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BLACK.
A clock TICKING...TICK TACK...TICK TACK...
The sound of a shower being turned on. WATER FALLING.
TICK TACK...TICK TACK...
INT. MAX’S APARTMENT- DAY
A small bedroom. White, clear walls, big white bed, 4
different rugs on the floor. Boxes spread around.No
furniture.
MAX, a careworn 32 year old, lays on his bed in a black
suit and tie; Stares at the ceiling. Apathetic. No
expression.
The sun penetrates the bedroom through the half-opened
blinds. A slim wave of dust is caught in the sunlight.
A phone RINGS.
Max turns his head in the direction of the phone and sees
it lighting up. Doesn’t pick it up; Turns his head back.
Max undoes his tie. Sits on his bed. Gets up. Undresses in
slow and tired way.
Max looks at himself through the bathroom mirror creeping
behind the sightly opened bathroom door. He is in a white
t-shirt and boxers.
He walks out the room. We follow him.
We see his studio apartment. There is a big open space
with a kitchen and a living room.
He goes to the kitchen area. It’s filthy, messy,
unorganized. Max opens the fridge. A bright light shines
upon his face. He cringes. The fridge only has beers and 3
tomatoes; Closes the door.
He walks to the living room. There’s a big red sofa, a
television and a big clock on the wall; He sits on the
sofa and turns the television on.
His phone still RINGS in the bedroom.
The shower STOPS. He notices it.
Max stares at the television.
SUPERIMPOSE- 12:05 p.m - 26 hours till funeral.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 2.
JESSICA, a wise 29 year old, strong, independent and
caring woman, walks out of the room. Her dark hair is
wet.She wears jeans and a blue t-shirt that brings out the
blue in her eyes.
She holds Max’s suit in her hands.
JESSICA
Max? What´s going on? What are
you still doing here?
MAX
My flight got canceled.
JESSICA
What? Why?
MAX
Weather.
Jessica looks out the kitchen window across from
her. It´s a beautiful summer day. She looks back at Max.
MAX (cont’d)
The weather in Toronto is pretty
bad.
Jessica goes back to the bedroom, picks Max’s phone and
throws it at him.
JESSICA(O.S)
Call your brother.
Max looks at his phone. 7 missed calls and 4 new text
messages.
Jessica leans against the bedroom door and looks at Max.
MAX
What am I supposed to tell him?
JESSICA
Just be honest- Tell him what you
told me; It’s too soon.
SILENCE. Max takes a breath; Lays down on the sofa with a
pillow over his head.
JESSICA (cont’d)
Max, come on.
Jessica walks to the sofa and takes the pillow off his
face. He stares at the celling, avoiding eye contact with
her.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 3.
JESSICA (cont’d)
It’s your brother. He deserves
some type of explanation don’t
you think?
Max looks at Jessica.
MAX
I can’t face him Jess.
JESSICA
You don’t have a choice. It’s
family. You don’t treat family
like this. Even when you feel
like they deserve it.
Max looks at Jessica. She seats on the sofa next to him
JESSICA (cont’d)
If you can’t go, It’s OK but let
him know. Right now he is
probably in the airport excited
to see you. He drove all the way
there and you can even text him
back?
Max caresses Jessica face. She smiles and kisses his hand.
MAX
What the hell are you doing with
me?
Jessica hands him the phone with a gentle smile and walks
to the kitchen.
Max opens the texts. Looks at Jessica. She organizes the
mess in the kitchen. He writes a text and sends it.
MAX (cont’d)
Done.
Jessica looks back at him, surprised. She stops cleaning
and walks to him; Takes the phone out of his hands.
TEXT: Sorry Steve, I got stuck at work. Missed my flight.
Can’t go.
Jessica looks at Max, disappointed. She trows the phone at
him, shakes her head and goes in the bedroom.
Max puts the pillow back on his head.
MAX (cont’d)
(muffled)
Fuck.
4.
INT. MAX’S APARTMENT- NIGHT
Max and Jessica are sited on opposite ends of the sofa,
eating Chinese take-away food.
Their faces are only lighted up by the television and the
SOUND coming from it is the only thing that cuts the
SILENCE and tension between them.
Max glances at Jessica occasionally. Jessica gets up and
goes to the bedroom. Max stays alone in the sofa.
INT. MAX’S APARTMENT- NIGHT
Max is asleep on the sofa surrounded by empty beer cans
and take-away packages.
Jessica is in the bedroom, sleeping in their bed,
surrounded by papers and with her computer on top of Max’s
pillow.
The big clock in the living room is TICKING.
TICK TACK...TICK TACK...
It marks 3. 25 a.m.
SUPERIMPOSE- 11 hours till funeral.
Someone KNOCKS on the door. SOFTLY.
Max doesn’t hear it.
They KNOCKS again. LOUDER.
Max wakes up. Lifts his head from his pillow. Looks at the
door.
KNOCK again; Max gets up and walks to the door. Looks at
the clock; Opens the door.
It’s STEVEN. A young 27 years old, in a black suit that is
too big for him. His hair is curly and messy and covers a
bit of his face. He has a backpack with him.
STEVEN
Hello. I can see that I woke you
up. I can’t really say I didn’t
mean to do that because It’s-
MAX
3 A.M...
STEVEN
3:26,Yes.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 5.
MAX
And you are knocking at my
door...
STEVEN
Yes.
MAX
Why Steve?
STEVEN
I’m here to take you to Dad’s
funeral.
MAX
Hum...
Max closes the door.
Steven faces the door in shock.
He KNOCKS again.
STEVEN(O.S)
Max? Please? MAX!
Max opens the door.
MAX
Shut up!
STEVEN
You are coming with me.
Max closes the door again.
STEVEN(O.S)
MAX!
MAX
I have work to do Steven.
STEVEN(O.S)
I don’t give a shit!
Max opens the door and stares at Steven surprised by the
answer.
Jessica walks out of the bedroom.
MAX
Jess...
JESSICA
(To Steven)
Hello?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 6.
STEVEN
Oh hello. I’m Steven. His
brother.
JESSICA
(confused)
Hi. It’s great to finally meet
you. Can I ask: What is the
occasion?
INT. PENNSYLVANIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
Max and Steven arrive at the airport. Steven walks
fast to the departures area.
Max follows him, half awake, half asleep.
He passes by a huge clock: 6.21 a.m
SUPERIMPOSE- 8 hours till funeral.
INT. PENNSYLVANIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURES - DAY
Max and Steven stand in a queue.
Steven has all the papers need it in his hands in a very
organized way; He rehearses the way he is going to ask the
tickets with his head down.
Max looks around at the crowds of people in the airport.
STEVEN
Hello. 2 tickets to Toronto,
Please.
The EMPLOYEE types on the computer. Waits. Reads. Types
again. Looks at Steven.
EMPLOYEE
I’m sorry sir, there are no
flights available to Toronto
today. I have 2 option if you
want to go tomorrow.
STEVEN
No, no, We need to get there
today.
EMPLOYEE
I’m sorry sir, but August is
always a very busy season. You
need to book your flights in
advance.
Steven looks at Max. He is distracted. He turns back at
the Employee.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 7.
STEVEN
(low voice)
Where can I rent a car?
EMPLOYEE
To go to Toronto?
STEVEN
Yes.
EMPLOYEE
You do know that is a seven hour
drive right?
INT. PENNSYLVANIA AIRPORT, RENT A CAR SERVICES - DAY
Max is sited on his bag near a window. Steven walks to him
with a car key in his hand.
STEVEN
I got it.
Max glances at Steven; Gets up and faces him. Steven stays
still.
MAX
Are you going to move or...?
STEVEN
Oh sure, Sorry.
EXT. AIRPORT PARKING LOT- DAY
Steven finds the car: a BLUE FIAT. He waves at Max that is
a few meters away from him.
Max looks at Steven and then at his watch.
It marks 7:35 a.m
SUPERIMPOSE- 7 hours till funeral
He walks to Steven that is already in the car.
MAX
We are already like 40 minutes
late.
STEVEN
We have the car. We’ll be there
in a few hours... Can you... I
don’t know relax?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 8.
MAX
No. I can’t.
STEVEN
We’re going are home Max.
MAX
No Steven. YOU are going home.
Steven stares forward, takes a breath and presses his
hands on the wheel and release them 3 times before starts
driving.
Max turns on the radio. Doesn’t work. Steven looks at Max.
STEVEN
Uncomfortable silence is always
my top choice anyways.
They drive away in silence.
INT. CAR- DAY
Steven drives. The car is SILENT. Max looks out the
window.
STEVEN
Hum... I think I forgot to tell
you, but we are having a family
dinner afterwards in our-
MAX
I’m not going to the dinner,
Steven. I’m on the next plane
home after the funeral.
STEVEN
Come on, mum wants to spend some
time with you Max. It’s been over
a year-
MAX
Can you shut up? Please!
Steven is taken back by the outburst.
Max starts to breathe heavy. He undoes his tie and
unbutton his shirt. He starts sweating. Steven looks at
him.
STEVEN
What is going on? Are you OK?
MAX
Pull over.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 9.
STEVEN
I can’t I’m-
MAX
PULL OVER STEVEN!
Steven pulls over.
EXT. SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY- DAY
Max’s leaves the car and vomits on the side of the road.
Steven gets out of the car and tries to help him.
STEVEN
Oh god! Max?
Max vomits. Sits on the side of the road with his head
down. Takes a few deep breaths. Steven sits next to him
and pats his shoulder,awkwardly.
STEVEN (cont’d)
Are you OK?
Max looks at Steven, nods, gets up and walks slowly to the
car.
Steven gets up and walks to his door. He gets in.
STEVEN
Are you sure you are ok?
MAX
I’m fine. Let’s just go.
Steve tries to start the car. It doesn’t work. He tries
again. Doesn’t work. Max looks at him.
MAX (cont’d)
You better be kidding me.
EXT. SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY- DAY
Max is sited on top of the car with his legs crossed and
looking out the road. The sun shines upon his
face. Steven is on the phone, pacing on the side of the
road.
SUPERIMPOSE - 10:20 - 4 HOURS TIL FUNERAL
Steven hangs up. Turns to Max.
STEVEN
I can’t find help. Everything
takes ages to get here. What are
we going to do?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 10.
Max gets down from the car. Takes his jacket off and walks
to the hood of the car. He opens it and stares at the
engine.
STEVEN (cont’d)
What are you doing?
MAX
I’m not sure.
Max starts touching the engine in a confident and
determined way. He doesn’t know what he is doing and cuts
his hand.
MAX (cont’d)
Shit!
Max closes the hood. Steven sees the blood on Max’s hand.
Steven now turns to the side of the road and vomits.
MAX (cont’d)
Oh Jesus. Steven?
Max helps Steven.
STEVEN
You know how blood affects me, oh
god your hand is on my face! Get
it off!
INT. CAR- DAY
Max is in the driver seat. His hand is wrapped around his
tie. Steven holds his hands on his lap very tightly
and his head’s resting against the slightly opened
window. His curly hair flows around his face.
A Police car stops a few meters behind them. Max notices
it but ignores it.
SUPERIMPOSE - 11:15 - 3 HOURS TIL FUNERAL
The police officer gets out of his car and walks towards
Max and Steven’s car. Max looks in the review mirror.
MAX
Great.
STEVEN
What is going on?
Steven looks back and sees the officer.
STEVEN (cont’d)
What did you do Max? I can’t go
to jail!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 11.
MAX
(to Steven)
Calm down! Where are the
documents?
Steven takes them out of the folder in the back seat and
hands them to him.
Max awaits the officer. As the officer gets closer, Max
begins to recognize him. It’s OFFICER GRAHAM, 59, all
around nice guy, traditional family man, slightly
overweight and slightly overjoyed.
MAX (cont’d)
Oh no... Oh shit...
Officer Grahm approaches the window.
OFFICER GRAHM
Hello.
STEVEN
Officer Grahm! Nice to see you
sir.
OFFICER GRAHM
Steven!Nice to see you as well!
Max? I didn’t think I would see
you any time soon. How are you
son?
Max nods and hands him the documents without making any
eye contact.
Officer Grahm looks at the documents and back at them.
OFFICER GRAHM
What happen? Why are you stopped?
STEVEN
The car broke down. And he cut
his hand.
OFFICER GRAHM
You do know that you stopped in a
very dangerous area.
STEVEN
Yes sir, we know but we can’t
move.
OFFICER GRAHM
Have you called for help?
STEVEN
Yes. But it’s going to take ages
for them to get here.You know how
these things usually go.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 12.
Officer Grahm looks at Max that has his eyes locked on the
floor.
OFFICER GRAHM
Yes, I know...Hum... Meredith is
not that far away from here. If
you want, she might be able to
help you.
STEVEN
What is she doing around here?
OFFICER GRAHM
She just went to New york for the
week she is on her way up.
STEVEN
Really? Oh that would be great!
Max looks at Steven. Officer grahm notices.
OFFICER GRAHM
I would help you myself but I’m
rubbish with cars, and I have to
go back to the station.
STEVEN
Sure! How is Meredith? I haven’t
talked to her in 2 moths maybe.
OFFICER GRAHM
She is good. She had a tough
breakup-
Max and officer Grahm have an awkward eye contact moment.
OFFICER GRAHM (cont’d)
-But she’s good- I’m glad she got
rid of that idiot. He was nothing
like you Max.
Awkward SILENCE.
MAX
Ok... Hum... So she can help us?
OFFICER GRAHM
I’ll call her.
EXT. SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY- DAY
We see Max and Steven out of the car. Max leans against
his door with his head down. Steven’s walks beside the car
with his hands on his pockets and his hair flowing around
his face.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 13.
A big GREY VOLVO stops a few meters away from them. Max
notices and holds back a smile. MEREDITH, 30, walks out of
the car. Her hair is long and brown, her clothes are
casual, her smile is effortless, her eyes are strong and
determined.
She walks in Max’s direction.
MEREDITH
(to Max)
Well, this is an interesting way
of seeing you again.
They face each other.
MAX
I’m sorry. Your dad found us on
his way to the station and said-
MEREDITH
It’s fine. Hi.
MAX
Hi.
They hug Awkwardly. Meredith spots Steven on the other
side of the car.
MEREDITH
Hey you!
STEVEN
Oh god! Thank god you are here!
Meredith gives him a warm hug. Meredith turns back and
locks eyes with Max. A tension grows.
Steven touches Meredith’s arm.
STEVEN (cont’d)
How are you? Your dad said you
and Mitch broke up.
MEREDITH
Hum... yes we did, but it’s fine.
STEVEN
Did you know that Max lives with
a girl now?
MAX
Steven!
MEREDITH
No. I didn’t know. Where is she?
Meredith peeks inside the car.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 14.
MAX
What do you mean?
MEREDITH
She didn’t come with you?
MAX
No.
MEREDITH
Hum...
MAX
What?
MEREDITH
Nothing.
MAX
Your "hums" are never nothing.
What? What is it?
MEREDITH
Call me crazy but I just thought
your girlfriend would show up to
support you. That’s all.
An uncomfortable SILENCE grows. Max faces her. Looks down
and shakes his head.
STEVEN
...Can you help us?
MEREDITH
Let’s see.
Meredith opens the hood and stares at the engine. She
looks at Max.
MEREDITH (cont’d)
Can you try to start the car?
Max goes inside the car and tries to turn in on- Doesn’t
work. Max puts his head out of the window.
MEREDITH (cont’d)
The battery is dead. I think it’s
broken to be honest.
STEVEN
Can you fix it?
Max walks out of the car. Stands by the door.
MEREDITH
Not here, the car needs to be
towed and go to the garage. I
can’t do it here.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (4) 15.
STEVEN
We can’t wait for the tow to get
here. It takes so much time. We
have to be home in like one hour.
MEREDITH
I’m going there right now. I can
take you.
MAX
It’s ok, we’ll wait for the tow.
Meredith is surprised by the answer.
MEREDITH
Hum... Are you sure?
MAX
Yes. We can’t just abandon the
car here. We’ll wait.
MEREDITH
Ok... sure. So for how long are
you staying?
MAX
Not long.
MEREDITH
(sarcastic tone)
Need to go back to the wife?
MAX
Yes, as soon as possible.
Meredith gets thrown back by his answer. She looks at
Steven that stays quiet near the hood.
MEREDITH
Well...In that case, I guess I’ll
see you later. Bye Steven. Max.
Max nods. Meredith walks away. She gets in her car- Drives
away.
STEVEN
Now what?
MAX
We’ll find a way.
Max waits for Meredith to disappear from view.
MAX (cont’d)
OK, come on.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (5) 16.
STEVEN
What? Where?
MAX
Grab your things.
Steven grabs his backpack. They walk.
EXT. SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY- DAY
Max and Steven walk on the side of the road. They try to
get a lift. They walk slowly side by side; Both tired and
sweating.
EXT. SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY- DAY
Max and Steven sit on the side of the road. Resting and
drinking water.
SUPERIMPOSE- Funeral over for 47 minutes.
Max takes his phone out his pocket and a ring box falls
out. Steven sees it and looks at him.
STEVEN
Wow. Really?
MAX
I guess.
STEVEN
When are you-
MAX
I don’t know, I don’t really want
to talk about it...
STEVEN
I’m happy for you. But to be
honest I didn’t think you were
ever doing that again... you
know...after Meredith.
MAX
Maybe I’m not doing it. I don’t
know yet.
STEVEN
I know you don’t care but I like
Jess. She seems good. I don’t
know if I’ll like her as much as
Meredith but still, she is good.
Max glances at Steven.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 17.
Max checks his phone: is off. Steven does the same. No
service.
SILENCE.
STEVEN (cont’d)
What happen with Meredith? The
real thing.
MAX
(hesitates)
She said no.
STEVEN
And What? You run?
MAX
She was the first to run. I just
ran further away and somehow that
makes me the bad guy in this
story.
STEVEN
I don’t think she meant to-
MAX
Steven don’t go about like you
know anything about
relationships- You have been with
Tom for what? 9 years now? And
besides me does anyone else in
the family knows you’re gay? Or
they still think he is just your
tutor? hum?
Steven gets flustered, he presses his hands together and
release them 3 times before talking.
STEVEN
Why are you so...- What did I
ever do to you? Why do you hate
me? And mum? And this place? Why
do you hate being here? I care so
much about you and you just don’t
care about-
MAX
I can’t listen to this shit.
Max gets up and begins to walk fast; Leaves Steven behind
sited on the side of the road.
Steven takes a breath, gets up and follows him.
Max starts to run. Steven stops and stares at him as he
runs. Steven begins to run too. Max stops- tries to catch
his breath. Steven is right beside him.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 18.
MAX (cont’d)
I can’t breathe in this place. I
can’t- I can’t.
Steven looks at him also out of breath.
Max begins to walk again. Steven follows him.
EXT. THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, OUTSIDE OF A FAST FOOD
RESTAURANT. DAY
Out of the highway, few kilometers from Toronto. Max and
Steven are on sidewalk eating burgers.
STEVEN
God I was hungry.
Max is quiet. Distant.
STEVEN (cont’d)
(to get Max’s attention)
What time is it?
MAX
Five something.
SUPERIMPOSE- FUNERAL OVER 3 HOURS.
MAX (cont’d)
How far away are we from the
house?
STEVEN
Maybe another hour. Probably more
because we are tired.
Max looks at Steven that rubs his face.
STEVEN (cont’d)
We’ve missed it.
Max glances at Steven. He rubs his head and stretch his
neck.
MAX
Sorry.
STEVEN
Yeah...
Steve takes a bag of dry rose petals out of his backpack.
He opens it. Max observes him closely.
Steven gets up and begins to throw the petals on the floor
around him and in the air.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 19.
Steven lowers his hand. The bag is empty. He lowers his
head.
STEVEN (cont’d)
(whisper)
Sorry dad... We’ll miss you. Here
are roses you asked for mum... I
love you.
Max hears it and a small, sad smile takes over him.
Steven turns back and sits. He continues to eat.
SILENCE - The petals begin to fly away from them. First
just a few. They all at once.
The floor is back to be just tar.
Max glances at Steven.
MAX
I’m sorry Steven, really OK?
Steven looks at Max. Max puts his drink down and struggles
to find words.
MAX (cont’d)
Hum...If... If I was here when I
said I would, this wouldn’t
happen. Any of this-
STEVEN
Exactly. We would have been at
the funeral. But I don’t think
you would say a word to me, or to
anyone else. At least I got to
spend some weird time with you.
Max looks at him. Steven looks at the cars passing by the
road in front of them.
MAX
Of course I would talk to you.
STEVEN
No, you wouldn’t.
Max stares at Steven’s wrists. He sees the scars and looks
at Steven’s face; He drinks his soda and looks at the sky
as the sun begins to go down.
MAX
I... hum...How are you?
STEVEN
Tired. And nervous. I think mum
is freaking out right now.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 20.
MAX
No... I mean.. How are you... you
know... with everything...
STEVEN
I’m good...Why?
MAX
Just... checking.
Max gets up paces around. He takes a breath.
MAX (cont’d)
FUCK!...I should have waited
shouldn’t I? I should have waited
until you got better.
STEVEN
Max...
MAX
Believe it or not I did feel
pretty shitty about leaving you
here to take care of everything
alone. I- I just need it to go.
STEVEN
I know.
Max stops in front of Steven. Steven gets up and faces
him.
STEVEN (cont’d)
Can you not go now?
Max looks at him confused.
STEVEN (cont’d)
You are not ok, you haven’t been
ok since dad got sick, since
Meredith left you... since I did
this(rubs his wrists).But no ones
sees it because they don’t see
you. You left. But I know you.
And you are not ok.
Max looks away and nods head sarcastically.
He starts to walk away; Steven takes a breath and follows
him.
Max stops, turns to Steven and faces him. Steven is caught
by surprise.
MAX
I didn’t run from mum or you if
that’s what you are saying!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (4) 21.
STEVEN
I never said that.
Max stares at him.
MAX
YOU DON’T THINK I WANTED TO BE
HERE?!
STEVEN
Then be here Max!
MAX
FOR WHAT? No one needs me or
wants me here. He needed me but I
wasn’t here. So... Why stay now?
Why be here. What’s the point?
SILENCE.
STEVEN
Mum needs you. So do I.
Max turns around and continues to walk.
STEVEN(O.S)
Max. Stop. Please.I’m tired. MAX!
Steven is left behind. Max cries and cleans his tears as
he walks head held high.
Steven walks behind him, slowly, tired.
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD- DAY
Max and Steven are walking, barely.
A BLUE CAR stops beside them. They both lean on the
window. They celebrate and get in the car.
They drive away.
EXT. TORONTO STREETS- DAY
The CAR stops in a busy Toronto street. Max and Steven
walk out of the car.
STEVEN
(to the driver)
Thank you so much!
Max walks in front of Steven. He contemplates the last
minutes of the sun in front of him and the view as
something familiar.
22.
Max stops. Steven sees it. They are facing the street to
their childhood house. Steven leads the way to Max. Max
hesitates but follows him.
EXT. OUTSIDE CHILDHOOD HOUSE - DAY
Max RINGS the door. They wait.
Steven presses his hands together and take a few shy
breaths.
Denise,59, opens the door. Her brown eyes are a bit red.
Her hair is up and she is in a very nice black dress.
She stares at Max. She has no expression. Apathetic.
Max looks at her. Steven is right behind him; Doesn’t say
a word.
The 3 stand in SILENCE.
MAX
Hello...Sorry we are late
mum...It was my fault. I’m really
Sorry.
Denise looks at Steve, then back at Max.
Walks away from the door, leaves it open.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END
