Gone

By
David Cramer

2217 Scott Boulevard

Covington, KY 41014
(513) 720-2829
david@davidcramerthesequel.com
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
DESATURATED:
A pair of eyelids slowly open, the eyes fixed on a white,
stucco ceiling. They belong to a woman, MARIANNE EVERS, 34,
who is lying on the floor, her slightly disheveled straight,
brown hair spread around her head, a perplexed expression on
her face. She stands up, pulling her yellow cardigan sweater
around herself, tightly.

She walks across the room to the dresser that sits against
the wall opposite the bed and looks into the attached
mirror. She touches at her face, as if not recognizing the
reflection.
Apprehensively, she exits the bedroom into...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the hallway. At the left end, a set of stairs descend to
the lower level of the house.

MARIANNE
Hello?
She pauses, listening, but there is no reply.

She approaches the staircase.

MARIANNE
Is anyone there?

Again, there is no reply.

She turns and walks along the right side of the hallway,
where there are several shut doors on either side of the
hall, and another at the end.

She tries the first door on the right, but it is locked.

She opens the first door on the left and peers inside...

INT. STUDY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the study. On either side of the room, full bookshelves

line the walls. A desk sits against the wall opposite the
door, beneath a large window with shades drawn.
She approaches the window.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.

Hanging on the wall beside the window, a degree in English

Literature bearing the name KYLE EVERS hangs framed on the
wall.
Below it hangs a framed, crumpled piece of paper with just
one word written on it - Coffee?

INT. UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:

A handsome young man with sandy-brown hair sits alone at a

table. Books, notepads, and loose leaf pages of notes sit
around him on the table as he turns pages in a book in one
hand, writing notes with the other.

A younger Marianne approaches the table.

MARIANNE
Excuse me? Is this seat taken?
Without looking up, he shakes his head no and continues to
work.
MARIANNE
Do you mind if I sit here?
He shakes his head no, again, without looking up. Marianne
sits down and begins unpacking her books.
MARIANNE
Thanks.
They each sit doing their work in silence. Marianne
occasionally steals glances at him, while he never looks up.
After several moments, Marianne looks over at Kyle as he
begins to yawn. She rips a piece of paper out of her
notebook and, after scribbling something on it, slides it
over to Kyle.
Kyle looks at the piece of paper with Coffee? written on
it.
MARIANNE
You dont seem like much of a
talker so I figured a note might
get your attention.
He looks up at Marianne, really noticing her for the first
time, and smiles. Marianne smiles back at him.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.

KYLE
Coffee would be amazing. Im Kyle,
by the way.
MARIANNE
Marianne.
After grabbing coffee from the library cafe, they return to
the table and begin to talk. They talk for hours, their
studying forgotten.

INT. STUDY - DAY

DESATURATED:
A picture on the desk catches her gaze. She stops to pick up
the picture frame.
Kyle stands smiling with his bride, Marianne. She is wearing
simple, white wedding gown. Some time has passed since that
day in the library, but they are still younger.

INT. BALLROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:
Kyle and Marianne stand together just after the photo was
taken. Flashes continue as wedding guests snap their own
photos of the couple.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Please join me in welcoming our
newlyweds to the dance floor for
their first dance as husband and
wife.
The guests cheer and applaud as the couple makes their way
onto the dance floor and begins to dance to a romantic song.

KYLE
Are you enjoying your first hours
as Mrs. Evers?
MARIANNE
I am, Mr. Evers.
KYLE
Have you I told you in the last ten
minutes how deeply Im in love with
you?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.

MARIANNE
You have, but I could do with a
reminder.
Kyle leans in and kisses his wife.

MARIANNE
Its funny that all of this started
with you passing me a note in the
library.

KYLE
I know. Just like in sixth grade.
You should have put little check
boxes with yes and no underneath
it.

MARIANNE
I considered it, actually.
KYLE
You did not... Well, thank goodness
you had the sense to do something.
I probably would have sat there all
night with my nose in my book.
MARIANNE
That would have been a shame. Its
such a cute nose.

Marianne lays her head on Kyles chest as they sway gently,

rotating on the spot in front of their friends and family.

INT. STUDY - DAY

DESATURATED:
Marianne places the picture frame back on the desk.

MARIANNE
Kyle?
There is no reply, but in her peripheral vision, Marianne
glimpses something or someone move past the open door. She
walks towards the door.

MARIANNE
Hello?
She peers out into...
 5.

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the hallway. The previously locked door now stands open
the right.
She proceeds down the hall and peers inside. Its a
bathroom, decorated in seashells. She walks past the open
bathroom door and opens the next door on the left - just a
linen closet. She closes the door and continues.
She opens the door at the end of the hall. She steps inside
and gets a glimpse of...

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... a small bedroom with blue walls. A table and large comfy
chair sit next to a small bed. She barely registers the the
room as a soft THUD is heard from below.
She turns and exits the room...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... walking towards the stairs at the opposite end of the
hallway.
MARIANNE
Is someone there?
She walks down the stairs, looking over the banister and
into the foyer below as she descends.
MARIANNE
Hello?

INT. FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS

At the landing, she turns and walks down the last of the
stairs. At the base of the stairs, a small wall table stands
next to the front door. A small bowel sits on the table,
holding a set of keys.
She pulls back the curtain and looks out the window above
the table and sees a car parked in the driveway.
She turns and crosses the foyer, walking through the archway
on the right and into...
 6.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the living room. A large, comfortable looking couch sits
facing a wall-mounted flat panel television. On the left, a
simple mantle stands above a small fireplace.

She walks across the room to look at the collection of

photos on the mantle. Her eyes stop on one in particular of
her and Kyle standing on the front lawn. The For Sale sign
has been amended with the word Sold in large letters.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:
Marianne and Kyle stand next to the fireplace in the same
living room, only its currently empty. An older woman with
a southern accent walks into the room.
REALTOR
Oh, you all will just love that
fireplace.

MARIANNE
Oh, Im sure we will.
KYLE
Yeah, its great. Maybe Ill get to
chop some wood.
MARIANNE
Since when do you have a desire to
be a lumberjack?

KYLE
Since always. Who doesnt want to
chop down a tree?
REALTOR
Well, if you all ever need any
wood, the Millers down the block
usually have plenty extra and give
away bundles in the winter to
anyone that needs em.

MARIANNE
Thanks. Well keep that in mind.
REALTOR
Now, let me show you two the
upstairs. Like I said before, there
are three bedrooms - one master
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.

REALTOR (contd)
bedroom and two smaller bedrooms
that are great for children. Do you
all have any children?
Marianne and Kyle look at each other.

MARIANNE
Nope. Not yet. But hopefully soon.
KYLE
Were been working on it. Until
then, well have an office and a
guest room.
MARIANNE
And we can always convert one of
them into a nursery down the road
if we get lucky.
REALTOR
Well, that sounds great.
MARIANNE
It does.
They exchange a smile as they exit the living room to
explore the rest of the house.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

DESATURATED:
From another room, the sound of a chair SCRAPING over
hardwood floor breaks the silence.

MARIANNE
Whos there?
She exits the living room into...

INT. FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS

...the foyer.
MARIANNE
Kyle? Is that you?
She walks across the room and through the archway in the
opposite wall, into ...
 8.

INT. LOWER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... a hallway. Pocket doors stand open on the left, leading
into...

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... a dining room. A long, rectangular dining table sits
atop an ornate rug in the center of the room. The room is
empty and each chair is in place. She turns away from the
dining room and walks across the hall into...

INT. KITCHEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the kitchen. She walks across the hardwood floor,
passing a refrigerator on the right. A pair of
partially-curtained windows above the sink allow beams of
sunlight to shine on the island in the center of the room.
She walks across the room to the left, into...

INT. BREAKFAST NOOK - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... a breakfast nook, where a small round table sits beside
the door to the backyard. One of the chairs sits pulled back
from the table.

Marianne to the table, where a book sits. It is a baby book,

with big alphabet-block style letters spelling the name NOAH
EVERS on the front.
She sits down and opens to the first page, which bears a
sonogram photo of an unborn child.

INT. BATHROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:

Marianne sits on the closed lid of the toilet. A pregnancy

test sits on the counter next to the sink. She sneaks a
glance at the stick but quickly looks away. She looks at her
watch, impatiently.

After a few more glances at her watch, a programmed alarm

sounds and she snatches the test from the counter. A big
smile spreads across her face as the result sinks in.
 9.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Marianne stands at the island, preparing dinner. She is
chopping vegetables when the sound of a car door shutting
makes her look up with a smile. She hears the front door
open.

KYLE (O.S.)
Im home.
MARIANNE
In here...
Kyles footsteps grow louder until he enters the kitchen. He
goes to her and gives her a kiss. He moves to the counter
behind her and grabs a wine glass hanging from the wine
glass holder installed under the cabinets and reaches for a
bottle of wine.
KYLE
Ugh, what a long day. Im in
desperate need of wine... Want me
to pour you a glass?

A small smirk plays at the corner of Mariannes mouth.

MARIANNE
No, Im fine. Thanks.

KYLE
That smells delicious by the way.
He leans over to see what shes making and takes in the
elaborate meal shes preparing.

KYLE
Geez, youre pulling out all the
stops, arent you? Whats the
occasion?
MARIANNE
I figured we could celebrate. Can
you pass me that?
She gestures to the pregnancy test, sitting on the edge of
the counter. He turns to grab it.

KYLE
Sure. Celebrate what?
Kyle begins to hand the stick to her when he looks down and
realizes what hes holding. He looks back up to her face.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.

KYLE
Really?
MARIANNE
Really.

They beam at each other.

KYLE
Oh my god!

He quickly closes the short gap between them and embraces

her. They hug tightly as they both begin to half-laugh,
half-cry.

INT. BREAKFAST NOOK - DAY

DESATURATED:
Marianne turns the page to see a photo of a newborn baby,
wrapped in the standard newborn garb, complete with a pale
blue beanie, to indicate to the world that hes a boy, and a
hospital bracelet wrapped around his ankle.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:

Marianne lies in a hospital bed holding her newborn son.

Kyle is lying beside her in the bed stroking the babys
head. They are glowing with happiness.
MARIANNE
Thank goodness he didnt get your
big ears.
KYLE
Oh, come on. They arent that big.
Besides, havent you always said
that Im such a great listener?
Marianne rolls her eyes.
MARIANNE
I said you didnt seem like much of
a talker... thats not the same as
being a good listener.
KYLE
I am, though.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.

MARIANNE
Well, at least he got your nose.
Ive always hated mine.
KYLE
Oh, your nose is more than fine.
MARIANNE
You know, I know every parent
thinks their child is the most
beautiful baby ever...

KYLE
(Interrupting)
Even though some babies just look
weird...

MARIANNE
Thats not very nice.
KYLE
... but it is true.

MARIANNE
Maybe. But... he really is a
beautiful baby, isnt he?
Kyle beams at her.

KYLE
We did good.
They share a brief kiss before the room erupts in sound as
friends and family rush into the room with balloons and
flowers.

INT. BREAKFAST NOOK - DAY

DESATURATED:

Marianne turns to the next page of the baby book, which is

covered with photos of Noah from between one and six months.
She flips a few more pages and stops on a photo of Noah at
four years old, sitting on the floor of his bedroom,
surrounded by books.
 12.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:
Marianne and Noah stand in his bedroom close to bedtime.

MARIANNE
Its bath time. Why dont you pick
out a book for bedtime while I
start the water, hun?

NOAH
Okay, mommy.
Marianne exits the room into...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

...the hallway. She walks along into...

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

...the bathroom and begins to run bath water. She picks up a

mesh bag of bath toys and begins pouring them out into the
water.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Marianne returns to find Noah sitting on the floor,
surrounded by books. She smiles, pulls out her phone and
snaps a picture.

MARIANNE
Did you pick one, yet?
He proudly holds up his choice.

NOAH
This one.
MARIANNE
Excellent choice. Okay, bath time.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Noah is finishing his bath, though at this point it is
mostly playing.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.

MARIANNE
Okay, time for bed.
NOAH
Awww, five more minutes.

MARIANNE
You have until I get back with your
your pajamas and a towel.
She walks out into...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

...the hallway. She stops at the linen closet on the left
and grabs a towel from the shelf.

She walks into...

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

...the bedroom and over to the dresser. Pulling open one of

the bottom drawers, selecting a pair of super hero pajamas.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Marianne returns and helps him to dry off and get dressed.
NOAH
When is daddy coming home?
MARIANNE
Hell be home soon, sweetie. He had
to work late.
NOAH
He works late a lot.

MARIANNE
I know, hun, but things will
lighten up soon and hell be able
to come home sooner and tuck you in
and read to you, himself. Would you
like that?
NOAH
Yeah.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.

MARIANNE
Okay, time for bed.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Marianne tucks Noah in and sits in the chair beside his bed
and begins to read.

INT. BREAKFAST NOOK - DAY

DESATURATED:
A drop of water hits the page.
Marianne wipes at her eyes, mistaking it for tears, but she
isnt crying. Another drop hits the book, and another hits
her hand.
She looks up at the ceiling, which appears wet and slightly
bulging.

She jumps from the chair and runs through...

INT. KITCHEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the kitchen, into...

INT. LOWER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the hallway, through the archway into...

INT. FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the foyer and up the stairs into...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the hallway.
The door to the bathroom is now shut. Water is leaking out
from under the door onto the visibly wet carpet.

She rushes forward and tries to open the door, but it

doesnt budge.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.

MARIANNE
Hello? Is someone in there?

There is no response. She bangs on the door. She tries at

the door handle again and, this time, it opens.

INT. BATHROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

She see an overflowing bathtub, though no water is running.

A loud SLAM of a door from the hallway makes her jump.

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

She jerks her head to see the door at the end of the hallway
is now shut.
She looks back into the bathroom, which is completely dry,
the bathtub empty.

Panicked, she turns and runs back through the hall and down
the stairs...

INT. FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... and, grabbing the set of keys from the bowel on the side
table next to the door, runs out of the house...

EXT. DRIVEWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... and gets into her car. She backs out of the driveway in
a hurry, knocking over the mailbox in the process.
With a glance at her house on the right, she drives off down
the road.

INT./EXT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY

She takes deep breaths, trying to calm herself as she passes
a side street on the left.
She drives around a bend in the road to the right and, upon
emerging, sees that there is something lying in the road
ahead of her.

She slows as she approaches and, as she gets closer to the

object in the road, she sees that it is a mailbox, which has
been knocked over. Looking over to the right, she sees her
house.
 16.

INT./EXT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY - CONTINUOUS

She slams her foot to the pedal, driving off down the road.
She almost passes the same side street on the left but, at
the last minute, jerks the steering wheel and, tires
squealing, she rounds the corner.

A few seconds later, the road ahead begins to bend to the

right. Emerging from the bend, she sees the same broken
mailbox lying in the road ahead, with her house on the
right.

She slams on the brakes.

INT./EXT. CAR (PARKED) - DAY - CONTINUOUS

She sits, trying to calm herself. She is visibly shaken.

The sound of loud STATIC suddenly fills the car, the radio
having turned itself on. Hand shaking, she reaches over and
presses the power button, silencing it.

She looks up from the radio and sees someone standing in the
road by the mailbox. It is a woman with brown hair wearing a
yellow cardigan.

INT./EXT. CAR (PARKED) - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Marianne looks closely from the cardigan up to the face of

the woman. It is Mariannes face, only more gaunt and...
deranged. The woman stares at Marianne, a look of
desperation on her face.

She begins running at Mariannes car.

INT./EXT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Marianne throws the car into gear and makes a U-turn,
speeding off in the opposite direction. She can see the
woman still running at her in the rear view mirror as she
rounds the bend in the road.
The road straightens out onto the same scene - broken
mailbox in the road, house on the right, though the woman is
gone. She pulls over at the curb.
 17.

EXT. DRIVEWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Marianne gets out of the car and begins walking up the
driveway. She sees something lying on the ground - a yellow
sweater. She bends to pick it up and sees that the front of
the sweater is covered in blood.

She drops the sweater and jerks upright, looking around at

the neighborhood.
MARIANNE
Hello? Somebody... anybody... I
need help.
She looks down, but the sweater is gone. As she looks down,
she sees that her sweater is now covered in blood.

A noise from inside the house makes Marianne turn around.

She gets a brief glimpse of a young boys face in the upper
bedroom window as a curtain falls back into place.
MARIANNE
Noah?

She walks back along the path leading to the front door. She
pauses a moment before opening the door and walking back
into...

INT. FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the house. She looks around before turning and beginning
to walk up the stairs.
MARIANNE
Hello? Noah?

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

She walks along the hallway to the door at the end of the
hallway and opens it.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS

The sound of a woman sobbing can be heard from across the

room. The top of her head is just visible over the back of
the chair.
MARIANNE
Are you okay? Who are you? What do
you want?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.

The sobbing stops.

As Marianne reaches the chair, she sees the side of the
womans face. The woman jerks her head toward Marianne. Half
of her face is bloody and bruised.

Marianne screams as she turns away to run. She runs from the
room, pulling the door shut behind her as she enters...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

... the hallway. She runs towards the stairs, where now an
attic ladder is extended. Not hesitating, Marianne runs to
the ladder and climbs it.

INT. ATTIC - DAY - CONTINUOUS

As she reaches back down to pull the ladder up, the woman
reaches the spot that the bottom of the ladder just
occupied.

Through the blood and bruises, the woman is still clearly

recognizable as Marianne, yellow cardigan and all.
The look of desperation shifts. Although her desperation
initially seemed hostile, she now just appears
grief-stricken. She begins sobbing.

WOMAN
Its my fault...
Still frightened, Marianne pulls the hatch shut.

INT. ATTIC - DAY - CONTINUOUS

She turns and runs across the attic to the window
overlooking the driveway. From behind...

NOAH
Mommy?
Marianne turns around to see Noah standing in front of her,
his pajamas soaked through with water.

MARIANNE
Noah?
She begins to cry.
 19.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

RETURN TO FULL COLOR:
Noah is getting ready for his bath as the bathtub is filling
with water.

NOAH
I forgot my bath toys.
MARIANNE
Go ahead and get in, hun. Ill go
grab them.
Marianne leaves the room.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

As she grabs the mesh bag of bath toys, Mariannes cell
phone rings. The caller ID displays Kyles cell.
MARIANNE
When are you coming home?
KYLE (O.S.)
Sorry, I got caught up at work.
Ill be home as soon as I can.

MARIANNE
Next time, call. Its been hours.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Noah begins to undress to get in the tub. He steadies

himself as he pulls off his socks by leaning his hand
against the door and, by leaning on it, causes the door to
close. He starts to fall but grabs at the handle and
steadies himself, the lock in the handle engaging with a
small CLICK.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Marianne walks over to the dresser to grab a pair of pajamas
as she continues the conversation on her phone.
KYLE (O.S.)
Look, Im sorry. It should only be
for a few more weeks and then I
wont have to be here so late.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.

MARIANNE
You said that three weeks ago,
Kyle. Cant you just come home for
dinner and finish your work here?

KYLE (O.S.)
There are too many distractions at
home. I wouldnt get anything done.
MARIANNE
Oh, so your wife and child are
distractions?
KYLE (O.S.)
You know what I mean...

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Noah walks over to the bathtub. He places one foot in the
tub and, as he starts to climb in, the foot in the tub slips
out from under him and he hits the back of his head on the
rounded edge of the tub and falls in, unconscious, with a
splash.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

The sound of splashing water makes Marianne turn towards the
door.
MARIANNE
(towards the bathroom)
Noah, honey. No splashing.

KYLE (O.S.)
Look, if I just focus on my work
here, I can get through it sooner
and be home to actually spend time
with you guys.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Noah lies in the bathtub, the water level now covering his
face. The water continues to fill, ultimately spilling out
over the side of the tub and onto the floor.
 21.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

MARIANNE
Look, we can talk about it when you
get home. It would just be nice if
you could come home for dinner
every once in a while and tuck your
son in before getting back to your
work.
The sound of water hitting the bathroom floor registers with
Marianne and she looks towards the bathroom. Water is
spilling out along the floor under the door into the
hallway.
MARIANNE
Noah!

KYLE (O.S.)
Whats wrong? Marianne?
The cell phone drops to the floor as Marianne sprints from
the room.

KYLE (O.S.)
Hello?

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

Marianne runs to the bathroom door and tries to open it but

it is locked from the inside.
MARIANNE
Noah! Are you okay? Open the door,
honey.
There is no response. She pounds on the door.
MARIANNE
Noah! Say something! Open the door!
She pulls at the door handle, twisting it forcefully. She
pounds her shoulder into the door, but it doesnt budge.
MARIANNE
Noah! Mommys coming!
She kicks at the door, to no effect. She steps back away
from the door and, getting a running start, rams her
shoulder into the door. It pops open.
 22.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

She enters to see Noah under the water.
MARIANNE
Noah!

She rushes forward and reaches into the water to pull him
out.
MARIANNE
Help! Somebody help!
She lays him on the floor and feels at his neck. She slaps
at his face, which is turning blue.
MARIANNE
Come on, baby, wake up!
She pulls him into her arms and carries him through...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

...the hallway and into...

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

... the bedroom. She lays Noah on the floor and picks up her
cell phone.
KYLE (O.S.)
Hello? Whats wrong?

MARIANNE
Come home now! Noahs hurt. Ive
got to call 9-1-1.
She disconnects and dials 9-1-1, putting the phone on
speakerphone as she begins CPR.

OPERATOR (O.S.)
9-1-1. Whats your emergency?
MARIANNE
My son isnt breathing. I found him
under the water in the bathtub. Im
trying to give him CPR but its not
helping.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.

OPERATOR (O.S.)
Okay maam, Ive got your address
here and Ive dispatched an
ambulance. Stay on the line with me
until they get there.

Marianne continues trying to revive her son. Paramedics

arrive and take over, but it is too late.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Marianne and Kyle stand together with friends and family at

the side of a casket as a preacher performs a funeral
service.
As the casket is lowered into the earth, Marianne breaks
down.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Marianne is sitting in a chair, her eyes are red and puffy.
Some time has passed, and she appears thinner, as if she has
not been eating. Kyle kneels by her side and tries to
comfort her.
KYLE
You need to eat something. How
about I make you some soup?
She doesnt respond. She appears to be lost in thought and
either does not hear him or is tuning him out.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Marianne is lying in bed, wrapped in blankets, though it is
clearly in the middle of the day. Kyle enters the bedroom
and kneels beside her. He kisses her forehead.

KYLE
I made an appointment for tomorrow
with a grief counselor.
Marianne stares through him, not responding.

KYLE
I think that it might help us.
Silence.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.

KYLE
Honey, please talk to me.

INT. CHILDS BEDROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Marianne sits in the comfy chair next to Noahs bed. In her
hand is the book that she last read to Noah before bed.

She gets up and pulls the clean yellow cardigan sweater

around her tightly as she walks across the room and into...

INT. UPPER HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

...the hallway. She pauses to look into the empty bathroom

before continuing. At the top of the stairs, she stops and
looks up. She pulls the dangling string that releases the
attic ladder and begins to climb.

INT. ATTIC - DAY - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

She walks across the attic floor, the book still in her
hand.
She opens the window and looks down at the driveway. She
drops the book, its pages flapping in the wind as it falls
to the pavement below.

INT. ATTIC - DAY

DESATURATED:
Marianne opens her teary eyes. Her son is no longer in the
attic with her.

MARIANNE
No. Please no.
She drops to her knees and sobs heavily for a moment.
MARIANNE
Please.
She continues sobbing as she looks up to see the woman
standing where Noah stood just a moment ago. She is also
sobbing, their faces mirroring each others grief.

MARIANNE
Is there anything I can do? What do
you want from me?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.

WOMAN
Theres nothing you can do. Its
already done. Its all over.
Marianne looks from the womans bloody and bruised face to
the bloody yellow cardigan. She looks behind her at the
window.
MARIANNE
I understand.

She looks back to the woman, but she is no longer there.

Slowly, Marianne stands and turns back to the window and
unlatches it.
MARIANNE
Im so sorry, Noah. I love you.
Ill see you soon.
She jumps head first from the window and onto the driveway
below.

EXT. DRIVEWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Marianne lies dead on the driveway, her yellow cardigan
stained with blood.
SLOWLY RETURNING TO FULL COLOR:

Police and paramedics appear and walk around on the

driveway, which has been sectioned off with yellow caution
tape.

Neighbors stand all around and in the street, looking

shocked.
Kyle stands off to the side with an officer, his teary eyes
fixed on Marianne and the open childrens book lying next to
her.

FADE OUT
THE END