EXCERPT FROM THE NEW SCREENPLAY BILLIE & THE ONE-ARMED BANDIT
FADE IN
Ext.Beach.Day
It is a sunny day at a deserted beach in northern California. A man (Michael), his wife (Billie), 4 year old daughter (Sarah) and their Golden Retriever (Boy) are walking along the ocean. The man is tossing a stick into the water for their dog to run and retrieve. He does this a few times while the mother and daughter enjoy the surf on their feet.
He makes another toss and the dog runs after the stick. He picks it up and quickly returns for the next toss. He drops the stick at the man's feet.
BILLIE
Why don't you give him a rest Michael. The water looks too rough and he looks exhausted.
MICHAEL
You need a rest boy?
The dog looks up at Michael anticipating the next toss. Sarah has moved closer to the water searching for shells.
BILLIE
Don't get too close to the water Sarah.
Sarah pulls back from the water's edge.
The family continues their afternoon stroll along the ocean when suddenly Boy takes off at a full run until he is almost out of sight.
MICHAEL
Now what the hell? Boy, come back here! Boy!
He pauses and waits a minute squinting to see what the dog has found. Then he hollers again.
Boy! Come back here Boy!
Boy has found something lying on the beach and does not return. The family continues strolling toward the location.
Billie also squints to see. Sarah runs forward.
BILLIE
What is that?
MICHAEL
I'm not sure. It looks like seaweed or something.
FADE OUT
Ext.Beach.The Dead Seal
They are all looking downward and the camera pans to a dead seal entangled in a fishing net.
SARAH
What is it Mommy?
BILLIE
It is a seal honey.
SARAH
What happened to it?
MICHAEL
It looks like it got caught in a fishing net sweetheart.
Sarah kneels and looks closely.
SARAH
Is it dead?
BILLIE
Yes honey, I am afraid it has gone to heaven.
Sarah is crying for the seal. Billie comforts her. Boy licks her face.
BILLIE
It's okay honey. Sometimes things like this happen. Boy is worried about you
.
Sarah hugs Boy close and Boy slobbers on her face even more.
SARAH
Yuck, stop kissing me.
Boy continues licking her face until everyone smiles.
MICHAEL
You guys go ahead and I will catch up. I want to bury the little guy.
BILLIE
Okay honey let's go ahead and let Daddy take care of her.
SARAH
Did she really go to heaven Mommy?
BILLIE
Yes honey, she really went to heaven so she will be okay now.
FADE OUT
Ext.Beach.The New Grave
Michael is putting shells around the shallow sandy grave and then stands and makes the symbol of a cross on his chest.
MICHAEL
Okay little guy. At least the seagulls won't eat you now.
(Michael rejoins his family and they continue their walk)
SARAH
I wonder if the Seal's family will miss her?
MICHAEL
I am sure of it sweetie.
BILLIE
I think maybe we should start heading back now. I am tired and Sarah needs to take a nap.
Sarah snatches her hand away from Billie and does a little fit.
SARAH
No I don't mommy. I don't want to take a nap.
BILLIE
I know honey bun. But I am tired.
SARAH
Can we go into the water again?
Sarah runs a few feet toward the water but turns to see if she has approval before going further.
BILLIE
Just our feet okay?
SARAH
Okay mommy.
Boy has found another stick and brings it to Michael placing it at his feet. Boy looks up at Michael wagging his tail.
MICHAEL
Michael reaches down and picks up the stick. Boy starts jumping around with excitement and anticipation. Michael throws the stick just a bit further into the water than he intended. A crab has momentarily caught Boy's attention so he doesn't take off after the stick. The stick drifts with a wave. Seeing this Sarah starts to go after the stick. When Boy sees Sarah running he charges after her.
SARAH
I'll get it Daddy!
BILLIE
Sarah! No!
Billie is alarmed but it is too late as Sarah has already reached the stick.
FADE OUT
Ext.Water's Edge.Day
A wind has picked up and the waves are crashing close to shore. Just as Sarah reaches the stick a huge wave crashes over her and she disappears into the water. There is a strong riptide and quickly she is dragged out to sea. Her head bobs to the surface once, twice and then she is gone. Boy charges after her and swims in circles where she was last seen.
BILLIE
Sarah! Sarah! Oh god, god, god! Sarah! Michael! Michael! Do something!
MICHAEL
Sarah! No,no Sarah! Sarah!
Michael runs and dives into the water fully clothed and also gets caught in the riptide. He dips into the water a few times frantically searching for his daughter. Billie stands on the edge of the water with a horrified look on her face. Michael searches until he is exhausted and cold. He returns to shore shivering with shock. Boy is the last to return and sits at their feet looking out toward the water. Billie and Michael stand, staring out at the water in a complete state of shock.
DISSOLVE TO:
Int.Car.Day
Billie is driving on a long and barren freeway somewhere in the great northwest.
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