CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
HUSK
Based on the Novella by Rachel Autumn Deering
A graduate project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Masters of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
By
David Ian McKendry
May 2020 The graduate project of David Ian McKendry is approved by:
______Professor Alexis R. Krasilovsky Date
______Date Professor Morgan Land
______Professor Scott Sturgeon, Chair Date
California State University Northridge
ii California State University, Northridge
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my thesis advisor Professor Alexis Krasilovsky for her guidance and support especially during this difficult time.
I would also like to thank CSUN MFA in Screenwriting Program Coordinator Professor Scott Sturgeon and my CSUN professors Eric Edson, Jared Rappaport, Morgan Land, Jon Vandergriff, and Laurence Walsh-Hodson.
A very special thank you to Rachel Autumn Deering for allowing me to option and interpret your most excellent novella. I hope I did justice to your hard work and dedication to the subject matter.
Mostly, I would like to thank my wife Dr. Rebekah Wallace McKendry Phd. for her support and encouragement. I dedicate this to her and our two wonderful children.
Dedicated to my loves Bekah, Marnie and Strummer
iii Table of Contents
Signature Page ii
Acknowledgements iii
Abstract v
Chapter One: Husk by David Ian McKendry 1
Works Cited
iv Abstract
Husk
By
David Ian McKendry
Master of Fine Arts, Screenwriting
Kevin Brooks returns to his small Appalachian hometown of Elk Horn, Kentucky after his discharge from the Army. Suffering from severe PTSD and concussive brain injury, Kevin struggles with his pain and the memories of his time in Afghanistan.
Once home he meets Samantha, a young woman with a tortured past of her own, who moved into the property next door with her mother and preacher father. The two quickly fall in love. For the first time since leaving for war, it appears as though Kevin may have found happiness.
However, as his trauma intensifies, he begins seeing a strange creature that feeds on his feelings, drinks his blood, threatens the lives of those around him, and will not let him sleep.
v HUSK
INT. WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER - NIGHT
A small 2-bedroom sterile hospital room. Inside, a HEARTBEAT MONITOR BEEPS. Through the open door the sound of INDISCERNIBLE CONVERSATIONS, VARIOUS MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, AND SEVERAL PHONES RINGING.
KEVIN BROOKS (early 20s), a handsome All-American with Appalachian good looks lies in a hospital bed. Above the covers, he wears Army sweats.
Staring up at the florescent bulb above him, his eyes focus on the flickering light circulating inside the long glass tube. Its LOW HUM grows louder in Kevin’s head.
A fly lands on the bulb. Kevin watches it crawl across the bulb he follows it as it flies off the light and towards the other side of the room.
Turning his head, he watches fly over to the bed next to him. Lying in that bed is his ROOMMATE, a DOUBLE LEG AMPUTEE wrapped entirely in bandages. He watches as the fly lands on his roommates arm and begins crawling about his bandages.
The sudden JOSTLING OF A WHEELCHAIR being rolled in, grabs Kevin’s attention. He looks over towards the door and sees a CORPSMAN, in Navy camo, enter with a wheelchair.
The Corpsman pushes the chair over to Kevin’s bed and parks it next to him.
KEVIN Really gotta do this?
The Corpsman nods. Kevin easily gets out of bed then takes a seat in the wheelchair. Kevin gives his Roommate one last glance before turning his head forward as he’s pushed out the door.
The fly crawl into the bandages around his roommates face before crawling its way into an opening between the wraps.
1 INT. HALLWAY
The Corpsman pushes Kevin towards the elevator. It is a long drawn out ride down an empty hallway. Kevin can hear MOANS and CRIES muffled behind closed doors.
Down at the end of the hallway are the brushed metal doors of the elevator. A PATIENT wearing a hospital gown, stands next to the doors. He is leaning heavily on his crutches, with his head down. His head is shaved and covered in several sutured wounds.
The Corpsman parks the wheelchair at the elevator and presses the down button. Kevin tries his best not to look up at the Patient, but can’t fight the urge.
Looking up he sees a long sutured laceration from one side of his face to the other. It runs through where his eyes once were.
The elevator doors open with a DING.
The Corpsman pushes Kevin into the elevator. The Patient’s head turns with Kevin’s movements as though he is following him with his missing eyes.
INT. ELEVATOR
The Corpsman turns Kevin around to face the door. Kevin looks at the distorted reflection of himself in the brush metal elevator door.
Hovering above him he sees the distorted reflection of the Corpsman. He then glances over at something in the lower corner of the door.
It looks like a pair of dark eyes lingering in the bottom corner of the elevator.
Kevin slowly turns slowly towards the back corner of the elevator.
There’s nothing there.
Kevin turns back around to face the brushed metal door. The two dark eyes now hover above Kevin, freezing him in fear.
The elevator door DINGS, catching Kevin’s attention and knocking him out of his trance. The Corpsman pushes Kevin out of the elevator and into the lobby.
2 INT. LOBBY
An INTAKE NURSE pays no attention to Kevin as the Corpsman rolls him out of the elevator and towards the front doors. Through the main doors is a dark black void just outside the hospital.
EXT. WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
The Corpsman pushes Kevin outside into the night.
Kevin sits in light spilling out from the lobby.
Twenty feet away, a single street lamp shines a spotlight down on the sidewalk.
KEVIN Thanks.
Kevin stands up and turns around to see the Corpsman is gone.
Kevin looks out into the darkness but senses something under street lamp.
Kevin turns his head towards the street lamp.
His Roommate sits in a wheelchair under the lamp, facing out towards the darkness.
His Roommate turns his bandaged head to face Kevin.
Kevin slowly turns to go back inside. The doors are locked. Through the glass he sees the Intake Nurse sitting behind her desk. Her head down, she pays no attention to him.
Kevin knocks on the door. The Intake Nurse stands.
KEVIN (CONT'D) Hello?
She walks out from behind the desk and exits through the door behind her.
The lobby lights shut off leaving Kevin in darkness.
Kevin turns to the street lamp. His Roommate is gone.
3 He walks over to the street lamp and stands under it. Everything outside this beam of light is pitch black darkness.
The SQUEAK OF A WHEELCHAIR emits from the darkness.
A fly flies out of the darkness and lands on Kevin’s hand.
Kevin brushes it away.
Behind Kevin, a FACE leans out of the darkness, the top half remaining obscured in darkness. It lingers over Kevin’s shoulder and speaks softly in his ear.
FACE What did his blood taste like?
INT. HUMVEE 2-6, AFGHANISTAN - DAY - FLASHBACK
A disorienting scene flashes by quickly.
The sounds of war: sMALL ARMS FIRE, RPG EXPLOSIONS, and SHOUTING. Kevin, pinned to the roof of his overturned Humvee, coughs and chokes as blood pours down from above him.
Above Kevin, DERICK’s (early 20s) dead body trapped in its harness, his head half blown off by a hunk of shrapnel. Derick’s blood pours down on to Kevin’s face.
END FLASHBACK
INT. TRUCK - MORNING
Kevin wakes with a jolt. Lying across the front seat of his pickup truck, he has no blanket and is using a rolled up jacket for a pillow. He wears civilian clothes, a plain t- shirt, a pair of jeans, and his tan Army combat boots.
Kevin looks down at his feet.
A fly crawls across his boot before flying out the window.
4 EXT. WAL MART
Kevin’s truck is one of the few vehicles in the parking lot.
ARMY DOCTOR (V.O.) Tell me about the nightmares.
KEVIN (V.O.) What do you want to know?
INT. VA DOCTOR’S OFFICE - SAME
A small narrow white cinderblock room. File boxes, two and three high, line the walls. An ARMY DOCTOR (40s) wearing camo, barely looks up from Kevin’s chart.
Kevin sits in a metal chair wedged between the wall and the Doctor’s desk. The way the furniture is positioned forces Kevin to turn his head when he talks to the Doctor.
ARMY DOCTOR Intensity? Are they disorienting? Confusing?
KEVIN I don’t know... They’re not fun.
The Doctor jots down a few notes.
Kevin notices a large stack of files piled up the Doctor’s desk. Next to the stack are several day’s worth of discarded food wrappers and empty coffee cups.
ARMY DOCTOR Looks like your discharge has been finalized.
KEVIN Yes, sir.
ARMY DOCTOR Where you been staying?
KEVIN A friend’s house.
5 ARMY DOCTOR Got anything more permanent lined up?
KEVIN Gonna head back home after we’re done here. Move back into my grandparent’s house.
The Army Doctor looks over his notes.
ARMY DOCTOR That’s Elk Horn, Kentucky?
KEVIN Yes, sir.
The Doctor continues looking at the file.
ARMY DOCTOR And your grandparents?
KEVIN They passed.
ARMY DOCTOR What about your mom and dad?
KEVIN Never met him. Mom passed when I was six.
ARMY DOCTOR How’d she die?
Kevin pauses.
INT. APARTMENT , LIVING ROOM- FLASHBACK
The walls are stained and sporadically decorated, with a few fist sized holes in the drywall. The only furniture is dirty old brown corduroy couch, a coffee table, and a TV on cheap TV stand. Most of the surfaces are covered in empty beer bottles, full ashtrays, used syringes, and empty pill bottles.
6 A YOUNG KEVIN (6) stands facing the couch.
There sits his mother, JILL BROOKS (20s).
ECU: BRIEF GLIMPSES OF JILL...
-- A pale lifeless hand.
-- A fogged over pupil.
-- A fly crawling across blue cracked lips.
Young Kevin takes a single step forward as he slowly raises his arm to touch her.
KEVIN (V.O.) Cancer.
END FLASHBACK
INT. VA DOCTOR’S OFFICE
The Doctor looks over his notes.
ARMY DOCTOR How are the medicines working?
Kevin shrugs.
KEVIN Alright I guess.
The Doctor continues to go over his notes.
ARMY DOCTOR With concussive brain trauma, the meds will help with the physical symptoms. The next step is to look into nearby therapy options specializing in PTSD and mental health.
KEVIN That kind of therapy ain’t real big in Elk Horn.
7 ARMY DOCTOR Ok, I can put you on a wait list for an inpatient program, but you’re looking at six months to a year before something opens up. Your best bet will be to find something local.
ARMY DOCTOR (CONT'D) Well I know its a drive but you can always come back here for a weekly group session. In the meantime...
Kevin watches as the Doctor starts writing out prescriptions, his words fading into silence. The words melt into a MUFFLED DIN as the Doctor hands Kevin a stack of prescriptions.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. TRUCK - EARLY EVENING
Kevin is driving down a back country road. He grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - EARLY EVENING
Kevin’s truck drives deeper into the rural backwoods of Kentucky.
EXT. GAS STATION - EARLY EVENING
Kevin stands at one of the pumps as he fills up his truck. Spotting an old two-story apartment building across the street, sends Kevin walking to the edge of the parking lot.
It is a rundown rural poor building. Second and third hand children’s toys litter the fenced in front yard.
Up in a second floor balcony a CHILD (3), wearing just a diaper and sucking on a pacifier, looks down at him.
Kevin smiles.
8 INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
Young Kevin slowly raises his arm as his lifts his hand to touch Jill’s face.
The tips of his finger are an inch away from her lips.
CLICK.
END FLASHBACK
EXT. GAS STATION - EARLY EVENING
Kevin looks back at his truck.
The pump has stopped.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
The truck passes a mail box at the end of a gravel driveway. The mailbox is overflowing with junk-mail, fliers, and envelopes. Stenciled across are faded numbers and “BROOKS”.
Further up the drive, Kevin’s truck passes a tree with a yellow ribbon tied around it. The ribbon is faded with long tassels of string hanging from its frayed ends.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin pulls up to the house, his headlights illuminating this old wooden two-story structure surrounded by tall grass and overgrown bushes.
EXT. HOUSE
Kevin shuts off his truck and turns off his headlights. The illuminated by the moonlight.
9 INT. LIVING ROOM
Despite the dust, the picture fames and nick-knacks adorning the shelves and furniture are all still perfectly arranged .
The door CREAKS open. Kevin steps inside carrying his duffle and backpack. He drops both on the floor.
He shuts the door then looks around the room. His attention is drawn to a framed photo on an end table. It is a picture of a ten-year-old Kevin standing next to his GRANDMOTHER (60). Young Kevin wears a pumpkin costume and holds a bag for trick-or-treating.
Kevin smiles then places the picture back down on the table.
INT. KITCHEN
Kevin enters. He takes a moment to let the memories set in.
Reaching into is pocket, Kevin pulls out a stack of prescriptions. He looks them over before placing them on the table and then placing the salt and pepper shaker on them.
Kevin crosses over to the fuse panel in the wall. Opening it, he unscrews the main fuse and looks it over. It is blackened and cracked.
He opens a nearby drawer. Inside are a box of .30-06 rounds. As he opens the drawer a few of them roll out of the box.
He pauses for a moment before picking one up and looking it over. Kevin lets the bullet roll back and forth in his palm before placing it on the counter.
Fishing through the drawer, Kevin finds a replacement fuse.
As he screws the new fuse in place, it sparks a little before restoring power to the house.
INT. LIVING ROOM
A record player, with the needle still on it, starts to spin. An OLD COUNTRY SONG plays exactly where it left off.
10 INT. KITCHEN
Kevin perks up a little when he hears the SONG.
Turning around he sees the kitchen table, left exactly as it was when his Grandmother died. On the a small plate is a molded sandwich with two bites taken out of it. One of the kitchen chairs is laying on its side. On the floor next to it is a broken glass. Next to that, an out-of-place clear plastic bag reads, “MANUAL RESUSCIATOR: EMERGENCY MEDICAL USE”.
Kevin picks the chair back up. He then bends down and scoops the pieces of broken glass into the plastic bag. He tosses the bag into the trashcan then looks back at the sandwich.
Looking closer he can see the maggots crawling around the meat between the two slices of moldy bread. Kevin picks up the plate and tosses the entire thing into the trashcan.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin enters then crosses over to the front door to pick up his bag and duffle.
The closet door CREAKS open an inch. Kevin crosses over to the closet. On his way over he takes the needle off the record stopping the song with a SLIGHT SCRATCH.
Opening the door all the way, Kevin reaches inside and uses the pull chain to turn on the overhead light. The top shelf of the closet is stacked with board games, a few old coats hang from the rail.
Kevin hears the sound SCRATCHING around near feet.
He crouches down for a closer look.
Pushing aside some shoes and boxes, he sees a jagged opening in the back of the closet. The faint sound of BREATHING makes him lean further in. He pulls a small flashlight from his belt and shines it into the opening.
The light reflects off the bright green glowing eyes of a possum. It HISSES angrily.
Kevin jumps up and shuts the closet door.
11 INT. HALLWAY
At the end of the hallway Kevin pauses in front of his bedroom door, still covered in teenage decorations.
Kevin turns around. Opposite his door is the door to his grandmother’s bedroom. It is opened a crack. He pushes it gently.
INT. GRANDMA’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kevin stands in the doorway looking in. It is neat but dusty.
INT. HALLWAY
Kevin turns around and opens his bedroom door.
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Just like the rest of the house it is, neat but dusty.
Kevin enters. He tosses his duffle and backpack to the side then sits down on the bed.
He sits upright taking in the room and its memories.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM - LATER
Kevin lies in bed looking up at the ceiling. The window next to him is open. He can hear WIND BLOWING THROUGH THE TREES.
An occasional flash of heat lightning illuminates the room, providing relief from the harsh terrifying shadows cast by the moonlight.
DISSOLVE TO:
12 INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Kevin lies on the floor next to his bed, a rolled up jacket for a pillow and a crocheted blanket over him. He wakes up a little disoriented by his surroundings.
Sitting up, he takes a moment to look around the room and get his bearings.
EXT. HOUSE - AFTERNOON
The house’s age and condition is revealed in the harsh afternoon sun.
INT. GARAGE
The doors open as Kevin steps inside. Dust dances in the sunlight as it pours in through the open door.
He walks past an old car covered by tattered old tarp. Kevin runs his hands across it as he continues on to a tool bench on the far wall.
The tools here are old and rusted. There is one section dedicated to lawn tools. They’re just as old as everything else here.
Kevin picks up a pair of rusted hedge trimmers. As he examines them, he notices a few strange wooden constructions on the work bench. Half built cars and airplanes assembled by a child under the watchful eye of his Grandfather.
Something FALLING from the rafters draws his attention. He crosses over to the source of the sound.
On the other side of the car he sees an old empty paint can. Looking up he sees a few more stacked in the rafters, but no reason why this one fell.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HOUSE - LATER
Kevin is clearing brush around the sides of the house. He’s been at this for awhile judging by the filth and sweat stains on his clothes.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Kevin heads back inside.
13 INT. KITCHEN
Kevin gets a glass of water from the faucet. As he drinks he looks out the grease covered window above the sink. He sees a small white blur moving near the edge of the woods.
EXT. HOUSE
Kevin walks through the clearing towards an outcropping of wild blackberry bushes.
There he sees SAMANTHA HARRIS (20s), her pale skin shows a slight tint of red from the sun. She has long straight brown hair, she’s barefoot and wearing a white sundress with a few blackberry stains. He holds a bucket full of blackberries.
It takes her a moment to notice Kevin watching her. She jumps when she sees him.
SAMANTHA Oh my god! You scared the hell out of me.
She flashes a slight innocent smile, now relieved at the sight of Kevin.
KEVIN I’m sorry. I thought I was all alone out here.
SAMANTHA You’re Kevin, ain’t ya?
KEVIN Yeah.
SAMANTHA Thought so. Your grandma told me a lot ‘bout you. (beat) I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a real special woman.
KEVIN Thank you.
SAMANTHA Oh, I’m Samantha.
14 KEVIN Nice to meet you.
Samantha looks down at her bucket of blackberries.
SAMANTHA Hope you don’t mind.
Kevin shakes his head.
KEVIN Someone should get some use out of ‘em.
Beat.
SAMANTHA You live ‘round here?
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) About a year ago. I think you shipped out about a month before I got here.
KEVIN Sounds about right.
SAMANTHA Folks and I moved in to the property over in the next hollow.
KEVIN Guess that makes us neighbors then.
SAMANTHA Yeah.
Kevin looks down and notices her bare muddy feet. Samantha picks up on this.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Managed to find the deepest mud puddle I could. Had to sacrifice my sandals to get out of it.
15 Beat.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Gonna make the walk home a little rougher.
Beat.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) You think maybe I could get a ride home?
Kevin picks up on the direct approach.
INT. TRUCK
Throwing the truck into reverse, Kevin puts his elbow on the top of the seat, and turns his body to look out that back window.
His arm grazes Samantha’s shoulder. She looks straight ahead with a comforted smile.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD
Kevin’s truck moves down a narrow one-lane road.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin grips the wheel hard, his knuckles turning white. His eyes scan the sides of the road. He grips the wheel tighter with every discarded tire or trash pile he passes.
Samantha looks over at Kevin, she notices the tension in his face and hands.
SAMANTHA Never saw someone try to strangle a steering wheel to death before.
Kevin smiles as he loosens his grip. The blood starts to return to his knuckles.
KEVIN Sorry. Thanks.
16 SAMANTHA Don’t mention it.
Samantha smiles then turns to face the road.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) (suddenly) Stop here!
Kevin hits the breaks jostling them both slightly.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) (recovering) That works.
KEVIN Sorry.
Samantha jumps out of the truck and runs over to a bunch of wild flowers growing near the side of the road.
Kevin watches her bend down to pick a bouquet of flower before returning to the truck.
Samantha divides the flowers in half.
SAMANTHA And half for you.
KEVIN Thank you.
Kevin smiles before putting the truck in drive.
KEVIN (CONT'D) So what kind are they?
SAMANTHA Kind?
KEVIN The flowers.
17 SAMANTHA They’re roses.
KEVIN Those don’t look like roses.
SAMANTHA Do you know what kind they are?
KEVIN No.
SAMANTHA (emphatic) If they wanna be roses, they can be roses.
KEVIN What if they don’t wanna be roses?
SAMANTHA Well... then that’s their problem.
Kevin laughs. Samantha joins in.
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
Kevin’s truck stops at the top of the drive. Both Kevin and Samantha step out.
Kevin walks Samantha to the front porch.
SAMANTHA Oh, I forgot to tell you. My dad’s a preacher. So watch the god damn curse words.
KEVIN I’ll try.
The door opens as ALISON HARRIS (50s), a lovely woman with a stern protective look in her eye, steps out to meet them.
18 ALISON Now who is this you got with you?
SAMANTHA And here’s my mother. Mom, this is Kevin.
ALISON Nice to meet you Kevin.
Alison looks down at Samantha’s dirty bare feet.
ALISON (CONT'D) What happened to your shoes?!
SAMANTHA I traded ‘em for a ride home.
ALISON Well, next time just bring back the shoes. Come on in. Come on.
Alison motions for Kevin to enter. Kevin politely obliges.
INT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
Kevin enters followed by Samantha. They are almost immediately greeted by BOB HARRIS (50s).
BOB Who’d you bring home this time?
SAMANTHA Dad!
BOB I’m just foolin’. Pastor Harris.
Bob holds out a hand for Kevin to shake.
19 BOB (CONT'D) Call me Pastor Bob.
KEVIN Yes sir.
ALISON Kevin, you’re Grace’s son aren’t you?
KEVIN Yes ma’am, I am.
BOB Fine woman. I’m so sorry for your loss. And thank you for your service, son.
Kevin just nods.
KEVIN When you all move out here?
ALISON Oh comin’ up an a year now.
BOB Took over the First Baptist, after Pastor Shaw retired.
KEVIN Grandma wrote me about that.
BOB I’m sure she had some choice words for the young man takin’ over for him.
KEVIN She didn’t say much about that, and she wasn’t one for holdin’ back her opinion.
BOB No she wasn’t.
20 ALISON Now you’re stayin’ for diner of course.
KEVIN I don’t know. I should really be...
ALISON That wasn’t a question. Sam, go put out another place setting.
SAMANTHA Yes ma’am.
Samantha exits.
ALISON Diner will be ready directly.
KEVIN Thank you, ma’am.
Allison follows her daughter into the kitchen. Bob and Kevin stand in the entry way. Bob enjoys the discomfort for a bit.
BOB Come on.
Bob leads Kevin into the living room.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Bob plops down in his favorite chair while Kevin remains standing. Still in Army mode, he waits to be invited to sit.
BOB Well, have a seat.
KEVIN Thank you, sir.
Kevin sits down on the couch. A shifts a bit finding the edge the most comfortable part.
21 BOB So how long you been back in town for?
KEVIN Got back yesterday.
BOB That right? Good to see that properties gonna stay in the family.
KEVIN Yes, sir. Been that way for four generations now.
BOB Suspect you’ll be lookin’ to start a fifth?
Kevin gets a bit more uncomfortable
KEVIN It’d be nice. For now, I’d just like to get the place fixed up.
ALISON (O.S.) Get washed up for dinner!
BOB Down the hallway, second on the right.
KEVIN Thank you, sir.
Kevin gets up and heads down the hallway.
INT. HALLWAY
As Kevin walks down the hallway he glances over at the family photos on the wall. He notices pictures of Samantha through the years. As she grows older teenage rebellion emerges and her eyes grow a bit more distant.
22 INT. BATHROOM
Kevin pauses at the sink. Looking at himself in the mirror, his breathing becomes labored. The rumble of RUNNING WATER is deafening. A knock at the door breaks his trance.
SAMANTHA (O.S.) (from the other side of the door) You all right in there?
Kevin looks down at his hands. Still under the faucet, they are red and raw from over washing.
KEVIN Be right out.
Kevin catches his breath.
INT. HALLWAY
Samantha stands by the door looking concerned.
SAMANTHA All right.
Samantha walks away.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. DINING ROOM
Seated at a round table, Kevin and Samantha are directly across from each other. At the table is huge Southern meal.
BOB Let’s bow are heads.
They all bow their heads.
23 BOB (CONT'D) Dear Lord, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity. Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat and for the meal before us. Thank you for our home and family and friends.
Kevin carefully opens his eyes and looks up at Samantha to see that she is also carefully looking over at him. Their heads still bowed in prayer, they smile at each other.
BOB (CONT'D) And thank you for lookin’ out for Kevin and keeping him safe while he was overseas fighting for his country.
Kevin losses his smile as his eyes drift off and his mind travels a thousand miles away.
BOB (CONT'D) We pray that all his brothers and sisters over there will come home safe and sound and soon. We ask your blessing. Amen.
They all mutter a little amen before raising their heads.
BOB (CONT'D) Let’s eat.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FRONT PORCH - EVENING
Kevin steps out on to the front porch he is followed by Samantha and Bob.
BOB Gettin’ dark out here. You be safe drivin’ home.
KEVIN Yes sir, I will. Thank you for the meal.
BOB Don’t thank me. If I’d of cooked it we’d all be sick right now.
24 Bob puts out a hand. Kevin shakes it.
BOB (CONT'D) It was nice meeting you, Kevin.
KEVIN Nice meeting you too, sir.
BOB (correcting) No more of that ‘sir’ nonsense. It’s Pastor Bob.
KEVIN Yes si... Pastor Bob.
Alison steps out on to the porch with a bag in her hand.
ALISON Don’t forget your leftovers.
KEVIN Oh I couldn’t...
ALISON Don’t start in with that. Now you get these in the refrigerator as soon as you get home. You can get me back my Tupperware when you’re done.
KEVIN Yes, ma’am.
Alison pushes Bob back inside.
ALISON Well let’s have these two say a proper goodbye.
BOB I’m goin’, I’m goin’.
ALISON Good night.
25 KEVIN Night.
Alison ushers Bob back in side and closes the screen door behind her.
Samantha and Kevin stands awkwardly on the front porch.
SAMANTHA (awkward) So I was gonna make a pie outta them blackberries tonight. I could drop it by in afternoon?
KEVIN I’d like that. If it ain’t much trouble.
SAMANTHA No trouble.
Samantha takes in a deep breath.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Gonna rain.
KEVIN Looks that way.
Beat.
SAMANTHA So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.
KEVIN I’ll see you then.
SAMANTHA Ok... um... goodnight.
Samantha leans in and quickly kisses him on the cheek before turning and heading back inside.
Kevin pauses for a moment, his eyes still on the front door. He smiles then turns to go.
26 INT./EXT. KEVIN’S TRUCK/ HOUSE - NIGHT
Pulling up the house, Kevin’s truck illuminates the front with its headlights.
Kevin looks over at the flowers on the dashboard.
As Kevin turns off the headlights, he catches a glimpse of a FACE in one of the windows. Its pale skin and dark hollow eyes are only visible for a second before the headlights quickly fade off.
Seeing it in the brief moment, Kevin turns the headlights back on. The window is empty.
INT. HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The door opens slowly. Kevin stands at the opening peering inside. He scans the room, making sure its clear before entering.
INT. HOUSE, LIVING ROOM, KEVIN’S BEDROOM, GRANDPARENT’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kevin does a thorough scan of the house. His search turns up nothing.
INT. HOUSE, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Entering the kitchen and finding it empty, Kevin takes a deep breath to center himself. Glancing down at the table he sees the stack of prescriptions under the salt and pepper shakers.
EXT. CVS - EVENING
Kevin’s truck is backed into a spot. The glow of an orange street lamp shines down on it.
INT. CVS
Kevin waits in line behind a JUNKIE (20s) obviously trying to pass off forged prescriptions. Behind the counter the PHARMACIST (60s), studies them closely .
27 PHARMACIST You need these tonight?
JUNKY Yeah... Is that a problem?
PHARMACIST I’m gonna half to see if I have this.
Kevin waits patiently as this scene unfold.
INT. APARTMENT - FLASHBACK
Young Kevin stands facing the couch back lit by the television behind him. He lifts his arm towards something seated on the couch. The SOUNDS OF WAR pour out of the television’s speakers and fill the room.
Extreme closeup on a pale and ashy lip as young Kevin’s finger inch closer to it.
INT. HUMVEE 2-6 - FLASHBACK
The SOUNDS OF WAR continue. Kevin, pinned to the roof of the upside down Humvee, his face is covered in blood. He looks up at Derrick’s near obliterated face.
Kevin breath is shallow and rapid. He reaches up with his only free arm. His gloved fingers reaching out to touch what is left of Derrick’s face.
Derrick’s face flashes into Jill’s.
PHARMACIST (V.O.) Next.
INT. CVS - NIGHT
Kevin emerges from his trance to see the Pharmacist waiting for him to step forward.
Kevin steps up to the counter and hands him his stack of prescriptions.
The Pharmacist looks through them.
28 PHARMACIST Need ‘em tonight?
KEVIN Yes, sir.
PHARMACIST (sighs) Alright, I’ll call you when they’re ready.
Kevin takes a seat in a row of chairs along the wall.
Beat.
Kevin closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
Kevon’s eyes open. He looks up to see the Junkie standing a few aisles over. He’s having a frantic whispered argument with his GIRLFRIEND (18), a thin shabbily dressed young woman who is also showing signs of withdraw.
JUNKY (whispered shout) Shut the fuck up!
GIRLFRIEND (whispered) I’m sorry.
The Junky looks over and sees Kevin looking at him. He grabs his girlfriend by the arm and drags her away.
Kevin turns his head and looks forward, gripping the arm of the chair. His knuckles turning white as he tries to keep his rage in check.
PHARMACIST (O.S.) Mister Brooks?
Kevin looks over to see the Pharmacist and several white bags laid out on the counter.
PHARMACIST (CONT'D) You’re all set.
29 Kevin hands him a card. Kevin casually turns back, the Junky and his Girlfriend are no long in the store.
EXT. CVS - NIGHT
The parking lot outside the pharmacy is bathed in orange light. There are only a few cars parked outside, one of which is an beat up Oldsmobile almost entirely filled with a variety of belongings.
Kevin exits the pharmacy holding a plastic bag filled with white prescription bags. He walks towards his truck glancing over at the Oldsmobile.
In the front seat he sees the Girlfriend, her arm leaning against the passenger door with the back of her hand to her forehead. She looks out the window at something off in the distance.
Kevin keeps walking.
JUNKY (O.S.) Hey man.
Kevin turns around to see the Junky standing behind him.
JUNKY (CONT'D) Spare a few bucks? My girl and I are starving.
The Junky doesn’t stop walking towards him, there’s a deep desperation in his eyes. Kevin stands his ground.
KEVIN Sorry.
The Junky looks down at the bag in Kevin’s hand.
JUNKY Got anything good in there?
KEVIN Nah, man.
30 JUNKY Come on, my girls sick.
KEVIN I’m sorry.
The Junky continues walking towards Kevin. Kevin does not back away.
JUNKY I bet.
KEVIN There ain’t nothing in here that’s gonna help her.
JUNKY Well let’s see what-
The Junky lunges for the bag, Kevin gives him a strong push to the shoulder with the palm of his hand that sends the Junky back a step.
The Junky sees it as an opportunity to escalate. He lunges at Kevin, his arms out in an attempt to grab at Kevin’s shirt.
Kevin brushes him aside with one hand as he steps to the side. The Junky’s momentum sends him forward and off balance.
After regaining his balance, the Junky pulls a knife from his back pocket. He rushes forward the knife out and pointed towards Kevin’s stomach.
Kevin drops his bag as he steps to the side and grabs the Junky’s wrist. Using the Junky’s momentum once more, Kevin throws him to the ground. Seeing the knife in play sends Kevin’s energy to a darker place.
The silence of the parking lot is filled with the sounds of violence and war combined with a melodic hum.
He thrusts the palm of his hand into the side of the Junky’s face. The blow sends the Junky down to the pavement face first. Kevin follows this up with several punches to the face.
31 The sounds of WAR fades into a MELODIC HUM as Kevin shuts out everything around him, his punches still raining down on the Junky.
The HUM fades into a WOMAN’S SCREAM.
Kevin comes back to reality, he sees the young man’s bloody face. Looking up he sees the young man’s girlfriend standing ten feet from him and screaming.
A LITTLE BOY (6) just behind her. He wears a man’s t-shirt as a night shirt. He’s half- asleep and confused.
Surprised by what he’s done, Kevin stands up, grabs his bag, and heads back to his truck.
HALF-SECOND FLASH: As he opens the driver’s side door, there is the faint glimpse of a pale face with deep black eyes. It is there only for a split second before Kevin opens the door and gets into his truck.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin starts up his truck, the look of surprise and shock still on his face.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM - LATER
Kevin sits on his floor his back against his bed. With his desk lamp on the floor, Kevin holds his hands in the light. His knuckles are torn and bloody.
INT. BEDROOM - LATER
Kevin is asleep on the floor. Somewhere in the room SHARP NAILS SCRATCH INTO WOODEN FLOORS. Kevin opens his eyes and slowly turns his head towards the source of the sound.
Peering into a dark corner of the room he sees two glowing eyes and the faint outline of a head. It slowly moves back and forth like an animal sizing up its prey.
Kevin slowly reaches for the desk lamp on the floor. His other hand slowly reaching under his pillow.
32 From under his pillow Kevin produces his Army knife, as his other hand grabs hold of the desk lamp’s pull-chain.
With a quick jerk of the chain, the light turns on.
HALF-SECOND FLASH: A pale white gangly figure with deep black eyes. It holds itself up on its long spindly legs and arms. Sharp black claws dig into the wooded floor.
Kevin pulls too hard on the chain knocking the lamp onto its side. The impact breaks the bulb and casts the room in darkness.
On pure instinct, Kevin rolls under the bed as NAILS SCRATCHING ON HARDWOOD FLOORS quickly grows louder and closer.
From under the bed, the BEDSPRINGS SQUEAK as they lower to support the weight of something that has just jumped on top of the bed.
The bed bounces back up as what ever this was jumps off the bed and out the bedroom window.
Kevin takes a moment before sliding back out from under the bed. He stands up and looks out the open window. He sees no sign of the creature outside.
EXT. HOUSE - MORNING
The sound of HAMMERING coming from inside.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kevin hammers a plywood across the back of the closet.
INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
The medicine cabinet opens. Inside are some old pill bottles with his grandmother’s name on them.
He looks at one of them for a moment before moving all of them to one side of the cabinet.
33 Kevin proceeds to stack his pill bottles on the other side of the cabinet.
Shutting the cabinet, Kevin sees his reflection in the mirror. He takes a moment to study the lines on his face. He looks far older than his years.
EXT. HOUSE - AFTERNOON
His shirt drenched in sweat and dirt, Kevin hacks away with a hatchet at the brambles and branches from the overgrown bushes around the house, before discarding them into a pile.
SAMANTHA (O.S.) You ready to take a break yet?
Kevin turns around to see Samantha standing a ways behind him. She holds a grocery bag down by her side in one hand and a bunch of wildflowers in the other.
INT. KITCHEN
Samantha puts the wildflowers in drinking glass and fills it with water at the sink. She places them on the center of the table near a fresh baked pie, two paper plates, two forks, and some napkins.
KEVIN Nice looking roses.
Samantha smiles.
SAMANTHA Thank you.
Samantha searches the table for something.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Shoot, I forgot a knife.
Samantha glances around the kitchen. Nothing in here has been cleaned in months.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) You don’t have a...
34 KEVIN I’ve got this one.
Kevin pulls out a pocket knife and flicks it open. Samantha gives the filthy knife an apprehensive look.
SAMANTHA No need to be formal.
Samantha takes a seat then stabs at the pie with a fork before taking a huge bite.
Kevin smiles before joining in.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) (mouth full of pie) How’s the work comin’ along?
Samantha swallows her previous bite.
KEVIN Slow goin’.
SAMANTHA Don’t think yer grandma got around to doin’ too much yard work. Church tried to help when we could, but things round here grow fast.
KEVIN That they do.
Kevin takes another bite. Samantha gives him an impatient look before clearing her throat.
SAMANTHA Well?
Kevin’s fork hangs out of his mouth as he gives her a confused look.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) (impatiently) And how is the pie?!
35 KEVIN (mouth full of pie) It’s good. It’s good.
SAMANTHA Ok, that’s better.
Samantha smiles as she stabs at another fork full of pie.
There’s a pause as Kevin thinks of what to say next.
KEVIN Can I ask you a question?
SAMANTHA Didn’t you just?
Kevin smiles then takes a breath.
KEVIN I don’t wanna make you mad.
SAMANTHA Uh-oh.
KEVIN Why are you still livin’ with your folks?
SAMANTHA Don’t I look young enough to live with my folks?
KEVIN I was just assuming you and I are the same age.
Samantha’s expression shows she can’t avoid this with humor.
SAMANTHA I had to get away from a few things. Figured moving up here was the best place to do that.
36 KEVIN Where were you before?
SAMANTHA Charlotte... I don’t really wanna talk about that right now.
KEVIN Sorry.
SAMANTHA Don’t be.
Samantha places the fork down on the table.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Let’s go for a walk?
Kevin puts his fork down and stands up.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) I’ll show you a short cut to my house.
EXT. WOODS - LATER
Samantha leads Kevin down a deer trail through the woods.
KEVIN This is a pretty rough short cut. You sure you know where you’re going?
SAMANTHA You questioning my navigations skills?
KEVIN Not at all.
SAMANTHA Now keep up. I don’t need you getting lost out here.
37 KEVIN You know I grew up here right?
SAMANTHA Well then maybe you should lead the way.
Samantha stops and waits for Kevin to pass.
Kevin looks around.
KEVIN This don’t look much like I remember.
SAMANTHA Don’t you have any of that special Army training to lead you through here.
KEVIN Not really.
Beat.
KEVIN (CONT'D) You’re doin’ great.
SAMANTHA Ok then. No more comments about my short cut.
They continue walking.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) You don’t like talking about being over there, do ya?
KEVIN Not really.
SAMANTHA You kind of get that look whenever anyone brings it up. Like you wish they’d just let it go.
38 KEVIN I guess I do. I ain’t ashamed or nothing. I just... It ain’t something I really feel much like talking about.
Samantha stops and turns to Kevin.
SAMANTHA Then let’s not talk about it.
Samantha slaps Kevin in the chest with the back of her hand.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Tag! You’re it!
Samantha turns and runs off into the woods. Kevin shakes his head and smiles before talking off after her.
As they run through the woods, Kevin’s foot catches a branch and sends him crashing to the ground.
Kevin lies in the brambles looking up at the canopy of trees overhead, the sunlight cutting through the woods. Samantha appears in his line of sight. The sun glows around her.
Samantha plops down on top of him straddling his waist with her thighs. She looks down at Kevin shaking her head.
Beat.
Samantha leans down and kisses Kevin on the lips. After a long moment, her lips pressed to his, Samantha sits back up.
KEVIN Does that mean you’re it?
Samantha looks down at him, still smiling.
There’s a look in her eye that wants to keep going.
SAMANTHA I should be getting back home.
Samantha stands. She puts down a hand to help Kevin back up.
39 The two continue walking.
EXT. BOB’S HOUSE - LATER
As the woods thin out, Samantha’s house starts to reveal itself in the distance.
SAMANTHA I won’t make you walk me up to the door. Save you from having my pops talk your ear off.
Samantha turns to face him.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) So...
KEVIN So...
Kevin places his hand on her waist. Samantha smiles as she places one hand his waist and the other on the back of his head. They both lean in simultaneously and kiss.
Samantha pauses then pulls back.
SAMANTHA Uh-oh.
KEVIN What?
Keeping her hand on the back of his head...
SAMANTHA Turn around.
KEVIN What is it?
Samantha keeps her hand on the back of his head as Kevin turns around.
SAMANTHA You picked up a hitchhiker.
40 Samantha leans in for a closer look. There on the back of Kevin’s neck is...
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Yup. A big fat ol’ tick.
KEVIN What?!
Kevin reaches back but Samantha gently slaps his hand away.
SAMANTHA I’ll handle it. You got a lighter?
Kevin reaches in to his pocket and pulls out a Zippo.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Don’t move.
Samantha takes the lighter then leans down to pick up a twig.
Using the Zippo, Samantha ignites the tip of the twig and lets it burn for a moment before blowing it out. She then presses the glowing ember of the twig to the tick. It only takes a moment before the tick backs out. Samantha grabs it with her opposite thumb and forefinger then flicks it out in to the woods.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) There, all done.
KEVIN Thanks.
SAMANTHA Don’t mention it. I’ll send you my bill.
Samantha hands him back his lighter.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Now don’t pick at that. It’ll get infected.
Samantha gives him one last peck on the lips then runs off for home. Kevin watches her go.
41 As she walks away...
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Don’t get lost getting home.
Kevin smiles then turns around.
Kevin has a worried look on his face. It’s been awhile since he’s walked these woods.
KEVIN Shit.
Kevin starts walking. After a bit he looks around then veers off in a new direction.
EXT. HOUSE - LATER
Kevin emerges from the woods. He’s made it home alive. As he walks up to the front door, a BRANCH SNAPPING turns him back around. He pauses for a moment then goes inside.
INT. KITCHEN
Kevin crosses over to the sink and places the two spoons down. Looking up Kevin pale face obscured by the grease stained glass, staring at him through the window. Its dark sunken eyes lock with Kevin.
Startled, Kevin backs away from the counter. He comes back to see that the face is gone. Hears the STORM CELLAR DOOR OPENING then SLAMMING SHUT.
Kevin runs over to the drawer, pulls out the box of 30-.06 shells, then rushers out of the kitchen.
Kevin rushes out of the kitchen.
INT. LIVING ROOM
The closet opens. Kevin reaches inside and pulls out his Grandfather’s old rifle.
42 Propping one foot up on the coffee table, he balances the rifle on his bent leg as he pulls a few shells out of the box then inserts them into the rifle. As he does so, a few shells fall to the floor.
Standing upright, he chambers a round then heads out the front door.
EXT. HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Kevin steps outside, his rifle at the ready. Walking off the porch and down on to the front lawn, he walks around to the side of the house.
Around the side of the house, he spots the heavy metal doors of the storm cellar flung open. An old broken chain hangs from the handle.
INT. STORM CELLAR - CONTINUOUS
Kevin throws the doors of the storm cellar open. He peers into the darkness, the sunlight behind shines down in hard beam as it illuminates a square of dirt floor beneath the steep wooden stairs that lead down into the cellar.
Slinging the rifle over his shoulder, Kevin carefully proceeds down the stairs.
At the bottom of the staircase, Kevin pulls the rifle off his shoulder. He aims into the darkness as he scans the cellar.
A hard wall of shadow looms in front of him. Through it he can make out the faint outline of shelves.
Kevin steps forward, towards the darkness. The sound of NAILS SCRATCHING WOOD, coming from behind the staircase, spins Kevin back around.
From where he stands, Kevin squints to see through the shadows between the run of the stairs. A pale, long, skinny claw digs into one of the steps, then slowly pulls back into the darkness. It leaves behind deep splintery grooves in the wood.
He sees a pale outline in the darkness. It starts to form a clearer shape as it slowly moves forward. A pair of dark sunken eyes begin to emerge.
As begins backing up as he points the rifle the form.
43 He fires a shot and readies another but the rifle jams. Looking down to clear the spent shell, Kevin manages to chamber another round. He looks back up but the creature is gone.
Something rises up behind Kevin. It is still obscured by shadow but its silhouette is that of a pale skinny creature with dark sunken eyes and long ting arms.
Kevin face shows that he knows its there.
Kevin is suddenly pulled into the darkness
The Creature lunges forward. Its momentum slams Kevin into the back wall of the cellar.
FADE OUT:
SOUNDS OF STATIC AND RADIO CLICKS
FADE IN:
INT. APARTMENT - FLASHBACK
Adult Kevin pulls himself away from the back wall. He rubs his head then walks forward. Kevin stands in the middle of the apartment. He looks down to see Young Kevin with his back to him.
Young Kevin stands facing an empty couch.
Kevin is about to speak.
Hearing BEEPS AND CLICKS OF A RADIO accompanied by TIRES ROLLING ACROSS A DESERT ROAD turns Kevin around.
The sounds are coming from the television set.
Kevin turns back around to see Young Kevin with his arm fully extended towards the couch. The Creature’s hand comes up from behind the couch digs its claws into the top edge of it.
Jill’s dry ashen mouth leans over Kevin’s shoulder and whispers in his ear.
44 JILL What did his blood taste like?
Kevin feels something on his arm. He looks down to see long pale boney fingers with sharp black claws. They dig into his flesh then pull back quickly creating deep bloody wounds.
Kevin winces in pain.
INT. STORM CELLAR
Kevin’s eyes are still closed as he lies face down on the dirt floor of the cellar. Just out of focus on his back is a pale blurry humanoid form. It appears to be sucking blood from the tick wound on the back of his neck.
Kevin’s eyes start to open. They then open suddenly as he roles over on to his back. The pale form is gone. He places a hand to the back of his neck then looks at it. His palm is covered in his own blood.
Kevin jumps up to his feet. Looking around he sees that he is alone. He looks down at his palm once more then picks the riffle up off the ground.
INT. BATHROOM
Kevin stands at the mirror trying his best to look at the wound on the back of his neck. He washes his hands, the blood flowing down the drain.
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
Kevin sits at the table, a bandage on the back of his neck and his rifle laid across the table.
EXT. CHURCH - MORNING
An old white wooden structure with a tall narrow steeple topped with a white wooden cross. The church sits on the back edge of the hollow surrounded on three sides by tall trees running along a steep incline. In front of it is a gravel parking lot filled with cars.
45 A set of stairs leads to the main doors at the bottom of the steeple. Most of the parishioners have already gone inside but a few stragglers are still making there way in through the tall arched narrow doors.
Kevin stands in the middle of the gravel parking lot looking up at those wooden doors. He’s dressed in an ill-fitting navy blue suit a few sizes too big.
INT. CHURCH
An old Appalachian church, it features a simple alter with a podium off to one side and a baptismal font on the other. Along the back wall is a simple wooden cross. Below it, Allison sits at an old grand piano. Robert sits in a chair off to the side reading over his notes.
The congregation are in the process of taking their seats when Kevin enters. He looks around for a moment before spotting Samantha seated two pews back from the altar.
Turned three-quarters of the way around in her seat, Samantha waves for Kevin to join her.
Kevin gives a relieved smile then goes to sit with her.
SAMANTHA Saved you a seat.
Kevin takes a seat in the pew next to her.
KEVIN Thanks.
SAMANTHA By the way, mom is insanely excited about dinner tonight. So don’t eat anything until then.
KEVIN I won’t.
Samantha notices the bandage on the back of his neck.
SAMANTHA Oh my gosh. What happened?
46 KEVIN I think that tick bite opened up.
SAMANTHA You want me to take a look at that?
KEVIN Nah, I put something on it.
SAMANTHA Ok. I can amputate if need be.
KEVIN I’ll keep that in mind.
SAMANTHA So when’s the last time you went to church?
KEVIN Once during basic training. Three years ago.
SAMANTHA Shame on you.
KEVIN I guess I shouldn’t tell ya the only reason I went was to get out of cleaning the latrine.
Samantha laughingly nudges him with her elbow.
Just then the full attention of the congregation is directed towards the altar.
Kevin and Samantha turn to face the altar as Robert takes his place behind the podium.
BOB Every Sunday we reflect back on the great blessings we’ve been given. What ever those blessings may have been no matter how small. Maybe it was a week of good food, or a week of financial success, or a maybe it was a week where you didn’t get under your wife’s skin.
47 Bob smiles.
BOB (CONT'D) I’ll let you know when that happens.
The congregation laughs.
BOB (CONT'D) We reflect on those little blessings and we are thankful. But in our reflection and thanks we lose sight of something.
Samantha’s hand moves closer to Kevin’s until their fingers barely touch. Kevin looks down then looks up at her. She smiles. Kevin returns the smile.
They hold hands.
BOB (O.S.) (CONT'D) Those who are no longer here to share in the joy of those small blessings. The young woman killed by a drunk driver while crossing the street, the baby succumbing to an illness they were born with. And the soldier lost somewhere far from home who will never sit out our table and share in our joy once more.
The sermon touches a nerve with Kevin. As he looks back at the altar, he sees a pale figure emerge from the baptismal font. The figure rises just enough for its deep black eyes to be seen above the lip of the font.
BOB (CONT'D) When we reflect on our thanks and joy, we must keep in our hearts those who want nothing more than to feel those small joys we take for granted.
Kevin begins breathing heavily as he squeezes Samantha’s hand tightly. She finds it sweet at first but then realizes something is wrong.
SAMANTHA Are you alright?
48 The black eyes stair at Kevin.
BOB (O.S.) In doing so we share our joy. We share our-
KEVIN I need to get some air. Excuse me.
Kevin stands up and walks out of the pew and towards the back of the church.
EXT. CHURCH
Kevin rushes out of the building and down into the parking lot. The world spins around him. He hears the sounds of war echoing in his head.
A pale figure stares at him from across the parking lot. Its tall and gaunt. Its eyes are deep black circles. It stands upright only for a moment before running off into the woods.
Kevin chases after it.
EXT. WOODS
Running into the woods, Kevin pauses for a moment. He hears leaves rustling but when he turns in the direction of the sound he sees nothing.
Kevin screams.
His cellphone rings. The caller ID reads HECTOR. Kevin answers the phone.
KEVIN Hello.
Beat. As Kevin listens he is sadden by what he hears on the other end of the conversation.
KEVIN (CONT'D) Yeah... Ok.
49 Kevin hangs up the phone then looks around at the woods. He’s all alone.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CEMETARY - LATER
It is an overcast day as a group of MOURNERS gather around a casket with an American flag draped over it.
A single row of white chairs faces the casket where a YOUNG WOMAN (20s), wearing all black, sits and weeps. Next to her sits a GIRL (4) who appears to have no grasp on the gravity of the situation.
Other mourners stand behind the row of chairs, most are Kevin’s age. Some wear Army uniforms or have medals pinned to their suit jackets or dresses.
On the opposite side of the casket is standing at attention is a FOUR MEMBER RETIRED HONOR GUARD (40s-60s)comprised of older former service members.
Men from the local VFW, they wear suits adorned with their medals and garrison caps on their heads that designate them as member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
Three of them hold rifles. Next to the firing line a RETIRED SERGENT, wearing an outdated uniform that fits snuggly.
Three more members of the VFW (30s-50s) stand off to the side holding flags, an American flag in the center flanked by a Kentucky state flag, and a United States Army flag.
A PRIEST stands at the head of the casket. Behind him are two current SERVICE MEMBERS (late-teens) in dress uniform.
Off to the side of the casket are two easels.
On one easel is a portrait of JOSH HOWARD (20s) in his Army dress uniform. Next to it is a display case filled with his medals. His insignia’s designate him as a member of the Kentucky Army National Guard.
50 On the other easel is a poster board with a photo collage of Josh. Most of the photos are of him with his family and friends.
One photo shows Josh in Afghanistan. He is in his combat fatigues standing next to a Humvee. In the photo with him is Kevin, Derick, and HECTOR (early 20s). They’re all smiling as the pose for the camera.
Kevin stands a little off to the side.
PRIEST Josh Howard was a loving husband a good farther, and a young man who faithfully served his country when called upon to do so. Like so many young men before him, he left this world too soon.
Scanning the mourners, Kevin sees Hector. Their eyes meet as Hector gives Kevin a nod. Kevin returns the nod. He sees that Hector’s left arm is missing. Kevin turns back to the priest.
PRIEST (CONT'D) And like so many others before him, Josh was haunted by that which could not be silenced. We pray that he will now find the peace he so longed for. In this we pray. Amen
ALL Amen.
The Priest turns back to the two service members behind him. Their movements synchronized as they move towards the casket and lift the flag up off of it. They pull the flag taught as Kevin and all the other former and current service members salute.
SERGEANT LOAD!
The firing line turns halfway to the right and chambers a round into their rifles
SERGEANT (CONT'D) READY!
With a flick of their thumbs the rifle safeties CLICK off.
51 SERGEANT (CONT'D) AIM!
The riflemen shoulder their rifles and point them upward.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) FIRE!
The riflemen fire off a single round. Kevin flinches at the sound but continues to salute.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) READY!
The riflemen chamber another round.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) AIM!
They aim.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) FIRE!
Another volley and again Kevin flinches.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) READY!
Once more a round is chambered. A tear rolls down Kevin’s cheek as his eyes focus on Josh’s casket.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) AIM!
The riflemen aim.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) FIRE!
52 The final volley. The priest turns to an iPhone next to a Bluetooth speaker on a chair. He presses play on the iPhone. “Taps” plays through the Bluetooth speaker as the Sergeant picks up three empty shell casings. The two servicemen fold the flag.
As “Taps” continues to play, the Sergeant places three shell casings into the folds of the flag then takes the flag.
He carries it to the Young Woman then kneels down in front of her.
SERGEANT (CONT'D) Please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your husbands honorable and faithful.
She’s crying to much to take it from him. An OLDER MAN, presumably her father, reaches over and gingerly accepts the flag from him.
OLDER MAN Thank you.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CEMETARY
The funeral is dispersing as the Older Man leads the Younger Woman and her daughter away.
Hector and Kevin approach each other and hug.
HECTOR How you doin’, man?
KEVIN Eh, you know.
HECTOR Yeah.
Beat.
53 They both look at the coffin.
HECTOR (CONT'D) Fuckin’ Josh, man.
KEVIN Fuckin’ Josh.
HECTOR Called me the day before. Wanted to apologize for my arm. All this time, he still thought it was his fault. Told me he was sorry he jinxed us.
KEVIN Son of a bitch.
HECTOR Said he kept seeing Derrick’s face when ever he closed his eyes.
This hits Kevin.
HECTOR (CONT'D) He try calling you?
KEVIN Nah. Hadn’t heard from him since...
HECTOR So how you really holding up?
KEVIN Day-by-day.
HECTOR He’s here you know.
KEVIN I know.
54 DERRICK You should go see him.
KEVIN Yeah... I will.
HECTOR Hey. You need anything, pick up the phone. You ain’t alone, brother.
KEVIN Thanks.
The two of them hug. Kevin remains as Hector walks away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CEMETARY
A tombstone reads “PVT. DERRICK CARTER”. Above the name is the symbol for the Kentucky National Guard. Below the name is the date of his birth and his death. Below that is etched “AFGHANISTAN”. On the last line are the words “FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS”
Kevin stands over it as a light rain starts to fall.
KEVIN Hey, man... I’m not good at this. I probably should be by now. What with my mom and grandparents... And I guess Josh now too. I don’t what to say... I’m sorry you’re dead. That sounds so fucked up, but yeah... I’m sorry. You should be here right now. You shouldn’t of had half your face blown off. It’s not fair... But what can you do?
Beat.
KEVIN (CONT'D) I met someone... Pretty sure I fucked that up. Probably better for her. (MORE)
55 KEVIN (CONT'D) I’m too big a fucking mess to be with anyone. But I really like her. No. I fucking love her man. I know it’s quick but this feels good, man.
Beat.
KEVIN (CONT'D) I’m sorry your dead, Derrick.
Kevin turns away as his phone vibrates with a text message.
Kevin looks down at his phone. There are several texts from Samantha.
SAMANTHA (TEXT) Did I do something wrong?
Kevin looks up to see the Creature standing next to him. Its pale face and black eyes are just out of focus. We catch a brief glimpse of its moist sharp teeth as it grins at him.
Kevin jumps back suddenly, falling to the ground.
INT. HUMVEE 2-6 - FLASHBACK
The sounds of war all around. Kevin is pinned to the roof of his upside down Humvee. Blood pours down on his face as he coughs and gags. He manages to open his eyes. Looking up he see Jill’s dead face looking down at him.
Kevin struggles to get free. He hears a clicking sound coming from the backseat. Josh lies face down on the roof of the upside down Humvee. He looks at Kevin.
JOSH I’m sorry.
Josh is suddenly and quickly pulled feet first from the Humvee. Josh looks back up the Creature hovers over him.
It reveals its razor sharp teeth before lunging forward.
END FLASHBACK
56 EXT. CEMETARY
Kevin opens his eyes suddenly and looks all around him. The creature is gone. Kevin gets back up to his feet.
Unsteady, he stumbles to Derrick’s tombstone and leans both hands down on it.
Hovering over the tombstone, he notices his own blood dripping down on to it.
Kevin places his hand to the back of his neck then looks at it. His palm is covered in blood.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Kevin’s truck pulls up the drive and comes to a stop. Kevin steps out of the truck and heads up the steps. Pausing at the top of the steps.
Taped to the door is a note from Samantha.
SAMANTHA (NOTE) Please call me.
Kevin pulls the note off the door and goes inside.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin enters. His eyes move slowly about the room. The walls seem to breath all around him.
Reaching into his inside jacket pocket, Kevin pulls out a prayer card from Josh’s funeral. On the front is Josh’s name, date of birth, date of death, and a headshot of him in his dress uniform.
Kevin walks over to the couch and sits. He places the prayer card and the note from Samantha on the table.
As he looks at them both, the closet door slowly creeks open.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kevin sees a pale out of focus figure. The Creatures face lingers next to his, staring at the side of Kevin’s face.
57 Kevin turns slowly to face him.
The Creature’s face has strangely transformed. Its mouth is still a wide slit filled with razor sharp teeth, however, its eyes are Kevin’s.
They look into each other’s eyes as Kevin slowly reaches his hand out to the coffee table.
The Creature’s head slowly moves forward.
His hand grasping the edge of the table, Kevin throws it suddenly as he rises to his feet, and turns to face the couch.
The Creature is gone.
Kevin stands frozen in fear, he knows what is behind him.
The Creature slowly rises up behind him.
Kevin turns as the Creature lunges forward taking Kevin to the ground.
The two thrash and fight as the Creature takes slices out of Kevin’s arms and chest with its long sharp claws.
INT. LIVING ROOM/ INT. HUMVEE 2-6 - REALTIME/ FLASHBACK
Pinned to the top of his Humvee, Kevin does his best to fight off the Creatures strikes.
In his living room, Kevin attempts to fight off the Creature.
The scenes repeat flashing back and forth between the two.
INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Kevin lies face down on the floor. The room has been completely trashed. There is blood and broken furniture everywhere.
As Kevin picks himself up off the floor, he sees the bloody scratches on his arms and chest. The back of his shirt is covered in blood.
58 INT. BATHROOM
The shower is running. Kevin’s bloody clothes lay in a pile on the bathroom floor. His bloody foot prints lead to the shower, a bloody handprint on the shower curtain, and Kevin’s silhouette visible from the outside.
INT. BATHROOM - LATER
Kevin stands shirtless in front of the mirror. He wears his Army dog-tags.
He opens the medicine cabinet to reveal his assortment of prescribed mediations. He pulls something from the cabinet then shuts it.
Using a cotton ball and an old bottle of peroxide, Kevin cleans his wounds.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin walks down the hallway as he puts on hit t-shirt. He pauses as he looks into the living room at the devastation.
There is a loud angry knock at the door.
EXT. FRONT PORCH
Samantha stands on the porch as the door opens. The look on her face demands an answer.
KEVIN Come on in.
Kevin steps to the side to allow Samantha to enter.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Samantha stands in the middle of the living room with a look of sheer horror on her face at the devastation.
SAMANTHA What happened?
59 KEVIN A couple of possums came up from the cellar. Tore the shit out of the place.
SAMANTHA Possums?
Samantha notices the wounds on Kevin’s arms.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Oh my god.
She goes over to him the check on his bandaged arm.
KEVIN I’m alright.
Samantha gives his bandages a look over anyways.
SAMANTHA So is this why you missed dinner? Off playing with possums?
KEVIN Not exactly.
Kevin walks over to something on the floor and picks up the prayer card from Josh’s funeral.
Samantha takes it and reads it.
SAMANTHA I’m sorry. You could have told me.
KEVIN I know.
Samantha takes Kevin by the hand and leads him down the hallway towards his bedroom.
60 INT. BEDROOM
Samantha leads Kevin to his bed. She sits down on the bed and pulls Kevin down on top of her.
They make love.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM - LATER
Samantha and Kevin lie naked in bed. Lying on their sides they face each other and smile.
The Creature reaches a hand out from under the bed and grabs Samantha by the face. In one quick motion it pulls her off the bed.
INT. BEDROOM - LATER
Kevin opens his eyes. He’s laying on his back. Samantha lies on her side propped up on her elbow and rubbing her hands across Kevin’s chest.
Kevin touches her cheek.
Samantha’s smile fades. She rolls on to her back and looks up at the ceiling.
SAMANTHA I need to tell you something... I’m married.
Kevin looks over at her, he is lost for words.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) We’re separated. It was... it was stupid. That’s all I can say. I was just young and dumb and looking to piss off my parents.
KEVIN Where is he now?
61 SAMANTHA I don’t know. Still in Jacksonville. Drunk, stoned... Maybe back in jail. Doubt Michael’s much interested in finding me. Dad said he’d blow his head off if he turned up.
KEVIN Must have made your dad mighty angry.
SAMANTHA He didn’t much appreciate Michael getting physical with me when he was drunk or coming down off something. Last time I run away, he come looking for me at my folk’s house. Dad clocked him good with a baseball bat.
KEVIN I wouldn’t have expected that.
Samantha rolls over and places her head on his chest. Kevin pulls her closer, rubbing her shoulder gently.
SAMANTHA The reason he had to move up here. Can’t really preach about love and peace in a town where everyone knows you beat the shit out of your son in law with a Louisville slugger. The moral of that story is don’t get on my pop’s bad side, and don’t skip anymore dinner invites.
KEVIN Understood.
SAMANTHA I better get going.
Samantha slips out of bed. Kevin watches as she slips her dress back over her naked body.
Samantha turns around as she skips over to Kevin and bends down to kiss him on the lips.
62 SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Dinner. Tonight.
KEVIN I’ll be there.
SAMANTHA You see to it, you are.
Samantha gives him another kiss.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Now get out of bed you lazy bum.
Kevin smiles as Samantha glides out of the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
Kevin holds a trash bag in one hand as he cleans. Most of what he tosses into the bag is shattered bits of furniture. He’s forced to regretfully throw away torn photos.
Kevin picks up a photo. It is a picture of him when he was three. He’s standing next to his mother who looks distant.
His face is lit by the flicker of television light.
INT. APARTMENT
Looking up from the photo, Kevin finds himself in the apartment standing between the couch and the television.
ON THE TELEVISION
POV: From the backseat points out towards the front of the vehicle. Kevin drives, Derrick is the passenger seat. The camera turns to Josh. They all wear desert camo, Kevlar helmets and vests.
63 Through the television speakers, the sound of the HUMVEE ROLLING DOWN A DESERT ROAD.
HECTOR (O.S.) (on television) Yo Josh. Smile mother fucker.
Josh gives the camera the middle finger.
JOSH (on television) How’s that for a smile, bitch?
DERRICK (O.S.) (on television) Kids, don’t make me come back there.
The camera turns back to Derrick turned back to look at them.
HECTOR (O.S.) (on television) Bring it on back here bitch.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jill’s dead body is a blur seated on the far end of the couch.
The blur begins to move.
He closes his eyes and shakes his head.
KEVIN (under his breath) No... no...
EXPLOSIONS, GUNFIRE, and SCREAMS pour out of the television speakers. The grow louder as they fill the room into a deafening crescendo.
Blood seeps from under the bandage on his neck as it runs down his shirt, spreading out into a deep red stain.
The pale white blur on the couch starts to rise as it moves towards Kevin.
Kevin grits his teeth and clenches his eyes tightly.
64 The sounds around him explode into silence.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin opens his eyes. He is alone and back in his grandparent’s living room.
Looking down at his hand he sees that he is holding a crumpled photograph. He tosses the photo into the trash bag.
Kevin takes a deep breath.
INT. BATHROOM - LATER
Kevin adjusts his tie as he speaks to his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
KEVIN Good to see you again, sir.
Kevin shakes his head.
KEVIN (CONT'D) Pleasure to see you... Pleasure? What the fuck? Sorry about missing dinner the other day... I... I... fuck.
Kevin takes a deep breath.
KEVIN (CONT'D) You have a lovely daughter, sir. My intentions? Well, um I... well shit...
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME - EVENING
The early evening sun has yet to set as it cast the hollow in a faint blue and gold light.
Kevin’s truck pulls up the drive and comes to a stop.
65 INT. TRUCK
Kevin looks at the house and then at his reflection.
KEVIN Just don’t fuck this up.
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
Kevin steps out of the truck and heads towards the house. He pauses as the wind whips through the trees. The sound of RUSTLING LEAVES fills the hollow.
INT. SAMANTHA’S HOME, LIVING ROOM
Bob opens the door to see Kevin standing on the front porch.
KEVIN Evening, sir.
BOB Well come on in.
They shake hands as Kevin enters.
KEVIN Thank you, sir.
BOB (announcing) Hey, he showed up!
Alison enters and gives Kevin a hug.
ALISON Good to see you, Kevin.
KEVIN Thank you, ma’am.
66 ALISON Dinners almost ready... (shouting down the hallway) And Samantha should be too by now.
As they head towards the living room, Kevin notices the baseball bat propped up in the corner. He looks at Bob. Bob raises his eyebrows the quickly lowers them.
BOB Nice night. Let’s head on out back.
KEVIN Yes, sir.
EXT. BACK PORCH
As they step out on to the back porch, Bob takes a seat and pick up and acoustic guitar leaning up against the railing.
He starts picking out a TUNE as Kevin takes a seat.
BOB You play any?
KEVIN No, sir. Always wanted to learn though.
BOB Well I don’t charge much for lessons. Mostly because I ain’t all that good.
Beat.
BOB (CONT'D) Samantha told me about your friend. I’m very sorry for your loss.
KEVIN Thank you, sir.
67 BOB You know our door is always open should you ever need someone to talk to.
KEVIN I do.
BOB You don’t need to be going through this alone.
Bob reaches under his chair and picks up a mason jar filled with a clear liquid. He unscrews the cap and takes a seat. The drink hits hard. Bob then hands the jar to Kevin.
BOB (CONT'D) Not a word to the misses.
KEVIN No sir.
Kevin takes the jar for Bob then takes a swig.
KEVIN (CONT'D) Much appreciated.
He hands it back to Bob. Bob sees someone approaching through the window.
BOB Someone’s coming.
Bob quickly screws the cap back on and hides the jar as the door opens.
Samantha steps out on to the porch. Her hair and makeup done, she wears a yellow floral dress with spaghettis straps.
The thin satin fabric flows softly down her slender frame and ends midway down her thigh. She’s stunningly beautiful as she stands there smiling shyly.
SAMANTHA Dinner’s ready.
68 BOB I been waiting all day to hear them words. I’ll see you all in there.
Bob gets up and heads inside, knowingly giving Kevin and Samantha a moment alone.
KEVIN You look... amazing.
SAMANTHA Thank you.
Samantha notices Kevin’s ill-fitting clothes. She tries her best to adjust him.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) You, on the other hand. I need to take shopping.
Kevin takes her hands gently in his and smiles. They look into each others eyes. Samantha smiles.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) Well, come on before pops eats it all.
Samantha leads Kevin by the hand as they head inside.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. DINING ROOM
A lavish southern meal has been prepared. Samantha sits across from Kevin as Bob sits across from Alison. Their heads are down in prayer.
BOB Thank you lord for one more chance at this meal. And thank you for bringing Kevin back to us. We pray for him and we pray for those no longer with us. Amen.
ALL Amen.
They raise their heads.
69 KEVIN Thank you.
Beat.
KEVIN (CONT'D) This looks great.
ALISON Well, dig in.
BOB So how’s the construction coming along?
KEVIN Not bad. Clearing weeds mostly.
ALISON Heard you were having some problems with a possum.
Kevin tenses up a bit.
KEVIN Yeah... They been making a home in the walls for some time now.
BOB (with a hint of sadism) You gotta gas them out. Send those little buggers straight to Hell.
Kevin looks up at Samantha. The preacher’s mean streak makes him smile.
KEVIN Yes, sir.
Samantha smiles back at Kevin.
Kevin looks past Samantha through the window behind her. The Creature stands outside. It is still pale and bald but its eyes, nose, and lips are Kevin’s.
70 Kevin’s eyes show his fear as the Creature opens its mouth to reveal several rows of sharp white teeth.
A startled Kevin flinches knocking over his glass. His drink spills as the GLASS CLANKS AGAINST HIS PLATE.
KEVIN (CONT'D) Oh shit. I’m sorry.
Samantha and Alison jump up to help clean.
ALISON That’s alright.
KEVIN I’ll get it.
ALISON Samantha go grab a towel.
KEVIN It’s alright I-
SAMANTHA Here use my napkin.
KEVIN (suddenly) I got it!
Beat. They all look at him in shock.
KEVIN (CONT'D) I’m sorry...
Kevin grabs his head.
KEVIN (CONT'D) I’m sorry. My head is pounding all of a sudden.
71 ALISON You need some aspirin.
KEVIN No.... I’m just not feeling well all of a sudden. I’ve got something back home.
Kevin stands up.
KEVIN (CONT'D) I’m so sorry about this.
SAMANTHA Kevin?
Everyone stands. Alison heads to the kitchen.
ALISON Hold on let me get you something to take home.
BOB Let me help you with that.
Alison and Bob head to the kitchen.
SAMANTHA What’s going on, Kevin?
KEVIN It’s the medicine they’ve got me on. It’s giving me these headaches. Doc gave me something for ‘em, but like a dumbass I left ‘em at home.
SAMANTHA (unsure) Ok.
Beat.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) You wanna stay here? Maybe sleep it off?
72 KEVIN No I should get home.
SAMANTHA I know we ain’t known each other all that long, but I did mean it when I said I was here for you.
KEVIN I know.
SAMANTHA If that’s not what you want I-
KEVIN It... I do want that... I just. I’m really sorry about this. I don’t know if now is...
SAMANTHA Yeah, of course.
Alison enters with a paper bag, Bob is right behind her.
BOB Well I you feel better.
KEVIN Thank you, sir. I’m really sorry.
BOB Don’t worry about it, son.
ALISON Now you get these in the fridge as soon as you can.
Bob leans in.
BOB I put a little something in there for ya too.
ALISON Let’s let these two say goodnight.
73 Bob and Alison exit.
SAMANTHA You were gonna say?
KEVIN What?
SAMANTHA You were gonna say, you don’t know if now is... What?
KEVIN I don’t know what I’m gonna say. Can I call you tomorrow?
SAMANTHA Sure.
KEVIN Ok... I’m sorry.
SAMANTHA Quit saying that. You need to.
KEVIN Ok.
Kevin leans in and kisses her on the cheek. Samantha is slightly unresponsive.
Beat.
Kevin exits.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin steps in his truck and slams the door. Rage begins to build inside of him.
KEVIN FUCK! Stay the fuck away from her!
74 Her starts up his truck then looks in his rearview mirror.
The creature stands twenty-yards down the drive from him.
Kevin throws the tuck into reverse.
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
Kevin’s truck kicks up gravel and dirt as it speeds backwards down the drive.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin watches through the rearview mirror as his truck speeds towards the Creature. At the last second Kevin cuts the wheel to the right.
EXT. DRIVE
The truck cuts a 90 degree fishtail before coming to a stop.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin catches his breath. He looks once more in the rearview. The Creature is gone.
Kevin throws the truck in drive and pulls away.
EXT. HOUSE
It is a clear night as the moonlight shines down on the truck parked in the drive.
INT. KITCHEN
Kevin enters. He places the bag of leftovers on the table then looks inside.
Reaching in the bag, Kevin pulls out a mason jar filled with clear liquid. He then reaches inside and pulls out a folded piece of paper.
Written on the paper is “We’re always here if you need anything. Bob”
75 INT. BEDROOM
Kevin lies on his bed, his grandfather’s rifle leans next to him.
His window open he listens to WIND BLOWING THROUGH THE TREES.
A sudden RUSTLING and CRACKING OF BRANCHES draws his attention to something outside.
Looking out the window he sees himself standing at the edge of the woods. The Creature is even closer to resembling him.
The Creature turns and runs into the woods, in the direction of Samantha’s house.
Kevin grabs his rifle and runs out the door.
EXT. HOUSE
Kevin rushes outside holding his rifle. He takes off in the direction the Creature went.
EXT. WOODS
As he runs through the woods, Kevin occasionally catches glimpses of a figure just ahead of him. There are moments when he losses sight of it but quickly finds it and continues his pursuit.
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
Kevin emerges from the woods. Looking down at the house he sees that the lights are off.
He sees the backdoor open and rushes to it.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin steps slowly through the backdoor. Moonlight shines through the window outlining the room in dim blue light.
A few steps in, Kevin feels something wet under his foot. He looks down to see a pool of blood that extends into the darkness of the room.
76 Down the hall he hears the moist sound of FLESH BEING TORN.
Kevin continues walking slowly down the hallway.
INT. HALLWAY
There are two doors on opposite sides of the hallway. One is open a crack. Kevin walks towards it.
Kevin stands outside the open door. He slowly places a hand on it. The door opens suddenly.
Bob stands in front of him covered in blood from head to toe.
Kevin steps back. He turns to face the door behind him.
Samantha stands in the doorway wearing a white nightgown. She smiles as Kevin.
The Creature suddenly appears behind her. It looks almost exactly like Kevin.
The Creature reaches its hand around Samantha’s body, it still has long razor sharp claws which it digs into her neck.
Blood flows down Samantha’s white nightgown.
The Creature smiles to show its rows of razor sharp teeth.
Kevin backs up down the hallway.
The Creature, still standing behind Samantha with its claw in her throat, follows.
Kevin raises his rifle and FIRES.
The creature is gone.
Samantha stands at the end of the hallway, a look of shock on her face. Her throat is no longer slashed and the blood from that injury is gone.
She looks down sees a single dark hole in the middle of her chest. Her blood spreads outward from this bullet hole.
77 Samantha looks up at Kevin. Kevin still holds his grandfather’s rifle as smoke flows from its barrel.
Samantha drops to her knees then rolls on to her back.
KEVIN NO!
Kevin drops the riffle and rushes to her.
Dropping to his knees he cradles her head in his hands.
Her eyes plead as she coughs blood.
KEVIN (CONT'D) I’m sorry! I’m sorry!
She pauses, he eyes grow cold and evil. Her clawed hand grabs him by the neck.
SAMANTHA What did his blood taste like?
KEVIN What?
Samantha opens her mouth to reveal rows of sharp teeth.
She lunges forward.
INT. HUMVEE 2-6, AFGHANISTAN - DAY
Kevin drives, Derrick is the passenger seat. Josh and Hector sit in the backseat. They all wear desert camo, Kevlar helmets and vests.
Hector holds a camcorder as he records his buddies.
HECTOR Yo Josh. Smile mother fucker.
Josh gives the camera the middle finger.
78 JOSH How’s that for a smile, bitch?
DERRICK Kids, don’t make me come back there.
The camera turns back to Derrick turned back to look at them.
HECTOR Bring it on back here bitch.
The CLICK of the radio cuts through the joviality and brings them back to the war.
SERGEANT 2-5 (O.S.) (over radio) Two-six, two-six, this is two-five.
DERRICK (to his crew) Hold up. (into the radio) This is two-six.
SERGEANT 2-5 (O.S.) (over the radio) You’ve got a trash pile comin’ up on your left. Veer right, you should have enough room to clear it, over.
DERRICK (into radio) Roger that, over.
SERGEANT 2-5 (O.S.) (over the radio) Two-five out.
DERRICK (to Kevin) You see it up there?
79 KEVIN Yeah. How much room I got on your side?
Derrick leans out the window slightly.
DERRICK Two feet.
JOSH (worried) You see an IED?
Derrick turns towards the back seat. With a slight smile...
DERRICK (playful) Don’t jinx us, man.
At that exact moment the entire right side of the Humvee EXPLODES as an IED detonates on the passenger side.
A piece of shrapnel enters the back of Derrick’s head and explodes out the front. Blood and gore fly into Kevin’s face as Derrick’s body is blown out of his seat an on to Kevin.
The force of the explosion rolls the vehicle over. Smoke and sand fill the cab as all but Derrick let out pained MOANS and SCREAMS.
CORPORAL 2-7 (O.S.) (over the radio) Two-seven, IED! IED! Two-six is out. Two-six is out, over.
At the front of the convoy SMALL ARMS FIRE with the occasional quick fired RPG round directed at the convoy. The convoy returns fire with M4s, SAWs, and mounted Mk 19s. FRANTIC SHOUTS pour out of the radio.
SERGEANT 2-1 (O.S.) Two-one, contact right. Contact right.
80 SERGEANT 2-5 (O.S.) (over the radio) Roger two-seven. Two-one hold your position. Break. Two-seven see if you can’t...
As CONVERSATIONS bounce back an forth across the radio, it slowly fades into a HIGH-PITCH WHISTLE. Kevin pined to the top of the Humvee, above him Derrick’s limp dead body, still attached to it’s harness. Blood pours down on to Derrick’s face.
Kevin GASPS for air, attempting to cry out for help but only CHOKING on Derrick’s blood. Kevin struggles in vain.
INT. BEDROOM
Kevin wakes suddenly. Seized by panic, he takes QUICK SHALLOW BREATHS. A hand touches his cheek.
SAMANTHA It’s alright. It’s ok. It’s me. Your ok, Kevin.
Samantha leans over him comforting him with a gentle caress.
She the then stands over him as she pulls her white dress from her shoulders and lets it fall to her feet.
Pulling back the covers she slides her naked body into his bed and turns to face him.
She cups his cheek in her hand.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) It’s me... you’re safe.
As they kiss, Samantha rolls over on to her back. Kevin rolls on top of her kissing her face and neck. His kisses work their way down her body ending between her thighs.
Samantha’s movements stop.
SNAP.
Kevin looks up.
81 The Creature (looking like Kevin with the exception of its claws, sharp teeth, and demonic eyes) has its teeth dug deep into Samantha’s throat. Samantha’s lifeless eyes look up at the ceiling.
Kevin jumps up and tackles the Creature.
The Creature slashes Kevin’s forearm then scrambles into the shadows.
Kevin stands alone in the middle of the room as blood pours down his forearm and pools around his foot.
Kevin produces his pocket knife out and flicks it open. He holds it in a defensive stance as he surveys the room.
The Creature appears behind him. It opens its mouth then plunges its teeth into the back of Kevin’s neck.
Kevin stabs blindly at the Creature, slicing at his own neck and shoulder repeatedly.
Kevin makes one desperate stab.
The knife goes through Kevin’s ear and into the Creature’s cheek. The Creature releases its grip as they both fall to the ground.
Kevin crawls towards the bed.
The Creature grabs Kevin’s hand with its long clawed fingers. Kevin jams the knife into the Creature’s hand.
The Creature is gone.
Kevin looks at his hand. It is pinned to the floor with his own knife.
An exhausted Kevin screams in pain.
He gets to his feet. The room is covered in his own blood.
Samantha’s body is no longer in his bed.
He hears the CREATURE MOVING through the shadows. He catches the occasional glimpse of its movements.
82 Kevin backs out of the room.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin stumbles through the living room. As he staggers to the door he is stopped by Josh standing lifeless in front of him.
JOSH I’m sorry.
Kevin stumbles away then falls to the floor in front of the couch. He looks up to see that he is leaning his head on Jill’s lap.
Jill places a hand to his cheek, she is pale and sickly. Her eyes are dark circles.
JILL You just keep watching TV, baby.
Jill begins tying a tube around her arm.
Kevin staggers to his feet as he backs away from his mother who now readies a syringe to stab into her vein.
Kevin bumps into someone.
He turns to see Derrick’s half obliterated face.
DERRICK What did my blood taste like?
Kevin stumbles to the door and outside.
EXT. HOUSE
The sun is starting to rise as Kevin staggers to his truck.
INT. TRUCK
Bloody and exhausted, Kevin starts his truck and drives away.
83 EXT. PARKING LOT - MORNING
There are only a few cars parked here this early. Kevin’s truck haphazardly parked diagonally across two spaces.
INT. TRUCK
The cab is covered in dried blood. Kevin wakes up in the front seat, disoriented and confused. His wounds have been hastily bandaged with rags.
Kevin starts his truck.
EXT. PARKING LOT
As Kevin’s truck pulls out of the lot, a beat up Oldsmobile follows him out.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin drives down a back country road. He looks in his rearview mirror and sees the Oldsmobile behind him.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD
Kevin’s truck turns down a gravel road. The Oldsmobile turns down the same gravel road.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin, his truck now stopped, looks in the rearview and sees the Oldsmobile pull in behind him.
He sees the Junky step out of the truck holding a tire iron.
Looking over, he sees his pocket knife still open, it rests on the passenger seat.
EXT. GRAVEL ROAD
Kevin steps out of the truck and walks towards him.
84 JUNKY I thought that was you.
Kevin moves without fear as he approaches.
JUNKY (CONT'D) I’m ready for you now mother fucker.
The Junky swings his tire iron but misses.
Kevin tackles him to the ground.
For most of the fight Kevin has control.
The Junky notices the bandage on Kevin’s ear and digs a finger into it.
Kevin SCREAMS in pain as he loosens his grip on the Junky. The Junky seizes the opportunity as he gets to his knees and swings the tire iron at Kevin’s head.
Kevin turns slightly as the tire iron hits his back. The blow still stuns Kevin.
The Junky gets to his feet.
He brings the tire iron down on Kevin’s back. Kevin is now hurt badly.
The Junky readies another strike.
He is grabbed suddenly from behind.
Kevin looks up.
The Junky lays face up on the gravel road between Kevin’s truck and the woods. His legs, the only part him still visible, convulse as they stick out past the rear wheel of the truck
Kevin crawls over to that far side of the truck. Looking around he sees the Creature, still looking nearly identical to Kevin, clawing at the Junky as it rips at his flesh.
INT. TRUCK
Kevin staggers back into his truck.
85 Sitting in the driver’s seat he looks down at his blood soaked hands and clothes.
Kevin looks over at the passenger seat and sees his knife.
His pocket knife is covered in fresh blood.
EXT. GRAVEL ROAD
Kevin’s truck pulls away, leaving the Junky’s car and dead body on the side of the road.
INT. BATHROOM
Kevin stands shirtless at the sink furiously scrubbing the blood from his hands.
He looks up at his reflection. His face is splattered with the Junky’s blood.
Kevin turns to face the tub where.
His bloody shirt is balled up on the bottom with his knife next to it.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Kevin sits on the couch staring at the wall. He’s been here for quite some time.
A loud BANGING echoes through the room.
Kevin slowly turns his head towards it.
He rises then walks to the door.
He places both hands on the door then leans his forehead against it.
Looking down, from under the door he can see the shadow of someone standing outside.
EXT. HOUSE
Samantha stands on the front porch softly KNOCKING.
86 SAMANTHA Kevin? You in there?
KEVIN (O.S.) (through the door) Go away.
SAMANTHA Kevin?
KEVIN (O.S.) (through the door) GO THE FUCK AWAY!
Samantha’s voice fills with sadness.
SAMANTHA Kevin, please let me in.
KEVIN (O.S.) (through the door) LEAVE ME ALONE! JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE! I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU!
Samantha sobs uncontrollably as she backs away.
SAMANTHA Don’t do this, Kevin.
INT. LIVING ROOM
His forehead pressed to the door he looks down at the floor as Samantha’s shadow disappears.
KEVIN It’s done.
87 EXT. HOUSE
Samantha shakes her head.
SAMANTHA This isn’t you. I’m not gonna let you...
INT. LIVING ROOM
KEVIN I don’t want you anymore!
EXT. HOUSE
Samantha turns and walks away.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin looks up. He lowers his hands and stands up straight.
The Creature rises up behind him. It opens its mouth then slowly clamps down on the back of Kevin’s neck.
Kevin closes his eyes as he lets the Creature feed off him.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Kevin sits perfectly upright on the couch. He faces the wall, his eyes wide open as he looks straight ahead.
There is a KNOCK on the door.
Kevin turns his head to face the door.
Kevin pulls back the curtain of the window next to the door.
Opening the door he sees Hector.
88 HECTOR Damn, brother. You look like hell.
Hector enters.
Kevin closes the door as he looks confused and very tired.
HECTOR (CONT'D) I knew you were rough when I last saw you but god damn.
KEVIN What are you doing here?
HECTOR I told you. I was worried. You got any coffee.
KEVIN I can brew up something.
Kevin motions to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN
Kevin and Hector enter.
Hector takes a seat at the table while Kevin crosses over to the coffee maker.
HECTOR You been back there?
KEVIN Back where?
HECTOR Afghanistan, man. That fuckin’ humvee, when I lost my arm and Derrick lost half his fucking head.
Beat.
89 KEVIN Yeah.
HECTOR Me too.
Hector sighs.
HECTOR (CONT'D) It’s them pills, man. You gotta watch that shit they load you up on man.
KEVIN Yeah, I’m not sure. I think I need to get into therapy.
HECTOR Shit man you on a desert island. They ain’t got shit like that way out here.
KEVIN No they don’t.
HECTOR So what they got you on.
KEVIN Couldn’t even tell you.
HECTOR Shit you gotta know, man. You can’t let this shit get away from you. You start losing control of the littlest things, it’s all gonna fall apart on you.
KEVIN I think it already has.
HECTOR Don’t talk like that.
90 KEVIN I think I hurt someone, Hector. I think I hurt someone bad.
HECTOR Calm down, man. It’s gonna be alright. Go get ‘em for me.
Beat.
KEVIN Alright.
Kevin exits.
INT. BATHROOM
Kevin opens the vanity mirror to reveal his collection of prescription pill bottles.
INT. KITCHEN
Kevin enters holding his pill bottles.
KEVIN I have the ones that the VA prescribed but-
Kevin looks up and sees that Hector is gone.
KEVIN (CONT'D) Hector?
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin enters.
KEVIN Hector?
He looks out the window. Then back at the rest of the room.
91 INT. KITCHEN
Kevin enters. Disoriented, he drops the pill bottles as he places his hands on the table to steady himself.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
Discarded pill bottles and empty capsules rest at the bottom of the sink.
Powder dissolves in clear liquid.
Kevin sits at the kitchen table. On the table in front of him is a mason jar filled with clear liquid. A thin layer of powder has settled at the bottom.
Kevin’s eyes drift to the flowers in the middle of the table then to the folded note.
A tear rolls down his cheek.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
The moon shines down on the house, casting it in a blueish glow.
EXT. WOODS
Kevin walks the woods alone. In his hand he holds the note.
The wind whips through the trees. Every sound is suspicious. Every moving shadow is a threat.
He ducks behind a passing shadow. After a beat he continues.
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
Kevin emerges from the woods. He pauses for a moment as he looks down at the house.
Kevin stands at the front porch. He looks at the folded piece of paper and places it at the foot of the door.
92 Kevin walks away.
EXT. HOUSE
Kevin stands in front of his house looking at the open front door.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Kevin enters.
He senses a presence that draws his attention to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN
Kevin enters.
He sees Samantha seated at the table. She looks in a daze.
Kevin looks down at the table. Only half of the liquid in the mason jar remains.
Seated across from Samantha is the Creature, looking exactly like Kevin.
Kevin sits down across from Samantha in the chair the Creature had occupied.
They slowly reach their hands across the table where they meet in the middle.
Looking into her sleepy eyes, Kevin cries softly.
KEVIN I’m sorry.
SAMANTHA I know.
KEVIN I love you.
SAMANTHA I know.
With his other hand Kevin takes hold of the mason jar.
93 Samantha’s other hand meets his as she holds it softly.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D) I love you too.
Kevin slowly lifts the Mason jar and drinks.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAMANTHA’S HOME
At the foot of the door is a hand written note which reads, “I’m sorry”.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END
94 WORKS CITED
Deering, Rachel Autumn. Husk. Columbus: Tiny Behemoth Press, 2016. Print.
95