on a mountain with no hospital or doctor?
JOHN
Is that what's bothering you?
RHETT
I'm just not sure coming up here was the right play.
JOHN
So, you'd rather her be in a hospital flooded with people,
suffering from that virus? Your son born, and exposed to
a bug that's killing full grown adults?
RHETT
Well what's the alternative here, Dad? She gives birth in
Scott's cabin, and we all live off the mountain?
JOHN
What about that neighbor and his compound I keep
hearing about?
RHETT
A compound located somewhere in the coast range,
complete opposite direction we're heading...were heading.
JOHN
But (cutoff)
RHETT
Yes, I understand, Scott's neighbor was up here earlier,
but you really think that's still the case? If he's not already
heading for that compound, he certainly will be by the
time we show up.
Suddenly, several gunshots are heard in the far off distance, as they turn to face it.
JOHN
What the?
RHETT
How far off was that?
Suddenly, they take notice of two guys, huffing and puffing, as they hustle through the traffic, heading opposite direction. John/Rhett begin moving back toward car, and spotting another guy, moving quickly through all the traffic. As they arrive at the car with the others, more and more people can be seen hustling away from the highway, some of them into the fields/brush, most of them fatigued.
AMY
Babe?
All of them simply studying the people running, and looking all around for answers...
JOHN
Saara. (a look right at her) Shotgun.
Saara immediately to trunk, as Rhett approaches a young guy (DJ, college aged), who stops running to catch his breath, while leaning against a tree off of the highway.
RHETT
Hey! What is everyone running from?
DJ
That's what I was asking at first, when it happened! Everyone
just began running past me!
RHETT
And that was enough reason for you to abandon your car and
run for your life?!
DJ
No! Dude, let me catch my breath!
Rhett taking notice of more people running off into field, others getting out of their car to see what's happening, while some get inside locking doors… John arriving.
DJ
I stood there watching for a minute. Suddenly, some woman
up ahead began screaming, as if she was being killed. Looked
like some guy just climbed in her car and began attacking her.
No one helped, they just scattered like it was a horror movie.
I think he was stabbing her over and over, or something!
People began running everywhere, even trying to drive off
and nailing the cars in front of them. It was complete
pandemonium.
Two more guys running by and shouting at them.
GUY #1
Get out of here! People started shooting some guy for no
reason!
RHETT
(yelling back at him)
People? As in plural?!
GUY #2
Yes! It's a terrorist attack, get off the highway!
JOHN
SAARA!
John instantly turning around to Saara, who just arrived handing him the shotgun. He cocks it and looks all around, at the rising commotion. A few people nervously locking doors, at sight of John with his gun. Some people even trying to make room to drive off. Ton of honking and people yelling at others in their way. More and more people running from highway. More gunshots up ahead, are heard.
ELI
Dad, what's going on?!
JOHN
(shaking head)
I don't know, it's complete chaos. Saara, where's those
binoculars? Amy, Eli, grab whatever you can that we'll
need, in case we have to run!
AMY
Run?! Where and how far exactly am I supposed to run?!
Saara grabbing binoculars in a hurry, and handing to John.
JOHN
Seriously guys, whatever you need and let's go over here
to the side, and use that brush, in case we have to hide.
Grab as much of the food as you can! (looking to DJ)
What's your name?
DJ
DJ.
JOHN
We're stronger in numbers, DJ. So, stick around. You get
our backs, we'll have yours.
Everyone grabbing a few things. John using binoculars.
POV through binoculars of curious/paranoid onlookers, and people locking themselves in their cars. Some people retreating.
RHETT
What do you see?
JOHN
Not much.
AMY
What is going on?!
JOHN
Moment I figure it out, you'll be the first to know.
John allowing Rhett to look, as John grabs his pack from the car. Others with packs are ready to go, as John leads them to side of highway, near some brush where they settle in and look on. John grabs binoculars from Rhett, and looks around.
POV through binoculars, of more and more people deciding to abandon their cars. Binoculars freeze, as John can see extremely frightened people scattering and screaming. He looks all around, coming to find someone (zombie) strangely walking toward those who are running.
POV John putting down binoculars, and looking outward.
JOHN
What the...
Looking through binoculars again.
RHETT
What?!
AMY
What is it?!
John simply handing binoculars to Rhett, pointing him in direction to look.
ELI
Dad?
POV through binoculars of zombie.
AMY
(off-screen)
What?!
RHETT
(off-screen)
What is he...infected, or?
Suddenly zombie shot in head, instantly going down. Rhett drops binoculars, as John grabs them from him.
RHETT
Someone just blew his head off!
ELI
What?!
AMY
Blew who's head off?! Someone sick?
POV through binoculars, John scans area around dead zombie, as onlookers slowly creep in for a peek.
SAARA
(off-screen)
Is that what's happening? People are killing the sick?
RHETT
(off-screen)
Anything?
John handing Rhett binoculars.
ELI
Shouldn't we be going?
JOHN
Go where? We're not leaving the car unless we have to.
DJ
Did the guy who got shot, look like the one on the internet
yesterday?
Rhett putting down binoculars, as he and the others all turn to stare at DJ.
JOHN
What guy?
DJ
None of you guys saw that?
ELI
I know what you're talking about, but thought that was
fake. (looking to his dad) What did that sick guy look like?
JOHN
Like he was something more than just sick. Strung out on
something even your mother never smoked!
DJ
That's the guy on the internet!
RHETT
What the hell happened with this guy on the internet?
DJ
It was in Los Angeles. Some guy from a crash, looked just
like what you described, and was going after people. Think
he even bit someone. They shot him several times, but he
never went down, till he took one to the head.
ELI
Hence the reason I figured it to be fake.
Others looking to John for his thoughts...
JOHN
He did look like he was aggressive, like he really wanted
his hands on someone.
AMY
You're really scaring me here. What does this mean?
Everyone speechless and looking amongst each other...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. TREE HOUSE - DAY
POV Fish's body, panning back as Rhett and Scott go to pick him up, and begin carrying him away.
Suddenly, Sam can be heard crying out above, and hustling to the ladder.
SAM
DADDY! (climbing down)
Scott and Rhett stopping, waiting for her to arrive.
SAM
You put him down!
They begin lowering him down, as she simply sits down next to him, weeping. Scott motions for Rhett to step away with him, as he walks over to ladder, watching from there. Rhett remains, standing there watching her for a moment, before turning and walking opposite direction, from Scott. As he turns, a tear can be seen forming, in his eye.
From above, Amy watches, with a tear of her own. Eli turns and walks back into the room...
Scott walks back over to Sam...
SCOTT
It's time to say goodbye, Sam. Take as long as you need to, but once
you're done, it's time to put him to rest. Say your goodbyes, sweetheart.
Tell him how much you love him. Tell him how much I wish he was here
with us...
Scott walking back over to ladder, keeping his eyes on her...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago)
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Amy and others still near the brush, but more relaxed and lounging in the shade. DJ walking around, holding up his phone, searching for service. John holding his shotgun, as Rhett uses binoculars to keep a look out.
RHETT
It definitely seems to be calming down. No more running, but someone
up the road a ways, seems to be dead. Family is crying and he's just lying
there (concerned looks from the others)... Why aren't the police responding
to this? (dropping binoculars with a troubled look at his dad) And if not
responding to that, then when can we expect any help clearing this road?
Everyone again speechless while pondering that thought. Rhett simply shakes head and goes back to binoculars.
AMY
He's right, there's no end in sight, here.
JOHN
Just waiting here might be pointless.
ELI
What do we do if we don't wait?
JOHN
How far is your dad's place from here?
AMY
Pretty far, but our only option.
RHETT
Is it really that far?
AMY
Probably not, just my pregnancy talking. But it's at least
seven or eight miles, another five after the turnoff.
We'll have service shortly before that turnoff.
JOHN
So he could pick us up from there?
ELI
That's doable.
Rhett scanning Highway with binoculars.
JOHN
Only problem, we can't use the highway. (looking at Amy) What's
the landscape like, from here to there? Not ideal, I take it?
Rhett freezes.
POV through binoculars of commotion up the road a ways, where he had mentioned someone being hurt.
RHETT
(off-screen)
Something's happening.
Everyone looking his direction. Rhett hands binoculars to John.
POV through binoculars of worried onlookers, before they all suddenly go scattering away, with extreme fear.
JOHN
Oh god, here we go again.
John handing Rhett binoculars, and holding up his shotgun, as Rhett looks on.
AMY
What is it?
JOHN
Everyone started scattering. Come on, everyone get your stuff, we're
moving further off the highway.
RHETT
It's another infected, maybe the guy I thought was dead! Dad's
right, we gotta move.
Everyone quickly loading up and following DJ, who already is heading for another sheltered area, along the ridge of a hill, where the field ends. Rhett and John quickly heading up there to investigate, and quickly figure out their options, while Eli and Saara help Amy along.
JOHN
This won't work. Maybe to hide, but not if we wanna keep going east.
Rhett looking through binoculars.
DJ
Maybe hiding first, is a good idea. East, once we know more.
JOHN
I'm starting to like this kid.
RHETT
(still on binoculars)
Okay, we have a ton of people now, not running, but just hiking, all
of them together.
Rhett handing binoculars to John.
DJ
How many?
RHETT
Like, all of them.
Amy just making it up the hill with the others.
AMY
What do you mean?
POV through binoculars of a large crowd of people, hiking together along freeway, going west.
RHETT
(off-screen)
Like everyone in this traffic jam. Minus the ones who already ran
by, or scattered off into the hills.
POV Rhett and others watching the chaos, as John remains on binoculars...
RHETT
They all just left their vehicles...from what? More infected?
JOHN
They're stopping now, some of the ones in front are scattering off
the highway, coming our direction.
POV through binoculars as John scans west, going east to the hiking group, and spots the zombie, now heading toward the scattering hikers.
JOHN
(off-screen)
The infected guy is heading right for them. That's why they're scattering.
POV Amy and others getting anxious.
RHETT
They're scattering from one sick person. I wonder how many sick
people brought them this direction?
John dropping binoculars with a look at Rhett. Then back on binoculars going as far east along the highway, that he can.
His POV, of the endless crowd. Sound of Amy becoming emotional, followed by everyone frightened at sound of shotgun, down on the highway. John moving back west spotting the zombie, as another gunshot goes off, this one taking the zombie down.
POV John. Saara with arm around Amy.
JOHN
This is insane. (still on binoculars) I mean, I guess it's a good thing
that they're able to take these guys down, but...
Handing binoculars to Rhett.
ELI
Someone killed the sick guy?
AMY
They just shot him?
JOHN
Nothing I wouldn't have done. He was aggressively heading right at them.
Whether contagious or not, which he has to be, he looked dangerous.
RHETT
(on binoculars)
Something's happening again.
AMY
God, now what?
RHETT
Looks like panic from the back of the crowd, this time. Lot of people
turning and looking, few more dispersing from the highway.
Suddenly, a few gun shots (further away, end of crowd on east side), followed by a ton of them, as Amy and others become more anxious. A few people/groups who had been in field or hiding near highway, are now making their way onto the ridge and into the trees/brush, near or around Amy and others.
ELI
Talk about a scene from a movie. (simply taking in the surreal scene)
Saara, putting her other arm around Eli, bringing him in close with her and Amy, as they watch on. Rhett offering binoculars to John, who declines (too busy holding shotgun) as Rhett continues to watch, with more gunshots heard.
RHETT
What's our play here, Dad? This gets out of hand, what are we doing?
(looking at his dad) Amy can't go much further up this hill. Anyone who
doesn't go up the hill, probably goes west. Only way east, Amy's going to
make it, is along that highway. (back on binoculars)
JOHN
We wait for now. Least till that crowd gets out of our way.
POV through binoculars, of more and more people in crowd beginning to panic or disperse.
RHETT
(off-screen)
Becoming much more in our way, is what I'm afraid of.
Several more gunshots (this time closer), followed by the crowd fully breaking up, as most of them go off the highway, into field heading either west or toward Amy and them.
POV Rhett coming off binoculars.
RHETT
Yep, this is it!
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. FISH'S CABIN HALLWAY - DAY
Close-up Rhett, as a tear runs down his face, panning back to him standing there looking at a framed photo of Fish, and his parents...
CUT TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE - DAY
Close-up Sam, as tear runs down her face, panning back to her sitting there looking down on her dad...
POV cuts to close-up of Eli, lying in bed of tree house "boys" bedroom, as a tear runs down his face, panning back to him on his phone, looking at pictures of his folks...
Cut to close-up of Amy (teary eyed), panning back to her view below, of Sam sitting next to Fish...
Cut to close-up of Scott watching Sam, panning back revealing zombie (in a trailblazer jersey), reaching out of brush, placing hands through ladder, and around Scott's neck (to his shock/surprise).
Quick shots of both Sam and Amy, completely startled as Scott cries out and fights for his life.
Cut to Rhett inside, hearing/moving toward the commotion...
Cut to Zombie's biting grasp, of Scott's neck, being blocked by ladder, as he tugs himself free.
Eli comes running out of room. Scott stands in front of Sam, reaching for his gun and pointing toward zombie (now around the ladder), heading right for them. Rhett in background, running his way toward them.
RHETT
DON'T SHOOT IT! DON'T SHOOT IT! Back away!
Scott taking Sam's hand, leading her away, as Rhett arrives. They keep backing up, leading zombie away.
SCOTT
What the hell are we doing?!
RHETT
Get her back to the tree. I'm gonna study this bastard.
Scott a perplexed "wtf" look at Rhett, while leading Sam around and away from the zombie. Rhett makes noise, to keep it coming for him, while he looks all around.
RHETT
Sam? Where would I find an axe? Sam?!
Sam just watching...
SCOTT
Sam. He's right, we have to learn what we can about them. Your
dad would do the same thing.
RHETT
SAM!
SAM
Right here, in, in the back. (referring to her dad's vehicle)
Rhett begins going in a circle, to change the zombie's direction.
RHETT
Thank you, Sam.
Scott leading Sam up the ladder, to Eli who immediately helps her up top, who then runs into Amy's welcome embrace.
Down below, Rhett makes his way to the car, finding what he needs. Without hesitation, he takes the zombie down, using rage to quickly chop him in half. He simply circles it for a moment, studying it.
Others up top, watching in disbelief. With one quick hack, he slices its head clean off. Again, he circles it, kneeling down next to it, watching its desire to bite him. He just stares at it. Then scans the area, stopping at the lake. He looks back down at the zombie, and again at the lake. Now picking it up by its hair, and walking over to the lake (axe in other hand).
Others up above, still watching and still shocked. Their POV, of Rhett dropping ax and walking right into lake. He holds head under water. Eli climbing down ladder. Several shots of others, looking on. Eli approaching lake, as Rhett continues to submerge zombie head. Eli arrives, standing there watching. Others all watching. Rhett pulling zombie back up, revealing it still very much "alive"...
RHETT
This is it. This is hell on earth. (looking right at his brother) No need
to continue mourning mom and dad, little brother. We'll be joining
them shortly...
Rhett walking out of water, with head, placing it down while picking up axe, and chopping it right into the head.
CUT TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago)
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Mass chaos, as all the hikers are now off the highway, running wherever they can. Amy watching as a guy leads his wife up the hill (a rag with blood over her arm). Other families/groups finding hiding places near or around them. Lost children, separated from their parents crying below.
Eli takes notice of several dogs lost/running through the mayhem. An elderly couple, both struggling to continue. A parent, pulling her child up the hill, and another parent picking up his wet child, peeing himself. Eli looks at his dad, who watches the chaos, while contemplating what to do…
Rhett on binoculars.
RHETT
Make a decision, Dad! What are we doing?
John still just taking in the situation...
RHETT
Wait...I'm seeing several infected, all together. That's gotta be
what everyone's running from. Jesus...
AMY/JOHN/ELI
What?
POV through binoculars, of at least a half dozen "zombies", all heading off highway toward scattering crowd.
RHETT
(off-screen)
Five, six, make that seven infected. All heading off highway, with,
or after everyone else. No doubt about it, they are chasing everyone.
But they aren't running. It's like...(Rhett dropping binoculars/John
reaching for them) They can't.
DJ
Is it like rabies?
RHETT
I guess...kinda. (simply shaking his head)
JOHN
(looking through binoculars)
They're getting too close. These people are tore up; they shouldn't
even still be alive.
AMY
Do we have to go? Where? I can't run from these things!
POV through binoculars, of seven zombies in field, changing their direction some, as so many different people are scattering away, in different directions, but mostly west, and toward Amy and them...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. BOTTOM OF TREE HOUSE - DAY
Scott using hedge clippers to clip away the brush near ladder, and any possible spots close enough for someone/something to attack from...
Rhett in a nice spot close to lake, digging, as Scott arrives and begins helping...
Eli watching from tree house. He turns and walks in the boys room...
Amy on bed, in girls room, listening to Sam who is finally more talkative.
SAM
And that's why he taught me how to load, hold and fire a gun.
CUT TO:
Rhett and Scott digging hole.
SCOTT
You need to talk to your brother. He's so scared, he doesn't even
realize how much he's hurting. Obviously neither do you.
RHETT
I'm his brother, not his father.
SCOTT
If this was the normal world, I'd already be kicking your ass and taking
your ring off my daughter's finger, but for now I'm gonna excuse that
piece of crap response, as a side effect of the new world.
RHETT
I just can't deal with him now. I'm completely fatigued, yet currently
digging a grave for someone I never knew. I didn't even get to bury
my own parents. I just left them there. I haven't had any time to
comfort my wife, after witnessing what we all witnessed. I have her
health and our baby all over my mind, and how we're possibly going to
survive this, long term. (shaking head) Just can't add to that plate, Scott.
Being a big brother/father figure for Eli, or finding time to grieve, myself,
are two things I just don't have the room for...
Scott speechless...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago)
EXT. FIELD/HIGHWAY - DAY
Rhett helping Amy run through field, as John and DJ lead the group toward highway heading east.
John can see at least one infected person ahead, as well as another somewhere on the highway, going after people stuck in their car. He looks east, seeing a handful of people using a woodsy area, to escape the chaotic crowd and zombies. He leads them that way.
A shotgun is fired, coming from the highway and not far from them. As they arrive near the brush/woodsy area, they all duck, as another shot is fired and zipping right into the trees between them. John instantly turning and yelling at guy, where shot came from.
JOHN
DO YOU NOT SEE US RIGHT HERE, IN YOUR BACKGROUND, YOU
DUMB SON OF A BITCH!?
Zombie in between them and the guy he was yelling at, now turning its attention toward John. Eli arriving in woodsy area, followed by Rhett helping Amy there. Saara right behind them, instantly going down, as another shot is fired, right into her chest. Amy splattered by blood. Rhett shocked, stepping past Amy, toward his mother.
RHETT
MOM!
Eli standing there in shock. John already charging highway, dropping his shotgun once there, and simply tackling the guy, beating the crap out of him, before picking up the man's own shotgun, and aiming it at him.
JOHN
YOU KILLED MY WIFE, AND NOW I'M GOING TO USE THE SAME GUN
TO KILL YOU, YOU GOD DAMN FU (interrupted and shot dead)
John's head blown off from behind, by friend of other guy.
RHETT
DAAAAADDDD!
FRIEND
No, you're not!
Friend looking behind him, at Rhett and others running his way, then quickly helps up his friend, grabbing their guns and dashing away, just as Rhett arrives, stops, taking in his dad's lifeless body. Others arrive, weeping. Suddenly screaming, as zombie comes around corner, right at Rhett, who quickly knocks zombie down (over John's body), and backs away from him, watching. Zombie takes notice of the fresh corpse, and begins "digging in". Rhett and others almost fall to the ground in shock, and disgust, as well as disbelief, of what they are seeing.
RHETT
(crying out) What in the hell are you doing?!
ELI
Dad, no!
Amy vomiting. DJ to her aid. Rhett walking toward zombie.
ELI
Rhett! What are you doing?!
Amy trying to gather composure, enough to look at Rhett.
AMY
Rh...Rhett?!
Rhett arriving next to his dad as zombie eats.
AMY
(off-screen)
RHETT!?
Rhett bends down, picks up his dad's shotgun, aims it at zombie's head, and fires...
He looks down at his dad's remains, still in shock over what he had just witnessed. He slowly looks back up and around, before turning to face Amy and his brother. Amy (face full of tears) looks back at him. DJ helps her to her feet. Rhett approaches Eli first, who looks down toward his dad's remains, and sobs. Rhett gives him a bit of a hug, before taking one from Amy. He eventually turns them around, as they begin walking back toward woodsy area.
The commotion has died down. Still some people around, but no zombies, or need to run. They all look South and West, the direction most people took off in. Someone began screaming over near ridge area, where they had retreated from. There is a zombie there, biting and eating into someone. More people nervously running. Rhett in process of hurrying everyone along before suddenly halting, and staring ahead, toward his mom's body. Everyone else stops and looks.
RHETT
What the...
Rhett now running that direction, as others follow. He arrives to that spot, looks down at the blood, but with no body around. Rhett puts hands to head, like he's about to lose it. Amy working hard to reach him. Eli looking all around as is DJ, as Rhett simply screams out.
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FISH'S GRAVE - DAY
Rhett and Scott placing Fish's body into grave.
DISSOLVE TO:
Same place, with grave all filled in, as they all stand around it.
SCOTT
Thanks for all the memories Fish. I always enjoyed your company
while you were up here, and appreciated all the invites. I never met
a more unselfish person in my life. I hope to repay you, by doing
everything I can to get your daughter to your family... (looking at Sam)
to her family...
Silence as they all stand there over the grave...
AMY
Samantha? Would you like to say something?
Sam staring at the grave, already teary eyed, as more begin to fall. She turns and walks away.
POV tree house, as Sam approaches, with others behind her, at grave, except Eli, who is now also walking back toward tree house...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE - DAY
Rhett walking into boys room, where Eli lays on his bed. Rhett stands there looking at him a moment, before seating himself on his own bed.
RHETT
I want to help, I'm just not sure what you need to hear, right now?
ELI
I just wanna know you're going to be okay?! That's all I need...
Rhett looking right at him...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago)
EXT. WOODSY AREA NEAR HIGHWAY - DAY
Rhett and others all looking around, as Rhett loses it.
RHETT
WHO TAKES A GOD DAMN BODY!? WHAT IN THE HOLY HELL IS
GOING ON HERE?!
Hands on his head, trying to make sense of it all. Getting dizzy, verge of passing out. DJ and Amy, quick to get to him, for help. Amy trying to give him water.
AMY
Drink, baby. Drink.
Rhett down to his knees, taking deep breaths. Eli completely petrified as he watches. Rhett mumbling.
RHETT
It doesn't...it just doesn't make sense. They couldn't...they couldn't
have eaten her, already. How is she gone?
Amy doing her best to comfort him. DJ taking a step back, looking past Eli with growing concern. Eli turning, coming face to face with his zombie mother, and instantly running away from her.
ELI
AHHHH! MOM?!
Rhett snapping out of it, instantly rising. He begins shielding Amy, behind him, as mom approaches.
RHETT
Mom?
Rhett looking at shotgun in his hand, unable to even aim it at her. Mom getting closer. Amy begins running off.
ELI
DO IT, RHETT!
Rhett still unable to aim at her. DJ jumps in, grabbing shot gun, aiming and blowing her head away. Eli simply drops to his knees. Amy stops running, makes her way toward Rhett, who's just standing there in complete shock.
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. TREE HOUSE DECK - EVENING
Rhett approaching girls room door, looking in.
SAM
(off-screen)
She told us about a terrible phone call, she had with her granddaughter.
I was so sad for her, but so happy that my dad was there with me. (crying)
Rhett walking away, and into boys room, where Eli is writing.
RHETT
What are you writing?
ELI
It's personal.
RHETT
Scott needs us down below. We need to organize and hide any supplies
we're not dragging up here. Need to go over how to stay safe up here,
while we sleep. So far, more people are killing people, than those damn
things, are.
ELI
Huffs...
RHETT
What?
ELI
They're called huffs...
RHETT
And that stands for?
Eli closing his journal and getting up.
ELI
Alright, let's go...
Eli leaving the room. Rhett a half smile...
CUT TO:
EXT. SCOTT'S PORCH - DAY
Scott, Rhett and Eli, on porch with boxes/bags of supplies, as they stand there discussing options.
SCOTT
So, we're in full agreement? The best play is remaining here for
the long run?
RHETT
Yes, they'll make it here, long before we could make it there; if
we even could.
SCOTT
Then I'm thinking we dig a supply shelter somewhere back in the brush,
behind the tree house.
RHETT
What about an alarm of some sort, around the tree house?
SCOTT
I thought that too, at first, but why? Those things won't even know
we're there at night, and we just have to be careful during the day.
People come along at night, and see or stumble across an alarm, and
they'll know we're up there.
RHETT
Hate the idea of being pinned, up there.
SCOTT
Hence the reason we're discussing it now. Better ideas, lets here em'.
CUT TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE AREA - DAY
The guys back behind the tree house, off in the brush a ways, working hard inside a hole, digging/building a place to be used for storing hidden supplies.
ELI
By the size of this, you must think we'll be here awhile?
SCOTT
I want to be hopeful, Eli, I really do. But I also want to be prepared.
RHETT
He makes a good point. Once we make it to the compound, it'll be work
like this, that makes us productive.
ELI
So, you guys don't think there's any chance what so ever, that the army
saves us, or whatever is happening, just stops?
RHETT
Not after what we've seen, little brother. Surviving, maybe...but being
saved...only we can do that, now.
Guys digging silently...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago)
EXT. HIGHWAY - EVENING
Rhett and those guys resting on highway, against a car (no one else around), and organizing their supplies. Eli's face full of dry tears. DJ coming out of the brush with a couple sticks, handing one to Eli...
AMY
Dad will be waiting for us at the cutoff...I just know he will...
ELI
How long you think till we get there?
RHETT
It's going to be awhile. Few hours maybe. We'll stay on the highway,
as long as it stays this quiet.
Everyone packing up, ready to move on...
DJ
Rhett? Are you and I okay? You know I had to do that, right?
Amy and Eli looking to Rhett...
RHETT
I'm good...
ELI
So...they're not sick, they're dead? (everyone looking at Eli, without
response) Mom got shot. She died, and became one of those things.
She wanted to eat you, just like the other one, ate dad.
AMY
Eli!
RHETT
He's right...that's what's happening, that's why the hospitals were the
first to get bad. People die and they become like that, and a threat
to the living...
DJ
Question is, why? How?
RHETT
Jesus, Lucifer? I don't know...anything like this crap, in the bible?
Rhett stopping, others a curious look at him, then ahead. A very elderly man helps his wife up (after relieving herself behind a car), as the two of them slowly climb back into their vehicle. Rhett continues on. Others follow. They all walk by the car, with the elderly couple, who appear to be preparing for sleep. Rhett simply walks right by. Amy hesitant.
AMY
Are we going to offer them any help, or something?
RHETT
Not unless he's a retired doctor, or something...
Amy looking back at the couple inside their car, sharing a kiss and an arm around each other, as they lay back in their seats, wrapped by coats.
Eli takes notice of a family, off in the brush, kind of hiding, but also curious and watching them, as they pass by. Rhett glances at them, but keeps forward. DJ shares a look with Amy, as they all continue walking, silently through the vacated traffic jam. Eli nervously scanning entire area.
Rhett stops at a car, and reaches for back hood (can see water through window), opening and grabbing the water inside, and handing multiple bottles to everyone. Amy reaches for a few more, and hands to Eli.
AMY
Eli, will you please run these down to the old couple, just knock,
and leave them there?
RHETT
Eli, you will do no such thing.
Amy a nasty look at Rhett.
AMY
What the hell is the matter with you?!
RHETT
I would stop to tell you, but I am saving every ounce of energy I have,
for what we have to do, to survive. As should all of us. We stop to
help everyone we see, then who helps us, when we're too exhausted
to defend ourselves, or never make it to where we have to be, in
order to have any chance, what so ever?
Rhett continuing on, as Amy follows. Eli hustles the water over to the elderly couple, and quickly catches up with others. They all walk silently. Eventually a baby is heard crying, off in the bushes. Rhett closes his eyes, at the sound of the baby. Amy sheds a tear.
Eli pats a dog, that wags its tail and rises as they pass the car, it was lying next to (probably waiting for its owner to return). It almost wants to follow them, but watches, and eventually lays back down, next to car...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FISH'S PORCH - EVENING
Scott coming out of cabin, freshly showered and sitting there with Rhett, who was freshly washed himself. They could not look more exhausted.
SCOTT
I've had long days before, but this, this one shames em' all.
RHETT
Give it a week or two...I'm sure long days are the new thing.
CUT TO:
Eli in his bed, staring at nothing. Something suddenly attacks him, jumping onto him, causing a total jump-scare. Bailey jumps back down off of him (a little frightened himself), and staring up at him. Eli now knowing it's a cat, signals for him to come back up, in which he does. Eli lays there petting him, and staring off at nothing...
CUT TO:
Sam and Amy, sitting on dock silently, at first...
AMY
I know you're still grieving, big time, like both Rhett and Eli are, but I
would like to thank you for your bravery, and how much you've shared
with me, so far. Not only because it's important, for all of us to know
and figure out as much as we possibly can, about what's going on, but
also, so that you can begin to heal. Rhett and Eli had to put their grief
on hold, to get us all through the night, and safely located where we
needed to be. They too, now need to heal. So, thank you, Sam, for
setting such a good example.
Sam silent at first, before speaking...
SAM
You're easy to talk to...
AMY
(with an ironic laugh)
I wish my husband felt that way. I can't seem to say anything right
to him.
Silence a few moments...
SAM
Maybe...maybe it's him, who can't say anything right to you.
Amy a surprised look at Sam.
AMY
Um...I have a degree that qualifies me to come up with crap like that.
What do you, in your 10 years of life, have, that makes you discover
things like that?
Sam a very brief half smile, that quickly fades...
SAM
My dad...
Amy's smile quickly fades. Again, they sit in silence...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago)
EXT. HIGHWAY - EVENING
Everyone walking highway in silence. Several moments go by. DJ takes a swig of water. Eli looks at Amy...
ELI
You okay, Amy?
Amy looking at Eli, weeping her response.
AMY
Oh Eli. You're really asking how I'm doing?
Amy crying...
ELI
They were your parents too. They loved you like you were theirs.
I used to hate you, for it.
AMY
Really?
ELI
Just a little, before it turned into a crush, which I can admit now, due
to Armageddon.
AMY
It's okay, I always knew.
ELI
You were always so easy to talk with and became like a
sister. You helped my anxiety.
AMY
I remember Rhett saying you struggled with that, and how proud he was
when you were brave enough to join the baseball team. But I never saw it.
ELI
I didn't have it around family. Just at school and places with crowds.
Talking in front of strangers.
AMY
So, how did I help you with it?
ELI
I don't know. Talking to an older girl, who was super cool to me gave
me confidence, I guess. Just not enough to ever talk to Angie Parsons.
AMY
Angie Parsons? I guess you don't tell me everything after all.
ELI
Was too embarrassed. I guess nothing seems embarrassing now. Not
even sure if I'd feel anxiety anymore, after a day like this. Maybe if I
ever see her again, I'll actually be able to talk to her.
Eli taking notice of Amy's grimace...
ELI
You think I'll ever see her again?
AMY
(shrugging/shaking head)
I sure hope so...
ELI
I'll probably never see any of my friends again, will I?
AMY
(shaking head)
I don't know...
Eli looking to ground as they walk on in silence for several moments, before Eli speaks again...
ELI
Amy?
AMY
Yeah?
ELI
What about mom? Do you think any part of her was still there?
Like that she couldn't help herself? Do you think...she heard me
tell Rhett to shoot her?
Rhett closing eyes a moment, at that thought.
AMY
I'd have to say no. None of this makes any sense, but it'd make even
less sense if she was actually still alive.
DJ
Why do you think the brain seems to be the only way to kill them? I
was never a genius in science, but doesn't that mean they're still
somewhat alive?
Silence as they walk, before Amy answers...
AMY
I just don't know how to answer that.
Everyone walking in silence...
Rhett swigs from his water bottle, as Amy tries to peek at his face.
AMY
Baby?
Rhett looking back at her for a second, then turns back around before answering.
RHETT
I'm good...
Everyone walking in silence...
DJ suddenly drops down his stick, walking to back door of car, and opening it. He reaches toward back window and pulls out a metal baseball bat, and walking on in silence, with the others. Eli waiting for DJ.
ELI
You a ballplayer?
DJ
A mushballer. Play for a tavern team with all my buddies... Wish I
had those guys with us, right now.
ELI
Is that with no glove?
DJ
Yeah.
ELI
Gloves are better, I like laying out, making those diving catches.
DJ
I still do.
ELI
It's not the same.
DJ
You play high school ball?
ELI
Not yet, but I can't...(corrects himself) couldn't, wait to. Just started
8th grade.
DJ
You're a big kid. Figured you were at least a sophomore. Bet you crush
that ball, huh?
ELI
Best feeling ever, is trotting those bases after ya take one over the fence.
It was the only time I didn't mind being watched by everyone.
DJ
Yeah, I heard you talking about anxiety. My sister struggles with that.
ELI
Baseball made it so much better. I guess because I'm good at it. Loved
blowing heat by everyone.
DJ
Oh, you pitched, too? You're a complete All-Star.
ELI
Was...
Silence for a few moments, before Eli goes on...
ELI
We were gonna take District next season, maybe State. Now I'll
probably never play the game again...
Everyone walking in silence several moments, before Amy speaks...
AMY
So, DJ, what brought you up the mountain today? Fleeing like the
rest of us?
DJ
Pretty much. My mom is already at my grandparents, and laid a guilt
trip by using my sister, to get me up here. Hoping to call them once
we get service.
AMY
How much further up, are they?
DJ
Same road you guys are going for, but through town and about
another ten miles.
AMY
I wonder how things are going in that town. If people are getting
sick there, too.
DJ
You think whatever is making people sick, is what's making the
dead come back?
AMY
Must all be related, somehow.
ELI
I don't know what I'm scared of more. Getting sick and dying, or
becoming one of those things...
Everyone walking in silence...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FISH'S PORCH - DUSK
Scott yawning, while laying back on the porch, as Amy arrives...
AMY
You should get some sleep, Dad. I'm pretty sure you never did last
night.
SCOTT
Is that what Sam is finally doing?
AMY
(nodding) She's so exhausted. I'd say she'd sleep through the night,
but who knows the kind of nightmares she'll be battling.
SCOTT
I'm sure we'll all battle a few of those.
AMY
Yeah...the kind we can no longer wake up from...
Rhett arriving, sitting on top of porch steps.
AMY
Hi, Rhett.
RHETT
I noticed Sam is finally out. Any luck getting her to talk about what
happened to her dad?
AMY
A little, not nearly as much as she did everything leading up to it.
Three men showed up after dark, broke inside here, came back out,
and mentioned killing the dog. Her dad opened fire, to chase them off.
I guess he believed them to be gone, went to move the car closer over,
and they jumped him...she was losing it at that point, so I told her that
was enough. (becoming teary eyed)
RHETT
I don't know what I'm scared of more...people turning into those things,
or people before they turn into those things...and fyi, I kept the info
about the dog, from Eli. With his empathy for animals, he doesn't need
to picture that right now.
SCOTT
Good call.
AMY
Is he crashed?
RHETT
No, he's writing and hanging out with his new friend.
AMY
New friend? Sam's up?
RHETT
No, he somehow found a cat.
AMY
A cat? In the tree house? (Rhett nodding)
SCOTT
I don't think it belongs to Sam.
AMY
She didn't mention it. It's probably been up there the entire time;
chased up by one of those things, maybe Fish.
RHETT
So, they're eating and scaring the crap out of anything alive. This has
to be how it all ends... Holy hell, what if animals are coming back too!?
Scott closing eyes with a shake of head, at the thought, but quickly opening and looking all around.
AMY
There'd be no escaping that.
SCOTT
No, there wouldn't. But that can't be happening; we'd know about
it already.
AMY
Those things, the dead, they don't seem to run, do they? So, animals
wouldn't either, right?
RHETT
Your dad's right, we'd already know...or be dead.
All of them silent, and looking out and around...
SCOTT
What about the government? What the hell are they up to. Troops
must be fighting this.
RHETT
If it's still even functioning.
AMY
They have to be. Everything was normal just a day or two ago.
RHETT
Maybe they started it.
SCOTT
Do you have any positive thinking whatsoever to share?
RHETT
I agreed that we're safe from the animals.
SCOTT
Only after you threw the damn thought in our heads, in the first
place.
RHETT
Just trying to make sense of it all.
Some silence...
AMY
Babe? I'm so sorry. We haven't had a moment alone since... I know
it's a stupid question, but are you okay?
Scott rising and heading toward tree house.
SCOTT
I'll give you two some privacy.
Amy sitting next to Rhett, moving into his arms.
AMY
I love you...and I miss you.
RHETT
I know baby. I love you, and I miss our life together, too.
AMY
Do you believe we're going to get it back, our life together?
RHETT
I do, I just, don't feel like I have control of whether we get it back or not,
and that kills me; knowing I have to count on the government to see our
boy come into a world, worth coming into.
AMY
The thing is Rhett, I have to depend on someone too. You!
(becoming emotional) I can't do this without you!
Rhett holding her tight...
AMY
(crying)
I'm so sorry about your parents, baby. I'm so sorry for what you
had to go through, what you had to witness. I'm sorry you've had
absolutely no chance yet, to even begin to grieve over it all.
RHETT
Yeah well, one of the last things the old man said to me was, to hold
my crap together, so that everyone else could. (looking upward) And
now he's always watching, so...can't let him down.
AMY
Babe! I'm fine, Eli's writing and bonding with a cat, and we seem
clear of those things up here...take five!
Rhett taking deep breath, and laying back in her arms, closing his eyes, and just lying there relaxing, in silence for a few moments...
AMY
Those things...we have to come up with something better to call
them, than those things.
Rhett's eyes remain closed, with a slight chuckle.
RHETT
Eli already has...(opening eyes, thinking) uhhh, huffs is what I
believe he said.
AMY
Huffs? Do I even want to know what that stands for?
Rhett's eyes closed again, with a small smile forming.
RHETT
I didn't even ask.
Amy taking notice of his smile.
AMY
There's that handsome smile of my husband's, I've missed so much.
Amy leaning in for a couple kisses...
RHETT
There're those warm lips, of my beautiful wife, I've missed so much.
Amy a couple more kisses and holding him there, in her arms...
AMY
So, what is he up there writing, anyway?
RHETT
I don't know, but he was earlier too, and that's when he
mentioned huffs.
AMY
He's using his writing to grieve. He's such a creative kid. So is Sam;
I was up there chatting with her, and was astonished at the
kind of things she thought about. Can't believe she's only ten...
I'm thinking her and Eli should get along really well.
Both of them flinching, as suddenly Sam is heard shouting from the tree house.
SAM
What do you THINK YOU'RE DOING?! That is MY GOD DAMN CAT!
Amy/Rhett a wide-eyed look at one another, before quickly rising and heading toward tree house...
CUT TO:
Sam carrying a frightened Bailey, into girls room and over to her bed, as Rhett/Amy climb up ladder in background.
Eli on bed, in his room with Scott, as Rhett enters.
RHETT
What happened?
ELI
That girl is CRAZY!
SCOTT
She used the bathroom and saw him in here with the cat.
ELI
She's a COMPLETE FREAK!
Rhett instantly grabbing Eli, forcing him away.
CUT TO:
Rhett/Eli walking past cabin, away from tree house.
RHETT
(angry)
What the HELL are you thinking, calling that poor little girl those
names?!
ELI
(yelling)
DID YOU NOT HEAR THE WAY SHE YELLED AT ME?!
RHETT
Lower your damn voice! Do you have any IDEA what that kid has
been through!
ELI
(yelling even louder)
I know EXACTLY what she's been through because I'VE BEEN
THROUGH IT TOO, RHETT! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?! Cause
what I saw was my dad get HIS DAMN HEAD BLOWN OFF, before
some dead person ATE HIM! And mom...(trying not to cry, unable
to finish)
Rhett staring at him, becoming emotional himself, and unable to respond...
ELI
You're so concerned with her, like you don't even know how I'm feeling.
RHETT
Eli...I'm hurting too. We all are. I'm just trying to keep it together,
like dad told me, shortly before he...he died. I'm sorry, I guess I'm
not doing a very good job of it.
Eli just staring out into the brush...
RHETT
I wasn't going to tell you about this, but Sam had a dog. (Eli looking
at him) She hasn't told or mentioned it yet, or what happened, but it
appears maybe she witnessed it being...eaten, by her dad. (Eli
closing eyes) This is something we don't even wanna bring up to her,
right now.
Eli shocked, shaking head...
RHETT
I'm guessing that cat is the only comfort she had, until we got here.
Imagine if you'd been alone, with mom and dad when...when it all
happened.
Eli becoming extremely emotional, blabbing out his words.
ELI
Why is this happening?
Rhett emotional, as he embraces Eli...
RHETT
I don't know, little brother. I don't know...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day ago)
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY (pre-traffic jam)
Van speeding east on same highway (normal traffic).
POV inside, as nervous driver (young guy), looks back at passengers.
DRIVER
Is he dead?!
BACKSEAT GUY
(off-screen)
Jimmy, wake up! I thought he was just sleeping, but he's cold, man;
he's dead!
DRIVER
(eyes back on road) Oh my god, he od'd!
BACKSEAT GUY
(off-screen)
Jimmy? Oh my god, he's okay!
DRIVER
(looking back) What?!
BACKSEAT GUY
(off-screen)
Jimmy, what's wrong, man? I thought you were dead!
Driver's eyes back on road.
BACKSEAT GUY
(off-screen)
Jimmy? What the hell man?! AHH!
Driver looks back, as backseat guy screams in pain. Driver screaming, and quickly losing complete control of the vehicle.
EXT POV, of vehicle losing control, and causing a deadly pile up, with other vehicles/semi trucks...
DISSOLVE TO: (post-traffic jam)
Same POV, of the aftermath (hours later), which has entire highway blocked. A few bodies (mostly eaten) lying around. A small child zombie, around the corner of a flipped over car, is on ground eating from a corpse.
Rhett can be seen arriving, coming to a stop, looking over the accident, as the others arrive behind him, simply looking at the devastating scene. (unaware of the small zombie, around the flipped over car).
Rhett begins leading them into the "crash zone"...
RHETT
(nodding)
This is where all those dead people came from. I'd say seven
or eight people could've easily died here today, in this.
AMY
And no one apparently came for them. Not a single cop or
paramedic.
DJ
How can that be?
RHETT
The city must be in complete chaos...
Amy looking numb/pale...
AMY
We're completely on our own...
Amy dropping down to her knees, dizzy/trying to breathe. Suddenly, the young child zombie, comes aggressively from around corner, of flipped over car.
RHETT
AMY!
Amy tries to scream, but begins choking. Rhett rushes to her aid, using his hand to knock the zombie down. Rising right back up, Rhett helps Amy away from it, as DJ comes in to distract it. The child zombie goes for DJ, who doesn't appear comfortable using his bat, as he simply backs away, from the slow-moving child.
ELI/RHETT
KILL IT!
DJ
(hesitating) It's...I...
DJ finding the strength to raise his bat, and do what is necessary, killing the zombie with one hard blow.
Amy is coughing/crying uncontrollably, as Rhett does his best to comfort her. DJ now dropping his bat, and falling to his own knees, fighting for oxygen. Eli looks all around, and suddenly freaks out, pointing toward brush.
POV two full grown zombies, coming out of brush, toward the others.
Rhett instantly preparing Amy to move. Eli takes a step toward the zombies, raising his bat. But suddenly, a third one, comes out right behind them.
RHETT
(screaming at Eli)
ELI, DON'T THINK ABOUT IT! GET OUTTA THERE!
Eli turning and bolting. DJ catching up with him, as they head toward Rhett and Amy, who are heading down open highway (no cars). Once Rhett has Amy far enough away, he takes her to side of road, sitting her down. He heads back toward approaching zombies.
ELI
Rhett?
Rhett aiming shotgun. DJ and Eli watching, as three gunshots are fired. Amy breathing hard while watching. Rhett arriving back at her side...
ELI
Oh my god, there are more coming!
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
Rhett and others walking empty highway (using flashlights). Eli paranoid and shining his light in direction of every little sound he hears.
ELI
It's too dark, those things could be anywhere. Everywhere...
RHETT
No one has died around here, there shouldn't be any, like there
were at the site of the accident.
Rhett suddenly stopping, turning off his light.
AMY
What is it?
RHETT
Shut off your lights! Shut em' off!
DJ shutting his off, but not Eli. Amy was not using hers.
ELI
Are you insane?!
RHETT
Eli, do it, now!
Eli obeys.
AMY
Rhett, what is it?!
RHETT
(pointing ahead)
I saw a light up ahead.
DJ
Where?
RHETT
I don't see it now...and that disturbs me.
Sound of paranoia from both Amy and Eli...
DJ
What do we do?
RHETT
I don't know. Whoever it is, is either scared like us, or wants to
sneak up on us. Take us for whatever we have.
AMY
Maybe they just need help, like us?
DJ
Was it just one light?
RHETT
I think so.
DJ
We have better numbers, a bat, and a shotgun.
RHETT
What if there are more, and they shut their lights off, before I
saw them?
AMY
What other choices do we have, here? Besides going on?
RHETT
We could wait, hide and let them pass.
Amy turning on her flashlight, and walking on.
AMY
We take our chances...
RHETT
(sarcastically) Sure, babe. (flipping on his light)
Eli turning on his light. DJ about to do the same, before Rhett stops him.
RHETT
Keep yours off, DJ. Let them think there are four of us. Here take mine.
I'm gonna go up ahead, and blow their heads off, if need be.
AMY
Rhett?
RHETT
You guys walk toward the left side, shining your lights straight. I'll keep to
the right, and try to catch whoever it is, off guard.
AMY
God, be careful Rhett!
CUT TO:
Man's POV, while watching three flashlights (Amy, DJ and Eli), approaching from opposite side of road. Suddenly, someone is seen quickly coming right at that man, and aiming shotgun at him.
RHETT
I don't wanna hurt you, or anyone with you!
Rhett taking a closer look, letting one hand of shotgun, to grab and shine light on man's face.
POV Scott.
RHETT
Scott? Oh, thank god! What are doing here? AMY, it's your DAD!
SCOTT
(instant relief)
Oh my god, she's okay?!
Scott turning on his light, running across road, and toward oncoming lights, right to Amy, and hugging her tightly. Amy bawling with relief...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. TREE HOUSE (girls room) - NIGHT
Amy hugging Sam, and leaving room as Sam reaches for the plate of grub, lying next to her. Amy enters boys room, where everyone is eating. Scott puts down his plate, and fires off a huge yawn...
AMY
Dad, you're not going to get any real sleep, are you?
SCOTT
Only until my heart gives, or I hear myself snoring.
AMY
(frowning)
I just realized, you won't be able to use your c-pap machine.
SCOTT
No, and I don't want to keep you guys up, if I do happen to drift for
a while. The snoring is really bad. I've actually been thinking we can
use this to our advantage.
RHETT
What do you mean?
SCOTT
I've been a morning person my entire life, but that has to change.
One, I can't keep you guys up or sound off an alert to anyone, or...
anything, down below. Two, makes sense to always have someone
awake, and watching out all night, while everyone else is out.
RHETT
Makes sense. Are you going to get any sleep during the day, though?
AMY
Yeah?
SCOTT
I imagine I'll be tired enough to sleep more than I would at night.
And easy enough to wake, if things go bad.
AMY
When is the last time you slept?
ELI
About twenty minutes ago...for about twenty seconds,
before the snoring woke him up.
SCOTT
Yeah see, I didn't even think I was out, until he said I scared the hell
out of him, once I began snoring. (looking at a worried Amy) I'll be
fine, If I doze, I'll be my own alarm clock.
A gunshot in the very far distance is heard. Everyone sits there in silence for a few moments.
SCOTT
Too far for us to worry about. But that is exactly why I need to be up
all night.
ELI
I wonder if DJ is okay...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (a day ago)
EXT. BRUSHY AREA OFF-ROAD - NIGHT
Scott leading others to his truck (with cover), as he checks in back, for supplies.
SCOTT
We lucked out, everything is still here.
Scott unlocking doors, as everyone piles in. Amy a look at DJ.
AMY
I know you're really worried about your family. I promise tomorrow
we'll get you to them. Right, Dad?
SCOTT
Are you freaking kidding me? After this kid's heroics, you better
believe it.
DJ
Thank you. Just don't forget to come pick us up if there's room at that
compound, I keep hearing about.
Scott starting engine...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Scott's truck heading up road. Amy inside, eyes closed, while leaning against Rhett (eyes also closed). Eli lying head back, with eyes closed.
SCOTT
(off-screen)
Shit.
Everyone's eyes wide open, with approaching headlights over their faces...
SCOTT
(off-screen)
I don't know why I get so nervous at the sight of other people.
RHETT
(grabbing shotgun)
That's why I almost blew your head off.
The other car slowing down, as it approaches. Everyone trying hard to look. DJ watching car, as it passes.
DJ
Wait...WAIT! STOP!
SCOTT/RHETT
What?
DJ
That's my mom's car; that's my mom!
Scott slamming on breaks and honking. Other car keeps going, before cautiously stopping, down the road a ways. DJ jumps out of car, running over to his mom's car. She eventually opens door, shocked and thrilled to see her boy, as they embrace...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAME ROAD - NIGHT
Scott's truck parked off road, alongside DJ's mom's car, where they all talked.
MOM
My sister's a nurse in Portland. She warned me this morning, to get
out of town. Said she couldn't explain just how strange this new virus
was; the things it makes people do. Once I got up here, my folks had
even worse information, which you all obviously experienced, firsthand.
But one of the last things we heard, before the power went out, was
not to let these things bite you. Once they do, there is no cure.
SCOTT
Well, thank you for the information. I'm going to get these poor kids
home now.
MOM
Thank you, for getting my boy back to me. Thanks to all of you.
Amy giving DJ a hug. Rhett shaking his hand. DJ approaches Eli, shaking his hand.
DJ
Hang in there, All-Star. Something tells me you'll get back on that
ball field, someday.
ELI
Good luck, DJ.
Mom starting car, as DJ climbs in. Mom pulls car off side of road, and heading away...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SCOTT'S DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
Scott's truck pulling into driveway. Everyone climbing out with extreme fatigue, slowly walking and carrying stuff inside...
SCOTT
You guys just crash, and let me worry about unloading the truck.
Everyone going straight inside, except Scott who opens back of truck...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SCOTT'S DRIVEWAY - MORNING
Same POV. Scott sitting on porch weeping. Amy (looks as if she just woke), slowly comes outside, sitting next to Scott, who works to dry his eyes.
AMY
Please tell me you got some sleep?
SCOTT
I think so. Yeah, I was dreaming, for at least a few seconds, so, yes.
Amy snuggling her head against him with a yawn, and closing her eyes, no idea he'd been crying...
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. TREE HOUSE (boys room) - NIGHT
Scott, Rhett and Eli, all sitting.
SCOTT
I can hang out with the girls, if you two are ready for lights out?
ELI
I know I am.
Suddenly power goes on, as lights from cabin flip on.
SCOTT
Holy crap!
AMY
(off-screen, from girls room)
Yeaaaah! You guys see that?! That is a sign of better things to
come, is what that is!
Amy giving Sam a joyous hug, as the others enter their room, looking out window, toward the shining lights of the cabin. Sam heading out of room.
SAM
I'll be right back, I need to get something from the cabin.
Amy nervously watching her, about to go with, as her dad reaches for her arm.
SCOTT
Let her go. She'll be okay. I need to tell you guys all something,
anyhow...
Amy curiously listening, yet near window with a check on Sam.
SCOTT
I've been seeing someone, for a while now. She's very special to me.
She lives in town, and I went to check on her, after you guys crashed
last night.
Amy and others becoming quite curious.
SCOTT
There was no sign of her, at her place. No sign of her kids. She had
mentioned earlier, that people were setting up a place of refuge, in
town, somewhere.
AMY
Okay...can I just ask, if she's so special, why wasn't she and her kids
coming here, for refuge?
Scott looking shameful, and hesitant to answer...
SCOTT
Because she's married. To my defense, she was separated, when it
began. I can't help how much I (choking up, on next word) cared
about her.
Amy becoming concerned.
AMY
Cared?
SCOTT
I knew her husband was stuck in the same jam as you guys, so, I had
to find her. I got there, and...(shaking head) Everyone inside...they
were all, dead...they'd all been shot.
AMY
What?! By who?
SCOTT
(shaking head)
I heard someone alive. At least two guys, maybe more. They had shopping
carts full of supplies, and were in there loading up. They had guns. Suddenly,
one of them began freaking out, and then they both began shooting like
crazy, but quickly running out of ammo. All except one, must have been
killed. He went out the door. I went after him. I caught that son of a bitch,
and I looked into his eyes, as I was choking the life right out of him.
AMY
You killed him?
Scott shaking his head...
SCOTT
I dragged his sorry ass back inside, and locked everything up. More and more
of the dead were coming back. He woke up just in time to see me smiling, as
they ate the flesh right off his body. He was still screaming, and very much
alive, as they ripped that ugly swastika tattoo, right off his chest.
Sam instantly running inside room, handing some items to Amy, and bear hugging her father, to everyone's extreme surprise.
SAM
(joyous crying)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you so much, for killing the man who
killed my daddy!
Scott a wide-eyed look at the others.
Quick flash of Sam's POV, from night before, of Man #1 climbing out of his car, and her memory of seeing the swastika tattoo on his chest...
POV Amy and others in complete shock, at such a revelation, and the way it has effected Sam, who continues to hug Scott. Amy looks down at framed pictures in her hand (Sam had handed to her), of Sam and her dad...
BLACK
CREDITS
THE END