| Scene 4 |
| Tom's apartment. Tom is once again at his desk and writing. The phone rings. Tom: Hello? Gabe, hi. Yes, yes they called me. Apparently we aren't the first people to be mugged by this guy. Yeah, and the only people to stand up to him too. I know, I know. No, she hasn't called, and I'm sure you're exstatic. Yeah, alright. Later. (Hangs up the phone, pauses to reflect, and speaks.) A near death experience. Gabe tells me that two nights ago I had a near death experience. The police told me I was lucky to be alive. "Aren't we all" I replied. It was a strange there, on the subway. There was no anxiety, no hesitation, and most of all no fear. No fear. I stood in the face of death, who by the way smells like cheap whiskey, and I wasn't afraid. So obviously I started thinking about how I could include that in my book. I mean I have to include my own personal experience. I thought about the fear of death, and it plays a significant role in our lives. Think of a world in which no one was afraid to die, would life still be the same? Is fear all that keeps us alive? No. It can't be. There is a love of life in some people. It is these two things that keep us alive, the fear of death and/or the love of life. And what causes these feelings? Its the mystery, the unknown. We know nothing of death and therefore we fear it. No matter how apathetic someone claims to be, somewhere in the back of their mind they wonder what will happen after they die. The same is true for life, although we respond differently to that. The unknown aspect of life excites people, so that they look forward to the surprises of each day. The unknown...(Tom begins to move towards the white door, just as his hand gets close to the doorknob, the phone rings. Tom pauses shortly and then goes to answer phone.) Hello? Judith? Wow, where are you? (Walks to window.) Oh, there you are. Excellent. Well why don't you come up for a bit? Absolutely. The door to the building should be open. I'm in the penthouse, just take the elevator to the top and there'll be a door right infront of you, that's me. Great! (Hangs up phone.) Oh my, life is full of surprises. (After a few seconds, the doorbell rings. Tom answers it to find Judith.) Hi! Come in. Judith: Thanks. Wow, this is place is amazing! Tom: It suffices. Judith: Heh, I'll bet. Tom: So what brings you here, Judith Cross? Judith: Oh call me Judy. Well I was just in the area, you know, visiting some friends, and I remembered you lived around here. Tom: Well, how convenient. (smiling) Can I get you something? A drink, or something to eat? Judy: Oh no thank you. So what are you working on over here? (gesturing to the desk) Tom: Oh, just making notes for my next project. Judy: Are you serious? Oh, you have to tell me what its about! Tom: Well its not a novel or anyhting, more like an oversized essay on life and death. Judy: (sarcastically) Oh, well that's a simple subject. Tom: Well, I've been looking at the reason people stay alive, fear of death, love of life, that kind of thing. Judy: I see. Well isn't everyone afraid to die? Tom: Not at all. In fact...just the other night, the same night I met you, Gabe and I were mugged, and when the guy threatened to kill me, I wasnt scared at all. Judy: Oh my God. Are you ok? Tom: Yeah...I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm telling you all of this. Judy: No, that's ok. Hell, I would've told everyone I know by now. Tom: But I don't know you... Judy: Well...we could change that... Tom: Yeah...(pausing) Look, there's something we need to talk about. I don't know you, but apparently my friend Gabe does. Judy: The guy from the bar? Tom: Yes. He said you dated a friend of his once... Judy: Oh...I see. So you know about my past, huh? Tom: Yes but I don't care. Its all behind you I'm sure, I just wanted to let you know that if Gabe seems weird around you, well, that'd why. Judy: Well, he'll come around eventually, when he realizes I'm a new person. Tom: Yeah. So what are you doing tonight? Judy: Nothing. You? Tom: I'm taking you out, that's what I'm doing. Judy: Alright, (glowing) sounds like a plan. (A few moments pass in silence.) Hey, what's in there? (Walking towards the white door.) Tom: I don't know. That's my mystery room. I've never opened it. It's the little element of mystery that makes my life remotely excitting. Judy: Are you serious? Tom: Yup. Judy: And that keeps your life exciting? Tom: Hey, I have a pretty boring life once you get passed the famous thing. But that's what life is all about, you know? Mystery. Not knowing what each day will bring. Like meeting you. Judy: Really? Well, here's another little surprise: I don't have any friends in this area. I just came out here to see you. (They begin to get closer.) Tom: Well that is a bit surprising, but I was talking about things more like this...(they kiss) |