A JOURNEY THROUGH LONELINESS

Written by Ren Ball

First draft: 20/12/13

UCA MAIDSTONE STUDIOS Vinters Park Maidstone Kent ME14 5NZ 01622-620151

INT. LIVING ROOM, NURSING HOME - DAY We see a C/U of a napoleon clock. An elderly man named GEORGE wakes from a DEEP SLEEP and stretches his hands to the stars. He takes in his surroundings, his eyes and body betraying his emotions. George sits up and rubs his eyes, brushing his face clear of nighttime in preparation for the day ahead. He gets up from his armchair and STRETCHES out even further, his feet gently scuffing the floor with a practiced ease. We see his surroundings, an ENVIRONMENT that clearly reflects his character. The SOUND of a TELEPHONE RINGING cuts through and brings SHARP attention from George... ...who answers after a few RINGS. Hello?... (beat) ...ok. (Beat) ...bye. GEORGE

George hangs up the phone, quickly changing tone, clearly REACTING to some unheard request. He moves around his space, putting on his shoes. INT. HALLWAY, NURSING HOME - DAY George catches his appearance in the window, his eyes searching deep into his reflection. Seemingly unsure of what hes found, George turns away briefly and then completes the process of putting his coat and hat on. EXT. NURSING HOME - DAY (50 YEARS AGO) George steps from his home and feels the cold breath of the day on their skin, sending a slight ripple around his body. He hugs in tight to himself, and looks in all directions before deciding on a way to go. He heads off with a sense of purpose reflecting his mood, the environment coming into sharp view and also reflects the MOOD OF THE DAY. EXT. STREET - DAY The cold air BITES across the place as George shuffles onwards, his eyes taking in the surrounds with a familiar glint.

2.

Across the way from George, a young WOMAN wearing a fur coat strides forwards, not paying any attention in this direction. George flicks her a look, pausing slightly, but then continues onwards. Around him, the location spreads in all directions... EXT. RURAL STREET - DAY George is now moving through a TIGHTER LOCATION, his energy and posture suggesting he is unfamiliar with his surroundings... ...George, PULLING up abruptly and looking around. A move to go one way and then the other, before finally deciding and then heading off again, his actions ECHOING around the location. EXT. RURAL FOOTPATH - DAY Emerging through a BLUR of action, George is unsure of his place, now clearly LOST, eyes darting one way then another. His emotion of the moment almost takes over. A quick check of his WATCH, which has stopped, and then back onto the view... ...a flash of RED in the sight, George brightens with excitement and heads in that direction. EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY George moves into SHARP view, he has clearly been travelling for some time, as his body pulls itself slowly to a halt. We see his BREATH breaking the cold air, slowly enveloping him. His eyes hold tight on the distance as he steps into a PHONE BOX and PUNCHES in a number... ...we can just hear the faint SOUND of the dialing TONE, then his eyes flick to attention as its answered. GEORGE Hello, its me... (Beat) ...Im here, where are you? (beat) ...oh, ok. See you. George puts the phone down, and turns his eyes back to the horizon.

3. EXT. FIELD - DAY We see the FEET of JULIA, a beautiful young woman, as she travel forwards, her location and identity slightly obscured. EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY George fiddles with a thread on his COAT, and steps around, looking towards one way then another. A muffled SHOUT alerts him and he SWINGS round sharply. His eyes squint, trying to focus and then relax, recognition PEELING across his face... ...A couple of steps forward, George waits to greet... ...Julia, who appears into view across the way. George makes a little gesture across to her, this is clearly someone he knows. Julia returns the gesture and comes ever closer. George holds steady, his eyes picking out something... ...Julia is carrying a SMALL PARCEL. JULIA Sorry Im late. George nods. GEORGE Sok. I was early. Julia arrives at the feet of Character and they exchange a delicate peck on the cheek. JULIA Cold today, isnt it? GEORGE Yeah... (beat) ...I suppose it is. The pair hold still for a moment, GAZING into each others eyes, then Julia holds out the SMALL PARCEL. JULIA I hope its right. George takes the SMALL PARCEL, eyes down to it for a moment then back to Julia.

4. GEORGE

Thanks.

Julia looks around and rubs hands together. JULIA They say it might snow... (beat) ...think it will? GEORGE Dont know. Maybe. (beat) Thanks again. Julia acknowledges and turns to walk away. JULIA I think it will. George watches, as Julia leaves the way she came, slowly disappearing from sight like a raindrop on a window. A few moments pass, George fingers the SMALL PARCEL, before he also turns and leaves, the sound of his DEPARTING filling the location. INT. LIVING ROOM, NURSING HOME - LATER (PRESENT DAY) George is sat, the trappings of their life and home surrounding them. His eyes flick to the floor, the wrappings of the SMALL PARCEL lay in pieces... ...the CONTENT of the package is there to be seen and clearly influences the SMILE that spreads across Georges face. We hold for a moment, taking in the single TEAR DROP that rolls down Georges cheek.... .... before we drift and return to a C/U on the pocket watch in Georges hand and we... ...CUT TO BLACK