Poisoned By David Raygoza

Written to celebrate Gregs 16th year on Earth

EXT. UNNAMED STREET CORNER, UNDER A STREETLAMP

NIGHT

In an undisclosed city on an undisclosed corner, a young man stands, smoking a cigarette. He might as well have just turned 18, as far as looks go, and namewise lets call him BRAD. Another man, slightly older, possibly reaching his 30s, walks into frame. For sake of clarity lets call him WESLEY. WESLEY Those things will kill you, you know. BRAD doesnt react, instead he just keeps looking out toward the distance. After a bit of just standing there, WESLEY pulls out a pack of Camel Lights and gestures toward BRAD WESLEY Could I get a light? BRAD gives him an incredulous look, but still says nothing. Pulling out his lighter, BRAD offers the flame and WESLEY takes it. As he leans back he asks WESLEY You waiting for someone? Still nothing out of BRAD WESLEY No no no, I get it, stranger danger and all that. Smart kid. But Im right, right? Youre waiting on some one. Let me guess...some girl! Right? Ive been there, you know when the world is open and time is vast. So many things in the world and usually you see some guy waiting on the street and its always for some girl. But let me ask you something: Why are you waiting? Why dont YOU go to HER? You dont know when this WESLEY points at his heart WESLEY Is going to stop ticking, and when youve got something to go get, you run. You dont just stand on some corner and WAIT! (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

2.

BRAD might as well be a statue, only moving every here and there to turn and look down the street or to check his phone. WESLEY drops his cigarette and stops on it, getting in closer, craning his neck to look BRAD directly in the eyes. WESLEY You dont remember me do you? We met in front of the Record Store on 3rd and Thompson. I gave you a smoke! This catches BRADs attention BRAD Yeah...I do remember, actually. WESLEY When was that like...4? BRAD Around there, yeah. WESLEY And what time is it now? BRAD checks his phone BRAD Its about to be 11. WESLEY And was I right? About the girl? BRAD Yeah. What did you say your name was? WESLEY I didnt say. BRAD drops his cigarette, bends down to grab it, but jerks up and grabs his head, as if some stinging pain has just pierced his brain. WESLEY Lets see...I gave you the smoke at 4, you went through it pretty quick because I see youve got a new brand in your pocket, and its 11 now. So all in all Id say your tickers got 6 hours on it left. (CONTINUED)

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3.

BRAD looks at him, baffled. WESLEY Ill be here for the next 6 hours. For the last 6 hours. WESLEY reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cigarette WESLEY This ones laced with Mercury Fulminate, thats what youve got in your blood as of now. He gently places it back into his pocket, and produces another WESLEY This one counteracts it. But youve got to go get it. BRAD reaches for the cigarette in a half-lunge half-stumble. WESLEY laughs WESLEY Even if I gave it to you right now you couldnt light it your self. Youd drop it, or the lighter, or both. I meant go get IT. What you want. If I hadnt told you, you would have no IDEA how much time you had left. You would go back to your dingy apartment and sulk and sleep and die. But now you know, so go. Go get what it is you want. That girl, for instance. When youve got her, tell the cab to stop here, and you can pick up the antidote. BRAD turns to leave, but trips on himself. He stands up, fumbles a bit, and then limps away. While putting away the antidote, WESLEY yells after him WESLEY Thats why youve got 6 hours! WESLEY pulls out a cigarette, lights it and starts to smoke WESLEY Mercury fulminate...these kids will believe anything these days. ROLL CREDITS