PROJECT SUBMISSION PACK

FILM: My Daddy’s in Heaven DATE: December 2016

1. Submission Form p2

2. Budget p3

3. Sales Estimates p4

4. Script Report p5‐7

5. Script p8‐104

PROJECT TITLE: My Daddy is in Heaven DATE: 11-10-16 SHORT SYNOPSIS / LOGLINE When Becky Smith’s picture-perfect family life ends in a tragic accident that kills her husband, she leaves her 5-year-old daughter with her father Ben and reunites with an old friend so she can take some time to herself. But when her friend’s best intentions become bad influences, Becky must right herself and her Christian values or her family life will continue to spin out of control.

APPLICANT DETAILS NAME: Dureyshevar TEL: 1818-613-4796 COMPANY NGN Productions Inc. EMAIL: [email protected] CONNECTION 11350 Ventura Blvd. Studio City Ca Producer ADDRESS: TO FILM 91356

PROJECT DETAILS PRODUCER/S: Jack Nasser CREDITS (1 or 2) Stagecoach & Final Girl LINE PRODUCER: Dureyshevar CREDITS (1 or 2) Stagecoach and Fiinal Girl WRITER: Noelle Nelson CREDITS (1 or 2) Dearly Departed PRODUCTION GENRE: Daddy’s Girl Film Faith COMPANIES & USA BUDGET 615,443 USD NATIONALITY:

NAME: CREDITS (1 or 2) Proposed Approached Confirmed LOI DIRECTOR: Waymon Boon The Devil’s in the Details CAST 1: Jenn Gotzon Frost/Nixon, Doonby CAST 2: Corbin Bernsen LA LAW, Psych CAST 3: TC Stallings War Room, Courageous CAST 4:

SHOOTING SCHEDULE – Prep, Principal, Post, delivery Prep Dec 5th t2016 o Jan 3rd 2017 Shoot Jan 4th to Jan 18th 2017 Post Jan 20th to April 21st 2017 Delivery May 5th 2017

FINANCE DETAILS FINANCIER NATURE OF INVESTMENT AMOUNT £ BUDGET % Proposed Approached Confirmed LOI Nasser Group Inc. Advance 311,383 64.25 Nasser Brother Studios Music Rights Advance 19,718 3.25 Investor Equity Rebecca Crownover 157,747 32.50 Contribution

SALES INFORMATION SALES AGENT: Studio City Pictures Inc. SALES ESTIMATES: CONTACT: Jacob Nasser LOW: $ 1,749,377 USD TEL: 1-818-505-8030 MEDIUM: $1, 881,050 USD EMAIL: [email protected] HIGH: $ 2,213,000 USD PRESALES TERRITORY: DISTRIBUTOR: MG: RIGHTS:

EXCLUDED / WITHHELD TERRITORIES: DETAILS:

Daddy's in Heaven Script Dated : Producer: Budget Draft Dated : 8/17/16 Line Producer: Production # : Director : Start Date : Prepared By : John Mehrer Finish Date : Total Days : 12

Acct# Category Description Page Total 1000 STORY RIGHTS 1 31,050 1300 DIRECTOR 1 25,000 1400 CAST 1 187,503 1500 SUPPORTING CAST 2 22,500 1600 PRODUCERS 2 45,000 Total Above-The-Line 311,053 2000 PRODUCTION STAFF 3 19,050 2100 CASTING 3 8,000 2200 ART DEPARTMENT 4 11,650 2500 SET OPERATION 4 4,700 2800 MAKE UP 5 6,650 2900 WARDROBE 5 16,050 3100 LIGHTING + GRIP 5 10,600 3300 CAMERA 6 32,650 3400 SOUND MIXER 7 4,675 3500 TRANSPORTATION 7 19,450 3600 LOCATIONS 8 27,235 Total Below-The-Line Production 160,710 4500 EDITING 9 12,330 4600 MUSIC 10 10,200 4700 POST PROD. SOUND 10 20,000 4800 PICTURE POST 10 28,000 Total Below-The-Line Post 70,530 6600 ACCOUNTING 10 4,600 6700 INSURANCE/OVERHEAD 11 13,550 6800 CONTINGENCY 11 45,000 6900 LEGAL 12 10,000 Total Below-The-Line Other 73,150 Total Above-The-Line 311,053 Total Below-The-Line 304,390 Total Above and Below-The-Line 615,443 Grand Total 615,443

Daddy's in Heaven

PROJECT COVERAGE FORM

TITLE: My Daddy Is In Heaven AUTHOR: Noelle Nelson SUB TO: – SUB BY: Durey Shevar / NGN Productions FORM: Screenplay LENGTH: 97 pages BASED ON: – LANGUAGE: English BUDGET: $615,443 GENRE: Faith-based drama LOCATION: America PERIOD: Contemporary READER: Lucy Barrick DATE: 19/12/16

ELEMENTS: DIRECTOR: Waymon Boon PRODUCER: Jack Nasser WRITER: Noelle Nelson CAST: Jenn Gotzon, Corbin Bernsen, TC Stallings

LOGLINE: A woman turns her back on religion after the death of her husband, and leaves her young daughter to go off enjoy life. Will she be able to find a way back to her family and her faith?

COMMENT SUMMARY: A simplistic moral fable with a straightforward narrative of faith lost and found. Characters are generally weak, plot is fine (if heavy-handed with the religious symbolism), dialogue is acceptable. This would find a ready audience in niche religious programming and channels but has little to recommend it beyond that.

Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) PREMISE X STORYLINE X CHARACTERISATION X DIALOGUE X STRUCTURE X PACE X ORIGINALITY X AUDIENCE APPEAL X TOTAL 16

OVERALL SCORE: 16/32 = 50%

CHARACTERS: BECKY SMITH (30s, widow) BEN ADAMS (60s, Becky’s father, a rancher) JUNE (30s, Becky’s high-school friend) ACIE (5, Becky’s daughter)

PREMISE: Becky and Adam have a perfect, God-fearing Christian life in Texas. But after Adam dies in an accident, Becky neglects her family and her faith. She leaves daughter Acie at home with the girl’s grandfather, and goes to stay with her friend June – a single woman with a lust for life. Becky sheds her good-girl image, but will she be able to leave her responsibilities – and religion – behind forever, or will she see the light?

SYNOPSIS: Texas. ADAM SMITH (30s), his wife BECKY SMITH (30s) and daughter ACIE (5) are devout Christians. Adam gives Becky a beautiful cross necklace on the Fourth of July weekend, and they attend the annual party thrown by Becky’s widowed father BEN (60s). Adam drives off to get something, but crashes his truck. He’s rushed to hospital with severe brain injuries. Becky prays by his bedside day and night. But it’s no good – she reluctantly agrees to switch off his life support. At the funeral, Becky drops the cross necklace to the floor.

Becky is in bad shape. JIMMY URBAN (50s), comes to the door saying he’s a friend of Adam, but she’s never heard of him. He tells her that Adam met him when he was in a bad place: he was an alcoholic and he drove drunk and killed his son. Adam gave him his family bible, Jimmy found God and turned his life around. Now he’s giving it back to Becky in her time of need. She’s sceptical. At the hospital, she bumps into an old school friend JUNE, a good-time girl who runs her own business). June offers support, but Becky says she just wants to be alone.

One year later. Becky has changed: she’s hard and cold, has quit church, and although she still runs her dad’s business, she’s standoffish with the workers. She decides to leave Acie with Ben and go to stay with June in the big city. Becky lets her hair down and June gives her a makeover. They go to a bar and Becky gets drunk and takes off her wedding ring. Becky has a blind date with CHAD (25), but ends up giving him relationship advice. June reveals that she does have a sensitive, caring side – but doesn’t want to show it. Ben gets angry when the business quickly falls apart without Becky. He’s in trouble but too stubborn to ask for help.

Becky goes out clubbing with June. Acie calls to tell her she heard grandad crying. Becky gets drunk and flirts with JEFF (30s) but laer he tries to force himself on her. She gets away and runs outside. There she sees a homeless man, EARL, with a sign asking for people to “show God’s mercy”. Becky loses her temper, and screams at him that God didn't show her any mercy. A COP arrives, and tells her to leave. She accidentally hits him and ends up in court. The JUDGE knows her father, and Becky is ashamed. She gets a fine and tells June that she’s going home. June says she will come too.

On the bus back home, the women overhear VERNON and his son JAMES (15) arguing. James lost his best friend and girlfriend in an accident, and has given up on everything. He takes an overdose, and collapses. They stop the bus and take him out to the roadside to wait for ambulance. Another passenger JASON prays with James and tells him he's going to heaven. As Vernon desperately pleads for his son to live, Jason makes sure James has accepted Jesus before he passes away, while the women join the prayer circle. Later, handsome police officer NICK (30s) drives Becky and June to Ben’s farm, and commends them on their actions.

Becky and Acie are reunited, and Ben’s business is back on track, Becky gives June the family bible, and June lets herself open up to her real emotions. Becky finds Earl and asks him if he's ever worked on a farm.

One year later. It’s the Fourth of July party. Becky and Nick are newly in love. June is happy. Earl is a new man. Everybody parties into the night.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:

This is a straightforward morality tale in which someone’s faith is tested, lost, and found again. It’s a story that might resonate with Christian audiences but is unlikely to reach a wider audience (or convert anybody).

It’s also a very specifically American concept. The opening scenes are literally a mother and daughter baking cookies for the Fourth of July and decorating them with red, white and blue icing. In addition, the Texas location and attitude are integral to the narrative. The writer does generally manage to capture the cadence of the characters language, although some of the dialogue feels stagey.

Characters are weak, with little in the way of backstory or discernible personality. Acie is unbearably cute, Ben is rugged and stoic, and good girl Becky goes through a crisis of faith, although there’s not much sense of the power of her belief to start with. I imagine that for the target audience a lot of this is a given, and that the stereotypes are possibly welcome reinforcement of their worldview. This is especially true of June, who is an empowered woman who runs her own business, but must learn to dress modestly and find god in order to truly be happy. Equally, there aren’t many films where the death of a teenager by overdose appears to be celebrated, and his passing a way to bring the message of the lord to the heroine.

The plot is incredibly simplistic. With a title like My Daddy Is In Heaven, we know it’s not going to be a comedy, and so we see the family’s happiness at the start but are already aware that it’s going to be snatched away. The symbolism is pretty heavy-handed, with the cross necklace featuring prominently and then being dropped to the ground when Becky loses her faith. There are some touching moments, and the family relationships are sweet. There’s a nice juxtaposition where Adam is fighting for his life immediately after the accident against the backdrop of Fourth of July fireworks, which would be an impactful scene.

POTENTIAL: While this kind of Christian movie is extremely popular in America, I don’t think there’s a similar appetite for the material in the UK and other international markets. This would be a perfectly fine example of the genre, with a decent enough narrative that gets its message across clearly. Attached cast are typical TV-movie level, and the director has little feature film experience. The low budget means this could recoup its costs on niche religious channels and PPV, but has no chance of reaching a wider audience.

MY DADDY IS IN HEAVEN

Written by Noelle Nelson Boone rewrite v.1.

NGN Productions 11350 Ventura Blvd. #101 Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 505-8030 MY DADDY IS IN HEAVEN

Written by Noelle Nelson

NGN Productions 11350 Ventura Blvd. #101 Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 505-8030 EXT. AN OPEN ROAD - DAY - DRIVING CREDITS ROLL as a PICKUP TRUCK drives through a rolling landscape with bursting clouds streaking across a sun- drenched blue sky.

INT. SAME PICKUP TRUCK - OPEN ROAD - DRIVING - CONTINUOUS Country music blasts. CLOSE UP ON: A TOY STUFFED PUPPY RUMBLING almost to the beat, in the front seat of the PICKUP TRUCK. A PRISTINE CROSS-NECKLACE dangles over the rear view. A STRONG HAND taps to the tune on the open window's frame. The hand belongs to: ADAM SMITH, (30's) good-looking, strong jaw, hard-working yet easy-going guy. His smile, worth a pound of silver and gold. He cranks up the radio even louder. Singing along, laughing at his own bad karaoke. His energy is contagious. CUT TO: His journey finally ends PARKING in front of a QUAINT HOME in the Texas Panhandle. Taking a moment, he smirks down at the cotton-critter as he snags it, then gently removes the necklace before exiting the vehicle. END CREDITS.

INT. SMITH HOME - KITCHEN - DAY At the kitchen table, covered with a red and white vinyl tablecloth, BECKY SMITH, (30's), pretty, practical, down-to- earth and good-natured with a ready smile. She arranges COOKIES fresh out of the oven on a PLATTER. Her daughter, ACIE SMITH (5), Miss Adorableness herself, squeezes RED, WHITE and BLUE FROSTING onto the cookies. Dips an occasional fingerful of frosting! Becky glances out of her kitchen WINDOW into the BACK YARD at her husband ADAM filling an inflatable WADING POOL. BECKY Go change into your bathing suit Acie. Acie runs off with excitement!

2 EXT. SMITH HOME - BACK YARD - SOON AFTER 2 Armed with the cookies on a plate, Becky approaches Adam as he fills the pool with a hose. BECKY (annoyed) Hey! His back to us, Adam stops. Dropping the hose into the pool. Stands upright and turns slowly to face the approaching agitation. ADAM (pissed) What's the problem now Becky? Almost nose-to-nose they stare each other down. BECKY Why don't you stop acting like you don't know. ADAM Well maybe I don't know anymore. So why don't you show me. A hard decision... Then, she SLIDES A COOKIE BETWEEN HIS TEETH. BECKY There. That's better. He nods with kid-like approval. BECKY (re: the pool) She's gonna love this babe. Adam THROUGH THE COOKIE MUMBLES something. BECKY (Playing it up) Wha? ...I'm sorry? Use-your-words. (With bad sign-language) I-I can't understand you? Realizing the problem, she removes the sugar-weapon. ADAM I said: Do you think she's the only one that got a little-somethin' BECKY ...Umm.. yes?? ADAM I was gonna wait til the fireworks. Taking her plate and putting it on the ground. Becky looks confused. ADAM But since you begged... He pulls the CROSS NECKLACE from earlier out of his back pocket and presents it. Becky looks like she's seen Jesus-himself. BECKY (Marveling) Oh my gosh...(skyward) Lord? I might have to marry this one. ADAM Too late. You made that mistake seven years ago. He sways behind her. Placing it around her soft neck with pride. ADAM What do you think? BECKY (lost for words) I- I think it's beautiful. Hugging her from behind. ADAM What you? Or the necklace? Speechless she turns to face him. Touching his face like it was porcelain. BECKY Sometimes it's strange when prayers get answered. ADAM I would know. (beat) Cuz he answered every one of mine. A kiss. BECKY So what do we pray for next? ADAM (thinking) To be continued... They share a silent moment. Just as they kiss-- --Acie flies out into the backyard, too cute in her swimsuit and WATER-WINGS. She stops dead at the base of the pool, next to them, amazed. ACIE Whoooaaaa! ADAM (to Becky) May I? BECKY (Giving permission) Please. Adam grabs his daughter by the waist and swings her high. ADAM Do you like it? Acie nods. Sticks her foot in the water, GIGGLES. Becky takes the cookies and heads towards the porch steps. BECKY (her back to them) Adam? Don't-you-put my daughter under that water! ADAM (Whispering) You wanna go under the water too don't you? ACIE ADAM (obviously) Shhhhhh! Duhhhhh! Back to formal business. ADAM You-ready, Punkin? He steps into the pool. Water up to his knees. Scooping Acie up under her arms and gently lowers her into the water. ADAM Now, hold on to my arm and kick your legs. Acie kicks like a kitten-gone-wild! ADAM Good! Kick your legs harder now. They round the pool as best as they can. ACIE Look, Mommy, I can swim! I can swim! Becky sits. LAUGHS, APPLAUDS. As the ungraceful fun continues, we put our attention on Becky watching them with a radiant smile. Grateful for all she sees before her.

INT. BECKY'S OFFICE - DAY Becky at her desk. Staring at the computer monitor. BECKY (ON PHONE) Yes Pete I know it's a long weekend. I love the Fourth of July too. Uh-huh I plan on dancing. But that still doesn't stop me from reminding you that your late on the payment. I have the invoice right here. A hundred and six bags of seeds. (Listening) Yes I am a pain in your butt. That's my job. Great. I expect the check at the barbecue tonight. See you there. 3 Hanging up. Becky shakes off the idea of anymore work. 3

EXT. BEN’S FARM - FRONT YARD - NIGHT FARM. DUSK. Strings of COLORED LIGHTS illuminate the front yard. NEIGHBORS gather to celebrate the FOURTH OF JULY with food and festivities. BOOTS STEP OUT OF THE FRONT DOOR. Attached to: BEN ADAMS (aka PAWPAW), 60's, true to his Texas roots, stalwart in his love of God and country. We gather he's the master of most ceremonies. He looks around pleased. BEN Everybody! Everybody can I have your attention. The group settle and drift towards him. BEN I'll make this quick. TREVOR SINCE WHEN?! They laugh. BEN Since I'm towing your car Trevor! They laugh. Trevor doesn't. BEN I want to thank you all for coming. Year-after-year. We have a lot to celebrate. We're still here and we're still together. God is good to us. The group agree. BEN Dorris would've been so proud (beat) of all of us, if she was standing here by my side like she did for forty-one years. But she's with the maker now. At peace. Probably makin him some-of-that good sweet tea. Nods and random heartfelt "Amen's" go round. BEN Since you all know me, then you all know my one rule on the fourth of July: If you don't plan on having fun... BEN GROUP GO HOME! GO HOME! BEN That's right. Let's dance! Cheers! Music pumps. CUTS OF: An open area surrounded by PICNIC TABLES. Several COUPLES TWO- STEP, clap, eat, drink and enjoy themselves. CUT TO: Becky sits. Acie on her lap. Tying a RED-WHITE-and-BLUE BOW in her daughter’s hair. BECKY There! You are now officially the prettiest girl in all of Texas. A squeeze and kiss. Acie smiles, gives a quick-kiss back. BECKY Go show Jenny your new bow. Acie wriggles off her mother’s lap and scuttles over to her friend JENNY (5), a FARM WORKERS’ CHILD. Jenny shows off her BIGGER RED, WHITE and BLUE RIBBONS woven into her BRAIDS. Acie admires the weave. JENNY Look what my Mommy did! ACIE (to Jenny) Whoa, that’s so pretty! BACK TO: From across the dance area, Becky gazes with adoring eyes at her husband as he laughs with neighbors. MADGE, a buxom 60-something, interrupts Becky as she DROPS A PAN next to her! Clank! MADGE (Finger snapping) Quit staring at him like he's an apple-fritter honey and help me with this brick-of-a-casserole. BECKY (childlike) No clue what you're talkin about Madge. Madge takes a know-it-all sigh. Then... MADGE Give it another twenty years and you'll be giving him the "three second rule." Trust me. BECKY Three second rule? MADGE Remember when you were a kid and you'd drop yer candy. And it would just roll down the floor until it was all covered in dirt and slop and bugs and it sat there all pitiful and completely- unacceptable? BECKY Yea... MADGE And what'd you do? BECKY MADGE Ate it anyway. Ate it anyway. MADGE Yep. (beat) That's marriage honey. Becky laughs as she GRABS the dish: She WINCES. Shocked at how heavy Madge's awful casserole actually is. Madge throws a "better-not-complain" look as Becky follows. CUT TO: Acie and Adam join the couples dancing, and perform their ultra-cute version of the two-step. Adam BOWS to his daughter. She bobs a CURTSY in return, then runs to her grandpa, PawPaw, SITS on his knee. Adam follows her. ADAM Guess what else I have for you, Acie? Acie shrugs “I don’t know.” Big smile. ADAM Close your eyes and open your hands. Adam extracts the floppy TOY PUPPY from his back pocket, places it into Acie’s two cupped hands; a perfect fit. ACIE Whoaaaa! I love it Daddy! What am I gonna call him? ADAM Whatever you want, Punkin. ACIE (thinking) How-bout Jooo-lie ADAM July works for me. Acie smooches the toy puppy, plays with it. Adam ruffles his daughter’s hair, as she runs off again. We pan over, Ben sits nearby. BEN Adam, you’re spoiling my granddaughter as bad as you spoil my daughter. Leave some of the fun for me! ADAM (with kindness) Not a chance old man! As he heads towards the partiers.

EXT. BEN'S FARM - FRONT YARD - LATER THAT NIGHT A NEW SLOW TUNE plays from a nearby stereo system. Adam bows to his wife, extends a hand: ADAM Care to dance, ma'am? She accepts. They embrace and sway. BECKY Could anyone be luckier than me? Adam nods his answer towards Acie, who's showing off "July" ADAM We did-good with that one. BECKY Yes we did. ADAM So I've been thinkin' BECKY (rubs his head) Ew I warned you about doing that. ADAM Haha. You asked me what else we should pray for. BECKY That I did. Becky tries to read his face. ADAM So... I-was-thinkin-maybe-you-were- thinkin (beat) about doin-right with another one of them. They look over at Acie playing. BECKY (growing excitement) Wait? What are you saying? Ramping up his guts. ADAM Maybe a "little boy" for Acie to chase around? Becky, wild about the idea. Hugs him hard then stops. BECKY (teases) Wait. You mean more like a "baby sister." Boys are nothin but trouble. Adam laughs, twirls Becky. ADAM To be continued... 4 EXT. BEN’S FARM - EDGE OF A FIELD - NIGHT 4 People collect, excite and ready themselves for the fireworks. Adam shakes out a BLANKET, sets it on the ground for his wife and daughter to sit on. Acie scoots close to her mother, rubs her arms. BECKY You chilly, Sweetie? Acie nods. Adam glances out across the field. ADAM Fireworks won’t happen for a bit. I’ll run down to the house and get Acie her blankey. Would you like that, Punkin? Vigorous nod. BECKY Ew babe could you get me a sweater too, if you’re gonna go. ADAM Sure thing. Be right back! Adam trots off to his ATV. Starting it up, a left over song blasts from out of it. He flashes the LIGHTS as a quick “good- bye” and zips off.

5 EXT. DIRT ROAD (ATV DRIVING) - NIGHT 5 With the ATV lights the only illumination in the twilight countryside, Adam bumps along the RUT-POCKED TRACK. He sloppily karaoke's fragments of the tune playing. A JACK-RABBIT DARTS OUT! Adam SWERVES to avoid it! The ATV HITS A ROCK at a hard angle, FLIPS OVER! Adam lands on his head! The music cracks to a halt. The wheels spin uselessly as the ATV’s HEADLIGHTS aim STRAIGHT UP at the sky. 6 EXT. BEN’S FARM - EDGE OF A FIELD - NIGHT 6 Acie points at the TWIN BEAMS of light in the sky off to her left. ACIE Look, Mommy! They started the fireworks over there! Noticing, Becky then scrambles to her feet! Fear rising. BECKY (calls out) Dad! Stay with Acie! BEN What's the matter?!

Becky races towards the light! Concerned, Ben watches her sprint off. His eyes led to the beams of light. BEN (standing up) Dear god! -Madge watch Acie!! He takes off towards Becky. Confused Madge snatches Acie in a tight grip. MADGE It's ok baby. It's ok.

7 EXT. DIRT ROAD (ATV ACCIDENT) - MINUTES LATER - NIGHT 7 Becky arrives on the scene and sees the aftermath of the crash. In shock. Adam lies on the dirt road, bleeding and unconscious. Rushing over she DROPS next to his head. BECKY ADAM! ADAM! BABY! WAKE UP! TALK TO ME! ADAM!? SAY SOMETHING BABY!! Unsure what to do. She touches his face realizing that it might do more harm than good. BECKY (manic, rocking) No. No. No! Pulling out her cell, she frantically dials. Dropping it face- down. She screams out! Scraping into the darkness to find it. Hands shaking. She grabs it. BECKY Hello? HELLO??! PICK UP-PICK UP!!! HELLO!!! Ben arrives winded onto the scene just as: FIREWORKS go off in the distance. Spreading its wonder against the night sky and giving flashing, intermittent-light to the horrific scene. Becky and Ben lock eyes with fireworks reflecting in the welling tears. BECKY Daddy???!! An image of beauty and tragedy collide. SLOW MOTION: As Ben runs towards them. FADE OUT.

9 EXT. DIRT ROAD (ATV ACCIDENT) - AMBULANCE - NIGHT 9 BIRDSEYE CLOSE UP over ADAM. Unconscious. AMBULANCE lights slash across the blood on his face. On a GURNEY, TWO PARAMEDICS stabilizing him. Preparing to lift him in. Clothing torn, blood everywhere. Ben holds Becky back with strong arms. BECKY What are they doing?! PARAMEDIC ONE plunges a SYRINGE into Adam's arm. BECKY What are you giving him? PARAMEDIC ONE A sedative, ma’am. We need to intubate him. Please step back! HEAVING the gurney INTO THE AMBULANCE. Becky BREAKS THE GRIP and rushes into the back! BECKY ADAM!! PARAMEDIC ONE (to affect) I need you to stay calm. Paramedic One hooks Adam up to VITAL SIGNS MONITORS. PARAMEDIC TWO attempts the INTUBATION. Fails. PARAMEDIC ONE Dammit! BECKY (panicked) What’s wrong? Paramedic Two makes a second intubation attempt. Fails again. PARAMEDIC TWO He’s coding. BECKY Do something! PLEASE! Paramedic Two grabs the PADDLES. Rubbing them. PARAMEDIC TWO Clear! Adam's body ARCS as the electricity jolts his heart. Becky slams her hands over her mouth to not scream! Ben fights all emotions. Beeps, engines and sirens add to the chaos. FADE TO BLACK.

10 INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 10 OVER BLACK. WE HEAR: The CLEAR SOUNDS of ADAM'S PAINFUL WHEEZING. Then...FADED STRESSED VOICES beneath it rise: PARAMEDIC PARAMEDIC TWO (echoing) (echoing) I'm losing him! I have a pulse! PARAMEDIC TWO PARAMEDIC ONE (echoing) (echoing) Try again! Clear! The ZAP OF THE DEFIBRILLATOR SMASH OPENS OUR SHOT! OVERHEAD CLOSE UP OF ADAM. We never cutaway from his face... Gurney rushing. Oxygen mask over closed eye. Unflattering florescent lights cut across his mask's reflection. His body rocking from the movement. BECKY (O.C.) DOCTOR (echoing) (echoing) It's ok baby! You're going What's his name? to be ok! NURSE DOCTOR (echoing) (echoing) ADAM. ADAM! ADAM CAN YOU HEAR ME? BECKY DOCTOR (echoing) (echoing) BABY!!?? Get him into emergency now! NURSE BECKY (echoing) (echoing) Let's move people! WAIT! PLEASE WAIT!!! Our view moves poetically down Adam's battered body and torn shirt to his bloody HAND. SLOW MOTION: A FEMALE HAND PLACES THE CROSS NECKLACE INTO HIS FINGERS as their hands separate. FADE OUT.

11 INT. HOSPITAL - VISITOR AREA - LATER THAT NIGHT 11 Becky sits, hands clasped in prayer. BECKY (quietly) Jesus, my Lord and Savior, look upon my beloved husband with the eyes of Your Mercy. Comfort him and restore him to health. I beg of You. Ben sits down next to her. Hand on her shoulder. BECKY Where’s Acie? Is she all right? BEN Madge agreed to stay over tonight. She’ll be fine. DOCTOR PARNELLI (50's) approaches them. In SCRUBS, fresh out of the O.R. DR. PARNELLI (O.S.) Mrs. Adams? BECKY Yes, that’s me. DR. PARNELLI Your husband’s in recovery ma'am. The surgery itself went well, but he hasn’t regained consciousness. BECKY But he's gonna be alright right? The Doctor regrets his next words. DR. PARNELLI We don't know the condition of his brain. Becky looks numb. Ben stands at attention. He's unable to be stronger than Becky at his moment. BEN Wha-What do you mean you're doctors. You know everything. DR. PARNELLI The next few days are critical and you have to be patient. We induced his coma. The swelling is severe. Only time will tell the effects of being deprived of oxygen for an extended amount of time. Becky turns to her father, tears fall leaning into his chest. Ben hugs her.

12 INT. HOSPITAL - ADAM'S ICU ROOM - DAY 12 Adam lies in silence. MONITORS blink around his bed. Head bandage, oxygen mask & snaking IV. At his side, Becky strokes his hand. BECKY I’ve been praying for you all night, Sweetheart. I know the Good Lord will see you through this. She roots through her purse, locates her BIBLE. BECKY (light-hearted) It’s Sunday, do you know what that means? It means you haven't been to church in a week now. (waving it) And you, my-love, are not missing another one. NURSE VETTI (Indian, welcoming) enters to check the machines and the IV. She sees the Bible in Becky’s hand. NURSE (impressed) Are you going to read to him? BECKY Yes, I am. NURSE You hear that Adam? It's exactly what you need. Sometimes I think that's better than food. Or at least it's better than the food they serve here. She smiles at Becky who begins to lose it again.

BECKY Thank you. Nurse Vetti smiles back as she touches Becky's arm. Becky begins to read. BECKY Psalm 41: 2-3 “The Lord protects and preserves them. They are counted among the blessed in the land...“ She stops reading, overwhelmed. She holds her Bible close. BECKY Dear Lord, Our Savior, please heal your good and faithful servant, Adam. I beg of You, in your infinite mercy, be merciful to my husband... Unable to go on, Becky breaks down and sobs quietly.

13 INT. BEN’S HOME - KITCHEN - DAY 13 Ben ladles oatmeal into his and Acie’s bowls. ACIE When’s Mommy coming back, PawPaw? BEN Mommy’s helping your Daddy get better. Acie plays with her toy puppy on the table. BEN Eat your breakfast, sweet pea. ACIE I miss Daddy. BEN I know you do. Now eat your oatmeal. Acie drags her spoon. ACIE Can I come with you to see him? BEN Not today, Honey. Madge is gonna be here soon to watch you okay? ACIE Okay, but tell him I love him, and that I miss him, and that I’m sorry I was cold. Ben stops dishing food, concerned. BEN What do you mean sweety? ACIE (Matter of fact) Daddy got hurt because I got cold. He had to get my blanket. Ben slides closer, holding her tiny hand. BEN Listen to me Acie. This wasn't your fault. You have nothing to do with this. God has a plan. Do you understand what that means? ACIE I don't think so. Ben pulls a BIBLE off the top of the fridge. BEN Do you know what this is? ACIE Of course pawpaw. BEN We're gonna have a little fun making you understand what I mean ok? Acie looks confused but excited. ACIE Ok. BEN But you eat your oatmeal while I do it. Acie looks tricked!

15 INT. HOSPITAL - NURSE'S STATION - DAY 15 BECKY I swear I saw Adam's eyelids twitch. I’m sure he’s about to wake up any second now. Dr. Parnelli, who is looking through a chart, gently delivers the news. DR. PARNELLI Mrs. Adams, I know this is difficult, an eyelid twitch is an involuntary reflex. It doesn't mean your husband is regaining consciousness. Becky looks down defeated. DR. PARNELLI But we are still hopeful.

16 EXT. BEN'S FARM - WAREHOUSE - DAY 16 Warehouse entrance, Ben checks the quality of BAGS OF SEED CORN, in the back of a pickup truck. The DRIVER takes a bag to drop out of view. BEN Was this 23 or 24 bags? DRIVER 27 Ben. BEN (confused) Oh, right. Ok. Ben looks embarrassed.

17 INT. SMITH HOME - OFFICE - DAY 17 Ben enters Becky’s cluttered desk. LARGE NAMEPLATE, “Becky Adams Smith,” Filing cabinets, wood chairs and shelves stuffed with binders, bank boxes and FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS. Ben sets a clipboard on the desk, and turns his attention to Becky’s COMPUTER. BEN (to himself) Orders. Should be pretty straightforward. Let’s see. He clicks and scrolls, clicks some more. Frustrated. BEN Oh heck. Picks up the phone. BEN Yeah, Ben Adams here. I need to place an order... Yeah, I know I can do it online, but can I just do it over the phone? ... Yes, I’ll hold. Ben SLAPS THE SPEAKER function. Hold music plays. He steps away from the desk and paces the room. He picks up various FAMILY PHOTOS. A final photo: Adam and Acie on a tractor. Ben can’t hold back the tears any longer. He drops into the chair and weeps. FROM THE PHONE (V.O.) Sir? I can take your order now. Hello? Hands clasped, bows his head in silent prayer. FROM THE PHONE (V.O.) Hello? Sir?

18 INT. HOSPITAL - ADAM'S ICU ROOM - DAY 18 Adam, his condition unchanged, lies hooked up to tubes and IVs. Against the far wall, a COT with a folded BLANKET and her Bible on her PILLOW. Becky’s home-away-from-home. Ben hands Becky a change of clothes. BEN It’s been a week Becky. You can’t stay here day after day, night after night! BECKY I'm not leaving here without my husband. BEN (Delicate) Becky we've heard what the doctors have said to us. We've seen the X- Rays and tests. I'm sorry honey but.. We might have to face that he might never wake up. BECKY Not an option. Christ healed the sick and raised the dead. Surely he can wake up one man! BEN Your daughter needs you Becky. She doesn’t understand why she can’t see her father. BECKY I don’t want Acie to see him like this!

INT. MADGE KITCHEN - DAY We focus on MADGE waiting on baited breath... MADGE Ok sweety so I call it: Jello-Pot- Pie. ACIE (O.S.) Why? MADGE Um, cuz it's pot pie.. with jello. Need I say more. Hashtag: You're welcome. We pan around to Acie looking like she ate rotted lemon. ACIE I hate it. We swing back to Madge. MADGE And it hates you back. Acie laughs hysterically.

INT. BEN'S FARM - OFFICE - DAY

BEN Ok Carl. I know I miscounted the bundle but give an old man a break. CARL (ON SPEAKER) Are you tryin to kill my cattle Ben? Ben's cellphone vibrates. BEN Yes Carl I figured since group- therapy didn't work I had to take them out of their misery! He looks at the text. A look of concern comes across his face. BEN Carl I gotta go! He darts out.

20 INT. HOSPITAL - ADAM'S ICU ROOM - LATER THAT DAY 20 Rushing behind Ben we enter the room. Dr. Parnelli stands in the corner talking to Becky who sits near Adam's head. We interrupt their conversation. Her hair a mess, make-up smeared, clothing wrinkled. BECKY (searching for words) They’re saying... They're saying his... brain isn't functioning anymore. BEN My god. DR. PARNELLI I'm afraid his organs are failing and his lungs are filling up with water. Her anguish spills out in tears. Ben takes her hand. BEN I’m so sorry honey. (To the Doctor) What do we do? DR. PARNELLI I understand how delicate this is but we have to think about his quality of life right now. He's weak and surviving entirely on our life support system. He's not in any pain. (Beat) But you have to realize that he won't be coming back. Becky snaps! Accusing him. BECKY WEAK!? Weak? You're talking about the strongest man I've ever known. The backbone of my family! You take that back! BEN Becky calm down. BECKY Make him take it back! -Wake up, Adam! Prove them all wrong baby. Show them what I know! BEN Sweetheart... BECKY He blinked! I'm telling you he blinked!!! I WONT DO IT! I WONT!!!! Ben puts his arms around her offering some much needed fatherly love as she slumps down. BECKY Who would do this? Who would do this...? (Dying off) Who would do this... Who would do this... SLOW FADE OUT. WE HEAR: A PREACHER, DELIVERING A SERMON. PREACHER (V.O.) (uplifting) We have been gathered here today for a number of reasons.

MONTAGE: BEDROOM. Madge kneels at the edge of the bed praying. Reveal Acie beside her. Hands clasped. PREACHER (V.O.) For one: to pay our tribute and our respect, and our love, to a man of God. CUT TO: OFFICE. Ben SMACKS the beeping phone down on the cradle. PREACHER (V.O.) And to remember he was a father, a son, a friend. A husband. CUT TO: FRONT PORCH. Becky stares into the sunset. Silent. Cross necklace in her hand. PREACHER (V.O.) And to learn that not only has he earned the love and respect of people of this congregation but of our entire community. CUT TO: ICU. We hover angelically over Adams silent face. PREACHER (V.O.) We are also here today to seek and to receive comfort. To heal our hearts. CUT TO: HOSPITAL. SLOW MOTION: Becky enters the hallway doors with weighted steps. PREACHER (V.O.) We want to know that God would minister to our hearts, and give us strength as we continue in our walk with him. CUT TO: ICU. We float from Adam to Becky who looks at the Doctor and painfully nods. Moving to the Doctor. He respectfully presses buttons and removes the mask. Monitors flatline. We float back to Becky's face as she SCREAMS OUT!! Ben's arms come into frame comforting her. Then... slowly.. slowly she goes a numb, catatonic state. PREACHER We are going to move beyond the tears. Beyond our questioning his plan. Beyond our doubt. CUT TO: SMITH HOUSE. LIVING ROOM. WAKE. Various people dressed in black. Walk, eat, talk with each other, crossing our view. As the wave parts, we notice Becky in the far corner. Sitting alone like a mannequin. People offer comfort. She doesn't react. Acie enters nearby speaking words we cannot hear to Becky. Despondent. Madge runs interference and snatches Acie up. We continue to get closer to Becky while still hearing... PREACHER (V.O.) Because the Holy Spirit is here today to comfort and strengthen each and every heart! Close enough to Becky we see the CROSS NECKLACE in her hand over her knee. PREACHER (V.O.) And he will continue to be with us as we continue to live.. for God. SLOW MOTION: BECKY stands... DROPPING THE CROSS TO THE GROUND. Walking out of the room. SLOW FADE OUT.

INT. SMITH HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY ANGLE ON: A TEA KETTLE WHISTLES LOUD on a stove. ANGLE ON: Acie looking up past the steam. ACIE (echoing) Mommy..? Mommy..? ANGLE ON: Becky staring through the steam at nothing. ACIE (clearer) Mommy? BECKY (Confused) What? ACIE I want cereal. BECKY (in a haze) It's over there baby. ACIE I can't reach it. The steam rises with the tension. BECKY Reach what? Acie's voice blends with the howl of the kettle. ACIE BECKY I can't reach the box! I just need a minute baby. Give mommy a minute. ACIE But it's right there. BECKY JUST GIVE ME-- --KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!! The door knock stops all of the chaos. Snapping out of it, Becky finally turns off the stove. Reaches for the cereal box and heads to...

INT. SMITH HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - MOMENTS LATER Becky approaches the front screen door. JIMMY URBAN (50's, blue collar, beard, kind eyes) Stands humble. Hat-in-hand. BECKY Hello? JIMMY I'm sorry ma'am. My name is Jimmy. Jimmy Urban. I didn't mean to intrude. BECKY Who are you? JIMMY I-um, I was a friend of your husband Adam. BECKY I.. I've never seen you before. Jimmy looks like a caged puppy through the mesh of the screen. JIMMY He helped me. BECKY He helped you? JIMMY Actually; he changed my life. Becky seems confused. JIMMY May I come in? I won't take up much of your time. It's important. She opens the door. JIMMY (stepping in) Thank you.

INT. SMITH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER An awkward juncture. She studies his face. BECKY (accusing) Why don't I know you? Jimmy is unsure where to stop. Rubbing knees. Wiping sweat that's not there. JIMMY Well, about three years ago Adam was out at the Valley Center where I used to work. They told me to help him move some of the inventory. BECKY ...Ok? JIMMY We started talking. Mostly about work. Sports. And he talked a whole- bunch about you, and your little girl. Becky forces a polite half-smile. JIMMY I wasn't doing so well back then. I made some real-bad choices. (Beat) And it didn't help that I was drinking a lot. (beat) But-um, on one of those "bad-choice-nights" that I'm talking about. I drove to the Hudson Valley game with my son. Becky sits back, knowing what's coming. JIMMY It was the play offs after-all and he wanted to go, and I wanted to drink (Beat) He was ten. A good boy. And... Becky notices the edge of a MASSIVE SURGERY SCAR on his forearm. Realizing, he covers it up. BEN It's hard to see the road when everything is blurry. But (beat) he's with God now, and I know that. Becky squirms in her seat. She can't handle it all. JIMMY I told Adam my story. He could've just..drove away (beat) but he didn't. (beat) Instead he told me: He had the answer to all of my problems. BECKY What was that? JIMMY Well, he went into that beat up pickup truck and he pulled this out... From his inner pocket, Jimmy SLIDES OUT a modest sized gold- lined, engraved, BIBLE. A thing of beauty. BECKY (squirming) He... Wait..You're telling me that my husband, the man I just put in the ground.. GAVE-YOU his mother's family bible?! JIMMY Yes ma'am. Becky's foot taps incessantly. She points around. BECKY I spent two weeks destroying my house trying to find that... thing. JIMMY Maybe he just felt it was better this way. Becky stands up entangled in her own changing emotions. BECKY (softly) I think you need to go. JIMMY But.. but as soon as I found out what happened I came here to give it back to you and your family. I know you need it now. BECKY Oh you do? He PLACES IT DELICATELY onto the table between them. Taking a moment, unable to look at it. BECKY I don't want it. JIMMY This saved my life. She moves up to him. Leaning down eye-to-eye. Both hands onto his shoulders. BECKY They're just words. (beat) YOU changed your life. Feeling he made a mistake he stands up. JIMMY I should go. A nervous glance at the book as he backs up. JIMMY I'm so sorry for your loss. He leaves. Becky stands frozen as we hear the screen door close. His car starts. Drives away. She can barely blink.

24 INT. HOSPITAL - ADMINISTRATION CENTER - DAY 24 At the DESK, looking drained of blood, Becky signs, hands in completed PAPERWORK. Exiting down the hall, she searches for her keys in her purse. Walking past: Fun, plump, sassy JUNE HART (30s), who carries a BASKET of CLOTHES. June turns, starring curiously, squinting. Then...

JUNE Becky? Becka-Becky? DROPPING THE BASKET, dancing on her twinkle toes. June RUSHES over like a jazz-hand-kitten. GRABBING Becky in an exuberant hug! Becky's flatlined reaction is evident. JUNE Ohmigod, what’re you doin' here? I haven’t seen you since you since you went off and got married to what’s-his-name. BECKY (flat) Adam. JUNE (swooning) Adam. How is that hunk-of-a-man anyway? You know I had to hate you for that. The whole cheerleading squad did. Even if you were my best friend. Becky seems unable to contain this hurricane. JUNE Do you remember it? I know you do. C'mon: Quick hand on hip. Other waving in the air. JUNE "It's-our-team-we'll-lift-you-up. When-we-win-you'll-kiss-our- -Becky grabs June's wrist. BECKY He died. Two days ago. June loses cabin pressure. JUNE Ohmigod I'm so sorry. June wipes her clothing and attitude to reset. BECKY I'm just here filling out paperwork. That's-all. Why are you here? JUNE Oh-um. We pick up the hospital’s unclaimed lost-and-found items every six months or so. Repurpose or recycle them. -But it's not about me. Becky walks to the basket and picks at the mess. JUNE No-you-don't girl. I got that. June joins the kneel, vaguely picking up clothing. JUNE Listen Becky, it's been years, but I haven't forgotten that you wanted to move away with me, but Adam didn't. I always felt terrible about that. I'm sorry. I had to move to the city to get away from my old man, you know that right? Plus I couldn't turn that job offer down. And I- BECKY -It's ok. We had lives to live. JUNE But I want you to know I'm still here for you. Just tell me what I can do honey? Name-it. BECKY (with kindness) I just need to go home and be alone. Is that ok? JUNE Of course it is. (Beat) Here, it's my business card. You come see me. Ok? BECKY You be safe. JUNE You-come-see-me Becky. Becky walks away. June still on her knee, looking helpless.

EXT. SMITH HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - SUNSET Sunset. Becky sits alone on the porch. Looking out into the beauty of the amber. Looking down: ADAM'S BIBLE that Jimmy gave back to her. Looking back into the sun, her hand... EDGES THE BIBLE OFF OF THE BENCH and onto the ground. FADE TO BLACK.

SUPER: ONE YEAR LATER

27 INT. BEN'S FARM - OFFICE - DAY 27 LAUGHTER amid the high-pitched voices of CHILDREN at play outside the office. At her desk, Becky pores over the many POST-ITS left on her desk. Frustrated, into her WALKIE-TALKIE: BECKY Charlie? Can you come into the office please? CHARLIE (V.O.) (from walkie-talkie) Be right there, Miss Becky. Becky enters figures from a Post-It into an ACCOUNTS ledger on her computer. Charlie enters. (20's, trucker cap) We feel a change in Becky's general demeanor. Easily agitated. Business-like. CHARLIE Ma’am? BECKY Charlie, I can’t make heads or tails out of some of these. CHARLIE I think these are some orders Ben called in. BECKY But why do they look like this? CHARLIE Cuz Ben doesn't do too well with the computer. BECKY I know and that's why I hired you isn't it? CHARLIE I'm really sorry Miss Becky. BECKY I told you to try calling me Miss. Adam. CHARLIE Ok Ms Adam. I- I didn't know. BECKY I'm aware but you need to try harder ok? I can't do all of this by myself. Ok? CHARLIE Ok. BECKY I’ll contact the supplier and see if I can sort it out. Put in his place. Charlie starts to leave. BECKY Oh and Charlie - could you ask the kids to play a little quieter? CHARLIE Sure thing Miss Be- Miss Adam. BECKY And shut the door. CHARLIE Ok. He shuts her door on his way out. Becky turns her attention back to her computer with a deep breath.

29 INT. BEN'S FARM - OFFICE - DAY 29 On the phone: BECKY No, I can’t cut you a check until I’ve verified the order... No, I don’t have an invoice number... No don't put me on hold... Faint sound of hold music. BECKY UGGARRRGGGH!! She drops her head in her hands, exhausted; sighs.

30 EXT. BEN’S FARM - OFFICE - DAY 30 At the open door of her office: BECKY Acie, come in here. It’s not a good day for playing out front. Acie drags her feet on her way to her Mom. ACIE I wasn’t doing anything wrong. BECKY I didn’t say you were. Mommy’s just having a rough day. Acie puts her small arms around Becky’s waist, holds her mother tight, her face buried against her Mom’s middle. ACIE I'll be good. BECKY You're always good. Becky has an air of guilt. INT. BEN'S CAR - NIGHT Ben listens to a preacher on the radio. Becky enters. BEN Hey pretty woman. BECKY Hey Dad. Hearing the radio. BECKY Could you turn that down please. BEN Sure. (He complies) You and I need to talk. BECKY I thought you said you wanted to go see a movie. BEN I do... but, I also need to talk to you. BECKY I got Lucinda to watch Acie. BEN Why were you so short with Charlie? BECKY So he went running to you? BEN That's not the point. BECKY So what is the point Dad? BEN The point is he represents a tiny minute of a much bigger clock. The point is that everything about you is changing. You've lost your way. I don't know who you're becoming. BECKY What do you want from me?! BEN Well for starters I want you back in church. I want you to stop losing your temper at..EVERY thing. I want you to listen to Acie more. Heck I want you to listen to YOU more. BECKY Why don't you give me some space.

BEN All we've given you is space. You can't turn your back on him anymore. He's what gives us greatness. BECKY Like you were the greatest man on earth to grandma?! BEN Excuse me? I gave your mother my blood, my soul and my faith every day of her life. I know I wasn't perfect. But I surrendered to her and to God. BECKY And I gave everything to that God of yours and he still took Adam away from me. From Acie?? NO ONE merciful would do that. So don't tell me what direction my back should turn. BEN We don't know his plan Becky. Frantically, opening the car door. BECKY There is no plan. BEN Please sweetheart. She walks away from the window then stomps back. BECKY Come to think of it. You know what? There IS a plan. How-bout I finally get out of this town? How's that for a plan? I should've left this place a long time ago when I had the chance. She storms off towards the front door. BEN Becky. BECKY GO HOME! Ben is at a loss.

31 INT. SMITH HOME - NIGHT 31 At the door to Acie’s bedroom, Becky looks in on her sleeping daughter, July nestled in Acie’s arms.

INT. SMITH HOUSE - BEDROOM DOOR - NIGHT Becky looks into her bedroom. From the looks of it. She hasn't slept there in a long time. She walks away. CUT TO:

33 INT. SMITH HOME - LIVING ROOM - LATER - NIGHT 33 Becky, couch & blanket flipping TV channels. Giving up, tossing the remote on the coffee table. Chews a nail. Thinks. Looking around and taking it in. She then picks up her cell phone.

34 INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT - SIMULTANEOUS 34 A CELL PHONE blares RETRO-DISCO. SINK. June wiggles to the beat. Struggling to apply PURPLE DYE to hair strands with a TOOTHBRUSH. CELL VIBRATES to an INCOMING CALL. JUNE Wait! Don’t hang up! I'm comin' Drops the toothbrush into the sink, a spastic dance attempting to get to the phone and save-the-hair! Plunking down, squished between the sink and the tub, grabs her cell. JUNE I’m here!

35 INT. SMITH HOME - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT 35 INTERCUT: BECKY June? JUNE ...Becky??? BECKY Yea. I thought you might still be up. JUNE Sexiness-never-sleeps my dear. I was hopin' to hear from you; someday. Silence. JUNE What's on yer mind Becka? BECKY I- I need to get out of here. I think I'm going crazy. (Fishing) You asked me to...come-see-you..? JUNE (suspicious) I see? Silence. BECKY (unsure) ... Hello? Is that- Is that ok?

JUNE Sorry honey I was playin hard to get. HECK-YES you can! Come-on- down! Becky looks let of the hook a bit. JUNE I’ve got a sweet little guest-room, you can stay as long as you want. Are you bringin' the little midget too? BECKY No. No not just yet. I gotta take this first step alone. I need to. JUNE Ok. "I-feel-you" as the kids say. It's time to finally make that change. BECKY (relieved) Thanks, June. JUNE Take yer car to the bus station and I will have that ticket waitin' for ya.

36 EXT. BEN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY 36 Acie sits on Ben's lap. Becky paces. BECKY It's only gonna be for a little while Acie. Mommy needs to take care of herself right now. I'll be back for you. ACIE (disappointed) Are we moving mommy? BECKY I think it's time to baby. But there's a lot of things to take care of first. ACIE But why? BECKY Pawpaw and I already talked about this. Ben holds his tongue with Acie there. BECKY And he's gonna look after you so you need to be good for him ok? ACIE Ok. Becky and Ben glance disapprovingly at each other as she walks out. IMAGES OF: CAR: Becky driving down the open road. A sense of wonder in her eyes. BUS STATION WINDOW: She picks up a ticket and walks out. BUS: A few scattered travelers. She stares out of the window. LANDSCAPES and CITY SCAPES pass us by.

37 INT. JUNE’S APT. - HALLWAY - DAY 37 Becky KNOCKS SOFTLY on the door to June’s apartment. JUNE (O.S.) I’m coming! I’m coming! June flings the door open, wraps Becky in a big hug. JUNE Becka-Becky! I’m so glad you came. Becky gives a crushed smile. June, attired in her usual bright bold colors, everything a little too short and a little too tight on her ample curves. BECKY You look great June. JUNE And you look (pause) To be continued... Becky seems intrigued by that phrase. JUNE Come on, let me show you to your room. Get you settled in, while I make us some Margaritas. June grabs Becky’s suitcase, leads the way. BECKY At four in the afternoon? JUNE (stopping cold) Who’s lookin’ at a clock? BECKY (speechless) ...... JUNE (with a wink) You-catch-on-quick. June opens the door to her GUESTROOM.

JUNE'S APARTMENT - GUEST ROOM - CONTINUOUS JUNE Here ya are! I have some days off comin’ so we’ll have plenty of time to take over the town. BECKY What does that mean? JUNE You'll find out hunnie. So strap yourself in. Becky has seen a ghost!

39 INT. JUNE’S APT. - GUESTROOM - LATER - DAY 39 Becky settles her things from her suitcase into the room The BOOKSHELVES hold HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING TROPHIES, a framed PHOTOGRAPH of the High School Cheerleading Squad with a young Becky and June in front. Becky picks up a TROPHY, runs her fingers over it and smiles, as she drifts down memory lane. JUNE (O.S.) GIRL COME GET THIS MARGARITA BEFORE IT DRINKS-ITSELF!! 40 INT. JUNE’S APT. - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 40 June and Becky relax on the couch. Each with a pint of ICE CREAM. Coffee table littered with a pizza box, pitchers and candy. June, feet up, in her pink PJs: JUNE So he hands me the ring, looks me straight in my eyes and says: (doofus voice, reenacting) "My grandmama gave me this diamond on her death bed. She told me to only give this to my one-true-love." BECKY Whoa and what did you say?? JUNE I told him she should've taken it with her to the grave! BECKY (sitting up) What?! JUNE I know cubic zirconium like a know spam. Honey I threw him out further than I threw that ring! Becky laughs so hard, she SNORTS! At that, June bursts into laughter; it’s a giggle fest.

41 INT. BEN’S HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT 41 BEN (on the phone) Uh-huh. Ok. I've spoken to Charlie about the accounts. Hang-on... Acie it's for you. Ben, DISH TOWEL in hand, passes his CELLPHONE to Acie, puts dishes away as he dries them. INTERCUT: ACIE Mommy! I had the best day! 42 INT. JUNE’S APT. - GUESTROOM - NIGHT 42 BECKY (on her cell) Did you now? Why is that? ACIE PawPaw let me ride on the tractor like Daddy does. BECKY That’s great, Sweetie. ACIE Uh-huh. And July went everywhere with me! I miss you mommy! Becky starts to tear up. Clears her throat. BECKY I miss you too. Were you a good girl? ACIE (to PawPaw) Mommy wants to know if I was a good girl. Acie holds the cell towards Ben: BEN (from across the room) She was the best girl ever. We miss you mommy. BECKY I’m proud of you, Acie. Remember to brush your teeth and wash your face before you go to bed. BEN And say your prayers. Ignoring this comment. BECKY I love you sweetie. Nighty-night.

44 INT. JUNE’S APT. - WALK-IN CLOSET - DAY 44 June digging deep in her closet. Becky KNOCKS. BECKY Morning. JUNE Come-in-girl. BECKY What'cha doin? JUNE Me? Let's just say I'm diggin for treasure. BECKY Huh? JUNE Oh I'm sorry you may refer to it as: finding-you-clothing. BECKY JUNE June you don't have to-- --Thank me? I know it's on the house. I mean look at you. You’ve been on that farm for way too long girl. BECKY (laughs) It’s not that bad, right? June throws a deadpan stare. BECKY (weaker) ....right? Holding the stoic stare then... JUNE Sometimes pleadin-the-fifth is a girls only option. Becky's face drags to the floor.

45 INT. JUNE’S APT. - BEDROOM - DAY 45 MONTAGE: A light-hearted sequence. Becky shows June a number of different outfits. Some fit, some shouldn't fit anyone. Thumbs-up-thumbs-downs. June delighted and amused. Becky, not as much. 46 INT. JUNE’S APT. - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 46 JUNE Time-to-go-girl. Becky emerges in a form-fitting SHORT DRESS with a low neckline that flatters her figure. Sexy HIGH-HEELS complete the look. JUNE Perfect! Becky seems trapped between love and hate. BECKY Isn’t this a bit much? JUNE For farm-cattle? Yes they would definitely-disapprove. Oh you meant for a man? Heck-no! You look like a sunrise. JUNE A man? I don't know about all-that. She walks away with awkward stutter-steps in the shoes. JUNE (To Becky's back) Baby-steps girl. AUDIO: Becky falling to the floor! BECKY (O.C.) ARRHHHH!! JUNE (pained-face) ...Baby-steps.

47 INT. JUNE’S APT. - BEDROOM - NIGHT 47 Becky sits like a victim on a PINK STOOL. June turns to Becky. Taking her position as surgeon with a row of tools. Off of Becky's fearful look. She talks like Becky's half-deaf and slow... JUNE (loudly) THEY CALL THIS MAKE-UP. I KNOW, TECHNOLOGY RIGHT? MEN DON'T REALLY LIKE THIS STUFF BUT OTHER WOMEN WILL TAKE A SHOTGUN TO YOU WHEN YOU GET IT WRONG! THIS WILL ONLY HURT FOR A MINUTE, YOUR FACE HASN'T SEEN THIS IN A LONG TIME. SO YOU MAY GO INTO CARDIAC ARREST BUT I'VE GOT MORE MARGARITA MIX TO FIX THAT TOO! Becky can't help but laugh and marvel at the force of nature before her, even through the anxiety. JUNE AFTER THIS I'LL DEAL WITH THAT STRAW YOU CALL HAIR!

INT. JUNE'S CAR - LATER THAT NIGHT Pulling up across from a BAR. Becky stares off at the doors. Her inner conflict reads strong on her face. She turns and looks at June. Before she can protest-- JUNE (poignant) --You gotta live. If you die on the inside then what's the point. June holds an angelic tone we haven't seen. Becky feels comfort in her words. She nods back. JUNE Let's go have a little fun.

48 INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT 48 A honky-tonk! Country music blares! A dimly lit, noisy bar, with ROWDY PATRONS. Moose-heads mounted high. Bottle-filled shelves. SLOW MOTION: June and Becky make their debut! Dressed to kill (or be killed) Sauntering through the crowd like they own the room. Well at least June does. Becky trips and recovers... Maybe no one saw that. RANDY, the handsome 25 year old bartender, shows off his crowd-pleasing cocktail virtuosity. Our rockstars sit side-by-side on bar stools. JUNE Girl tonight it's all about following-my-lead. BECKY When is it not? JUNE (slapping the bar) Never! -Excuse me? SUGAR?! SUGARLOAF!!? Randy takes notice coming over. RANDY Sugarloaf? I like it. How can I help the two prettiest girls in the bar. JUNE If you weren't in elementary school I might--never-mind. Two shots! Becky throws an insecure smile to Randy. BECKY I'm not really a shots kinda girl ya know? JUNE Honey yer from Texas is there any other kind?? BECKY (thinking) The sweet-tea kind? JUNE Ok you have a point. -Darlin' RANDY It's Randy. JUNE Randy could you give us the sweet- tea version? RANDY Cummin' right up. BECKY What kind is that? JUNE It means it's a triple. BECKY What?! JUNE Who's lead are we following?? BECKY (conceding) Yours. June turns to soak in the night. We look around... JUNE (defiant) I remember when my daddy said I wouldn't amount to a single thing. June shakes off the melancholic undertone. BECKY I was sorry when I heard he died. (beat) I hate to say it but he was a cruel man. JUNE Yes. He. Was. (beat) Biggest reason I left. I promised NO-ONE would ever make me cry like that again. Not-ever. Randy interrupts. Delivers the shots. RANDY Ladies. JUNE (loving herself) And look at me now? Made it to the big city. Own my own advertising agency and most-important: reunited with my old-est best-est friend. I'd say God-is-good. BECKY We can we please leave him out of your success. JUNE (realizing) Shoot yer right. Even I forget sometimes. The derailing propels Becky to grab the double-sized shot glass. Lifting it, facing her. BECKY TO YOUR NEW LIFE! JUNE TO YOUR SOON-TO-BE NEW LIFE! GULPS! BECKY Whoa that's strong. JUNE No-girl, your stomach's weak. They laugh! JUNE MR PACIFIER? MORE DRINKS! QUICK CUTS: The girls doing several toasts. Loosening up.

49 INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT 49 Empty glasses in front of June and Becky. Uproarious laughs. JUNE So then the other eyelash dropped into the champagne glass! BECKY No way! More LAUGHTER: BECKY (very buzzed) You are the greatish. The absolute besht. I jes love y’all so much. She starts to randomly sob. JUNE Oh hunnie I think you need another drink to cheer you up. BECKY No, I’m happy. Really I am. I’m so happy right now. I’m gonna take off my wedding ring. See? Becky twists the slim GOLD BAND off, kisses it, drops it into an empty shot glass. BECKY Bye bye. A somber wave takes over. June reads the terrain then... JUNE Come on, girl. Time to go home. I’ll call us a taxi. BECKY I think I could use another one. June puts her arm around Becky. JUNE Not tonight tiger. But we will be comin back here.

50 EXT. BEN’S FARM - KITCHEN - DAY 50 Madge has finished placing her creation on the table. BEN Thank you Madge. It looks.. tasty. Acie looks like she's in adorable pain. ACIE (Lying) Uh huh. MADGE I call it: ready-spaghetti. BEN (nodding to Acie) Isn't that nice. MADGE I use Jello as the secret ingredient. Both Ben and Acie take bites. As Madge tidies up. They look at each other in pure agony. ACIE (dropping her fork) Can I say my prayers now pawpaw. BEN (emphatic) Yes. Yes you can! It's the perfect time. They both quickly STOP eating. Madge turns impressed. MADGE Well isn't-that-sweet. Let's pray for this meal. And don't worry there's plenty more. They join hands. Madge, eyes closed. Ben and Acie share funny- fearful looks.

51 INT. JUNE’S APT. - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 51 Becky hops about as she pulls on a pair of STRAPPY STILETTOS. BECKY I haven’t had a blind date since high school. JUNE He’s a distant cousin. It’s not like he’s a complete stranger. BECKY Remind me why I’m doing this? DING-dong! JUNE Cuz-I-said-so. Deer in the headlights, Becky stares at the front door. June shakes her head, opens the door to reveal CHAD WATERS - buff, tan, chiseled features, 25-year-old, good-looking. Becky takes a deep breath; she’s shocked at how young he is.. CHAD Hey June. (To Becky) Hi, I’m Chad. BECKY Hi. She pulls June to the BEDROOM.

INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS BECKY (hard whisper) He’s just a kid, I can’t do this. JUNE Just talk to him, you don’t want to hurt his feelings. BECKY I feel like I’m robbing the cradle. Chad looks around confused. CHAD (O.C.) Are you two talking about me? June pokes her head out the door frame. JUNE Of course not. Don't be so needy. Pulls CANDY from her purse and TOSSES them onto the couch! JUNE (pointing) Have some candy! Eyes lighting up he heads to the couch to retrieve them.

She leans back in to Becky. JUNE Emptier than a bowl. BECKY (stressed) Great. JUNE I gotta go. BECKY What!!?? JUNE Just go out on the balcony and talk to him for a little bit. That's all. Collecting things, walking out. JUNE I gotta run. I gotta go..make donuts or somethin' BECKY Don't you dare! June! JUNE! Becky follow her near the door. JUNE Bye now. Door slam. Chad sits like a puppy. Becky looks at him with despair. CHAD (innocent smile) I love candy.

52 EXT. JUNE'S APARTMENT - BALCONY - LATER THAT NIGHT 52 Becky sits with distance from Chad on the BALCONY. CHAD Yup! Just like that, my girlfriend dumped me. I did the flowers, presents. I even fed her cat. And I'm allergic. BECKY Why do you think she dumped you? CHAD I missed church ONE-TIME and it was over. Her dad is a minister. He said I lacked Christian-character. BECKY That's hard. CHAD One-time and I lost everything. What about you? Do you goto church? She finds trouble answering. BECKY No. Not in a long time. CHAD But, but you believe in God right? Becky shakes her head BECKY ..... Not anymore. CHAD Whuut? Then what do you believe in? Taking a moment to decide. BECKY The here, and the now. CHAD I'm not sure I understand. BECKY -Hey! Why don't you go to her dad directly and apologize. CHAD (easily distracted) I guess I didn't try that. BECKY Fathers like that kind of stuff. Shows respect. The advice brings joy to Chad's eyes.

53 EXT. BEN’S HOME - BACK YARD - DAY 53 GARDEN. On their knees, Ben digs a hole in the earth, Acie drops a few SEEDS in it. BEN Cover it up good, Acie. She pushes dirt, pats it down. BEN There you go, just like that. Next hole. Acie drops in her seeds. Dirt over, pats. ACIE Is Gramaw in Heaven with Daddy? Ben sits back on his heels. BEN She sure is. ACIE How-come? BEN Cuz your gramaw was a good woman. She loved the Lord and her family with all her heart. ACIE But you said I won’t see Daddy again until I go to Heaven. And that makes me really sad. Ben's watering can gets used. BEN I know punkin. But It'll get better. A little more each day. I promise. Ok? Acie gives little-nods. They exchange heartfelt smiles. BEN So. What do we plant next? ACIE Hmm...Chocolate! BEN (laughs) Not quite a farmer’s daughter yet.

54 INT. JUNE’S APT. - KITCHEN - NIGHT 54 Becky chops ingredients for a salad. June stirs a pot on the stove. Working back-to-back.

BECKY Can I tell you something? JUNE That's what I'm here for. BECKY Even after all of this time, sometimes I think if I hadn't asked Adam to go off that night, he’d still be alive. Becky WHACKS an ONION into pieces. JUNE Don't take it out on poor onion. June checks on the biscuits rising in the oven. JUNE Listen to me: my momma slipped in her bathtub and was gone. (Snaps) Just-like-that. What was she supposed to do? Not bathe? Stink the rest of her life? BECKY I understand your point. No matter how-blunt. JUNE Hunnie I'm I'm the mayor of Blunt- USA. You know that by now. BECKY It's just the guilt. JUNE You earned that guilt. Own-it. Ain't nothing gonna change it except you dealin' with it until you scare it off for good. You deserve to find peace. BECKY Am I doing the right thing? All this? Being here? June stops what she's doing. Thinking about that... JUNE There's something you don't understand. You see you're on this journey and you gotta see it through. (Beat) You're gonna learn a lot. You gonna hurt a lot. But at the end of it. You're gonna feel like a bottle of rain on a summer morning. I can tell you that. So don't you dare get in its way. Becky shows solace. June pours wine, lifts her glass: JUNE (breaking the serious) Or.. You can have some wine. That always works for me. Becky chuckles. BECKY How much do you have to drink before the hurt goes away? JUNE Oh baby I got two more boxes in the closet. And a Costco card! June turns, spills some wine INTO the food. Stirs. Becky hugs her from behind. BECKY Thank you... (beat) You know it's ok to be vulnerable too. June PATS Becky's elbow. Fighting off getting too emotional. JUNE To be continued darlin'

INT. BEN'S OFFICE - DAY Ben sits at his desk holding PAPERS. Charlie stands nervous before him. Ben finger-taps like a fuse has been lit. BEN So explain this again Charlie. And in a way that sounds like english to me. CHARLIE These invoices are all wrong. I fixed the ones I found but you stopped usin' the computer- BEN You know I hate that devil. CHARLIE I know but you did all the spreadsheets by hand then left it in a shoebox, so I couldn't calculate the rest..it.. And..so... BEN Spit it out into a cup! CHARLIE We're owed a bunch of money. BEN How much? Charlie points down to the papers. CHARLIE A lot. Normally what I miss Ms Becky -Miss Adam picks up the slack, but without her..? If this keeps happening.. you're not going to be able to cover the bank's bills. Ben apparently sees the correct number. BEN You're telling me that in two-weeks I feel this deep into the well. CHARLIE It's the nature of things. We deal with hundreds of invoices. You have to be a part of this information- highway Ben. BEN Ok-ok. You know exactly what you can do with yer highway- Nevermind. CHARLIE When she moves away. I don't think you'll be able to afford to hire someone more qualified. I know I can't do it all. BEN I've done this long before you came along kid. CHARLIE I know but to be honest before that you had Adam runnin' things the proper way. BEN Proper way! CHARLIE Maybe you didn't realize it? Maybe they didn't tell you? BEN (snapping) I'VE RUN A BUSINESS MY WHOLE LIFE CHILD! (throws the papers) DON'T COME IN HERE AND TELL ME HOW THINGS ARE GONNA BE! I KNOW WHAT'S-WHAT! Silence. Stunned, Charlie digresses. CHARLIE I-I'm sorry Ben. I'm young. I'm dumb and what do I know. Just ferget I said anything. I apologize. -Madge made some pie. Or, that's what she calls it anyway. I'm gonna go pretend to have sum, if that's ok. He sheepishly exits. Ben looks like a man who's losing everything. Looking around he notices he's knocked ADAM'S BIBLE on the floor. He puts it on his desk, resting his hand on it. BEN (quietly) Do your work. (beat) Do your work...

55 INT. BEN’S HOME - KITCHEN - DAY 55 At the kitchen table, Acie enjoys her milk and cookies. Ben sits across, drifting. MR. POTATO HEAD sits on the table. Acie stares hardcore at it. It stares back. Round two. ACIE I never win the blink-game with Mr. Patayto. You wanna try? No answer. ACIE (for his attention) Pawpaw you wanna try?! BEN (trying to focus) Huh? You shouldn't put Mr. Potato on the table sweetheart. ACIE I'm sorry.

56 INT. JUNE’S APT. - LIVING ROOM - DAY 56 Becky buries her head in a couch cushion. BECKY (muffled) What day is it? FROM THE KITCHEN: JUNE (O.S.) Sunday. Ten o’clock. June brings Becky a hot cup of COFFEE. Plops down at Becky’s feet, sips her own. BECKY Strange. Sunday used to mean something. JUNE (agreeing) I heard that.

BECKY Wait? What am I doing on your couch? JUNE You feel asleep right in the middle of eatin' a cracker. BECKY What? June imitates eating, then dropping her head like a rock. BECKY You know what we need? JUNE Asprin? BECKY Actually, I was thinking more like - the great outdoors, exercise. JUNE (groans) This is the City! It’s Sunday. You know, like, Champagne brunch and lattes and--Oh, you really have been on the farm too long. Becky grows a rising grin. June's turns to a frown. CUT TO:

57 EXT. PARK - DAY 57 June huffs and puffs as she and Becky power-walk along the bike path. June stops, bends over, hands on her knees. JUNE I gotta breathe. BECKY (teases) I thought all that clubbing was supposed to keep you in shape. JUNE (gasps) Haha. June straightens up. JUNE I thought you were the one who sat behind a desk all day long. BECKY Try five years of chasing my daughter around the farm. JUNE Home-field advantage. Cheater. BECKY C'mon! The girls resume their power-walk.

EXT. TRAIL - SOON AFTER They continue walking. BECKY I learned something very important in the last year. JUNE What's that? That it turns out power-walks DON'T make you look cute? BECKY No. (beat) That God turned his back on me. JUNE Ugggg. It's a little too early for that ain't it? BECKY I'm serious. JUNE I know. I know. I stopped going for all that stuff when I left the farm and what that angry old man preached. BECKY All I did was give. All he did was take. JUNE I figure we’re here to have a good time, and when you go, yer gone. Becky seems to agree. BECKY I have to make a big change. June stops, kneels over. Heaving. JUNE Good. Cuz I'm about to change to dead right now! *puff* Hang-on I have a white flag somewhere. I surrender. The sun rises and sets over the big city.

59 INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT 59 June and Becky at their usual places at the bar. Down the bar a ways, a HANDSOME GUY, thirties, nurses a beer. Glances over at Becky. JUNE See! He did it again. What’re you waiting for? BECKY I’m just, um, not quite ready. JUNE Oh-please little-miss-tiny-top! Becky, self-conscious, yanks her top up. JUNE What are you scared? BECKY What are you 12? JUNE Thirteen. You never listen. BECKY Would it stop you from talking if I did? June shakes her head, lips sealed. BECKY Fine. Jumps down from her stool. Deep breath. Becky approaches the Handsome Guy’s side, in her best “seductive” pose. Not her strong suit... BECKY Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? HANDSOME GUY (matter of fact) No. I don't think so. BECKY Oh ok. I thought you were my plumber. She heads back, full on extra slices of humble-pie. JUNE Why are you back here? BECKY He's a plumber. He's gotta go fix a pipe. June stares down the barrel of Becky's nose. JUNE Oh hunnie should I call 911? You look so trapped inside of there.

60 INT. SPORTS BAR - LATER THAT NIGHT 60 June points out a NICE-LOOKING GUY, late thirties, at a BOOTH. Glass of bourbon in front of him. JUNE He looks ripe, now go pick-it! Becky's face says: do I hafta? JUNE (to Becky) You’re the one who said “It's time to make a big change!" Emphasis on BIG. BECKY You know what? You're right. I did. Becky goes off, a little more confident. We follow her journey to the table. Just before impact a PRETTY WOMAN slides into the booth and snuggles up on him! Becky awkwardly flies her airplane past them. CUT TO BAR: BECKY (to June) He's with his sister. JUNE Of course. It is a family bar.

61 INT. BEN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 61 In his recliner, Ben is lost in stressed thoughts. Then... ACIE (O.S.) Are you ok pawpaw? We look down Acie in his arms. July in hers. Ben I'm fine sweetie. Where were we? ACIE Animals? BEN (finding it) Right. “And the animals came on board, two by two: cows and horses and giraffes--” ACIE And puppies! BEN OK, puppies. “And elephants and lions and tigers--” ACIE And Mr. Potato? BEN Even he was there. He kisses the top of Acie’s head, rubs his eyes hard. Hiding his truth.

62 INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT 62 The girls are laughing. JUNE One more for the road and we are outta here. BECKY Sounds like a plan. Becky spins her chair... BUCKY (30's, handsome) stands in front of her. BECKY (startled) Oh. Hello. BUCKY Can Ah getcha somethin’ to drink? Becky holds up her beer. BECKY I’m good, thanks. JUNE You can get mine! BECKY Never-mind-her she's (searching) I don't have words. BUCKY I'm Bucky what's your name? BECKY Becky. BUCKY Bucky and Becky? I like how that sounds. JUNE (snarky) Really?? BUCKY Ah’m here on bizness. BECKY Oh ok. BUCKY You like pigs? BECKY Sure. BUCKY I own a stupendous pig farm. I just made a major sell. You live around here? BECKY No not yet. I'm... transitioning. BUCKY Well you have no idea what a pig can do. I own this lil' potbelly pig as a pet. Did you know a potbelly pig is smarter than a Labrador retriever? BECKY No I didn't (realizing) -You know what. I'm sorry I gotta call my daughter. BUCKY Wha? Oh, ok. I can come. BECKY That's ok, but thank you. As Becky drifts away, Bucky floats his smile towards June. She flat-stares back. JUNE Say one more thing about a pig and I'll turn you into bacon! Bucky looks terrified.

EXT. BAR AREA - STAIRSCASE - SOON AFTER BECKY What do mean baby? Pawpaw was crying? ACIE (ON SPEAKER) Uh-huh I heard him in the other room. I never seen him cry before. He seems really sad. Concerned, she picks up strength BECKY Pawpaw's gonna be ok baby. He always is. Sorry to wake you up. Go back to sleep. Mommy will be back to get you soon. ACIE Ok. I miss you mommy. BECKY I miss you too. I love you. Goodnight. She stares at the phone. Attempting to be stronger than she feels.

INT. BAR - SOON AFTER June talks to JASPER (60's, grey) Becky walks up behind him. JASPER You act tough. But I can see a little girl lost in you. JUNE (unimpressed) Is that right Jasper. JASPER When you get to my age you start to see things as they are. Not as they pretend to be. June showing cracks in her veneer. JASPER I'm a bit of a psychic. She looks towards his thighs. JUNE So is that how you know when it's time to change your diaper? Jasper chuckles as he gets up to leave. JASPER Ok-ok. I know when my dog's been bit. June nods in agreement. JASPER But someday, when you least expect it. You'll cry. JUNE I think I'm about to start right- now. Jasper LEAVES A TIP and walks away, Becky notices June's agitation. BECKY (concerned) You ok? JUNE I was born ok darlin'. BECKY I think you need another drink. JUNE (defiant) Why? Do you think you know what's best for me too?! BECKY (Taming the tiger) Um...Alright. Alright.. Becky notices the tip Jasper left. She slowly PUTS IT IN HER HAND. June is taken aback. BECKY How-bout this next round is on me? Shocked, June slowly returns. JUNE I like this new-you. Becky gives an uncharacteristic "wink" to her. BECKY (Waving the money) RANDY!

66 INT. SPORTS BAR - NIGHT 66 Becky and June at the POOL TABLE. BECKY Adam used to play some pool. JUNE Do you? Becky shakes her head no. JUNE (CONT’D) Well give it a try girl! RING-RING-RING! BECKY Darn, I forgot to turn my cell off. Glances at the caller ID, sighs. June looks concerned. Becky answers giving June a "be right back" motion. BECKY (CONT’D) Hello Ms Spitzer. What can I do for you?

67 INT. MS SPITZER OFFICE - NIGHT 67 Ms. Spizter (60's, doubty) MS SPITZER Becky! I’ve been callin’ you for weeks! You missed the Children’s Bible Study Committee meeting again you’re the new Committee head!

INT. BAR - PRIVATE AREA - CONTINUOUS INTERCUT: BECKY It's pretty late to call me about this don't you think? MS SPITZER You haven't answered in the day. I got desperate. BECKY Well it hasn't been on my mind. MS SPITZER Land sakes alive, how can you forget somethin’ this important? Becky looks like she want to hang up! MS SPITZER What is all that noise? Where are you, a dance class? Becky bites the bullet. Spilling it all! BECKY I’m in a bar Spitzer. Dancing. Letting my hair down. Havin fun for the first time in forever. Ever heard of that!? Is that alright with you?!! MS SPITZER (horrified) A bar?! What is wrong with you? BECKY I don't know. I guess I've lost my mind and I'm running the streets trying to find it! So replace me! MS SPITZER (sputters) But.. I! You-you can’t do that! The Church is your home! BECKY No, it’s not! (Beat) It's yours. Becky clicks off. Taking flustered breaths. Gripping the phone like she's been stabbed in the soul. She takes a rebellious stand. Marching back to...

INT. BAR - POOL TABLE AREA - SOON June on the other side of the bar watches Becky walk by. Impressed as she continues to talk to the bartender.

INT. BAR - POOL TABLE CORNER - CONTINUOUS Scanning, Becky spots JEFF, a 35 year old bad-boy with killer good looks. Goes for it. AT THE POOL TABLE: BECKY (Confident) You wanna play pool? Jeff gives her a thorough once-over. Unabashed. JEFF Ya know how? BECKY Show me. CUT TO: Jeff positioning Becky, bends his body curve with hers. Both sets of hands on the CUE, breathes into her ear: JEFF Just like that, and then - CLACK!! Jeff strikes the BALL. Becky's smile rises. JEFF More? She takes a SWIG HIS BEER! BECKY You have to ask? JEFF Ew I found myself a firecracker. CUTS OF: Various shots: Smacking pool balls. Becky celebrating with a cocky-confidence we haven't seen until this moment. Jeff's hugs and encouragement.

68 INT. BAR - HALLWAY - LATER - NIGHT 68 A SINGLE BULB illuminates the narrow hall that leads to the bar’s BACK EXIT. Jeff lounges against the wall. An alley cat in-waiting. Becky comes out from the restroom. BECKY Oh! What are you doing here? JEFF Waitin’ for you darlin’. Jeff steps out, his body blocks Becky’s way back into the crowd. JEFF I’ve come to collect payment. Off Becky’s puzzled look: JEFF Those pool lessons ain't free. BECKY How-bout I buy you a drink. JEFF Why? Kisses will do. Jeff puts his hands on either side of Becky’s waist. She pushes against his chest. BECKY Ok. Ok. Hang on cowboy. We're not there yet. JEFF Why-not? I don’t bite. He advances his head for the kiss. Becky forces her arms straight, turns her head to the side. BECKY No! JEFF C'mon-now. Don't act like you don't want it. BECKY Let's get back inside and talk about it. JEFF I don’t see no ring. Becky grabs her ringless hand. She can't remember when she took it off. JEFF You said you needed a friend. Let me be that friend. Jeff pulls her closer, her rigid arms prevent him. BECKY Stop it! She SLAPS!!! Jeff steps back. JEFF WHEWWW firecracker's got a fuse.

Seeing the back exit door. She DASHES OUT OF THE DOOR!

69 EXT. BAR - BACK ALLEY - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT 69 The door CLANGS shut behind her. Becky dashes down the alley, suddenly Jeff, grabs her from behind, he spins her around. He touches his own cheek. JEFF (ominous) You get one of those. There won't be a second. Beck struggles with him! BECKY No. Please! Please let go!!! JEFF Shut up! Just then, A MASSIVE BOUNCER RONNIE steps outside the door to smoke. RONNIE What's going on here? Distracted, Jeff turns his head back to him. JEFF Nuthin' Ronnie. Just hangin' with my friend. Without warning, Becky KNEES HIM HARD IN THE GROIN! Completely dropping Jeff to his knees! Ronnie runs forward confused and impressed. Becky hyperventilates looking at Jeff then back at Ronnie. RONNIE (Reaching out) Ma'am. Are you ok? He steps closer. BECKY (manic, wild) DON'T YOU TOUCH ME!!!!!! RONNIE (leaning back) Ok. Not a problem. You should go home. BECKY (trembling) What??? RONNIE (gentle) It's time to go home. (beat) I'll talk to this piece of garbage. Becky looks like a rabid dog. Someone we don't know. Someone who doesn't know herself. She steps back. Her anger, fear and frustration rise with each step! Then... She turns away and takes off to the sidewalk. Ronnie kneels down hovering over the scum, now on the ground grimacing. RONNIE (a threat) You and I are gonna do more than talk. Jeff's eyes widen, cowering like a little boy.

70 EXT. SPORTS BAR - SIDEWALK - SOON AFTER 70 Becky stumbles her way to the SIDEWALK. Lost in thought, shaking, over-it-all. She almost TRIPS over a HOMELESS MAN (40's, beard) camped out on the sidewalk! He holds a sign: “Show God’s mercy. Give what you can.” HOMELESS MAN (reaching out) Ma’am? Can you see it in your heart to help me? Show God’s mercy. I lost everything I had. Please? Becky snaps! BECKY God’s mercy?! WHERE WAS MY MERCY!

HOMELESS MAN I-I don't- BECKY HOMELESS MAN -TELL ME! I..I'm not sure. BECKY HOW DARE YOU SPREAD LIES! WHO ARE YOU TO SPREAD LIES!!! HOMELESS MAN They're not lies! I've seen it! He'll give you his blessings if you ask! BECKY LIAR! LOOK-AT-YOU! Did he give YOU any blessings?! -Give me that! Becky GRABS HIS SIGN, struggles to rip it in two. HOMELESS MAN Lady, please! PLEASE! That's all I have left. I NEED that! BECKY (rages) You need, you need! I needed my the father of my child! Did God care what I needed then?! HOMELESS MAN Stop it! Please! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS!!?? BECKY Talk to me about blessings? I spit on your blessings! Every one of them. (mourning) Did God bless me when that man grabbed me?? Homeless Man attempts to rescue his sign from under Becky’s feet. BECKY NO! She stomps it harder! The Homeless man snaps back in fear. BECKY What's your name?! HOMELESS MAN ....Earl... BECKY You know why you’re on the street EARL? Because God has no mercy for you! For anyone! Nothing! Just as empty as your sign! EARL BECKY (crawling back) Deal-with-it! It's not true. It's not... A COP approach the scene. COP Ma’am. Give the man his sign back and move along. You’re disturbing the peace. BECKY Why? If he can be here, so can I. COP I'd appreciate if you'd listen to me. Leave the man alone. She continues to chop away at the sign. EARL BECKY (to the cop) Shut up Earl. Please sir! COP Ok. That's enough. You're causing a disturbance. EARL BECKY (to the cop) (ripping) Do something! I told you to be quiet! The cops reaches down and TOUCHES HER SHOULDER. COP That's enough ma'am. Have you been drinking? SNAPPING A PIECE OF THE SIGN BACK, She accidentally SMACKS THE COP with the back of her hand on his jaw! We hold our breath... BECKY (turning to him) Oh no! -NO-no-No. I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean-I-I Stunned for a quick second. The cop reaches for his CUFFS. COP (with authority) We're gonna try this another way. Becky is devastated. CUT TO:

71 INT. COURTROOM - DAY 71 JUDGE HENRY (60's, dignified) - twenty years on the bench, stern but fair presides. Among the few PEOPLE in the public seats, June, her usual cheerful face, now worried. Becky, hung-over, glum, despondent, stares at the floor. Judge Henry looks over her paperwork, disappointed. JUDGE HENRY Becky Adams Smith. Becky looks up. Judge Henry reads his file again. JUDGE HENRY As in: Ben Adams’ daughter? Reluctant, Becky nods. JUDGE HENRY (remembering) I attended your big-affair wedding some seven, eight years ago. What on earth is Ben Adams’ daughter doing in my courtroom? BECKY (humiliated) It was a mistake. I made a big mistake. Reading more of her file. JUDGE HENRY Disorderly conduct? Public intoxication? You should be ashamed of yourself, young lady. Ben Adams is, one of the best God-fearing men I know. BECKY I’m very sorry your honor. I swear I am. Judge Henry is making a decision... JUDGE HENRY Pay the fine, and don’t show up in my courtroom again. Dismissed! Gavel! IN THE PUBLIC AREA: June hugs Becky. BECKY I’m sorry I put you through such trouble. I couldn’t call Dad, I just-- JUNE --Shush. Not to worry Becky. Are you OK? BECKY I just want to get out of here.

72 INT. JUNE’S APT. - GUESTROOM - DAY 72 Becky shoves her belongings into her suitcase. JUNE What’s your hurry? Becky barely manages a smile. BECKY I gotta get home. To Acie. To face my Dad. All-of-it. JUNE Out-here is where you need to be. You know that! Lifting her suitcase. BECKY (unsure) Do I? The moment feels unresolved. Becky exits the room. JUNE Well I'm comin' with you. You shouldn't be alone right now.

INT. CHARTER BUS - DAY June and Becky sit near the front inside of a CHARTER BUS. AT THE BACK: A MUSICIAN (late 30's, black, a calming energy) Sits in peace. He holds up his guitar on the seat beside him like it was his passenger. A BIBLE on his lap. JUNE Why couldn't you just let me drive you home? BECKY I told you I didn't need it. You've done enough. UP AND ACROSS THE ISLE FROM THEM: VERNON (late 50's, Blue collar) is talking to his SON JAMES (15yr, introvert) VERNON I'm gonna get you the help that you need James. You know I'm here for you right? JAMES (dejected) That's what everyone keeps saying. VERNON I'm not everyone, I'm your father and I'm gonna be here for you. We need to get you in with Pastor Limlee. JAMES I told you. That's not what I need right now. (Louder) I'm tired of telling you that. Becky and June take notice. Vernon tries to keep it down. VERNON You're young, you can't see past the horizon. We've all lost someone. JAMES Really? When's the last time you lost your best friend and your girlfriend in the same car? Even her dog. Tell me that? VERNON I'm sorry son. You're going to get through this. You were just starting to recover from that other stuff. Don't fall back on it. I don't want to go through that again. JAMES It's not about you. VERNON I didn't mean to. Don't get worked up again. JAMES I have nothing now. Don't you understand. Don't you listen to anything? Don't you hear ANY-thing? VERNON We never had a lot. So I tried to make the best with what we do have. Each other. Don't you see that? You have to let me help you. I'm so sorry about what happened to your friends but you're still here. You still have a light. And I love you. JAMES I don't need light! Overtaken by emotions, James stands, pulling away as Vernon touches his arm. VERNON Where are you going? Shaking his head, backing away. James turns, walking past Becky, June & The Musician to the BATHROOM in the back. Becky is drawn to James's plight. Vernon tries to settle himself. JUNE (re: overhearing ) Poor kid. BECKY (Drifting) .....yea... Becky turns back to watch the door with sympathetic eyes. JUNE Why are you starin' BECKY I-I don't know. The Musician stares out the window humming a tune. JUNE I thought about what you said. BECKY What was that? JUNE That I shouldn't be afraid to cry. Becky turns back to her. BECKY I don't think I quite said it like that. JUNE (accusing) Well it was something like that. BECKY Ok...? CUT TO: THUMP! The Musician turns his attention to the noise in the bathroom. BACK TO: JUNE I just want you to know it's not true. I don't need to be weak. It got me nowhere. BECKY You might learn something from it if you did once in a while. JUNE I have no clue what that means. BECKY I'm just saying. It's ok to cry sometimes. James exits the bathroom. His balance on a tilt. His eyes glazed. His hands GRIP DEEP into each headrest as he attempts to walk forward... JUNE Why do I keep hearing that?! You know that's not my style. BECKY It's been a long day June. I'm not trying to fight with you. I just think if you'd let your armor down a little, you might discover a few things about yourself that you didn't even know. JUNE Well that's the dumbest-- --THUMP! James SLAMS ONTO THE FLOOR at Becky's feet! BECKY OH NO! DRIVER!!DRIVER!!! Becky drops down over James's head! Stroking his forehead. Vernon turns back. Darts over to them in pure panic! VERNON JAMES! OH MY GOD! JAMES!! The Musician bolts over to the scene! BECKY Something's wrong he needs an ambulance! The DRIVER nervously pulls the bus to the side of an empty road. VERNON Call 911! Call 911! He needs room! He needs room! Vernon hooks under James's arms PULLING him towards the door. DRIVER We shouldn't move him! VERNON (frantic) He needs air!! The Musician lifts James's legs. They carry him off to a flat area outside. Becky and June lose all sense of time and space. The Driver jumps on the bus-walkie. DRIVER Yes. We have an emergency!

EXT. ROADSIDE - MOMENTS LATER Laying him down. James BUCKS and shakes. VERNON What did you do? What did you take? MUSICIAN What did he take?! VERNON He's done this to himself before! - Did you take those pills again! Vernon takes James's hand, rocking. JAMES (barely audible) .... Let me go... VERNON No...no no. You can't do this to yourself. You just can't. I love you son. I love you! The Musician barks at June. MUSICIAN Go get my bible! JUNE ...what?? MUSICIAN (more polite) My name is Jason Abraham Brown and I asked you for my bible. Back seat. Please hurry. JUNE (confused) Ok. Becky throws a look at June. She does as she's told. The Driver barks out coordinates inside the bus. VERNON Somebody help him! HELP HIM! JAMES (weak) ...daddy JASON Just keep breathing James. Keep breathing for me. Returning, June fumbles the Bible into Jason's hand. He places it onto James' chest and places his hand upon it. JASON Can you hear me James? Though limp, James nods. His vitals fading. JASON You know what we need? We need you in heaven James. We want you there. Jesus wants you there. More than anything. Shivering, James stares painfully into Jason's eyes. Vernon looks helpless. JASON You're going to be living in the Kingdom of God. Do you hear me? James nods "yes." JASON Where everything is at peace. VERNON Breathe James! JASON This might be one of the greatest moments of your life. June can't understand what she's witnessing. JASON (impassionate) And this moment is surrounded with righteousness and filled with beauty. So much translucent beauty. And do you know what that moment is?? James's demise is palpable. JASON It's that final moment where you have to take Jesus deep into your heart. Do you understand what I'm saying? The Driver drops down off the bus looking far into the distance for help. VERNON (broken) Just breathe... JASON Will you take Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. Hanging on the moment, James gives a slow, shivering whisper. JAMES .....yes.. Exuberant, Jason EXTENDS HIS HAND. Becky GRABS it tight. Jason reaches out to June who's still standing, trembling. Jason looks at June with warm eyes. She slowly kneels and takes his hands. The Driver takes hands. Forming a PRAYER-CIRCLE around James as Vernon holds James in his arms, in its center. James's grip weakens... VERNON James?! Jason leads: JASON Our Father, how art in heaven James passes on to the other side... VERNON (touching his face) James!! No! NOOOO!! GROUP Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Vernon mourns his son. We rise up over them... SLOW FADE TO BLACK.

EXT. ROADSIDE - LATER THAT NIGHT Lights flash. Out of focus people rush about. June stands in a state of complete shock. Becky is moved beyond words. One hand barely on June's limp shoulder. We catch a glimpse of Jason Abraham Brown. He exchanges a soothing glance with Becky as he calmly walks off into the shadows of the road. NICK FORD (30's, handsome) One of the on-the-scene officers approaches from behind. NICK Becky? BECKY (startled) Yes? Do you need more? NICK No. We got everyone's statement. Are you-two alright? Is anyone coming to get you? BECKY (slow to realize) I hadn't even thought of it. NICK Can I give you a lift? Your Ben's daughter right? BECKY Um. Yea. NICK I thought that was you. Let me take you home. BECKY June? No response. BECKY June. June seems more empty than a jar. JUNE (stoic) Huh? Yea? BECKY Let's go.

INT. COP CAR - DRIVING - LATER THAN NIGHT June in the backseat, behind bulletproof glass. Her only movement...the soft rumble of the cop car. Becky sits in silence. A thousand emotions run wild on her face. NICK That was truly amazing what you all did. Honest-to-god, amazing. Nick's voice begins to ECHO as we push in on Becky's face. NICK (Growing echo) I can't imagine how you both are feeling. Closer to her... NICK (echoing, hard to hear) Things like that can really change the way you see the world you-know? (Beat) I remember I met Ben at the valley center years back. Moving in to an extreme close up on Becky. A tear of enlightenment falls onto her delicate cheek. In the mournful moment. For just a second.. We almost catch a glimmer of peace. FADE OUT.

EXT. BEN ADAMS' HOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT The cop car pulls up around the front circular driveway. NICK We're here. Looking ahead, Becky turns her head slowly... Ben and Acie open the front door. Becky's eyes have never seen a more grand site. She hurries out! ACIE MOMMY!! Acie runs! Meeting halfway, they embrace! BECKY I'm here baby! Mommy's here. I'll never leave you again. I'm here. Ben walks over, hugging them both. June and Nick watch the moment unfold. Eventually, Ben shepherds them into the front door. June drags behind. She stops cold. JUNE (to Nick) You-comin'? Nick looks around. Fish out of water. NICK Uh. I.. I'm still on duty. JUNE (knowingly) She'll want to see you. NICK (clueless) What does that mean? JUNE (cocky) If only it was as smart as it looked. A deep sigh as she walks back to fetch him. Rising in the distance, we watch them enter the house. A family united in every way.

MONTAGE: BEDROOM. Becky and Acie sleep in a sweet spooning position. Becky's arm wrapped tight around Acie. We look down to Becky's hand: The CROSS NECKLACE sits safe inside of it. FADE TO: OFFICE. Ben sits in front of his computer. He drops the invoices on the ground. His eyes scan the PHOTOS in the room. The past and the present. What was and what will be. It brings a proud heartfelt smile. FADE TO: GUEST ROOM: June sits on the edge of the bed, staring out the window. Fully dressed and still looking unsettled in every way. Looking around, she NOTICES SOMETHING purposely placed at the BOTTOM CRACK OF HER DOOR. She walks to it. Lifting it up, we see it's ADAM'S BIBLE. Her breath interrupted from the site of it. She sits back on the bed with it. Then... She hugs it as she BEGINS TO CRY, from the heart, unafraid of the consequence. END SEQUENCE.

EXT. SPORTS BAR - DAY "Earl" Our Homeless Man, seated on the sidewalk, holds another worn down sign. "Show God’s mercy" A PEDESTRIAN gives him a DOLLAR: EARL God bless you! Putting his money away, another DOLLAR floats down in front of him. He looks up... EARL God bless--(cowering) OH-COME-ON !! Becky stands in front of him. Beaming. He scoots up against the wall behind him. EARL Help! Help me! She's crazy! (Looking around) Clearly-she-can- hurt-me! Don't be fooled by her size! Hello?! BECKY Earl? Earl it's ok. I promise. EARL Whaddya want? BECKY (with sincerity) I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry. EARL You can be sorry somewhere else. He looks around to be rescued. BECKY I thought I might eat my lunch here with you. If that’s OK. EARL (shrugs) It’s a free country. Becky plunks down against the wall. Earl moves a body length away. Becky takes a SANDWICH out from her backpack. BECKY Want half? It’s barbecue. She takes a bite of her half. Extends the other half to him. EARL I-do-not-like-barbecue-but-seeing that-I'm-homeless-and-hungry... Becky laughs. EARL (bratty) God does have mercy you know? She breaths out. Looks at him with respect. BECKY I know he does. Earl, shocked, smiles back. Becky soaks in the city view. Something comes to her... BECKY You ever work on a farm Earl? EARL Some. Why? She smiles again at him. EARL ...What? 98 EXT. BEN’S FARM - YARD - NIGHT 98 SUPER: 1 YEAR LATER Another FOURTH OF JULY celebration in front of the farm. Strings of COLORED LIGHTS, neighbors at PICNIC TABLES piled high with food; a fun and festive occasion. BECKY sits with ACIE on her knee. Observing all. She sees: JUNE dresses more eloquently than we've ever seen, dances with a PUDGY MAN who grabs her tight. She laughs. A MAN enters the area. Looking spiffy. It's EARL. A new man. Being shown an invoice paper by Charlie. He shyly waves at Becky who waves back. Then, Deputy Sheriff Nick Ford, in his off-duty cowboy best walks into frame. Doffs his hat to Becky. NICK May I have this dance, ma'am? BECKY Do I look like I need to be rescued? NICK Without a doubt. Might even give you a ticket. BECKY Ew, bad boy. They dance together. Their new found love is infectious. CUT TO: BOOTS WALK OUT. BEN. Looking around, pleased. The crowd already gathered. BEN Since you all know me -except you Trevor. They laugh. Trevor doesn't. BEN You all know my one rule on the fourth of July: If you don't plan on having fun... BEN GROUP GO HOME! GO HOME! BEN That's right. Let's dance! They dance into the night!