Script part III
FADE IN
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara is sat at the window and she’s observing the street’s bustle with the cat on her lap, making caress on its fur.
CLARA
You know Jasmin, I’m very anxious...I want so much to see him that hurts...
Clara puts the cat’s snout against her nose, kissing the cat, when she hears the doorbell ringing; she puts the cat on the ground and runs to the door, she looks through the peep-hole , starts to jump for joy and opens the door, smiling; outside there are a lady (Judy) and a 5-year-old boy, Clara’s son (Brian), she opens her arms and the boy runs towards her; the lady closes the door, while they are hugging each other.
CLARA
My God...I had forgotten how you are, boy...
She kisses and hugs him, truthfully suffocating him, and he, trying to escape runs along the house.
JUDY
What’s this on your face?
CLARA
I bumped my face...
Into a scoundrel’s wrist...
CLARA
Yeah, but it’s past...how strong, handsome he really is!
JUDY
He’s strong and his organism is accepting the treatment.
CLARA
He still is very young...
JUDY
Yes, and he’s a gentle boy, but he needs to be more with you...
CLARA
I know that...maybe things will change...some things that scared me led me to evaluate my belief...I think the life I was living is over.
JUDY
To renovate the spirit is, without any doubts, a great step to new attempts...I’m happy to know about this.
CLARA
That’s it!...Are you going to stay?
JUDY
I can’t...Joe is terrible and when he’s alone he becomes worse...I’ll be back on Sunday at night, if...you still need me.
CLARA
Brian...come to kiss Aunt Judy...
Brian comes running to meet Judy and he hugs the lady and later he goes back to pursue the cat; the lady says goodbye to Clara, in turn, opens the door and the lady goes out, but before leaving the lady turns back to talk to Clara.
JUDY
I can help you with his treatment, to keep you company, to try to supply some emotional necessities, but not to take your place...
CLARA
I understand, Judy...and I’m grateful for your preoccupation...
JUDY
If you need me, call me on Sunday, okay?
CLARA
Okay, thank you...
The lady leaves, and Clara closes the door and begins to look for her boy along he house.
CLARA
Where are you?...
POV BRIAN
From under the bed he sees his mother looking for him, Clara approaches and he sees her feet near the bed, he burst into laughter, because he can’t hold it, and he tries to hold it with his hands.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
CLARA
I’m hearing you...
Clara hears the boy’s laughter and raises the mattress and pulls him from under the bed by his feet, she jumps upon him and holds him, rolling on the ground; the boy tickles Clara and runs towards the living room; following Brian, she stumbles on a chair and falls on the sofa, the boy jumps upon her, when someone rings the door bell; they stop to play and the boy starts to laugh, and so do Clara.
CLARA
Who is it?...
The door bell rings again, but no one answers, so Clara gets up of the sofa with Brian on lap, and she walks to the door, looks through the peep-hole, but the person is on his back and Clara can’t see who’s at the door, so she passes the chain bolt in the door, opening a gap in the door, and Josh is outside.
JOSH
Hi, do you remember me?
CLARA
Of course I do Josh...how are you?
JOSH
May I...come in?
CLARA
Oh, I’m sorry, of course you may...come in please...
Clara takes off the chain bolt of the door and Josh comes in. Clara closes the door.
JOSH
Hi!...Who’s the boy?
CLARA
Oh, he’s my son...
JOSH
I didn’t know you had a boy...what’s his name?
CLARA
His name’s Brian...
JOSH
How are you Brian? My name is Josh, I’m friend of...a friend of your mother.
The boy agrees with his head.
CLARA
Did something happened?...How’s Brian?
JOSH
I came to talk to you about it...
Clara puts the kid on the ground.
CLARA
Son, go look for Jasmin to your mom...
BRIAN
Mom, do you have any sweets?
CLARA
Yes, mom has sweets inside the drawer of the nightstand, kid...you can catch it.
The boy runs out leaving Josh and Clara alone. Clara asks him to sit down.
CLARA
So Josh, tell me...what exactly happened? Is he well?
JOSH
His clinical situation is the same...I’m already resigned to it...
CLARA
What are you saying? You must have faith...
JOSH
What happens is that in some circumstances only faith isn’t enough. That’s why I’m here...
CLARA
You can say...what you have need of, I’m here to help you.
JOSH
Clara, I need money... a loan...because the expenses of the hospital this month is expired, the health insurance doesn’t cover Brian’s debts with the hospital no more, and the institution that helps us is without resources; I don’t have no one else to run to...I was thinking about sell Brian’s pictures, but I didn’t find a buyer...if you’re able to help me...I have an amount, but it isn’t enough.
CLARA
How much do you need?
JOSH
At least US$ 3.000,00.... I know it’s too much, maybe you can’t help...I know it’s unfair, but I need it very much...
CLARA
Give me a break...I think I can get it...
JOSH
Look...you don’t need to...do nothing if you don’t have the money, I try to find with someone else...I don’t want to put you into some trouble...
CLARA
Don’t be foolish, I only have to check how much money I have, if I have this amount available in the bank...
The boy comes to the living room and begins to play where Josh is sat; suddenly the boy stares at Josh, that looks back at the boy, and Josh notices that the boy takes after Brian.
JOSH
Clara, it sounds funny, but your kid has the same look than Brian, when he’s in this way...my God, he’s Brian’s...
CLARA
He is my son...Josh, let’s make things easier to our lives.
JOSH
He’s Brian’s...son...Good heavens Clara!, that’s why you disappeared all that time, and Rose couldn’t find you...
CLARA
This isn’t important right now.
JOSH
How come? Isn’t it important?...Certainly it is!...
The boy stops to play and as if he had felt something, he screams and runs to the bathroom; Clara, frightened, follows him, and Josh’s cell phone rings, and he answers.
JOSH
Hello...
ROSE (V.O)
Josh, this is me, Rose...he got worse, he stopped breathing...
JOSH
Rose, is that you? Rose...what happened, Rose?
ROSE (V.O)
He was probed...and they’re preparing to take him to the ITC (Intensive Therapy Centre)...I think he is going...
JOSH
What do you mean, Rose? ITC, what happened?
ROSE (V.O)
I think we’re going to loose him, Josh...
JOSH
Do what is possible to keep your calm, Rose, I’m going back now...
Josh hangs up the phone, he thinks about look for Clara, to see if it’s all okay, but without hold his weep, he goes out from the apartment very hurried, beating the door while he’s going out.
CUT FOR
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – BATHROOM – PRESENT
Clara with her son on lap, heard all the information and she leans against the bathroom door, closing it, as if she is trying to hide herself of the facts; she holds her son tight against her chest searching for console; the camera closes on her eyes, full of tears.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara opens the bathroom door and goes out with the boy on her lap; she goes towards the door of the living room and locks it with the key, looking through the peep-hole; the boy hugs her, gives her a kiss on her face and she puts him on the ground.
BRIAN
Mom...dad needs us...
CLARA
I don’t know who’s your dad...
BRIAN
I know who’s him...do you wanna see? I show you...
The boy withdraws a necklace with a pendant from his pocket and inside the pendant he shows his mother a picture in which she and Brian are together.
CLARA
Who gave you this?...
BRIAN
My dad...
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE JUDY’S BOARDING SCHOOL – PAST
Clara’s son plays at the garden with other children, and Brian approaches, but he stops in the middle of the way to observe the boy by distance, he keeps watching the boy playing for a few minutes, then he resolves to go towards the boy, and says:
BRIAN
Hi...everything’s okay?...
THE BOY
Yeah...
BRIAN
I’m a friend of your mother...
THE BOY
I know...I saw a picture of you, in mom’s bedroom...
BRIAN
Yes...she likes a lot of photographs...
THE BOY
Yes, she likes...
BRIAN
Aunt Judy told me you’re...sick, is it true?
THE BOY
Yes, it is...
BRIAN
And is it the reason you live here?
THE BOY
I think so...and because my mother works a lot...but I meet her on Saturdays, she...let me sleep there sometimes...it’s very nice...she has a cat, Jasmin...
BRIAN
Yes...Jasmin, its fur smells good...
Brian sits down on the ground beside the boy.
BRIAN
Do you know your father?
THE BOY
No, I don’t...
BRIAN
Would you like to know him?
THE BOY
I think I would, but...I think he works a lot too...
BRIAN
I...can come here now and then...and you can tell your friends I’m your father...
THE BOY
Why?...
BRIAN
When I was a child like you, in elementary school the older boys used to beat the youngers, because these boys were silly; but the youngers boys’parents began to teach their children to stand up against the older boys...and then these boys became scared...
THE BOY
Will you teach me how to protect myself?...
BRIAN
Yes, if you want me to...
THE BOY
But...and when you’re not here?
BRIAN
Well...then you show them this, and you say your dad is coming soon...
Brian takes from his pocket a necklace with a pendant, in which is the picture of Brian and Clara, and Brian gives it to the boy; the signal to snack-time is rung and the boy runs out...but he stops, and in the middle of the way he begins to come back.
THE BOY
Are you my dad?
BRIAN
Yeah, I guess so...
The boy hugs Brian, that can’t hold his feeling inside, and Judy approaches to they; the boy sees a tumour on Brian’s neck, and he compares it with the one on his own arm.
THE BOY
I have a spot here...just like yours here...
BRIAN
I know...forgive me for this...
JUDY
Dear, you had better hurry, the boys are already in the canteen.
The boy runs out leaving Judy and Brian alone.
BRIAN
Thank you for let me see him...
JUDY
I couldn’t deny it to you; I only ask you to tell nothing to Clara, if she didn’t tell you about the boy...she must have her reasons.
BRIAN
Yes, I know...how is his treatment going?
JUDY
He’s a strong boy, the medicine inhibits the illness progress; he has to fight a lot...just as you.
BRIAN
To fight...it’s the only thing I’ve been doing in my entire life, I’m tired...very tired...
CUT FOR
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara returns the necklace to the boy, and without mentioning a word, she goes to the window; the boy sits down on the sofa and he observes his mother.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE AIRPORT – STAND OF AIR COMPANY – PRESENT
Josh, in a hurry, arrives to a stand and withdraws his creditcard, trembling and breathless, and a young woman attends him calming him down.
JOSH
Please...a ticket for Chicago.
THE YOUNG WOMAN
Unfortunately all the flights to Chicago are sold out, sir...the next avaiable flight is tomorrow.
JOSH
No, it cannot be...this is a personal emergency, I need to come back today, I can travel standing, I don’t mind, but I got to travel today.
THE YOUNG WOMAN
I’m sorry...but there’s nothing I can do...
Josh cell phone rings and he answers.
JOSH
Rose, is that you?
ROSE (V.O)
He is on ITC...you should see how he is...oh, Josh...my boy.
JOSH
Stay calm...be strong, I’m having some troubles with flight...but not even if I have to rent a car I’ll be there soon...
ROSE (V.O)
My God, Josh, how it’s going to be?
JOSH
Don’t talk this way.
ROSE (V.O)
I think he’s going...to die...
JOSH
I’ll hang up...I’ll try a flight...I’ll be with you soon.
ROSE (V.O)
Don’t delay...Josh, please...I don’t know how long time I can stand it alone.
Josh hangs up and the young woman heard the talk.
THE YOUNG WOMAN
I’ll see if the manager can help you...wait a minute, please.
The young woman goes to the office and brings the manager up to the balcony.
MANAGER
Good afternoon...what can I do for you?
JOSH
A relative of mine is in the hospital of Chicago, very sick and I need to arrive there as fast as possible.
MANAGER
It’s happening a convention in Chicago and all the flights are sold up...the only thing I can do for you, right now, is to put you on the top of the waiting line, and if someone give up, you can travel in his place...I’m really sorry.
JOSH
I’m grateful...
Josh moves away from the balcony and sits down on a waiting armchair opposite the stand, he puts his hand in his pocket and finds the paper with Clara’s phone number and adress, he takes the cell phone, dials and waits her to answer it.
CUT FOR
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara observes the street from her apartment’s window, and the boy observes his mother, the telephone rings and she, apprehensive, answers.
CLARA
Hello...
JOSH (V.O)
Hi, Clara, this is Josh, I’m sorry by going out that way, but it’s because things became more serious, he suddenly got worse...
CLARA
I understand...did you arrive at the airport yet?
JOSH (V.O)
I did...but there’s no avaiable flight to Chicago, I’m depending of a waiting line, and of the good-willing of the company’s manager.
CLARA
The manager...is he a tall, grey-haired guy, who wears moustache?
JOSH (V.O)
Yes, ...he is, do you know him?
CLARA
Yes...look, Josh, all these things made me shocked, and I forgot to tell you that I have the money, you tell me your current account number and I’ll deposit it just now.
JOSH (V.O)
Thanks a lot Clara...but I can’t accept the money, because I know this will mean a great upset for you and your boy, and also because I didn’t had courage to call you to come with me...the truth is that I was a coward.
CLARA
This is silliness...I can look after ourselves very well, and with tranquility.
JOSH (V.O)
Clara, the cell battery is low, I call you from the hospital...
CLARA
Okay...good luck!
Clara hangs up the phone and looks at the boy sat on the sofa, and as if she’s comprehending his wish in his eyes, she smiles.
CLARA
Okay, okay, I’ll pack.
The boy smiles.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE AIRPORT – NEWS-STAND – PRESENT
Josh is reading a magazine and, as if he’s sharing his attention between the both things, he observes the air company stand.
POV JOSH
He sees the manager walking from the stand and being called by the young woman, who waves him to say he got a phone call. The manager answers the call over the balcony; he’s happy for the call, he smiles and asks the young woman to hold the phone; he goes back to his office to answer the call more tranquil, all observed by Josh.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
Josh buys a magazine, and goes back to the armchair, sits down and starts to read, he looks at the airport’s clock.
INSERT – AIRPORT CLOCK SHOWING 3:03 P.M.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
Josh continues to read the magazine, and he falls asleep, the camera gets dark.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE AIRPORT – PRESENT
The camera gets clear, and shows Josh waking up, he stretches, trying to frighten the sleep away, he rubs his eyes and looks at the airport’s clock.
INSERT – THE CLOCK SHOWS 3:59 P.M.
The scene comes back, he takes the magazine, that was fallen on the ground, when he sees the feet of a woman and a boy; he looks up and sees Clara and Brian in front of him.
JOSH
You came!...What are you doing here?
CLARA
I came. I’m going with you.
JOSH
But there’s no tickets, I’m on a wainting line.
CLARA
I think I got the tickets...stay here with Brian for a while...
Clara walks towards the stand and talks to the girl, that calls the manager. The manager tidies himself, take the tickets and goes towards Clara, gives her a kiss on her face and Clara holds him on his arm and walks towards Josh.
THE MANAGER
You should have told me your relative is your brother!
CLARA
I wanted to see his face...
THE MANAGER
Here it is...three tickets, but you had better hurry on, because the flight is almost leaving.
CLARA
Thanks a lot Thomas...you’ve been very helpful!
THE MANAGER
Forget the gratitude...I’m willing to help all the times you’re in need of something.
The manager moves on and Josh, surprised, asks:
JOSH
How did you get it?
CLARA
I got some information about him that his wife doesn’t.
JOSH
Blackmail...
CLARA
No...we can say opportunism; I was in the right place at the right time...
They (Josh, Clara and the boy) go to the departure gate, observed by the manager.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – ITC WAITING ROOM – PRESENT
Rose is nervous, visibly shocked with the events, sat on the chair of the waiting room; Brian’s doctor comes from the ITC, removes the mask of his face and the apron and gives it to a nurse that is entering in the ITC and he goes to meet Rose.
DOCTOR
Rose, we could stabilize Brian’s state, he can’t breath by himself anymore; he’s stable right now, but in risk...I can say that, in this right moment,...unfortunately the chart isn’t reversible.
ROSE
Is he going to die?
DOCTOR
It’s a matter of hours...I’m really sorry Rose.
The doctor embraces Rose, that starts a restrained weep.
ROSE
Thank you for all, doctor...
DOCTOR
You can call me Mark, anything you have need of...I’ll stay here all night long.
Rose thanks him and the doctor moves away, going back to the ITC; she takes her bag and begins to walk along the hospital and, unconsciously she crosses the whole hospital, escaping from all the disturbance and trying to keep away from the ITC, and she arrives at the hospital entrance.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – PARKING LOT – PRESENT
Rose goes out from the hospital and keeps on walking, going towards her car; she sits down on the car’s hood, she puts her hand on her face, searching for console.
CUT FOR
INSIDE MEDICAL SURGERY – PAST
Rose and Paul, anxious, are on the doctor’s surgery room waiting for the exams’ results ( the exams were previously made) and the doctor enters in the surgery room with an envelope in his hand, he passes behind them, sits tranquil at the table and he opens the envelope, reading it.
DOCTOR
Rose...Paul, as I told you before on the phone, the results proved: Rose is pregnant.
Rose becomes happy, overjoyed, however, Paul can’t hide his worry.
PAUL
And how about our problem...Phil?
DOCTOR
It’s very early to say anything, it would be hasty to presume something; without any doubts, the illness is hereditary, but it doesn’t mean that the baby will be attacked by it...
PAUL
And if it attack him?...It isn’t the time to talk about uncertainties...I got to know...
DOCTOR
It’s impossible to be sure right now...this happens in all cases of this illness...
ROSE
And if he won’t be attacked, Paul?! We got to try...
PAUL
The risk is big, and I don’t know if I’m disposed to condemn the baby to a life full of hardship and sacrifices...think about it, Rose...
ROSE
Are you sure you’re only thinking about the baby?
PAUSE
DOCTOR
Your worry is rightful, Paul, this illness is new and resistant, but isn’t sure that the baby will develop it; what worries is the consequences for Rose; I think you should better talk alone before decide what you’re going to do...
The doctor leaves the surgery room, and Rose and Paul stay alone.
ROSE
I’ll make things easier to you, Paul... I’m the bearer of the disease, I am the risk, so I assume the responsibility.
PAUL
You’re precipitating the decision, Rose...
ROSE
I want this baby, Paul.
PAUL
And with this you can be condemning this child.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – PARKING LOT – PRESENT
Sat on the hood, Rose sees a cigarette’s stub on the ground, she catches it, cleans it, and opens the car’s door, she turns on the car’s lighter and lights the cigarette.
POV ROSE
She sees a taxi arriving at the hospital entrance.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
She inhales the cigarette, looking at the taxi.
ROSE (V.O)
Damned be you, Paul, as always you were right...
I condemned my son, and now he’s dying and however much I try to deceive myself and blame others, in the end, you and I know who’s the guilty for it.
Wherever you are now, I hope you’re not happy about it, knowing that I’m paying my debts...
Rose sees Clara and Josh getting out from the taxi, she throws the cigarette away and runs towards them, and then she sees the boy.
ROSE
What is she doing here, Josh?
CLARA
I’m going to the management...come on, son...
Clara moves on from where Rose and Josh are.
ROSE
Where did you go?...What is this girl doing here?
JOSH
She came to say goodbye to Brian...
ROSE
I won’t allow this...you can’t oblige me to accept this...
JOSH
You don’t know some facts and circumstances, Rose...
ROSE
What? Which circumstances?
JOSH
She’ll tell you, if she wants to. Let’s go up, I wanna see Brian.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – ITC WAITING ROOM – PRESENT
Josh and Rose arrive at the waiting room; Josh leaves Rose and enters in the bedroom where Brian is. Rose’s standing observing Josh putting the apron on through the window pane; outside, Clara’s son is sat on a chair and Rose walks towards him and sits down beside him.
ROSE
May I sit down here?
BOY
Yes, but only until my mother come back...
ROSE
Didn’t she want you to talk to me?
BOY
No...it’s because you are sat on her sit.
Rose smiles.
ROSE
You’re a very smart boy.
BOY
My name is Brian, glad to meet you...
The boy holds out his hand to Rose.
ROSE
The glad is all mine...Brian, my name is Rose...I have a son called Brian...it’s a nice name.
BOY
My mom thinks it too.
ROSE
Why did you come with your mother? Doesn’t she have someone to let you with?
BOY
No...I come to see my dad...
ROSE
Does he live here?
BOY
I don’t know...all I know is that he’s very ill.
Rose turns pale and she notices that the boy takes after Brian, she can’t hold the emotion and starts to cry, and then the boy takes her hand and puts it on his chest.
BOY
Is everything okay with you?
ROSE
Now is...everything okay....
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – BRIAN’S BEDROOM ON ITC – PRESENT
Josh comes into the bedroom where Brian is, and seeing that he’s with a probe, and all the watching equipment is scattered in the bedroom and connected to Brian’s body, he starts a restrained weep, he sits down on a chair, looks for Brian’s hand and he notices how it’s swollen; he leans his forehead against Brian’s hand.
JOSH (V.O)
I know I’m not the one you wanted to be here, holding your hand, but before she come, I want to say goodbye to you; I simply adore you, you’ve been my life since the first moment I put my eyes on you, and now I know that, in which was possible you loved me too, on your way; I just would like you to love me as you love Clara, I only can’t understand why you never assumed this love...it would have been bigger than all the problems, your silly, she loves you so much too; thinking over, I’m lucky, because I had you by my side, and she always kept the scraps you offered; and thinking about the beautiful child you both have, you would have been a wonderful family, and however much I would love you, I never would be able to give you this. Why?...why you have to go now? She finally is ready to say how much she loves you, and my love is bigger enough to deprive you of this love...therefore I’ll give you a last kiss and leave you with the one who’s worthy of you in this or in any other life.
Josh stands up, puts Brian’s hand upon the bed, kisses him and goes out from the bedroom.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – WAITING ROOM – PRESENT
Clara is sat beside Rose and they and the boy observes Josh coming from the bedroom, drying his tears; he removes the apron and the mask and walks towards Clara, gives her the garment, she stands up, hugs him and walks to the bedroom. Josh sits down and looks at Rose, that embraces the boy.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – BRIAN’S BEDROOM IN ITC – PRESENT
Clara walks to Brian’s bedroom, she passes her hand on her body, sits beside him on the edge of the bed and removes the hair from Brian’s forehead.
CLARA
He’s here...our son is here.
She stands away, sitting on the chair, holds Brian’s hand carefully and observes him.
CLARA (V.O)
I wanted to tell you, I wanted to have had courage to tell you before...if repentance could kill, I would be dead, little strawberry, but the fact is that I didn’t tell you, and I’ll have to live with this feeling; you’re smart, smarter than me, you end up finding out, and I feel as if I had betrayed you, this feeling will always be here...always, together with my love for you...I love you, more than I can hold up, the possibility of loose you taught me this, and I must admit I was a stupid because I didn’t trusted in this love, I should have faced your mother and the world to stay by your side, I wanted to scream if were possible...who knows in this way you can hear me...no, I don’t think so...I think it’s more probable to you hear me if I talk this way, in my heart...maybe this way you’re able to hear me.
Clara bows her head and closes her eyes; screen gets dark for a while.
MATCH CUT
INSIDE THE BEDROOM – PRESENT
Clara opens her eyes and sees herself in a dark bedroom, completely closed, she stands up, and trying to find a light she becames desperate; the empty room makes Clara frightened, when she sees a door opening, and a light fills up the bedroom, and it becomes quite lighted; curious, she observes a figure forming, and while the figure approaches she sees that Brian is walking towards her, she runs to him and they hug each other, he affectionately raises her chin and kisses her.
BRIAN
To love is very complex...
Hugged to him, and holding the weep, Clara answers:
CLARA
Yes, it is...
BRIAN
Love isn’t a feeling for cowards.
CLARA
But we’re cowards, and we love each other.
BRIAN
As always, you’re right, now I got to go...
CLARA
I know...
BRIAN
But I couldn’t leave without tell you I love you.
CLARA
I heard in someplace love is eternal, it’s a pity you aren’t.
BRIAN
I’ll be ...inside of you, inside of Brian...take care of him for me.
CLARA
Please, stay with me...
BRIAN
I can’t, I’m tired, it’s very difficult to me, I’m...tired of fight.
CLARA
Don’t give up...what about your mother?
BRIAN
She’ll have a new fight ahead, with a bigger chance to win this time, maybe she can be free of the fault if I go...and Josh...I need to let him free...he needs to live his life...after all, he will be able to live it.
CLARA
Take me with you...
BRIAN
I don’t know where I’m going, but when your time arrive, I’ll be there..for you.
Brian embraces Clara affectionately, passes his fingers on her hair and smells it.
BRIAN
I’ll take with me...the scent of your hair.
Brian kisses Clara and walks to the door, she tries to prevent him from leaving, but she can’t hold him, Brian walks to the door and leaves the bedroom, the door is closed and Clara observes, drying the tears, the light disappearing while the door is being closed; the screen gets dark.
MATCH CUT
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL BRIAN’S BEDROOM – ITC – PRESENT
The screen gets bright suddenly, and Clara frightens with the continous sound of the watching equipment, sooner the bedroom is invaded by nurses and doctors, Clara stands away, the doctor and his teamwork try to revive Brian; Josh invades the bedroom but he’s blocked by the male nurses; Rose observes the movements through the window pane (outside) and the boy keeps sat in the waiting room.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL- WAITING ROOM ITC – PRESENT
Clara runs out from the bedroom, passes by Rose and walks towards the boy, that is sat; she stops in front of the boy, that hugs her waist, she passes her hand on his head.
BOY
Is it over?
CLARA
Yes, son, I think it is.
BOY
Is he going to be well?
CLARA
Yes, he is...he’s going to be better than he ever was, my love.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – SNACK BAR – PRESENT
Rose and Josh are sat at a table when Clara and the boy approach.
ROSE
He’s gone...however much you judge yourself ready to accept, this is just an illusion.
JOSH
You’re right.
CLARA
May I sit with you?
JOSH
Of course...come sit here, I’ll bring you a coffee.
ROSE
What a pretty boy you have, I’m proudy of you.
CLARA
Thank you, Rose...
Josh waves to Clara.
CLARA
Josh is calling me...can you take care of him?
ROSE
Certainly...as much as you like.
Clara meets Josh at the coffee machine.
JOSH
Won’t you tell her?
CLARA
I don’t know if I should...
JOSH
She got to know, Clara...she’s worthy of it.
CLARA
It isn’t easy for none of us...
JOSH
Look, Clara, I know Rose, and I can ensure you...if you don’t start the truce, she’ll never do it.
CLARA
Brian inherited his father’s disease...it’s not fair to put her into this fight again.
JOSH
She needs a reason to keep on waking up everyday...
CLARA
I don’t know if...
Clara suddenly looks at the table and sees Rose with brian on her lap, she is making a paper boat with a napkin, the boy leans his head against Rose’s chest, observing her hands working; Rose finishes the boat and put it upon his head, the boat falls and the boy laughs; Clara notices how close are their relationship, and Josh shows Clara the scene.
CLARA
Yes, I think you’re right...
She goes to the table, but she’s stopped by Josh, who gives her a letter.
JOSH
This letter is for you...Brian dictated and I wrote; I should have given it in your house...but I forgot to...
Clara notices he’s lying, but she respects his feeling and hugs him; they both go back to the table.
JOSH
Rose, you had better go home, take a bath, take some rest...I’ll stay here and take care of the documents.
ROSE
I can help...
JOSH
Of course you can...going home and resting.
CLARA
I need to come back to the hotel...I left my baggage in the reception and came running...Brian must be tired.
ROSE
Okay...I’ll give you a lift to the hotel...
CLARA
Thank you, Rose...
They say goodbye to Josh and leave the hospital, observed by Josh; Brian, behind their back, disguisely signals to Josh, making “OK” with his little hand; Josh smiles and signals “OK” to Brian too.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – PARKING LOT – PRESENT
Rose and Clara approach to the car and Clara places Brian sat on the back bench; they come into the car, Rose starts the car and they go out from the parking lot.
CUT FOR
INSIDE ROSE’S CAR – PRESENT
The silence inside the car is awful, and Brian breaks it:
BRIAN
Did you know, Mrs. Rose, that my grandfather was a photographer?
ROSE
Was he?...
CLARA
Yes...my true father...
BRIAN
That’s why mom likes so much of photography.
CLARA
Honey, why don’t you lean on the bench?...
ROSE
I knew you paid the hospital expenses...I’m very grateful...I want you to tell me how much you spent and I’ll pay you back.
CLARA
Forget it...I saved an amount to occasions like these...
ROSE
Do you still keep your money in the flusing box?
CLARA
Did you know that?
ROSE
There’s just a little I don’t know about you, and what I don’t know...I can guess...
Rose says it looking at Brian on the back bench.
ROSE
You don’t need to stay in the hotel...you’re welcome in my house...
CLARA
I don’t want to bother you...
ROSE
You’re not going to bother me...
The car passes in front of a photographic studio, and Clara persists in looking at a plate that’s offering a job.
CLARA
Stop the car...Rose.
ROSE
Why?...Did I do something wrong?
CLARA
No, you didn’t...it’s because I’m going to change my life.
ROSE
Right now?
CLARA
And is there a better moment than ‘right now’?
Smiling, Rose answers...
ROSE
No...I think there isn’t.
CLARA
Do you still live at the same place?
ROSE
Yes, I do.
CLARA
So take Brian with you, he must be tired.
ROSE
But what about you?
CLARA
I meet you later, okay dear?
The boy, who’s trying to do a paper boat, looks up at Clara.
BRIAN
Okay, mom...bye, mom...
Clara holds Rose’s hand and puts her legs out of the car, waves goodbye to Brian on the back bench and goes out of the car.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO – OPPOSITE STREET – PRESENT
Clara sends a kiss to her boy, and it begins to rain, she observes while the car is leaving, and then runs towards the studio, she reads the plate and comes in.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO – PRESENT
Wet, she comes into the place and observes it; on the background there’s a man, observing a lens, trying to repair it; Clara walks to the balcony and the man notices Clara’s presence.
MAN
It suddenly began to rain...what can I do for you?
CLARA
I came to know about the job...
The man stares at her.
MAN
Do you have any experience?
CLARA
I have medium experience...
MAN
Well...the salary is medium too, I think I’ll risk myself with you...what’s your name?
CLARA
Clara...
MAN
Well...you had better take off this wet jacket...there’s coffee, make yourself at home.
Clara goes to the coffee pot, takes her jacket off and hangs it on the door, she takes some coffee, and looking at the studio’s photographs she sees a picture of her mother, the man looks at her and he smiles.
MAN
Is everything okay?
CLARA
Yes...in the truth I think I’m at home.
She goes towards the man and holds his arm, and they both leave the scene; the camera closes on the picture of Clara’s mother.
CLARA (V.O)
Life has its loss, and we have to resign ourselves to it, but the best thing is that, for the first time, I can catch sight of the big show contained in life, and it seems to me that the lights of my big show are switching on from now on; yes...it’s better late than never.
FADE OUT
THE END
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara is sat at the window and she’s observing the street’s bustle with the cat on her lap, making caress on its fur.
CLARA
You know Jasmin, I’m very anxious...I want so much to see him that hurts...
Clara puts the cat’s snout against her nose, kissing the cat, when she hears the doorbell ringing; she puts the cat on the ground and runs to the door, she looks through the peep-hole , starts to jump for joy and opens the door, smiling; outside there are a lady (Judy) and a 5-year-old boy, Clara’s son (Brian), she opens her arms and the boy runs towards her; the lady closes the door, while they are hugging each other.
CLARA
My God...I had forgotten how you are, boy...
She kisses and hugs him, truthfully suffocating him, and he, trying to escape runs along the house.
JUDY
What’s this on your face?
CLARA
I bumped my face...
Into a scoundrel’s wrist...
CLARA
Yeah, but it’s past...how strong, handsome he really is!
JUDY
He’s strong and his organism is accepting the treatment.
CLARA
He still is very young...
JUDY
Yes, and he’s a gentle boy, but he needs to be more with you...
CLARA
I know that...maybe things will change...some things that scared me led me to evaluate my belief...I think the life I was living is over.
JUDY
To renovate the spirit is, without any doubts, a great step to new attempts...I’m happy to know about this.
CLARA
That’s it!...Are you going to stay?
JUDY
I can’t...Joe is terrible and when he’s alone he becomes worse...I’ll be back on Sunday at night, if...you still need me.
CLARA
Brian...come to kiss Aunt Judy...
Brian comes running to meet Judy and he hugs the lady and later he goes back to pursue the cat; the lady says goodbye to Clara, in turn, opens the door and the lady goes out, but before leaving the lady turns back to talk to Clara.
JUDY
I can help you with his treatment, to keep you company, to try to supply some emotional necessities, but not to take your place...
CLARA
I understand, Judy...and I’m grateful for your preoccupation...
JUDY
If you need me, call me on Sunday, okay?
CLARA
Okay, thank you...
The lady leaves, and Clara closes the door and begins to look for her boy along he house.
CLARA
Where are you?...
POV BRIAN
From under the bed he sees his mother looking for him, Clara approaches and he sees her feet near the bed, he burst into laughter, because he can’t hold it, and he tries to hold it with his hands.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
CLARA
I’m hearing you...
Clara hears the boy’s laughter and raises the mattress and pulls him from under the bed by his feet, she jumps upon him and holds him, rolling on the ground; the boy tickles Clara and runs towards the living room; following Brian, she stumbles on a chair and falls on the sofa, the boy jumps upon her, when someone rings the door bell; they stop to play and the boy starts to laugh, and so do Clara.
CLARA
Who is it?...
The door bell rings again, but no one answers, so Clara gets up of the sofa with Brian on lap, and she walks to the door, looks through the peep-hole, but the person is on his back and Clara can’t see who’s at the door, so she passes the chain bolt in the door, opening a gap in the door, and Josh is outside.
JOSH
Hi, do you remember me?
CLARA
Of course I do Josh...how are you?
JOSH
May I...come in?
CLARA
Oh, I’m sorry, of course you may...come in please...
Clara takes off the chain bolt of the door and Josh comes in. Clara closes the door.
JOSH
Hi!...Who’s the boy?
CLARA
Oh, he’s my son...
JOSH
I didn’t know you had a boy...what’s his name?
CLARA
His name’s Brian...
JOSH
How are you Brian? My name is Josh, I’m friend of...a friend of your mother.
The boy agrees with his head.
CLARA
Did something happened?...How’s Brian?
JOSH
I came to talk to you about it...
Clara puts the kid on the ground.
CLARA
Son, go look for Jasmin to your mom...
BRIAN
Mom, do you have any sweets?
CLARA
Yes, mom has sweets inside the drawer of the nightstand, kid...you can catch it.
The boy runs out leaving Josh and Clara alone. Clara asks him to sit down.
CLARA
So Josh, tell me...what exactly happened? Is he well?
JOSH
His clinical situation is the same...I’m already resigned to it...
CLARA
What are you saying? You must have faith...
JOSH
What happens is that in some circumstances only faith isn’t enough. That’s why I’m here...
CLARA
You can say...what you have need of, I’m here to help you.
JOSH
Clara, I need money... a loan...because the expenses of the hospital this month is expired, the health insurance doesn’t cover Brian’s debts with the hospital no more, and the institution that helps us is without resources; I don’t have no one else to run to...I was thinking about sell Brian’s pictures, but I didn’t find a buyer...if you’re able to help me...I have an amount, but it isn’t enough.
CLARA
How much do you need?
JOSH
At least US$ 3.000,00.... I know it’s too much, maybe you can’t help...I know it’s unfair, but I need it very much...
CLARA
Give me a break...I think I can get it...
JOSH
Look...you don’t need to...do nothing if you don’t have the money, I try to find with someone else...I don’t want to put you into some trouble...
CLARA
Don’t be foolish, I only have to check how much money I have, if I have this amount available in the bank...
The boy comes to the living room and begins to play where Josh is sat; suddenly the boy stares at Josh, that looks back at the boy, and Josh notices that the boy takes after Brian.
JOSH
Clara, it sounds funny, but your kid has the same look than Brian, when he’s in this way...my God, he’s Brian’s...
CLARA
He is my son...Josh, let’s make things easier to our lives.
JOSH
He’s Brian’s...son...Good heavens Clara!, that’s why you disappeared all that time, and Rose couldn’t find you...
CLARA
This isn’t important right now.
JOSH
How come? Isn’t it important?...Certainly it is!...
The boy stops to play and as if he had felt something, he screams and runs to the bathroom; Clara, frightened, follows him, and Josh’s cell phone rings, and he answers.
JOSH
Hello...
ROSE (V.O)
Josh, this is me, Rose...he got worse, he stopped breathing...
JOSH
Rose, is that you? Rose...what happened, Rose?
ROSE (V.O)
He was probed...and they’re preparing to take him to the ITC (Intensive Therapy Centre)...I think he is going...
JOSH
What do you mean, Rose? ITC, what happened?
ROSE (V.O)
I think we’re going to loose him, Josh...
JOSH
Do what is possible to keep your calm, Rose, I’m going back now...
Josh hangs up the phone, he thinks about look for Clara, to see if it’s all okay, but without hold his weep, he goes out from the apartment very hurried, beating the door while he’s going out.
CUT FOR
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – BATHROOM – PRESENT
Clara with her son on lap, heard all the information and she leans against the bathroom door, closing it, as if she is trying to hide herself of the facts; she holds her son tight against her chest searching for console; the camera closes on her eyes, full of tears.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara opens the bathroom door and goes out with the boy on her lap; she goes towards the door of the living room and locks it with the key, looking through the peep-hole; the boy hugs her, gives her a kiss on her face and she puts him on the ground.
BRIAN
Mom...dad needs us...
CLARA
I don’t know who’s your dad...
BRIAN
I know who’s him...do you wanna see? I show you...
The boy withdraws a necklace with a pendant from his pocket and inside the pendant he shows his mother a picture in which she and Brian are together.
CLARA
Who gave you this?...
BRIAN
My dad...
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE JUDY’S BOARDING SCHOOL – PAST
Clara’s son plays at the garden with other children, and Brian approaches, but he stops in the middle of the way to observe the boy by distance, he keeps watching the boy playing for a few minutes, then he resolves to go towards the boy, and says:
BRIAN
Hi...everything’s okay?...
THE BOY
Yeah...
BRIAN
I’m a friend of your mother...
THE BOY
I know...I saw a picture of you, in mom’s bedroom...
BRIAN
Yes...she likes a lot of photographs...
THE BOY
Yes, she likes...
BRIAN
Aunt Judy told me you’re...sick, is it true?
THE BOY
Yes, it is...
BRIAN
And is it the reason you live here?
THE BOY
I think so...and because my mother works a lot...but I meet her on Saturdays, she...let me sleep there sometimes...it’s very nice...she has a cat, Jasmin...
BRIAN
Yes...Jasmin, its fur smells good...
Brian sits down on the ground beside the boy.
BRIAN
Do you know your father?
THE BOY
No, I don’t...
BRIAN
Would you like to know him?
THE BOY
I think I would, but...I think he works a lot too...
BRIAN
I...can come here now and then...and you can tell your friends I’m your father...
THE BOY
Why?...
BRIAN
When I was a child like you, in elementary school the older boys used to beat the youngers, because these boys were silly; but the youngers boys’parents began to teach their children to stand up against the older boys...and then these boys became scared...
THE BOY
Will you teach me how to protect myself?...
BRIAN
Yes, if you want me to...
THE BOY
But...and when you’re not here?
BRIAN
Well...then you show them this, and you say your dad is coming soon...
Brian takes from his pocket a necklace with a pendant, in which is the picture of Brian and Clara, and Brian gives it to the boy; the signal to snack-time is rung and the boy runs out...but he stops, and in the middle of the way he begins to come back.
THE BOY
Are you my dad?
BRIAN
Yeah, I guess so...
The boy hugs Brian, that can’t hold his feeling inside, and Judy approaches to they; the boy sees a tumour on Brian’s neck, and he compares it with the one on his own arm.
THE BOY
I have a spot here...just like yours here...
BRIAN
I know...forgive me for this...
JUDY
Dear, you had better hurry, the boys are already in the canteen.
The boy runs out leaving Judy and Brian alone.
BRIAN
Thank you for let me see him...
JUDY
I couldn’t deny it to you; I only ask you to tell nothing to Clara, if she didn’t tell you about the boy...she must have her reasons.
BRIAN
Yes, I know...how is his treatment going?
JUDY
He’s a strong boy, the medicine inhibits the illness progress; he has to fight a lot...just as you.
BRIAN
To fight...it’s the only thing I’ve been doing in my entire life, I’m tired...very tired...
CUT FOR
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara returns the necklace to the boy, and without mentioning a word, she goes to the window; the boy sits down on the sofa and he observes his mother.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE AIRPORT – STAND OF AIR COMPANY – PRESENT
Josh, in a hurry, arrives to a stand and withdraws his creditcard, trembling and breathless, and a young woman attends him calming him down.
JOSH
Please...a ticket for Chicago.
THE YOUNG WOMAN
Unfortunately all the flights to Chicago are sold out, sir...the next avaiable flight is tomorrow.
JOSH
No, it cannot be...this is a personal emergency, I need to come back today, I can travel standing, I don’t mind, but I got to travel today.
THE YOUNG WOMAN
I’m sorry...but there’s nothing I can do...
Josh cell phone rings and he answers.
JOSH
Rose, is that you?
ROSE (V.O)
He is on ITC...you should see how he is...oh, Josh...my boy.
JOSH
Stay calm...be strong, I’m having some troubles with flight...but not even if I have to rent a car I’ll be there soon...
ROSE (V.O)
My God, Josh, how it’s going to be?
JOSH
Don’t talk this way.
ROSE (V.O)
I think he’s going...to die...
JOSH
I’ll hang up...I’ll try a flight...I’ll be with you soon.
ROSE (V.O)
Don’t delay...Josh, please...I don’t know how long time I can stand it alone.
Josh hangs up and the young woman heard the talk.
THE YOUNG WOMAN
I’ll see if the manager can help you...wait a minute, please.
The young woman goes to the office and brings the manager up to the balcony.
MANAGER
Good afternoon...what can I do for you?
JOSH
A relative of mine is in the hospital of Chicago, very sick and I need to arrive there as fast as possible.
MANAGER
It’s happening a convention in Chicago and all the flights are sold up...the only thing I can do for you, right now, is to put you on the top of the waiting line, and if someone give up, you can travel in his place...I’m really sorry.
JOSH
I’m grateful...
Josh moves away from the balcony and sits down on a waiting armchair opposite the stand, he puts his hand in his pocket and finds the paper with Clara’s phone number and adress, he takes the cell phone, dials and waits her to answer it.
CUT FOR
INSIDE CLARA’S APARTMENT – PRESENT
Clara observes the street from her apartment’s window, and the boy observes his mother, the telephone rings and she, apprehensive, answers.
CLARA
Hello...
JOSH (V.O)
Hi, Clara, this is Josh, I’m sorry by going out that way, but it’s because things became more serious, he suddenly got worse...
CLARA
I understand...did you arrive at the airport yet?
JOSH (V.O)
I did...but there’s no avaiable flight to Chicago, I’m depending of a waiting line, and of the good-willing of the company’s manager.
CLARA
The manager...is he a tall, grey-haired guy, who wears moustache?
JOSH (V.O)
Yes, ...he is, do you know him?
CLARA
Yes...look, Josh, all these things made me shocked, and I forgot to tell you that I have the money, you tell me your current account number and I’ll deposit it just now.
JOSH (V.O)
Thanks a lot Clara...but I can’t accept the money, because I know this will mean a great upset for you and your boy, and also because I didn’t had courage to call you to come with me...the truth is that I was a coward.
CLARA
This is silliness...I can look after ourselves very well, and with tranquility.
JOSH (V.O)
Clara, the cell battery is low, I call you from the hospital...
CLARA
Okay...good luck!
Clara hangs up the phone and looks at the boy sat on the sofa, and as if she’s comprehending his wish in his eyes, she smiles.
CLARA
Okay, okay, I’ll pack.
The boy smiles.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE AIRPORT – NEWS-STAND – PRESENT
Josh is reading a magazine and, as if he’s sharing his attention between the both things, he observes the air company stand.
POV JOSH
He sees the manager walking from the stand and being called by the young woman, who waves him to say he got a phone call. The manager answers the call over the balcony; he’s happy for the call, he smiles and asks the young woman to hold the phone; he goes back to his office to answer the call more tranquil, all observed by Josh.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
Josh buys a magazine, and goes back to the armchair, sits down and starts to read, he looks at the airport’s clock.
INSERT – AIRPORT CLOCK SHOWING 3:03 P.M.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
Josh continues to read the magazine, and he falls asleep, the camera gets dark.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE AIRPORT – PRESENT
The camera gets clear, and shows Josh waking up, he stretches, trying to frighten the sleep away, he rubs his eyes and looks at the airport’s clock.
INSERT – THE CLOCK SHOWS 3:59 P.M.
The scene comes back, he takes the magazine, that was fallen on the ground, when he sees the feet of a woman and a boy; he looks up and sees Clara and Brian in front of him.
JOSH
You came!...What are you doing here?
CLARA
I came. I’m going with you.
JOSH
But there’s no tickets, I’m on a wainting line.
CLARA
I think I got the tickets...stay here with Brian for a while...
Clara walks towards the stand and talks to the girl, that calls the manager. The manager tidies himself, take the tickets and goes towards Clara, gives her a kiss on her face and Clara holds him on his arm and walks towards Josh.
THE MANAGER
You should have told me your relative is your brother!
CLARA
I wanted to see his face...
THE MANAGER
Here it is...three tickets, but you had better hurry on, because the flight is almost leaving.
CLARA
Thanks a lot Thomas...you’ve been very helpful!
THE MANAGER
Forget the gratitude...I’m willing to help all the times you’re in need of something.
The manager moves on and Josh, surprised, asks:
JOSH
How did you get it?
CLARA
I got some information about him that his wife doesn’t.
JOSH
Blackmail...
CLARA
No...we can say opportunism; I was in the right place at the right time...
They (Josh, Clara and the boy) go to the departure gate, observed by the manager.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – ITC WAITING ROOM – PRESENT
Rose is nervous, visibly shocked with the events, sat on the chair of the waiting room; Brian’s doctor comes from the ITC, removes the mask of his face and the apron and gives it to a nurse that is entering in the ITC and he goes to meet Rose.
DOCTOR
Rose, we could stabilize Brian’s state, he can’t breath by himself anymore; he’s stable right now, but in risk...I can say that, in this right moment,...unfortunately the chart isn’t reversible.
ROSE
Is he going to die?
DOCTOR
It’s a matter of hours...I’m really sorry Rose.
The doctor embraces Rose, that starts a restrained weep.
ROSE
Thank you for all, doctor...
DOCTOR
You can call me Mark, anything you have need of...I’ll stay here all night long.
Rose thanks him and the doctor moves away, going back to the ITC; she takes her bag and begins to walk along the hospital and, unconsciously she crosses the whole hospital, escaping from all the disturbance and trying to keep away from the ITC, and she arrives at the hospital entrance.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – PARKING LOT – PRESENT
Rose goes out from the hospital and keeps on walking, going towards her car; she sits down on the car’s hood, she puts her hand on her face, searching for console.
CUT FOR
INSIDE MEDICAL SURGERY – PAST
Rose and Paul, anxious, are on the doctor’s surgery room waiting for the exams’ results ( the exams were previously made) and the doctor enters in the surgery room with an envelope in his hand, he passes behind them, sits tranquil at the table and he opens the envelope, reading it.
DOCTOR
Rose...Paul, as I told you before on the phone, the results proved: Rose is pregnant.
Rose becomes happy, overjoyed, however, Paul can’t hide his worry.
PAUL
And how about our problem...Phil?
DOCTOR
It’s very early to say anything, it would be hasty to presume something; without any doubts, the illness is hereditary, but it doesn’t mean that the baby will be attacked by it...
PAUL
And if it attack him?...It isn’t the time to talk about uncertainties...I got to know...
DOCTOR
It’s impossible to be sure right now...this happens in all cases of this illness...
ROSE
And if he won’t be attacked, Paul?! We got to try...
PAUL
The risk is big, and I don’t know if I’m disposed to condemn the baby to a life full of hardship and sacrifices...think about it, Rose...
ROSE
Are you sure you’re only thinking about the baby?
PAUSE
DOCTOR
Your worry is rightful, Paul, this illness is new and resistant, but isn’t sure that the baby will develop it; what worries is the consequences for Rose; I think you should better talk alone before decide what you’re going to do...
The doctor leaves the surgery room, and Rose and Paul stay alone.
ROSE
I’ll make things easier to you, Paul... I’m the bearer of the disease, I am the risk, so I assume the responsibility.
PAUL
You’re precipitating the decision, Rose...
ROSE
I want this baby, Paul.
PAUL
And with this you can be condemning this child.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – PARKING LOT – PRESENT
Sat on the hood, Rose sees a cigarette’s stub on the ground, she catches it, cleans it, and opens the car’s door, she turns on the car’s lighter and lights the cigarette.
POV ROSE
She sees a taxi arriving at the hospital entrance.
THE SCENE COMES BACK
She inhales the cigarette, looking at the taxi.
ROSE (V.O)
Damned be you, Paul, as always you were right...
I condemned my son, and now he’s dying and however much I try to deceive myself and blame others, in the end, you and I know who’s the guilty for it.
Wherever you are now, I hope you’re not happy about it, knowing that I’m paying my debts...
Rose sees Clara and Josh getting out from the taxi, she throws the cigarette away and runs towards them, and then she sees the boy.
ROSE
What is she doing here, Josh?
CLARA
I’m going to the management...come on, son...
Clara moves on from where Rose and Josh are.
ROSE
Where did you go?...What is this girl doing here?
JOSH
She came to say goodbye to Brian...
ROSE
I won’t allow this...you can’t oblige me to accept this...
JOSH
You don’t know some facts and circumstances, Rose...
ROSE
What? Which circumstances?
JOSH
She’ll tell you, if she wants to. Let’s go up, I wanna see Brian.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – ITC WAITING ROOM – PRESENT
Josh and Rose arrive at the waiting room; Josh leaves Rose and enters in the bedroom where Brian is. Rose’s standing observing Josh putting the apron on through the window pane; outside, Clara’s son is sat on a chair and Rose walks towards him and sits down beside him.
ROSE
May I sit down here?
BOY
Yes, but only until my mother come back...
ROSE
Didn’t she want you to talk to me?
BOY
No...it’s because you are sat on her sit.
Rose smiles.
ROSE
You’re a very smart boy.
BOY
My name is Brian, glad to meet you...
The boy holds out his hand to Rose.
ROSE
The glad is all mine...Brian, my name is Rose...I have a son called Brian...it’s a nice name.
BOY
My mom thinks it too.
ROSE
Why did you come with your mother? Doesn’t she have someone to let you with?
BOY
No...I come to see my dad...
ROSE
Does he live here?
BOY
I don’t know...all I know is that he’s very ill.
Rose turns pale and she notices that the boy takes after Brian, she can’t hold the emotion and starts to cry, and then the boy takes her hand and puts it on his chest.
BOY
Is everything okay with you?
ROSE
Now is...everything okay....
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – BRIAN’S BEDROOM ON ITC – PRESENT
Josh comes into the bedroom where Brian is, and seeing that he’s with a probe, and all the watching equipment is scattered in the bedroom and connected to Brian’s body, he starts a restrained weep, he sits down on a chair, looks for Brian’s hand and he notices how it’s swollen; he leans his forehead against Brian’s hand.
JOSH (V.O)
I know I’m not the one you wanted to be here, holding your hand, but before she come, I want to say goodbye to you; I simply adore you, you’ve been my life since the first moment I put my eyes on you, and now I know that, in which was possible you loved me too, on your way; I just would like you to love me as you love Clara, I only can’t understand why you never assumed this love...it would have been bigger than all the problems, your silly, she loves you so much too; thinking over, I’m lucky, because I had you by my side, and she always kept the scraps you offered; and thinking about the beautiful child you both have, you would have been a wonderful family, and however much I would love you, I never would be able to give you this. Why?...why you have to go now? She finally is ready to say how much she loves you, and my love is bigger enough to deprive you of this love...therefore I’ll give you a last kiss and leave you with the one who’s worthy of you in this or in any other life.
Josh stands up, puts Brian’s hand upon the bed, kisses him and goes out from the bedroom.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – WAITING ROOM – PRESENT
Clara is sat beside Rose and they and the boy observes Josh coming from the bedroom, drying his tears; he removes the apron and the mask and walks towards Clara, gives her the garment, she stands up, hugs him and walks to the bedroom. Josh sits down and looks at Rose, that embraces the boy.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – BRIAN’S BEDROOM IN ITC – PRESENT
Clara walks to Brian’s bedroom, she passes her hand on her body, sits beside him on the edge of the bed and removes the hair from Brian’s forehead.
CLARA
He’s here...our son is here.
She stands away, sitting on the chair, holds Brian’s hand carefully and observes him.
CLARA (V.O)
I wanted to tell you, I wanted to have had courage to tell you before...if repentance could kill, I would be dead, little strawberry, but the fact is that I didn’t tell you, and I’ll have to live with this feeling; you’re smart, smarter than me, you end up finding out, and I feel as if I had betrayed you, this feeling will always be here...always, together with my love for you...I love you, more than I can hold up, the possibility of loose you taught me this, and I must admit I was a stupid because I didn’t trusted in this love, I should have faced your mother and the world to stay by your side, I wanted to scream if were possible...who knows in this way you can hear me...no, I don’t think so...I think it’s more probable to you hear me if I talk this way, in my heart...maybe this way you’re able to hear me.
Clara bows her head and closes her eyes; screen gets dark for a while.
MATCH CUT
INSIDE THE BEDROOM – PRESENT
Clara opens her eyes and sees herself in a dark bedroom, completely closed, she stands up, and trying to find a light she becames desperate; the empty room makes Clara frightened, when she sees a door opening, and a light fills up the bedroom, and it becomes quite lighted; curious, she observes a figure forming, and while the figure approaches she sees that Brian is walking towards her, she runs to him and they hug each other, he affectionately raises her chin and kisses her.
BRIAN
To love is very complex...
Hugged to him, and holding the weep, Clara answers:
CLARA
Yes, it is...
BRIAN
Love isn’t a feeling for cowards.
CLARA
But we’re cowards, and we love each other.
BRIAN
As always, you’re right, now I got to go...
CLARA
I know...
BRIAN
But I couldn’t leave without tell you I love you.
CLARA
I heard in someplace love is eternal, it’s a pity you aren’t.
BRIAN
I’ll be ...inside of you, inside of Brian...take care of him for me.
CLARA
Please, stay with me...
BRIAN
I can’t, I’m tired, it’s very difficult to me, I’m...tired of fight.
CLARA
Don’t give up...what about your mother?
BRIAN
She’ll have a new fight ahead, with a bigger chance to win this time, maybe she can be free of the fault if I go...and Josh...I need to let him free...he needs to live his life...after all, he will be able to live it.
CLARA
Take me with you...
BRIAN
I don’t know where I’m going, but when your time arrive, I’ll be there..for you.
Brian embraces Clara affectionately, passes his fingers on her hair and smells it.
BRIAN
I’ll take with me...the scent of your hair.
Brian kisses Clara and walks to the door, she tries to prevent him from leaving, but she can’t hold him, Brian walks to the door and leaves the bedroom, the door is closed and Clara observes, drying the tears, the light disappearing while the door is being closed; the screen gets dark.
MATCH CUT
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL BRIAN’S BEDROOM – ITC – PRESENT
The screen gets bright suddenly, and Clara frightens with the continous sound of the watching equipment, sooner the bedroom is invaded by nurses and doctors, Clara stands away, the doctor and his teamwork try to revive Brian; Josh invades the bedroom but he’s blocked by the male nurses; Rose observes the movements through the window pane (outside) and the boy keeps sat in the waiting room.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL- WAITING ROOM ITC – PRESENT
Clara runs out from the bedroom, passes by Rose and walks towards the boy, that is sat; she stops in front of the boy, that hugs her waist, she passes her hand on his head.
BOY
Is it over?
CLARA
Yes, son, I think it is.
BOY
Is he going to be well?
CLARA
Yes, he is...he’s going to be better than he ever was, my love.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
INSIDE THE HOSPITAL – SNACK BAR – PRESENT
Rose and Josh are sat at a table when Clara and the boy approach.
ROSE
He’s gone...however much you judge yourself ready to accept, this is just an illusion.
JOSH
You’re right.
CLARA
May I sit with you?
JOSH
Of course...come sit here, I’ll bring you a coffee.
ROSE
What a pretty boy you have, I’m proudy of you.
CLARA
Thank you, Rose...
Josh waves to Clara.
CLARA
Josh is calling me...can you take care of him?
ROSE
Certainly...as much as you like.
Clara meets Josh at the coffee machine.
JOSH
Won’t you tell her?
CLARA
I don’t know if I should...
JOSH
She got to know, Clara...she’s worthy of it.
CLARA
It isn’t easy for none of us...
JOSH
Look, Clara, I know Rose, and I can ensure you...if you don’t start the truce, she’ll never do it.
CLARA
Brian inherited his father’s disease...it’s not fair to put her into this fight again.
JOSH
She needs a reason to keep on waking up everyday...
CLARA
I don’t know if...
Clara suddenly looks at the table and sees Rose with brian on her lap, she is making a paper boat with a napkin, the boy leans his head against Rose’s chest, observing her hands working; Rose finishes the boat and put it upon his head, the boat falls and the boy laughs; Clara notices how close are their relationship, and Josh shows Clara the scene.
CLARA
Yes, I think you’re right...
She goes to the table, but she’s stopped by Josh, who gives her a letter.
JOSH
This letter is for you...Brian dictated and I wrote; I should have given it in your house...but I forgot to...
Clara notices he’s lying, but she respects his feeling and hugs him; they both go back to the table.
JOSH
Rose, you had better go home, take a bath, take some rest...I’ll stay here and take care of the documents.
ROSE
I can help...
JOSH
Of course you can...going home and resting.
CLARA
I need to come back to the hotel...I left my baggage in the reception and came running...Brian must be tired.
ROSE
Okay...I’ll give you a lift to the hotel...
CLARA
Thank you, Rose...
They say goodbye to Josh and leave the hospital, observed by Josh; Brian, behind their back, disguisely signals to Josh, making “OK” with his little hand; Josh smiles and signals “OK” to Brian too.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – PARKING LOT – PRESENT
Rose and Clara approach to the car and Clara places Brian sat on the back bench; they come into the car, Rose starts the car and they go out from the parking lot.
CUT FOR
INSIDE ROSE’S CAR – PRESENT
The silence inside the car is awful, and Brian breaks it:
BRIAN
Did you know, Mrs. Rose, that my grandfather was a photographer?
ROSE
Was he?...
CLARA
Yes...my true father...
BRIAN
That’s why mom likes so much of photography.
CLARA
Honey, why don’t you lean on the bench?...
ROSE
I knew you paid the hospital expenses...I’m very grateful...I want you to tell me how much you spent and I’ll pay you back.
CLARA
Forget it...I saved an amount to occasions like these...
ROSE
Do you still keep your money in the flusing box?
CLARA
Did you know that?
ROSE
There’s just a little I don’t know about you, and what I don’t know...I can guess...
Rose says it looking at Brian on the back bench.
ROSE
You don’t need to stay in the hotel...you’re welcome in my house...
CLARA
I don’t want to bother you...
ROSE
You’re not going to bother me...
The car passes in front of a photographic studio, and Clara persists in looking at a plate that’s offering a job.
CLARA
Stop the car...Rose.
ROSE
Why?...Did I do something wrong?
CLARA
No, you didn’t...it’s because I’m going to change my life.
ROSE
Right now?
CLARA
And is there a better moment than ‘right now’?
Smiling, Rose answers...
ROSE
No...I think there isn’t.
CLARA
Do you still live at the same place?
ROSE
Yes, I do.
CLARA
So take Brian with you, he must be tired.
ROSE
But what about you?
CLARA
I meet you later, okay dear?
The boy, who’s trying to do a paper boat, looks up at Clara.
BRIAN
Okay, mom...bye, mom...
Clara holds Rose’s hand and puts her legs out of the car, waves goodbye to Brian on the back bench and goes out of the car.
CUT FOR
OUTSIDE THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO – OPPOSITE STREET – PRESENT
Clara sends a kiss to her boy, and it begins to rain, she observes while the car is leaving, and then runs towards the studio, she reads the plate and comes in.
CUT FOR
INSIDE THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO – PRESENT
Wet, she comes into the place and observes it; on the background there’s a man, observing a lens, trying to repair it; Clara walks to the balcony and the man notices Clara’s presence.
MAN
It suddenly began to rain...what can I do for you?
CLARA
I came to know about the job...
The man stares at her.
MAN
Do you have any experience?
CLARA
I have medium experience...
MAN
Well...the salary is medium too, I think I’ll risk myself with you...what’s your name?
CLARA
Clara...
MAN
Well...you had better take off this wet jacket...there’s coffee, make yourself at home.
Clara goes to the coffee pot, takes her jacket off and hangs it on the door, she takes some coffee, and looking at the studio’s photographs she sees a picture of her mother, the man looks at her and he smiles.
MAN
Is everything okay?
CLARA
Yes...in the truth I think I’m at home.
She goes towards the man and holds his arm, and they both leave the scene; the camera closes on the picture of Clara’s mother.
CLARA (V.O)
Life has its loss, and we have to resign ourselves to it, but the best thing is that, for the first time, I can catch sight of the big show contained in life, and it seems to me that the lights of my big show are switching on from now on; yes...it’s better late than never.
FADE OUT
THE END
posted by Toni Resende at 3:34 AM
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