ABOVE THE DEAD .com

"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 4 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…

"Silent Night" (dimming as background music)

POV (point of view) moving through all 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

BLACK

"Silent Night" slowly dissolving away, followed by a horrifying scream…

INT. TREE HOUSE - DAWN

Sam opening eyes, just lying there a moment, until a gasp/scream comes from below, as Sam pops right up, looking downward to the awful scene of her dad, eating what had to be Mrs. Pederson (her bag lying 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 to be a nightmare. 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 ammo, and loading. 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 feast 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 to 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 doors 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, and keeps them closed several moments, daring herself to fire the gun…

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 lowers the gun, before placing down next to her…

Sam fights the urge at first, but finally grabs 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…

DISSOLVE TO:

INT: TREE HOUSE - LATE MORNING

Sam asleep in her bed with the 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, holding that last step. She then puts her 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, she slowly moves back to the ladder, and up it, quickly pulling it back up. She stands there for a moment, fighting back more tears. She then walks over and into the outhouse, closing door, to the sound of her 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 shots 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 lies 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) rushing 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 all around for Fish. Her POV, of him nowhere in sight. She instantly puts ladder down, climbing 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, comes back out holding gun, and sitting back down. Staring at it, just thinking, then 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.

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 effect. 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 effect.

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 of which nails the other zombie in the head, instantly dropping him.

Sam 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 forming…,

Suddenly, a shot below is fired, as Sam is freaked all to hell!

POV Fish, as a second shot nails him in the head, instantly going down, followed by an off-screen scream, from Sam...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BRUSH - DAY

POV coming from a 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, 3 shots are fired, as they both pause...

POV of one of them (RHETT), 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 window, of them approaching side and cautiously peeking around corner. Rhett peeks through window of house (looking right at POV), 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 the tree house.

Suddenly, 6 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!

DISSOLVE 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 the tree house, where Scott climbs off ladder, looking back up, 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 the 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 back to Scott's porch.

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, with Rhett placing 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 the tree house, where Sam sits 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...

Dissolve to 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

That little 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.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TREE HOUSE BEDROOM - DAY

Sam on bed, with sound of others out on tree house deck.

SCOTT

(OS (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, cause

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. That's what CNN is for.

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 (cut off)

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 the 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

(OS)

What?!

RHETT

(OS, looking through binoculars)

What is he...infected, or?

Suddenly, zombie shot in head, instantly going down. Rhett drops binoculars, as John grabs them.

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

(OS)

Is that what's happening? People are killing the sick?

RHETT

(OS)

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, until 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, 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 lookout.

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

Amy, 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, or dead.

RHETT

(OS, through binoculars)

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 have to 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

(OS)

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, then going east to the hiking group, and spots the zombie, now heading toward the scattering hikers.

JOHN

(OS)

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 gunshots (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 the 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 taking in the surreal scene.

ELI

Talk about a scene from a movie.

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.

JOHN

We wait for now. At least until that crowd gets

out of our way.

POV through binoculars, of more and more people in crowd beginning to panic or disperse.

RHETT

(OS)

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 the 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 to close-up of Sam, as tear runs down her face, panning back to her sitting there looking down on her dad...

Cut 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. (pointing to her dad's SUV)

Rhett begins going in a circle, to change the zombie's direction.

RHETT

Thank you, Sam.

Scott leading Sam up the ladder, where Eli helps her up top, before she 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 axe and walking right into lake. He holds head underwater. Eli climbing down ladder. Several shots of others, looking on. Eli approaching lake, as Rhett continues to submerge the zombie's 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 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 are crying below.

Eli takes notice of several dogs lost/running through the mayhem, even one cat. He watches 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

(OS)

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 torn 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 7 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 the grave.

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 what's happening.

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 saw. 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, not far from them. As they arrive near the brush/woodsy area, they all duck, as another shot is fired, zipping right into the trees between them. John instantly turning and yelling at guy, who fired the shot.

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 the guy's head.

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 is this?!

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

(OS)

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 her body is missing. 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, while 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 want to 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 help him. 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

(confused)

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 shotgun, 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

(OS)

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 Scott's porch, where he, Rhett, and Eli, are boxing things up.

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

Maybe an alarm of some sort, around the perimeter?

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 the tree house area, with 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

a while?

SCOTT

I want to be hopeful, Eli, I really do. But I also

want to be prepared.

ELI

So, you guys don't think there's any chance

whatsoever, 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 hard 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 a while. 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.

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 peeing 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, opening the back (can see water through window), and grabbing the water inside, 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, whatsoever?

Rhett continuing on, as Amy follows. Eli hustles the water over to the elderly couple, and quickly catches up with the 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, which he does. Eli lays there petting him, and zoning off, again…

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 ten 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 don't think I'll ever see her again.

AMY

(shrugging/shaking head)

I sure hope so...

ELI

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 responds...

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 responding.

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 eighth grade.

DJ

You're a big kid. Figured you were at least a

sophomore. Bet you crush that ball, eh?

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 lying 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, 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 his 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.

AMY

Do you believe we'll 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. Without them, I'm not so

sure it's worth it.

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're clear of those things, up here...take five!

Rhett taking deep breath, and lying 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...

Eli 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

(OS)

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

(OS)

Jimmy? Jimmy?! Oh my God, he's okay!

DRIVER

(looking back)

What?!

BACKSEAT GUY

(OS)

Jimmy, what's wrong, man? I thought you were dead!

Driver's eyes back on road.

BACKSEAT GUY

(OS)

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 of that accident (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.

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 3 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 going up ahead, and will 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 3 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, shining light on the 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.

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

(OS)

Shit.

Everyone's eyes wide open, with approaching headlights over their faces...

SCOTT

(OS)

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 talk.

MOM

My sister's a nurse in Portland. She warned me this

morning, to get out of town. She said she couldn't

explain just how strange this new virus was or 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

(OS, 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, of people

setting up a place of refuge, in town, somewhere.

AMY

Okay...can I just ask, if she's so special, why

weren'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 affected 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