BLACK SCREEN, WHITE LETTERS

Byron

Ext. BUILDING, OUTSIDE – DAY

A big Van arrives at a building. We see a sign that says Franklin Mental Hospital. The building is big, with to half’s to it. Two men dressed in white clothing get out of the van, one is a black man that is a bit overweight—the other is a white man. One of them unlocks and opens the back of the van, where a man is seated. With handcuffs around his ankles and wrists he sits. The two men grab him and walk him out of the van. The man seems to be having trouble walking, and has sleepy eyes. There is another man that works for the Hospital standing in front with a Wheelchair. The man is seated and quickly doses off.

Int. INSIDE THE BUILDING

The two men that arrived with the man are now pushing him through the hospital. The patients stare at him and are intrigued by his presence. Two patients look as he is pushed through the hall. One has his hair torn up as if he tried to cut his own hair; the other is a distinguished man that seems to not fit in.

PATIENT 1

Who is he? Where did, did, did he come from Carl?

CARL (OTHER PATIENT)

Mind your own damn business kid.

PATIENT 2

I know who he is. Scott Gooden, his wife sent him here. She said he tried to kill her.

Ext. HIGHWAY – DAY

An older man is driving in his car. We peer down through it and see a picture of his 2 daughters and wife. He looks at the dash where the picture is, and looks back up quickly. He picks up his phone and dials a number.

DR. HOBBS

Hey—fuckin’ message machine. Hello Danielle, it’s me again. Um… can you just pick up the phone please? I really want to talk to you.

Hobbs waits for a few seconds and turns off the phone. Fade Out.

Ext. FRANKLIN HOSPITAL

Hobbs arrives in his beat up 87’ Toyota. He opens his door and stops, he looks at the picture one more time and leaves the car. He walks into the building. We see an office where a lady is behind a desk.

HOBBS

How you been Judy?

JUDY

How do you think I feel? They got me working the desk, can you believe that?

HOBBS

Who they got handling the patients?

JUDY

Gerald.

Hobbs sighs and walks through the hallway and into his office. He sits down at his chair and sees some paperwork with a note attached.

Hobbs smiles and opens the file.

Int. Scott’s Room – Day

We then take a look at the clock that says 9 a.m. We see it move to 10:30 and peer down to see Scott’s room. He is still asleep. A younger man then walks to the door and strangely knocks on the open door.

SCOTT

What?

YOUNGER GUY

I… ah… am … ah Gerry. With a G.

SCOTT

Well Gerry with a G get the fuck away from my door!

Scott gets up slowly and walks towards the dresser. He gets some clothes, A white T-shirt, & some jeans.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM - DAY

Scott is in his room reading the paper. He stops and listens and hears cartoons on the TV and men almost crazily laughing. He walks over to the door to shut it when a Man walks up to the door.

MAN

Time for your appointment with Dr. Hobbs.

Scott puts the paper down and walks with the man.

Int. THERAPY ROOM

Hobbs is sitting at his desk staring into space. He reaches into the desk and gets a small picture out. It is his wife; he looks and handles it as if it is something he does not want broken. He delicately puts it back into his desk. Scott walks in.

HOBBS

Hello Scott.

SCOTT

Hello.

HOBBS

So, what has your first day been like?

SCOTT

Oh, this place is just like home sweet home.

HOBBS

Really…

SCOTT

Yeah, I mean, why wouldn’t a mental institution be just like home?

Hobbs pauses and looks more hard at Scott, as if to make him more serious.

HOBBS

You are here for a reason, whatever that reason is does not matter to me. I am here to do my job.

SCOTT

Good for you, But honestly I know you are here to rip all my insides out and determine whether I am crazy or not.

HOBBS
I’m not here to judge you. I am here to be open to anything you want to talk about or say.

SCOTT

Really? Well I don’t want to talk to you. I am here to do whatever I can to get out.

HOBBS

Good for you. Come on kid, I know that you are trying to put on an act. But I am not convinced. Why are you here?

SCOTT

I’m here to rest. Seeing as how I love this place so much you should understand.

HOBBS

You can rest at a holiday Inn.

SCOTT

Yeah but that place is so damn expensive.

Scott Chuckles.

HOBBS

I’m no stupid Scott; do you think I am stupid?

SCOTT

Right now, yeah, you seem pretty stupid. You see, I can also see you are putting on an act. I can smell the liquor from here; do you want to talk about that?

HOBBS

Sure, lets talk about it.

SCOTT

Good, you are obviously a drunk doctor that has "Lost his way." You know the kind, the people that go to church and have a "Life altering experience." That’s who you are, a phony, a fake.

HOBBS

You tried to kill your wife. Why?

SCOTT

So quick to change the subject…

HOBBS

Listen Scott; you do not seem to understand me. Wait… I just thought of something funny.

SCOTT

Yeah, what is that?

HOBBS

Oh you’ll love this. A person in a Mental Institution… is looking down on a doctor.

SCOTT (Laughing)

That’s good stuff.

HOBBS

So why did you do it?

SCOTT

Listen Doctor Hobbs; I just met you. That is none of your business.

HOBBS

Your ‘rest’ will last a lot longer if we don’t talk about that.

SCOTT

Some other time, if I trust you enough.

HOBBS

Ok. I understand.

SCOTT

Do you want to expand on what we were talking about earlier?

HOBBS

Wow, almost sounded like me.

They begin to talk as we see time go by quickly. Both men are talking freely and seem to be having a good time. Hobbs looks up and sees the clock says to 4:06 p.m.

HOBBS

All right then Scott. See you on Tuesday.

SCOTT

See you then Hobbs.

Scott walks out where the man the escorted him before is waiting.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM – NIGHT

Scott is in bed although not asleep; he tries to get comfortable as he toss & turns. He hears a creaking of the door, he looks up, and the sound stops so he ignores it. He then starts to look around at what is in his room, the white desk, the white walls, the bed he is lying on that is just as white as everything else. He looks at the bed beside him that is vacant at the moment, and as tidy as can be. The door again begins to move slowly.

SCOTT

Who is there?

The door continues to open slowly. Then it opens quickly to reveal Night. Scott is very confused as he sits up.

SCOTT

Who are you?

NIGHT

My name is Night.

SCOTT

What are you doing here?

NIGHT

I just want to talk to my new friend.

SCOTT

I’m not your friend; I don’t even know you.

NIGHT

Don’t let a little thing like that stop us from being friends!

SCOTT

Why are you here?

NIGHT

Well, Because I choose to be.

SCOTT

Do you work here?

NIGHT

You could say that.

SCOTT

Why don’t you have a uniform on?

NIGHT

I’m too special to wear one of those goofy-looking things.

SCOTT

What is your job?

Night looks up at Scott & smiles. He changes the subject.

NIGHT

So how was your first day? You meet Gerry with a G, Carl with a C?

Night chuckles as he takes a seat on a chair. Scott just sits with a mad & tired look as if he just wants Night to leave.

NIGHT (CONT’D)

Scott, you need to lighten up. I am being a pretty nice guy, and you are being all standoff-ish. What’s the deal Scott?

SCOTT

I’m sorry. I just wasn’t expecting anyone.

NIGHT

Well that’s all right, I’m not the type that dwells on things like that. I am here for a reason however.

Scott looks over to his door and sees a light flashing down the hall.

SCOTT

What is that?

NIGHT

Oh, shit. Get to sleep.

A light flashes down the hallway and Scott tries his best to act as if he is asleep as Night turns off the light and tries to hide. Scott looks up and sees no sign of Night. Judy walks looks around and flashes the light on Scott. She then leaves and Scott sits up.

SCOTT (Whispering)

Night, Night where are you?

Scott just lies back down and falls asleep.

Ext. PORCH OUTSIDE A HOUSE

We are now at Dr. Hobbs’ House. He is sitting on his porch with a bottle of liquor in a bathrobe. Hobbs finishes off his bottle and closes his eyes. Hobbs now, looking very vulnerable is sleeping on his porch. Hobbs falls asleep.

Int. LOBBY OF HOSPITAL

Gerald is sitting at the desk instead of Judy. Hobbs walks in and Gerald greets him. Hobbs smiles and before Gerald can say anything, says, "I know". Hobbs jogs past the rooms leading into his office. Hobbs arrives at his office and sees Judy waiting with a mad look on her face. Hobbs bends over to catch his breath and sighs as he walks over to his chair.

JUDY

Where have you been?

HOBBS

I don’t have time to explain-- when is my first appointment?

JUDY

You only got Gooden today. Is there something-wrong Dr. Hobbs?

HOBBS

Ah, no. Get back to work.

JUDY Stop Dr. Hobbs. I know things have been bad since your wife left.

HOBBS

I am okay Judy, get back to work.

JUDY

I can smell the liquor on your breath.

HOBBS

I said get back to work.

Int. THERAPY ROOM

Scott and Hobbs are already half way through the therapy. Both men are in high spirits as the visit has gone well so far.

HOBBS

What about your room, has it been all right so far?

SCOTT

Yeah, nothing out of the ordinary.

HOBBS

Now Scott, I have a serious question to ask.

SCOTT

All right Hobbs, shoot.

HOBBS

Your wife—

SCOTT

Ex-wife, she is my Ex-wife.

HOBBS

Your Ex-wife wants to visit you. I encourage you to talk to her.

SCOTT

I don’t think so. I respect you Hobbs, but I don’t want to talk to her.

HOBBS

Just listen Scott. This could really help you. A visit to help reconcile differences could help you guys.

SCOTT

I’m not sure our differences can be reconciled Doc. I trust you Hobbs and that is the only reason I will tell you this. She had an affair. I found out. But I did not put my hands on her in any harmful way. So either she is lying or I am crazy.

HOBBS

If you trust me you will take my advice.

Scott pauses and looks hard at Hobbs.

SCOTT

All right I’ll do it.

The visit ends and both men shake hands.

SCOTT

You are the only person in here I trust Hobbs. Thank You.

Int. TV ROOM – NIGHT

We peer through the building and see not a person moving in the place. We go down the hall, and see Scott lying on the ground in the TV room. He is sound asleep until we hear a presence. He wakes up and looks around. He sees no one. He then takes a moment to wonder how he got where he is. He then hears a sound. It sounds like someone is dragging something through the hallway. Scott gets up and runs to his room.

Ext. PARKING LOT OF HOSPITAL – DAY

There are many cop cars as well as an ambulance in front of the building. The cops are pushing someone on a stretcher into the ambulance as Hobbs pulls up. He gets out with the look of concern and curiosity. He walks over to the ambulance and looks in. A cop walks up to talk to Hobbs.

COP

Excuse me Sir. Who are you?

HOBBS

Dr. Hobbs, what happened?

The cop walks over to the stretcher and opens the body bag to reveal Gerald. His face is cut up bad. Hobbs looks at Gerald more, and tells the man to zip the bag back up.

HOBBS

What happened here?

COP

It appears as though someone got a hold of a pen. They stabbed him 6 times in his stomach and cut up his face. There was something else used, we aren’t sure what it is yet.

Hobbs walks away from the cop and into the building, even more curious then before.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM

Scott is sitting in his room writing. He is writing in his journal but not looking at it. He is looking off into space as he writes. He snaps out of it and looks down to see a picture of the Moon. Judy walks in with two paper cups. Scott looks over and stands up. He takes the pill and puts it in his mouth and shows it to Judy. He then drinks the water and gives the cup back. Judy walks out. Scott shuts his door. He reaches into his mouth and pulls out the two pills that he was supposed to have taken. He crushed a white on with his feet and sweeps it around the floor. He gets the gel caplet and puts it on the desk. He then picks up his bed and turns it over. He gets the gel pill and pours it out on the bottom of the bed. He then gets the caps and swallows them.

Int. VISITING ROOM

Scott is sitting at a table anxious and waiting. He looks down at his feet; he is wearing an old pair of sandals. He chuckles and looks around the room at the other men. He singles out one man how is so obviously sedated. He has slobber running down his chin and looks as though at any moment he will fall over and go to sleep. Scott chuckles again as the visitors enter the room. His Ex-wife Helen is a pretty woman; she has blonde hair and a distinguished look. Scott stands and waits for her to sit.

SCOTT

Hello Helen.

HELEN

Hello Scott.

SCOTT

Why did you want to visit?

HELEN

I wanted to know that you are doing okay.

SCOTT

I’m in a mental institution, I can hardly say I am doing well. I am doing good enough. I am writing, I feel productive.

HELEN

That’s good. I also came because I need you to sign something.

SCOTT

What a surprise. What is it? You want my car, house, and all my possessions? You cheated not me. What do you want me to sign?

HELEN

I need your signature for the divorce.

SCOTT

Give it to the front desk, I’ll sign it.

Scott gets up and leaves the table furiously.

HELEN

Wait! Scott!

Scott doesn’t stop at all. He looks back one more time and shakes his head. Helen has no emotion on her face as she gathers herself to leave.

Ext. A HOUSE – DAY

We are now at a suburban neighborhood where kids are playing in the streets with no worries. There is a man barbecuing with his family, he has a ‘Kiss the Chef’ apron on and a large family around him. Across the street at another house Hobbs is parked. Hobbs gets out after making sure he smells good and looks good as well. He walks to the porch slowly as if he dreads getting there. The door opens before he can knock.

LITTLE GIRL

Daddy!

HOBBS

Hello Jenny!

He gives his daughter a long hug, as if it has been years since he has had one.

HOBBS

Where is mom?

LITTLE GIRL

She is in her room, I’ll got get her.

HOBBS

Thanks doll.

Hobbs smiles wide and very happily. He waits in anticipation for his wife to come to the door. She walks up with a mad look and slams the door in his face. She locks the door and talks behind it.

DANIELLE

Listen Steve; you know I have a restraining order.

HOBBS

I know Danielle, but you don’t return my calls. I just want to see my kids.

DANIELLE

You know what is going on Steve. You finish Anger Management and you can see them.

HOBBS

You know I only have a temper when I drink! Please, just let me see the girls.

DANIELLE

No, go away before I call the cops.

HOBBS

Please Danielle.

DANIELLE

I am calling the cops since you won’t leave.

HOBBS

No, wait, I’ll leave.

You can hear the girls saying they want to see their father in the background as Hobbs walks away. He gets into his car and just sits there. He turns the key and begins to pull out, he backs into the street, and a car nearly hits him. Hobbs is clearly out of it as he drives down the street. He stops his car and begins to cry.

Int. THERAPY ROOM

Scott and Hobbs are talking.

HOBBS

So what did she want?

SCOTT

She needed me to sign a piece of paper.

HOBBS

Well, what can you do?

SCOTT

It’s no big deal. What about you are you married?

HOBBS
Why?

SCOTT

I want to know.

HOBBS

I was married, I have 2 kids. But would rather not talk about that.

SCOTT

I have told you everything about me, what about you?

HOBBS

What do you want to know?

SCOTT

Why did you get divorced?

Hobbs sighs and runs his hands through his hair. He takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes.

HOBBS

I came home drunk; I hit her… a few times. It was a year ago. Anything else you want to know?

SCOTT

Yeah, what about the kids?

HOBBS

She has them. I am not allowed to visit them until I complete anger management classes.

SCOTT

Why haven’t you done the classes?

HOBBS

I just wont, I have too much work to do.

SCOTT

I’m sure you could find time to do them.

HOBBS

No, I can’t. I don’t want or need to go to those classes. I already have enough embarrassment in my life.

SCOTT

It’s okay; we all have our secrets and embarrassing moments. Hell, I have plenty.

HOBBS

All right, then.

SCOTT

So when can I join everyone else?

HOBBS

On Friday you will be able to hang around the TV and game rooms. But don’t get into any trouble because those things can be taken away.

SCOTT

I feel like I am rotting in that room. Besides one guy, I haven’t got anyone to talk to. I think his name is… Night?

Hobbs sits up.

HOBBS

Well, no one is supposed to be going into your room. Next time he comes by, tell him.

SCOTT

I’ll be sure and do that. He didn’t have a uniform or anything on.

HOBBS

He was probably just on his way out.

SCOTT

So are there any suspects?

HOBBS

Oh… yeah. There aren’t any suspects because there are no fingerprints.

SCOTT

But they came and fingerprinted everyone.

HOBBS

Don’t worry about that, they just want to put a little fear into you guys. Get someone to talk.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM

Scott wakes up and looks at the clock. It says 4 a.m.; it appears as though he can’t sleep as he turns over. He rubs his eyes and then sees Night sitting on the desk. Scott is frightened when he sees him so suddenly.

SCOTT

You again?

NIGHT

Yes, me again.

SCOTT

Hobbs said he you are not supposed to be in here at night.

NIGHT

We have a past. Don’t bother listening to anything he cares to say about me.

SCOTT

What happened to you the last time you where here?

NIGHT

I hid.

SCOTT

Why have you come here the last two nights?

NIGHT

Why do you keep asking that?

SCOTT

I’d like to know why.

NIGHT

Fair enough. I read your book, mighty fine read.

SCOTT

…Which one?

NIGHT

I don’t recall the title; it had some short stories in it. I thought it was good.

SCOTT

Not many people thought that.

NIGHT

Well I’m one of em’! Anyway, I was on my way out so I’ll see you later.

SCOTT

Wait! When will you come back?

NIGHT

Whenever I have the time.

Night walks out of the room.

Int. Scott’s Room - Morning

Scott walks out of his room and into the hallway, passing other patients rooms. He arrives at the TV room and sees one man sitting on a couch watching the news. Scott sits down at a near by chair and the man notices him.

SCOTT

Carl, right?

CARL

Yes I am. And you are?

SCOTT

Scott.

Scott now moves his chair closer to the TV and Carl.

SCOTT

I am surprised to see the news on; all I hear when I am in my room is cartoons.

CARL

Well… I am not an imbecile, so I watch the news. I care not to interact with grown men that watch cartoons.

Scott chuckles.

SCOTT

Why are you here? You seem to be a smart man, and not the least bit crazy.

CARL

That is because I am not crazy. I went to Princeton; I was at the top of my class. I was working on something very important… something that was amazing. So they put me in here, to grow old and die.

SCOTT

Why?

CARL

Nevermind why. It does not concern you. You know that room you are staying in has a history.

SCOTT

Really…what kind of history?

CARL

Patients say some ghost talks to them. Nothing to worry about.

SCOTT

A ghost, heh. Well, I will be sure and tell you if I see any ghouls or goblins.

Scott and Carl continue to watch the news as Gerry walks in.

CARL

Ah, now although the man walking in here does not watch cartoons, I assure you he is an imbecile.

SCOTT

Gerry with a G right?

CARL

Yes, that’s him.

Gerry sits down on the couch as we fade out.

Int. HOBBS’ OFFICE

Hobbs is in his office looking over some files. We get a look at one; the man named Jake Xavier when a man walks in.

HOBBS

Hey Dean, how are you?

DEAN

I’m aright, what do you got for me?

HOBBS

I’ll just explain. I have a file here of a man named Jake Xavier. Jake was the first guy to stay in the room, room 8. Do you know the history of it?

DEAN

No.

HOBBS

Ok, I’ll explain. Jake came here after a few run-ins with the law. He exhibited strange behavior at times, but the rest of the time he was perfectly normal. The first few weeks he was here he was just fine, then he started to say that people where visiting him in his room. People that did not work here, people that where not patients. One day while we where talking he… attacked me. He stabbed me 8 times with a pen. I almost died, he was sent to the lower levels. A day later he was gone. We have no idea how he got out. After that event everybody that used that room, seemed to be on edge, and tend to go crazy. After 1 year of that we stopped using the room. We now have someone in it, he says someone is talking to him.

DEAN

Well… this is very interesting. On the other hand this is a mental institution, people tend to see things that aren’t really there. I’m sure it is just a coincidence.

HOBBS

I guess so. But a strange one at that.

DEAN

So how is your wife?

HOBBS

I don’t have a wife anymore, we are divorced.

Hobbs stands up.

HOBBS

Thank you for coming in here.

They shake hands.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM – NIGHT

Scott is sitting and writing in his journal. The journal is big and filled with writing. Scott is writing with a pencil as he looks at the ground. He sees a pen with somewhat looks like blood on him. He gets up quickly and picks it up; he puts under the mattress of his bed. Night walks in ever so casually and shuts the door.

SCOTT

What was the other night all about?

NIGHT

Be more specific.

SCOTT

You know what I mean; you practically disappeared!

NIGHT

I told you, I hid.

SCOTT

How did you get away without anyone seeing you though?

NIGHT

Well, I am a master of escape. They used to call me Houdini.

SCOTT

I don’t understand how you could have gotten away.

NIGHT

Scott we need to talk. You are way too up tight; you’re cramping my style. Now I need to tell you something very important.

SCOTT

What do you mean?

NIGHT

Just listen. You and me, we are a part of something amazing.

Scott looks at Night confused.

SCOTT

What are you talking about?

NIGHT

This will sound crazy, but listen. You have a gift. The same gift I have. We are a part of something great, Scott, something incredible. We are a part of a Race, if that is what you want to call it. We can be anything, see everything.

Scott sits back and smiles.

SCOTT

Are you crazy? Get real.

NIGHT

Just Listen.

SCOTT

Heh, I don’t think so.

NIGHT

What do I need to do to convince your little mind that I am telling the truth?

SCOTT

Proof; show me some.

NIGHT

You want proof? Open the door.

Scott walks over to the door and opens it.

SCOTT

And?

NIGHT

Call Gerry.

Scott yells Gerry’s name and Gerry comes running to the door and into the room.

GERRY

What you want Scott?

SCOTT

You see that guy right there, the one sitting on the desk?

Gerry looks at Scott confused.

GERRY

What guy?

Night looks at Scott and laughs.

SCOTT

Please leave Gerry.

Gerry leaves the roomed still confused.

NIGHT

Do you understand now?

SCOTT

That proves what exactly?

NIGHT

…That I am invisible.

SCOTT

Really, or that means that I’ve seen "Fight Club" one too many times and have gone and made up an imaginary friend.

NIGHT

Boy, what an imagination you have.

SCOTT

This coming from a guy that says I am an alien, yeah, sure.

NIGHT

I didn’t say you where an alien. I don’t have time to explain. You’ll understand soon enough.

Night walks towards the door and stops.

NIGHT

Don’t tell anyone about this. Do you understand?

SCOTT

Whatever buddy.

Night walks out and Scott just stands in the middle of the room. Scott stands there trying to think. Wondering what Night has just told him and if there is any truth to it. Judy walks into the room.

JUDY

Hey.

SCOTT

What?

JUDY

Time for your appointment with Dr. Hobbs.

Scott walks out with Judy.

Int. Carl’s Room – Night

Carl is in his room writing something as Scott slowly peeks in to see. Carl is doing some math and looks very frustrated. Scott walks in.

SCOTT

Hey Carl, what you doing there?

CARL

Nothing, ah nothing.

Carl quickly puts away his papers and looks at Scott.

CARL (CONT’D)

I just can’t do what I used to. I used to be able to solve any problem, now I can’t do anything.

SCOTT

Is it the pills they got you taking?

CARL

Well, that among other things. I’ve been in here for a long 15 years. I have no use; I have no purpose.

SCOTT

You have a purpose Carl, we all do. It’s just a bitch to figure out what it is.

CARL

I’ll never get out of here, that is the problem. I am not seeing or hearing anything that is not there, so why am I still here?

SCOTT

I really don’t know. Why did you come here in the first place?

CARL

I just saw… things. The meds take care of that now.

SCOTT

Carl, you’ll get out of here. Sooner than I ever will.

CARL

Just hope it won’t be in a body bag.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM – NIGHT

Scott is in his room pacing back and forth. He is confused and nervous, and he is talking to himself. He stops.

SCOTT

If he is real, why did Gerry not see him?

He sits down on his bed.

SCOTT

No, he isn’t real. How could he be?

He stands up and begins walking back and forth again, slower.

SCOTT

Maybe it is for the better that he isn’t real.

Int. CARL’S ROOM - DAY

Carl is sitting at his desk again trying to do math. Frustrated, he crumbles the paper and throws it against the wall. Scott walks in just in time to see it happen.

SCOTT

What’s wrong.

CARL

Everything; I can’t do a damn thing. Why are you here?

SCOTT

I think I am seeing things.

CARL

What do you mean?

SCOTT

There is a guy that comes to my room almost every day. I don’t think he is real.

CARL

I know how you feel. When I first got here there was a clown that came here, a little girl, and a guy named Dee. They where not real, and I found that out the hard way. Listen; if you think this guy is not real then just ignore him. Because if we pay attention to every person we think is not real, we are just falling into the trap that the mind sets up.

SCOTT

Thank you Carl.

CARL

No, thank you. If I can’t solve math problems any longer, I’d like to know that I could still solve problems in life.

SCOTT

The math will come to you, you’ll see.

Scott walks out.

Int. THERAPY ROOM

Hobbs & Scott are in therapy. The tension seems to be high as both men fail to speak a word.

HOBBS

Scott, why don’t we talk about Night?

SCOTT

I would rather not.

HOBBS

Yes, Scott, but we need to talk about this.

SCOTT

Listen Hobbs; I don’t want to talk about it.

HOBBS

Alight then.

We fade to black as both men continue the silence of before.

Int. SCOTT’S ROOM - NIGHT

Scott is sitting and writing. Night walks in ever so casually. Scott does not pay attention to him. Night walks over to Scott and stares. Scott gets fed up and stands up.

SCOTT

Will you answer this question for me?

NIGHT

Hell, why not?

SCOTT

You are just invisible, right?

NIGHT

Yes indeed.

SCOTT

Ah, I see.

Scott turns his back on Night; he then quickly takes a swing at Night only to see his arm go straight through Night. Scott smiles and sits back down.

SCOTT

Explain why my arm just went through you.

Night looks at Scott confused and runs his hands through his hair. Scott smiles as he thinks he has won, he looks back and Night is gone.

INT. HOBBS’ HOUSE - NIGHT

Hobbs is sitting at his desk, listening to a tape. It is of a conversation between him and Jake Xavier. Hobbs looks tired yet as if he is listening very closely.

(ON THE TAPE)

HOBBS

Why did you hurt James?

JAKE

He had it coming. Always with that smug fucking smile, that fucking queer got what was coming to him.

HOBBS

What triggered this?

JAKE
Why am I tied down? You think I will hurt you?

HOBBS

No Jake, they wont let me talk to you without you being tied down. So back to what happened. What triggered the event? Did James provoke you?

JAKE

No. The man in my room told me to do it.

HOBBS

What man?

JAKE

The man; he is going to get me out of here. But if I don’t succeed in doing what he has asked of me, I will have to wait.

HOBBS

Wait for what?

JAKE
To go to the fantastic world. The new world; it will be amazing.

HOBBS

What has he asked you to do?

JAKE

I cannot tell you Mr. Hobbs. Is that a rat?

HOBBS

A rat, where did you see it?

JAKE

Behind the desk, it was walking around on the ground.

We hear Hobbs stand up, he walks around the room.

HOBBS

I don’t see a rat…

We then hear Hobbs scream in pain as Jake crazily yells and stabs him.

Hobbs stops the tape. We then see Hobbs walk over to his bathroom. It has obviously not been cleaned in quite some time. Hobbs takes off his shirt, revealing his scars. He looks at them in the mirror and he touches them. He then walks out rather quickly.

INT. SCOTT’S ROOM - NIGHT

Scott is lying asleep in his bed. We peer up to see Night sitting on the desk staring at Scott with a almost devilish grin. Scott opens his eyes and jumps; surprised that Night is in his room.

SCOTT

What the hell are you doing here?

NIGHT

Remember? I’m not real. So in a sense, I am not even here.

SCOTT

What do you want?

NIGHT

What do I want? I want your undivided fucking attention. Hobbs thinks you are a fucking nut, your ex will keep you in here as long as she can, and those are problems. We need to deal with those problems.

SCOTT

You are not real.

Night stands up and has a serious look on his face. He goes over to Scott and grabs him. He looks him in the eyes and begins to talk.

NIGHT

You are one hell of a stubborn Son of a Bitch! So let’s get things straight. I am as real as anything you will ever see or touch is.

Scott rolls his eyes. Night gets a raged look on his face and smacks Scott in the face. Scott looks at him.

NIGHT

Do you understand?

SCOTT

No, I don’t.

NIGHT

Now, do you want to be in here for the rest of your life like Carl?

SCOTT

No, I don’t.

NIGHT

Wow, that was a surprise. I was starting to think you liked it here.

SCOTT

Why does it matter if I do?

NIGHT

Scott, you are stuck here. You are not here by choice. Stop the act, I know you hate it here.

SCOTT

What act?

NIGHT

You know what I’m talking about. You play it cool, but inside, you are torn apart. You hate the fact that your wife put you here, you hate her, and you most of all hate Hobbs because he sees right through you. You also hate me, for the same reason.

SCOTT

Get real. If I am important, why not just bust me out of here with your "Super powers."

NIGHT

Ha, good one. Maybe I will, unless you want to stay here.

SCOTT

You know I don’t want to be here.

NIGHT

I’ll think about it.

SCOTT

How will you get me out of here?

NIGHT

Nevermind how, the question is on what conditions.

SCOTT

What do you mean?

NIGHT

Then two people need to be… taken care of.

SCOTT

Who?

NIGHT

Your ex-wife and Dr. Hobbs, they need to be taken care of.

SCOTT

What do you mean? You want me to kill Hobbs & Helen?

NIGHT

Yeah, I want you to kill Hobbs & Helen. Shit, it’s not like it would be your first time.

SCOTT

Yes it would, I have never killed anyone in my life.

NIGHT

You are funny. You killed Gerald just the other night!

SCOTT

No I didn’t.

NIGHT

Oh, ok. You just happened to be in the room while it happened. You fainted! I had to drag the big fucker away!

SCOTT

I did not kill him!

NIGHT

Ah, yes. You just happened to be in the room as he lie on the ground dying. Oh, and you also happened to have the bloody fucking pen in your room afterwards.

Night gets the pen out of his pocket and shows it to Scott.

SCOTT

Are you kidding?

NIGHT

The exact opposite and you know it.

SCOTT

You want me to kill 2 people to get out of here?

NIGHT

No. I will get you out, if you agree to kill Hobbs. The girl can be taken care of.

SCOTT

Why do I have to kill Hobbs?

NIGHT

He is a danger to us.

SCOTT

Why is he a danger to us?

NIGHT

Why does that matter? Try this out for size. You are an experiment that Hobbs is putting together. He is putting people in this room particularly because people seem to go crazy after staying in this room for an extended amount of time. He thinks you are going crazy.

SCOTT

That’s bullshit. I won’t do it.

NIGHT

It is for your own good, you will see soon.

SCOTT

Whatever, get out of my room so I can go to sleep.

Night gets up slowly and walks out.

Int. Scott’s Room - Day

It is the morning and Scott is still asleep. We look towards the door and see Hobbs enter. He wakes up Scott with his presence.

SCOTT

What are you doing here Hobbs?

HOBBS

I have some rather bad news.

SCOTT

Well… what is it?

Hobbs pauses as if to catch his breath.

HOBBS

Helen died in a car crash last night.

Scott looks to be in shock as he stands up.

SCOTT

Um… thanks for delivering the news yourself.

HOBBS

Would you like to talk about this?

SCOTT

Yes. Can you shut the door?

Hobbs shuts the door and sits down.

SCOTT

I’ve got a strange story to tell, so bear with me.

It goes silent as we see the words being said by Scott and the reactions on Hobbs’ face. After Scott finishes the two men are in the room silent. Hobbs looks Scott in the eyes and can help but smile.

HOBBS

That’s a hell of a story.

SCOTT

You don’t believe me, do you?

HOBBS

Listen Scott; what you are seeing is not real. It is simple as that, it is a problem that can be fixed.

Scott looks up at Hobbs.

SCOTT

Good.

Hobbs stands up and gives Scott a firm handshake.

HOBBS

These things happen. You can be treated.

SCOTT

Okay.

Int. Scott’s Room – Night

Night is in Scott’s room yet again and he wakes Scott up.

NIGHT

Wake up Scott.

SCOTT

You aren’t real.

NIGHT

I am here to give you the ultimate proof. Get up and dressed, we are getting out of here.

SCOTT

Are you serious?

Night gets key chain with a huge amount of keys and dangles it.

NIGHT

Do you want to get out of here?

SCOTT

Yes.

NIGHT

Promise me you will kill Hobbs.

SCOTT

I will kill Hobbs.

NIGHT

Promise.

SCOTT

I promise I will kill Hobbs.

NIGHT

All right, let’s get out of this joint!

SCOTT

They will see us!

NIGHT

No they wont. Get up and get dressed.

Scott finally gets out of bed.

CUT TO: The Hallway

Both men peer out the door as they see a long hallway with a door at the end. A guard is sitting outside the door asleep in a chair. Night gets out of the room and casually starts walking. Scott reluctantly walks behind him being sure to be quiet. They arrive at a door made out of and surrounded by bars. Night even more casually opens the door with the key and holds it open for Scott. Scott walks through quickly, making sure that the guard does not see him. They then walk down a long narrow hallway and turn right, they stop at the door that is made of wood and is unguarded. Night unlocks the door and walks out with Scott. Scott walks through after Night; he then notices they are in the waiting room/lobby. Night simply walks over to the door and unlocks it. Scott walks outside and sees the street and night sky. They both begin running down the street. Night walks up to a very nice car and opens the door, he gets another key out of his pocket and starts up the car.

SCOTT

How the hell did I ever doubt you?

NIGHT

I have no idea.

Ext. Church Parking Lot - Night

Scott & Night get out at a parking lot that is in front of an old church. Scott slowly gets out and looks at the sky. He then looks at the old Church that appears to be abandoned. Night walks toward the trunk of his car.

NIGHT

Come here Scott.

Scott walks over to the back of the car where Night is standing. Night opens the trunk to reveal a toolbox & a shotgun.

SCOTT

What the hell is that thing for?

NIGHT

Well, to put tools in I assume.

SCOTT

I mean the shotgun.

NIGHT

You know what that is for. You are lucky I got you out of that place with all the shit you gave me. You are important Scott, but only to a certain point.

SCOTT

I don’t want you to kill Hobbs.

NIGHT

Okay, that is fine. I would never have done that. You know why? I’ll tell you why, because that is your job.

SCOTT

I will not kill him. The other day you said I wouldn’t have to get my hands dirty!

NIGHT

Oh yes you will kill Hobbs, if you know what’s good for you. Yes, you don’t have to get your hands dirty. We can stop by a store and buy some gloves.

SCOTT

Do you think this is a joke?

NIGHT

No, Scott, I don’t. But I can’t help but laugh at the hilarity of this situation.

SCOTT

I don’t want him dead. He can’t mean that much. He is just a drunk doctor, what harm would he do?

NIGHT

You have a point. All right, we can spare Hobbs.

SCOTT

Thank You.

Night smiles & shakes his head.

NIGHT

You think it is that easy? I can’t show you what you are a part of until you show loyalty. This is your responsibility Scott.

SCOTT

How is this my responsibility?

NIGHT

He is a danger to us. If you don’t handle this, you will disappear. You will never be found. I will make sure of that.

SCOTT

Is that a threat?

NIGHT

I am not in a position where I need to make threats. I am only telling you what will happen.

Night stares at Scott with a hard look.

NIGHT

This is serious; this is not a game.

SCOTT

Oh… okay.

NIGHT

I knew I could have faith in you!

Night gets into his car. Scott walks slowly to the car as if to delay the trip somehow. He gets in, and Night looks at him enthusiastically.

NIGHT

It’s simple Scott. This is only one guy. No one will miss him.

SCOTT

Just drive.

Night speeds away.

Int. HOBBS’ HOUSE

We peer through Hobbs’ house and see him asleep at his desk that has Scott’s file on it and some whiskey. We then go outside to see Night pull up in his car with Scott. Hobbs’ is woken up by the noise. He gets up and walks to his window and the car is gone. Hobbs walks back to his desk and finishes his bottle.

CUT TO: The Car

Both men are in the car, Night has the shotgun in his hand. He hands it to Scott.

NIGHT

I can’t come in with you; this is your job.

SCOTT

All right.

Scott gets out and starts walking towards the house. He then turns back and walks back to the car.

SCOTT

Do I really have to do this?

NIGHT

We wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have to. Do this, and you will never have to do anything like it again. You will live forever Scott; you will see everything until the end of time. You will have abilities that you could never imagine. Be a man Scott, do it.

Scott sneaks to the back of the house. The backyard is dirty with dead grass and a dead garden. He walks to the back door and tries to open it. The door is mysteriously unlocked so he walks in. The house is dark but we can hear the sound of a television. Scott sneaks into the kitchen that has beer bottles scattered all around with no sign of any food. From the kitchen he peaks around a corner to see Hobbs watching some sort of Home video. Scott gets a better look by moving a bit more and sees it is a video of Hobbs’ kids. Hobbs is laughing and crying all at once while he watches. He reaches over bottle and shakes it, it appears there is none left in it. He gets up slowly, and stumbles to his feet as he tries to get his balance. Scott walks around to the other end of the kitchen and into the hallway. Hobbs looks in the refrigerator and finds another bottle. He takes it and walks towards the chair he was sitting in before and Scott jumps out in front of him with the Shotgun. Hobbs drops the bottle in surprise.

HOBBS

What are you doing?

SCOTT

I have to do this!

HOBBS

No you don’t!

SCOTT

Yes I do. If I don’t I will be killed.

HOBBS

By who?

SCOTT

Why does it matter!

HOBBS

Because you have a gun to my head and intend to shoot it!

SCOTT

It is Night; this is his fault!

HOBBS

You don’t understand Scott; Night is not real.

SCOTT

Yes he is!

HOBBS

Scott, he is not real.

SCOTT

Shut up! Get on your knees!

HOBBS

Don’t do this Scott; don’t give in.

SCOTT

I’m dead if I don’t do this.

HOBBS

Please Scott, don’t do this.

We go to the outside of the house. We hear a shotgun blast and see a flash of light from inside the house from outside. Scott walks away from the body of Hobbs. We see that Hobbs is dead with a shot to the head. Scott walks slowly around the room and sits on a chair. He looks as though he is about to faint. He tries to stand up and falls over.

Int. HOBBS’ HOUSE

Scott wakes and looks at the clock, it has been 20 minutes since he fainted. He stands up quickly and we begin to hear sirens of cop cars. Scott, panicked, runs out the front door and stops. Night is nowhere in sight. The sirens are loud now, as Scott has no idea what to do. A cop car skids in front of the house and the cops get out and point their guns at Scott. They yell for him to drop his gun and he won’t. He looks around a few times. The men continue yelling at him as he stands. He raises the gun. The screen goes black as we hear gunshots.

Int. HOBBS’ OFFICE

We are in Hobbs’ office. Judy walks in slowly with a tear on her cheek. She picks up a few things off the floor and fixes things very nice in the office. She then walks over to the desk, which has a file. She opens the folder as we see it is Jake file. She turns a page and we see a picture of Night with short hair and a beard. Judy puts down the folder.

Ext. FRANKILIN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

A van arrives and two men help get a man out of the back. They put the man into a wheelchair and push him into the hospital. They pass the TV room where Gerry sits. They push him through the hallway and past all the rooms. They then go into Scott’s old room. The man is placed on the bed and left there. We then see a shadowy figure enter. It is revealed to be Night. The man sleeps as Night smiles and stares at him.