The Curse of the Pasuk

THE CURSE OF THE PASUK

FADE IN:

A TRIBAL VILLAGE 100 MILES OUTSIDE OF QUITO, EQUADOR- DAY TIME.

A WOMAN IN RED TRIBAL CLOTHING IS ALONE AND STARTS CHANTING... SHE IS CLEARLY UPSET AND SLOWLY GROWS MORE HYSTERICAL AS HER VOICE BECOMES LOUDER.

CAMERA SLOWLY STARTS BACKING UP AS SHE GETS LOUDER AND SCENES START PULLING AWAY FASTER AND FASTER UNTIL IN A FLASH WE'RE IN A SUBURBAN HOUSE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF NEW YORK CITY.

A MODESTLY PRETTY WOMAN NAMED ELIZABETH, IN HER LATE THIRTIES IS CUTTING VEGETABLES IN HER KITCHEN. SHE SEEMS EXTREMELY HAPPY AND NERVOUS AT THE SAME TIME. HER CAT JUMPS UP ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER AND SHE QUICKLY PUSHES HIM OFF.

ELIZABETH
That's not for you kitty.

GUS, THE CAT, STARTS RUBBING AGAINST HER LEG AND CAUSES ELIZABETH TO BECOME ANNOYED AND KICK IT AWAY. THE CAT IS PERSISTANT AND WILL NOT LEAVE HER ALONE.

ELIZABETH
Daniel come and get Gus will you?!

A LITTLE BOY ABOUT 8 YEARS OLD WITH TOUSLED HAIR RUNS INTO THE KITCHEN AND SCOOPS UP THE CAT.

DANIEL
Come on Gustopher... lets go play

THE CAT JUMPS OUT OF DANIEL'S ARMS AND BRUSHES AGAINST ELIZABETH'S LEG, STARTLING HER AND CAUSING HER TO ACCIDENTALLY CUT HER HAND WITH THE KNIFE SHE IS HOLDING.

ELIZABETH
Gosh darn it... you stupid cat. Daniel PLEASE get him out of the kitchen.

ELIZABETH QUICKLY GRABS THE DISH TOWEL TO STOP THE BLEEDING JUST AS THE DOORBELL RINGS. SHE WALKS TO THE DOOR EXTREMELY STRESSED AND OPENS IT TO SEE HER ENTIRE EXTENDED FAMILY BURST INTO THE ROOM. LOTS OF SIDE CHATTER ERUPTS. ELIZABETH'S MOTHER-IN-LAW, JUDY IS THE FIRST TO SPEAK TO HER, A MOTHERLY PLUMP WOMAN WHO IS EXTREMELY LOQUACIOUS AND VERY SELF-CENTERED.

JUDY
Oh darling, isn't it fabulous... Jacob is returning today! Aren't you positively excited? I am so thrilled... I just had to call up the entire family. I know its short notice but we want to see Jacob and, well, I brought quiche. Now where is Daniel, I want to see my grandson now. Daniel?!!

ELIZABETH SEEMS QUITE OVERWHELMED AND TAKEN ABACK, NOT EXPECTING HER FAMILY TO BE THERE. DANIEL RUNS INTO THE ROOM.

DANIEL
Granny!!!! What did you bring me?

ELIZABETH
Danny... now mind your manners. Now you're grandmother came to see your dad, not to bring you presents.

JUDY
Oh of course I did!! He is my most favorite grandson.

DANIEL
I'm your only grandson.

8 LITTLE GIRLS COME RUNNING INTO THE ROOM... ALL DIFFERENT SIZES AND AGES. THEY ARE CHASING THE CAT AROUND AND IT ESTABLISHES THAT DANIEL IS THE ONLY GRANDSON IN THE FAMILY. JUDY GIVES DANIEL A HANDFUL OF SWEETS

DANIEL
Wow! Thanks Grandma.

DANIEL RUNS INTO THE OTHER ROOM, ELIZABETH CALLS AFTER HIM.

ELIZABETH
Don't go eating that now, Danny, save room for dinner!

DANNY
Okay mom!

JUDY
Now, Elizabeth, isn't Jacob flying in around five o'clock?

ELIZABETH
Yes, JOe is picking him up from the airport after...

JUDY (interrupting)
Oh good, I'm glad we made it in time. Traffic was horrid on the way over and I was worried my quiche would get cold. You'd better stick it in the oven anyways, just to make sure.

JUDY WALKS AROUND THE ROOM. SHE HAS A COMMANDING AND NOSY PRESENCE. SHE PICKS UP PHOTOS FROM THE MANTEL. ELIZABETH GOES TO THE BATHROOM TO PUT ON A BANDAID. SHE TAKES A DEEP BREATH WHILE LOOKING IN THE MIRROR AND APPEARS TO BE COLLECTING HERSELF. JUDY APPEARS SUDDENLY IN THE BATHROOM DOORWAY WITH A FRAMED PICTURE.

JUDY
Oh, is this from your trip to Virginia last year?

ELIZABETH
Yes, that was right before Jacob left for Ecuador. (long pause) It's been almost 7 months...it's felt like 7 years. (More to herself than to Judy) Letters and telephone calls can only do so much to comfort the soul.

JUDY
I miss him too, dear.

AWKWARD SILENCE, THE WOMEN ARE UNUSED TO CONVERSING ON THIS LEVEL. ELIZABETH TRIES TO PUT ON THE BANDAID, A TEAR ROLLS DOWN HER CHEEK. JUDY MOVES TO GIVE HER A HUG, BUT ELIZABETH STRAIGHTENS AND ADOPTS A MORE BRISK ATTITUDE.

ELIZABETH
I need to finish dinner, they'll be here soon.

JUDY LOOKS REJECTED FOR A SECOND, BUT THEN SHE RETURNS QUICKLY TO HER CHEERFUL SELF, NOT REALLY UNDERSTANDING THE PAIN THAT ELIZABETH IS FEELING. ELIZAZBETH GOES BACK TO THE KITCHEN AND CONTINUES TO COOK DINNER. THE FOCUS GOES BACK TO DANIEL, AS HE IS PLAYING IN THE LIVING ROOM WITH HIS COUSINS. THE CHILDREN ARE DIVIDING UP THE CANDY BETWEEN THEM AND THEN DECIDE TO PLAY HIDE AND GO SEEK. THE WHOLE TIME THE CAT IS STARING AT THEIR GAME... LURKING AROUND THE ROOM.

DANIEL
One for you, one for you, one for you, and one for me. (as he hands out the candy) Alright what do you guys want to play?

COUSIN #1
Lets play house and we can have a tea party?!

DANIEL
NO WAY! I'm a boy... that stuff is for girls.

ALL THE GIRLS GIGGLE... KNOWING THAT DANIEL WOULD NOT EVER GIVE IN.

COUSIN#2
Then what should we play? I'm bored... so what do you want to do?

DANIEL
Let's go play hide and seek.

ALL AT ONCE THE GIRLS YELL
Not it!!!

THEY ALL SCATTER THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE, LEAVING DANIEL TO BE THE SEEKER.

COUSIN#3
Count to 50 and don't you dare peek!

THROUGH ALL THE COMOTION THE CAT COMES AND SITS WITH DANIEL WHILE HE COVERS HIS EYES AND COUNTS TO 50... NOT REALLY SAYING ALL THE NUMBERS SO THAT HE CAN FIND HIS COUSINS SOONER. THE WHOLE TIME THE CAT IS WATCHING HIS EVERY MOVEMENT AND THE CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON THE CATS EYE'S. A WOMAN IN A RED DRESS IN REFLECTED IN THE CAT'S EYES FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. POV CAT: WATCHING DANIEL.

DANIEL
one, two, three, four, five...

DANIEL PEEKS TO SEE IF ANYONE IS STILL IN THE ROOM

DANIEL
fourteen, seventeen, twenty... FIFTY!!! Ready or not here I come!

EXT APARTMENT CAR PULLS UP. INT CAR JACOB AND BROTHER-IN-LAW, JOE A 40 SOMETHING MALE WHO IS SLIGHTLY OVERWEIGHT AND IS REALLY SERIOUS AND DOWN TO EARTH. HE IS OBVIOUSLY WORRIED ABOUT JACOB BECAUSE THE WHOLE CAR RIDE THERE HAS BEEN SILENCE. JACOB IS STARING OUT THE WINDOW, OBLIVIOUS TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE HOME. HE IS IN ANOTHER WORLD.

JOE
Jake, we're here.

JACOB STILL HASN'T ACKNOWLEGED THAT HE HAS HEARD A WORD THAT JOE HAS SAID.

JOE
Jacob? You haven't said a word since you've gotten off the plane. What's wrong? You seem really different.

JACOB
Huh? Oh sorry... what did you say?

JOE
I said that you've been acting weird. What's the matter... Aren't you excited to be home, to see Liz and Daniel he's grown so much. I mean for god's sake you haven't seen your family in seven months.

JACOB
I'm just a little overwhelmed. Its so different now, its all so very different now.

STILL HE STARES OFF INTO NOWHERE, JOE SEEMS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WITH JACOB. THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE IS QUICKLY SWUNG OPEN AS JUDY COMES OUT OF IT WITH AN ESTATIC LOOK ON HER FACE. SHE RUNS TO THE CAR DOOR AND OPENS IT UP, SHE PULLS JACOB OUT AND GIVES HIM A WARM MOTHERLY HUG

JUDY
My boy!! I missed you so much, its just been way to long. Oh my your just skin and bones... they must of starved you over there. We'll take care of that! Elizabeth is in the kitchen and we're cooking up a welcome home dinner for you.

THE SOUND OF HIS WIFE'S NAME MAKES JACOB SNAP OUT OF HIS DAY DREAM AND HE COMES BACK TO REALITY. HIS MOTHER IS SQUEEZING HIM VERY TIGHT AND FINALLY JACOB HUGS HER BACK.

JOE
Mother let him breathe!

THE WHOLE FAMILY RUSHES OUT TO GREET JACOB, KNOWING FULL WELL IF THEY WELCOMED JACOB BEFORE JUDY SHE WOULD HAVE A FIT. THERE IS MUCH COMOTION OUTSIDE AND IN THE CORNER YOU CAN SEE ELIZABETH LOOKING OUT THE KITCHEN WINDOW. JACOB AND HER MAKE EYE CONTACT AND HE PAUSES FOR A MOMENT TO LOOK AT HER. ANOTHER AUNT GIVES HIM A HUGE WET KISS AND AGAIN HE IS DISTRACTED. INT. THE KITCHEN ELIZABETH FINISHES MAKING DINNER FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY THAT CAME. SHE WIPES A TEAR FROM HER CHEEK AND MOVES ON WITH THE PROCESS. JACOB SOMEHOW MANAGES TO GET AWAY FROM THE MASS OF FAMILY THAT GREETED HIM AND SLOWLY WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN... HE PAUSES A MOMENT NOT KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY WHEN OUT FROM BEHIND HIM DANIEL COMES RUNNING UP TO HIM.

DANIEL
Daddy! Daddy!

ELIZABETH QUICKLY TURNS AROUND AND SEE HER HUSBAND STANDING THERE, HUGGING THEIR SON. SHE RUNS UP AND EMBRACES JACOB. CAMERA FOCUS ON JACOB'S FACE. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG BUT AS SOON AS THE EMBRACE STOPS HE LOOKS INTO HIS WIFE'S EYES AND PRETENDS TO SMILE.

ELIZABETH
Your home... you're really here.

SCENE AT THE DINNER TABLE. JACOB IS AT THE HEAD OF THE TABLE AND ELIZABETH AND DANNY ARE AT HIS SIDE. JUDY IS AT THE HEAD OF THE OTHER SIDE AND ACTING BOUISTROUS AND LOUD AS USUAL. JOE CLINKS HIS GLASS WITH HIS FORK AND ALL ACCEPT ARE QUIET.

JUDY
And my quiche is... (she notices all is quiet and staring at her) oh were you going to say something dear?

EVERYONE LAUGHS AT HER AND JOE LOOKS RATHER ANNOYED AT HIS MOTHER.

JOE
I would like to propose a toast to our returning hero. Jacob we missed you and are glad you’re safe back home with us.

EVERYONE (cheers)

JUDY
here, here.

NEXT SCENE. ELIZABETH IS CLEANING UP AFTER ALL HER RELATIVES. IT IS DARK OUT AND SHE SEEMS EXTREMELY WORN OUT. SHE CREEPS DOWN THE HALL AND CHECKS IN ON DANIEL WHO IS SPRAWLED ON HIS BED FAST ASLEEP. SHE GIVES HIM A KISS ON HIS FOREHEAD AND TUCKS HIM IN TO BED. SHE THEN GOES AND LOOKS AT THE FAMILY PICTURE ON THE MANTEL AND IN THE BACKGROUND YOU CAN HEAR JACOB GETTING READY FOR BED. SHE CASTS A FORLORN LOOK TOWARD THE NOISE IN THE BEDROOM. SHE GOES BACK TO LOOKING AT THE PICTURE AND RUBS HER THUMB ACROSS HIS FACE AND TAKES THE DUST OFF.

JACOB (whispering)
Are you coming to bed?

ELIZABETH
Just a minute.

SHE WALKS INTO THE ROOM AND GOES TO LYE IN THE BED WITH JACOB. THEY SEEM EXTREMELY AKWARD BECAUSE ITS BEEN SO LONG SINCE THEY HAVE SEEN EACH OTHER.

JACOB
Danny has really grown.

ELIZABETH
Yes... he’s beginning to look a lot like you.
AKWARD SILENCE BETWEEN THE TWO... THEY SEEM TO HAVE A LOT TO SAY BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START.

JACOB
What’s the matter?

ELIZABETH
It just seems strange between us two. You know today didn’t go exactly how I planned it to. It was just going to be me and you.

JACOB
well its just us now.

THEY EMBRACE EACHOTHER AND HE TAKES MOMENT AND STARES INTO HER FACE. HE RUNS HIS FINGERS THROUGH HER HAIR AND SHE SMILES AT HIM.

CAMERA ANGLE AT THE MOON... ESTABLISHES TIME HOURS HAVE PASSED. ELIZABETH IS SOUND ASLEEP IN JACOB’S ARMS. JACOB IS STILL AWAKE, OBVIOUSLY CONTEMPLATING SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN BOTHERING HIM. SUDDENLY THE DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND IN WALKS THE CAT. THE MOONLIGHT EERIELY REFLECTED INTO THE CAT’S EYES. THE CAT JUMPS ON THE BED AND JACOB LOOKS BACK AT HIS WIFE. FADE OUT.

NEW SCENE. ELIZABETH IS AT WORK TYPING IN HER CUBICLE, PUTTING IN HER DAILY NUMBERS. HER BOSS PAGES HER AND CALLS HER IN FOR A PRIVATE MEETING.

BOSS
Will you please come to my office, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH
Just a minute, I need to finish these figures.

BOSS
No, I need you promptly.

ELIZABETH
Alright I will be right there

CAMERA ANGLE FOLLOWING HER AND SHE TALKS TO PEOPLE ON THE WAY THERE, FOCUSING ON THE FACT THAT SHE IS OBLIVIOUS TO WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.

ELIZABETH
Mark, can you please drop these off at the mail room on your way.

MARK
Sure liz.

ELIZABETH
Hey Anita do you want to take lunch after this?

ANITA
Yeah, I’ll meet you in the lobby at 12.

ELIZABETH FINALLY REACHES HER BOSS’S OFFICE AND HE IS TALKING ON THE PHONE. SHE RAPS ON THE DOOR AND HE WAVES HER IN AND POINTS TO THE SEAT.

BOSS
Yes, I’m taking care of it right now. I’ll call you afterwards Jim.

HE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND TURNS TO LOOK AT ELIZABETH VERY SERIOUSLY. THE SMILE ON HER FACE FADES.

BOSS
Elizabeth, we need to talk.

ELIZABETH (nervously)
What seems to be the problem sir?

BOSS
There has been some speculation regarding the Watson incident. We have estimated that the company lost over $30,000 in this case that you were working on.

ELIZABETH
Well we’ve already reviewed this sir and it was made clear that I was not entirely at fault, the stock market is not doing so well these days.

BOSS
Finances are tight and Jim is breathing down my neck. We can’t afford any more losses. I’m sorry Liz but we can’t keep you.

ELIZABETH
I’m sorry... you mean I’ve fired?

BOSS
Yes. You’ll need to be out by the end of the day.

ELIZABETH
Yes sir.

ELIZABETH SLOWLY WALKS OUT OF THE OFFICE IN A DAZE. SHE IS COMPLETELY BEWILDERED AND DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHAT JUST HAPPENS TO HER. PEOPLE FROM THE OFFICE TRY TO TALK TO HER BUT SHE DOESN’T HEAR THEM.

MARK
Liz, hey Liz!

ANITA
Hey what did the boss want.. Liz??

ELIZABETH CONTINUES TO WALK STRAIGHT OUT OF THE OFFICE AND GOES TO HER CAR AND STARTS SOBBING.

NEW SCENE. ELIZABETH ARRIVES AT HOME AND PULLS OUT A KEY TO OPEN THE DOOR TO THE HOUSE. SHE WALKS INSIDE THE HOUSE, STILL VERY OVERWHELMED AT THE EVENTS THAT JUST TOOK PLACE. THE CAT WALKS BY THE DOOR AND STILL IN A STATE OF SHOCK ELIZABETH TRIPS ON IT AND THE CAT RUNS AWAY. SHE BANGS HER HEAD ON THE TABLE NEXT TO HER ON HER FALL.

ELIZABETH
oh dang it!

SHE HOLDS HER BANGED UP HEAD AND JACOB WALKS IN THE ROOM.

JACOB
Hey Liz, I thought I heard your voice.

HE NOTICES THAT SHE IS BANGED UP AND SEEMS VERY UPSET.

JACOB
Oh my gosh, what happened to you.

ELIZABETH
I tripped over the stupid cat. Jake... I had the worst day ever, I lost my job.

JACOB (shocked)
What? I don't believe it. What happened?

ELIZABETH
I just don't get it. I thought everything was fine, it was a normal day and I was just about to leave for lunch and then my boss calls me in and fires me. Just because of a case that I was on long ago... it wasn't even my fault.

JACOB
I'm so sorry... that's so strange. Just last week you were going to get a promotion, I mean at least thats what you said over the phone.

ELIZABETH
I'm just so shocked... Jacob what are we going to do? You don't get paid much money as a missionary and my job was basically our sole income.

JACOB
Don't worry Liz, we'll find a way.

ELIZABETH
We? But don't you have to go back to Ecuador soon? They need you back there.

JACOB PAUSES FOR A MOMENT AND FINALLY SEEMS TO RESOLVE THE TERMOIL IN HIS HEAD.

JACOB
I'm not going back. My family needs me now.

THEY BOTH EMBRACE ON THE FLOOR AND ALL SEEMS MUCH BETTER BETWEEN THE TWO. THE CAT SLOWLY PASSES BY THE COUPLE... STARING AT THEM INTENSELY.

NEW SCENE. AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE. CAMERA FOCUS IN ON ELIZABETH POURING OVER THE PAPER IN FRONT OF HER. THE TOP OF THE NEWSPAPER READS "THE WANT ADS." ELIZABETH HAS A HIGHLIGHTER IN HER HAND AND IS CIRCLING AND CROSSING OUT DIFFERENT JOBS THAT APPEALED TO HER. SHE SEEMS QUITE DISTRAUGHT. DANIEL COMES INTO THE KITCHEN IN HIS PAJAMAS LOOKING VERY SLEEPY.

DANIEL
Mommy I'm hungry. What's for breakfast?

ELIZABETH GLANCES AT THE CLOCK WHICH READS 9:30. SHE SUDDENLY BECOMES EXTREMELY FRANTIC.

ELIZABETH
Oh my goodness Danny, you're late for school. I'm so sorry darling, hurry up and get some clothes on and get your backpack.

DANNY RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM WHILE ELIZABETH RUNS AROUND GRABBING DANNY'S LUNCH AND A LITTLE BREAKFAST FOR HIM ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL. SHE SEARCHES FOR THE KEYS AND HAS TO LOOK MULTIPLE PLACES TO FIND THEM. DANNY COMES BACK INTO THE ROOM LOOKING EXTREMELY DISHEVELED. HIS SHIRT IS ON BACKWARDS AND HIS SHOES UNTIED.

DANNY
I'm ready mommy.

ELIZABETH NOTICES HIS BACKWARD CLOTHING AND STARTS LAUGHING.

ELIZABETH
Why don't I help you with that now.

ELIZABETH TIES HIS SHOES AS DANNY REARRANGES HIS SHIRT SO ITS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. AS THEY GO OUT THE DOOR SHE WRITES A QUICK NOTE AND MAGNETS IT TO THE FRIDGE.

NEW SCENE. JACOB WAKES UP AND ROLLS OUT OF BED. HE LOOKS TO ELIZABETH'S SIDE OF THE BED AND REALIZES THAT SHE HAS ALREADY LEFT. HE SLEEPILY WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN AND NOTICES THAT THE KITCHEN IS A MESS. HE WALKS UP TO THE FRIDGE DOOR AND READS THE NOTE FROM LIZ.

ELIZABETH
"Jake, I'm dropping off Danny at school and then going to try and find a job. I'll probably be home in time for dinner. Remember to pick up Danny from school. Have a good day, I love you. -Liz"

NEW SCENE. ELIZABETH AND DANIEL ARE IN THE CAR RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. DANNY LOOKS OVER AT HIS MOTHER.

ELIZABETH
Bye Danny... have a good day at school.

DANIEL
Bye mommy.

DANIEL STARTS TO OPEN THE DOOR.

ELIZABETH
Hey now you forgot something.

ELIZABETH POINTS HER FINGER TO HER CHEEK.

DANIEL
aw mom...

DANIEL HESITATES FOR A MOMENT AND THEN GIVES HIS MOM A QUICK KISS BEFORE RUNNING OFF INTO THE SCHOOL.

DANIEL
bye mom!

ELIZABETH WAITS UNTIL DANIEL IS IN THE DOOR AND THEN DRIVES OFF.

NEW SCENE. JACOB WALKS INTO THE CHURCH AND SITS IN A PEW. HE LOOKS EXTREMELY DISTRAUGHT AND THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING VERY WRONG. HE STARES AT THE CROSS AT THE CENTER AISLE. BEHIND HIM A MAN COMES IN. HE IS ABOUT THE SAME AGE AS JACOB AND IS IN PRIEST'S CLOTHING. HE TOUCHES JACOB'S SHOULDER AND HE JUMPS NOT KNOWING ANYONE WAS THERE.

PASTOR
Jacob, it's nice to see you. I'm so sorry I made you jump.

JACOB
oh it's alright...

PASTOR
Please tell me how the mission efforts have been in Ecuador. I know that you have started building a church there.

JACOB
They have been going well.

PASTOR
How was Paco? Was he helpful?

JACOB
More than helpful... he found me a local family in which I could stay with.

PASTOR
How very kind of them. Who are these people that you stayed with?

FLASHBACK TO JACOB'S STAY IN EQUADOR. HE IS GREETED IN THE AIRPORT BY PACO, A YOUNG SPANISH MAN IN WESTERN CLOTHES AND A HEAVY ACCENT. HE RUNS UP TO JACOB AND SHAKES HE HAND FERICOUSLY.

PACO
You are Mr. Wells, yes? Good to meet you, we been waiting for long time for you to help church. I am Paco.

PACO GRABS JACOB'S BAGS WITH A HUGE GRIN ON HIS FACE.

JACOB
Thank you Paco, but really you can call me Jake.

PACO
Yes, Mr. Wells. I have found good place for you to stay with good family.

NEW SCENE. DRIVING UP A DIRT ROAD PACO AND JACOB ARE RIDING IN AN OLD RUSTY TRUCK. THEY PULL UP NEXT TO A THATCH ROOFED HOUSE AND PACO WALKS RIGHT INSIDE THE DOOR.

PACO
Anybody home?

JACOB UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO, RELUCTANTLY WALKS IN BEHIND PACO. AS HE WALKS IN THE HOUSE HE IMMEDIATELY NOTICES MULTIPLE PICTURES OF CATS. HE SMILES TO HIMSELF AND SEES A PLUMP WOMAN TALKING ANIMATEDLY TO PACO. AS THEY TALK A BEAUTIFUL SPANISH WOMAN IN RED CLOTHING SILENTLY ENTERS THE ROOM. JACOB NOTICES HER RIGHT AWAY AND IS TAKEN ABACK BY HER BEAUTY.

PACO
Mr. Wells this is Juanita and Eva.

EVA WALKS UP TO JACOB TO SHAKE HIS HAND BUT LINGERS AND KEEPS HER HANDS CLASPED IN HIS THERE FOR AN EXTREMELY LONG TIME.

EVA
It is nice to finally meet you Mr. Wells. I hope you stay with us for very long time.

SCENE BACK TO THE CHURCH. THE PASTOR IS WATCHING JACOB. JACOB LOOKS BACK AT THE PASTOR AND WITH A FORLORN LOOK ON HIS FACE.

JACOB
Can I be truthful with you? I am so torn apart right now.

PASTOR
You know you can speak to me about anything

JACOB
In this family that I stayed with there was this woman I met, Eva... we almost... well I just was attracted to her and I know she was to me. The whole time I knew it was wrong.

PASTOR
So what happened with you and her?

JACOB
Nothing... we kissed once. And I knew that I couldn't do it. I thought of Elizabeth and I couldn't bare my life without her and I knew Eva meant nothing to me. So I left and I vowed that I would never go back. Eva was furious, but I knew it was the right choice. But honestly I still feel guilty. I feel that I have dishonored the name of all missionaries before me.

PASTOR
Jacob, we all go under temptations at some point of our life, even I have. That does not make you any less of a man. What really matters is that you came back and you did not continue to see this other woman.

JACOB
But how can I live with myself now? I feel guilty for even thinking about being with Eva.

PASTOR MIKE
You need to ask forgiveness not only from Elizabeth but to God.

NEW SCENE. ELIZABETH IS WALKING TO HER CAR WITH A DISSAPOINTED LOOK ON HER FACE. SHE OPENS THE DOOR AND TAKES THE NEWSPAPER IN HER HAND AND THE CAMERA SHOT IS ON THE NEWSPAPER, ALL IS CROSSED OUT EXCEPT FOR ONE JOB. SHE TAKES THE MARKER AND CROSSES IT OUT. SHE STARTS THE CAR AND BEGINS DRIVING. ELIZABETH SEEMS VERY DISTRACTED AND THE CAMERA FOCUSES IN ON THE SPEDOMETER DISPLAYING THAT SHE IS DRIVING TOO FAST. SUDDENLY OUT OF NOWHERE A BLACK CAT COME OUT OF NOWHERE IN THE ROAD AND HISSES AT THE CAR. ELIZABETH IS COMPLETELY CAUGHT OFF GUARD AND SWERVES INTO THE DARK. ALL IS BLACKED OUT AND YOU HEAR AN EAR PIERCING SCREAM FOLLOWED BY A CRASH.

INT: JACOB’S OFFICE AT THE CHURCH. THERE ARE TWO COMPUTERS IN THE ROOM. ON IS BY THE DOOR, HIS IS AT THE BACK WALL. HIS TELEPHONE RINGS ONCE BUT HE CONTINUES TO TYPE ON HIS COMPUTER. HE IS OBVIOUSLY TIRED, EXHAUSED, AND WORRIED FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT WITH ELIZABETH PUT IN THE HOSPITAL. THE TELEPHONE RINGS A SECOND TIME AND HE STILL TYPES ON, HE DOESN’T USUALLY REVEIVE PHONE CALLS AT WORK. THE THIRD TIME THE PHONE RINGS HE ANSWERS IT, PICKING THE RECIEVER UP SLOWLY. MUSIC BEGINS AT PIANISSIMO.

JACOB
Hello?

LONG PAUSE. WE CANNOT HEAR WHAT IS BEING SAID ON THE OTHER LINE. BUT WE CAN SEEE WORRY AND FEAR GROWING ON JACOB’S FACE. MUSIC GETS LOUDER AS THE PERSON IS EXPLAINING THE SITUATION TO JACOB AND AS HE GETS A MORE AND MORE WORRIED EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE. HE HANGS HIS HEAD, SHAKES HIS HEAD, AND BRINGS HAND TO FOREHEAD AND RUBS IT. MUSIC HALTS WHEN JACOB BEGINS TALKING AGAIN.

JACOB
Okay. PAUSE. Okay, I’ll be there in a minute. Thank you. PAUSE. Bye.

JACOB SNATCHES HIS KEYS, LEAVING HIS COMPUTER ON. HE RUNS TO THE DOOR WHERE HIS COAT IS HANGING OVER A CHAIR. HE DRAPES THE COAT OVER HIS ARM AND RUNS OUT THE DOOR, THE CAMERA ANGLE DOES NOT FOLLOW HIM OUTSIDE. HE DOES NOT LOCKING THE CHURCH, AND TAKES OFF IN HIS CAR, CAMERA ANGLE IS LOOKING THROUGH THE FRONT ALL-GLASS DOORS. CAMERA SHOT NOW ON PHONE, IT RINGS A FEW TIMES AND THE ANSWERING MACHINE COMES ON.

ANSWERING MACHINE (JACOB)
Hello, you’ve reached Jacob’s office. I am unable to take your call so just leave a message after the beep. Beep.

INT: JACOB’S CAR. HE IS TROUBLED. HIS GRIPS THE STEERINGWHEEL HARD AND WRINGS IT. FOCUS ON HIS FACE; A TEAR COMES DOWN HIS CHEEK. FADE OUT AND INTO JACOB AT HOME AT HIS SON’S DOOR, LOOKING AT HIM AS HE SLEEPS. SCENE GRADUALLY FADES TO INT: ECUADORIAN HUT, HE IS LOOKING THROUGH THE DOORWAY AT EVA IN HER RED DRESS AS SHE IS WALKING TOWARD HIM. FADE OUT AND INTO EXT: DANIEL’S SCHOOL. JUDY IS PICKING DANIEL UP IN HER MINIVAN.

JUDY (YELLING OUT THE OPENED PASSENGER WINDOW)
Daniel! Daniel, over here!

DANIEL RUNS OVER TO THE OPENED PASSENGER WINDOW. HE PUTS HIS HANDS ON THE WINDOW FRAME AND COUGHS.

DANIEL
Where’s dad?

A LOOK OF WORRY AND FEAR FILLS HER. SHE KNOWS THAT ELIZABETH GOT IN AN ACCIDENT BUT DANIEL DOESN’T. SO, AS NOT TO SCARE AND WORRY DANIEL, SHE LIES.

JUDY
He’s just busy at work Danny. Now hop in we have to get you ready for your soccer game.

DANIEL OPENS THE DOOR AND CLIMBS IN THE DAR LOOKING A BIT DISAPPOINTED. COUGHS A BIT AND HE BUCKLES UP.

DANIEL
But dad said that he’d come.

JUDY BEGINS TO DRIVE OFF.

JUDY
I know, I know. But, maybe he’ll be at the next game Daniel.

FADE OUT AND BACK INTO INT: JACOB’S CAR. HE HITS THE STEERING WHEEL IN FRUSTRATION. FADE OUT AND INTO EXT: SOCCER FIELD. DANIEL SCORES AND GRANDMA JUMPS UP AND CHEERS. ALL SOUNDS BECOMES INCREASINGLY MUFFLED AS DANIEL RUNS BACK DOWN FIELD TO GET INTO POSITION. MUSIC BEGINS. TEAMS BEGIN TO PLAY AGAIN. DANIEL RUNS AND THEM STARTS COUGHING. NOISES MUFFLE AND MUSIC GROWS. HE BUCKLES FORWARD AND PUTS HIS HANDS ON THE GROUND, COUGHING AND STRAINGING FOR BREATH. JUDY GETS UP AND RUNS TO THE DANIEL LYING DOWN ON THE FIELD. DANIEL’S COACH RUNS TO HIM TOO AND AS HE’S RUNNING YELLS TO THE CROWD.

DANIEL’S COACH
Somebody call an ambulance!

OVERHEAD SHOT BACKS AWAY. AMBULANCE SIRENS ARE HEAD JUST BEFORE FADE OUT AND INTO EXT: HOSPITAL, PARKING LOT. JACOB PULLS HIS CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT AND RUNS INTO THE HOSPITAL. FADE OUT.

FADE IN: BEEPING NOISE, JACOB LEANING OVER DANIEL’S BED. JUDY AND JOE ARE WITH JACOB IN THE ROOM. JACOB GOES TO SIT DOWN IN THE CHAIR BY WINDOW, FACING OUTSIDE. JOE FOLLOWS HIM AND PUTS HIS HAND ON HIS SHOULDER.

JOE
Everything’s going to be okay Jake.

JACOB
How do you know? How can you say such things with so much certainty?

JOE
Because I have hope.

JACOB
Hope? Where was hope when Liz was in the accident? Where was hope when Daniel was sick? Where was hope? Hope no longer exists. Never trust a hope. It is what brought us here. PAUSE. My family is fading; my life is falling to the ground in tiny pieces.

JOE
I don’t know how you do it.

JACOB
Do what?

JACOB TURNS TO LOOK AT HIS BROTHER.

JOE
You leave home to tell the people of Ecuador the word of God. That requires great hope. Your whole life has been based on hope, faith, and anticipation. If there is no anticipation, there is no reason for life. And life, my brother, is a gift we have been given.

JACOB IS UNSURE IF HE WANTS TO LISTEN TO THIS. HE JUST FEELS SO BETRAYED BY GOD.

JACOB
It is a gift that has been taken away from me Joe.

JOE
No it hasn’t! You still have it. Liz still has it. Daniel still has it!

FOCUS ON JACOB. THERE IS SILENCE FOR A WHILE.

JACOB
You’re right. You are right.

FADE OUT AND INTO INT: DANIEL’S ROOM LATER THAT NIGHT. JACOB AND DANIEL ARE ALONE. JACOB LEANS OVER HIM AT HIS BEDSIDE.

JACOB
Danny. GRABS HIS HAND WITH BOTH OF HIS. Where are you boy? JACOB LOOKS UP THEN BACK AT DANIEL. I don’t know if you’re right behind those eyes, those lovely eyes. LOOKS BACK OUT THE WINDOW. Or if you’re miles off. I just feel so alone Danny. I’ll see you tomorrow, son.

JACOB KISSES HIS SON ON THE FOREHEAD AND LEAVES THE ROOM, SHUTTING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. CAMERA SHOT FACING JACOB, BACKING UP DOWN HALL AND JACOB WALKS TOWARD IT, AND CONTINUES TO BACK UP AS JACOB TURNS INTO A ROOM. HE STANDS AT THE DOORWAY LOOKING IN ON HIS WIFE. FADE OUT.

FADE INTO SCENE WITH EVA IN RED DRESS IN THE HUT IN ECUADOR.

EVA
You’re really leaving?

JACOB
I have to. I have a family back hope. A wife and a son, both of whom I love dearly.

EVA
You won’t stay for me?

JACOB PUTS HIS HANDS ON HER SHOULDERS, THEIR EYES ARE FIXED TO EACHOTHER.

JACOB
There is no way… I have to return to New York tomorrow Eva.

EVA’S LOOKS DOWN, TAKING HER EYES OUT OF THE STARE JACOB. HER CAT BRUSHED AGAINST HER LEG. SHE LOOKS BACK UP AT JACOB.

EVA
I don’t understand Jacob. I thought that where I was, was where you wanted to be.

JACOB
I can’t. I could never do that to my family. Eva, it was a dream.

EVA
Yes. These past few months have been a dream. SHE LOOKS DOWN AND WALKS AWAY FROM HIM AND SITS IN ON THE BED BY THE WALL. SHE LOOKS BACK UP AT HIM. And the future with undoubtedly be a nightmare. And the worst kind at that. One of those that you are alone and everything around you just seems to fall to the ground.

JACOB WALKS TOWARD HER BUT KEEPS HIS DISTANCE.

JACOB
Things will fall apart if I stay.

EVA
Don’t you have to pack for tomorrow?

JACOB
Yes but…

EVA
I think it is time for you to go.

NEW SCENE. INT. A DIM, DUSTY DEN FILLED WITH BOOKS. A MIDDLE AGED MAN, HENRY, WITH A BOOKISH APPEARANCE HEARS A DOORBELL AND SETS DOWN HIS BOOK TO ANSWER.

HENRY
Jacob! It's so good to see you after all these years. I'm so glad you decided to call me. It seems you have a serious problem.

JACOB
I just can't understand why this is all happening. It can't be coincidence, can it? I need to find some answers.

HENRY
Please, come in.

THEY MOVE INTO THE DEN. HENRY SERVES JACOB TEA AND THEY SIT ON A MUSTY COUCH SHOVING ASIDE THE MANY BOOKS THAT ARE SCATTERED UPON IT.

HENRY
I read your e-mails with great interest, Jacob. I'm so sorry about your family. I hope they will have a speedy recovery.

JACOB
That's why I'm here. I fear that things will continue to get worse. I can't understand all this is happening by chance.

HENRY
Indeed. Such a pattern of events normally reveals a malevolent force.
JACOB
You mean someone is out to get me?

HENRY
More like something. Now when did all these horrible events start occurring?

JACOB
Right after I came back from Ecuador, things took a turn for the worse.

HENRY
That was my suspicion. Now tell me, in Ecuador, did you create any enemies? Would someone want to hurt you?

AWKWARD SILENCE. JACOB LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM. HE CLEARLY IS HIDING SOMETHING.

HENRY
Perhaps a woman...

JACOB
I never meant for it to happen. She was so persuasive.

HENRY
What was her name?

JACOB
Eva. She grew quite attached to me. It took me a while to realize that she wanted more than just a friendship. When I left she grew quite angry, especially because I chose my family over her.

HENRY
Have you ever heard of a Pasuk?

JACOB
A what?

HENRY GETS UP AND WALKS SLOWLY OVER TO A BOOKSHELF. HE FINDS A MUSTY VOLUME AND BRINGS IT OVER TO THE COUCH. AFTER A MOMENT OF SEARCHING HE SETS THE BOOK OPEN ON JACOB'S LAP.

HENRY
The Pasuk is an ancient tribal curse of South America. The creator of the curse chants an incantation to cast the spell. The receiver experiences a series of misfortunes that at first appear to be only bad luck. Soon they grow in frequency and intensity. The Pasuk can be indentified as the curse often takes the form of an animal. For instance, a bird, insect, cat, or dog.

JACOB
Wait, a cat?

HENRY
Yes, does that mean anything to you?

JACOB
Eva was very attached to cats. We have one as well, but we've had it for years.

HENRY
The pasuk can use any animal, no matter how loyal it was in the past.

JACOB
So how can the curse be stopped?

HENRY
The curse will not cease until the victim is dead.

JACOB
Is there no other way?

HENRY
The creator of the curse may retract the spell. However, this is very unlikely. They only other way to end the curse is if the maker is dead.

CAMERA FOCUSES ON JACOB'S FACE. HE LOOKS WORRIED, BUT THEN RESOLUTE AS HE SEEMS TO MAKE UP HIS MIND.


FADE IN. EXT. ECUADOR, THE WEATHER IS FOGGY, THREATENING RAIN. A BEATEN AND RUSTY TRUCK DRIVES UP A STEEP HILL AND STOPS WITH A HALT IN THE VILLAGE IN ECUADOR. VILLAGERS STOP AND STARE, BARE FOOTED CHILDREN RUN UP TO THE TRUCK. JACOB GETS OUT OF THE VEHICLE. HE LOOKS SAD AND WORN OUT. HE LOOKS AROUND FOR A FAMILIAR FACE. A YOUNG MAN, PACO, IN WESTERN CLOTHES WALKS UP TO HIM. HE SPEAKS WITH A STRONG SPANISH ACCENT

PACO
Mr. Wells! You did not tell us you were returning! What a surprise! I will tell Juanita we have a guest for dinner…

JACOB
(interrupting) No, I’m not staying long. But tell me, do you know where Eva is?

PACO
(looking confused) Eva? She just left to visit her cousin. But why do you want to find her?

JACOB
When? When did she leave?

PACO
Only a minute ago. She took the east road. (He points toward a path on the edge of the village)

JACOB
(JACOB puts his hand on PACO’s shoulder and runs toward the path) Thank you Paco!

JACOB RUNS DOWN THE PATH CALLING EVA’S NAME. THE FOG OBSCURS VISION. HE STOPS YELLING AND JUST RUNS AT FULL SPEED. SUDDENLY A BRIDGE LOOMS OUT OF THE MIST. IT IS MADE OF ROPE AND PLANKS AND SPANS A DEEP CHASM WITH RAPIDS BELOW. HE STOPS TO CATCH HIS BREATH AT THE TOP OF THE SLOPE THAT LEADS DOWN TO THE BRIDGE. HE NOTICES A WOMAN WEARING TRADITIONAL RED CLOTHING IS ABOUT TO CROSS THE BRIDGE.

JACOB
Eva!

EVA IS STARTLED AND WHIRLS AROUND. SHE FREEZES AND STARES AT JACOB IN DISBELIEF. SHE DOES NOT MOVE AS JACOB SLIDES DOWN THE EMBANKMENT TOWARD HER.

JACOB
Eva!
EVA
(Her words are choked, she appears ready to cry. She has a strong Spanish accent) Jacob! You came back!

EVA STARTS TALKING VERY QUICKLY IN SPANISH AND MOVES TO EMBRACE JACOB. HE PUSHES HER AWAY VIOLENTLY AND HOLDS HER AWAY FROM HIM. HER VOICE GROWS MORE HYSTERICAL AND SHE STARTS CRYING.

JACOB (yelling)
Stop it! Stop it! What did you do to her? My wife, my wife, oh Eva she’s dying! And Daniel? Eva, he's only a child. How could you hurt a child? How could you? Oh God! Elizabeth!

HE SHOVES HER AWAY PUTS HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS. EVA’S DEMEANOR HAS CHANGED AND SHE GROWS ANGRY.

EVA
No! She is nothing! She is why you left me! You broke my heart and now I will break yours!

JACOB
No, Eva, she’s my wife! Hurt me, but not her. Stop the curse!

EVA
No! The Pasuk will not stop until she is dead.

JACOB
Or unless you stop it! Please Eva! If you truly love me…

EVA
(in a low, venomous voice) You said you loved me.

EVA TURNS AND WALKS QUICKLY ONTO THE BRIDGE. IT SWAYS WITH HER MOTION. JACOB REACHES TO GRAB HER BUT SHE IS TOO FAST. HE FINALY CATCHES UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRIDGE.

JACOB
Eva, wait!

JACOB STARTS SHAKING HER AND YELLING IN HER FACE. SHE IS EQUALLY ANGRY AND FIGHTS AGAINST HIM. THE BRIDGE SWAYS DANGEROUSLY.

JACOB
Eva…the curse will end if the maker is dead!

EVA
You would never kill me!

EVA VIOLENTLY SHAKES OFF JACOB JUST AS THE BOARDS BENEATH HER CRACK. SHE FALLS THROUGH THE BRIDGE AND GRABS HOLD OF THE ROPES THAT WERE SUPPORTING THE BOARD. THEY ARE QUICKLY UNRAVELING AND CLEARLY ABOUT TO BREAK. JACOB INSTINCTIVELY REACHES TO HELP HER, BUT HE QUICKLY STOPS.

EVA
Jacob! Please!

EVA BEGINS PLEADING IN SPANISH FOR JACOB TO HELP HER. JACOB STARES AT EVA WITH COLD EYES. HE TURNS AND WALKS BACK TO THE BANK.

EVA (sobbing)
Jacob!

THE ROPE BREAKS. JACOB TURNS JUST IN TIME TO SEE HER FALL INTO THE RAPIDS BELOW. HER BODY CAN BE SEEN TOSSED OVER THE RAPIDS, THEN IT DISAPPEARS. JACOB STANDS SILENTLY WATCHING WHERE EVA VANISHED UNDER WATER. HE TURNS SLOWLY AND BEGINS TO TRUDGE BACK UP THE BANK.

EXT. VILLAGE. JACOB CAN BE SEEN SLOWLY WALKING BACK TOWARD THE CAR. PACO RUNS TOWARD HIM.

PACO
Mr. Wells! What is the matter? Did you find Eva? Are you alright?

JACOB
Let me be, Paco. Tell the driver that I’m ready.

PACO
So soon? But you’ve just arrived!

JACOB
Just go!

PACO LOOKS WORRIED AND GOES INTO A HUT. JACOB GETS IN THE CAR AND CLOSES HIS EYES. HE LOOKS EXHAUSTED AND IN GREAT EMOTIONAL PAIN. THE DRIVER EMERGES FROM THE HUT. PACO IS WITH HIM, AND HE POINTS AT THE CAR, CLEARLY MIMING THAT JACOB IS READY TO DEPART. THE DRIVER LOOKS UNHAPPY, BUT GETS IN THE CAR. THEY SLOWLY DRIVE BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN ROAD INTO THE MIST.

INT. ELIZABETH’S ROOM IN THE HOSPITAL. DANIEL HAS FALLEN ASLEEP ON THE CHAIRS IN THE ROOM. HIS HEAD RESTS IN JUDY’S LAP. THEIR CLOTHES ARE UNKEPT. IT IS CLEAR THEY HAVE BEEN CRYING AND HAVE NOT SLEPT MUCH. JUDY GAZES SADLY AT ELIZABETH, WHO LIES MOTIONLESS AND HAS A DEATHLIKE APPEARANCE. SHE LOOKS DOWN AT DANIEL. SHE SLOWLY GETS UP AND PLACES DANIEL’S HEAD ON THE CHAIR. SHE COVERS HIM WITH HER COAT AND EXITS THE ROOM. DANIEL WAKES UP DUE TO A CONVERSATION RIGHT OUSIDE THE ROOM BETWEEN TWO MALE HOSPITAL STAFF.

DOCTOR #1
Did Carrie ever bring those charts over to you?

DOCTOR #2
Yes, I got them this morning. Could you drop by later so I can get you the results?

DOCTOR #1
Sure, I’ll be by around seven.

THE DOCTORS PART, IGNORING THE OCCUPANTS OF ELIZABETH’S ROOM. DANIEL LOOKS AROUND SLEEPILY. HE GETS UP AND WALKS OVER TO ELIZABETH.

DANIEL
Mom?

HE STARES AT HER IN SILENCE FOR A MINUTE, THEN TAKES HER HAND. TO HIS ASTONISHMENT, SHE SQUEEZES HIS HAND. HE GIVES A START AT THIS UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT.

ELIZABETH
Is that you Jacob?

DANIEL IS SPEECHLESS FOR A MOMENT, THEN GROWS FRANTIC.

DANIEL
No! No, it’s me mom! It’s Daniel! Oh you’re awake!

ELIZABETH SLOWLY OPENS HER EYES. SHE APPEARS DISORIENTED, BUT MANAGES A WEAK SMILE.

ELIZABETH
Daniel…where’s Jacob? Where’s your father?

DANIEL IGNORES THE QUESTION AND REMEMBERS JUDY.

DANIEL
Gramma! Gramma! Mom’s awake! Gramma where are you?

JUDY HEARS HIS VOICE AS SHE COMES BACK FROM THE BATHROOM. SHE RUSHES INTO THE ROOM. SEEING ELIZABETH AWAKE JUDY SEEMS READY TO BURST INTO TEARS.

JUDY
Oh Elizabeth darling! Thank God!

JUDY CLASPS ELIZABETH’S HAND AND KISSES HER ON THE FOREHEAD. ELIZABETH SMILES AGAIN.

ELIZABETH
Judy…But where’s Jacob?

JUDY LOOKS APREHENSIVE. SHE IS NOT SURE IF SHE SHOULD TELL ELIZABETH THE TRUTH.

JUDY
He’s in Ecuador, dear.

ELIZABETH
Ecuador? But why?

DANIEL
Gramma! We gotta call dad!

JUDY
Of course! Will you be alright for a minute, Elizabeth? We must let Jacob know you’re alright!

ELIZABETH NODS AND CLOSES HER EYES AGAIN IN EXHAUSTION. JUDY USHERS DANIEL OUT OF THE ROOM TO THE PAY PHONE IN THE HALLWAY. HER HANDS ARE SHAKING AS SHE DEPOSITS THE COINS AND DIALS A LONG DISTANCE NUMBER.

EXT. JACOB’S TRUCK PULLS UP IN FRONT OF A WORN DOWN BUILDING. PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE WALLS. A HANDMADE SIGN IN FRONT ANNOUNCES IT IS AN OFFICE FOR CHRISTIANITY INTERNATIONAL. JACOB PAYS THE DRIVE AND SAYS SOMETHING IN SPANISH. HE JOINS SEVERAL OTHER MEN WHO ARE SITTING ON THE FRONT PORCH. JACOB LOOKS AT THE BUS SCHEDULE TACKED ON THE WALL AND SITS DOWN TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BUS. HE HEARS A PHONE RINGING SOMEWHERE IN THE BUILDING.


INT. A PHONE RINGS IN A MUSTY, CLUTTERED ROOM. THE WINDOWS HAVE NO GLASS. THROUGH THEM, A SMALL RUN DOWN TOWN CAN BE SEEN. RUSTY CARS LITTER THE STREET AND CHILDREN RUN BAREFOOT IN THE STREET. THE PHONE RINGS FIVE TIMES UNTIL A MAN FINALLY RUSHES INTO THE ROOM. HE IS MIDDLE AGED AND CLEARLY AS SCATTERBRAINED AS THE ROOM IS MESSY. HE IS BREATHLESS AS HE TALKS INTO THE PHONE.

MAN
Buenos Dias. Christianity International.

INT HOSPITAL. JUDY TALKS EAGERLY, DANIEL IS STRUGGLING TO HEAR WHO IS ON THE PHONE

JUDY
Is Jacob Wells available, please? It’s very important.

DANIEL
Is it dad, gramma?

JUDY
No, just a minute, dear.

INT. CHRISTIANITY INTERNATIONAL OFFICE.

MAN
Jacob Wells? He’s a missionary, right? Wait a sec, I’ll go ask around for him.

THE MAN WALKS OUT ON THE FRONT PORCH, LETTING THE SCREEN DOOR SLAM BEHIND HIM. HE CALLS THE MEN SITTING ON THE PORCH.

MAN
Anyone know a Jacob Wells?

JACOB LOOKS UP, SURPRISED.

JACOB
That’s me.

MAN
You’ve got a phone call. Follow me.

JACOB GETS UP TO FOLLOW THE MAN, LEAVING HIS BAGS BEHIND. HE EYES THE LOITERERS AND RETHINKS HIS DECISION. HE CARRIES HIS BAGS INTO THE BUILDING WITH HIM. THE MAN LEADS HIM TO THE PHONE.

MAN
Don’t be too long.

JACOB NODS AND PICKS UP THE PHONE

JACOB
Hello?

INT. HOSPITAL JUDY EXCITEDLY TALKS INTO THE PHONE

JUDY
Jacob? Jacob, is that you? It’s mother. I’ve got the most wonderful news!

DANIEL
Dad! Dad! Mom’s awake!

INT. CHRISTIANITY INTERNATIONAL. JACOB IS STUNNED. THE EXCITED VOICES CAN BE HEARD FAINTLY THROUGH THE PHONE LINE. JACOB COLLAPSES INTO A CHAIR BY THE DESK AND LISTENS, SPEECHLESS FOR A MINUTE. FINALLY HE SPEAKS, HIS VOICE FULL OF EMOTION.

JACOB
That’s wonderful mom! Oh thank God! Is she really alright? Can I speak with her…oh, I understand. Can I talk to Daniel?

INT HOSPITAL

DANIEL
Can I talk to dad, gramma? Can I? Please?

JUDY HANDS HIM THE PHONE

JUDY
Here, he wants to talk to you.

INT. CHRISTIANITY INTERNATIONAL. JACOB SITS UP IN THE CHAIR, GRINNING, AS HE HEARS DANIEL’S VOICE.

JACOB
Hey buddy! You take care of you mom until I get back, ok Daniel? Give her a hug for me and tell her I’ll be home soon. My work here is done. I’m coming home.



THE END