ABOVE THE DEAD .com
Season 1, Episode 5 (50 pages)
"One who flew over The Cuckoo's Nest"
INTRO
FADE IN:
EXT. FISH'S PORCH - EVENING
POV behind Scott, Amy, and Rhett, with tree house in front of them, as a single gunshot is fired, from up inside. All 3 of them instantly rising, and running to tree house.
AMY
SAM!?
RHETT
ELI!?
Rhett racing to the ladder, ahead of Scott, climbing as fast as he can. He comes to Sam, at door, still holding gun on Jax. He stops...just watching a moment, as Scott arrives, doing the same. Eli is standing at door of boys room.
AMY
(OS, climbing ladder)
What the hell is going on up there?! Are they okay?!
RHETT
Yes, everyone's okay.
SCOTT
Sam? What are you doing?
Sam still holding gun right on Jax, as Amy climbs herself up...
SAM
She's lying to us...
Amy arriving in shock, at the sight of Sam holding the gun on Jax.
AMY
What do you mean, Sam? What is she lying about?
SCOTT
Here, hand me the gun. I'll hold it on her, until
you tell us what's going on.
Sam slowly handing gun to Scott, who indeed holds it on Jax.
SCOTT
(speaking to Jax)
Just remain right there, please.
RHETT
Go ahead, Sam.
SAM
She knows Greg, somehow. She pointed to him,
saying how nice to look at, he was. I have not told
her, or anyone, who Greg is.
SCOTT
(speaking to Jax)
How do you know Greg?
ELI
She put one of our guns in her bag. I just saw
her do it.
Rhett going to her bag, and pulling out gun.
RHETT
This isn't even one of ours, is it?
SCOTT
No, it's not. I went through all Fish's. That's not
one of them.
AMY
Okay Jax, what the hell is going on? Start with Greg.
Sam eager to hear about her cousin.
JAX
The gun is mine. I just brought it with me for
protection. Actually, to kill my brothers...
Before they kill all of you.
Everyone looking nervous, and waiting for more.
SCOTT
What the hell are you talking about?!
JAX
I didn't tell you I have brothers, because I was
hoping if we actually made it to the compound,
that I could just ditch them here, without them -
AMY
Wait, so you already knew about the compound?!
SAM
Where's my Uncle Vincent?! How do you know Greg?!
JAX
Yes, we knew. My brothers forced me to make
friends with you, good people. The crazy one,
might be watching us now, he has been, since
long before I got here.
Rhett and Eli, looking down and around the area.
SCOTT
Is he out there now?!
JAX
No, but he will be. Probably not tonight. Well
maybe, I don't know.
SCOTT
Will he, or will he not?!
JAX
I don't know! I just spoke to him, he's currently
at a place they took, about five miles from here.
RHETT
How the hell did you speak to him, if he's not here?!
SAM
Where's my cousins?!
JAX
Walkie talkies.
SAM
You get those from my uncle? Where are they?!
AMY
Answer her!
SAM
How do you know Greg?!
JAX
I LOVED, GREG! I was -
SAM
(weeping through her words)
What do you mean, loved?
Everyone looking at Sam. Silence, until Jax finally goes on...
JAX
(weeping)
They killed him. They killed them all. I'm so sorry, I -
SAM
(screaming, weeping)
NOOOOOOO!
DISSOLVE TO:
THEME TUNE/CREDITS
Shots of all the chaos in the city, on day 1 of the "zombie" apocalypse, followed by bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highways, and tons of angry/nervous people honking or trying to pull off the road. Shot of Mt. Hood, followed by shots of a huge tree house overlooking a lake, which dissolves into the Columbia River, and traveling down it, through a huge forest fire, before reaching the Bonneville Dam. POV continues down the river, past the Glen Jackson bridge, flowing by tons of houseboats where the dead are falling into the river, chasing after whoever is drifting by…
POV of the Willamette River as it goes under the St. Johns bridge, and up into the hills of Portland. It travels over them, into the Beaverton area, crossing over the top of the Nike World Headquarters, and keeps traveling over farmlands, and into the coast range, finding the Glenwood Market, and a large camp with log walls, across the creek and behind the store…
POV speeds over the Tillamook Forest, Highway 26, and a bunch of other lands, before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, under the Megler bridge, and into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of jetties, and following through the channel between them. POV continues up into the nearby hills, finding a large camp, protected by a large log wall…
POV travels back down to the shoreline, and over a huge hotel, with a shot of the Twin Rocks in the ocean. POV travels by the bay of Tillamook, and along Highway 6, back into the coast range, until leaving the road, back into the Tillamook Forest, until coming to a very large compound, hidden away by all the brush and mountain-side, as opening credits roll…
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. TRAIL BLAZER LIVING ROOM - DUSK
Close-up white powder, panning back as Matthew sniffs it up, and heads past Michael, while going out the door.
MICHAEL
Can I please drive?
MATTHEW
What are you saying?
MICHAEL
I'm saying that I have absolutely no idea, whatsoever,
if you have slept, whatsoever, since dead people
began taking over the planet.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT
Matthew in car, driving to a racing stop. Michael (passenger seat), holding on for dear life. Matthew pops right out. Michael comes out a little more cautiously, looking all around...
MICHAEL
We've been seeing more and more of the dead.
MATTHEW
Aliens, is what they are. They wait till we die, before
taking over, and going after the rest of us.
Matthew heading off road, into brush, Michael follows.
MICHAEL
Fine, more and more, aliens. You pulling up like that,
might only attract them here, and being dark and all,
well, I don't know...maybe a bad idea being here?
MATTHEW
I didn't force you here.
MICHAEL
You said we were going to take the store back. I didn't
want to go there either, but also didn't want you doing
anything stupid. Which is why I got you to compromise,
by coming here.
MATTHEW
You just think you got me to compromise, but I never
actually wanted to go to the store. I just said it, to get
you to come with me.
Michael shaking head, as they continue on...
CUT TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE - NIGHT
Scott pulling up the ladder, scanning the area. He walks over into girls room, next to Amy. Jax (emotional) is on bed, with Rhett nearby (holding his gun). Eli sits next to an emotional Sam.
JAX
I don't know what else to tell you. I'm a victim
just like you guys.
AMY
Why didn't you just come clean from the beginning?
JAX
I told you, I was hoping we'd just leave, without
them knowing. My original plan was to kill them,
before I ever got here, but...(emotional) That's
when Michael lost the store, and my Greg got
caught in the crossfire.
SAM
He's not your Greg! He'd never go for someone
like you!
JAX
But he did! He knew I was a victim of my brothers,
as well. I left him that note, explaining I wouldn't
let anything happen to you. He promised to do
the same for me.
Jax weeping. Rhett looks to Scott.
RHETT
You see anything out there?
SCOTT
Nothing. I should just go sit in a bush, somewhere,
until I hear or see the little bastard.
AMY
In the dark, with the dead roaming around?
I don't think so!
RHETT
(speaking to Jax)
So, you're claiming they don't plan to show up
here, at all? Just to watch, or wait to hear from
you, until Sam's family arrives?
JAX
(nodding)
That's why I was hoping you'd never even know
I was related to such trash.
RHETT
Then what? They were just going to fake being
broken down, on the side of the road, expecting
you to recognize them?
JAX
(nodding)
Yes, and I never even told you guys I had brothers.
Hence me not going along with their damn plan.
RHETT
So, you were just going to wave to them, as
we drive by?
JAX
I certainly wasn't going to suggest stopping!
Jax looking at them all, as they look at her…
JAX
He was too paranoid to even be here, due to you
all seeing through him. He can't hide who he is...
Amy staring at Jax...
AMY
What about you? Are you easy to see through?
Jax silent a few moments, before answering...
JAX
No... I'm not. Like my other brother Michael, I'm
good at hiding the scars of where I came from,
and acting like an actual respectable, human being.
RHETT
So, it's an act?
JAX
No! That's not what I meant. I was here when
her dad began eating the old woman. My brother
almost – (cutoff)
AMY
Wait! You were here!? (Amy looking at others)
That was what...a few hours before we got here?
(walking to Jax) And you just left her up here, all
by herself?! What the hell is the matter with you?!
Amy getting in her face, as Rhett pulls her back.
AMY
She could have been killed!
JAX
I didn't want to!
AMY
She was all alone!
JAX
I couldn't help it!
AMY
She needed you, and you just left her up here!
JAX
(Yelling)
MATTHEW, MADE ME! JUST LIKE HE MADE ME
SCARED FOR MY LIFE, WHEN HE NOTICED THE TEAR
I SHED, AFTER REALIZING SHE WAS UP HERE ALONE,
WATCHING WHAT SHE WAS WATCHING! HE'S THE
ONE WHO (putting her hand to her eye) GAVE ME
THIS! IT WAS HIM, WHO JUST SAT AND WATCHED
WHILE WE WERE ATTACKED IN THE LAKE! (Rhett
glancing out and below) I CAN'T HELP BEING BORN
INTO THAT FAMILY! I CAN'T HELP BEING BEATEN MY
ENTIRE LIFE, BY BOTH HIM AND MY DAD! I CAN'T
HELP WAKING, THE OTHER DAY, INTO THIS
NIGHTMARE AND FINDING HIM IN MY LIVING
ROOM, SETTING OUR DAD ON FIRE! I CAN'T HELP
THAT WHEN I GOT TO THE STORE, HE HAD ALREADY
KILLED HER UNCLE, AND HAD THE OTHERS TIED UP!
I CAN'T HELP WHAT HAPPENED TO GREG...even
though I tried! (weeping)
Everyone silent, as Jax weeps...
MATTHEW
(OS, shouting from below)
Well, GOD DAMN, sis! (everyone's eyes WIDE!)
I had no idea you felt that way.
Scott and Rhett, each cautiously going to windows. Their POV of the area (dark, but light from cabin), no sight of Matthew...
Eli and Sam are nervous, as Amy sits next to them. Rhett comes to Jax.
RHETT
You did that on purpose, didn't you? To warn him!
JAX
(shaking head, speaking quietly)
No, but...I can tell him I did.
Amy and Rhett with scowling expressions.
MATTHEW
(OS)
I don't suppose you nice folks want to come on
down, peacefully, so that I don't have to do this
tree house, like I did the old man?
Fear and shock from everyone...
MATTHEW
(OS)
This brush, this time of year...hell I could start that
fire with a pair of twigs...rather than trekking back
to the car for gasoline...
RHETT
(speaking to Matthew)
You do that, and we'll be coming down, guns blazing,
while leaving your sister up here, to blaze!
MATTHEW
(OS)
Oh Rhett, is that you? You're my favorite, buddy.
Not very bright though, are ya'? Dear old sis, just
became very expendable...
JAX
(quietly)
He's bluffing.
Everyone at a loss for words, silence a few moments...
AMY
Rhett? Dad?
RHETT
(speaking to Matthew)
What exactly is your plan here? Scamming your
way into a ticket to the compound, is no longer
an option. So, now you want this place? Yet burning
down the tree house only diminishes the property
value... Maybe we can come up with an agreement?
Amy surprised at his offer of an agreement, as they wait for a reply...
MATTHEW
(OS)
I'm listening...
RHETT
(speaking to Matthew)
I wasn't talking to you. That offer is for your brother,
and your sister, here...
Silence just a moment, before 6 straight gunshots are fired into/around the tree house, with everyone ducking (girls screaming)...
MATTHEW
(OS, after done shooting)
I know you people think I'm losing it, down here,
but fact Is, I've already lost it! Cause you know who
I'm gonna' kill first? Not the annoying pregnant
woman, but the little bastard inside of her. Cause
let's face it, Rhett. You know that baby can't be
yours. Hell, it might even be mine. I thought she
looked kinda' familiar!
Rhett instantly to window, firing several shots. Scott begins doing the same. Once they stop, silence follows...
Sam holds on tight, to Amy.
AMY
Please tell me you got them?
SCOTT
There's no way of knowing. He might even want
us wasting our ammo...(Scott looking at Jax)
What about her? Can we trust her? Might have to.
Amy staring at Jax...
Rhett, still carefully watching out window...
AMY
She lies as easily as she breathes. Obviously acting
comes just as easily, meaning her little emotional
outburst could have been as phony as her story has
been, since she first arrived... However, I believe
her feelings for Greg, are genuine, and she does
blame her brothers for that loss.
JAX
I do. And I can...act! Which is why you can trust
me, to get us all out of this.
SCOTT
(shaking head)
Us...
Rhett turns from window, looking at Jax, then Amy.
RHETT
You can't possibly trust this freak. We let her go,
and that's just one more reason for that little
pyromaniac brother of hers, to smoke us out.
SCOTT
I have to agree, with Rhett.
AMY
What other choice do we have?
MICHAEL
(OS, down below)
I accept your deal.
Rhett and Scott, immediately/cautiously over to windows. Their POV of Michael, standing alone.
RHETT
(speaking to Michael)
Where's your crazy ass brother?
MICHAEL
Probably back to the car, by now. He took a shot
in the shoulder.
JAX
(quietly)
He's lying. They're like (crossed fingers)...
RHETT
(Speaking to Michael)
Well then, here's the deal. You bring us your
brothers corpse, and you're just as welcome
here, as your sister.
Jax suddenly makes a move for Scott, grabbing away his gun, aiming right at him, as Rhett turns.
JAX
(loud)
Drop it now, Rhett! DO IT! (Rhett places down
gun) Kick it to me.
Rhett kicks it over, as she picks it up.
AMY
What the hell are you doing?
JAX
(speaking to Michael)
It's okay, Michael. I got their guns. I could use your help
up here, though, big brother.
Cut to Michael, a little hesitant.
MICHAEL
I can trust you, right, sis?
JAX
(speaking to Michael)
Just get the hell up here, before they make a
move. Kinda outnumbered here.
Jax now speaking quietly to the others.
JAX
I'm sorry, this was the only way. You'll see soon,
that I can be trusted.
Jax hushing them, with finger to her nose. None of them know what to think/believe. Michael eventually/cautiously pops up from ladder. Overlooking the situation, he steps all the way up, and approaches them.
MICHAEL
Damn sis, you musta' went beast mode up here,
on these people.
Jax hands him a gun. He walks over and instantly punches Rhett in the face.
AMY
Rhett!
MICHAEL
That's for even thinking, I'd betray my baby brother.
Jax an amused smile, which Amy takes notice of...
JAX
Rest of their guns are in the other room. They
could have more that I don't know of. So, we
should get em' tied up, until Matthew figures
out what to do. Where is he?
MATTHEW
(OS)
Right behind you, sis.
Everyone turning to look at Matthew, who's holding his gun up. He smiles, and walks to Rhett...
MATTHEW
Rhett, you and I coulda' been buddies, in a different
life...or a different world, and look around...this is a
different world! You people need survivors, like us.
(looking right at Sam) Your compound needs survivors,
like us. (smiling at her) Hi, I'm Matthew. (looking at Jax)
Another award-winning performance as usual, big sis.
Jax a pleased smile, as Matthew hugs her. Amy studying Jax, with concern...
JAX
So, what's the plan here?
Matthew a deep breath, while looking over everyone...
MATTHEW
(with laugh)
I have no idea...yet. (looks at Sam) I would love
a tour of the place, though.
CUT TO:
EXT. FISH'S PORCH - NIGHT
Michael finishes tying them all up, to porch, as Matthew carries bag of guns toward door.
MATTHEW
You're on guard duty, Mikey. Jax is gonna' show
me around inside.
Suddenly, a noise comes from the brush. Concern, from all those tied up. Michael reaching for his flashlight, and shining into brush, where a huff makes her way out toward them.
MATTHEW
Hot damn! Look at this one. Now if I was ever to
date a dead chick, this is the one..
Michael heading toward her.
MICHAEL
I got her.
MATTHEW
Yeah, you do. Show these people what it takes to
be a survivor...without wasting valuable ammo.
Michael (holding knife) approaches huff, dancing around it, trying to find a safe move to make.
MATTHEW
Come on Michael. Kinda making us look bad.
Michael finally makes his move, sticking huff in her head, as she drops.
MATTHEW
Atta boy. (looking at others) That is why you need
us. This place will be crawling with those things,
sooner or later.
Matthew heading inside, with Jax. Michael steps back on porch...
MICHAEL
He speaks the truth. We've been seeing more
and more of them.
RHETT
Then tying us up really makes sense. What if a
group of them pass through? We'll be screwed.
MICHAEL
You pretty much already are...
SCOTT
You guys have the property now, the tree house,
and the cabin. Just let us drive away, and find our
own way to survive.
MICHAEL
In our brand new car? Not happening...
Amy shedding tears...
Cut inside, to Jax entering kitchen with Matthew behind her, in hallway, looking at pictures.
MATTHEW
So, these are the compound people, eh?
Jax reaching for kitchen knife, as Matthew enters kitchen.
JAX
Next creepy dead person, is mine.
MATTHEW
I could always make you one, if ya' want?
JAX
Please make it the pregnant one.
MATTHEW
Awww, does sis have a crush on Rhett?
JAX
Not at all. You can do him next. In fact, do them all.
We'll give them all nice graves, and come up with a
sappy story to tell the compound people, when they
show up. The kind of story that'll punch our tickets,
back home with them.
Matthew staring at her, with a growing smile.
MATTHEW
HOLY freaking Goosebumps! What kind of diabolical
monster, are you?
He goes in to hug her. She raises one arm to hug him, but uses her other, to stick him in the gut, with her knife.
JAX
One!
Matthew looks at her in shock/pain. She sticks him again.
JAX
Two! (he drops to floor) The only monster here
is you. (going down, sticking him again) Three!
(sticks again) Four! (jabbing him quick/hard,
counting with each one) Five! Six! Seven! Eight!
She begins jabbing even faster/harder, and yelling as she counts.
Cut outside, as they hear her yelling.
JAX
(OS)
NINE! TEN! ELEVEN! TWELVE! THIRTEEN! FOURTEEN!
Cut to Jax, stabbing him one final time.
JAX
FIFTEEN! (looking over his dead body) One
for each year of my life, I can remember being
beaten by you!
Cut to porch, as Michael opens door, but stops as a huff (in baseball cap and jacket) walks out of the brush (with a limp/bad foot).
RHETT
WAIT!
ELI
There's another one coming!
Michael hesitates a moment, before heading toward huff, as others watch.
Michael's POV of huff, limping toward him. Michael arrives near huff, raising his knife, and waiting for the right moment.
Suddenly, the huff punches Michael right in the face, knocking him down, taking his knife, and sticking him with it, hard and deep.
Everyone watching, completely bewildered. Fake huff now approaching them (still limping bad, and holding both Michael's gun and knife). He removes his hat, revealing himself as Greg!
SAM
Greg!
Greg uses finger to hush her...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 2)
INT. STORE - DAY
Greg's lifeless body, tied next to his huff brother. Greg slowly raises his head, looking all around.
His POV, of half empty (shot up) store.
Cut outside, to Vincent, excited about something. Gunshot fired, Vincent takes one to the head.
Cut to Greg, looking toward gunshot.
Cut to one of Tan's friends (Phuoc), cautiously approaching store door. He glances down at dead cashier.
GREG
(OS)
Don't shoot! I'm unarmed and tied up. I was their
prisoner. Only one of them is here, and I think he
took off, out the back.
POV Tan, outside the back of the store, creeping a peek through window.
His POV, of Greg tied up next to huff Mark.
TAN
It's okay, Phuoc. He's telling the truth. He's
tied next to an infected.
Phuoc slowly entering store, gun raised and looking all around, then just looking at Greg and Mark. Tan and his other buddy (Joe), enter store. Joe takes a look at Mark, pulls out his knife, and takes him down. Greg just staring at his dead brother.
JOE
That's the only way to take them down... Who
are you? Why did those guys tie you up?
GREG
I'm Greg. That...was my brother, Mark, and the
one out there, was my dad.
JOE
I'm sorry to hear that.
GREG
We came in, with no idea what we were walking into.
They killed my dad, simply to see if he'd...come back.
(looking them in the eyes) I'm not a threat to you
guys. Can you please untie me? I've been here since
yesterday afternoon.
Joe looking at the others, then begins untying him.
GREG
Thank you.
Greg looking at his dead brother, while being untied. He then rises slowly (very stiff!), with Joe's help. Tan hands him a water. Greg drinks some, still staring at his brother, then looking over all those guys.
GREG
So, you guys the owners, or something?
TAN
Yes, it's my store. My wife and I were in the back,
when they killed my employee. Where did the
other one go? Their car is still outside.
GREG
They took my dad's car. The other one is with his
sister, trying to take my family's place, which is
why I need your guys help.
Those guys with skeptical expressions. Suddenly, Matthew pulls up in the road outside, as they all scramble to find a secure spot, inside.
GREG
That's him!
Greg ducks all the way down, peeking outward.
Everyone just watching/waiting (guns ready), as the car sits there in the road. The standoff finally ends, as Matthew turns around, and skids away. Greg rising.
GREG
I have to go after them. Will you guys help? Or
let me borrow a car? (looking amongst each
other) Please!? They're going to hurt my little
ten-year-old, cousin!
PHUOC
We have families too. We have to bring them here.
GREG
Look, my family is loaded. They're coming for
my cousin and I. They have a compound in the
coast range, where you and your families can
come survive.
Again looking amongst each other...
PHUOC
(shaking head)
Our families, safe here.
GREG
(shaking head)
No, they're not! You've seen what's going on
out there. It's only going to get worse. You
have to realize this! It's not like earthquakes
or hurricanes, where help is eventually coming.
Freaking dead people are walking the planet!
Again looking amongst each other...
GREG
Give it a week, and you'll be wishing you took
advantage of this opportunity.
JOE
My jeep is down the road. I can get you to your
place, but that's it. Help will come, and until they
do, we have everything we need, here.
GREG
Thank you...and…can I get a gun?
Joe giving him a wishful look, but while shaking his head...
JOE
I'm sorry brother, we just can't afford that.
PHUOC
I go with you guys.
Phuoc reloading his gun. Joe grabbing some water, while Tan shows Greg some knives/blades. He selects a winner, and his handed a backpack by Joe. He begins filling it with food and waters.
JOE
You ready?
Greg silently staring at his brother...
GREG
Yeah...
Joe and Phuoc, go out door, as Greg follows. He stops and stares at his dad. Both guys stop, waiting for him. He takes a deep breath, and walks away. They begin jogging down the road.
Dissolve to Joe, Phuoc, and Greg, jogging around corner (sound of car coming), and seeing a jeep (one guy inside), speeding by. Joe instantly runs into road (waving gun) at jeep, as it goes by.
JOE
THAT'S MY CAR! DAMN IT!
He fires his gun above it. Phuoc in road with him, pointing, as military vehicle is speeding toward them (opposite direction Jeep was going). Joe (still with gun in hand) waving hand, and running at military vehicle, who instantly open fire on him. They nail both him and Phuoc, as Greg (further off the road) dives into brush. Military vehicle keeps going...
Greg slowly coming out of brush, looking at both Joe and Phuoc, lying dead in road. He stands there contemplating what to do. He looks back toward store. He looks toward brush. Back toward store. He then runs into street, grabbing Phuoc's gun. He goes to Joe, reaching down and rolling him over. He grabs gun from under him, before just looking at him a moment…
He slowly rises. He turns, and comes face to face with huff Phuoc! He struggles with him, and has a shot, but avoids taking it, instead reaching for his blade, and eventually ending the struggle, with a blow to Phuoc's head…
Greg stands there looking at him, while catching his breath. He suddenly turns quickly, looking at Joe, who still lays there, dead. He runs over, instantly sticking him in the head. He takes a swig of water. He looks toward the brush, then the store. He takes another swig, before running off into the brush...
CUT TO:
Greg sweaty, and out of breath as he stops jogging, and begins walking. He's coming to an end of the brushy area, and back onto another road. He stands out in middle of it. Looking up road, and then upward, at more brushy area. Deciding the brush would be a faster route, he again leaves the road, for the brush, and hustling uphill…
Dissolve to Greg again coming to a stop, after jogging. He is coming to a creek, kneeling down to wet his face...
He comes up, catching his breath and cooling off. He begins filling his water bottle, splashes his face again, and jogs across the creek, continuing upward…
Dissolve to Greg coming out of brush, onto road (exhausted and a sweaty/dirty mess). He catches his breath for a moment, takes a swig of water, and begins walking up road.
Dissolve to Greg hiding, as a vehicle is heard heading up hill. He ducks down in brush, watching as another military vehicle speeds by.
Dissolve to Greg walking the road, coming to a corner. He takes a swig, and comes to a sudden stop.
His POV of a huff woman, on her knees, eating from a dead deer. He quietly walks up on her. She turns right as he arrives, sticking blade in her head. Before he can even pull out the blade, another huff (guy with pack on his back), quickly comes from brush, right onto road, where Greg struggles to get blade out of the other huff's head.
The huff knocks Greg to the ground, hitting his head hard, against road. He is in pain, and struggling with the huff. He somehow finds strength to flip huff over (both of them on their sides), but he remains semi-stuck between him, the dead woman, and the deer. And now, suddenly, he also has a huff baby in his face, as the pack on the guy's back, is a baby backpack.
Greg fights his way to his feet, and reaches for his blade (blade halfway under huff man). He gets it, and delivers the kill shot, but not without tripping over the huge mess, he was battling through. He screams in pain, and holds his ankle. He fights the pain, and looks to the deceased huff man. He can still hear the baby huff.
He closes his eyes, and lays on the side of the road, a moment. He quickly opens eyes wide, and works hard to rise to his feet. He's struggling to put pressure on his ankle. He looks for his water. He finds it on ground, open, and mostly leaked out. He begins doing what he can to continue up road...
Dissolve to Greg in seriously bad shape, barely making any ground. He can see a home, off the road a bit. He begins approaching it. He stops. He looks back toward road. He turns, just standing there a moment. He finally continues back toward road. He collapses...
DISSOLVE TO:
Multiple flashes of...
Someone (female) helping Greg, up from where he collapsed, being helped toward that home. Greg on porch steps, falling asleep, as bucket of water is dumped over his head. His terrible swollen ankle in a huge pan, being filled with water from hose. Him sitting (with ankle in pan) on porch steps, with his head leaning against post. Inside on couch, with foot elevated and wrapped with an ace bandage, and water pack. Woman helping him take some pills. Woman allowing him to lay back, and sleep. Woman using wet rag to wash his face. Woman changing water pack on ankle. Greg asleep on couch...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOME - DAWN (day 4)
POV from front door (open) of the property, as birds are chirping...
Greg slowly waking from couch. He slowly looks around. He comes to find woman at door, sitting in chair, just watching outward...
She glances back at him, seeing he's awake...
WOMAN
I love the mornings...the birds just sing, like
everything's okay, out there.
GREG
It's morning already? I slept all night?
Woman rising and closing door. Approaching Greg.
WOMAN
I'm Cyndi. Yes, you slept all night, all day, and
again all night...
GREG
What?
CYNDI
You took a pretty bad blow to the head. I kept you
up a couple hours, but then you crashed hard. I
thought it was important to keep you awake, until
I did some research. Guess they say nowadays, it's
not so crucial to stay awake the first few hours, after
head trauma. So…sorry about that. You weren't too
happy about the cold bucket of water, I threw over
your head.
GREG
I remember that.
Greg slowly rising, but dizzy and in too much pain. Cyndi helps him lay back down, and hands him water and another pill.
CYNDI
Take another ibuprofen. You lost a lot of blood,
and that ankle is ugly as shit. In fact, I need to
wrap it with more ice. (begins unwrapping) Was
using garden hose water, the first day, until the
power came back on. Took a while to freeze, but
now that you've slept with it elevated and iced, I
imagine that terrible swelling has gone down.
(looking at the injury) Still ugly as shit, though...
GREG
So, I've been here for two days, now?
CYNDI
(nodding)
Once I let you crash, you did just that.
Cyndi into kitchen, gathering ice.
GREG
You said the power came back on? Has help
come? Anything on the TV?
CYNDI
That's what I was thinking, once it came back on,
but no, nothing on TV or the radio, other than
nightmarish chatter. No help has come knocking
on the door. Phone's still don't work. No word or
sight of my husband, who was supposed to be
here three days ago, a few hours after I arrived.
Cyndi an emotional moment, while by herself in kitchen.
GREG
(OS)
You do realize what's going on out there?
Silence, as Cyndi gathers her composure, and walks back into living room...
CYNDI
I know the dead are coming back. My husband
told me that much, and the radio seems to
confirm it. The most consistent thing I seem to
hear, is that they're eating the living. But I've
heard so many other unlikely things, that I'm
not sure what to believe.
Greg getting sleepy, as Cyndi wraps the ice around his ankle.
GREG
You can believe the eating part, I've seen it. If they
even bite you, it's over. I know the military is out
there, but they seem as paranoid as everyone else.
CYNDI
What do you mean?
Greg closing eyes.
GREG
That we're on our own, for now. Like my cousin.
I have to get to her.
Cyndi places his ankle comfortably onto pillow. Suddenly, someone comes tearing out bedroom door, footsteps heard running right into living room, and stopping. Greg (groggy) looks up.
His POV of a six-year-old boy (Cole), staring at him, with disappointment.
CYNDI
Everything okay, Cole?
COLE
I thought I heard Daddy.
Greg closing his eyes. Cyndi picks up Cole.
CYNDI
I'm sorry, baby. But our new friend here, is improving.
Greg unable to fight drifting off, as he mumbles some last words.
GREG
He and Sam will get along. We have to go there.
I might sleep first.
Greg out, as Cyndi carries Cole toward kitchen.
COLE
Who is Sam?
Dissolve to close-up of cartoons on TV, panning back to Cole, as he watches from floor, in front of couch where Greg sleeps. Greg begins waking, as cartoon ends, and Cole selects another, from the blu-ray player. Greg looks up, and slowly tries to rise, but with pain from his head. Cyndi entering room, with plate of sandwiches.
CYNDI
Good, you're up. I'm curious to hear more about
Sam, and what your plans are. Probably at least a
few days from even attempting to travel, so you're
welcome here, until then. But -
GREG
(shaking head)
I don't have a few days; I have to go now.
CYNDI
That's not happening, and I'm not picking you
back up, once you realize that for yourself.
Greg frustrated, and lying back down...
GREG
Do you have a car?
CYNDI
I did, until it was stolen, the first night here.
GREG
How far am I from the lake? I can't remember
the name of it.
CYNDI
There's a lake about seven or eight miles up
the road, that you have to hike into.
GREG
Seven or eight, miles? (closing his eyes)
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GREG'S COUCH - NIGHT
A movie now playing on TV, as Greg eats from the plate in front of him. Cole on floor, eating and watching movie. A vehicle is heard from the road, as Greg looks up, and Cyndi heads to window.
CYNDI
Military again. I wonder what they're doing?
GREG
(speaking to Cyndi)
Hey...(looking at Cole) Did I have...(mouthing
"guns" to her) when you found me?
CYNDI
You did indeed. One of them you can have back,
although it's unloaded. The other is payment, for
everything I've done, and am doing, for you.
Greg staring at her...
CYNDI
I know...it seems unfair, but you're alive because
of me, and I need that gun, just as much as you
do... I saved you, and so, the gun is mine. It may
not seem fair at the moment, but it's a small
price to pay, for your life... And the truth is, I
could use you, too.
GREG
To what? Help you live an extra week or two?
Help you bury your kid?
Cole's attention leaving the TV, and looking from Greg, to his mom.
CYNDI
Cole, he's still ill. He doesn't know what he's saying.
Cole begins watching TV, again.
GREG
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten your boy... You
mentioned needing me. It's me who needs you, and
the rewards for it, will be way better than a handgun.
CYNDI
Are you talking about the compound?
Greg throwing her a very curious expression.
CYNDI
You were rambling in your sleep, a few times.
You kept telling me, or someone, that the
compound is more safe, than the store, and how
you have to get there... So, it's true? You actually
have such a place?
GREG
We do, and it's built for thousands. It's an
opportunity you and your boy can not pass up.
CYNDI
And what? Just leave a note for my husband?
Greg speechless, and looking away...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GREG'S COUCH - MORNING (day 5)
Greg sitting up on couch. He bends down, to undo wrapped up ankle. Still some swelling and ugly bruising. He slowly rises, and begins hopping his way to bathroom. He stops halfway there, leaning against wall, and holding his head. He then proceeds. He closes door on bathroom, as Cole comes out of bedroom, into living room, flipping on blu-ray player. Cyndi comes from kitchen, handing him a bowl of cereal.
COLE
Is he going to help find Daddy?
Cyndi closing her eyes...
Cut to Greg, in bathroom running steamy bath water over his ankle...
Dissolve to mid-day, with Greg at the couch, sitting up, eating a sandwich, and drinking water. He's mildly stretching, and preparing himself for his journey. He begins taking off another ice pack, around his ankle.
CYNDI
Someone sees you limping the road, and you're
going to take a bullet. They'll think you're one
of the dead.
GREG
I'll be using a stick for a crutch. They'll know I'm
alive. I've got no choice. Those animals are there,
pretending to care about her, waiting to go back
with my family. After killing my dad and brother.
CYNDI
Sounds more like revenge, than it does concern
for your cousin.
GREG
It's both! I love my cousin, and I hate them for
what they did, and are doing. Revenge, concern
for my cousin, my family...all of the above!
CYNDI
You'll never make it.
Greg rising, heading to bathroom.
GREG
Going back and forth with ice and hot water, is
doing the trick. I will make it. If you don't mind,
I'm going to shower, and then get out of your way.
Cyndi glances at Cole (watching TV), who has a tear running down his cheek...
Dissolve to Greg hopping out Cyndi's door. Cole hands him a stick (cane), and a hat.
COLE
It's my lucky hat.
Cole gives him a hug, and runs inside, past his mom, at the door. Greg looks back at her...
GREG
Thanks again.
He turns and hops away. Cyndi sheds a tear, turns and closes door. Greg stops hopping on one leg, and begins putting some weight on the ankle, with help from the stick. He continues like that for a while, before again hopping.
Eventually, he tires, and begins putting some weight on it, with a slow limp. After a while, he again begins to hop, this time stopping as a sudden gunshot is fired, inside the house. He turns, as a second shot is fired. Dread takes over his face, and he begins making his way back to the house...
Cut to Greg entering house, instantly seeing both their dead bodies, over by the TV (cartoons playing). He hops over to them. He looks at the boy, and stands there teary-eyed, for a moment. He then comes down to Cyndi, reaching for gun. He rises and looks around.
GREG
Where are the rest of those bullets?
Greg hopping into kitchen, where he begins searching through drawers and cabinets, pulling things out of his way. He goes into living room, doing the same.
Cut to him in her bedroom, doing the same, this time tossing things around in anger, and eventually giving up.
Cut to him loading a gun, flashlight, water bottles and a jacket, into his pack.
Cut to him going out front door, hopping away...
Dissolve to Greg (exhausted/sweaty), limping along the road (through a stretch with very little shade). He pulls out water bottle, takes a swig, and dumps rest over his head. A sound comes from the brush, as Greg stops, and pulls out his gun.
His POV of a deer, walking out. He just stares at it a moment, then limps onward. He doesn't go far, before gunshots are fired, down the road, and again he stops. The shots are followed by rowdy cheering, and the sound of a vehicle approaching. Greg struggles to hustle, as he limps off the road, into the brush, behind a log. He barely makes it in time, but not without aggravating his ankle. Lying there in pain, as the truck (people and their guns standing in back, non-military) goes by, someone spots him.
GUY
Wait! Stop, I see one!
Truck stops, and reverses back, right in front of where Greg "hides". He tries to speak, but they already open fire on him. He reaches for his gun, and goes into a rage, while firing off all his ammo, at them.
GREG
AHHHHHHHHH!
GUY
He's shooting at us!
Those guys all hopping back in truck, and peeling off (up the road). Greg in pain, as he works hard to get up, before limping back onto road, and continuing on...
Dissolve to Greg slowly limping along same road. He stops, as he can hear gunfire, up ahead. He just listens for a moment. Suddenly, a huff comes out of brush, right at him. Greg in pain, and working extra hard, to both position himself and deliver the fatal blow, but does eventually stick huff in head, with blade. Huff goes down, but so does Greg, in a ton of pain.
He works to get back on his feet. He looks down at the huff, then swigs some water, and dumps some over his head. He moves on. A few steps later, he can hear a vehicle coming down the road. He limps off, hiding. He watches military vehicle go by. Coming back out, he trips, down onto the road...
Dissolve to Greg limping same road, and stopping. He looks ahead.
His POV, of that same truck of people (non-military), now off to the side of road, and everyone lifeless.
Cut to Greg walking through the bodies (all with fatal head injuries), and over to the truck, climbing inside. Keys are still there. He turns them, but no such luck. He drops his head, a few moments, before eventually climbing out. He's in pain. He fights though the pain, and begins limping road.
DISSOLVE TO: (DUSK)
Greg limping same road, coming to a spot with a steep cliff, off side of road. He limps over to it, looking down.
His POV, of how far down it goes.
POV Greg, just staring downward, thinking... He closes his eyes, several moments, while taking a deep breath...opens eyes, still staring downward, a few more moments, considering jumping...
He finally turns, and begins limping back up road...
DISSOLVE TO: (DARK)
Greg (using flashlight) finally happy, as he limps same road, but now toward a private road. He begins hopping. He passes a sign, reading "Private Road", along with another sign, that reads "Fish and Samantha Baker RD"...
DISSOLVE TO:
Greg's POV from brush, of Michael killing the "hot huff woman".
POV Greg in brush, watching. He begins trying to move in closer, but stops, due to ankle pain. He begins to think...
He suddenly reaches into his pack, pulling out hat and jacket, and putting them on.
Dissolve to Greg's POV, as he approaches (pretending to be a huff) Michael, and punches him in the face.
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
Greg taking off hat, in front of Sam and others.
SAM
GREG!
Greg hushes her, with finger to nose, and uses knife to set Rhett free. He hands him the knife.
GREG
Set them free, and get to the tree house. I'm going (stops)
Jax opens front door, staring at Greg a moment, before running right to him, with a huge hug.
JAX
GREG!
He reacts with pain to his ankle.
JAX
You're alive! (looking at him closely) What's wrong?
Are you okay?
Greg nodding, with a look toward the cabin door, as Rhett is quick to release the others.
GREG
Where's your psychotic brother?
JAX
I took care of him. (looking at others) As promised.
GREG
He's dead? (Jax nodding, and hugging him, with a
look from Sam) Show me. (speaking to others)
You guys all get to the tree house.
JAX
I'm sorry guys. I know you weren't sure what
to believe, but I came through. (smiling)
Greg limping toward porch. Jax helps him up porch steps. Once they reach the top, huff Matthew comes tearing out front door, and knocking Greg down porch steps.
JAX
Greg!
Others all stopping. Sam runs to help Greg.
AMY
Sam!
Jax aims gun at Matthew's head, and puts him down. Sam watches, as he falls down steps, onto Greg.
SAM
Greg!
Sam runs to him. Jax rolling Matthew off him. Sam hugging Greg to death...
SAM
Thank God, that you're alive!
GREG
No, thank him that you're alive!
Sam looking up at Jax (who is smiling), behind Greg, coming out of hug, and staring at her. Greg looks back at her, then to Sam.
GREG
Sam, I need a minute with Tina.
SAM
Who? Because she told us she was Jax...
You and her...can't be...
GREG
It's complicated. (looking at Amy and others)
Can you guys please take her to the tree house?
I'll be right there.
Amy grabbing Sam, leading her away, with a glance down at the gun, Jax holds. Greg limps to Jax (big smile on her face)…
JAX
I did it! I made good on my promise.
Jax hugging him.
GREG
You did. As will I. No one will ever cause you
pain again (coming out of hug). But we have
some damage control, to take care of.
Jax noticing Michael's body, and walking to it.
JAX
He never laid a hand on me...yet he never stopped
others, from doing so. (looking at Greg, and smiling)
But I don't have to worry about that anymore.
(hugging him again) I love you so much.
GREG
I love you, too.
Coming out of hug, slowly limping back to tree house, she begins helping him.
GREG
So, are these people okay? Did they take good
care of Sam?
JAX
They are good people. Better than I've ever known.
GREG
(freeing himself from her grasp)
It's okay, I can walk on it.
JAX
I think they'll be fine excepting me, here. (walking
ahead of him, as he limps along) It's crazy, the
world is crazy, yet I'm so happy. I'm in love, I have
a new family, and other than the dead, I have no
one to be afraid of, anymore. (Greg aims gun at
back of her head) And trust me, I'll take the dead,
over the abuse of my old family, any day.
GREG
Like I said, no more pain.
She turns to face him, right as he pulls trigger, but without ammo. She looks at him in complete shock. He keeps firing, but without luck. Once he stops, she slaps it right out of his hand.
JAX
Are you kidding me!? What the hell is this?! (just
staring at him, a moment) What…it was all just a
lie? You tell me what I wanna' hear, then just shoot
me, in the GOD DAMN BACK!? I came through for
you! All of you! Even before I knew you were still
alive! I killed my own family, to save yours!
(becoming emotional) To become yours... All I
wanted was to be a part of it...and yet you treated
me worse than MY (holding her gun to his head)
OWN PIECE OF SHIT FAMILY!
SAM
GREG!
Gunshot fired, but from tree house, which nails Jax in the arm, causing her to drop her gun. She looks at Greg, before running off into the brush, as she's fired on, several more times. Rhett stops shooting, and begins racing down the ladder. Greg picking up her gun.
GREG
Go after her!
Rhett racing toward the brush, with Scott not far behind him. Amy holding Sam back, who fights to get away.
SAM
Let me go!
AMY
Sam, it's dangerous out there.
Sam ignores her, running free and down the ladder. Eli follows after her. Greg frustrated with himself.
GREG
God DAMN IT!
Sam comes running into his arms...
GREG
I'm sorry, Sam. I'm sorry, she's still out there.
SAM
I'm just happy you're okay. And that you're not
actually with her!
GREG
God no! I just had to play along, to keep you
safe, baby cousin.
Some gunshots are fired, in the distance. Amy looking outward with concern.
AMY
RHETT!?
GREG
It's okay. She doesn't even have a gun. They're
shooting at her. (quietly) I think.
AMY
But those things are out there, and God knows
what, or who else!
ELI
Should I go after them?
AMY
No!
GREG
No. Come on, let's get back up there.
SAM
Are you okay to climb the ladder?
GREG
I'm good. Nothing a month off my feet, can't help.
Eli begins helping him hop, before Greg stops him.
GREG
Actually, can you please run to the cabin, and
get me a bag of ice?
Eli stops, just stares back toward cabin, Matthew's body, and then Michael's.
ELI
Did you get the other one, in the head?
GREG
Yeah, he's not coming back... It's okay. I'll get it.
AMY
Eli, you're okay. There's some Ziploc bags in
the top drawer, next to the silverware. Just
get in and get out.
Eli hurries toward cabin.
GREG
Thank you, Eli.
Greg and Sam approaching ladder. He takes notice of the pit.
GREG
What's up with that?
SAM
A trap for the dead.
Greg stopping at ladder, resting his exhausted face against it. Then he lifts his head back up, and again is frustrated with himself.
GREG
AHHHH, how did I let her get away!? DAMN IT!
SAM
(a little frightened)
It's okay, Greg.
GREG
I know, Sam. I just...went through absolute hell,
to even have the opportunity to make my way
here, and a whole different kind of hell, to
actually get here. Now that I am, I refuse to have
it all thrown away, by the one who flew over the
God damn cuckoo's nest.
Greg begins slowly/painfully climbing ladder...
Dissolve to Greg in girls room, as Amy cleans up his injuries. Eli stands looking out window.
ELI
They're back!
AMY
Thank God!
POV Rhett and Scott, coming out of brush. Greg and others, moving out toward ladder.
GREG
Please tell me you guys put her down?
Scott shaking his head.
RHETT
She drove off. Could be anywhere...
DISSOLVE TO:
Rhett and Eli by cabin, disposing of Michael and Matthew. Scott carrying bag of Matthew's guns, from inside, and heading toward tree house. Amy watching from above...
Dissolve to Scott, showing/handing guns to Greg (laying, with foot iced/elevated).
GREG
Yeah, same bag he had them in, at the store, and
these are all the same ones. I watched him going
through them, and I heard him say that was all he
had. (looking at Scott) And all of my uncle's are
accounted for? (Scott nodding) Along with yours?
SCOTT
(nodding)
Every one.
GREG
So, she mustn't have one.
SCOTT
And you're really not worried about her smoking
us out?
GREG
(shaking head)
Nah...we have to be prepared for it though. But
that's exactly why she won't do it. She wants to
catch us off guard...to look me in the eyes, as she
gets her revenge. (frustrated) How the hell did I
let her get away...
Dissolve to Rhett in tree house, by ladder, holding a gun and shining flashlight all around, down below. Greg in girls room, looking emotional.
GREG
Merry... He ate her? (looking at Sam) And you
had to watch that?
Greg in shock, shedding a tear. He sits next to Sam (Bailey in her lap), with his arm around her.
GREG
I'm so sorry, Samantha. I can't believe you had
to see that...while here all alone. I just can't
believe how strong you are.
AMY
As nails... An absolute inspiration she has been,
on us all.
Greg a sad/proud look at her...
Dissolve to flashes (without dialogue), of moments in which they tell Greg of things they went through, and vice versa. Greg shaking his head, as he listens to their stories. Eli talking with wide eyes. Amy talking. Greg talking. Rhett at door listening. Sam crying. Greg talking. Sam hugging Greg. Amy crying. Scott talking. Amy talking...
Greg rising (with teary eyes), limping to Amy.
AMY
Greg, you need to stay off that thing.
GREG
What I need to do, is hug the woman who helped
get my little cousin through the last few days.
They share a hug. He moves over, shaking Scott's hand, followed with a hug. He moves on to Eli, doing the same thing...
Dissolve to Rhett still standing guard, out by the ladder. He moves toward girls room door, where all the others are.
RHETT
They actually shot at you?
GREG
They didn't just shoot, they killed both the guys
helping me. To be fair, the first guy was still
holding his gun, after having fired it on the guy
who stole his jeep. With everything we've all gone
through, I can't even imagine what those military
guys have seen. They might have seen the gun,
and considered him a threat. (looking at Scott/Eli)
They saw you with a kid, and only aimed at you.
You guys would have made one wrong move, and
you probably wouldn't be here, right now.
Dissolve to Scott in tree house by ladder, with gun, while scanning the area below.
Cut to Rhett, Amy, and Eli, sleeping in boys room.
Cut to Sam, sleeping in her bed (with Bailey), Greg right below, sleeping on floor (with foot elevated).
Dissolve to cabin bedroom, where Scott sleeps in bed, with Cpap mask (noise from Cpap machine), and gun next to bed.
Cut outside, to Greg and Sam, at Fish's grave, silent...
Dissolve to same location, as Greg and Sam finish building two new gravestones, for Vincent and Mark.
Dissolve to Rhett, Eli, and Sam, all in pit, digging away. Amy and Greg each sit above, as he shows her how to work a handgun. Eli stops a moment, nervously looking around.
ELI
I keep expecting her to ambush us, or something.
SAM
I hate not knowing when she'll pop up.
AMY
I wish she'd just do it already. Get it over with.
GREG
Yeah...you guys aren't making me feel like crap,
in the least bit.
ELI
Dude, you saved our lives.
RHETT
Not to mention, the way you played that bitch,
was genius.
GREG
Thanks...but that's what I'm worried about.
AMY
She may be "cookoo", but she's also half smart...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GIRLS ROOM - NIGHT
Sam sleeping in bed (with Bailey). Greg sleeping in bed across from her.
Cut to Scott, cautiously patrolling (with flashlight) below tree house…
Dissolve to day, and Scott in cabin bedroom, sleeping.
Cut to Greg, showing Amy, Eli, and Sam, how to work the different guns, while Rhett works hard in pit (ladder now inside it)...
Dissolve to night, below the tree house, with Scott (with blade and gun), carefully patrolling around. He stops, and listens...
He hears something. He shines light all around, and then again listening. He can hear something over toward cabin, as he shines his light there. Coming around corner and into the light, is a huff. It approaches his way. Scott just stands there at first, before heading to pit, and climbing inside. The huff arrives, and simply falls inside, as Scott runs up the ladder, and pulls it out. He just stares down at it...
Dissolve to morning, with Scott, and everyone else, now staring down into the pit...
AMY
So...what do we do with it, now?
GREG
We begin training. (Rhett nodding) We all need
to know how to defend ourselves...to kill those
things. We already know how, but we need to
start practicing, perfecting ourselves at it.
(looking at Sam) You know they're already doing
it at the compound. Learning everything they
possibly can. Teaching the kids how to survive...
So must we...
Dissolve to Rhett in pit, pushing huff away from him, as everyone watches from above. Rhett keeps pushing him back, while avoiding his mouth.
AMY
Good God, be careful, baby!
GREG
He's got this. See how he avoids the bite? That
mouth is getting nowhere near his grasp. See
how it doesn't have any real strength, other than
the weight behind it. Keep calm, and don't be
overpowered by it. It has no ability to think, you
can't be outsmarted by it. All you have to do, is
avoid its teeth...
Rhett knocks it down, uses his foot to hold it down. He looks up at Eli.
RHETT
Eli? Ready for your first kill?
Eli nervous/hesitant. Greg nodding, with a look to Sam.
GREG
Don't worry. Next one's yours, kiddo.
Eli no longer hesitant. He jumps right in, walks over to it.
AMY
Please be careful, Eli.
SAM
Good luck.
GREG
(speaking to Sam)
Watch him, then go pick up the hammer over
there, and practice swinging it into that tree.
Imagine the tree, as the head of one of your,
what do you call them, huffs?
Sam picks up the hammer, and goes over next to tree, then watches, as Rhett hands blade to Eli. He looks at huff, then to Rhett, and then to Greg/Sam, followed by slamming the blade into its head. Sam smiles, and swings her hammer at the tree.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GIRLS ROOM - NIGHT
Sam crawling into bed and covering up.
SCOTT
(OS)
We've got one! No, make that two!
Sam hopping out of bed, and heading outside room, with Greg, Amy, and Eli, all coming from boys room, as they look down at Scott, who jumps off tree house ladder, heading toward pit. He hops down inside, waiting for the first huff to fall in, before climbing most of the way up the pit ladder. He waits for the second huff to fall in, before fully climbing out. Greg nodding from above…
GREG
Nice...
Dissolve to day, and close-up of one of the huffs in the pit, panning back (dead huff next to it) to Rhett, holding it down with his foot, as Sam shows no fear, while placing blade down onto its head, and slowly sticking it through the skull...
GREG
Smooth...I like it, Sam...
Dissolve to everyone (except Scott) relaxing on cabin porch. Rhett holding a gun.
GREG
(smiling)
That's what huff stands for? Oh my God. (shaking
head) I'm not even sure how to react to that.
ELI
Gotta' call em' something...
Dissolve to night, and Rhett patrolling near tree house ladder. Others all standing/sitting around on tree house deck. Sam staring at Greg...
SAM
What are you thinking, Greg?
GREG
(deep breath)
I don't know...my crazy ex-bride-to-be. (few smiles)
What do you think those guys were like, before
everything happened? With all the people in the
world...how many others out there, you think, were
living their lives on the edge of snapping, like they
did? Or even normal everyday happy people...how
many of them are now "flying" over the cookoo's
nest? I mean, even if this thing ends soon, no one's
going to jail for anything they've done, since it
began. It's a world without law and consequences.
Grandpa, never in his right mind, could have
predicted this surreal mess, but he nailed it, when
it came to what we'd have to worry about, the most...
SAM
People...
Greg nodding…
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PIT - DAY
Rhett in pit, with chokehold over huff, as Eli approaches it, with a blade. Rhett suddenly jerks the entire huff right at Eli, who freaks out (not knowing Rhett was still in control) and zips to other side of pit. Amy above, a little freaked herself. Sam a half smile.
RHETT
It's okay, I still got him.
GREG
He's making it more realistic, for you. The time will
come, when you have to do this without help. That
huff will be coming at you, like that. Either you stick
him with your blade, or you feed him with your flesh.
Eli stepping back in front of huff.
ELI
Do that shit again.
Greg a half smile, as Rhett does it again. This time Eli immediately dodges it, as Rhett lunges in toward him, and Eli angles himself perfectly, to stick it in its head. Applause from Greg/Sam, and a high-five from Rhett...
Dissolve to dusk, and everyone in the tree house, as a family of huffs walk below, while everyone up top, watches in silence...
GREG
(whispering)
I think we'll just let these ones go on their way...
Others nodding as they just watch, while the zombies roam through the area, before eventually disappearing into the woods...
Dissolve to night, as Scott climbs tree house ladder, stepping up onto the deck (holding coffee), where others all sit around.
ELI
I wonder where all the movie stars are, or NBA
players, the Yankees? It's hard to imagine this
affecting them, the same way it does us. Are they
safe in their mansions, or...is my dream of seeing
a ballgame at Dodger Stadium, toast? (Sam looking
at Eli, at the mention of Dodger Stadium) And if this
thing ended tomorrow, or next week...how many
famous people are left? How many Trail Blazers
are dead? How long till they reform the teams?
AMY
How long until they get Pizza Hut up and running?
Some laughs...
SAM
(looking at Eli)
You're a Dodger fan?
RHETT
He is, or was, and Dad hated him, for it...being
the huge Yankee fan, he was.
SAM
My dad loved the Dodgers. I've been to Dodger
Stadium a bunch of times.
ELI
No way!
SAM
I used to hate them. My dad used to give me
heart attacks. He never yelled at me, but he
yelled at them all summer long. (some laughs)
It was even worse when they made him happy.
Out of nowhere, he'd begin jumping and
screaming, like a lunatic. Scared me more than
those huffs do. (few laughs) Until he began
doing his happy dance. That was hilarious. Even
though, most of the time I'd try not to laugh,
because I was still angry about the near heart
attack, he gave me. Sometimes I couldn't even
tell if he was happy, or upset, until he broke
into those silly dance moves.
GREG
(laughing)
Yeah, uncle Fish was definitely not built to dance.
Some smiles, and silence...
Scott looking out and around. More silence...
ELI
Clayton Kershaw better still be alive...
RHETT
Are you kidding me? There's not a huff on the
planet that could touch Kershaw.
Lot of laughs, especially from Scott and Eli...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CABIN PORCH - DAY
Greg, Sam, and Eli, on porch...
ELI
It's been almost a week...I think she's dead...
GREG
(slowly shaking head)
I don't know...long as we're on this mountain,
I'll be expecting her every time I turn around.
I imagine she's running low on candy bars.
SAM
What if she's just watching us? Like her creepy
brother was...
Eli looking out and around...
Dissolve to close-up of Cpap machine, panning back as Scott sleeps. Suddenly, the sound of the Cpap machine goes off. Scott remains asleep, as Amy can be faintly heard, from the other room.
AMY
(OS)
Did we just lose the power?
Scott continues sleeping, until he suddenly begins gasping for air, waking with wide eyes...
Dissolve to night, and Scott on tree house deck, near ladder (with shotgun) patrolling the area, as Amy exits bathroom, approaching others on the deck (lantern on)...
Rhett helps her take a seat, they all sit there in silence...
The silence continues...
AMY
It's the compound or bust...(everyone looks at her)
No help is coming, no doctor to deliver this baby...
More silence...
AMY
Maybe it's time we talk about traveling there?
More silence, Greg shaking head...
GREG
I know with that baby due soon, you must be
freaking out. But going into labor here, compared
to on the road, which would very likely happen, is
way too dangerous... If they haven't gotten to us
yet, there is no way we're making it to them...
More silence...
Scott hears something. A huff is below. Rhett turns off lantern. With no moonlight, it becomes too dark to even see the huff, only hear it, as it passes through. They sit there in silence, as it walks far enough to only be faintly heard...
Dissolve to day, Amy standing over pit (sound of single huff inside), looking down inside, and crying. Sam (also crying) hugging Greg, and looking down inside. Eli just watching, Scott too. Rhett climbs down ladder, inside. A little (maybe five-year-old) huff girl, approaches him. He raises his blade. Greg looking at Sam, then back in pit.
GREG
Wait!
Rhett stops, backs up, and then actually pushes little huff girl away from him.
RHETT
What?
GREG
Sam has this one...
Amy simply walking away, with emotion.
RHETT
Are you serious?
SAM
I...
GREG
Sam, you got this… (handing her a blade)
Sam staring at him a moment, then into pit. She slowly goes to ladder, and down inside. Rhett continues to push away the huff. Sam waits for him to push it back one more time. He does. She moves in on it (Rhett close enough to intervene if necessary), but backs away.
The huff comes toward her. She backs away a bit more, and positions herself for the kill. Huff now stops, and goes for Rhett, who pushes it away. Sam takes advantage and lunges forward, sticking little huff girl in the head. Sam immediately turns around, and vomits...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TREE HOUSE DECK - NIGHT
Everyone on deck (light from lantern and moon reflecting off lake). Scott looks exhausted.
AMY
You didn't sleep at all, today, Dad?
SCOTT
No, my days of sleep are numbered. I'll drift here
and there, for a moment, probably every hour of
the day. Until I look just like a damn huff.
GREG
Is it really that bad?
SCOTT
I stop breathing almost immediately, most of
the time. I don't know, maybe my body will
help me out, and adjust, once it goes a few
days without sleep.
Suddenly, sounds come from the brush, as they all get quiet and look below. The sounds quickly intensify, and soon they can see a numberless amount of huffs, coming through, around and in between the brush.
Tons of them walking under the tree house, and over the property (they avoid pit due to heavy brush in front of it). They watch in fear, and dead silence, as the huffs head toward the cabin, and past it. There must be well over a hundred of them. Everyone looking amongst each other, as the huffs begin to disappear into the woods...
Suddenly, they can hear a couple more, who sound stuck in the brush, as Greg tries to get a good look. He shines flashlight down, and can see at least two huffs in the brush, close by. Greg looks to Rhett.
GREG
Maybe we pit, these ones?
ELI
Yeah! I want my turn at one.
AMY
How do you know there aren't more down there?
RHETT
I'll go first. Greg, follow with the lantern. Everyone
else grab flashlights, and be the eyes in the back of
my head. (looking to Greg) The ankle's good, right?
Greg nodding, and grabbing lantern, as Rhett begins down ladder. Once to ground, he shines light all around, and then toward the huffs. The first one frees itself, coming out of brush, toward Rhett. Greg on ladder shining lantern, as Rhett makes his move. He drops it dead, and goes toward the other huff (still somewhat stuck in brush).
GREG
Careful! There's a third one in there!
AMY
See! Rhett, just come back up!
RHETT
I'm good.
Rhett sticks second huff, and the moment he does, the third huff (completely bloody) charges, screams (LOUDLY) and holds up a knife (It's Jax!). She goes right for Rhett, who blocks her knife with his arm (stabbed in arm).
AMY
RHETT!
Greg drops from ladder, instantly helping. He tackles Jax. Three more huffs are approaching the scene.
AMY
Oh my God, Rhett GET OUT OF THERE!
Rhett getting up, as is both Jax and Greg. Jax pulls out a second knife, using it to jab approaching huff. Rhett begins going up ladder. Greg moves on Jax, but diverts toward approaching huff. But Jax goes for Greg, who has to again divert, this time for Jax. He moves away from them both, as Jax now takes out the huff. Greg looks outward, where the army of huffs are returning.
Everyone up top, watching the huffs quickly return.
SAM
GREG! GET UP HERE, NOW!
Greg takes out the third huff, and uses his leg to kick Jax, as she tried to again take a stab at him. She goes down, and he goes right for her. Another huff comes from brush, falling right onto Jax, who screams. Greg watches, with a look back, toward approaching huff herd. They're dangerously close. Jax kills huff, and throws him off. Greg takes one last look at her, about to go for her, but wisely goes for ladder. She goes after him. He begins climbing. She begins climbing.
GREG
SHOOT HER!
Just then she is swarmed by the huffs, who begin digging into her legs, and tearing her down from the ladder.
Greg reaches top, with help from Scott. Amy aids Rhett. They watch down below, in shock...
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (night Jax got shot in arm)
EXT. VINCENT'S PARKED CAR - NIGHT
Jax (with gunshot wound to arm), jumping into front seat, and starting engine. She stops, staring at passenger seat.
POV Matthew's stash of coke (large stash). She opens it and snorts some up. She can see Rhett off a ways, in the brush. She peels away...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HOUSE (where Matt killed Trail Blazer fan) - NIGHT
Jax pulling up in a car. She parks and snorts more coke (car lights still on). She sees a huff (male) outside. She opens door and approaches him (with no weapons). She walks right up to him, punching him in the face, a few times, before knocking to the ground. She bashes in his head, with her foot (boots). She climbs on him, beating his chest over and over, slamming his head against ground, while screaming at it.
JAX
I TRUSTED YOU! I GAVE YOU MY HEART! I CAME
THROUGH FOR YOU! I JUST WANTED TO BE LOVED!
I WANTED TO BE SAFE! (blood is going all over her,
as she bashes open his chest) I'D RATHER THEM
BEAT ME THE REST OF MY LIFE, COMPARED TO THE
KIND OF PAIN YOU CAUSED ME! AHHHHHHHHHH!
Jax leaning down against his bloody chest, her face all up in it, as she weeps...
Another huff is heard. She slowly looks up (fully covered in huff blood), at huff coming around corner of house. She just sits there, watching it approach...
She looks back down at the dead huff. Other huff arrives into headlights. Jax looks up, and rises, while closing eyes, waiting to be eaten…
But, nothing happens…
She opens her eyes. The huff looks toward dead huff, and turns away. She can't believe it. She sees a third huff arriving. She slowly walks right to it, then walking along with it, acting like a huff. She smiles...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BRUSH - DAY
Jax in brush, eating a candy bar.
Her POV of the pit, with sound of Sam inside, vomiting.
GREG
You're okay, Sam. You're alright. (he looks to Eli)
Next one we catch, is all yours...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT (moonlight)
Jax running as fast as she can, coming to brush, and hiding inside, around some trees. She watches as over a hundred huffs, come walking through the area. She watches as they all pass. Once they do, a few linger behind, the main crowd. Jax quickly kills one, and just as quickly drags it into the brush (away from the others), before stabbing it a bunch of times, and smearing its blood all over herself. As the others arrive, she stands and begins walking with them...
Dissolve to several huffs leaving field, into brush. They slowly go through.
Their POV of Rhett, climbing down ladder, to the ground, shining light all around. One huff comes out of brush, toward Rhett. Greg on ladder shining lantern, as Rhett kills it dead, and comes toward another huff, in the brush.
GREG
Careful! There's a third one in there!
AMY
(OS)
See! Rhett, just come back up!
RHETT
I'm good.
Rhett sticks second huff, and the moment he does, Jax (where POV is coming from) charges him, with a violent scream.
AMY
RHETT!
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. TREE HOUSE - NIGHT (moonlight)
Everyone on deck, watching mob of huffs eating Jax, below. Amy cleaning Rhett's wound. Greg using finger to nose, to keep everyone hushed...
Dissolve to everyone watching, as the last of the herd of huffs, begins to clear out, back toward the cabin, and through the woods. This time a bunch of them are left behind, trapped in the pit.
As the rest of them finally disappear, Sam gives Greg a huge hug. Eli looks at Rhett.
ELI
Are you okay?
RHETT
More okay than that dead bitch, down there.
SAM
We finally got her.
GREG
We did, but am I the only one who noticed she
was making new friends...with the freaking dead!
RHETT
She was pretending to be one, like you did.
GREG
Only I didn't have backup! How the hell did
she do that?
RHETT
She was covered in blood, even guts, I think.
Greg pondering that...
GREG
Like...camouflage?
AMY
You think...they couldn't tell she was...alive?
Greg shrugging, and shaking his head.
Everyone pondering the thought...
Suddenly, car lights come through the trees. Sam's face lights up.
SAM
They're here! It's them, it has to be!
Everyone eagerly watching, as a camper and car pull into the lot.
SAM
They wouldn't be in a camper, would they?
GREG
I don't think it's them.
Everyone completely quiet, as a group of seven adults and four young children, climb from the cars. They look all around, before cautiously approaching the cabin.
AMY
(OS)
Oh my God.
Everyone quietly looking at Amy, who holds her belly…
AMY
It's starting...I'm going into labor...
BLACK
CREDITS
SPOILER...
The next episode is the season finale.
Not everyone is going to survive...
THE END