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It's 1993 in a small poorly lit bar but packed with drunken customers. On stage, a skinny 20 year old with messy hair is testing the microphone. He's wearing baggy jeans and a "Nirvana" t-shirt, this is Adam Ballona. Adam looks into the crowd and finds his cousin Malik Ballona staring at him with anticipation. Malik is poshly dressed wearing trousers and a sweater vest with his hair combed perfectly. Malik signals for Adam to get off the stage but his cousin refuses. Adam grabs the microphone.
Adam Ballona: Testing 1-2. Testing, testing do you copy drunk people?
[A member of the crowd acknowledges in a solitary "woo"]
Yes! One lady is still sober enough to hear me. I'm just going to talk to you if that's okay ma'am. I feel you and I have established a connection. Like people and their pets except I don't own a pet and if I did I'd be a dog owner. That would make you my bitch.
A silence descends in the bar as everyone turns their attention towards Adam.
Lady in bar (O.S.): What did you say?
A. B.: I'm not saying you're bitchy because being bitchy is usually associated with a whore. The difference between a whore and a bitch is that the bitch is domesticated. You can let the bitch in the house whereas with the whore you don't want anywhere near your fancy silverware.
[Malik signals for his cousin Adam to drop the mic.]
A. B. (cont'd): But ma'am you're right. I apologize you're not a bitch. One day you are going to meet someone who has a special place in your heart and he will call you his queen. And we all know that "queen" is code for calling someone their whore.
Lady in bar (O.S.): Fuck you! I'm going to kill you.
A. B.: Well this has been fun but it looks like I have to run, I've been Adam Ballona, goodnight bitches!
Ext. Street - Night
[Malik and Adam are walking side by side down an empty street in a suburb.]
Malik Ballona: You really shouldn't have attacked her like that.
A. B.: This again? You don't understand comedy, Malik.
M. B.: Maybe...but that wasn't funny.
A. B.: I get it.
M. B.: Good.
A. B.: Your dad dying sucked all the fun out of you. You don't know what's funny anymore.
M. B.: He was your uncle.
A. B.: And a funny uncle, not "ha.ha" funny, not even weird funny. But you know...a little funny if you catch my meaning.
M. B.: This isn't a stage for you to try your material. Have some respect when you talk about my father.
A. B.: You're right. I haven't seen him in a while, is he doing okay?
[Malik walks faster to get away from Adam.]
A. B. (cont'd): Malik! Come on, come back! I didn't mean anything by it.
[Malik walks back and throws a punch at Adam. The two begin to wrestle as both are landing blows but Malik emerges as the winner after kneeing Adam in the groin.]
M. B.: The only reason I don't send you to the hospital is because I'm not trying to piss away my future unlike you . Stay away from me, we're done!
[Malik walks away from the fallen Adam and spits on the ground.]
INT. Adam's home doorway - Night
[Adam tiptoes in his home when a light is switched on by his father, Joe Ballona. Joe is overweight and wearing a flannel t-shirt and boxer shorts. Sit down.]
Joe Ballona
INT. Adam's home living room - Night
[Adam is on a couch while his father is on a recliner chair. There's a can of beer on the nightstand near Joe's chair and he takes a long noisy sip from it.]
J. B.: A little late for a school night.
A. B.: Dad, all my classes are in the afternoon. And I stopped going a while ago.
J. B.: Where were you?
A. B.: I was out with Malik.
J. B.: Where?
A. B.: Out, no where special.
J. B.: Comedy is not a career.
A. B.: I know.
J. B.: Business like your cousin Malik, that's a career.
A. B.: Sure.
J. B.: He's a good boy, a smart boy your cousin. Always asking me for advice. "Uncle Joe, which specialization should I take? Which path would be more lucrative?" You don't ask me any questions.
[There's a pregnant pause.]
J.B. (cont'd): You think you can make money with jokes?
A. B.: Any moron can go to business school, get a degree, take out a loan and start a business. It takes a special kind asshole to be a comic. I thought you wanted me to be special.
J. B.: Problem with you is that you think you're smarter than everyone else. How come you're failing?
A. B.: Have you seen me perform? Did you take the time to give your ass a break from your chair to watch me do my thing?
[Joe finishes his beer and gets up from his seat leaving Adam on the couch. Adam is upset and confused but Joe returns with another beer in his hand. He sits down, cracks it open, and takes a long sip.]
J. B.: I've never seen you, that's true but I'm your father. I know you and you're not that funny...but go ahead.
What?
A. B. J. B.: Make me laugh.
A. B.: Ha. You're on your fifth beer. I'm sorry but it's not much of a challenge.
J. B.: Don't worry about me, I'm loose.
A. B.: Yes, I can see little joey being set free from its boxer shorts.
[Joe plays with his penis taunting his son before covering it up. Joe is laughing.]
A.B. (cont'd): After seeing that, I now know why mom killed herself.
[There's a heavy pause.]
A.B. (cont'd): 8 years of marriage is tough on its own but to deal with a micro- penis...what a warrior that woman. RIP Ma'.
J. B.: Is this your comedy? Being disrespectful?
A. B.: Maybe you don't know how to laugh at yourself.
J. B.: Why can't you see that this is not your path? Be more like Malik, focus on your studies, graduate, get a job.
A. B.: Why play it safe when I can play it rich. Being a minion of the capitalist factory, I don't know dad, it's not who I am.
J. B.: You're a Ballona!
A. B.: What does that even mean?
J. B.: It means we work hard and get what we deserve. We don't grab a microphone and shit on people.
A. B.: I don't shit on them, I show them their shit and they, sometimes, don't like the smell of it.
[Joe throws his beer on Adam's face. His nose is bleeding from the impact.]
A.B. (cont'd): It's not my fault that you forgot how to laugh.
[Adam walks away from the living room as Joe gets up to pick up the beer and finish the rest of it off.]
Cut to
EXT. Courtyard of NovaTech - Day
It's 1993 and Daniel is on a bench in the courtyard of his place of employment (NovaTech) holding in hand a sad sandwich. He's wearing a beige fleeced jacket, eyeglasses, gray trousers and a white buttoned shirt. He stares at his sad sandwich. Analyzing the simplistic layers when he's woken up from his reverie by a colleague.
Colleague: Daniel! Didn't you hear me? Daniel... Sorry. I...
C: They've been trying to reach you. Where's your pager?
Daniel: I must've forgotten it in my office.
C: You have to have it on you at all times. They sent me to get you. The boss wants to see you.
D: I'm sorry, I'll keep my pager with me from now on.
C: Fine, I'll hold on to your sandwich. I'll buy you another one when you're done.
[Daniel has his colleague the sandwich and they begin to munch it as though they haven't eaten in days.]
INT. NovaTech - 20th floor lobby - Day
Daniel is sitting on one of the couches outside the doors leading to the offices of the boss. A receptionist is guarding the door and performing a manicure on her fingers.
Secretary: Would you like a beverage?
D: (beat) Uh, no. No, thank you.
[She smiles at Daniel who smiles back but the reaction is met with displeasure. The secretary returns to filing her nails while Daniel admires the artwork on the 20th floor. He notices a metallic abstract sculpture of a hand pointing towards the ceiling, a medium-sized vase with kitchen utensils in it, and a painting of ducks in a row headed to a pond.]
S: They are ready for you.
INT. Bosses' office - Day
Daniel opens the wide doors to reveal an old man sitting in at a large desk with two men of a slightly younger age at either side of it. The old man is the CEO and owner of NovaTech and the two people by his side are his trusted advisors. There's only one empty chair and it is facing the CEO. The CEO is in his 70s and has a stern expression on his face. Trusted Advisor #1 is clean shaven, wears a suit and is in his 50s. Trusted Advisor #2 is a copy of Trusted Advisor #1 but has a mustache. Both Trusted Advisors are pleasant, friendly, and amiable.
Trusted advisor #1: Daniel, sorry to keep you waiting. Please have a seat. Daniel moves slowly to the only seat available and is facing the CEO directly while the Trusted Advisors are on either side of him.
Trusted advisor #2: Are you comfortable? Did Cherise offer you a beverage?
D: She did but I declined. Is this going to be a long meeting? Because, if it is, I might require a glass of sparkling water.
T.A. #1: We'll skip ahead then. Daniel, concerning your performance here at NovaTech, we all feel that it's subpar given your qualifications and mental acumen.
D: Oh.
T.A. #2: We know that you're capable of producing more than what you've displayed so far.
D: I've been working really hard on everything that was asked of me.
T.A. #1: We know what you've done.
T.A. #2: You did create for NovaTech the internet.
T.A. #1: And we are not overlooking that.
T.A. #2: It's simply a case of, what have you done for us lately?
T.A.#1: We feel as though you've peaked.
T.A. #2: I thought we agreed we weren't going to say peaked.
T.A. #1: Right. You landed on quicksand.
T.A. #2: You're sinking and we want to help you.
T.A. #1: Because you've helped us and it is the least we can do.
D: Am I being let go?
T.A. #1+ #2: Well...
Ceo: Enough! Cut the poor bastard loose. (To Daniel) You did good, kid. Real good and you're smart enough to realize that this company needs to shift the dead weight. That's what you are. Security will help escort you.
D: Could I collect my things?
C: You don't have things in my company.
[Doors open and two large men stand on either side of Daniel. Daniel slowly gets up and is escorted out of the office.]
C (cont'd): It's never easy. All right, who's next.
Cut to
NT. Malik's apartment
It's 2012 and Malik, 39, is reading the news off his electronic tablet while having a cup of coffee wearing his expensive looking suit. He's startled when he hears loud banging coming from his door. He looks through the peep hole and it's a 39-year old Adam. Adam looks like he's been out all night. Sweaty, disheveled, and with bloodshot eyes. He keeps banging.
A.B.: Malik, please, I need help!
[Malik steps away from the door, then heads back to it and opens it gingerly. Adam walks right through his cousin.]
A.B.(cont'd): Malik, you got cash?
M.B.: What? Why?
A.B.: Cash! You got some?
M.B.: Yea. How much do you need?
[Malik takes keys out of his pocket and walks towards a desk near the area where he was having his coffee. Unlocks a drawer.]
M.B. (cont'd): How much Adam?
A.B.: Everything you got. Come on let's go.
M.B.: I'm not moving until you tell me what you got yourself into.
[Adam moves slowly closer to Malik, he goes down on one knee.]
A.B.: I really fucked up this time cousin. I owe money to some nasty and connected people and if I don't give them what I want they said they will chop a finger for each day I don't pay them back. And if I still can't pay, they will cut off my toes. And if I still can't pay...
M.B.: Ouff shit!
A.B.: And if I still can't pay, they are gonna cut my dick off man. Please fucking help me.
M.B.: Stand up. Here take the money. This is all I got.
A.B.: Another thing, I told them I was coming to see you. You know, for the cash. You need to come with me.
M.B.: What the fuck Adam!
A.B.: If I don't show that you're real they will kill me. Please cousin, just come. Get the cash and come.
Cut to
EXT. Ground floor of apartment - Day
Malik and Adam exit the elevator and walk towards the entrance of the building. Both look panicked but there's more anger in Malik's steps.
A.B.: They're in that car over there.
EXT. Parking lot - Day
A black tinted limousine is parked with two tall bodyguard types guarding the window.
A.B.: Okay go give to the window and hand them the money.
M.B.: I'm not going. Here!
[Malik hands Adam the cash.]
Fine!
A.D.: Adam walks towards the car, gives a nod to the bodyguards and taps on the window. Adam gives the cash to the people in the car. He's about to walk away when he is sucked into the car. He yells and Malik runs towards the vehicle. The bodyguards stop him.
M.B.: Cousin! Let him go! He gave you your money!
[The window lowers and we see a blonde woman.]
Blonde woman: Let him free. Come closer Malik.
[Malik walks over. Malik nods.]
B.W. (cont'd): If you wish to see your brother again, you have to answer my question with, like, complete honesty. No bullshit! Do you understand?
B.W.(cont'd): Would you like me to make you hard?
M.B.: Wa-what?
B.W.: Do you want me to make you hard?
[Adam's head appears in the window.]
A.B.: Answer the damn woman Malik my life is at stake.
M.B.: You bastard!
A.B.: Happy birthday bitch! Get in this damn car and let's party hard.
M.B.: Adam, I've got work.
A.B.: Take a sick day, it's your birthday and we are gonna get hard and celebrate. Get in! Malik enters the car. The car drives off.
Cut to
INT. Car - Day
There are three woman all over Malik and the Blonde Woman is sitting right beside Adam.
A.B.: You really thought I needed your money?
M.B.: Those acting lessons are paying off.
A.B.: Why, thank you, cousin. And on that subject, expect to see me soon on your screen.
M.B.: You're getting your own series?
A.B.: It's a comedy special. I've got all kinds of shit planned for it.
M.B.: Well, congratulations, that's great news. I'm assuming they've paid for all this.
A.B.: Oh, and plenty more, my curious, doubtful cousin.
M.B.: Doubtful? I always knew you'd...
A.B.: Please stop the bullshit! Come on! We're old enough to speak the truth. You thought I would be a fucking loser depending on you or Joe for financial support.
M.B.: Adam, I've always thought...
A.B.: Admit it!
M.B.: I've always thought you were talented and I'm truly happy with all the success that's coming your way.
A.B.: I hear you but still I don't believe you. Does that make sense?
M.B.: Look, we're here to have a good time.
B.W.: Yeah, take it easy, baby.
A.B.: I don't take the easy way and I resent anyone who thinks that their business management degree at a mickey mouse university means that other people who have found success don't deserve it.
M.B.: No one is saying you don't deserve it.
A.B.: But you do believe it was easy. It's never been easy for me not with you in the picture Malik. Be (More)
A.B. (cont'd): More like your cousin, he says. Why can't you follow what Malik is doing? I'm not programmed to be a fucking slave of society. Stop the car! Driver!
M.B.: Adam, just breathe and relax.
A.B.: I never relax. Keep the car, the girls are good for another 12 hours. Adam opens the door.
M.B.: Adam, where are you going?
A.B.: Away from you.
[Adam closes the door.]
EXT. Street - Day
Adam watches the car drive off as he stares at the sky and urinates in the middle of the street.
Cut to
INT. Daniel's apartment
It's 1993. Daniel's apartment looks like the interior of a loner. The curtains are shielding light, the living area is messy with various newspapers and magazines lying around, and there are uneaten, sad sandwiches on the table. We pan to a room that is his workstation, where it is the epitome of organization and vastness in knowledge. He has a library of interesting books, shelves of science & technology magazines, and a state-of-the-art desktop computer. Daniel sits at his computer desk and switches on his pc. A MS-DOS program launches, and Daniel begins typing away code. He gets up from his seat and plugs a small hand-like animatronic device into his computer. He resumes typing code,, and the hand moves ever so slightly. Daniel then detaches the hand from the computer and types a command, "wiggle", and the hand wiggles its fingers. He types in another command, and the hand is walking on its fingers. He types in a final command, "choke," and the hand is walking over to Daniel. It proceeds to choke Daniel's throat. Daniel hits the kill switch, and the hand releases its hold on Daniel's throat. Daniel saves the program under the file name "Yoshimi." He stands up and heads to his closet. He opens it, and there is a display of several robotic limbs and joints. Daniel places his hand carefully in a secret compartment and locks the door.
Cut to
INT. Concert hall backstage - Night
It's 2014 and Adam is backstage waiting to be introduced to perform his comedy special.
Announcer (O.S.): And now! Here's the moment you've all been waiting for. It's time to welcome the champion of depravity, he is the one and only Adam Ballona.
INT. Concert hall on stage - Night
Adam walks on stage with a microphone in hand and raised arms as though he is victorious. There's smoke effects and loud music accompanying him. The people in attendance are cheering wildly.
A.B.: All right, calm down! Relax, it's like you've never seen an ageing comedian before. Quiet!
[The music stops and so does Adam.]
A.B. (cont'd): I said quiet! Let me show you how I truly think of you.
[Adam puts the microphone near his buttocks and farts. The crowd cheers.]
A.B. (cont'd): I'm just getting started. That wasn't even a wet one. I was at a diner last night and a lesbian looking dude was pissed because he heard my fart. Imagine if he smelt it, I would be on death row.
[Crowd laughing hard.]
A.B. (cont'd): Death row, that's where all the minorities go. It's true and you do get some whites but they become celebrities and shit.
[Crowd not laughing.]
A.B. (cont'd): But yeah..uh...you ever feel like you got to fart so bad but you can't because the president would think he'd be under attack.
[Crowd coming back into it.]
A.B. (cont'd): Yea protective service would be all up in my business for gas. It's just gas man, chill the fuck out.
[Crowd clapping and cheering.]
A.B. (cont'd): Everybody should chill when it comes to farting especially the ladies. Now I've heard that a lady never farts. That is almost always a lie. I got news for you. They be farting and not just squeaky or hissing farts I'm talking...
[Adam places microphone to his ass and lets out a noisy fart.]
A.B. (cont'd): That kind!
[The crowd goes wild.]
A.B. (cont'd): Women, nothing but liars man. It's just gas, why are they afraid of letting out some natural gas. Women lie all the time. Not the same way men lie. Men are morons when it comes to lying. Women can easily tell. And they use our shitty lying tactics to make theirs seem more sophisticated. They were born to lie. They lie about their age, they lie about their cup size, and they lie about farting. Women are the worst. People from the crowd are leaving.
A.B. (cont'd): Can't handle the truth I see. Crowd member (O.S.) Fuck you Adam!
A.B.: No you go fuck yourself lady.
[The rest of the crowd are also getting up to leave.]
A.B. (cont'd): You don't like the truth you can fuck off! Everyone can piss off if they don't like it when a man tells a truth about a woman.
[People are throwing water bottles and random items at Adam.]
A.B. (cont'd): Fuck this.
[Adam leaves and heads backstage.]
INT. Concert hall backstage - Night
Adam storms off and knocks down a woman with a headset accidentally but doesn't stop to help her up and leaves in the distance.
Fuck!
A.B. (O.S.)
Cut to
INT. Bar - Night
It's 1993. Daniel is wearing his beige fleeced jacket, eyeglasses, gray trousers, a white buttoned shirt, and holding a glass of whiskey between his palms. There are a few people in this mid to high-end bar, which is playing soft jazz music, when a woman in a black low-cut cocktail dress walks in and sits at the bar a couple of seats away from Daniel. He sees her from the corner of his eye, pretending not to be fully aware. The bartender (off-screen) goes over to her.
Woman at bar: I'll have a vodka cranberry.
[Daniel takes a big sip from his glass, wipes his mouth, and opens his mouth to address the latter but a man wearing a suit sits right next to her. The woman is captivated by the man as she must know him for somewhere. Daniel returns to drinking and signals to the bartender for another round. Daniel turns to scan the room and sees the other people in the bar: a quartet of people in suits regaling their business conquests, a couple romancing each other, an old man drinking from a bottle, and a woman barely legal to drink, sipping a cocktail in the corner of the bar. Daniel gets up from his seat and performs another scan, and sets his sights on the girl in the corner. She pulls out from her giant purse a book entitled "The Age of the Internet: Coding its Endless Probabilities." Daniel walks confidently towards this woman. She's in her early 20s, wearing a dress that you would find on a picnic, she has glasses and short hair, her name is Lucy.]
Daniel: (Clears throat) I couldn't help but notice what you're reading.
[Lucy stares at Daniel and his glass of whiskey.]
D (cont'd): I helped write that book.
Lucy: Oh! You're H.P. Simmons.
D: No, uh, what I mean is that I wrote the internet.
L: Ah, I see.
[Daniel sits down at Lucy's table.]
D: I worked for a tech company up until a few days ago and my main job was to code and create.
L: What's the name of the company?
D: NovaTech, I don't think you would've heard of it.
L: Seems convenient.
D: Your skepticism is warranted. A guy you don't know looking like I do walks up and you're assuming trouble. I don't want to cause any. I was just looking for a conversation. I'm sorry to have disturbed your evening.
L: Hey! You can stay. What's your name?
D: It's Daniel.
L: Daniel, I'm Lucy. Tell me more about how you wrote the internet. Don't leave anything out.
Cut to
INT. Daniel's apartment - Night
Daniel clears the pile of newspapers and magazine and proceeds to make out with Lucy on the couch. It's a sloppy and poorly coordinated kissing session. Lucy pulls away.
L: Where's your bed?
INT. Daniel's apartment bedroom - Night
It's a clean and organized room with a solitary bed big enough for one person but room for two to be slightly uncomfortable. There's an armoire, a nightstand which has a night light and curtains to block out light. The two kiss as they sit on his bed. Lucy takes off her dress and is in her underwear and bra.
L: Take off your jacket and shirt.
[Daniel does as he is told and Lucy jumps on him. As they are kissing, she unbuttons his pants.]
L (cont'd): It's so hard.
[Lucy rides Daniel as he grabs her breasts and fondles them. Daniel then grabs her hands and puts them on his throat. Lucy looks confused.]
D: It's okay. Squeeze it.
[Lucy chokes Daniel who is turning red which frightens her. She gets off him.]
D (cont'd): Lucy?
[Lucy finds her dress, puts it on.]
D (cont'd): What happened?
L: I don't...I'm not into that kinda stuff.
Lucy...
D L: It's fine! It's fine that you are but it's not for me. I've got to go.
[Lucy exits the bedroom as Daniel remains in bed and hears his front door closing. Daniel gets up.]
INT. Daniel's apartment workstation - Night
Daniel opens his cabinet and the secret compartment where he keeps the animatronic limbs and hands then pulls one out and places it on his throat while he masturbates.
Cut to
INT. Joe Ballona's hospital room - Day
It's 2016. Adam is by the side of the bed of his dying father Joe. Joe is hooked to a respirator and a heart monitor. Adam is holding a paper cup of coffee.
A.B.: I would've told you this before. But I never wanted to give you the satisfaction. You were such a pain (More)
A.B. (cont'd): In the ass. No support just commands upon commands on how I should live my life. At the end of it all you were right, dad. I hate it when you're right. You would have love to see me hate it. When we'll unplug you from all these machines I'll confess. I'll give you what you want. It's what you deserve. It's been 2 years and still no one wants anything to do with me. I messed up. I wasn't doing it for me. If only you could see the relief on your face when I told you about the comedy special. And yet you were still skeptical. You never doubted Malik but anything that came my way there was nothing but suspicion. As if I didn't deserve good coming my way. I don't want you feeling sorry for me but I did want you to be there. I wanted you to see what I could be. You always wanted what's safe for me. I only did what I did so that you could know that I can take care of myself.
The respirator stopped motioning and the heart monitor hits a flat-lining sound. Nurses and a doctor come in to try to save Joe but it's too late.
INT. Hospital hallway
Adam watches his father's corps being moved from the room to the morgue. A hospital administrator with a clipboard hands Adam a pen and he signs on the sheets of paper.
Cut to
EXT. Cemetery - Day
Adam, Malik and a few other people are watching the casket being lowered into the ground. Adam grabs a pile of dirt and throws it at the casket. He does that again two more times then Malik joins in. A random woman is whaling and screaming. The proceedings end with the shoveling of the dirt on the grave.
EXT. Cemetery parking lot - Day
Malik and Adam are smoking in the parking lot. No one is around them.
M.B.: Do you want to sleep over? We could make popcorn and watch a movie.
A.B.: I think I'm just going to go.
M.B.: You want some company?
A.B.: Nah. I know what I've become and I don't like it.
M.B.: Dude, take it easy.
A.B.: Malik please shut up and listen to what I'm saying. I don't like this version of me. I hate it. I need to find out if there's another one, a better one. If there isn't then fuck it.
Cut to
EXT. Park - Day
It's 1993. Daniel is on a park bench wearing his traditional beige fleece jacket, white buttoned t-shirt and gray trousers. He has a sad sandwich in his hand as he admires the scenery in front of him. There are mothers pushing strollers, children rolling around in the grass, and Trusted Advisors #1 and #2. They are wearing similar styled coats except one is dark red and the other is dark blue. They are walking towards Daniel.
Trusted advisor #1: Don't be alarmed.
Trusted advisor #2: We had to follow you.
T.A. #1: We couldn't risk contacting you through our formal channels.
D.: I don't understand.
T.A. #1: We're not throwing accusations.
T.A. #2: There is however suspicions that you might've taken something that is of company property.
T.A. #1: We would like it back.
D.: How could I possibly take anything? You escorted me out the building before I can gather my things.
T.A. #2: The thing is...
D.: If anything, you owe me a laptop computer.
T.A. #1: It's not something you took the day we let you.
T.A. #2: We can't confirm or deny it's existence.
T.A. #1: But we would like it back.
D.: Are you talking about the hand?
T.A. #1: All of it.
T.A. #2: And everything that may or may not be associated with it.
D.: I don't have the hand.
[There's a pause of irritation.]
T.A. #1: Don't be difficult Daniel.
T.A. #2: We have witnesses that can testify to you taking the hand out of the lab and back to your place.
D.: You won't find it because I don't have it. I'm aware that my place is being ransacked by your search team.
T.A. #1: Sorry, what?
T.A. #2: We didn't send anyone to your place.
[Daniel chuckles and tries to hold in his snot from laughter.]
T.A. #1: What's wrong with this guy?
T.A. #2: He's lost it.
D.: I saw you across the street when I left my apartment and then I saw the same people who escorted me out of NovaTech go into my building. If I had what you wanted I would've given it to you. A walkie-talkie beeps and Trusted advisor #1 walks away to answer it.
[Trusted advisor #2 looks at Daniel while trying to overhear the call.]
T.A. #1: (to walkie-talkie) Are you sure? Fine! Ok, just clean up actually forget it. Meet us at HQ. Trusted advisor #1 walks back to where his colleague is standing.
T.A. #1 (cont'd): (Whispers To Trusted advisor #2) They didn't find it. Trusted advisor #1 whispers to his colleague. Daniel watches the two mumble and argue while chewing on his sad sandwich.
T.A. #2: It seems we were mistaken as to the location of the item.
T.A. #1: We know you have it. And we are willing to make a generous contribution to a charity of your choosing should you remember where you placed it.
Daniel finishes his sandwich, wipes his hands and stands up. He motions for the trusted advisors to follow him.
EXT. Park in a wooded area - Day
Daniel and the advisors are standing in the middle of a bunch of trees. Daniel points to one tree and signals the advisors to dig. They do so and uncover an animatronic hand.
T.A. #1: Check the serial number.
[Trusted advisor #2 checks the serial number and cross references with his electronic files.]
T.A. #2: It's a match.
T.A. #1: I thought you said you didn't have it.
D.: I said I didn't take it. It was given to me. Are we done?
[The Trusted Advisors look at each other and nod.]
T.A. #1: Apologies for the mess at your place.
T.A. #2: No hard feelings.
Cut to
INT. Daniel's apartment workstation - Night
Daniel opens his hidden closet containing the limbs and the hands.
Yoshimi (O.S.): Welcome home, Daniel.
[Yoshimi sticks out her animatronic hand and places it on Daniel's shoulder.]
D.: Yoshimi, it feels good to see you. Let's get started.
Y.: Where do we start?
Cut to
INT. Bus - Day
It's 2019. Adam is wearing a t-shirt and jeans and is seated next to a fat person on a bus who is sleeping and drooling all over him. The bus stops at a nearby farm.
EXT. Farm - Day
Adam descends with his backpack and walks towards the farm. There's cows tilling the land, crops surrounding a barn and a white country house.
INT. Country house - Day
Adam knocks on the door and a big woman answers.
A.B.: Hello, I've come to see Jamal.
Big woman: Jamal? he gone.
A.B.: When will he be back?
B.W.: Hard to say.
A.B.: Could you hazard a guess? I came a long way to meet him.
B.W.: I reckon he be back next couple days. You can camp by that three over there. The Big Woman closes the door
A.B.: Thank you.
EXT. Farm - camp site by tree - Night
Adam is meditating underneath a tree at night, clearing his mind and breathing to the soundtrack of nearby crickets. His trance brings tears to his eyes as he recalls his father both alive and dead, both happy and mad, both loving and hateful. A hand is placed on his shoulder, it is a man wearing white thin clothes and sandals, this is Jamal.
Jamal: This tree has been here for centuries. How long have you been under it?
A.B.: Four nights. Are you Jamal?
J.: I heard you wanted to see me.
A.B.: I need your help.
J.: Need? What do you want?
A.B.: I want to know who I am and my destiny.
J.: And what makes you think I have the answer?
A.B.: I'm lost. I thought you could help me.
J.: You don't know where you are?
A.B.: I don't know who I am.
J.: You are who you choose to be. You want to be happy then choose to be happy. You want to feel angry, sad, adventurous; these are all choices. What you are telling me is that you've made bad choices. And you want me to help you.
A.B.: I want to know how to be.
J.: That is what everyone wants. The method of being isn't one facet, it doesn't carry a single note. It is a symphony of trial and error. To find your voice in this life you have to accept that the choice is yours. You decide how you want to be.
A.B.: And what if I fail.
J.: That's when you should learn.
A.B.: I've failed so many times and hurt so many people. I don't know if I have the heart to keep falling.
J.: Every time you get up, it's your will. The will being the engine of your soul. Don't allow your engine to give up.
A.B.: How long do I have to keep fighting?
J.: It's the best part about living. When the fight is gone so is the light.
Cut to
- EXT. Malik's apartment - Doorway - Day*
It's 2030. Malik, 57, opens the door and finds his cousin Adam with a bouquet of roses.
A.B.: Happy Valentine's Day!
M.B.: Are they for me or Leila?
A.B.: I got Leila this gift card, unless, you wanna swap.
M.B.: Let's do that, come in.
INT. Malik's apartment - living area - Day
Leila, 45, sitting on the couch reading Adam's book, sees Adam and stands up. They hug.
Leila: So good to see you. How long are you in town?
A.B.: A couple of days and it's back on the road.
M.B.: Yeah, congrats on the book man.
L.: Seriously, it's so good.
A.B.: Thank you, I just can't believe my little cousin finally decided to settle down. You two look so happy together.
L.: Can I get you a drink?
A.B.: Anything cold would be great.
[Leila exits the living area.]
M.B.: So good to see you cousin.
A.B.: Malik, I'm sorry.
M.B.: What you talking about?
A.B.: Man, I've been a fucking asshole to you ever since we were little. I joked about your dad dying man. That was truly fucked up. That shit ain't funny was never funny. I just wanted you to know that you're the brother I always wanted.
[Malik hugs Adam and the two rock back and forth.]
M.B.: You were my big bro.
A.B.: Fuck you.
M.B.: Seriously. You took care of me when I needed it.
Cut to
INT. Auditorium - Day
A moderator is sitting on a comfortable single sofa couch and facing a similar empty one.
Moderator: Our guest this evening has written an international best selling self help book entitled "How to find yourself in a haze of farts" please welcome to the stage Adam Ballona.
There's a generous applause from the few hundred in attendance. Adam makes his way to the stage, takes a bow, the crowd laugh, he shakes the hand of the moderator and then takes his seat.
M. (cont'd): Adam, before we begin, I wanted to personally congratulate on the success of this remarkable book.
A.B.: Thank you.
M.: An incredible piece of literature that we will go into detail in a bit but first could you describe what influenced you to compose it?
A.B.: The main source of anyone's inspiration or sphere of influence is your parents. In my case, it was the death of my father.
M.: Your mother had passed away years before isn't that right?
A.B.: She was sick for a long time. Her death brought her relief. An escape from the pain she suffered from constantly.
M.: And you were at the bedside of your father when he passed away.
Cut to
INT. Joe Ballona's house
Joe opens the door of his house and it's his son Adam.
A.B. (V.O.): I never left his side.
[Adam is visibly upset with Joe. Waving his arms, talking angrily.]
M. (V.O.): Would you mind walking us through that day?
[Joe reacts by also being angry and pushing his son.]
A.B. (V.O.): There's nothing spectacular to mention.
[Adam jumps on Joe knocking his head to the ground.]
A.B. (V.O.) (cont'd): It's your run of the mill of waiting and...hoping.
[Adam threatening Joe mercilessly with a pocket knife and is still on top of his father.]
A.B. (V.O.) (cont'd): I prayed like I never prayed before.
[Joe mouthing to his son "Do it! Kill me!"]
M. (V.O.): What was your prayer?
[Adam gets up and off of Joe.]
A.B. (V.O.): I begged for forgiveness.
[Joe gets up and has a staring contest with Adam then Joe clutches his heart and falls to the floor.]
A.B. (V.O.) (cont'd): For every stupid action I've ever done.
[Joe is on the phone as he tends to his father.]
Cut to
INT. Backstage of auditorium
Adam is signing a book to a fan as an attractive woman walks up to him.
A.B.: What would you like me to sign?
Attractive woman: I was hoping I could pick your brain. It's about a passage in your book.
A.B.: Certainly, over coffee?
A.W.: I don't drink coffee.
A.B.: Neither do I, I just meant would you like to discuss it over a beverage.
A.W.: It won't take long.
A.B.: Fine. What was your question?
A.W.: In your book...
A.B.: Yea?
A.W.: You reference meeting someone who changed your perception on life. Who taught you to be. Where is he?
A.B.: I'm...not sure if I recall the whereabouts. Somewhere in the countryside in a deeply remote area. But I'm not even sure he's there anymore or even alive.
A.W.: I believe your ignorance. Thank you.
A.B.: My pleasure. The attractive woman walks away. Adam catches up to her.
A.B. (cont'd): What's the rush? I thought we were getting to know each other.
[Attractive woman turns and finds Adam's hand holding onto her elbow.]
A.B. (cont'd): Could you at least tell me your name?
A.W.: Yoshimi.
End.
