THE ONE ROAD

By

Taylor Owens

Taylor Owens

600 West 141st Street Apt 21

New York, NY 10031

(515)720-4608

taylorowens4@gmail.com
 2.

FADE IN:

EXT. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- DAY

Airplane landing on tarmac. Typical airport sounds (O.S.).

INT. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BAGGAGE CLAIM- DAY

JACK, a young male, 30’s, waits at baggage claim with a

backpack. His checked bag arrives which is only a small
box. He walks over to a nearby trash can, opens the box,
and pulls out what looks like a thermos, puts it in his bag
and throws away the box.

INT. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SKYWALK- DAY

Jack follows signage to proper means of transportation.

EXT. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BUS TERMINAL- DAY

Jack walks up to the bus door. Driver is sitting in the

front seat.

JACK

“Is this bus going to the Heuston Train station?”

BUS DRIVER

“Heuston.”

The driver corrects his pronunciation.

JACK

“Sorry, Heuston.”

BUS DRIVER

“Yes it is.”

Jack pulls out a credit card.

“Cash only.”

JACK

“I forgot to get any before taking off.“

 3.

BUS DRIVER

“ATM’s are up in the airport.”

The driver closes the bus door in Jack’s face and pulls
away.

INT. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SKYWALK- DAY

Jack walks to an ATM. Message on screen: “$5.00 transaction

fee required. Continue?”

JACK

“Whatever.”

INT. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SKYWALK- DAY

Jack walks back to bus terminal.

INT. DUBLIN BUS- DAY

Jack is sitting on bus with a map and phone, occasionally

peering out the window.

EXT. HEUSTON TRAIN STATION- DAY

Bus pulls away as Jack walks into the station.

INT. HEUSTON TRAIN STATION TICKET TERMINAL- DAY

Jack purchases a train ticket. There is a sign that reads

“please rate our service today” with different colored face
buttons to push. He smacks the “happiest” face.

INT. HEUSTON TRAIN STATION PLATFORM- DAY

Jack sits on a bench with his backpack and a cup of tea. He

observes the atmosphere around him.

INT. IRISH RAIL TRAIN CAR- DAY

Jack finds his seat on the train. He puts his bag on the
overhead rack and sits. He watches as young girls talking
with each other walk by. An older couple arguing with each
other follows. A couple older gentlemen discussing the
latest political gossip pass as they find their seats
(partly in English, partly in Gaelic).
 4.

INT. TRAIN CAR- DAY

Jack is staring at a notebook, attempting to write. On the

table, there is also book, “Fairy and Folk Tales of
Ireland” by W.B. Yeats, a pen, and his ticket. An
announcement is made.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

“The next station stop will be Athenry.”(First in Gaelic,

followed in English)

Jack has begun a note with the opening ‘Mom’ at the top. He
stares at the notebook. He looks out his window at the
Irish landscape.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

“The next station stop will be Galway.”

Jack mimics the Gaelic under his breath. He stares back

out the window for a few moments. Soon, he finds himself
writing in the notebook.

STRANGER

“This is you, sir.”

Jack looks up. The stranger gestures to Jack’s ticket.

“This is the Galway stop.”

JACK

“Thank you.”

Jack gathers his belongings and gets off the train.

EXT. GALWAY TRAIN STATION- DAY

Jack stands outside train station looking around. There is

a pub across the way and he walks over to it.

INT. GALWAY BAR- DAY

The pub is fairly empty. An older gentleman is seated at

the bar with a beer. He doesn’t notice Jack walk in. Jack
makes his way to the bar.
 5.

BARTENDER (O.S.)

“May I help you, son?”

A voice comes from what appears to be the kitchen. A

BARTENDER, woman late 40’s, appears wiping her hands.

JACK

“Yes, I am looking for the bus to Donegal.”

BARTENDER

“You just missed the last one that takes you directly
there.”

JACK

“Oh, well is there an indirect bus I could take?”

The older gentleman looks over at Jack.

BARTENDER

“There surely is. Go straight outside, take a right to the

big building that says ‘Bus Station’, wait there for about
14 hours and you should be good.”

The older gentleman giggles at the bartender’s response.

JACK

“Is there a slightly more desirable option while I wait for

14 hours?”

BARTENDER

“Indeed there is. We provide lodging upstairs that’s

available. Dinner service begins at 7 o’clock.”

JACK

“I think I’ll go with the latter option, if that’s alright

with you.”

BARTENDER

“I figured you might.”

 6.

The bartender mumbles something in Gaelic to the gentleman

and he laughs.

JACK

“I’ll also take a Guinness while I wait, please.”

BARTENDER

“75 euros.”

JACK

“I really thought beer would be cheaper over here, but

alright.”

BARTENDER

“75 euros for room and board; dinner and a pint are
included in the price.”

JACK

“Got it, thank you.”

Jack hands her his credit card and she sets his beer down.
He admires the beer while she runs his credit card. Jack
looks around the bar. The bartender comes back over with
his card and a key.

BARTENDER

“You’re in room 2D.”

Jack mumbles under his breath.

JACK

“You’re tooty.”

She stares at him.

“I’m sorry. I’m exhausted from my flight.”

BARTENDER

“You can take the pint up to your room if you’d like to

settle in.”
 7.

JACK

“Perfect, thank you.”

INT. GALWAY BAR STAIRWAY- SAME

Jack walks up the stairs to his room. The stairway is

adorned with knick-knacks, pictures, and jerseys from times
past.

INT. BOARDING ROOM- DAY

Jack is laying on a bed in a small, simple, clean room. He

is staring up at the ceiling. The ¾ empty pint sits on the
night stand. He slowly begins to fall asleep.

INT. BOARDING ROOM- NIGHT

Jack wakes up. Subtle sounds of music can be heard from

downstairs. He pulls his phone off the charger and sees the
time, 9:10 P.M. He gathers himself in the mirror of the
bathroom and heads back downstairs.

INT. GALWAY BAR- NIGHT

The pub is much larger than Jack previously realized with

there being multiple rooms to it. The music is coming from
one of the back rooms. Jack finds himself a quieter spot in
another room. A different BARTENDER, 20-30’s, comes over.

BARTENDER

“What can I get for ya?”

JACK

“Yeah, I’m sorry, but did I miss dinner?”

BARTENDER

“I’m afraid so. We stop serving dinner at 9.”

 8.

JACK

“Ah okay, I spoke with a woman here earlier. I am staying

upstairs. She mentioned that dinner was included in the
price.”

The bartender looks at the clock and looks back at Jack.

BARTENDER

“Give me one moment.”

The young bartender disappears. Jack looks around the pub.

A singular TV with a rugby match is on in the corner away
from the action which a few people are paying attention to.
Suddenly, a plate of food is slung down in front of him.
Standing, once again, in front of Jack is the woman
bartender from earlier.

BARTENDER

“You’re lucky you’re our only guest this evening.”

JACK

“Ná lagadh Dia do lámh (Naw la-gah Dee-ah duh lawve). Is

that right? I haven’t said that in forever.”

BARTENDER

“Close enough. Want a pint?”

Jack is already eating the food.

JACK

“Yes, please.”

BARTENDER

“So what’s your business up in Donegal? It’s not tourist

season and no one chooses to go up there this time of
year.”

JACK

“I’m here to see family.”

 9.

BARTENDER

“I wondered how you knew Gaelic.”

JACK

“Yeah, but that’s about all I know. My dad used to say it

to me when I was kid.”

BARTENDER

“Your dad is from here? What’s your last name?”

JACK

“Buy a girl a drink first.”

She sets a pint down for Jack.

BARTENDER

“Here’s your drink, Mustang Sally.”

JACK

“Cheers and its O’Donnell.”

“O’Donnell, aye? Ri Thir Chonaill.” (Gaelic translation

‘King of Tirconaill’)

This makes Jack chuckle.

JACK

“My parents used to call me that, even had a poster of it

above my bed.”

BARTENDER

“Your family has quite the history in these parts.”

JACK

“You say that like it could be a bad thing.”

BARTENDER

“A long heritage like yours is bound to have history, good

and bad.”
 10.

A moment of silence.

JACK

“Either way, I am in town to see them.”

BARTENDER

“You ever been to Ireland before?”

JACK

“I was born here, but we moved away when I was a baby.”

BARTENDER

“Careful then, they say once you get Ireland in your bones,
it’s hard to get it out. Enjoy your meal.”

JACK

“Thanks.”

EXT. GALWAY BUS STATION- DAY

A bus pulls up in front of Jack.

INT. BUS TO DONEGAL- DAY

Jack sits looking out the window observing the rolling

country sides, thatch-roofed homes, small villages, stone
castles, narrow roads and narrow escapes with oncoming
traffic. Jack reads his book. Jack falls asleep.

EXT. BUS STOP DONEGAL- DAY

Jack gets off the bus. He checks his phone for an address.
He walks up to a couple people on the street and asks for
directions.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOME- DAY

Jack opens the gate and walks up to the house. He knocks

and waits. There is a red-capped fairy doll on the porch.

JACK

“Not weird.”
 11.

GUY, older man 40-50’s, opens the door.

GUY

“Jack.”

JACK

“Dad. Mom-”

GUY

“I know.”

JACK

“How?”

GUY

“Do you want to come in?”

Jack hesitates, but follows him inside.

INT. O’DONNELL HOME LIVING ROOM- DAY

Jack observes the interior of the house. It’s clean,

simple, organized. A fire is going. Guy has gone into the
kitchen to put some tea on. Jack sets his bag down, finds a
seat on the couch.

GUY (O.S.)

“Do you remember this place at all?”

JACK

“Not really, I imagined it differently in my head.”

GUY (O.S.)

“Imagined how?”

JACK

“Shittier.”

Jack mutters to himself.

 12.

“I don’t know. Different.”

Guy comes into the room with two cups of tea.

GUY

“It was, shittier, until I redid the inside when Grandma

and Gramps passed away. I’ll get to the outside
eventually.”

JACK

“Looks good.”

GUY

“I can’t believe you are here.”

JACK

“It’s Ireland, not Siberia.”

GUY

“Fair play.”

JACK

“I tried calling, but you didn’t answered. You can’t really

leave news like this on a voicemail.”

GUY

“We have terrible reception out here. It’s kind of great

for the most part unless-”

JACK

“Unless you need to let someone know their wife has just
died. How did you find out?”

GUY

“It’s Ireland, not- “

JACK

“Siberia, well done.”

 13.

GUY

“Nan and Pops left me a message.”

They take a drink from their teas.

JACK

“Sounds about right. Well, I didn’t know if you guys were

still on a no-talking basis and when you didn’t answer I
decided to deliver it myself, so here I am.”

GUY

“Here you are.”

Jack looks around the room.

“Do you have any memories of Ireland?”

JACK

“Not really; a few, foggy ones.”

GUY

“You were just a baby when we moved to the States. Did you
feel it when you landed?”

JACK

“Feel what?”

GUY

“Ireland.”

JACK

“I’ve been here all of 10 minutes; can we please not start

with the childhood, fairy-dust bullcrap yet.”

Guy smiles to himself and checks his watch.

GUY

“I really hate to do this right now, but I actually need to

run a few errands. How long are you here for?”
 14.

JACK

“My flight leaves in three days.”

GUY

“Okay, I’ll be back in a couple hours. Please, make

yourself at home or wander around town; whatever you like.
Can I make you dinner later?”

Jack nods his head.

“I’m really glad you’re here, Jack.”

Jack doesn’t say anything. Guy grabs a messenger bag and

heads outside. He picks up a bike that is leaning against a
wall and heads through the gate.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE LIVING ROOM- DAY

Jack looks through cabinets and at pictures and books on

shelves. In one of the cabinets, he finds a bottle of
scotch and pours himself a glass. He opens a door that
leads downstairs to a basement.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE BASEMENT STUDIO- DAY

Jack turns on a light. He finds a small, low-key recording

studio. Guitars are on the wall, a soundboard, a recording
booth with microphones, a keyboard, and a small modified
drum kit. Jack goes through the space slowly, sipping on
his scotch. There are a couple awards on the wall as well
as some pictures of his dad when he was younger with famous
artists. On one of the shelves, he finds a collection a
mixtapes, picks one out, and listen to it. He continues to
look around.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE ENTRYWAY- DAY

Jack is getting ready to leave. A beaten-down jacket hangs

next to the door. He puts it on. Jack feels around the
jacket and in the inside pocket is a worn-out pack of
cigarettes.
 15.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOUSE PORCH- DAY

Jack closes the front door behind him, lights a cigarette

and heads down the street.

EXT. DONEGAL STREET- DAY

Jack pops his head into a small market and asks for
directions. We see hand gestures and a thankful wave as he
heads back out onto the road.

EXT. THE CORNER HOUSE- DAY

Jack walks up and observes the signage of pub.

INT. THE CORNER HOUSE- DAY

Jack sits at one of the stools at the bar. He hears a voice

singing in the back. When he finally comes out, BILLY, male
in his 40-50’s, stops abruptly in his place.

BILLY

“No way. Jackieboy!”

Billy rushes around the bar and gives Jack a massive bear
hug.

JACK

“Hey, Uncle Billy.”

BILLY

“How are you? What are you doing here?”

JACK

“I came to see dad.”

BILLY

“Of course you did. I am so sorry to hear about your mom;

she was just the bee’s knees. How are you holding up?”

JACK

“Yeah, fine for the most part thanks.”

 16.

BILLY

“Well when did you get in? Is your dad boring you already?”

JACK

“I flew into Dublin yesterday and got into Donegal a little

bit ago. He said he had to run a few errands.”

BILLY

“Sounds like your dad, such a busy body. Well do you want a
drink? Are you hungry?”

JACK

“I am actually. In fact, I had always heard stories about

this stew my grandparents used to make here. Any chance you
are still making that?”

BILLY

“For you, Jack, the world.”

Billy has been carefully pouring two pints and finally

delivers them: one for Jack, one for himself. He raises his
glass.

BILLY

“To your mom, a woman who grew prettier by the day, and
sassier with every breath.”

They cheers their glasses and take drinks. Billy sets his
pint down and goes into the back to prepare the food. Jack
looks around the pub. This could be a second home for his
family: pictures of his grandparents when they were
younger, trophies, playbills and posters from different
events. This place looks the same as it did 50 years ago.

BILLY

“Your grandpa had just met your grandma when he built this
place. He was only 20 years old when it opened. Wanna know
what I was doing when I was 20? Rolling joints in my
parents’ basement and still trying to get into Peggie Sue’s
 17.

panties. Did you know he named this place after your

grandma’s favorite music album?”

Billy has brought the food over and has his pint back in
his hand. He goes on to tell a story about the band and
album. Jack’s attention is drawn to pictures of his parents
and him when he was a kid on the wall behind the bar.

JACK

“Yeah, my dad used to tell us that story all the time.”

BILLY

“You mean you’ve heard it before?”

Jack nods his head.

“Well why did you let me go on like that?”

JACK

“You’re a good storyteller. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

BILLY

“You’re damn right I am; a modern-day Neil McBride. So, do

you have any other plans while you’re here?”

JACK

“Not unless you know of something I don’t.”

BILLY

“In fact, I may.”

JACK

“I’m listening.”

BILLY

“Tonight. Meet me at a pub called the Forge. 8 o’clock.

There is something I think you’ll want to see.”
 18.

JACK

“Mysterious. I like it. I should probably check to make

sure my dad doesn’t have anything planned, but otherwise
I’m in.”

BILLY

“It’s a date then.”

Two OLDER GENTLEMEN, 60-70’s, have come into the pub. Billy
greets them by their first names. Jack watches him interact
with the newly arrived regulars. Billy knows their drinks
of choice and pours.

BILLY

“Gentlemen, I feel the need to inform you both that you are
in the presence of Corner House royalty. This is Seamus’s
grandson, Jack.”

Jack nods his head in greeting.

GERIATRIC 1

“Your grandfather was a wizard behind the sticks and your

grandmother was a minx. She should’ve been mine.”

The other shushes him.

GERIATRIC 2

“Well wishes to your family, son. Sorry to hear about your

mom’s passing. She deserved better.”

JACK

“That she did.”

Jack mumbles under his breath. The two men hold up their
glasses.

GERIATRIC 1

“To your mom.”

Jack raises his glass once again. They go back to their

conversations. He finishes the soup. Billy comes back over.
 19.

JACK

“What do I owe you?”

BILLY

“Your money is no good here, ya idiot. How was the stew?”

JACK

“I feel like a new man. I can see why this place is a

legend in my family.”

BILLY

“Legendary indeed.”

JACK

“I’ll see you later tonight.”

BILLY

“8 o’clock, the Forge. Good to see you, Jack.”

JACK

“You too, Billy.”

EXT. THE CORNER HOUSE PATIO- DAY

Jack adjusts his jacket, looks around and takes a deep

breath.

EXT. DONEGAL STREETS- DAY

Jack begins to walk. He observes the cobblestone streets,

apartments lining the roads, pubs everywhere.

EXT. ARDS FOREST PARK- DAY

Jack continues his walk, following a path up a hill. He

approaches the summit of this hill. The geography of
Ireland, specifically the Northern counties is uniquely
beautiful. He finds a spot on a cobblestone wall/ stump/
rock and sits. An old SHEEPHERDER, 60-70’s, appears behind
him. He mumbles something in Gaelic, but Jack doesn’t
understand.
 20.

SHEEPHERDER

“Quite extraordinary, isn’t it?”

He speaks in English, but with a thick Irish accent.

“Hundreds of thousands of years ago, mountains of ice

formed what you see before you. We, here, though think that
something far more spectacular was at work. You are
standing on thousands of years of history, son.”

Jack stares out over the terrain. When he turns back

around, the old sheepherder has vanished.

EXT. THE O’DONNELL HOME- DAY

Jack opens the gate to his father’s home. The lights are on
inside and smoke is filtering out of the chimney.

INT. THE O’DONNELL HOME- SAME

Jack enters the house; music is playing. Guy is busy at

work in the kitchen, singing along.

GUY

“Remember this?”

JACK

“This was mom’s favorite song.”

Guy turns to see Jack standing there.

GUY

“This was the song playing when your mom gave birth to
you.”

JACK

“I know. She told me every time it came on.”

GUY

“It’s the truth. I was there.”

 21.

JACK

“Was that the one time?”

Guy continues preparing the meal, appearing unphased.

GUY

“I’ve made Sheppard’s Pie for dinner. Is it still one of

your favorites?”

JACK

“I couldn’t tell you the last time I had it.”

GUY

“Well, it’s one of three dishes I can make. It should be

ready soon. Also, next time you go out, feel free to take
the bike. I never use it.”

JACK

“I saw you take it today.”

GUY

“Not that bike, the Yamaha. It’s out back. It’s a relic
from a different time, but it still runs like a charm.”

JACK

“I’m gonna clean myself up a bit.”

INT. O’DONNELL HOME JACK’S BEDROOM- DAY

Jack pulls out a cleaner, nicer shirt from his bag and puts
it on. He also pulls out the thermos-looking container. He
stares down at it and puts it back in his bag.

INT. O’DONNELL HOME KITCHEN- DAY

Jack walks back into the kitchen and sits at the table.

JACK

“I saw your studio downstairs.”

 22.

GUY

“Oh yeah? What’d you think?”

Guy is just putting the final things on the dinner table.

JACK

“It’s quaint and looks like it’s of decent quality. Do you

use it much?”

GUY

“When I get the itch.”

JACK

“So, all the time? At least you’re involved in some way,

even if you can’t sing anymore.”

GUY

“It is nice to be around what I love to do.”

JACK

“Do you have people you jam with?”

GUY

“Are kids still calling it ‘jamming’? I have some local

buddies, yeah, and then when friends are on tour in
Ireland, they’ll stop by. Do you ever play your guitar?”

JACK

“I don’t think you could ever call what I did ‘playing’,

but I still have the one.”

GUY

“You better. That guitar was a gift from your grandfather.”

JACK

“Yeah, a gift to mom.”

 23.

GUY

“And she gave it to you. Your mom was the true artist and
your gramps knew that. That guitar has been in our family
for generations.”

JACK

“It’s not going anywhere. And speaking of gramps, I went by

his pub earlier. It looks great. Uncle Billy was
bartending.”

GUY

“Billy is now a part-owner of the pub. He runs all the day-

to-day and bartends on occasion.”

JACK

“He mentioned that. How long have you known him?”

GUY

“Billy and I were born on the same day in the same

veterinary clinic, just down the road from here actually.
He was at your birth too.”

JACK

“I remember you and mom telling me that. He wants to get

drinks later, if that’s alright.”

GUY

“Not that you need my permission, but absolutely. He’s the

closest thing I have to a brother. It will be good for you
guys to catch up. How’s the pie?”

JACK

“Surprisingly adequate.”

GUY

“And that’s what I want on my tombstone. ‘Surprisingly

Adequate.’”

Silence. Jack puts down his silverware and napkin.

 24.

JACK

“Well now that the subject has been broached, we should

talk some logistics about mom’s arrangements.”

Jack gets up from the table and goes back to his room and
returns with a small notebook. He turns to his list.

GUY

“I can’t believe you are the one driving this

conversation.”

JACK

“Yeah well that’s what happens when you skip town on your
wife and kid for 10 years. The kid grows up and does the
adulting.”

GUY

“You know that’s not how it went.”

JACK

“I really don’t care how it went; we just need to sort this

stuff out. Do you have a preference on where you would like
her to be buried? Nan and Pops have suggested back in
Virginia in her hometown-”

GUY

“-Of course they did.”

JACK

“-But they are willing to accept wherever you decide.”

GUY

“And that is the single nicest thing they have ever done
for me. Sorry. Virginia is fine with me.”

JACK

“Great. Another thing you need to do is cancel mom’s health

insurance. I am listed as her dependent, but the funds come
out of your royalties account. Payments have been
 25.

cancelled, but you’ll need to speak to your accountant

about rewiring the money to officially close it.”

GUY

“I’m glad those funds were able to help.”

JACK

“Yep. Lastly, and I don’t know why, but mom left you as the
sole executor of her will.”

GUY

“Me? Why?”

JACK

“Like I said I don’t know, but you’ll need to meet with a

lawyer to sort it all. Do you have one over here?”

GUY

“Yes.”

JACK

“Great, I have the information for my lawyer. Have yours

contact them and they’ll send over the paperwork.”

GUY

“Anything else?”

JACK

“I think that’s everything.”

Silence.

GUY

“I am really glad you’re here, even if it is under these

circumstances.”

JACK

“You’ve said that already. It is good to know you’re doing

well. You should really look into getting better service.”
 26.

GUY

“I know. It’s very spotty out in these parts, but I’ll see
what I can do.”

JACK

“It is nice to be here. Billy brought it up earlier, but

how much truth is there to our family actually being
royal?”

Guy laughs.

GUY

“Royalty may be a stretch, but the O’Donnell family is one

of the longest-living families in these parts.”

JACK

“I thought those were just bedtime stories. I am beginning

to see why you talked so much about it.

GUY

“Yes sir, I know.”

JACK

“Well, I should get going. I borrowed your jacket earlier,

I hope that was okay.”

GUY

“Keep it. It looks better on you anyways.”

JACK

“You want your smokes back?”

GUY

“Keep those as well. I have been off them for a few years
now.”

JACK

“Well done, you. Thanks for the dinner.”

 27.

GUY

“Don’t forget you can take the bike if you want.”

JACK

“Nah, I enjoy walking; I need the exercise anyways.”

EXT. DONEGAL STREETS- NIGHT

Jack is looking around the street, attempting to find the

Forge. There are people mingling outside the bars, smoking
and drinking.

INT. THE FORGE BAR- NIGHT

This pub is similar to the one Galway in that there are

multiple rooms to it. The front part is decently crowded.
The backroom getting set up for some kind of event.

BILLY

“Jack!”

Jack turns to where he heard Uncle Billy’s voice down the

bar and makes his way over to him. Another big hug from
Billy.

BILLY

“Welcome to one of the last remaining refuges of the human

soul, the Irish pub. Two pints, please. You and dad catch
up?”

JACK

“I don’t know if you can call it ‘catching up’. Reminisced

is more like it.”

BILLY

“When was the last time you saw him?”

JACK

“Almost 10 years ago.”

 28.

BILLY

“Long time. A person can change quite a bit in 10 years.”

JACK

“Are you suggesting my dad’s a changed man?”

BILLY

“Maybe not changed, but different. You’ll see.”

JACK

“So, what about this pub makes it so special?”

BILLY

“Well for starters, they pour one of the finest pints of

Guinness. Secondly, they are one of the few pubs that do
‘Ladies’ Night’. You’re welcome. Lastly, this pub is
specifically known for bringing the magic that is Irish
music back to life.”

And with that, a musician strikes up a lively tune in the

backroom that fills the pub. Over the next few moments, we
see Jack and Billy talking and laughing, joining a group of
people for a conversation, while the musicians play a
couple songs. Everyone claps at the end of the song. Jack
takes this moment to go outside for a cigarette and a
breather.

EXT. THE FORGE- NIGHT

Jack lights a cigarette. He takes a big breath. He looks up

and down the road.

MERRA

“I haven’t seen a pack of Marlboro reds in years.”

Jack turns and sees MERRA, woman 20-30’s, standing next to

him.

JACK

“These were my dad’s. Do you want one?”

 29.

Jack offers her the pack. She pulls a cigarette out of the
pack. Jack offers to light it, but she does so with her own
lighter.

MERRA

“These were the first cigarettes I ever smoked. You can

still taste the good stuff in these. I saw you talking to
Billy earlier.”

JACK

“Billy isn’t my dad.”

MERRA

“Oh, I know, but that would’ve made for some really tasty
gossip, Billy having a Yankee son.”

JACK

“Wow, going with Yankee, huh? What gave me away?”

MERRA

“Everyone knows when someone special is in town, especially

when it’s the prodigal son of the multi-award-winning Irish
rock legend, Guy O’Donnell. Plus, the accent didn’t help.”

JACK

“My name is Jack- “

MERRA

“O’Donnell, I know. Descendants of the High King Niall of

the Nine Hostages.”

JACK

“I have no idea what you just said.”

MERRA

“What’s it like? Knowing everyone around you secretly

worships the ground you walk on?”
 30.

JACK

“You know we’re not actually royalty, right?”

MERRA

“’Men willingly believe what they wish to believe’. Did you

know our families used to hate each other?”

JACK

“Oh yeah?”

She nods her head.

MERRA

“Mortal enemies. Lands were stolen; lives taken. Our

families would’ve never stepped into the same bar if we
knew the other was inside.”

JACK

“Look at us now, sharing a cancer stick.”

MERRA

“They are definitely rolling in their graves. Well, thanks

for the stroll down memory lane.”

She snuffs out her cigarette and goes back inside.

INT. THE FORGE BAR- NIGHT

Jack walks back into the pub to rejoin Billy. In the time
Jack went outside, another musician has begun tuning their
guitar and started playing.

JACK

“Sorry I got caught up.”

BILLY

“I saw, caught up indeed. The strains of being the most

eligible bachelor in town.”
 31.

The musician goes into an intense refrain and this is when

Jack notices the voice. Jack looks up at Billy. Billy looks
back at Jack.

INT. THE FORGE MUSIC LOUNGE- NIGHT

Jack turns the corner into the lounge and sees his dad up
on stage. Guy isn’t using a microphone or any form of
projection to perform; just his voice and his acoustic
guitar. Guy is singing a song about Jack’s mother. Jack
turns and walks out of the performance space.

INT. THE FORGE BAR- NIGHT

Jack sits by himself at the bar and orders another pint.

Billy comes over.

JACK

“Is this what you wanted me to see?”

BILLY

“I was hoping he would’ve told you by now. Its past time

you guys actually talked.”

Jack gets up, takes his pint to an empty table and sits by
himself.

INT. THE FORGE MUSIC LOUNGE- NIGHT

Guy finishes his song. He sees Billy standing in the back

of the room, confirming he and Jack are there.

GUY

“Thanks guys, that’s all for tonight.”

He receives a couple claps and jeers from people. He sets

his guitar on a stand. He moves through the crowd and as he
passes, Billy hands him a pint.

INT. THE FORGE BAR- NIGHT

Jack starring into his pint- barely touched. Guy sits

opposite him at the table.
 32.

JACK

“You sound good.”

GUY

“I tried to tell you earlier- “

JACK

“So, what was the real reason?”

GUY

“The real reason?”

JACK

“Well if it wasn’t because you lost your voice, why did you
leave us?”

GUY

“That was it.”

JACK

“You quit at the height of your career because you could

‘no longer’ sing. You left your wife and your son. You
moved 3000 miles and an entire ocean away. Doctors said you
would never be able to sing again. So what? It all
magically came back?”

GUY

“Yes and no.”

JACK

“Please, don’t hold back the details on my account.”

GUY

“I came back to Ireland, because other musician friends

told me that it could heal my voice.”
 33.

JACK

“Oh, don’t start with the Irish magic bullshit again. Heal
your voice?”

GUY

“Not magic, not bullshit either. I was on the road 10

months out of the year. I was playing every night. I was
drinking, smoking, partying. Eventually, that took its toll
on me, on my voice. By the time I saw a specialist, they
said the damage had been done and I was passed the point of
no return. I had to try though. When I moved here, I wasn’t
doing anything. I was quietly tending bar with Uncle Billy;
taking a breath from life and giving my voice a rest. After
some time though, I got depressed. It was deeper than just
losing my voice. Music had been so much a part of who I
was, and it was gone. I couldn’t sing; I wasn’t playing.
That’s when Billy suggested I build a studio in the house;
a small something where I could still be connected to what
I loved without the demands of touring. Once I built it, my
musician friends started to hear about it and would stop by
and play. We were off the beaten path enough here where
they felt free to be creative; you know, a sanctuary of
sorts. I would help produce and play back-up instrumentals
when needed. It worked for a while, but it wasn’t enough.
One night, when I was in a particularly bad place, I took a
bottle of whisky down to the studio and began to record
some stuff and tried singing again for the first time. It
was back. I couldn’t believe it myself. It wasn’t as strong
as it used to be; I can still only sing a couple songs at a
time, but my voice had come back to me.”

JACK

“So why didn’t you come back to us?”

GUY

“Your mom wouldn’t let me.”

JACK

“You’re going to have to do better than that.”

 34.

GUY

“She told me if I was going to leave, then I could never

come back.”

JACK

“Mom would’ve never made an ultimatum like that.”

GUY

“When your mom had you, she and I made a promise that we
would never put our careers before our family.”

JACK

“And look how that played out.”

GUY

“I was young and stupid. All I had ever known was music and
performing, and then suddenly not to be who I had been my
entire life? I didn’t know who I was anymore.”

JACK

“And so, you chose your career. How amazingly cliché. Why
didn’t you at least visit mom when she got sick?”

GUY

“I wanted to, I did, but she wouldn’t let me.”

JACK

“Did you even try?”

GUY

“Your mom was as stubborn and stoic as she was brilliant

and beautiful. I tried, but it was no use.”

JACK

“This is horseshit. You’re a grown man and your wife was

dying. Why didn’t you just show up?”
 35.

GUY

“There were powers at be that made it much harder than

that.

JACK

“And for those reasons, you son grew up without a father

and your wife died without a husband.”

Jack grabs his jacket and heads out of the pub leaving his
dad sitting alone at the table. Uncle Billy has been
keeping an eye on the conversation from a distance and
comes over.

BILLY

“He needed to know.

GUY

“I know.”

BILLY

“Did you tell him everything?”

Guy is staring into his beer now.

GUY

“Not everything.”

EXT. DONEGAL STREETS- NIGHT

Jack is roaming the streets of Donegal.

EXT. CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY CEMETERY- NIGHT

Jack opens the gate and walks around different headstones,

noticing several names. He sits down.

MERRA

“Quite the company you’re keeping these days, my young

prince.”

Jack turns to see Merra standing outside her car.

 36.

JACK

“I enjoy being the life of the party. I didn’t even hear

you pull up.”

MERRA

“That’s the menacing effect of a hybrid, lethally quiet.

Wanna go for a drive or were you in the middle of
something?”

JACK

“I was, but the party was starting to die.”

Merra rolls her eyes. Jack walks over and gets into the
passenger side of the car.

INT. MERRA’S CAR- NIGHT

Jack and Merra drive in silence.

JACK

“So where are you taking me?”

MERRA

“Oh, did I not tell you? To your death. The hole I’ve dug
for your body is just a little further up.”

Jack stares forward.

“I am so sorry. I completely forgot about your mom. I’m

such an ass.”

JACK

“It’s okay. Everyone seems to be forgetting about her.”

Silence.

“Does everyone know about my mom?”

MERRA

“It’s a small town. I know it’s hard for you to understand,

but our community is like a big family. We go through the
 37.

good and bad together. Plus, it doesn’t help that your

dad’s famous.”

JACK

“Was famous.”

MERRA

“He will forever be famous here. Have you heard any of his
new stuff?”

JACK

“I think I’ll pass on that, thanks. Sorry. I didn’t get

your name earlier. I should probably know your name at
least before you go killing me off.”

MERRA

“Merra.”

JACK

“Merra? Is that short for something?”

MERRA

“Yeah, America of course.”

Jack looks over at her. She smiles, confirming the pun.

Jack stares out the window. Although it’s late into the
night, the sky is decadently adorned with stars and the
moon. They finally come over a hill and before them is the
coastline to the Atlantic Ocean.

JACK

“Wow.”

Merra smiles at Jack’s response. They drive a bit longer

before she pulls off the road. With the car parked and
turned off, Jack gets out. The ocean is slowly crashing
onto the beach and bleeding into the night sky. Merra comes
around with a bottle of beer and a bag of chips.
 38.

MERRA

“This is all I’ve got.”

They pass back and forth both items throughout the scene.
Merra has also brought out a ukulele. Jack lights a
cigarette. At some point, Merra takes it from him.

JACK

“Is everyone here a musician?”

Merra strums random chords throughout this scene.

MERRA

“Hush. Have you ever seen the Irish coast at night?”

JACK

“I’ve never seen the Irish coast period, much less at

night.”

MERRA

“In that case, you’re welcome.”

JACK

“It’s breath-taking and terrifying all at the same time.”

MERRA

“This is one of my favorite spots. I’ve always had this

awkwardly intense attraction to the sea. I don’t know why.”

JACK

“I could see why.”

MERRA

“So, what is it like having a famous person as a dad?”

JACK

“Wow, really?”
 39.

MERRA

“I know such a cliché question, but come on it can’t be

normal, right?”

JACK

“I wish I could give you a juicier answer, but honestly I

have no idea. He moved away when I was young, so I have
very few of my own memories of him. Most of what I know of
him is from stories my mom would tell me. You probably have
a better relationship with my dad than I do.”

MERRA

“Did you ever feel a responsibility or desire to follow in

his footsteps of being a musician?”

JACK

“Not at all. Once he left us, I refused to become like him.

Most people don’t know, but my mom wrote most of the lyrics
for his songs, so I followed in her path and became a
writer.”

MERRA

“Anything I may have seen or read?”

JACK

“I doubt it. You know when you walk into a bookstore? Front
and center, you have that table with the must-reads and
bestsellers, right? Then behind that, you have shelves on
shelves of classics, and biographies, and self-help books.
Then somewhere in the far back corner there is that one
table with a mountain of the most random books stacked four
high and you can buy like ten for $5? That’s where you
would probably find mine. There or at a random gas station
in Athens, Texas.”

MERRA

“Have you tried writing anything since you’ve been here?”

 40.

JACK

“Not exactly on my ‘list of priorities’. Actually, I did

scribble down a few words for my mom on the train ride in.”

MERRA

“Give it time.”

JACK

“Give what some time?”

MERRA

“I don’t know! The air, the sea, the people. I know you
don’t believe it yet, but you are one of us. This is your
home and this place works in special ways.”

JACK

“So I keep hearing. What about you? What do you do here in

land of the good people and trooping fairies?”

MERRA

“How the hell do you know about good people and freakin’
troopin’ fairies?”

JACK

“Have you not heard? I’m from a long line of Irish

royalty.”

MERRA

“Yeah and I’m a bloody sea-fairy! I work in apparel and

merchandising. I mediate and negotiate on behalf of local
businesses selling their merchandise, both nationally and
internationally.”

Jack looks at her.

“What?”
 41.

JACK

“Nothing. It sounds impressive, if I understood it all

accurately.”

MERRA

“Sorry, the only time I have to talk about this is either

in a professional setting or on a first date.”

JACK

“This is not a first date.”

MERRA

“Oh, trust me, I know. I don’t date the men I kill.”

JACK

“Noted. Well if I macramé anything while I am here, I know

who to talk to.”

MERRA

“I’ll get ya top dolla, kid.”

A moment.

“I am sorry about your mom.”

JACK

“Thanks, she was in a lot of pain, so you know. It’s a

weird thing.”

MERRA

“What is?”

JACK

“That I can feel so many different emotions about one,

specific thing all at the same time. I miss her.”

Merra nods her head. Silence. Merra starts to play a chord

progression and begins to sing. Jack listens.
 42.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOUSE- NIGHT

Merra drops Jack off at his dad’s house.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE JACK’S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Jack walks into his room. There is a box of tapes sitting

on the dresser with an old-fashioned remote cassette player
and headphones. He pulls one tape out with a label that
reads “Family”. He pulls out another two that are labelled
“Family 5” and “Family 12”. Jack puts them aside. He picks
up the cassette player and inside is a cassette labelled
“Kate” (Jack’s mom). He puts the headphones on, pushes
play, and lies back on the bed. It’s a rough, but quality
recording of his dad singing a farewell song to Jack’s mom.
Jack begins to cry. While the song plays out, Jack calms
down and slowly passes out.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE JACK’S BEDROOM- DAY

Jack wakes up and checks the time on his phone.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE KITCHEN- DAY

On the kitchen table there is a note that reads, ‘Found the

coffee maker. Be back later.’ Jack makes himself a bowl of
cereal and a cup of coffee. He is staring out the back door
while he eats. He leaves the kitchen and comes back with
his notebook and pen and begins to write. His concentration
is broken by the sound of voices and the front door
opening. He gets up to investigate, but they have already
let themselves into the house and are heading down into the
basement. Their arms are full of musical instruments and
sound equipment. Jack goes to the front door and peers
outside.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOUSE- DAY

BILLY

“Good morning, Sunshine.”

Uncle Billy is coordinating with everyone as where to go.

 43.

“Hope we didn’t wake you from your beauty sleep. Your dad
had some things to tidy up at the pub and asked me to let
these fine people in. He’ll be around in a bit to help out.
Everyone, this is Guy’s son, Jack.”

The members of the band nod their heads in understanding

and even pat him on the shoulder as they continue to bring
gear into the house.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE JACK’S BEDROOM- DAY

Jack has grabbed his notebook and coffee from the kitchen
and begins to get ready for the day. While doing so, he can
hear the beginnings of sound checks and testing of levels
downstairs. A moment of cheers erupts as his dad’s arrival
is greeted. The previous electronic and musical sounds
resume. Soon, Jack’s interest is peeked enough that he
makes his way downstairs.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE RECORDING STUDIO- DAY

The lights are dimmed in the studio. Everyone has found

their appropriate places and the band begins to run through
one of their songs. Jack tucks himself into one of the
corners. Guy has begun to direct things. He spots Jack in
the corner while he gives directions to different members
of the band. The musicians begin to play. Guy is producing
and helping people run the sound board. At one point, Guy
goes into the studio and does a quick riff on a guitar to
show the musicians what he’s trying to convey. One of the
musicians comes over to Jack and offers an acoustic guitar
to him and tells him to come play. Jack is semi-coerced
into the studio to jam with the band for a few moments. He
and his dad make eye contact. When the song ends, everyone
takes a small break. Jack thanks them, excuses himself and
heads back upstairs.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE LIVING ROOM- DAY

Jack is sitting on the couch in the living room, writing,

when a knock is heard at the front door. He looks out the
window to see a delivery man walking back to the sidewalk.
 44.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOUSE- DAY

Jack gets up and goes to the door and finds a parcel

sitting on the porch. It is addressed to his father. It is
from a pharmaceutical company. He grabs it and brings it
in.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE LIVING ROOM- DAY

Jack is writing in his journal when the band starts to

filter out. They say their goodbyes to both Jack and Guy.
It is just the two of them now in the house.

JACK

“That arrived while you were downstairs. Everything

alright?”

Guy notices the package and picks it up.

GUY

“Just getting old. You’ll understand one day. What are you
working on?”

JACK

“Just writing down some thoughts.”

Guy nods his head.

GUY

“I set up an appointment with my lawyer, if you want to

come.”

JACK

“Sure. When is it?”

GUY

“Now?”
 45.

INT. THE CORNER HOUSE- DAY

Jack and Guy walk into the pub. LAWYER, older 50-60’s, is
sitting at the bar with a pint, chatting away with Billy.
They turn when Jack and Guy walk in and shake hands.

LAWYER

“You must be Jack.”

JACK

“Yes ma’am/sir.”

LAWYER

“My sincerest condolences.”

JACK

“Thank you.”

LAWYER

“Should we get started?”

EXT. THE CORNER HOUSE PATIO- DAY

The three of them sit down at one of the tables. The lawyer
is precise and businesslike in getting forms out and
situating everything on the table.

LAWYER

“I need you both to sign these forms. I have put yellow

tabs denoting where to sign, because as we all know, your
father is an idiot.”

Jack smiles to himself.

“Don’t get cocky, son. The apple doesn’t fall far, so I

have marked yours, with green tabs. These both release you
of any financial and legal responsibility regarding Kate.”

Both men are looking over the forms and signing.

“This form grants permission to reroute the funds to the

account designated below.”
 46.

Guy signs.

“Now, as requested, Kate’s will.”

The lawyer slides copies across to Guy and Jack.

“As the executor of her will, I need you to sign this. Kate
made it all simple really. She left her remaining
financials assets, including her life insurance policy, to
Jack. The estate property in Manhattan is to be left under
both of your names and cannot be sold until ten years after
the date of her passing. The contents of the estate are to
be left to her parents as sole beneficiaries and to be
divvied out accordingly. She has set aside specific items
for the both of you which I have requested and are,
currently, being shipped here express. Lastly, she has
requested that her remains be buried here in Ireland, as a
part of the O’Donnell family tradition. I will contact her
parents and ask that they provide them in accordance to her
wishes.”

JACK

“You don’t need to. I have them.”

They both look at a Jack.

LAWYER

“Please sign on this line saying you have received and

agreed to execute this in accordance to the process of
probate, according to the law.”

They both do so.

“I will have copies made up for both of you and will let
you know when the items from the States have arrived. Now
for our final piece of business.”

The lawyer slides a piece of paper over to Jack who looks

up, confused.

JACK

“What is this?”
 47.

LAWYER

“Your father’s advanced healthcare directive.”

JACK

“I’m sorry, but I’m a little lost here.”

LAWYER

“Due to your father’s condition, you and Billy will be the

sole powers of attorneys in regard to his estate. Also, you
will be the executioners of any special medical directives
in relationship to any required end-of-life procedures.”

JACK

“Does somebody want to tell me what the hell is going on?

What condition is he talking about?”

The lawyer realizes that not everyone is on the same page.

LAWYER

“I can give you two a moment.”

GUY

“I have tuberculosis, Jack. It’s been in an inactive state

for a few years now, but recently became active again.”

JACK

“What does that mean, active?”

GUY

“It means that if its left untreated or if it mutates, it

can potentially be fatal. The package that arrived today
was prescriptions I have been taking to keep it from being
contagious. I contracted it back when I was touring
overseas but didn’t know what it was until I saw a doctor
when I moved back to Ireland. There is the potential for
complications down the road, so I have left you and Billy
in charge.”

Jack takes a moment before getting up and leaving.

 48.

LAWYER

“I thought you were going to tell him beforehand.”

GUY

“I know. I’m sorry. Thanks for taking the time.”

Guy follows Jack down the road.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE KITCHEN- DAY

Guy arrives home to the sound of Jack packing his things.

Guy sits down at the kitchen table. Jack walks in and slams
the thermos down on the table.

JACK

“I’ve brought her this far. You can handle the rest.”

GUY

“Jack, I know I should’ve told you sooner.”

JACK

“So what? You’re dying and you just thought you would slip
that in without me noticing?”

GUY

“Jack, I wanted to tell you. I did. I just didn’t know

how.”

JACK

“And you waited until a complete stranger slid me an ‘end-

of-life procedure’ form to tell me?”

GUY

“It’s all precautionary. It had been inactive for years, so

there was no reason to worry about it. I could live a
completely normal life and die from old age. It only
recently became active again due to the stress of
traveling.”

A moment.
 49.

JACK

“Where did you travel, dad?”

GUY

“To New York, Jack. To see your mom.”

JACK

“You saw mom before she died?”

GUY

“I couldn’t let her go without saying goodbye. We had left

a lot of things unsaid.”

JACK

“She never said anything to me about it.”

GUY

“I asked her not to. I knew you had a lot on your plate,
and I didn’t want to complicate things more.”

JACK

“Complicate it more? All I wanted throughout all this shit

was for you to be there! So what? Visiting mom made you
sick again? Is that what you’re saying?”

GUY

“That’s not what I meant Jack- “

JACK

“You are unbelievable. Who are you? Actually, because I

don’t know.”

Guy can’t give him an answer. Jack grabs his bag and heads
out the door. Guy sits there. You can hear Jack attempting
to kick-start the motorcycle and after a few tries,
succeeds. Guy listens to him drive off.
 50.

EXT. DONEGAL ROAD- DAY

Jack is driving the bike down the road. Jack screams at the
world, but his voice is drowned out by the motor.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOUSE- DAY

Jack pulls back up to his father’s house, parks the bike,

and walks back in.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE KITCHEN- DAY

Jack hears his dad playing guitar and singing and follows
the sound.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE RECORDING STUDIO- DAY

Guy is sitting on a stool in the middle of the recording

studio singing along to words Jack has written in his
journal. Guy finishes singing the song and notices Jack
standing there.

GUY

“You forgot your journal. You write like your mother. I

know I failed you both in a lot of ways. I cannot change
that, though I wish I could. You asked me who I am. I don’t
know. I did at one point, but I lost myself along the way.
I’m not looking to make up for anything; I am just asking
for your forgiveness and a chance to redeem myself before I
lose you again. I am not the man I used to be.”

JACK

“Do you know where you want her buried?”

GUY

“Yes.”

JACK

“Let’s go.”
 51.

EXT. DONEGAL ROAD- DAY

Jack and Guy are both in semi-formal attire and walking down
the road. One is holding the thermos, one holding a shovel.

EXT. THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY CEMETERY- DAY

Guy and Jack are standing quietly above a freshly-dug mound

of dirt, when Guy begins to sing one of Kate’s favorite
songs acapella. Jack listens. The song ends and Guy puts
his arm around Jack.

GUY

“She loved you, a whole lot. You were her world the moment
you came into ours.”

JACK

“She’d be pissed at us for making such mess of ourselves

over her.”

Silence.

“She never blamed you. She never made you the bad guy. Even
when I would bad-mouth you or brought you up in arguments,
she refused to let me put anything on you. She shouldered
all of it, all on her own. She knew what was required and
did it with no questions asked. And that pissed me off even
more. It’s like she understood why you did what you did and
that was just life working itself out. I didn’t understand
it for a long time, but I am beginning to, slowly. You
don’t get a pass for the path you chose, but if she refused
to let me hold it against you then, I won’t start now that
she’s gone.”

Guy doesn’t respond.

“Should we go get a drink?”

Guy nods his head.

“Okay, but you’re buying.”

 52.

INT. THE CORNER HOUSE- DAY

Guy and Jack enter their pub. Billy is behind the bar. He
notices their attire and comes around the bar to hug them
both.

BILLY

“Kate was a special lady. I know exactly what you two

need.”

Jack and Guy are sitting at a table with a small feast and
pints before them. As they consume their meal, patrons of
the bar stop by to offer their condolences and move along.
Before long, there is a decent gathering of people in the
bar. A guitar has been pulled out and a two-man band begins
to quietly play. Everyone perks up at the sound of music,
but then fall back into their conversations. People
continue to file into the bar. Merra is one of these
people. She and Jack make eye-contact immediately. Merra
walks over to their table and offers her sympathies. Her
gaze lingers a little too long on Jack and Billy catches
the moment. He kicks Jack’s leg from underneath the table
to poke fun of the situation. The musicians suggest the
next song will be one everyone is familiar with and to join
in. Soon enough, everyone is the pub is singing along to
the song. Jack watches everything happening around him. The
song ends and everyone claps and goes back to their
conversations. Out of nowhere, a singular voice can be
heard singing. It is not a particularly polished voice, but
one of age, experience and life. It‘s a somber song, from
an elderly man/woman in Gaelic. Everyone listens quietly.
The song ends and there is a moment of silence. The elder
says something in Gaelic directly to Jack and Guy then
everyone raises their glasses and cheers. Everyone goes
back to their conversations. Jack looks around and excuses
himself from the table.

BILLY

“Careful. The women up here don’t play around.”

 53.

JACK

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He picks up a couple empty glasses and takes them up to the

bar where he last saw Merra. He doesn’t see her.

EXT. THE CORNER HOUSE- NIGHT

Jack is looking around, when someone comes up from behind

him and puts a red stocking cap on his head.

MERRA

“Are you looking for me?”

JACK

“I thought maybe you had returned to the sea already.”

MERRA

“Are you kidding? I can’t leave before hearing my prince

sing.”

JACK

“You’ll be here awhile then.

MERRA

“There could be worse things in this world.”

JACK

“Yeah, one of those things being my singing. I’ll need a

lot more of this if that’s ever going to happen.”

Jack gestures towards his beer.

MERRA

“I’ll keep that in mind. Speaking of which, when are you

leaving us?”

JACK

“My flight is tomorrow night. Do you want to get out of

here?”
 54.

MERRA

“Yes.”

They make moves to go, but Merra rushes back into the side
door of the pub and reemerges with two beers.

JACK

“Whoa, we’ve got our own this time. Fancy.”

EXT. DONEGAL STREETS- NIGHT

JACK

“Thanks for making it out tonight. This all means a lot to

my dad.”

MERRA

“Just to your dad, aye?”

JACK

“I guess I am glad you came too.”

MERRA

“In fairness, you made it all the way from the States, the
least I could do is show up. Not that there was a decision
to be made; we just show up because that’s what family
does.”

JACK

“We don’t really have this back home. It’s refreshing.”

MERRA

“We take death very seriously and by that, I mean we take

every chance to celebrate life.”

JACK

“What did the last lady say?”

 55.

MERRA

“She said an old prayer of blessing for your mom on the

next part of her journey. We like to take a ‘sprizzle’ of
our traditions when it comes to life and death.”

JACK

“A ‘sprizzle’?”

MERRA

“Yes, a dash of religion, a skosh of superstition, an

unhealthy amount of drinking: a sprizzle.”

JACK

“Well sprizzle or not, what everyone has done here is more

than she would’ve ever gotten back home. My dad and my
grandparents don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. It would’ve been
like watching a slow-motion car crash. It’s nice seeing him
here. This seems like where he should be, especially now.”

MERRA

“So, I’m guessing he told you?”

JACK

“How does everyone know about this but me?”

MERRA

“Oh stop. You can see why he had reservations.”

JACK

“I know, I know. What about you? Have you ever thought

about leaving home?”

MERRA

“I almost did once, actually, for a boy.”

JACK

“Love will do that.”

 56.

MERRA

“It wasn’t love and that’s why I didn’t. I was just afraid
to let him go; afraid of what the next chapter was going to
be without him. I realized that even if I went with him, I
couldn’t prevent it, delay it at best maybe.”

JACK

“Plus, if you had left, who would help sell everyone’s

crocheted scarves and intimate apparel.”

MERRA

“Intimate apparel?”

JACK

“Yeah like bras and panties and such.”

MERRA

“Oh, I’m familiar with intimate apparel. I just didn’t know

there was a market for crocheted pieces.”

JACK

“The world’s a big place full of strange people.”

MERRA

“He says as he walks her down a quiet, deserted streetway.”

JACK

“Oh, did I not mention? This is where the strange American

murders the pretty Irish lass. There is this perfect spot
just up the ways.”

MERRA

“Yankee, I called you a Yankee.”

JACK

“Well this Yankee is glad you stayed. Odd as it sounds,

it’s been a relief to have you here during all this.”
 57.

MERRA

“Life has a way of working itself out.”

Silence.

They continue to walk.

EXT. O’DONNELL HOUSE- NIGHT

Jack and Merra are talking as they walk up to Guy’s house.

They turn through the gate when Jack notices two boxes
sitting on the porch. He walks up to them. Both have
similar postage with he and his dad’s names written on
their respective boxes. He picks up his and takes it inside
the house. Merra follows him inside.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE RECORDING STUDIO- NIGHT

Jack turns on the lights in the recording studio. Merra is

right behind him. He sets the box down as she looks around.

JACK

“Do you want something to drink?”

MERRA

“Yes, please.”

Jack disappears. Merra takes off her coat and picks up a

notebook. Jack returns with the bottle of scotch and two
glasses. He sees Merra reading his journal.

MERRA

“Did you write this?”

JACK

“You were right.”

MERRA

“About what?”
 58.

JACK

“I haven’t written like that in years.”

MERRA

“It’s devastatingly beautiful.”

Jack sets a glass of scotch down next to her.

JACK

“Thanks.”

While Merra continues to read his stuff, Jack opens the

box. He pulls out the contents.

MERRA

“What are they?”

JACK

“Gifts from my mom.”

Not sure of what to say, Merra continues to read, giving

Jack the space to continue going through the box. A moment
passes, when Merra gets up and heads into the studio space
with Jack’s notebook in hand. She sits down at the
piano/keyboard and begins to play a chord progression. Jack
watches from across the way. Merra looks over and gestures
for him to join her. He takes a last drink from his scotch
and walks over. Merra begins to sing the words from Jack’s
journal. She nudges Jack, encouraging him to sing along
with her. Soon, they are both singing along to the words.
They finish. They are staring into each other’s eyes. Merra
reaches over and grabs Jack and kisses him. They move to
the couch, snuggling while listening to music, drinking,
kissing and finally passing out in each other’s arms.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE RECORNING STUDIO- DAY

Jack and Merra are asleep on the couch down in the studio.
Jack hears music playing upstairs. Without waking Merra,
Jack pulls himself away and heads upstairs.
 59.

INT. O’DONNELL HOUSE KITCHEN- DAY

Guy is in the kitchen making breakfast. On the table is

Guy’s box, opened. He turns when he hears Jack walk in and
sees him looking at the box.

GUY

“You got yours?”

Jack nods. Guy continues his work.

JACK

“I need to go back to New York.”

GUY

“I know. Can we have breakfast first?”

JACK

“It is the most important meal of the day.”

GUY

“My thoughts exactly. What would you think about me taking

you to Dublin, to the airport?”

Guy finishes up the preparations.

JACK

“Can you, with your health I mean?”

GUY

“I won’t tell if you won’t. Besides, a couple-hour drive

isn’t a bit deal.”

JACK

“How would you propose we do this? You have a secret side-

car for the old Yamaha?”

MERRA

“You can take my car.”

 60.

Jack and Guy both turn. Merra has joined without them
noticing.

GUY

“And a top of the morning to you too. I didn’t know we had

guests.”

Guy looks at Jack. Jack looks down. Merra takes a seat the
table next to Jack.

MERRA

“If you can drop me off at my house, I don’t need it back

until tomorrow.”

GUY

“That’s very kind of you.”

Guy brings three plates of food over to the table. They all
dig in.

MERRA

“Have you read any of Jack’s writings? He is quite the

wordsmith.”

GUY

“Something he got from his mom. I was always terrible with

words.”

JACK

“You’re less terrible with breakfast.”

MERRA

“Yeah, the food is delicious, Mr. O’Donnell.”

Guy watches them eat.

EXT. MERRA’S HOUSE- DAY

Merra gets out of the driver side to let the boys take
over. Jack follows her out and up to her house.
 61.

MERRA

“I’m sorry, but can we not make this super awkward?”

JACK

“Make what awkward?”

MERRA

“This. Goodbye. I understand the reality of it all. We come

from two very different worlds; I know.”

JACK

“They’re not that different.”

MERRA

“Different enough.”

JACK

“I have an entire life back in New York.”

MERRA

“I know.”

JACK

“I don’t know how -.”

Merra cuts him off and kisses him.

MERRA

“Give him a chance. It’s what you’ve wanted your entire

life.”

JACK

“How can I repay you for letting us take your car?”

MERRA

“Come back to me.”

 62.

She kisses him one more time. She turns to go inside and
Jack walks back to the car.

JACK

“Hey. You forgot your hat.”

MERRA

“Keep it. It looks better on you anyways.”

INT. MERRA’S CAR- DAY

Guy looks over at Jack as he looks down at the hat.

GUY

“Ready?”

JACK

“Yeah, let’s go.”

INT. MERRA’S CAR- LATER

GUY

“Oh, I almost forgot.”

Guy reaches behind the seats into his bag and rummages
around until he pulls out a CD.

JACK

“When did you possibly have time to make a playlist?”

GUY

“It was in my box. It’s one of your mom’s. “

Guy inserts it into the CD player and turns up the volume.

The first song to play is ‘Mr. Fahrenheit’ by Queen. They
both start to laugh. Before long, they are both belting the
song in the car.

EXT. HIGHWAY FROM DONEGAL TO DUBLIN- DAY

Jack and Guy talk, stop for gas/coffee, switch up drivers,

Jack gets terrified driving on the wrong side of the road,
 63.

Guy points out different monuments or points of interests.

A stranger takes an awkward picture of the two of them in
front of something. They grab some dinner.

EXT.DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DROP OFF- DAY

Jack and Guy pull up to the airport. Guy puts the car in
park.

GUY

“Thank you.”

JACK

“For what?”

GUY

“For letting me drive you down.”

JACK

“I’m your son. You don’t have to thank me for that.”

GUY

“I’ll put your box in the mail first thing in the morning.”

JACK

“I was thinking actually.”

GUY

“Dangerous.”

JACK

“Maybe we should go through our boxes again, together. I

think mom would’ve wanted that.”

GUY

“Agreed.”

JACK

“I don’t have any plans for Christmas yet.”

 64.

GUY

“I’ll have to check my schedule.”

Jack laughs.

“Christmas would be great.”

JACK

“You’ll keep me updated on what the doctors say?”

GUY

“I have given them your information and you will be

included on all updates.”

JACK

“You were right.”

GUY

“About?”

JACK

“This place; there is something about it.”

GUY

“There is, isn’t there.”

They get out of the car and meet behind it.

JACK

“I’ll send a telegraph letting you know when I get home.

You know, so I know you’ll actually get it.”

GUY

“Smart. The courier pigeons have already headed south for

the winter.”

JACK

“Okay, I’m gonna go.”

 65.

They attempt a very awkward hug. As they begin to separate,

Guy pulls Jack in for a much deeper, emotional hug.

GUY

“Jack.”

JACK

“Dad.”

Guy lets him go and Jack walks into the airport. Guy
watches as Jack disappears. Guy slowly climbs back into the
car and drives off.

FADE OUT.