ACT 1. SCENE 1.

Mara is diagnosed.

INT. Mara's car / Doctor's office - AFTERNOON

MARA - 21, somewhat neurotic - sitting in her car with her knees pressed up against the steering wheel. Her car is messy with fast food trash on the floorboard, a sweater draped over the passenger seat, etc. In one hand is a pamphlet but what's written on it is hard to distinguish. The other hand holds her phone.

DOCTOR - 32, young, nervous - his voice can be heard on the other end of the line as he sits in his office. His desk is covered in dog-eared and bookmarked medical books. 

CU - Doctor's hands as he skims through the books

DOCTOR

We're honestly not sure where to begin with treatment options. It isn't common that your condition comes around. Despite this, we still want to run a few tests.

CU - Mara biting on her nails

MARA

Who are "we?"

CU - DOCTOR'S mouth as he responds

DOCTOR

I'm sorry?

MCU - Mara fidgeting in her seat

MARA

You said "we" earlier.

MCU - Doctor straightening himself in his chair

DOCTOR

Right. My colleagues and I. Those of us who plan on studying your condition. That is, if you don't mind.

MCU - Mara running her hands through her hair

MARA

Studying?

The shot stays on MARA as DOCTOR’S voice is heard. Gradual zoom in.

DOCTOR

Well, it's like I said earlier. Your condition isn't common. We need to look more into it. Run more tests and all. We need to know what we're working with. (Pause) What you are going through. Our entire staff is here for support.

WS - Mara's car, MARA visible through the driver's side window

MARA

Is this going to kill me?

DOCTOR

We're going to do everything we can for you.