The Addiction (2017)

THE ADDICTION
Harry Jonathan Chong
(2017)
EXT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Were outside a nondescript office building. Its huge, and

shiny. Real generic. Anything could be inside.
INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, OFFICE SPACE - DAY
The place is filled with cubicles from front to back.
In one particular cubicle we find a chubby, middle-aged

accountant named ALAN CARMICHAEL.
Hes wearing a white, button-up shirt, a tie, and glasses. He

kind of looks like Will Smith, if Will Smith were a dork.
His head is down low like hes trying to hide. He picks up

the phone on his desk, and reading off a sheet of paper, he
dials a number.
After a couple seconds, someone on the other end picks up.
ALAN
(phone)
Hi?
Alan seems nervous.
ALAN (CONTD)
(phone)
Is... Is Jeffrey Carmichael there?
Alan listens. We can hear someone talking to him, but not

exactly make out whats being said.
ALAN (CONTD)
(phone)
Its me. Your son. Alan. Alan
Carmichael.
(listens, replies)
Dont you remember? I contacted you
on Facebook.
(listens)
No. Im not trying to scam you. I
just wanna see you. Because youre
my dad. Im your son. We should get
to know each other. Right?
Alan looks over his shoulder, and gets back on the phone.
ALAN (CONTD)
(phone)
Come on. I havent seen you in,
what, 30, 32 years?
(MORE)
2.
ALAN (CONTD)
I think nows the time.
(listens, replies)
I dont get it. Whyre you scared?
About what? Look. You made a
mistake in the past. You said you
were going out for a pack of
cigarettes, and you never came back
-- but Im okay with that. No. Im
not okay with that, but I forgive
you, alright. Ive buried the
hatchet.
Alan listens.
ALAN (CONTD)
(phone)
Im not going to take no for an
answer. You owe me this. So, pay it
forward. Or pay it back. Whatever
the hell they say.
(listening, getting angry)
Well, fine.
Alan stands up.
ALAN (CONTD)
(phone)
I dont need you either! Who wants
to know you?! No one! Thats who!
Alan slams down his phone to hang it up. The workers around
him turn their heads, and look.
Alan notices them.

ALAN (CONTD)
I...
Hes speechless. He sits back down, and physically shrinks.

He covers one side of his face with his hand, looking
embarrassed.
He lets out a grunt, and he takes up the greeting card on his

desk, and throws it into the nearby waste basket.
When the card drops in we see it says Happy Fathers Day.
Alan, arms on his desk, puts his head down. Then theres a
thud.
A stack of papers drops on his desk.
Alan lifts his head up, and sees his supervisor Maurice.
Maurice is looking down, with his arms folded.
3.
Maurice clears his throat.
MAURICE
Slacking off?
ALAN
Its my lunch break.
Maurice puts his hand on the back of Alans neck, and gives
it a little squeeze.
MAURICE
Get back to work.
Maurice leaves.
Afterward, Alan puts on a pair of headphones, which is

attached to a CD player.
He gets up, and carries this CD player with him. He goes

around the cubicles, and heads through the bathroom door.
INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, BATHROOM - DAY
As Wagners Ride of the Valkyries plays the door to the

bathroom swings open.
In comes Alan. He goes into a BATHROOM STALL, and locks

himself in.
He puts down the toilet seat, takes out a small, clear bag
with drugs, and spreads out a white powdery substance.
He lowers his nose, and snorts it all up. He shakes his head,
and gets up.
He turns around, and reaches for the knob to unlock the

bathroom stall door. But he misses the first time.
He tries it again, and this time turns it. He comes out the
bathroom stall.
Alan walks over to the mirrors. He grins, and points to

himself with two fingers.
INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, OFFICE SPACE - DAY
Alan comes out of the bathroom whistling. He starts walking

down, and he leaves our sight.
The next moment, Maurice appears. Maurice is staring at Alan

suspiciously. He follows his path.
4.
INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, BREAK ROOM - DAY
Alan comes into the break room, which is filled with his
coworkers. He marches right over to the vending machine.
He stares at all the snacks, and then feeds the machine a ton
of change.
He presses the buttons, and gets a load of snacks. He takes

them all out, and puts them in his arms.
He starts walking towards a table.
And then Maurice comes into the break room. Maurice steps in
Alans way.
Maurice has his hands on his hips, and is leaning forward,

with a glare, trying to be intimidating.
MAURICE
Carmichael.
ALAN
Maurice?
MAURICE
What were you doing in the
bathroom?
ALAN
You know, the usual. Just, uh,
stinkin up the place.
MAURICE
No, I think you were in there doing
drugs!
Alans eyes dart. Everyone around him is looking.
ALAN
Hey, Maurice, man. I dont know
what rumors your heard, but Im not
doing drugs. Drugs are bad for you,
even though I hear they are pretty
fun, and frankly a good way to
lighten the mood.
MAURICE
Drugs are not a good way to lighten
the mood.
5.
ALAN
Maybe theyre not for everyone, but
they do have their place in the
world. Because the world is a
depressing place, and sometimes
people need to escape. So we
shouldnt be asking: Why are you
doing drugs? We should say: Why
arent you doing drugs?
MAURICE
Youre on drugs right now, arent
you?
ALAN
Man, you need to relax. Stop
supervising so hard. Let your hair
down once in a while.
MAURICE
Alan, open your big ears. I dont
like you, and you dont like me.
But Im gonna give you a second
chance. Whatever youre doing,
whatever youre putting in your
body, stop it. Otherwise, Ill have
to do something.
ALAN
Youll do nothing.
Maurice folds his arms.
ALAN (CONTD)
You know why?
MAURICE
Why?
ALAN
Because I quit! Fuck this rat race!
I dont need this shit!
Alan drops all his vending machine snacks on the floor.
As eyes follow he goes over to the fire extinguisher, and

takes it off the wall.
He goes back to Maurice.
MAURICE
Dont you do it, Alan.
6.
Alan pulls the pin off the fire extinguisher, and he sprays
Maurice with it, letting out a stream of white smoke.
Alan has a wide, maniacal smile on his face as he laughs.
EXT. OVERPASS - NIGHT
Alan is passed out, lying under an overpass. But he awakes,

and sits up. He rubs his head like its in pain
ALAN
Ohn, my head.
He looks around, notices that its dark.
ALAN (CONTD)
What time is it?
He pulls up his sleeve, and looks at his digital watch, which

is upside down on his wrist: Its 4:00 AM.
ALAN (CONTD)
Aw, Jesus. Its four in the morning
-- I think.
Alan calmly gets up, and then starts running off. His arms
are pumping.
EXT. NOT ALANS HOUSE, FRONT - NIGHT
Were in front of a house that looks like Alans home. But

its not.
Alan, carrying a ladder, heads down the side of the house to
enter the backyard.
EXT. NOT ALANS HOME, BACKYARD - NIGHT
Alan puts up the ladder against the back of the house, so

its under the open window.
Alan climbs up the ladder, and slips through the open window.
INT. NOT ALANS HOME, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Its dim inside the bedroom. Alan takes off his shirt, and
pants, so hes just wearing an undershirt, and boxers.
He slips into bed beside who he think is his wife. But the
person next to him is covered up. We cant see.
7.
Alan closes his eyes.
ALAN
Okay, Alan. If Cheryl asks you what
happened, just lie through your
teeth, and pretend you were here
the whole time. As long as you
believe the lie, she will too. Yup.
Thats a perfect plan. Cannot fail.
Now, the person next to Alan, a man, turns around, and puts
his very large arm on Alans chest.
Alan touches his arm, and opens his eyes. He looks.
ALAN (CONTD)
Oh, crap.
EXT. NOT ALANS HOME, FRONT - NIGHT
Still half naked, Alan exits the backyard, holding his shirt,
and pants. He runs away with a panicked look on his face.
EXT. ALANS HOME, FRONT - DAY
The suns rising in front of Alans Home.
Words on screen say: Alans Actual Home.
INT. ALANS HOME, MAIN FOYER - DAY
Alan, and his wife Cheryl are standing in the main foyer,
arguing.
CHERYL
What in the hell is wrong with
you?!
ALAN
What, what do you mean by that?
CHERYL
Your supervisor e-mailed me -- I
dunno how he got my e-mail address -
- and then he left a message on our
answering machine.
ALAN
What did he say?
8.
INT. ALANS HOME, KITCHEN - DAY
We cut to the kitchen, and see the kitchens answering

machine. Cheryl presses a button, and a message plays.
Its from Maurice.
MAURICE (O.S.)
(answering machine)
Alan Carmichael, you junkie jerk
off! Youre fired! If you ever come
back around here again, Ill
personally kick your ass myself!
Im 42 years young, and Ive never
lost a fight!
We go back to Alan, and Cheryl.
ALAN
Hes never lost a fight? I dont
believe that. And also what type of
person says young instead of
old to describe their age? Who
does he think hes kidding? You
cant go back in time.
CHERYL
Alan, dont joke around. This is
serious.
ALAN
Whos joking around?
Cheryl grabs Alan by his shirt, and shakes him.
CHERYL
Goddamn it! Are you on drugs, or
not?!
ALAN
Not right now.
Cheryl lets go of Alan.
CHERYL
So, its true? Youre a drug
addict? Youre doing drugs?
ALAN
(calm)
Yah...
(MORE)
9.
ALAN (CONT'D)
(angry)
YAH! Yah, I am doing drugs! But so
what?! Its my body, and I can do
whatever I want with it! Its
nobodys business what I put up my
nose!
Cheryl sighs.
CHERYL
(sad)
Why, Alan? Why take illegal drugs?
ALAN
You wont understand.
CHERYL
Try me.
ALAN
It... It feels good. Thats all.
Cheryl shakes her head.
CHERYL
Thats some goddamned foolishness.
You really need drugs to make you
feel good?
ALAN
Is that a problem?
CHERYL
Yeah, its a problem! You shouldnt
need drugs to feel good!
ALAN
Well, thats how it happens to be!
Alan dramatically spreads out his arms, making himself big.
ALAN (CONTD)
Do you expect this to make me
happy?
Cheryl does the same gesture, mocking Alan.
CHERYL
Whats wrong with THIS?
ALAN
Goddamn it, Cheryl. I didnt wanna
be an accountant. I used to have
dreams, real dreams, you know.
(MORE)
10.
ALAN (CONT'D)
I mean, I couldve been something.
Now what the fuck am I?
CHERYL
If you want to be something, you
can still be something.
ALAN
I tried, and I failed. OK? I failed
a thousand times, and now here I
am, chained down to a family, and a
home I dont even like.
Cheryl looks hurt.
ALAN (CONTD)
Cheryl, I didnt mean to --
At this moment, Alan and Cheryls 10 year old daughter ABBEY

appears. She looks like shes ready to go to school.
Alan and Cheryl turn their attention to her.
ALAN (CONTD)
Abbey. How long have you been
standing there?
ABBEY
Are you guys arguing...again?
CHERYL
No. Noooo. Were...debating.
ABBEY
It doesnt sound like debating.
CHERYL
Youre a kid, what do you know?
Abbey frowns. Cheryl takes Abbeys hand.
CHERYL (CONTD)
Cmon. We have to get you to
school.
Cheryl takes Abbey to the door, which she opens up. Abbey
stalls a moment.
ABBEY
Wait. What about dad? How come hes
not at work?
11.
CHERYL
Hes staying home today, because he
has some things to think about.
ABBEY
Whats he gonna think about?
CHERYL
I dont know.
Cheryl, and Abbey leaves. The door closes behind them.
Alan sighs.
INT. ALANS HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY
Alan is slumped on his couch, watching TV. Colored light

splashes on his sullen face.
We hear the sound of laughter from the TV.
Alans at the kitchen table, pigging out on food. Hes eating

ice cream, chips, pretzels, donuts, cake, brownies, soda,
etc. Hes just stuffing his face.
Then he hears the sound of the doorbell ringing. He stops

stuffing his face, and wipes his mouth, and exits the
kitchen.

The doorbell keeps ringing. Alan looks through the spyhole,
and sees a POLICE OFFICER. He pulls his head back.
ALAN
Oh, sh-shit!
Alan runs upstairs.
INT. ALANS HOME, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
Alan enters the master bedroom. He shuts the door, and goes
to his bed. He sucks in his gut, and crawls under the bed.
There he hides, breathing shallow, waiting for the Police

Officer to leave.
12.
The Police Officer outside is still knocking.
POLICE OFFICER (O.S.)

Hello? Is anyone home?
The Police Officer outside reaches for the doorknob and

slowly turns it. He then lets himself inside.
The Police Officer is now in Alans home. He cups his mouth.
POLICE OFFICER
If youre in here, I just wanna
talk to you!
The Police Officer takes out his handgun, and then twirls it,
and pretends to shoot it.
POLICE OFFICER (CONTD)

Bang! Bang!
Alan is hiding under his bed. We can see, and hear him
breathing heavily.
INT. ALANS HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY
We see the feet of the Police Officer walking through the

living room.
Then he goes into the kitchen. Hes looking at all the food
left behind by Alan.
POLICE OFFICER
Jesus, what a mess.
The Police Officer comes out the kitchen, and enters the Main
Foyer, where the stairs are.
13.
He goes upstairs.
We see Alan still hiding under his bed, and then the Police
Officer comes into the Master Bedroom.
The Police Officer is calm, and he walks around, looking.
POLICE OFFICER
Is anyone in here? Like I said
before, I just wanna talk.
The Police Officer gets close to the bed.

Hmm, I hope youre not hiding under
this bed...!
The Police Officer suddenly gets down, and looks under the
bed. No ones there. He stands back up.

Damn. I guess Im not dealing with
an idiot here.
The Police Officer then takes a look at the slatted closet

door, which is closed. He goes over to it, and puts his hand
out, and grabs the handle.
INSIDE CLOSET
Alan is hiding in the closet. His eyes are wide with fear. He
knows hes gonna be caught. He can see it.
OUTSIDE CLOSET
But the Police Officers RADIO goes off, and he lets go of

the closet handle to listen.
RADIO (V.O.)
10-15. 10-15. I repeat we have a 10-
15 on 59 Walnut Drive. Baby bear,
are you there? Over.
The Police Officer presses a button his radio to reply.
POLICE OFFICER
I have no idea what you just said.
RADIO (V.O.)
10-15!
14.
POLICE OFFICER
In Engrish, please.
RADIO (V.O.)
10-15! Dont you know what that is?
POLICE OFFICER
No.
RADIO (V.O.)
Its a civil disturbance!
POLICE OFFICER
What type of civil disturbance?
RADIO (V.O.)
Just get your ass over here!
POLICE OFFICER
(to self)
Damn it.
The Police Officer leaves the master bedroom.
Now we see Alan in the closet. He wipes the sweat off his
forehead.
But then the Police Officer hastily comes back into the room.
He grabs the lamp on the night stand, and inexplicably throws
it on the floor.
It shatters into a thousand pieces.
ALAN (O.S.)
(in closet)
HEY! THATS MY GOOD LAMP!
Alan covers his mouth. Hes goofed.
The Police Officer turns his head, looking at the closet

door.
Alan comes out in handcuffs. The Police Officer takes him to

the squad car parked on the street, and puts him in the back.
The Police Officer now gets into the drivers seat.
ALAN
Hey, you left my front door wide
open!
15.
We see the front door. It is wide open.
POLICE OFFICER
Dont worry. Ill send someone to
deal with that.
We zoom in on the Police Officers face.
POLICE OFFICER (V.O.)

Heh. No, I wont. Sucker!
The squad car drives off.
EXT. COURT HOUSE - DAY
An eminent court house stands in the sunlight.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Alan is in a suit, with Cheryl, Abbey, and his lawyers.
The JUDGE is looking down at them.
JUDGE
Mr Carmichael. You seem like a good
person. And in my type of career
you dont really meet a lot of good
people to be honest. Thats why,
Im going to throw you a bone.
ALAN
Your honor, I --
JUDGE
Shut up, Im talking.
Alan lowers his head. The Judge continues.
JUDGE (CONTD)
Since Im such a generous person,
Ill give you two options: A) You
spend some time in prison. Or B)
You successfully complete drug
rehabilitation. Now, I know the
answer is insanely obviously, but
for the sake of politeness, Ill
ask you, anyway: What do you
choose?
Cheryl, and Abbey look at Alan.

16.
Alan is behind the wheel of his car. The windows open, hes
talking to his wife, and daughter, Cheryl, and Abbey.
CHERYL
I know you dont wanna go to rehab,
but trust me this is good for you.
Youll see.
Alan frowns.
CHERYL (CONTD)
Dont make me feel bad about this.
This isnt on me. Its on you.
ALAN
Yeah, Im an idiot.
Cheryl strokes Alans head.
CHERYL
But youre my idiot.
Alan sighs.
ABBEY
Dad, how long are you gonna be
gone?
ALAN
Three months. Three goddamn months!
Alan hits his steering wheel with the palm of his hand,
sounding the horn.
CHERYL
Please. Youre acting like we want
you gone. We dont. We want you
here. But its either this, or
prison. Or dying.
ABBEY
Dying?
CHERYL
Yeah, honey, when people take
illegal drugs they die. Thats why
theyre illegal.
ALAN
Oh, shit. Can you not mention me
dying around our daughter?
17.
CHERYL
But its true. Drugs kill you. Look
at Amy Winehouse. And Heath Ledger.
And...pretty much every celebrity
thats died young.
ALAN
I dont care about celebrities,
theyre all very stupid.
CHERYL
Yeah. Probably.
Alan leans back in his seat, and lets out a deep breath. He
grips his steering wheel, and makes an angry face. Like hes
stewing.
CHERYL (CONTD)
Cmon, Alan. Stop acting like a
victim, like the worlds against
you.
Alan doesnt make eye contact with Cheryl.
CHERYL (CONTD)
No ones against you. Well, at
least not us. Were on your side,
cant you see that?
Alan finally looks at Cheryl.
ALAN
I should get going now.
CHERYL
Yeah, I think its about time.
ABBEY
Wait... I have something for you.
Alan wonders what Abbeys talking about.
ABBEY (CONTD)
Its a present.
Abbey takes Alans hand, and places something in it. Alan

opens his hand, and finds a pocket flashlight.
ALAN
Its a flashlight?
18.
ABBEY
When I used to be afraid of the
dark, I used that flashlight to
comfort myself. Maybe it can do the
same for you, too?
Alan puts the flashlight into his pocket.
ALAN
Thanks, Abbey. I appreciate it.
Abbey puts out her arms.
ALAN (CONTD)
Whatre you doing?
ABBEY
Can I hug you before you leave?
ALAN
Im sorry. I cant do that.
ABBEY
Why not?
ALAN
(sad)
Ill miss you too much.
EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY
Alans driving, while listening to music. Hes tapping his

fingers on his steering wheel, and moving his head. It seems
like no one else is here. Its just him.
EXT. BRIDGE - DAY
Alan goes down a bridge continuing to his destination, which

is the rehab center.
EXT. REHAB CENTER, FRONT - DAY
We see the rehab center, which is an enormous, multi-level,

wood-clad building. Its surrounded by trees, and is situated
beside a lake that looks magnificent in this summer season.
Alan, in his car, comes up a path, and finds a parking spot

amongst all the other cars.
He parks, and gets out, and goes into his trunk. He takes out
a suitcase, with wheels, and pulls it along.
19.
Alan heads for the entrance. He gets to the door, and tries
pulling it open.
It wont budge. He tries two, or three times to no avail.
ALAN
Damn. Its locked. Is this even the
rehab center?
A speaker above communicates to Alan.
The person talking is named NICOLE. She has a drab, monotone,

English voice.
NICOLE (O.S.)
(on speaker)
Hello, Mr Alan Carmichael.
Alan lifts his head, and sees the speaker.
NICOLE (O.S.) (CONTD)

(on speaker)
We will let you in momentarily.
We hear a click. Alan pulls the door handle, and this time
the door opens. He goes through with his suitcase.
INT. LOBBY - DAY
Alan comes into the rehab center, and enters the lobby. The
lobby is a large, airy space. But it seems deserted.
After looking, Alan goes over to the nearby counter. He rests

his suitcase, and then spots the silver bell, which has a
small sign that says: Ring for Service.
So, he does just that. He rings the bell.
It goes DING!
Not a moment later, Nicole appears in the distance. She is a

young, blonde woman, in a white uniform. Her heels can heard
clicking on the floor as she walks.
She gets behind the counter, and stares at Alan dead in his
eyes.
NICOLE
You must be Mr Carmichael. Im
Nicole. I manage this facility.
ALAN
Yes, um, I have a question.
20.
NICOLE
What is it?
ALAN
Where is everyone?
NICOLE
They are being rehabilitated.
ALAN
Oh.
NICOLE
You will be rehabilitated too, Mr
Carmichael.
ALAN
I hope.
NICOLE
Dont hope. Hope does nothing.
Believe... Believe. Achieve.
Receive.
ALAN
Duly noted.
NICOLE
Now, if you would, please put your
suitcase onto the counter.
ALAN
Why?
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, do you want to get
better? Do you want to be healed?
Do you want to be cured of your
disease?
ALAN
What disease? I dont have a
disease.
NICOLE
Drug addiction is a disease. Its
like AIDS. Do you know about AIDS?
ALAN
Uh, no. Not really.
21.
NICOLE
Then obey my command, and do as I
say. Put your suitcase onto the
counter.
Alan picks up his suitcase, and puts it onto the counter, so

it is standing tall.
NICOLE (CONTD)
You must lay it flat.
Alan makes his suitcase so that its flat.
Nicole puts on a pair of blue gloves, and unzips the

suitcase, and opens it.
ALAN
I dont have any drugs in there, if
thats what youre thinking.
NICOLE
You are an addict. Im afraid I
cannot trust you.
ALAN
Thats not very polite.
NICOLE
Shhhh!
Nicole starts looking through Alans belongings. At first

slowly, and carefully, and then she just starts take things,
and throwing them aside.
ALAN
Hey, easy now!
NICOLE
Dont tell me how to do my job.
Nicole takes the suitcase, and dumps out the rest of the
contents. After, she puts down the suitcase. She rests her
arms on the counter in a neat, folded manner.
NICOLE (CONTD)
Alright, Mr Carmichael it appears
you are not carrying any drugs with
you. Or weapons.
ALAN
Drugs? Weapons? Why would I have
any of those? Im just here to get
better. Right?
22.
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, I dont know what
your expectations are for our
facility, but we have a zero
tolerance policy. Weve found it is
what works.
ALAN
Im having some doubts.
NICOLE
Come. Let me show you to your room.
Nicole starts walking. Looks like shes headed to a hallway.

But Alan doesnt follow. She pauses, and looks back at him.
NICOLE (CONTD)
Mr Carmichael, are you coming?
ALAN
What about all my stuff?
NICOLE
Leave it behind. You dont need it.
We provide everything you require.
ALAN
But --
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, why dont you trust
me?
ALAN
I hardly know you. And the people I
do know, I dont trust.
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, please. This is for
your own good. We only wish to help
you. Dont you want us to help?
INT. DORM HALLWAY - DAY
Alan follows Nicole down a hallway. There are numerous doors

marked with numbers, but the numbers are oddly out of order.
Eventually, they stop at a door marked #101.
NICOLE
Okay. Here we are.
23.
ALAN
Where are we?
Nicole uses a key, and opens the door for room #101.
NICOLE
Go on in.
INT. ROOM #101 - DAY
Reluctantly, Alan goes inside. Nicole stands just in the

doorway.
The room is rather plain. The walls are all white. The bed is
white. The wall clock is white. The dresser is white, the
sink and toilet are white, everything is white.
Looking at this, Alan seems a little perturbed.
ALAN
A little too white in here, dont
you think?
NICOLE
The whiteness represents
cleanliness. Purity. If you are to
get better you must put yourself in
the right environment, one that
speaks to your subconscious.
ALAN
I dont like it.
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, if you have no more
complaints would you please change
into your uniform? Youll find it
in the dresser.
Alan goes over to the dresser, and pulls open the top drawer.
He takes out a set of white clothes.
ALAN
Do I really have to wear this?
NICOLE
Its a requirement. We will be
taking away your normal clothes,
and placing them in storage.
ALAN
Ill change. But not in front of
you.
24.
Nicole turns around. Alan changes his clothes, and gets into
his white uniform.
Nicole returns facing Alan, and looks at him.
NICOLE
Well done, Mr Carmichael.
Nicole snaps her fingers.
A helper suddenly appears, comes into the room, and picks up

Alans old clothes, and leaves, taking them away.
NICOLE (CONTD)
(nods)
OK, Mr Carmichael. Ill leave you
to it.
ALAN
Leave me to what?
NICOLE
Withdrawal. Its the first thing
that happens to people when they
come here.
Nicole steps out of the room, and we hear her lock the door.
Then a rectangular panel on the door slides back, revealing a

slot, where her eyes can be seen.
NICOLE (CONTD)
Enjoy your stay, Mr Carmichael. The
first 72 hours are the hardest.
The panel slides back, closing off the slot.
Alan goes over to the door, and tries opening it. It doesnt
open, so he bangs his fist on it.
ALAN
You cant lock me up in here! Ill
find a way out!
NICOLE (O.S.)
Im sure you will.
EXT. REHAB CENTER, FRONT - DAY/NIGHT
The sun goes down, and day turns into night.

25.
INT. ROOM #101 - NIGHT
Alan still dressed in white is sitting on the edge of his

bed. Hes wringing his hands, while ever so slightly rocking
back, and forth.
ALAN
(to self)
Cmon, Alan. You can do this. Its
not that hard. Hundreds of millions
of people before you have done it.
Alan stands up, and runs to the door, and bangs on the door.
ALAN (CONTD)
Let me out! Let me out! Let me out,
goddamn it! Im not supposed to be
here!
Alan turns away from the door, and starts pacing up, and
down. Hes sweating, and breathing heavy. His fists are
clenched.
The clock on the wall seems extra loud, going: TICK TOCK
TICK TOCK.
Alan goes up to the clock, and stops to yell at it.
ALAN (CONTD)
Will you be quiet?!
The clock strikes midnight, and inexplicably it starts making

a loud, almost ear-drum bursting sound, like that of enormous
bells ringing.
Alan covers his ears, and starts thrashing his head. He
collapses down to the floor, and spreads out, as if being
possessed by a dark spirit, then he curls into a ball, and
trembles.
EXT. SKID ROW - DAY
Alans on the sidewalk sleeping on a piece of cardboard,

covered with a dirty blanket.
A fly is flying around his face, and then it lands in his

open mouth.
Alan coughs, and wakes up. He sits up, and spits. He shakes
his head, and rubs his eyes.
26.
He looks like a real mess, as if hes been living on the

street for ages. His hairs streaked with grey, and he has a
large beard.
There are track marks on his arms.
He throws off his blanket, and stands. He stretches, and

yawns.
He swivels his head, looking at his surroundings.
Were on a rundown street, with dilapidated buildings,

graffiti, strewn garbage, used needles, and tents.
This is a place for homeless people, addicts, and the

forgotten.
ALAN
(sighs)
Another day in paradise.
Alan starts walking down the street. He goes into his ragged
jacket, and takes out a flask. He takes a swig of something,
then puts it away.
He goes over to a corner to beg. He picks up a paper cup on

the ground, and holds it out.
A few people pass by. None of them pay any mind -- except the
STRANGER, who sneers, and yells.
STRANGER
(to Alan)
GET A JOB.
Alan glares as the Stranger goes on his way.
ALAN
Yeah! You know anyone hiring
homeless people?! Contrary to the
mainstream media we are not very
popular with employers!
STRANGER (O.S.)
Ah, shut the hell up, you junkie
jerk-off!
Alan does an up-yours gesture, then goes back to begging with

his cup.
A few more people walk past him, and then we see Cheryl, and
Abbey.
They stop where Alan is. Alan looks at them, silently.

27.
Cheryl drops a fiver into his cup.
CHERYL
There you go. Take care of
yourself.
Cheryl and Abbey start walking off. Alan grabs Cheryls wrist
to stop her from leaving.
They look back, seeming confused, if a little afraid.
ALAN
Cheryl, dont you recognize me?
CHERYL
Huh?
ALAN
(to Abbey)
Abbey, its me. Your father...
Daddy.
ABBEY
No. I, I already have a dad.
ALAN
That cant be.
CHERYL
Please -- get away from us.
Cheryl pulls away from Alan, and taking Abbeys hand, the two
hastily leave.
ALAN
Abbey!
Abbey glances back. But soon she, and Cheryl are out of
sight.
Alan hangs his head low.
Not a moment after, a finger taps his shoulder. He turns

around, and sees another homeless person, named JON.
JON
Alan.
ALAN
Jon?
JON
What did I tell you about coming
here? This is my spot.
28.
ALAN
Its not your spot. This is public
property.
JON
Im telling you this for the last
time, boy: STEP OFF.
ALAN
No. Im not going to let you bully
me. Im not a child that can be
pushed around. Im an adult.
JON
So, thats how its gonna be, huh?
ALAN
Yeah. Thats how its gonna be.
Jon stares at Alan for a moment, and then turns away. It

seems like hes going to leave.
But then suddenly he spins back to face Alan.
Jon wields a knife. He grabs Alan, and starts feeding the

blade into his body.
Jon then runs off, and Alan collapses to the ground, and lays
in a pool of his own blood.
He struggles to breathe. He needs help, but isnt getting

any.
Many people walk past him without so much as looking. They

ignore him like hes worthless.
ALAN (CONTD)
Mama... Mama... Mama... I want my
mama... Where are you, mama?
We go into a first person view, and see what Alans seeing.

The world passing him by. He desperately stretches out his
hand.
INT. VIRTUAL REALITY ROOM - NIGHT
We return to reality in a windowless room. All thats

happened was just a simulation.
Surrounded by workers from the rehab center, Alan tears the

VR helmet off his head, stumbles off his chair, to the
ground, and, on all fours, throws up.
29.
His breathing is labored. He gets up, and angrily looks at

the rehab workers.
ALAN
You bloody bastards! What the hell
was that for?!
Nicole appears behind Alan.
NICOLE
Alan.
Alan turns around to Nicoles voice.
NICOLE (CONTD)
You are here to get better. We are
only showing you the future.
ALAN
Thats not my future.
NICOLE
It could be. Lots of drug addicts
lose their jobs, and their loved
ones, and become homeless. You
wouldnt be the first.
Alan wipes his mouth with his arm.
ALAN
Isnt there a better way to do
this?
NICOLE
Our program is 99% effective. We
dont have any reason to change.
ALAN
99%. That means it isnt perfect.
NICOLE
No one can be perfect.
Alan is in bed, sleeping on his belly.
Its 6:00 AM.
The clock on the wall wakes him up with its usual loud bell
sound.
30.
Alan is startled, and he rolls off his bed, and falls to the
floor.
At that moment, the panel on the nearby door slides,

revealing the slot with Nicoles eyes.
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael.
Alan looks back.
NICOLE (CONTD)
Its time to start your day.
INT. GYM - DAY
Alan is amid a large group of men exercising. Theyre

breathing heavily, and dripping in sweat, doing jumping
jacks.
We have a few characters here, notably: A big man named MARK,

Chuck, and Chris.
Chris is a rehab worker, and hes in front, holding a

megaphone. Hes shouting at everybody to motivate them.
CHRIS
Cmon, cmon, cmon! I want more
energy! Lift up those arms! Jump
like you mean it!
ALAN
I cant.
Chris goes over to Alan.
CHRIS
YOU WOT?
ALAN
I have to go to the bathroom.
CHRIS
Theres no stopping. You only have
15 minutes to go. Hold it in.
ALAN
I cant.
CHRIS
Well, youre not allowed to leave.
31.
ALAN
Please, weve been doing this for
an hour, I --
CHRIS
KEEP JUMPING, MR CARMICHAEL!
Alan stops doing jumping jacks. He runs around Chris, and

goes to the door. He tries pulling it open.
ALAN
Whats wrong with this door?
CHRIS
No one leaves, until I say so.
ALAN
But I have to --
Alan squeezes his legs together like hes in pain, and then
he pisses himself. The warm yellowy liquid runs down his leg,
and makes a puddle on the floor.
Everyone stops their jumping jacks, and stare. Theres an

awkward moment of silence.
Then Chuck says something:
CHUCK
When you gotta go, you gotta go.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
There are lots of people here. Drug addicts in recovery. Some

we see are eating, while others are lining up for food.
Alan is lining up for food. He has a tray with him, and he

moves along as each person leaves after being served.
Soon its his turn.
Alan makes eye-contact with the CAFETERIA LADY, who mugs at

him.
ALAN
Hi --
CAFETERIA LADY
Whaddaya want?
ALAN
Uh, do you have pizza?
32.
CAFETERIA LADY
Stop bein such a smartass.
ALAN
No, I really want pizza.
CAFETERIA LADY
We have oatmeal, or sunflower
butter sandwiches. Take your pick.
ALAN
Ummm... Ill have the oatmeal,
please.
The Cafeteria Lady puts a bowl on Alans tray, and using a

lady, dumps in some oatmeal.
CAFETERIA LADY
NEXT!
Alan leaves to go find a place to sit down. He comes to a

table, where theres an empty chair.
He approaches the chair, but the gargantuan named MARK

glares, and shakes his head, no, and puts out his hand to
block Alan.
MARK
Nope. Youre not sitting here,
pissy pants.
ALAN
What is this high school?
Mark stares at Alan.

ALAN (CONTD)
Fine, I dont care. Whatever.
Alan walks away.
ALAN (CONTD)
(low voice)
Asshole.
Alan starts wandering around the cafeteria. He sees a hand

pop up, and wave to him. This hand belongs to Chuck.
Alan reluctantly goes over to Chuck.
Chuck we notice is a young man. In his early 20s, he is

almost half of Alans age.
33.
ALAN (CONTD)
Hey... You gonna make fun of me,
too?
CHUCK
Have a seat.
Alan sits down, at the end of a table, across from Chuck.
Chuck takes a bite into his sunflower sandwich, while Alan

digs into his bowl of oatmeal.
CHUCK (CONTD)
So, youre new here, huh?
ALAN
Yeah...
CHUCK
Youre the new kid.
ALAN
If you think being 40 years old
makes me a new kid, alright then.
CHUCK
Boy, youve got a lot to learn.
ALAN
About what?
CHUCK
This place... Its not normal.
ALAN
I noticed.
CHUCK
Did Nicole already tell you that
this place has a 99% success rate?
ALAN
Nicole? That crazy blonde lady, who
manages everything? Yeah. Pretty
unbelievable, right?
CHUCK
Not really.
ALAN
Whats that mean?
34.
CHUCK
Do you know the reason for the 99%
success rate?
ALAN
Im all ears.
CHUCK
You dont get to leave here, until
you kick your addiction... Or die.
ALAN
Wait, what? No. The programs only
90 days long.
CHUCK
Did you read the fine print of your
agrement? Its not 90 days. 90 days
is just the minimum. If need be
youll stay here longer. Theres a
guy whos been here for five years.
ALAN
Five years? Who is this joker?
CHUCK
I forget his name... Mark? Yeah, I
think thats it. Mark. Mark
something. Youll know him when you
see him. The guys one big bastard.
I recommend avoiding him.
ALAN
Ill try my best.
Alan, and Chuck take a moment to eat, then continue talking.
CHUCK
So! Whats your deal?
ALAN
My deal?
CHUCK
Yeah, dont leave me hangin. Tell
me about yourself.
ALAN
Why?
CHUCK
This is what people do. They
exchange information to learn about
each other. Right?
35.
ALAN
Correct. But I dont wanna talk
about myself.
CHUCK
Youre a real private person, huh?
ALAN
I know. I have an idea. Why dont
you tell me about you?
CHUCK
Me? No. Im a boring person.
ALAN
Let me be the judge of that.
CHUCK
(thinking)
Well, um, lets see... I grew up in
a family of five. I had an older
brother, and sister. My dad was an
alcoholic, and he would beat my mom
when he got angry. But my mom stuck
it out because she was this crazy
religious woman. To be honest, it
seemed like she was only married to
Jesus.
ALAN
Whoa. Thats some heavy stuff, man.
CHUCK
Nah, its more common than you
think. Im not the only one. Lots
of people grow up like that, and
then they run away from home, and
work on a cruise ship.
ALAN
You worked on a cruise ship? Fancy.
CHUCK
Yeah, its where I met Jennifer.
ALAN
Let me guess. Shes your
shweetheart?
CHUCK
Not exactly.
ALAN
Hows that?
36.
CHUCK
Im... Dont make fun of me, but
shes just someone that I really,
really, really love. But its kind
of, uh, unrequited.
ALAN
Oh, no. Thats bad. How long have
you been in love?
CHUCK
Ummm, 7 years?
ALAN
Fuck. 7 years?
CHUCK
I know. But I cant do anything
about it.
ALAN
Man, you gotta move on.
CHUCK
I want to. I try, but I keep going
back to her. Theres just something
about her. Shes got a stranglehold
on me. I havent even...
(struggling to get words
out)
I havent even been with a lady
before. Thats how much I love her.
SHIT. I made so many sacrifices.
(getting angry)
And she doesnt even appreciate it.
Im in here because of her.
ALAN
Oh, she introduced you to drugs,
huh?
CHUCK
No. No... I got the idea to sell
drugs on my own. Because I wanted
to buy her things. You know, shower
her with gifts, and make her feel
like a princess. Then I became my
own best customer. I was like
Scarface. But a PG version.
Alan shakes his head.

37.
ALAN
I dont know what to say. Im so
disappointed in you.
CHUCK
Hey. You said you wouldnt judge
me.
ALAN
What? That doesnt sound like
something Id say.
Alan now spoons himself some oatmeal. And Chuck bites into
his sunflower butter sandwich.
At this moment, big Mark appears. Walking through the

cafeteria, he slaps Alan on his head.
So hard that Alan drops his spoon.
Alan, and Chuck turn their heads, and look at Mark, who has a
big grin on his face.
ALAN (CONTD)
Hey! What the hell was that for?
Mark doesnt reply. But he stops, backtracks, and takes

Alans bowl of oatmeal, and dumps it on the floor.
Everyone around is looking, curious about whats going on.
ALAN (CONTD)
(to Mark)
Dude. Did no one tell you there are
starving children in Africa?
MARK
Then dont let it go to waste. Lick
it up.
ALAN
Are you crazy?
Mark steps over to Alan, grabs his face, and takes out a
switchblade knife. He puts tip of the blade under Alans
nose.
MARK
Do it, darky.
Alan stares at Chuck like he desperately wants help. But

Chuck is scared too.
38.
MARK (CONTD)
Lets go! I dont have all day!
With Mark breathing down Alans neck, so to speak, Alan

slowly gets up, and goes to the mess on the floor. He lowers
down, and gets on his hands, and knees.
MARK (CONTD)
Mmm, doesnt it look delicious?
Alan hesitates. But his nose is down.
MARK (CONTD)
Wait, hold on. I want everyone to
see this.
(waves to the cafeteria)
Hey, everyone! We got a show goin
on down here! Come one, come all!
Gather around!
An assortment of people get up from their seats, and surround

Alan to watch.
Mark turns his attention back to Alan.
MARK (CONTD)
Alright, now where were we? Ah,
yes, you were going to lick up your
oatmeal, like a lil dog.
CHUCK
Dont do it, Alan.
Mark points his knife at Chuck, and glares at him.

MARK
(angry)
Shut your fucking mouth, Chuck! I
run this place!
Mark grabs Chucks hand, and puts it down flat on the table.
As Alan watches, Mark slams the blade between Chucks

fingers.
Chuck looks in shock. He pulls his hand back, and holds it,
and trembles.
Mark takes his knife out the table, and stares down Alan.
MARK (CONTD)
Get to it, boy...!
39.
Reluctantly, Alan rolls out his tongue, and licks up the

oatmeal.
Minus Chuck, everyone around Alan starts laughing. Its a

cacophony of laughter.
Alan closes his eyes, like hes trying to imagine himself

somewhere else.
INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY
A large group of men, seated on chairs (what else?), are all

in a big circle.
We see some familiar faces. Theres Alan, and Chuck who are
next to each other, and across from them is Mark.
It seems they are waiting for someone to arrive.
Then PREACHER PAUL comes into the room, and enters the
circle. Holding a bible in his hand, he swivels his head, and
looks at everyone.
He clears his throat.
PREACHER PAUL
I know, I know. You dont wanna
hear it. You think that Im just
some sort of religious nut here to
lecture you. But I know all about
struggle. Because after all my hero
was nailed to a cross.
Preacher Paul holds out his Bible.

PREACHER PAUL (CONTD)
And his Father is the one who gave
us humans something called free
will. But free will, my children,
comes with a price. Much like free
speech opens the doors to what you
do not want to hear, free will can
harm you when you make the wrong
decisions. But free will being what
it is, we are given choices. We
have the choice to turn the other
cheek. To be righteous, and do
good.
Preacher Paul looks around to see if everyones listening,

and then continues on.
40.

But being good is hard. Its damned
hard! Because goodness requires
hard work, sacrifice,
determination, and smarts. And then
theres the problem of temptation.
Temptations are all around us,
trying to make us stray. And it
happens! Thats why all of you are
here today, because you foolishly
succumbed to temptation.
ALAN
(low voice)
Whos he calling a fool?
PREACHER PAUL
YOU CRUMBLED. You gave in to an
addiction. But I tell you to free
yourself of this addiction. Free
yourself of all addictions!
Whatever you are addicted to --
drugs, sex, food, booze, cigarettes
-- all addictions are evil! They
are a tool of the devil! They put
you in chains! They enslave you!
But its easy to fall into this
slavery, because all the bad guys,
and bad girls that you think are
your pals are telling you its
something amazing. They say its
progressive, and freeing, and
pleasurable! Is it?! For how long?
NO! Its a lie! They want to own
you! They want you to be hooked!
And theyre all benefiting from
your misery! Everyone is happy,
except you! But do not let them
take advantage of you! Get rid of
the pests, and surround yourself
with good people, who will help you
be better! Refuse the darkness!
Strive to be pure, and righteous!
Break off these shackles, and open
your heart to Christ! Let in the
light of God!
Preacher Paul goes over to Alan, and looks at him with wide
eyes.

Will you accept the Lord, and
savior into your life, and take his
salvation?
41.
ALAN
Look. I dont believe in this God
stuff. If Gods real whys the
world so shitty?
Preach Paul thinks for a moment, and then answers.
PREACHER PAUL
Because you do not have enough
faith.
Alan answers back.
ALAN
Bull shit.
Preacher Paul has a frustrated look on his face, but says

nothing. He goes back to the center of the room. He puts out
his arms like a figure of Christ.
PREACHER PAUL
My son, salvation is here, but only
if you want it.
EXT. REHAB CENTER, OUT BACK - DAY
Wearing sunglasses, Chris is seated on a chair, holding an

electric cattle prod. We notice theres an empty water bottle
beside him.
Hes supervising a group of men breaking rocks.
This group includes the usual: Alan, Chuck, and Mark.

Alan, and Chuck are beside each other, while Mark is down at
the opposite end.
ALAN
(tired)
What is the point of this?
CHUCK
They say when you do something
really hard everything else seems
easier.
ALAN
Nah, I dont buy into that.
At this moment, Chris gets up from his seat, and barks at the
men.
42.
CHRIS
Alright, ladies! I gotta bleed the
lizard -- do not stop breaking
these rocks!
Chris goes away.
As soon as hes out of sight, everyone stops smashing their

rocks. They all throw down their pickaxes, and sit down to
rest.
Except Mark. He leaves his spot, and walks over to Alan, and
Chuck. They look up at him.
MARK
(to Alan)
HEY. I didnt appreciate how you
disrespected the preacher at the
meetin today. I think you all owe
us an apology, darky.
Mark leans forward, and stares down at Alan.
Alan looks afraid at first, but then he makes an angry face,

and stands.
ALAN
Mark. Im getting pretty sick of
this. Now I dont care if you
harass me, and annoy me all day
long -- but call me darky one more
time, and Im gonna put your lights
out.
Mark folds his arm.

MARK
Oh! Is that so? Why dont we do
something about that!
Mark goes over to an open spot. He turns about, and does a

beckoning gesture at Alan.
MARK (CONTD)
Are you coming?
CUT TO:
Chuck, and the rest of the men are surrounding Mark, and
Alan, who are circling around each other, with their hands up
like boxers.
43.
MARK (CONTD)
(to Alan)
Cmon, darky! Hit me!
We can hear cheering, and whooping.
Alan is hesitant. But he then charges forward, and tries

throwing a haymaker.
Mark intercepts this with a straight.
It cracks Alan good, and Alan loses control of his legs, and
falls to the ground on his back.
Seeing this, Chucks eyes go wide.
However, the others are not so concerned. It only excites

them more.
The next moment, as Alan tries to get up, Mark steps on his
chest, and presses him down.
MARK (CONTD)
You got some balls, darky, but that
aint gonna save yah!
Mark really presses his weight into Alan. Alan is struggling

to breathe.
CHUCK
Mark, youre gonna kill him!
MARK
I dont care! Im having fun!
Chuck picks up a rock on the ground, and throws it at Mark.
It hits him in the face, and the crowd of men go silent --
but this attack is ineffective.
MARK (CONTD)
(to Chuck)
You little bastard.
Mark gets his foot off Alans chest, and takes a step
forward. Chuck looks scared.
Then suddenly Mark bends down, and literally picks up Alan,

and throws him at Chuck.
Alan crashes into Chuck.
Its like a ball hitting bowling pins: Stee-rike!

44.
INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY
With a black-eye, Alan is standing in a waiting room, which

is filled to the brim with people. Theres barely an inch to
move.
Alan is becoming claustrophobic. Hes sweating, trying to

breathe.
Then we hear the shrill voice of the SECRETARY.
SECRETARY
#89!
Alan lifts his hand, and looks at his ticket that says #89.
ALAN
Oh, thats me.
(to Secretary)
Coming!
Now he starts maneuvering through the crowd. Its tight.
ALAN (CONTD)
(moving through people)
Excuse me... Sorry, sorry. I just
gotta get through here. Sorry.
Alan reaches the door that has the name NICOLE stamped on
it.
He grabs the doorknob, and turning it, goes inside.
INT. NICOLES OFFICE - DAY

Alan lets himself into Nicoles office. When the door behind
him closes, on its own, he steps forward, and looks about.
This is a very opulent room. Theres high ceilings, gold

trimmings, mahogany wood, silk, and so on. No expense has
been spared.
ALAN
Whoa. Fancy.
Alan continues walking ahead, and he comes to a large desk.

Nicole turns around in her leather chair to face him.
NICOLE
Hello, Mr Carmichael.
ALAN
Hello, Nicole.
45.
NICOLE
What can I do for you?
ALAN
I --
NICOLE
Have a seat.
Alan sits down in the available chair.
NICOLE (CONTD)
You were saying?
ALAN
I have a complaint.
NICOLE
Oh?
ALAN
Do you know Mark?
NICOLE
We all know Mark.
ALAN
Well, hes been, uhhh, bullying me.
Not just me, Chuck too. We both got
beat up by him. Real good, yknow.
Alan points to his black-eye.
NICOLE
Hrm. How unfortunate.
ALAN
And how will he be punished?
NICOLE
He wont be punished.
ALAN
What? Why not?
NICOLE
His father happens to be the owner
of this business.
ALAN
Are you kidding me?
46.
NICOLE
No. I never kid anyone. NOW, Mr
Carmichael, if you would care to
leave, I shall get back to my bird
watching.
Nicole spins her chair around to face the large window. She
picks up a pair of binoculars to look at the birds outside.
ALAN
But what am I gonna do about Mark?
NICOLE
Youre a grown man. With muscles.
Have you ever considered sticking
up for yourself instead of relying
on others? Or might it be that you
are too cowardly to do that?
ALAN
(irritated)
I am not a coward.
NICOLE
Thats good to know. Then you can
tell Mark to leave you alone.
ALAN
I dont think its as easy as you
make it sound.
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, if you dont stick
up for yourself, everyone will
treat you like a doormat. Is that
what you want?
ALAN
Of course not.
NICOLE
So, get to it.
ALAN
But youre supposed to --
NICOLE
MR CARMICHAEL. Cant you see Im
busy? Please. Dont overstay your
welcome here.
Alan glares.
47.
ALAN
Fine. Im going.
Times goes by, and day turns into night.
Alan is curled up, asleep in his bed. Hes making faces,

because hes having a dream.
EXT. ALANS CHILDHOOD HOME - NIGHT
Were outside Alans childhood home. It looks well worn, but

still standing.
INT. ALANS CHILDHOOD HOME, ALANS BEDROOM - NIGHT
Alan, as a small child, is staring out his window, which

looks out onto the street.
His door is open. His mom, MYRTLE, comes by seeing that her
son is still up at this time.
MYRTLE
ALAN!
Alan jumps, and turns to Myrtle.
MYRTLE (CONTD)
Youre supposed to be asleep. What
are you doing?
ALAN
Waiting for daddy to come home.
MYRTLE
How many times have I told you? He
He aint comin back. Your daddy is
gone -- forever.
ALAN
Why?
MYRTLE
...He doesnt love you.
Alan frowns.
48.
MYRTLE (CONTD)
To be honest, I dont love you
either. You were an accident.
Youre not even supposed to exist.
But lucky you here you are. Alive,
and well.
ALAN
Okay. I think Im ready to go to
bed now.
MYRTLE
Good, because I got some things to
do early in the morning.
Alan goes to his bed, and covers himself with his blanket.
ALAN
Whatre you doing in the morning?
MYRTLE
I have to see the witch doctor
about my spontaneous melting.
ALAN
Spontaneous melting?
All of a sudden Myrtle starts melting -- melting, and

screaming.
Young Alan looks horrified.

Alans dream ends. He jerks out of his sleep, and wakes up.
Disturbed, he sits on the edge of his bed, and puts his face
into his hands.
Then the next moment, the rectangular panel on his door

slides, once again, revealing its slot.
Through the slot comes an envelope. It falls onto the floor.
Alan hears this, and slowly turns his head, and looks at it.
INT. LOBBY - DAY
There are lots of men in the lobby, which includes some of

the usual faces: Chris, Alan, and Mark.
49.
Chris, and Mark are in the background, at one end, while Alan
is nearer to the front, seated on a chair with his letter.
Its mail day.
Everyone here is opening, and reading mail.
Alan, with letter in hand, is reading aloud.
ALAN
(reading)
Dear dad, how are you doing? I hope
youre doing OK. The kids at school
keep saying youre bad because you
take drugs.
Alan frowns.
ALAN (CONTD)
(reading)
But I know deep inside youre a
good person, and no matter what
youll always be my father, and
Ill always love. Please get
better. Love, Abbey.
Alan folds his letter up, and puts it into his pocket. He
leans back, and has a little smile on his face.
The next moment, Chuck comes into the lobby holding an

envelope in the shape of a greeting card.
He is absolutely beaming.
CHUCK
Alan! Alan! Youll never guess
what!
Chuck excitedly goes over to Alan.
ALAN
What is it?
CHUCK
You remember Jennifer?
ALAN
I think so. Shes the girl you
like.
CHUCK
The girl I like? No! Shes the girl
I love with all my heart! Shes the
woman of my dreams!
50.
ALAN
Aw, how quaint.
CHUCK
She wrote me!
Chuck shakes his envelope like theres something really

exciting inside.
CHUCK (CONTD)
Finally, after all this time! Oh my
goodness!
Chuck touches his heart.
CHUCK (CONTD)
I think I know what it is.
ALAN
What is it?
CHUCK
Its a love letter. Im like 99%
sure its a love letter. I mean, it
feels like a greeting card, or
something, but, well, you know the
message inside will be, uh, love
lettery.
Alan nods.
CHUCK (CONTD)
Yeah, shes confessing her love for
me. After all this hard work, of
sobering up, shes seeing me for
what I really I am. I got one week
left in this place, and then we get
to be together! How amazing is
that?
ALAN
Pretty damn amazing.
Chuck breathes in the air like its fresh.
CHUCK
I cant believe it. But this is the
day...this is the day my life
finally changes. For the better. I
have Jennifer, and she has me, and
we have each other -- Im the
luckiest man in the world.
51.
ALAN
Congratulations.
Chuck holds his envelope out to Alan.
CHUCK
Here.
ALAN
Whats this?
CHUCK
You open it for me. I want you to
be a part of this special occasion.
ALAN
Really? No, I cant.
CHUCK
Youre my best friend. Youre the
perfect person to do it.
ALAN
I didnt know I was your best
friend.
CHUCK
Oh, Alan. Dont be so humble.
ALAN
Alright then.
Alan takes Chucks envelope.
ALAN (CONTD)
Lets see what we got here.
Alan opens the envelope, and finds something that looks like
a greeting card.
CHUCK
Ooh, a greeting card.
Alan stares at the greeting card which is actually a

wedding invite.
The front is decorated with two swans making the shape of a

heart with their heads, and necks.
CHUCK (CONTD)
Whats it say?
Alan opens the wedding invite, and reads it.

52.
ALAN
(reading)
To Charles A. Smith: Felicitations,
you are cordially invited to the
wedding of Jennifer White & Robert
Carlson. We hope that you will be
there, and can share in our moment
of joy. Please RSV --
CHUCK
(interrupts)
Hold on! Is this a wedding
invitation?
Alans eyes scan the rest of the invite.
ALAN
Yup. It seems you are invited to a
wedding.
CHUCK
That cant be. Youre joking,
right? Ha-ha! Very funny!
Alan puts down the wedding invite.
ALAN
Im sorry, Chuck. I know you had
your heart set on this Jennifer
girl, and youre upset but --
Chucks hearts broken, but hes pretending like its no big

deal.
CHUCK
Im not upset!
Alan seems confused. Chuck puts on a fake smile.
CHUCK (CONTD)
Actually, Im... Im relieved! It
feels like a weight has been lifted
off my shoulders!
ALAN
Chuck, you dont have --
CHUCK
No, no! Im really serious!
Finally, Im free. I dont have to
think about her anymore. I dont
have to do things like CRY when I
see her kissing another guy.
(MORE)
53.
CHUCK (CONT'D)
I can finally move on with my
life, and, and, and I can be a
bachelor. You know, play the field,
be promiscuous. Sleep with lots of
women instead of just saving myself
for one person! Ill be real man
now, wont I?! Wont I, Alan?
ALAN
Yeah... You will.
CHUCK
Okay then! Im off! I gotta start
makin plans to slay those ladies,
huh!
Chuck starts walking away, headed for the nearby hallway.
Alan stands up from his seat.
ALAN
Wait!
Chuck pauses, and looks back at Alan.
ALAN (CONTD)
Take care of yourself, Chuck.
CHUCK
Dont you worry about me. Ill be
fine.
Alan nods. Chuck leaves.
We then see Alans face, which appears very worried.
Time passes by. Day becomes night. Then night becomes

morning.
INT. DORM HALLWAY - DAY
The door to Room #101 opens up. Alan comes out. He stretches,
and yawns.
He goes to the door beside his, and knocks.
ALAN
Rise, and sunshine, sweetheart. We
got another day to get through.
54.
No answer. Alan knocks again.
ALAN (CONTD)
Yo! Chuck? You awake?
Alan knocks a third time.
ALAN (CONTD)
If youre doin something gross in
there, just be ready, Im comin
in.
Alan gingerly opens the door to Chucks room.
INT. CHUCKS ROOM - DAY
Alan lets himself into Chucks room. He walks forward a bit,

and looks about, seeing no one.
But then his eyes move to the bed, and he spots Chuck covered
from head to toe in blanket.
We notice nearby there is a pill on the floor; however, our

protagonist doesnt pay any attention to this.
ALAN
(to Chuck)
Oh, there you are.
Alan goes closer to Chuck. His foot incidentally kicks away

the pill on the floor.
ALAN (CONTD)
Trying to hide from me, huh?
Chuck doesnt respond.
ALAN (CONTD)
Hey, I know youve been feeling
down lately, so I got something for
you.
Alan goes into his back pocket, and takes out a chocolate
bar.
ALAN (CONTD)
I got you some chocolate. I know
they banned us from eating junk
food, buuut, I managed to sneak it
in. Do you wanna eat it now, or
later?
Again, theres no response from Chuck.

55.
ALAN (CONTD)
Chuck?
Alan grabs Chucks blanket, and rips it off.
Chuck is rigid like a board, laying down, not moving

whatsoever. His eyes are open, staring up at nothing. Theres
some white foam around his mouth. There is an empty pill
bottle in his hand.
ALAN (CONTD)
(whispering)
Chuck?
Alan stands over Chuck, and stares.
ALAN (CONTD)
Are you okay?
Alan touches Chuck. When Chuck doesnt respond, Alan puts his
fingers on his neck to check his pulse. Theres not
heartbeat.
ALAN (CONTD)
Oh, shit.
Alan runs to the doorway, and screams into the hallway.
ALAN (CONTD)
HEYYYY! HEYYYY !IS ANYONE THERE?!
SOMEONE CALL 911! FOR THE LOVE OF
GOD! I NEED HELP!
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

Holding flowers, dressed in a long coat, and scarf, Alan
walks over a grassy hill, and visits Chucks headstone.
With a somber face, he stares down at it.
ALAN
Im not supposed to be here, but I
wanted to give you some flowers.
Alan places the flowers down on Chucks grave.
ALAN (CONTD)
They smell pretty good... Hey, I
never told you this before, because
I didnt think youd wanna hear
it... But I think youre too damned
good for that Jennifer girl! She
didnt deserve you, man.
(MORE)
56.
ALAN (CONTD)
You were, you were the A-side. You
were something else.
Alan pauses a moment, then continues on.
ALAN (CONTD)
Rest in peace, Chuck. Or I dunno,
be a wild man, and party. If you
see Marilyn Monroe, tell her I
said, Hi.
Alan grins, but kind of a sad grin. He sighs, and sits down
on the ground. You can see the pain in the face. You can hear
his labored breathing.
He lowers his head, and starts crying. Tears silently roll

down his cheeks.
We pull back, and see how he looks sitting in front of

Chucks stone. He looks so small. So small, and insignificant
in the cemetery.
Alan comes up to the rehab center. His head is kept down like
hes trying to hide. He uses a key, and opens the front door,
and quietly goes inside.
INT. LOBBY - DAY
Chaos.
Theres a riot on hand. The rehab centers lobby is being

torn apart, and wrecked.
The rehab patients are going ape. Theyre throwing things.

Theyre smashing, and tearing, and ripping anything they can
get their hands on.
There are sounds of screaming, crashing, and breaking. Its

absolute pandemonium.
Rehab worker Chris is in the middle of this, on the ground in

a turtle position, covering his head to preserve himself.
Alan sees Mark standing above Chris, about to throw a chair

down onto him.
ALAN
Ohhh, crap.
Alan runs up, and stands in front of Mark to block him.

57.
ALAN (CONTD)
Dont do this. Youll regret it.
MARK
Get out of my way, darky.
Alan shakes his head nope.
MARK (CONTD)
Im going to kill you!
ALAN
(angry)
I dont care! Why dont you try!?
Alan suddenly kicks Mark in his testes.
As Mark lowers, doubled over in pain, Alan jerseys him; he

grabs the back of shirt, and pulls it over his head.
Alan then pushes Mark back, and sends him to the floor.
Now, Alan tends to Chris, and taps him on his shoulder. Chris
looks up.
ALAN (CONTD)
Come on, Chris. We gotta get out of
here.
Alan helps Chris up, and the two hastily head out the front
entry as the melee in the lobby continues.
And then we hear Nicoles voice over the speaker system. Her
voice is loud enough that its heard by everyone.
NICOLE (O.S.)
(speaker)
Hello, friends. I hope youre all
doing well. Due to recent
complaints about a fracas in the
lobby, we shall be releasing a
sleeping gas to calm everyone down.
Reportedly it has a taste of
strawberries -- or was that acid?
The rehab patients causing trouble stop, and look at the loud
speaker.
Over the speaker we hear the shuffling of papers like

Nicoles trying to read something.
58.
NICOLE (O.S.) (CONTD)

(speaker)
Oh. Yes. Here it says acid. Its
acid.
The mens eyes go wide, and SLEEPING GAS pours out from the
ceilings, and engulfs them.
They violently cough, and choke, and pass out.
INT. JUSTICE ROOM - DAY
We are in a setting that has a strong resemblance to a

courtroom.
Here Alan is in handcuffs accompanied by two large men that

look like security guards. He is standing before the judge,
who happens to be Nicole.
In the witness stand we see Chris.
In the jury box theres Mark, and the rest whore rehab
workers. The workers also fill in the audience area.
However, no patients are present, other than Mark, and Alan.
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, you are hereby
formally charged, in this room of
justice, for the grievances, and
transgression of being the
mastermind of this rehabilitation
centers most recent calamity, a
riot, in which hundreds of
thousands of dollars worth of
property was damaged in this
buildings very fine lobby. How do
you plead?
ALAN
Not guilty.
NICOLE
Im afraid that is an unacceptable
answer.
ALAN
Then why did you ask me that
question?
NICOLE
Mr Carmichael, it is clear that you
are guilty.
(MORE)
59.
NICOLE (CONT'D)
You were the only individual who
left the rehabilitation center,
before the occurrence of the riot,
and therefore you have self-
incriminated yourself on the basis
of your absence. Furthermore, Chris
has made testimonials of your wrong
doing.
(to Chris)
Christopher, isnt that right? Did
you not say that Alan was the
mastermind of this infraction?
CHRIS
Yes. Alan is a very suspicious
character. Ive always had my eye
on him from day one. You never know
what he could be up to. He
certainly isnt a good character. I
know for a fact he inappropriately
touches himself at night.
ALAN
No, I dont.
CHRIS
Yes, you do. We have video of what
youve been doing.
ALAN
How, how do you have video of what
Ive been doing?
CHRIS
Theres a hidden camera in your
room.
ALAN
(angry)
Theres a hidden camera in my
room?!?
NICOLE
Quiet, Mr Carmichael! You will only
speak when spoken to!
ALAN
But --
Nicole angrily bangs her gavel.
NICOLE
ORDER! ORDER IN THE ROOM OF
JUSTICE!
60.
Alan seems intimidated.
NICOLE (CONTD)
Mr Carmichael! I am very
disappointed with your most awful
behavior. How do you expect to
recover from your insidious
addiction, if you do not follow the
rules?
ALAN
Your rules are confusing. And, and
I try my best. Doesnt that count
for anything?
NICOLE
I do not want your best -- I want
perfection! And that means being
obedient, and disciplined. In the
future, I highly suggest you avoid
behaving like some sort of filthy
animal without any self-control.
ALAN
Im not a filthy animal... Im a
human-being!
NICOLE
So far that is not evident.
Alan is getting angry.
ALAN
This is ridiculous.
NICOLE
Did you say what I think you said?
ALAN
This is ridiculous, Nicole! Youre
going to punish me, even when Im
not guilty! And I can get at least
a dozen witnesses to testify my
innocence!
NICOLE
Yes, but Chris thinks youre
guilty.
ALAN
And his word is worth the words of
a dozen people?
61.
NICOLE
Well, those dozen people you speak
of are addicts.
ALAN
So?
NICOLE
So their words are not worth as
much. I trust an addict as much as
I can throw him -- or her.
ALAN
See!
NICOLE
See what?
ALAN
This is the problem with this
business! You treat us like were
just criminals, and nothing more.
Like we're bad people that deserve
to be punished. Yeah, okay, maybe
some of us are bad -- but most of
us aren't.
Alans getting really riled up.
ALAN (CONTD)
I mean, do you think we want to be
addicted, that we want to be this
way? We know were broken! But we
want to be fixed! We want to be
normal! We want to be productive
members of society! The only reason
we do drugs is because were in
pain. Were just trying to be
happy. Sure, there are other ways
to be happy, but sometimes the
chemical shortcut to happiness is
the easiest way. Can we be blamed
for wanting that? We're not much
different than anyone else, are we?
What about the rest of society?
People drink alcohol, and coffee,
and smoke cigarettes... Aren't
those drugs? Morally, what makes
them so much better? They're
altering their mood with chemicals
too. So, before you judge me, look
at yourself. Look at other people.
(MORE)
62.
ALAN (CONTD)
We're all just trying to escape
this malaise.... This hurt... This
torture.
Nicole has a stoic look on her face.
ALAN (CONTD)
You know my friend Chuck? He got
his heart broken by someone he
loved for 7 years. Julien's going
through one hell of a divorce.
Baxter lost his sister to a drunk
driver. And Liams got anxiety, and
depression from being abused as a
kid. Even Mark that piece of crap,
hes living under the shadow of his
father, never able to please
him. You see. We all got something
going on. Or theres something
that's happened to us. Were not
maniacs, alright? We didn't jump to
drugs to be transgressive, and
break the law. We did it out of
desperation, so we could feel some
type of joy -- even though we know
it's artificial, and manufactured.
But that doesn't make us the bad
guys. That makes us human. Are we
not human?
Nicole folds her arms.
ALAN (CONTD)
And, anyway, what's so wrong about
me harming myself? It's my body.
Can't I do what I want with it?
NICOLE
But the thing is you're not just
harming yourself. Your behavior is
harming those around you, those who
care for you. You are not an
island, Mr Carmichael.
ALAN
But Im not a bad person either.
So, stop treating me like one!
NICOLE
Either way, Mr Carmichael, you have
to be punished. If you aren't, you
won't learn. You must be
conditioned to behave right.
(MORE)
63.
NICOLE (CONT'D)
Whether your believe it or not, the
law, in here, and outside, is made
with good intentions, and
reasoning.
ALAN
No, its not.
NICOLE
THIS IS NOT UP FOR DEBATE.
ALAN
Well, I dont give a shit.
Nicole gets her gavel. She angrily bangs it down, and uses it
to point.
NICOLE
Take him away to floor five!
ALAN
Floor five?
The two large men behind Alan grab him, and start dragging
him away.
ALAN (CONTD)
Hey, man!
NICOLE
Enjoy your punishment, Mr
Carmichael! I know I will!
ALAN
Ergh! You cant do this to me! This
isnt fair!
NICOLE
Didnt your mama ever tell you?
Life isnt fair!
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Accompanied by the two large men from the justice room, Alan
gets into an elevator.
The doors close behind, and everyone turns about, and faces
the panel used for selecting floors.
The panel we notice only has three buttons: B, 1, and 5.
One of the large men presses the button marked 5.

64.
The elevator starts moving now, making its usual noises.
Then it goes DING! and gets to floor five.
INT. FLOOR FIVE - DAY
The elevator doors open up on floor five. Alan, and the two
large men come out.
The elevator doors close behind. They walk forward.
Floor five is a plain area made of concrete, and steel. In

the middle of this is a peculiar metal box.
The metal box is about 3 feet high, if that, and has an

inlet, and button on the top. But we dont know what its
for.
Alan, and his compatriots go up to this box.
ALAN
What is this?
LARGE MAN #1, one of the two large men, presses the button on
top, and the metal box opens at the front.
LARGE MAN #1
(to Alan)
Get inside.
ALAN
Im not getting in there.
LARGE MAN #2 suddenly strikes Alan in the back of the head

with a club.
Alan collapses to the floor.
CUT TO:
ALAN IS TRAPPED INSIDE THE PECULIAR METAL BOX
Hes sat on his bottom, with barely enough room to move. His
knees are to his chest.
ALAN (CONTD)
HEY!
Alan hits his fists on the metal walls.
ALAN (CONTD)
LET ME OUT OF HERE! YOU CANT KEEP
ME IN HERE!
(MORE)
65.
ALAN (CONTD)
(trying to keep it
together)
Come on, you guys! This isnt
funny!
OUTSIDE
Large Man #1, and Large Man #2 are tending to Alans metal
box.
Large Man #2 gets a hose, and hands it to Large Man #1.
Large Man #1 attaches the hose to the inlet on the top of the
box.
LARGE MAN #1
Alright -- let er rip!
Large Man #2 goes over to the water valve, and turns the
handle.
Cold water starts flowing through the hose, and starts

entering into the metal box.
INSIDE THE METAL BOX
Alan feels the cold water, which is rapidly flowing into what
little space he has. He screams, and desperately tries
breaking out.
He pushes the inside of his box. He tries blocking the hole

above him, but it doesnt do a damned thing. He tries pushing
the walls again, and still finds it fruitless.
Trapped, he begins hyperventilating.

And then soon he is completely submerged. We see him
struggling, trying to come to terms with what is happening to
him. He has the movements of a man, who is under complete
panic.
MEANWHILE OUTSIDE THE BOX
The two large men, with their hands folded, are standing by,
waiting in silence.
Time is going by. So slowly.
Literally 30 seconds pass.
Then the metal box Alan is in suddenly pops open.

66.
Alan falls out onto the floor, like a baby animal coming out
of its mothers womb. He coughs, and wheezes, and gasps to
breathe.
Its 4:30 in the morning.
Looking worse for wear, Alan is pacing back, and forth. He

looks angry.
He goes over to his dresser, and grabs it, and with a scream,
pulls it down, making it crash to the ground.
ALAN
(points to self)
Who the hell do they think I am?! I
wont let them treat me like this!
Im own man! Im my own man, you
hear me?! I can do whatever the
hell I want!
Alan goes over to his bed, and kicks it with his foot.
ALAN (CONTD)
Ill show those bastards!
Alan takes his pillow, and throws it against the wall.
ALAN (CONTD)
Fuck them, and fuck this place!
INT. LOBBY - NIGHT

The lobby is pretty much deserted. Its dark, but theres
some moonlight coming in.
Alan, from the hallway, quietly enters. Hes trying not to be

caught. He takes quiet steps, and goes behind the reception
counter.
As soon as he does, the phone rings. He quickly picks it up.
ALAN
(on phone)
Hello? Yeah... Uh-huh... Okay. See
yah there. Bye.
Alan hangs up the phone.

67.
EXT. REHAB CENTER, OUT BACK - NIGHT
Alan is right behind the rehab center. Hes sat outside on a

tree stump, waiting for a drug dealer.
He keeps looking over his shoulder to see if anyones there.

And then TROY, a handsome man in a suit, appears. He waves to
Alan.
Alan waves back, and stands up, and walks down to go meet
him.
ALAN
Troy.
TROY
Alan.
ALAN
(annoyed)
Youre late.
TROY
Ah, so what? I got your stuff,
didnt I?
Troy hands Alan a brown paper bag. Alan glances inside.
TROY (CONTD)
Everything look alright?
Alan nods.
TROY (CONTD)
Good. Ill collect my money when
you come back in town. Nice doing
business with yeh.
Troy grins, and leaves.
Alan hastily walks back to the rehab center, and goes inside.
INT. LOBBY - NIGHT
Alan goes through the lobby, and heads into the dorm hallway.
Alan comes into his room. He closes the door, and takes his
brown bag to his bed, and eagerly sits down. He looks down at
the bag.
68.
ALAN
(to self)
Alright, Alan. Whatre you gonna do
now?
Alan shakes his head.
ALAN (CONTD)
No, I shouldnt do it. Im here to
get better. This is a rehab center.
Im here to get rehabilitated.
Okay, Alan. Just put it away. Its
not that hard.
Alan leaves his bag on his bed, and stands up. He goes over
to his fallen dresser. He picks it up, putting it back in
place.
ALAN (CONTD)
Calm yourself, Alan. Drugs arent
good for you. You know that. They
kill you. Eventually.
Alan puts his hands on top of the dresser like hes bracing
himself.
ALAN (CONTD)
Fight your inner demons. Dont let
them get a hold of you. Youre
better than this. Prove the world
wrong. Show em youre more than
your addiction.
Alan goes back to his bed, and he picks up the brown bag.
ALAN (CONTD)
Just put it away.
He takes the brown bag, and places it atop his dresser, then
he sits on his bed again, and stares at it from a distance.
He anxiously twiddles his thumbs. There are bullets of sweat

forming on his forehead.
ALAN (CONTD)
This isnt too bad. Right? Yeah...
Yeah! I dont need drugs!
CUT TO:
Alan is in the middle of the room. He enthusiastically dumps

the contents of his brown bag directly onto his face, which
subsequently goes all over the place.
69.
He then drops to the floor, on his hands, and knees, and runs
his nose through the white powder, and sucks it up.
ALAN (CONTD)
Ohhhh, thats good!
Alan rolls onto his back, and lays down. He starts motioning
his arms, and legs, like hes making a snow angel.
After that, he has a wide smile on his face. He closes his

eyes, and relaxes.
But theres a VERY LOUD knocking at his door. He opens his

eyes, and worriedly looks.
ALAN (CONTD)
Huh? Whos there? Whatever you
think Im doing in here, Im not
doing it!
The door to Room #101 slowly opens (outward), and a red ball
bounces inside. But no ones thrown it, or so it seems.
Alan stands to his feet. He quickly dusts himself off, and

goes over to pick up the red ball.
He looks at the surface of the red ball, and a message

appears on it as if written by an invisible hand.
The words say: Play stupid games. Win stupid prizes.
Alan gets angry, and throws the ball toward the doorway. But
the ball doesnt go into the hall, and instead bounces back
into the room.
ALAN (CONTD)
What the hell?
Alan goes to the doorway, and notices it is rather flat. He

reaches at the top corner, and peels away something that is
just a photo. Behind it is just the wall.
Room #101 has no door anymore.
And then we hear a loud scraping sound, like someone moving

furniture across a floor.
Alan turns around, and sees his dresser is facing him.
The dresser opens its top drawer, and reveals a dozen

oversized medical needles. They all point to Alan.
The needles come flying out the dresser drawer, like darts.
Alan ducks, and the needles get stuck in the wall behind.
70.
He glances at them as if in disbelief.
Then he runs at the dresser, and gives it a big kick to knock

it down.
It goes THUD!
ALAN (CONTD)
(points to dresser)
I never trusted you!
The next moment, the toilet mysteriously flushes on its own.

Alan goes over to the toilet, and looks in it.
The toilet is filling with blood, and it overflows, and

starts flooding the room.
ALAN (CONTD)
Jesus!
To avoid getting his legs soaked, Alan stands on his bed, and
watches as blood pours out from the toilet.
ALAN (CONTD)
Oooh, yuck!
Suddenly, the bed Alans on pops up, and makes him fall down.
But Alan falls onto the bed, which closes as a Venus fly trap
does.
Alan is wrapped up, being squeezed in the jaws of the bed.

He grunts, and struggles trying to get free.
While doing so, the toilet blood continues rising. Alan lifts
his face trying to avoid the blood, but it does no good as
the blood soon engulfs him entirely.
Is he done for?
We see activity of movement, some splashing, and bubbles in

the red liquid -- though only for a short while. The red
liquid becomes still, and a time goes by.
It seems our hero has been vanquished.
But then in the center of the room, a perfectly white arm

(belonging to a man) rises from the blood, waves, and
disappears.
Who is it? We dont know.
In this moment, the blood all starts to drain.

71.
It starts swirling toward the center of the room, and going

down a hole. In a matter of seconds Room #101, relatively
speaking, is dry.
Now, the bed releases Alan, and Alan gets to his feet. He
coughs out blood, and wipes his mouth.
He goes over to the open manhole, that has taken away all the
blood, and looks down at it.
ALAN (CONTD)
Howd that get there?
We hear a feminine whispering VOICE respond.
VOICE (V.O.)
Alan.
Alan looks up.
ALAN
Who, whos there?
VOICE (V.O.)
Do you need help?
ALAN
Yes! Yes, I do need help! Help me!
VOICE (V.O.)
The only person that can help you
now...is you.
ALAN
What kinda bullshit is that? At
least gimme some useful advice!
VOICE (V.O.)
Keep moving forward.
ALAN
Thats it?! Thats your advice?!
VOICE (V.O.)
Goodbye, Alan.
Alan is pissed off, but he goes over to the manhole, and

looks at it anyway. He nods to himself, knowing he has to go
down, and he does so reluctantly.
72.
INT. SEWER - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
Alan comes down a ladder, and enters the sewer. The sewer is
a large, dank, stinky place, but its illuminated with
floating candles.
They seem to indicate a path to follow.
Alan immediately notices them. He also notices some graffiti

on the concrete wall beside.
A message which says: Follow the light.
So, thats what Alan does. He starts following the candles.
After taking a few turns he comes to the end of the sewer,

where theres a rusty gate acting as a barrier to the
outdoors.
Alan walks up to this gate, and tries opening it. He pushes

on it a couple times, and finds it does nothing.
ALAN
Aw, Come on...!
Alan sighs.
ALAN (CONTD)
Maybe I have to pull it.
Alan grabs the gate, and pulls on it. One of the rails
dislodges, and this puts him off balance, and sends him
falling to his bottom.
But he gets up, with the rail in his hand.

ALAN (CONTD)
Damn it.
Alan throws the rail to the floor. In that instance the rail
magically transforms into a cobra. The cobra hisses at Alan.
Alan takes a step back.
Suddenly all the rails on the gate turns into cobras as well.
They all face Alan, and glare his way.
Alan turns around to run. He gets a few feet, but bumps into
an invisible barrier.
ALAN (CONTD)
What the -- ?
73.
Alan taps on this invisible barrier making a sound like

tapping on glass.
As the hissing cobras are heard, Alan turns back to face

them.
ALAN (CONTD)
Stay away from me!
Alan picks up a stick on the ground, and swings it back, and

forth. He hits one of the cobras in the head.
Its at this point Alan notices the newfound opening at the

end of the sewer from the gate turning into slithering
creatures.
He drops his stick, and sprints past the cobras, and

successfully escapes the sewer.
EXT. FOREST TRAIL - NIGHT
Alan comes running out onto a forest trail. He runs, and

runs, until he is out of breath.
He leans forward, and rests his hands on his knees. He

glances back, and sees there are no more cobras.
After he catches his breath he stands erect, and looks out

into the yonder with a squint.
ALAN
Where am I?
He sees the forest trail ahead, and in the far distance a

large mountain, with a shaft of light pointed downward at a
freestanding door.
ALAN (CONTD)
Hmm, follow the light...
So, Alan journeys on.
EXT. FOREST TRAIL, SPIKE PIT - NIGHT
Not paying proper attention, Alan takes a step, and with a

yelp, nearly falls into a pit with spikes.
But he grabs onto the ledge of dirt, saving himself, and he

maneuvers his legs, and gets back onto even ground.
He stands, and stares in disbelief at this spike pit

74.
ALAN
You gotta be kidding me.
Alan moves back from the spike pit, and then runs ahead, and
jumps over it. He barely clears the gap. He stumbles, and
falls, but clambers back to standing.
Alan continues on.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - NIGHT
The forest trail comes to an end. Alan comes up to a forest

clearing. He approaches cautiously, seeing whats there.
There are tiki torches all around for illumination, and big,
fat men in top hats, and suits, backs facing us, at a long,
wooden table.
They have empty dinnerware in front of them as if theyre

waiting for food to arrive.
Alan decides to enter the clearing. He comes forward.
ALAN
(shyly)
Excuse me.
No one responds.
ALAN (CONTD)
EXCUSE ME. Sorry to bother, you
gentlemen, but Im a little lost,
and I need some directions.
(points to mountain)
I have to go up that mountain -- I
think.
All the fat men in their top hats, and suits turn around.
They arent men, so much as they are literally pigs, with
pink skin, and big, flat noses.
These PIG MEN angrily oink at Alan.
ALAN (CONTD)
Oh! Whoa! Sorry, I think Ive made
a mistake here.
Alan turns around, and a GIANT PIG comes out of the shadows,
and blocks his way.
ALAN (CONTD)
Is that a giant pig?
75.
GIANT PIG
REVENGE!
The Giant Pig opens its jaws, and snatches up Alan, and
swallows him whole.
The Giant Pig rears back, and squeals.
The Pig Men clap at this display.
EXT. TINY ISLAND - NIGHT
On a tiny tropical island, that has a single coconut tree,

and a rowboat, the Giant Pig is asleep, laying down on its
side.
As it lays there, we hear Alan coming out of this enormous

beasts rear-hole. He is grunting, and struggling, and then
somehow gets out.
He falls to the ground, and stands up, breathing through his

mouth. We notice hes covered in something that looks like
brown mud.
He spits out some of this brown mud and walks to the

waters.
He crouches down, and scooping the water, washes his face. He

then goes over to the rowboat, and pushes it into the ocean,
and jumps in.
He takes the oars, and starts rowing.
EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT
Alan is rowing through the ocean. Its hard work. Hes

breathing hard, and pumping his arms.
But whilst doing so a storm begins. Rain comes pouring down.

Lightning strikes, thunder claps, and the waters turn choppy.
Yet our hero keeps going.
Then all of a sudden three tornados (waterspouts) form, and

surround him in a triangular fashion.
With a panicked look on his face, Alan tries getting through

them; however, one of these waterspouts snaps out, bending
his way.
It sucks him up. He gets taken in, and twisted around, like a
plastic bag caught in the wind.
76.
EXT. MEDIUM SIZED ISLAND - NIGHT
All we see is darkness. Then we realize we are behind Alans

eyes as he blinks. He blinks, and sees a DIMINUTIVE MAN, only
an inch high, staring down at him.
ALAN
Augh!
Alan shakes the Diminutive Man off, and tries getting up. But
he cant. He turns his eyes, and figures out that hes tied
up in rope.
His whole body is constricted.
And all these tiny, little people are standing around him,
staring.
They are the locals of a nearby simple but quaint village.
ALAN (CONTD)
What do you want from me?!
The DIMINUTIVE MAN, who is now on his feet, replies.
DIMINUTIVE MAN
Monster!
ALAN
Im not a monster --
DIMINUTIVE MAN
MONSTER!
The Diminutive Man, and the tiny, little people all around
charge. They run onto Alan, and they get on his face, and go
into his ears, nostrils, and eyes.
They get under his skin, and make their way to the top of his
head. Under his skin they all start stomping like theyre
trying to put out fires.
ALAN
Aaaaagh!
Alan breaks the ropes holding him down. He stands up, and
with his fists hits his own head, wherever the tiny, little
people might be.
Then he gets down on his hands, and knees, and starts

slamming his head onto the ground on the location of the
village.
77.
The small buildings are getting decimated. Yet as crazy as

this is it works.
The tiny, little people inside Alans head are killed.
After a time, Alan stops his destruction of the village.

Breathing heavily, he pauses. He touches his face as if
inspecting it. Nothing is felt.
ALAN (CONTD)
I guess theyre all dead.
Alan wipes his forehead, and goes, Whew!
He gets off his hands, and knees, and finds a large, flat
rock. He sits down on it to rest.
While resting, he hears a noise. Like that of a bird

screeching.
He tilts his head back, and looks up. There are vultures,
with glowing yellow eyes, circling above.
ALAN (CONTD)
Are those vultures?
On those words, one of the vultures swoops down. As it

approaches we see the real size of this bird, which is
absolutely enormous.
Alan makes haste, and gets off his rock, and runs. The
oversized vulture is far too fast.
Using its talons it picks up Alan, and takes him away into
the sky.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
The giant vulture is carrying Alan through the sky at a swift

speed.
It then releases him, allowing him to drop.
EXT. SEA STACK - NIGHT
Landing on his bottom, Alan falls into an enormous nest that

is resting atop a very tall sea stack (a high, narrow island
on the water).
There he notices four large eggs sitting before him. Theyre

huge for eggs, at least 4 or 5 feet tall.
78.
The one in front starts moving, and cracking at the top.
The shell breaks, and a person pops out.
Not just any person, but the DOPPELGANGER of Alan. He looks

like Alan in almost every way, except his skin and hair are
white, his eyes are red, and hes wearing nothing but a
loincloth.
Staring, Alans face is bewildered.
The Doppelganger goes over to Alan, and takes him by the

hands, and helps him to his feet.
Both standing they look at each other.
The Doppelganger simpers -- and then, with a fang-filled

mouth, angrily hisses.
He gives Alan a hard shove, pushing him out of the nest.
Alan descends, and crashes into the water.
EXT. UNDER WATER - NIGHT
Under water, Alan encounters a great white shark.
He screams releasing bubbles from his mouth.
As it seems he is about to be swallowed a pack of piranhas

from behind, suddenly appear, and rush past him, and swarm
the shark.
The piranhas strip the shark of his flesh, and leave behind
but a skeleton.
Now the threat gone, Alan starts swimming up.
EXT. MOUNTAIN AREA, SHORE - NIGHT
Alan comes out of the water. Coughing, and taking in deep

breathes, he crawls onto land, and finds he is in a brand new
area.
He is at the shore before the large mountain -- the very same

one he saw from before.
Gingerly, Alan stands up, and after rubbing his eyes, he

stares at the mountain. He sees the peak of the mountain,
where there is a freestanding door with a shaft of light
shining down on it.
79.
ALAN
(to self)
I guess thats where I have to go.
So, Alan walks over to the foot of the mountain.
EXT. MOUNTAIN, FOOT - NIGHT
Alan gets to the foot of the mountain. He pauses to see the

journey ahead, and then walks up, going past an illuminated
arrow.
Moments after Alan is out of sight his Doppelganger sneaks

into the picture, and appears -- it looks like hes up to no
good.
EXT. MOUNTAIN, SLOPE - NIGHT
Alan makes his way up the mountain slope. The slope is just
barely walkable, having non-flat surfaces, dips, holes, loose
rocks, and debris on the ground.
As Alan continues on, getting closer to his destination, he

hears a noise like that of a HOWLER MONKEY.
He pauses, and looks over his shoulder, and sees his

Doppelganger following behind.
The Doppelganger points, and makes more howler monkey noises.
Alans eyes go wide, and he starts running away. The

Doppelganger gives chase.
Alan runs as fast as he can, but soon starts tiring. On his
way, he stops to pick up a large stone. He puts his hands
around it, and struggles to lift it up, but he gets it above
his head.
Using all his strength he throws it at the Doppelganger.
The Doppelganger gives the stone a head-butt, and shatters it

into a thousand pieces.
Immediately after this, he howls again at Alan.
Alan goes back to running away, with the Doppelganger just

behind.
Together they ascend the mountain.

80.
EXT. MOUNTAIN, SUMMIT - NIGHT
Alan and the Doppelganger reach the summit, where just ahead
there is the freestanding door from before.
It has its familiar shaft of light shining down on it, but

being able to see detail we notice that it is marked: Exit.
Alan sprints to the door. He grabs the knob, and tries

turning it, and pushing it in.
But it doesnt do anything.
Now the sound of the Doppelgangers howl is heard, once more,

and Alan turns around to face his adversary.
The Doppelganger creeps toward him, but before getting any

closer, he smiles an evil smile.
DOPPELGANGER
Hello, Alan...
ALAN
Who, who are you?
DOPPELGANGER
Alan, my boy! Dont you recognize
me? Im you!
ALAN
YOU ARE NOT ME!
The Doppelganger laughs.
Enraged, Alan charges forward. He throws a wild punch -- IN

SLOW MOTION. Its like hes in a dream.
Alan notices that he is throwing a slow motion punch. He

looks at his arm as if hes waiting for it to speed up.
The Doppelganger, however, can move as he pleases, and he

ducks this very sluggish punch, and grabs Alan with a full-
bodied grip.
He takes Alan, lifts him up, and tosses him.
Alan goes crashing into, and through the mountains door

marked Exit.
EXT. REHAB CENTER, FRONT - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
The front door to the rehab center bursts open, with Alan
coming out of it. He tumbles to the ground, and rolls.
81.
He stands up, and confusedly looks at his surroundings.
Everywhere theres snow, and ice, and the sky is grey.
THE SEASON IS WINTER
Alan breathes out a big cloud from his mouth, and he rubs
himself trying to warm up. His head then turns, and he spots
his car in the near distance.
He runs to his car, and takes out a set of keys, which he

uses to open the door. No problems here. He gets into the
drivers seat, and closes the door.
He brings his keys to the ignition switch, but finds his keys
are not really keys anymore. They are plastic baby keys.
ALAN
What the hell?
Alan angrily throws the plastic baby keys, and they land at
the corner of the dash pad, under the windshield.
Alan now tries opening his door to get out. It wont budge.
And then all of sudden the car all on its own turns itself
on. We hear the sound of the motor going.
Alan has a look on his face like, WTF?
The car drives off -- as fast as it can go. Alan is pushed

back into his seat.
The car speeds around the PARKING LOT, and heads for the
frozen lake which is off to the side of the rehab center.
EXT. REHAB CENTER, LAKE - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Alan is still trapped in his car, which seems to have a mind

of its own.
The car plows through a pile of snow, and gets onto the
FROZEN lake, where it loses control, and spins out.
But soon the spinning stops, and the cars rests in the middle
of the ice.
We see Alan inside, trying to figure things out. Is that

it? He stays still, and his eyes wander in a paranoid
manner.
82.
Then he feels a quake. The weight of his car has broken the
ice beneath, and it starts sinking nose-up into the freezing
water.
Alan tries opening his door to escape, and then his window,
but both do not work.
Desperation kicks in. Alan hastily goes to the glove

compartment, and opens it, looking to see whats there. He
sees a first aid kit, which is contained in a small metal
box.
He grabs it, and uses it like a rock to attack the window. He

hits it a total of four times.
The window breaks open on the fourth attempt.
Alan climbs through the hole, and gets out of his car just at
the last second. He lands on his hands, and knees.
He stands up, turns around, and steps back, and watches his
vehicle disappear into the depths of the lake.
When its completely gone, he begins to leave, carefully

walking across the ice.
As he reaches near the edge of the lake, he is suddenly

blocked. A tall wall made up of ice rises up, and prevents
him from leaving.
Alans eyes go wide, and he tries going around this, but

another ice wall appears. Alan gives it a third try, and more
of this ice gets in his way.
Then the whole lake at once becomes surrounded by these huge

walls of ice -- except at the far end, where there is a gap
just big enough to get through.
Naturally, Alan heads for the gap. However, before taking

more than a few steps, he hears the noise of the
Doppelganger, the howler monkey noise.
Alan stops, and sees the Doppelganger appear on the lake,

very strangely, with his limbs down as an animal does. He has
come through the gap between the walls of ice, and he is
blocking the exit.
The Doppelganger stares, and growls at Alan.
DOPPELGANGER
Alan... Alan! ALAAAAAN! Why are
ignoring me?!? Dont you see?!? We
belong together!
83.
ALAN
No, no -- nooooooooooooo!
At this moment, the Doppelganger rises up, standing erect. He

puts out his arms, in a Jesus pose, and tilts back his head.
He hisses, and floats up several feet in the air, as if by

magic. And then he uses his powers, and makes the sky turn
blood red.
DOPPELGANGER
YOU WILL BLEED!
And from the sky, and clouds, comes a rain of fire.
Alan covers his head, and starts running for his life.
Narrowly dodging the assault of fire, he makes it to the end
of the lake, where the exit in the wall of ice is.
But before leaving, he glances back, only for a moment, and

sees the destruction on the lake.
The lake in a magnificent display collapses. All of its ice

breaks up, and sinks in at once, like hit by a bomb.
Alan continues running away -- though not for long. As he is

about to make his escape he trips on a rock, and falls, and
twists his ankle.
He cries in pain.
The Doppelganger sees him in distress, and descends. Back on

his feet, the Doppelganger takes Alan by his broken ankle,
and starts dragging him along, heading to the back of the
rehab center.
ALAN
(in agony)
Let go of me!
EXT. REHAB CENTER, OUT BACK - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
The Doppelganger drags Alan through the snow, and takes him
to the back of the rehab center.
Ahead of them is a shallow grave, and headstone.
The Doppelganger grabs Alan, and lifts him to his feet. He

holds the back of Alans head, and turns it, so he can see
the details of the headstone.
The headstone says: In loving memory ALAN CARMICHAEL

Rest in Peace
84.
DOPPELGANGER
Look!
ALAN
What, what is this?!
DOPPELGANGER
It is your destiny!
The Doppelganger takes Alan, and throws him into the shallow
grave.
The Doppelganger then grabs a shovel stuck in the ground, and

stands over Alan.
Alan tries getting up, but the Doppelganger hits him with the
shovel, striking his forehead.
Alan falls back, dizzy, and disoriented. His vision is split.

He is barely conscious.
The Doppelganger now uses the shovel in his hand, and begins
digging up dirt, which he throws onto Alan, and the shallow
grave. He is burying him alive.
Alan puts his arms in front of his face, trying to block the
dirt.
The Doppelganger sings, and smiles while shoveling.
DOPPELGANGER (CONTD)
(singing)
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing
in the sheaves... Bringing in, oh
bringing in, bring in the sheaves!
As Alan seems done for, being up to his neck in dirt, he
hears the voice of Chuck.
CHUCK (O.S.)
Alan! Dont give up!
The Doppelganger hears this as well, and he stops his

shoveling, and turns around -- to face the SPIRIT of Chuck!
Chuck, as an ethereal spirit, thrusts out his hand, and

transforms into a slew of butterflies.
These butterflies surround the Doppelganger, and attack him.

The Doppelganger panics. Hissing, and screaming, he flails
trying to make them go away.
Now, Alan takes the chance to flee. He clambers out of his

shallow grave, and stands to his feet.
85.
He hobbles as fast as he can to the back door of the rehab

center, and he goes through.
INT. LOBBY - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Alan comes into the lobby of the rehab center. He closes the
door, then takes a chair, and places it in front to keep it
shut.
He makes his way over to the counter, and picks up the

telephone receiver.
He dials 911.
A GENERIC VOICE answers. Its a pre-recorded message.
GENERIC VOICE (V.O.)

(phone)
Hello...
ALAN
(phone)
Hello! 911?! I need your help!
Theres someone trying to kill me!

(phone)
...the number you have dialed is no
longer in service.
The Generic Voice starts melting.

(phone)
We apologize for the inconvenience.
If you need assistance please press
number fou....
Alan hangs up the phone, slamming it down.
ALAN
God damn it!
Now we hear a shaking/rattling noise. Alan turns around, and

sees the rear door, and chair against it, shaking, and
rattling.
The Doppelganger is trying to get inside.
Alan stares for a moment, and then tries to run, but as he

take a stride the floor beneath him collapses, and he falls
into a hole.
86.
INT. BASEMENT - DAY
Alan falls into the basement of the rehab center. Its a

large, plain, dank place, with boxes, and other miscellaneous
items youd expect.
In the center of all this, Alan stands, and sees standing in

front of the basement door a set of big letters, at least 5
feet tall which spell out: LIFE.
The letters slowly turn Alans way, and then rush towards him
by some means of locomotion.
Alan dives out of the way, and lands on his belly.
He gets to his feet, and sees the letter returning. They

charge at him even faster than before. He attempts to step to
the side, but the letters spin, at the last moment, and knock
him away.
Alan goes rolling into a wall. Alan braces against the wall,
and gets up.
He hurriedly hobbles to the basements door, and tries

opening it, but it doesnt do a damned thing.
ALAN
Come on, not again.
Alan hears the letters shuffling behind. He turns, around,

and faces the letters that, despite having no eyes, seem to
be staring at him.
He step left, and right, and left; the letters mimic him,
pointing each time in his direction.
The letters head for Alan again, and Alan tries running as
best he can. The letters follow, and crash into his back.
Alan goes flying, and he flips, and lands on the ground with
a thud.
He groans. He lift his head, and sees the letter returning to

attack him again. He stands up, but under an exposed pipe.
Here he stays still.
The letters charge forward.
As they look nearly about to hit Alan, Alan jumps up, and
grabs the pipe above him. He hangs off this pipe, and tucks
in his legs.
87.
The letters of LIFE go past him, and crash into the cement
wall, and it shatters into what seems a million pieces.
Alan lets go of the pipe, landing on his feet. He glances at

the pieces of the letters on the floor, and he then goes back
to the center of the basement, and stares up at the hole.
ALAN (CONTD)
(extremely anxious)
How the hell am I gonna get out of
here?
He wonders how to escape though not for long when the

basements door swings open with a thunk! and this noise
grabs his attention.
At the doorway the Doppelganger appears, however, not in the

usual fashion. The Doppelganger squeezes his head through,
which is somehow the size of an African elephant.
DOPPELGANGER
ALAAAAAAAN!
Alan tries to run, but the Doppelganger opens his mouth, and
inhaling sucks him up.
Alan goes straight into his over-sized gullet.
EXT. THE VOID - NEITHER NIGHT NOR DAY
Alan enters a realm of darkness. Hes floating, and moving as

if in outer space.
Everything seems like its in slow motion.

Then Alan lands in a crouched position, on a path, and he
stands to his feet.
The path behind him starts crumbling. Seeing this, he begins

to run.
We can hear the loudness of his breath.
As he is running, the Doppelganger suddenly appears from

behind, and chases him with a snarling noise.
Alan glances over his shoulder.
The Doppelganger gets down on all fours like an animal, and

follows him in a manner we would witness in a ravenous wolf,
or hungry lion.
88.
Alan keeps on going, with his head forward, but then the
Doppelganger leaps on him, and bowls him over.
Together they fall off the path, and float in the void.
Alan tries swimming away.
The Doppelganger grabs him, and pulls him in.
The Doppelganger plunges his hand into Alans chest, and

squeezes his heart.
Alan shrieks. His face shows his excruciating pain. He holds

the Doppelgangers arm, and attempts to pull it away. Its no
good as hes too weak.
Now, the beating sound of his dying heart can be heard, even
louder than his labored breathing.
Alans eyes go blood shot, and his vision fades.
When it seems hes near to blacking out he reaches into his

back pocket, and takes out the flashlight that Abbey gave him
before he began his journey.
Alan grabs the back of the Doppelgangers head, and clicks on

the flashlight, and shines it directly in his face.
The flashlight sears the Doppelgangers skin. His skin

bubbles, and pops from the intense burning.
The Doppelganger tries pulling away, but Alan continues

holding onto him.
Though it isnt easy. Its a struggle to keep him there. But

Alan manages to do it, and the Doppelganger soon perishes.
He explodes into a hundred thousand pieces. These pieces

spark, and vanish like they were never there at all.
The Doppelganger is no more.
Alan breathes a deep sigh of relief.
ALAN
Finally. Its over.
He closes his eyes, and makes a Lazarus sign.
Then he transforms into an entity of white light, and

(literally) disassembles into stars, and spreads out through
the darkness.
89.
Its like looking into the night sky. There is a quiet beauty
to it.
At last, the struggle has finished.
Alans eyes suddenly open. He awakes on his bed. He sits up,

and looks at the brown bag, filled with drugs, sitting atop
his dresser.
He stands up, and walks over to it. He picks it up, and gives
it a long stare. He shakes his head.
EXT. LOBBY - DAY
Dressed in normal, everyday clothes, Alan comes out of the

hallway, pulling along his suitcase with wheels. He
approaches the lobby, where Nicole is behind the counter.
The two exchange eye contact.
NICOLE
Good morning! Congratulations to
you!
ALAN
Thanks.
Nicole smiles.
NICOLE
Well, you take care of yourself
now. Dont get caught up in any
shenanigans, huh?
ALAN
I promise. I wont.
NICOLE
Goodbye then, Alan, and good luck.
ALAN
So long, Nicole.
Nicole now looks down. She picks up a pen, and starts writing
onto some paper.
Alan heads for the front entrance to leave. As he reaches out

to grab the doorhandle, the door opens. He steps back to make
space.
90.
Mark enters the lobby.
Mark, and Alan awkwardly stare at each other.
MARK
Alan.
ALAN
Mark.
Mark extends his hand.
ALAN (CONTD)
What is this? Whatre you doing?
MARK
I just wanna apologize for
my...terrible behavior. I was
wrong, and Im sorry. I just hope
you dont hold a grudge against me.
ALAN
Nope. Im letting go of the past,
and moving on. I wont let people
live in my head rent-free.
Mark looks confused. Alan takes his hand, and shakes it.
Alan then quickly heads outside without saying anymore.
Alan gets outside. Its a warm, lovely day. He breathes in

the air, and then walks to his car.
He puts his suitcase into the back of his car, and then gets
behind the wheel as one normally would.
However, keen observers will notice that the plastic baby

keys from earlier are still on the dash pad. But we dont
give this too much attention.
Our eyes are on Alan. He drives away from the rehab center,
and gets off the parking lot, headed to the bridge.
EXT. BRIDGE - DAY
Alans car is driving on the bridge. Halfway through he slows

down, and stops. He gets out.
He walks to the railing, and climbs over it, and stands on

the ledge. He glances down, and sees the precipitous drop.
91.
But he lifts his head up, and balancing himself, takes out
his brown bag.
He holds it out, and tears it apart, with a guttural scream

that sounds like he is exorcising an evil spirit from his
body.
And then the wind carries away the white powder.
EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY
Alans car zooms past us, and knocks away an empty can on the
asphalt.
We pull back, and see an overhead view of the journey ahead.

Its a long winding road.
Alan, still in his car, hesitantly pulls up to the front of

his house. He stares at his home, and after a few moments,
parks in the driveway.
He gets out, and goes up to the front door. He rings the

doorbell.
Footsteps are heard, and then the door slowly opens. Abbey,
and Cheryl greet Alan.
ABBEY
Welcome home, dad.
Alan steps inside, and hugs them both.

The door now closes, and this is the end of our story.
FADE TO BLACK.

The Addiction (2017)

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The Addiction (2017)

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THE ADDICTION

Harry Jonathan Chong

Were outside a nondescript office building. Its huge, and

INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, OFFICE SPACE - DAY

The place is filled with cubicles from front to back.

In one particular cubicle we find a chubby, middle-aged

Hes wearing a white, button-up shirt, a tie, and glasses. He

His head is down low like hes trying to hide. He picks up

After a couple seconds, someone on the other end picks up.

Alan seems nervous.

Alan listens. We can hear someone talking to him, but not

Alan stands up.

Alan notices them.

Hes speechless. He sits back down, and physically shrinks.

He lets out a grunt, and he takes up the greeting card on his

When the card drops in we see it says Happy Fathers Day.

A stack of papers drops on his desk.

Maurice clears his throat.

Afterward, Alan puts on a pair of headphones, which is

He gets up, and carries this CD player with him. He goes

INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, BATHROOM - DAY

As Wagners Ride of the Valkyries plays the door to the

In comes Alan. He goes into a BATHROOM STALL, and locks

He turns around, and reaches for the knob to unlock the

Alan walks over to the mirrors. He grins, and points to

INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, OFFICE SPACE - DAY

Alan comes out of the bathroom whistling. He starts walking

The next moment, Maurice appears. Maurice is staring at Alan

INT. MEGA OFFICE BUILDING, BREAK ROOM - DAY

He presses the buttons, and gets a load of snacks. He takes

He starts walking towards a table.

Maurice has his hands on his hips, and is leaning forward,

Alans eyes dart. Everyone around him is looking.

Maurice folds his arms.

Alan drops all his vending machine snacks on the floor.

As eyes follow he goes over to the fire extinguisher, and

He goes back to Maurice.

Alan has a wide, maniacal smile on his face as he laughs.

EXT. OVERPASS - NIGHT

Alan is passed out, lying under an overpass. But he awakes,

He looks around, notices that its dark.

He pulls up his sleeve, and looks at his digital watch, which

EXT. NOT ALANS HOUSE, FRONT - NIGHT

Were in front of a house that looks like Alans home. But

EXT. NOT ALANS HOME, BACKYARD - NIGHT

Alan puts up the ladder against the back of the house, so

INT. NOT ALANS HOME, BEDROOM - NIGHT

Alan closes his eyes.

Alan touches his arm, and opens his eyes. He looks.

EXT. NOT ALANS HOME, FRONT - NIGHT

EXT. ALANS HOME, FRONT - DAY

The suns rising in front of Alans Home.

Words on screen say: Alans Actual Home.

INT. ALANS HOME, MAIN FOYER - DAY

INT. ALANS HOME, KITCHEN - DAY

We cut to the kitchen, and see the kitchens answering

Its from Maurice.

INT. ALANS HOME, MAIN FOYER - DAY

We go back to Alan, and Cheryl.

Cheryl lets go of Alan.

Cheryl shakes her head.

Alan dramatically spreads out his arms, making himself big.

Cheryl does the same gesture, mocking Alan.

Cheryl looks hurt.