Above the Dead, EP 2.2 "Piece of S**t"A Screenplay by Mike Decker Season 2, Episode 2 ABOVE THE DEAD . com Season
2, Episode 2 (52 pages) "Piece
of S**t" INTRO BLACK... DJ Hang in there, All-Star. Something tells me you'll get back on that ball field, someday. FADE
IN: FLASHBACK (day 1) EXT.
SIDE OF ROAD - NIGHT POV
through the side passenger mirror, of Eli, Scott, Rhett, and Amy… Cut
to DJ watching them through mirror, then smiling over at his mom (Jane),
driving the vehicle. She smiles back at him, placing hand on his shoulder, so
happy to have him safe... DISSOLVE
TO: EXT.
HOUSE (small town neighborhood) �" NIGHT An
elderly couple sitting on front porch (with lantern), with young girl (Renee,
11), as headlights shine over them. Jane parking car, as her and DJ climb out,
looking up at the porch. JANE What's wrong? Why are you outside? GRANDFATHER Their father
is inside. Jane
looks across the street, where an old van with plenty of small dents, is
parked. She turns just in time, to see her ex-husband (Don), coming out the
door, onto porch, obviously drunk... DON It's dark in there! Heeeyy, There's my beautiful ex-wife, and baby boy, DJ. It's like a happy freaking
family reunion up here! DJ
quick to reach his sister, and lead her past his dad, into the house. Don tries
to embrace his ex-wife, who dodges her way out of it. He stumbles a bit, as
Jane helps her parents back inside, and closes/locks door. It doesn't take long
for him to begin pounding on it. It also doesn't take DJ long, to open door,
and without hesitation, knock his dad directly in the face, as he falls back,
and down the steps. DJ Been wanting to do that ever since I can possibly remember. DJ
glances over at several army soldiers (with flashlights) walking by, who
witnessed the entire thing. An army jeep is driving a half block up, and
heading down the street. DJ looks back at the soldiers, who now stop at the
gate. You can't really see their faces, but one of them sounds familiar. FAMILIAR VOICE What's the problem here, son? DJ (nervous) No problem, sir. He's just... DJ's
grandfather and mother coming out. GRANDFATHER This is my home, sir, and this man is my
ex-son-in-law. He is not welcome here, but trying to force his way
in. FAMILIAR VOICE Is that true,
Ma'am? JANE It is. He's a drunk, and always has been. He's hurt us enough. Familiar
voice guy, gives his men a look, who then go to grab Don, and bring him to
familiar voice guy... FAMILIAR VOICE Life in the city goes to hell, and you just figure
you'll take advantage of your ex-in-laws, eh? (staring in
his face) My unit and I will be here throughout this
ordeal. I see or hear of you bothering these respectable people, and I won't be so nice the second time
around. Giving
his men a look, as they push Don away, and let him go. He stumbles toward his
van. GRANDFATHER Thank you, sir. FAMILIAR VOICE No problem, friend. GRANDFATHER So, you guys are here to help? How worried should we be? Familiar
voice guy steps into the yard, getting in a little closer to them. FAMILIAR VOICE Well, I won't sugarcoat it for you. This virus seems
like the worst one we've ever seen, at least the side
effects of it. A lot of paranoia out there, too. But I'm
confident we're all in the right place to be, far from the
city, and those who are sick... He
takes another step closer, into the light, revealing his face. FAMILIAR VOICE Well, you folks have a nice night. I'm Colonel
Ballard. Anything I can do for you, just ask. Colonel
Ballard smiles, and turns around... DISSOLVE
TO: THEME TUNE/CREDITS Shots of
all the chaos in the city, on day 1 of the “zombie” apocalypse, followed by bumper-to-bumper
traffic on the highways, and tons of angry/nervous people honking or trying to
pull off the road. Shot of Mt. Hood, followed by shots of a huge tree house
overlooking a lake, which dissolves into the Columbia River, and traveling down
it, through a huge forest fire, before reaching the Bonneville Dam. POV
continues down the river, past the Glen Jackson bridge, flowing by tons of
houseboats where the dead are falling into the river, chasing after whoever is
drifting by… POV of
the Willamette River as it goes under the St. Johns bridge, and up into the
hills of Portland. It travels over them, into the Beaverton area, crossing over
the top of the Nike World Headquarters, and keeps traveling over farmlands, and
into the coast range, finding the Glenwood Market, and a large camp with log
walls, across the creek and behind the store… POV
speeds over the Tillamook Forest, Highway 26, and a bunch of other lands,
before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, under the Megler bridge,
and into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the
Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of jetties, and following
through the channel between them. POV continues up into the nearby hills,
finding a large camp, protected by a large log wall… POV
travels back down to the shoreline, and over a huge hotel, with a shot of the
Twin Rocks in the ocean. POV travels by the bay of Tillamook, and along Highway
6, back into the coast range, until leaving the road, back into the Tillamook
Forest, until coming to a very large compound, hidden away by all the brush and
mountain-side, as opening credits roll… DISSOLVE
TO: (present time) EXT.
FISH'S GRAVESITE - DAY DJ
and Eli grunting, as Scott's body falls into hole. POV from hole, as DJ and Eli
begin shoveling dirt into hole... DJ,
Eli, and Sam all standing in front of Scott's grave, looking down at it. DJ
looks to Eli... DJ They must be so proud of you. Proud, Eli. Not at all disappointed... Proud... Dissolve
to DJ and Eli drying their hands and faces, after having washed up. Eli then
goes to table, finding some food to munch on. Sam sits on her bed, munching
with Renee... DJ I still can't believe everything you guys have been through, and in just two weeks. (looking at Eli) Feels like months since I last saw you, yet that half-day we spent together, felt like at least a
week. SAM Feels like I've known Eli my entire life, and life before, feels like a dream. DJ Your family and that compound you keep mentioning, sounds like a dream. And I know you want to wait for them, and the supplies
to survive here until then, is not really an issue, but with all the
trouble you've already had, and all that I've been through… I just don't
think it's safe to stay here and longer. ELI Tell her about your idea... DJ We've got enough gas, to use your dad's car to get there, we just don't know how clear the roads are going to be. If your family had trouble getting here, and
now getting back
here, it's possible they gave up on the quickest routes, and came around the mountain, or some other long way, and probably ran into major problems those ways, too. We have to do something different. So, we take the quickest route to the Columbia. From there we drive as far as we can, or get stuck, and then kayak our way to the city, if we have too. You've got one here, and between here and wherever we get, we're sure to find one more. SAM What do we do once we get to the city? DJ We can hit the mouth of the Willamette River, and soon after that we can kayak right into UPS's backyard. I've been working there since I graduated. They have trucks there, gassed up and ready to go. We can use back roads to reach Forest Grove. No idea what to expect from there, but we'll freaking hike the rest of the way, if we have to. Sam
not looking thrilled... DJ What? Forest Grove is not all that far, from where you say this compound is. ELI We can't stay here forever, Sam... SAM What if we leave and they show up? DJ That's why I agree that staying for at least a couple more days, is the right play. But, we have to be ready to split, on a moment's notice, if anyone dangerous shows up... It's the new way of the world... Dissolve
to DJ and Eli destroying the cabin door, more than it already was, and leaving
it wide open and halfway off the hinges. Eli begins breaking whatever windows
are still intact... DJ Anything we can do, to make it not look like the safe place for people to survive. DISSOLVE
TO: DJ,
Eli, Sam, and Renee all dragging dead huffs and soldiers, dumping them in the
parking lot area, where a ton of them already are... DJ
and Renee arrive at another body. DJ in shock as he takes notice of who it is. DJ Oh my God. ELI What? Sam
and Eli rushing over to him. DJ I know this man... POV
Colonel Ballard's lifeless body, with a shot to the head... ELI How? DJ He was a Colonel, and in charge of the outfit that took over my grandparent’s neighborhood. (looking at Sam and Eli) This is the guy who threatened you? Sam
walks over to the Colonel, looking down at his body, then simply spitting on
it, flipping it off, turning, and walking away... ELI Let me guess...that's what Zane would have done? (Eli helping DJ pick up the Colonel) I can't wait to meet that guy. Dissolve
Eli helping DJ pull a flat tire off of Fish's car, and placing on the spare... Dissolve
to DJ filling up Fish's car with gas/then driving it into the woods (kayak tied
down, on top), and parking in a safe hidden location... Dissolve
to DJ, Eli, Sam, and Renee all carving sticks into spears... Dissolve
to DJ, Eli, Sam and Renee, all working on filling backpacks with everything
they need, in case they have to leave in a hurry... Dissolve
to Eli, wide-eyed and focused with his bat, as he moves in on a huff. He breaks
it's arm with the bat, then begins walking backwards, leading it out of the
woods, and toward the cabin/parking area... Dissolve
to Eli, now in parking area, as DJ comes up behind the huff, placing rope
around its neck, and leading it toward a tree... Dissolve
to DJ and Eli, giving it their all, as they use the rope to raise the huff, halfway
up the tree, and tie it down. POV falls back, revealing the tree and hanging
huff, right where cars would roll in and park. DJ and all the others, stand
back and look at it... DJ Yeah, who's going to mess with us, now? DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
TREE HOUSE (boys room) - NIGHT Everyone
asleep...headlights come through the trees. Sam rises and runs to window. DJ
and Eli wake, rise and come to window. They all watch as the car stops, once
their headlights shine on the huff in the tree...they then peel away, and
quickly disappear... Sam disappointedly
goes back to her bed. DJ looks at Eli... DJ I still can't believe the huff in the tree was her
idea... ELI I can't believe you're already calling them huffs. They
walk back to their beds. Renee continues to sleep like a log... DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
CABIN KITCHEN - NIGHT DJ enters
kitchen, going straight for a certain cabinet. He reaches far back inside,
behind some random items, pulling out a bottle of liquor. He
takes a nice-sized swig. He then pours some into a glass, places bottle back,
closes cabinet, and leaves kitchen, while taking another swig... DISSOLVE
TO: EXT.
PIT - MORNING Two
huffs walking around in the pit, as DJ and Eli stand above, looking at them,
and then at each other... Dissolve
to afternoon, with DJ, Eli, Sam, and Renee in the parking area, standing back
and looking, as now 3 different huffs hang from trees... SAM Zane would be proud... DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
TREE HOUSE (boys room) - DAY Sam
and Renee sitting together in a bed, looking at a photo album. Bailey is in
Renee's lap. SAM I know, I take a lot of pictures of my dad and Zane, together. My Uncle Leo is jealous of how close they are. I love him, but he scares me… RENEE My dad used to scare me... Sam
just looking at Renee... SAM Why? RENEE He drank beer, a lot... Sam
just looking at her, waiting for more... But
Renee didn't say anymore... DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK - (day 2) INT.
DJ's PLACE - DAY Sound
of some kind of motor coming on, from outside, as DJ, his mom, and grandparents
all go to look out window... DJ You have to be kidding me... Their
POV of a neighbor in his yard, mowing the grass... DJ (OS) Guess he wants to have the best lawn of the
apocalypse? Cut
to Colonel Ballard and some of his men laughing, at the guy mowing his lawn... Dissolve
to DJ and the family on the porch, at night, with a lantern. The neighborhood
is very dark. Most
other neighbors are also on their porches, or in their yards, some even in the
street. They all seem to be watching/waiting for something. Suddenly,
the electricity comes back on, as the neighborhood lights up. Everyone begins
to cheer or applaud. Some are even dancing in the street. Some soldiers walk
into the street, quickly receiving handshakes and high-fives, and as more
soldiers enter the area, the people begin to chant... PEOPLE USA! USA!! USA!!! USA!!!! USA!!!!! DISSOLVE
TO: (day 3) EXT.
RANDOM DRIVEWAY (with basketball rim) - DAY Two nice-looking
young ladies, smiling/flirting, as several soldiers go by. One of the girls
(Emily, 20ish) and a certain soldier (Lamar, 20ish), share eye contact,
followed with a smile. The other girl (Heather, 20ish) is watching DJ, across
the street in his yard, carrying fire wood. She keeps watching him, as she
begins speaking to Emily. HEATHER I know you prefer a man in uniform, but that guy across the street is more intriguing than any of these soldiers. EMILY Who the hell needs intriguing, when the world is starting over? I myself feel safer with a guy who's packing…(looking at Heather) Hunters are sexy, right now. Day
dissolves to night, with same two girls, now shooting baskets, with DJ. Emily
looks over, as Lamar and a couple other soldiers walk by. EMILY (talking to the soldiers) You can see we don't have enough for a real game here, can't you? LAMAR (smiling) What,
restoring your power wasn't enough? Now you want to distract us from keeping you safe, with basketball? EMILY (flirtatious smile) Even heroes get
breaks from saving the world. Dissolve
to Lamar playing, as he drives the ball to the hoop, and goes up for a shot,
which is blocked by DJ! Bystanders react/cheer. COLONEL BALLARD (OS) What the hell is going on, here? Lamar
stops and instantly stands at attention, while saluting the Colonel. LAMAR Sir! Just killing time by shooting some hoops, until I go back on duty, Sir! COLONEL BALLARD (looking at the girls) Showing off for these beautiful young ladies, is more like it. LAMAR Yes, Sir! COLONEL BALLARD Oh, and a smartass too, I see. LAMAR Yes, Sir! Only when I think you'll let me get away with it, Sir! Emily
and Heather cracking up. COLONEL BALLARD Only problem
though, Private, is that you can't impress the girl,
when you let a civilian block your s**t, like that. DJ
smiling and bystanders laughing. The Colonel removes his army jacket, and
placing out hands for DJ to toss him the ball, which he does. Colonel Ballard
checks it back to DJ, who again tosses it back to the Colonel. COLONEL BALLARD (talking to Lamar) You can stand at ease, after I score this basket. Everyone
else eagerly watching, as Ballard dribbles the ball in play, and doesn't take
long, making his move to the basket. DJ does his best to defend him, but was
overpowered, as Ballard makes the shot, with some applause. Ballard looking
from the smiling girls to Lamar. COLONEL BALLARD And that,
Private, is how it's done! (walking away) If colonels got breaks, I'd sit her and school you all
day. A
woman bystander quietly speaks to her husband, as Ballard is leaving the scene. WOMAN Looks more like he's the
one showing off... Dissolve
to Lamar (sweaty) on porch with Emily. DJ (sweaty) with Heather, in driveway. DJ I should get going. Need a shower. HEATHER Do you want to come back over, after? DJ You have anything to drink? HEATHER (smiling) You bet your a*s, we do. DJ Give me an
hour or so. After my kid sister crashes, I'll be over. HEATHER So that's your little sister I've seen you with over there, taking such good care of? DJ Renee, yeah. This has all been hard on her... or easy...I can't really tell. HEATHER (with laugh) What do you mean? DJ She has high-functioning autism, and major anxiety. I'm not sure how much she realizes is going on, so far. The anxiety is no problem around family, but unless they find a cure for whatever's happening, it's giving me anxiety thinking about how things might become for her. (looking
at her) Hence my need for that drink, I mentioned. (smiling) HEATHER (smiling) I got you… Dissolve
to Emily’s living room, as DJ finishes off his drink, with a glance over at
Lamar/Emily, making out on the couch. Heather comes in from kitchen, handing DJ
another drink. HEATHER Playing basketball really made you thirsty, I guess. DJ
happily grabs the drink, with a smile. Heather sits down next to him, taking
notice as he stares toward Lamar and Emily. Heather suddenly disappointed... HEATHER You didn't get the girl of your choice, did you? DJ Huh? No, it's not that, it's... DJ
another quick look directly at Lamar. Heather looks from DJ, to Lamar, and back
to DJ, while putting it together... HEATHER Oh my God...it's not that you didn't get the girl of your choice… DJ
nodding, as Heather smiles with disbelief... HEATHER How did you sneak past my gaydar? I would have never guessed! I usually see that kind of thing a mile away. DJ It's rare that people ever see it, in me. Even other guys, which sucks.
HEATHER I take it you must be the man in your relationships, because you were all man
out there on the court. I bet you could have even scored on that colonel guy, if given the opportunity. DJ Now when you say "scored on
him", you mean a basket, right? Heather
staring at him with a dirty smile… HEATHER Okay, now you
appear a bit on the gay side. Both
of them laughing... HEATHER So...what's it like...out there playing basketball with Lamar's body all up against yours? DJ
just stares at her, forming his own dirty smile, as she begins cracking up... DISSOLVE
TO: PRESENT TIME EXT.
GRAVESITE - DAY Sam
sitting near her dad's grave, looking out at the lake, with the occasional tear
rolling down her cheek... DJ
eventually sits next to her...in silence... SAM I know what you're going to say. I think I even agree with it. Sam
goes silent a moment, before bawling and sobbing out her next words... SAM I just don't understand why they didn't come back. They were so close, they were right here, all they had to do... Sam
weeping as DJ puts an arm around her... SAM I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for crying again. DJ Don't be ridiculous. SAM I just keep thinking Eli was right. They must be
dead. Sam
trying not to cry again. DJ When did Eli say that? SAM The day before you got here. DJ Well, I'm guessing that was just frustration.
(motioning toward the damaged hummer) They didn't even have room for you, after losing one of their hummers. Someone also could have gotten hurt. (Sam closing
eyes, at the thought) If they were forced to head back,
that could take them just as long as it took them to get
here. SAM But then we should wait. DJ Supplies are running low. We have to save some for the journey, and you know winter weather up here is like, and could strike at any time. Sam
crying... SAM One more week, please... DJ Three more days, Sam... That's the best I can do. DJ
rises and pats her shoulder, as he walks away. Sam continues to stare at lake,
as more tears fall. DJ
rounds corner of brush, a tear of his own, falling from his face... Day
dissolves to evening, with close-up of Uno cards, panning back to DJ, Eli, and
Renee all playing, on the tree house deck. DJ keeps taking peeks down toward
gravesite area. His POV of Sam in a chair, with a blanket, and Bailey in her
lap. With her dad's grave to her back, she sits there, staring toward the
driveway... ELI Is she mad? DJ I don't think
so... Probably just worried about the same
thing as me… ELI Which is? DJ That we leave…and they show up… Evening
dissolves to night, and a close-up of a journal, as someone writes "Dear
Zane", panning back to Sam, on deck with lantern. She writes, yawns, and
takes a look out toward driveway… Voice-over
of her reading the letter. VOICE-OVER It kills me to imagine you making it back here,
seeing my dad's grave, and finding this letter…instead of
me... Dissolve
to morning, with Sam in her bed, writing, as voice-over continues. VOICE-OVER It breaks my heart, to think about the reasons preventing you from already being here. I can't lose you, Zane. Just thinking about seeing you, prevents the pain from taking over me... Dissolve
to afternoon, with Sam at gravesite, writing and looking up, and over toward
driveway. VOICE-OVER My friend, Eli, had his pain takeover. But then his friend DJ, showed up, and now Eli has found his way. Just like the thought of you, my moms, and our family, did for me. I don't ever want to see him like that, again, and even more so, never want to feel that
way, again. Yet, leaving this place, before you return, is doing exactly that... Dissolve
to Sam on dock, writing, panning back to Renee, next to her, and DJ/Eli
fishing. VOICE-OVER I guess writing this letter helps. I plan to write about everything that has happened, since day one. I hate the idea of reliving it, but want to do it now…so that I never have to again... Sam
closes her eyes, flashing to the memory of her dad rising as a huff, and her
running to the tree. Of Fish biting into Merry’s flesh, and roaming below the
tree house. She flashes Bailey first entering her lap, and hugging Scott... Shots
of her writing into her journal, as she continues to flash to the surreal
events of the past week, including the huffs attacking them from the lake, and
being stalked by Tina and her brothers. She flashes to Greg arriving, and
killing Michael, along with Tina’s death… More
shots of her writing away, and then back to her flashing to Greg in the pit,
teaching her how to kill huffs. Flashes of her killing huffs, with proud smiles
at Amy. She flashes to Greg falling to his death, and the sound of Amy’s
suicide in the girls room… Tears
fall from her face, as she continues to write… She
flashes to Eli contemplating suicide, with the gun in his hands, and then to
him going “bat” crazy, on all the huffs from the pit, killing them by the
dozens, bore flashes of them both digging graves, and placing bodies inside… A smile
on her face, while writing in her journal, as she then flashes to DJ arriving… Dissolve
to evening, with close-up of fish frying in a pan over a fire, panning back to
DJ, Eli, and Renee, close to fire. Sam is there, writing. VOICE-OVER And now you know everything...other than my shame. Shame for the thoughts I had, that night... The
longest night of my life. It was you, who saved me that
night, and ended those thoughts. So, I need you (getting choked up) not to be dead, Zane! I need you to find this letter, and to know, and tell everyone else, especially my moms, that I'll never quit, and I’m
going to try and make my way home, to you…To be continued. Sam
looks up, developing a tear. VOICE-OVER I will see you again, someday. I will see you all... Dissolve
to moments later, with Sam in tree house, slowly creeping into "girls
room". She briefly looks at all the blood stains, before going straight over
to her old bed (all her bedding gone). She begins opening/sliding a
"secret" compartment that was built into her bed. She
places her journal inside, closes, and quickly retreats from the abandoned
room… DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
TREE HOUSE (boys room) - NIGHT DJ
and Eli playing cards (with single lantern). Renee is sleeping. DJ peeks out
onto deck, where Sam is wrapped in a blanket, with Bailey in her lap (no
lantern, plenty of moonlight). She stares toward driveway... Cut
to brush, where a man with a gun comes out, walking quietly toward cabin. A
second man comes out doing the same. Now, both a third and fourth man (also
with guns) come out, quietly toward cabin. One more man also comes from brush,
with a gun and a giant hunting spear. Five men now quietly walking toward
cabin. Sam
is petting Bailey, as she comes to notice the men below. She quickly/quietly
rises, while keeping a hold of Bailey. She carries him into boys room, quickly
placing him in the carrier, and just as quickly hushes both DJ and Eli. She
grabs the lantern, and places in corner behind some boxes (shielding light from
men below). Without word, DJ rushes to the window, followed by Eli... Cut
to the men, arriving near cabin, as they all begin to lower their weapons... LEADER It's vacant. Guy
with spear quietly whistles from near driveway, as they all turn and head over.
Man with spear, shines light on huff, tied up in tree. All the guys quickly
raise their guns, and look all around. Spear guy shines light over the other
two huffs, the pile of bodies, the camper and car with gunshot holes, and the broken-down
hummer... LEADER What the hell kind of fun was had here?! Leader
and other men begin spreading out, looking all around... MAN Over there. He
shines his light on the tree house, as they all turn to look, before slowly
approaching. One of them smiles, and speaks loud enough for people in tree
house to hear him. LEADER I don't mind bunking with the kind of people responsible for whatever the
hell has gone on, down here. Shining
his light on the tree house, as they arrive near some brush, and enter inside.
They carefully make their way toward tree house, by using the brush as cover. As
they get closer, they can hear the grunting of a huff. They shine lights until
they find the pit. They come out of brush, looking down inside, where a single
huff looks back up at them. The leader looks from the huff to the tree house,
all around the area, and back at the tree house. Then he looks at his people,
but before he can speak, the sound of a car starting, is heard, a ways from
where they are. The leader again looks at the tree house. Cut
to DJ, in Fish's car, driving through the woodsy grassy area, next to Eli, with
both Sam and Renee in the back. Sam has tears running down her face. DJ drives
car onto a road, and begins speeding away... DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK EXT.
FRONT DOOR - NIGHT Close-up
hand knocking on door, panning back as Heather opens door to DJ, standing on
front porch. Heather looks stressed. DJ Hey... HEATHER Hey, DJ. DJ I was just wondering if you wanted to have a drink, and chat. HEATHER Sure...come on in. DJ (entering inside) Are you okay? HEATHER I don't know...worried, I guess. Emily fell pretty
hard for Lamar, but can't even reach him now. Saw him for a second yesterday, but all he had time for, was to
say he can't talk, and doesn't have off time, anymore. Heather
stops and looks right at DJ. HEATHER I think this is it. This is the end. I don't think
things are going to get better. DJ I’m kind of thinking the same thing. Reason I thought a drink sounded good. Heather
begins making him a drink... HEATHER The last thing Lamar said before he left yesterday morning, was that the city is a death zone, and that more and more people are making their way up the mountain. Some of them sick, or bitten. (handing him the drink) Bitten (shaking head)...like I said, this is the end. Heather
toasting him, as they both drink... Suddenly,
they both jump, as Emily comes tearing through the room, toward front door.
They follow, as she goes out and watches Colonel Ballard walking by, with many
other soldiers, including Lamar, who looks at Emily, shaking his head, with a worrisome
expression, which becomes her own… HEATHER (speaking to DJ) The Colonel likes you, ask him what's happening. DJ
takes a few steps outward. COLONEL BALLARD (speaking into radio) Private Adams, come in... DJ
freezes, as the Colonel slams his radio down, shattering into pieces. COLONEL BALLARD Christ! Men are dropping like flies, and I don't have
a clue, in hell, who in the hell I'm even taking orders from, anymore! DJ
turns and walks back toward the girls, who watch as the soldiers go on, before
edging their way back inside, and closing door... Dissolve
to a little later, with DJ opening door and somewhat stumbling out onto
Heather's porch. He closes door, and begins walking across street. He can hear
Colonel Ballard, yelling. It's too far away to make out, but sounds like he's
chewing out one of his soldiers. DJ looks back, and continues toward his
place... Dissolve
to the following evening, on the same street DJ was just walking on, now empty
with the growing sound of panic, a few blocks away. Now, the sound of a truck
crashing through the fenced guard wall. DJ comes out his door, watching as
several soldiers go running down the street, as well as a couple jeeps,
speeding toward the crash scene. DJ watches Heather come out her door, followed
by Emily, who has been crying, and quickly goes back inside... Dissolve
to the following night, with DJ sitting alone on his porch. Colonel Ballard is
walking by with a few soldiers. DJ rises and walks to the gate, where they are
walking by. DJ Colonel? The
Colonel stops and signals the men to go on without him. He walks over to DJ... COLONEL BALLARD I know what you want to know and the answer is no, we're not winning, and we can't win. As bad as you may think it is, out there...it's a hundred times
worse. I've seen children suffering in ways I've never seen,
and I've been overseas... I've
seen a lot. What's happening out there...is a world where the weak are doomed, and the strong remain to fight, for its survival... Good luck, son. The
colonel shakes his head and walks away, as DJ stands there watching... DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
HOUSE - DAY Soldiers
breaking down door, cautiously/aggressively entering house... Dissolve
to a little later, at the same house, where Colonel Ballard walks inside, while
listening to his radio. SOLDIER (over radio) Second level secure (laughing in background), guys are having some fun. Cut
to Colonel Ballard entering upstairs bedroom (baby room), where soldiers are
laughing and surrounding a crib. Inside a 1-year-old huff is walking/crawling
around, trying to catch a hamster... The
Colonel watches, as one of his men grab a second hamster, from a cage, and
place into the crib. The baby keeps missing, but gets plenty of cheers after
finally smothering and biting into one of the two hamsters. The
Colonel shakes his head, and leaves the room... He
walks down the steps, while flashing to other tragic events he's witnessed,
over the last several days. He
flashes to a fully eaten body of a baby, in its crib... He
flashes to opening a bedroom door, where a 2-year-old is all alone, in only a
shirt, with feces all over his lower half. He
flashes to a mother with no shoes, and a baby in her arms, begging for help,
she has a bite mark on her arm. He
flashes to a crowd of people, many of them with children or babies. They are
all begging for help, as the soldiers drive through/around them. MOTHER You're the US Army, you have to help us! DIFFERENT MOTHER We have children! OLDER MAN I've already lost one child, please help us! ANOTHER MOTHER He's been bitten, please help! The
Colonel stops flashing, as he reaches bottom of stairs, and walks out of the
house... DISSOLVE
TO: PRESENT TIME INT.
FISH'S CAR - NIGHT DJ
driving down highway road. Sam (tear-streaked face) is zoning out window. She
turns toward DJ. SAM Thank you, DJ... DJ For? SAM Taking the time to raise the ladder back up. I didn't
want those creeps or anyone else getting up there. DJ And I don’t think they will. Impressive how well your family put that thing together. DJ
slowing down, as more and more cars are abandoned on the road. Everyone is
looking out and around. DJ eventually has to slow down much more, and begin
driving off-road at times, to get around cars. It's dark and creepy… Renee
suddenly screams, as she spots a huff in a car. But it's not a huff, it's a creepy-looking
older guy, with a big stick, watching them as they go by. ELI This is not good... DJ Yeah, I know. I don't want to get stuck in here, or swamped by huffs, or...people... DJ
continues to carefully navigate around all the traffic, even crossing over to
the other side of the road, taking advantage of some clearing. He speeds up,
until quickly coming into more traffic. It quickly gets bad... DJ I may have to take that exit...or at least circle back to it, if we can't get through it all. ELI How far are we from the river? DJ Not nearly close enough. ELI Can you still make it there, if you take that exit? DJ I'm sure there's a way, I just don't know it, as well as I do on this road. ELI Maybe we find a place to sleep, and try this road during the day? DJ Yeah...just hope we can find someplace safe... DJ
turning car onto exit... Dissolve
to DJ now driving along a pitch-dark backroad, with nothing but trees on each
side... DJ S**t. He
begins slowing down. ELI What? SAM What's wrong? DJ One of the tires must be losing air... We already used the spare... He
turns into a long driveway, leading to a house. He drives toward it, leaving
his headlights directly on it, once he stops, and just watches... SAM What are you doing? ELI He's trying to see if anyone's inside... DJ
keeps watching, then looks around... DJ I'm going to try knocking. SAM It's too dangerous! ELI I think she's right. I mean huffs, don't really scare me anymore, but people... DJ
already climbing out of car, leaving it running, with headlights on house. He
stands with car door open. DJ We don't really have a choice, and I don't see a single vehicle here, so.... DJ
closes door, pats the gun planted in his pants, on his backside, and approaches
the front porch. He climbs porch steps, and knocks on door. Instantly, a dog
begins barking. DJ S**t! (speaking to anyone who might be inside) Please don't shoot, or anything! I'm here with kids. We just need to reach the Columbia River, but got a flat tire... The
door suddenly swings open, scaring DJ, as an older man (Benny, 55ish) instantly
has a shotgun and his dog (German Sheppard), in DJ's face. BENNY There’re almost a dozen other guns aimed at both you and your "children", so, turning
around, getting back in your car, and the hell off of our property, would do you well. DJ
begins slowly backing up, toward car... DJ Do you know if any of your neighbors are gone? Because we won't make it far on this tire. The
guy says nothing, just watches him. DJ makes it to the car, and gives the man
one last look. DJ I'm sorry to bother you, sir. He
climbs in, begins turning the car around, as Benny gets a look at the kids,
inside. He lowers his guns, and comes off the porch, raising his arm, for them
to stop. He approaches DJ's window, who begins rowing it down. The man comes to
window, looking inside at the kids and their backpacks/duffle bags... BENNY You have any weapons? DJ We do, sir. (motioning to Sam) Her father died (motioning to Eli), as did his folks, but they left us with quite a few weapons, to be honest with you. We only use them to protect ourselves. We have some food, too. Benny
staring right at him... BENNY You seem like an honest young man. What about the other girl? DJ She's my sister... We lost our mom and grandparents. We found these guys, after having met Eli, the day
this all began. His family helped me get to mine. Benny
taking a look at the tire, low on air... BENNY Well, go ahead and park right there. You're welcome to stay the night, for now. DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Everyone
sitting at a table, with a lantern and candles burning, and their bags piled
against the wall. Sam is sticking her fingers through the cat carrier, trying
to comfort Bailey, who is nervous of the dog, who keeps sniffing the carrier. BENNY You don't have to worry, Sandy is a cat lover, like me. You can also open the carrier, so he can come out, when he's ready. I take care of the outdoor cats around here, so I have food, and already put a litter pan out for him. Sandy
tries to make friends with Sam, but Sam shows no interest. Sandy moves on to
Renee... BENNY (speaking to Sam) Not a dog person? DJ
and Eli share a look. Renee bonding just fine with Sandy... BENNY Another sad story, eh? I wish I could tell you I can relate, but I've been single most of my life, no
kids, moved up here when I retired last summer. I know it's bad out there, I just haven't seen it with my
own eyes, yet. Other than my car being stolen, and a few random cars stopping in, now and then. ELI You will... DJ So…I take it, the other dozen people you mentioned, don't exist? BENNY I did have others who planned on coming up here, but they called, stuck in traffic, and once the phones stopped working (shrugging)...who knows… DJ Eli and I were stuck in some of that. It was chaos... BENNY The last the TV said, was that the virus was making the dead come back, and with aggression. (looking at them all) Is that true? ELI Yes, but they're weak. They can't think or run. As long as you don't let them bite you, you'll be fine. The brain is how you kill them. Benny
staring at Eli... BENNY How old are you, son? ELI Thirteen... BENNY And dare I ask, how you have come to know all that? ELI I've already killed at least thirty of those things. We call them huffs. BENNY Huffs? DJ That's the
one you should dare not to ask. SAM If I had my letter, I'd let you read it. It explains everything. Huffs, my dad, my dog, my cousin, Greg, Eli's parents, his brother, sister-in-law, her father. The army attacking us. Eli going insane with the huffs...everything... Eli
suddenly looks uncomfortable... BENNY And you left that for the family you mentioned? SAM Yeah. In a hidden compartment, only my cousin Zane knows about. He built it... Benny
just looking over them all, stunned at their stories, as both Sam and Renee
begin yawning... DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
LIVING ROOM - MORNING Sam
waking up, looking over at Renee, who is awake and bonding with Sandy. She
quickly looks over where Bailey is lying inside his carrier (door open). RENEE Bailey sniffed Sandy. He didn't seem too nervous of her. SAM The Pederson's use to have a dog. RENEE Who are the Pederson's? Sam
just looking at Renee, as scene dissolves to DJ and Eli at the car, going
through some things… ELI DJ...we have a problem... DJ (looking right at him) What? Eli
slowly pulling a journal out of his bag. It's Sam's journal! DJ Oh God...is that Sam's letter, to her family?! (Eli nodding) Eli, what the hell, man?! ELI I didn't mean to, I just wanted to read it, but then they came, and... DJ We have to tell her. She deserves to know. ELI She's going to hate me. DJ And me! ELI Why you? DJ She'll demand we take it back, and I'll be the one to have to say no! ELI Maybe...we don't tell her. Maybe we give it to her once we get to the compound, to give to her family. DJ
thinking, shaking his head... DJ No...we have to tell her... You have to tell
her... DISSOLVE
TO: INT.
CREEK BED - DAY Sam
(face full of tears) sitting on creek bed, Bailey next to her, in carrier (door
closed). Her journal lying in her lap... Sandy
can be heard mildly barking. POV Benny and Renee playing with Sandy... BENNY She really likes you. RENEE She's lucky. She doesn't know about huffs or bad people. Doesn't have to worry about kayaking and drowning in the river, or surviving everything that's
happening... Seeing her happy reminds me of being happy...being safe... Benny
just looking at her... BENNY Kayaking??? DJ
and Eli coming outside. They look over toward Sam, and just kind of stand
around... Sam
is evil eyeing Eli, from the creek bank... Sandy
is barking and playfully jumping around, after a stick that Renee is holding
for her... Eli
begins walking toward Sam... Benny
approaches DJ... Renee
continues playing with Sandy... Benny
reaches DJ. BENNY What's this I hear about Kayaking? Eli
is reaching Sam... SAM (her back to him) How did you know where to find it? ELI I walked by
and saw you open it. At first, I only went to look
out of curiosity. Once I saw your journal
there, I...figured I'd read it, and return it before we
left. I never had time to read it, just like I never
had time to return it. Sam
rising and handing journal his way. Benny and DJ watching. SAM Then read it! Is that why you're out here, because I took it back from you, before you could read what was meant for my cousin to read, for
my family to
read! ELI No, I want to explain why. SAM (crying) I don't care why! All I care about is how important it was to me, that my family reads that letter! I can't stand the fact we had to leave, and that they might be there right now, wondering where the hell I am, or what the hell happened to me. They deserve to know, (crying even more) and now they will think all kinds of things... ELI (yelling) I WANTED TO KNOW HOW YOU GOT OVER YOUR PAIN! HOW YOU STARTED TO FEEL AGAIN! Sam
just staring at him. Benny and DJ both taking a step toward Eli, but
stopping... ELI DJ showed up, and for maybe four or five seconds, that felt like a lifetime, I completely forgot about the pain. Rhett, Amy, my parents, Scott...the baby... not one of them was racing through my mind, causing that constant pain, that made me want to die...four or five seconds of freedom... (looking right at her) How did you make that last longer? How did you smile again? How??? Everyone
including Sam, just staring at Eli. Even Renee, who had stopped playing with
Sandy, is staring, while Sandy waits for the stick... Dissolve
to multiples shots of Eli, sitting and reading the journal… Once
done, he hands it to Renee. Multiple shots of her reading it, and passing to
DJ, who takes his turn reading, wiping away a tear or two. Multiple shots of
Benny reading it, weeping, sometimes looking up in total shock, more weeping... DISSOLVE
TO: EXT.
KITCHEN - NIGHT Single
candle burning with DJ at sink, bottle in hand. He drinks from it and stares
out window. He's startled, as kitchen door opens, with the image of someone
entering. VOICE You're a piece of s**t... Benny
steps into the light, looking directly at the bottle in DJ's hand... DJ I'm sorry. It's the end of the world...thought I'd have a drink. BENNY You had a few of those last night, too. (staring at him) You think you're such a hero. These kids depend on you, and here you are, giving in to your demons of the past world, and remaining a drunk. DJ
just laughing... BENNY You laugh now, but what happens when something from that letter, comes about, and you're too drunk to do anything worth a damn, to help those kids, your own sister!? DJ I'm laughing because you're as clueless to who I am, as you are to what's been going on out there. A piece of s**t??? DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK INT.
DJ'S PLACE - DAY DJ
approaching and looking out window... DJ You have to be freaking kidding me. DJ
heading for door, as mom/grandparents look out window. Their
POV of van parking at curb, as DJ comes down off porch. His dad begins climbing
out of van, as Jane comes out onto porch, with grandparents at door... DJ How the hell did you get back inside the perimeter? Or did you ever even leave? DON I'm sober, son. DJ Let me guess, you found a dark alley or some cave to park inside of, with what...about ten days worth of booze? And don't call me son. I'd say you lost
that right a long time ago, but you never even had it, Don. DON Like you're so much better than me. I got this
disease from my father, same as you got it from yours. It's
not my fault, any more than it is yours. JANE (pissed) That's a load of s**t! (coming down off porch, toward
Don) Are we supposed to feel sorry for you, now? And how dare you compare yourself to my son! The two of you are night and day! Colonel
Ballard and several soldiers are walking down street, as Jane takes notice. Don
begins edging his way back toward his van... JANE Excuse me, Colonel? My ex-husband has returned, and is trying to force his way back inside. Could you please - Colonel
Ballard instantly pulls out handgun, and fires a shot in Don's head. Jane
screams, Don drops dead, and the Colonel simply continues on his way. DJ in
shock, looks from his dad, to the Colonel, and then to his mom. He turns toward
his grandparents, eyes going wide, as he takes notice of Renee, standing behind
them, staring toward her dead father... Cut
to Heather and Emily opening their door, looking over toward DJ's yard, as the
Colonel walks down the road, past their place. Lamar is with him, he looks at
Emily, simply shaking his head... DISSOLVE
TO: PRESENT TIME INT.
BENNY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT DJ A piece of s**t brother? Or
a piece of s**t father? Because I've been more like a dad, than a brother. BENNY And that makes what you're doing, right now, okay? DJ (beginning to lose temper) What am I doing? Having a drink, to help get sleepy before waking to another day that could be HER LAST?! BENNY (talking over him) I want you gone, first thing. DJ Having a
drink so that - BENNY I WANT YOU OUT OF MY HOUSE! DJ I don't have
to IMAGINE WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO HER?! BENNY If not for those kids I'd throw you out on your a*s, right now! DJ AND IF I DIDN'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE KIDS, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO! I'D JUST LEAVE! But I do care, so, I'm forced to stay under this roof,
with a judgmental piece of s**t like you, rather than
to put their lives in danger! (DJ looking right at
him) Everything you read in that journal, everything
that's going on out there, and you're judging me, over THIS?! DJ
instantly slamming bottle in sink, shattering all over... He
zones away, in his drunk stage, shaking his head... DJ I didn't have to come up here, that day... I even
fibbed and told Eli I was pressured into it, due to my
sister. But I didn't tell him or anyone, about the guy who had a
safe place, for me to go... We only just went out for the
first time, that weekend before... I've never been in love… Thinking about him, like I had been that entire week, made me think, maybe...it was happening. He must have felt the same way. He made it very clear he wanted me there with him...in case...it all ended. And I wanted
to be there, with him...but couldn't stop thinking...what
if this is it?
(begins crying through his next words) And all I could think about was her, in her final moments, scared to
death and not understanding why I was not with her... I
couldn’t live with that…There was no choice to be made... DJ
stops zoning, turns, and looks directly at Benny... DJ And now here I am, having my character questioned by a complete stranger... DJ walks
to door and opens, with Eli, Sam, and Renee all standing on other side,
listening... DISSOLVE
TO: EXT.
BENNY'S YARD - MORNING Close-up
flat tire, panning back to Sam in driver's seat, going through glove
compartment. She finds something, and looks at it. Her POV of a picture, with
Fish holding Sam (as a baby), next to both her moms... Sam
with a sad smile... Benny
arrives at car door, as Sam puts picture in her bag/pocket... BENNY I know you guys are going to try and reach the river,
on foot. Bailey is welcome to stay here. I'd take very
good care of him, and he'd have company, with Sandy...(Sam not answering) You can't carry him the entire way, and he'll just run off once you put him down... He'd have a good home, here. Sam
simply begins shedding tears... Benny walks away, as DJ comes out of house,
with some of their things, placing next to the rest of their things. Eli comes
over next to him, while Renee plays with Sandy, next to Benny... ELI What do we take? What do we leave? DJ Weapons, food, water, and whatever else we can carry. Water won't be a problem, and we should make it to the river before food becomes one. Not worried about the kayak, we already needed to find one, so now we just need two. Maybe some new fishing poles. I think we'll be alright. ELI I just realized what I like so much about you. Going back to that first day, you have always been so positive. Your attitude actually makes me believe things might be okay... Even though they probably won't... Dissolve
to DJ, Eli, Sam, and Renee all in backpacks, as they begin walking away from
Benny's place. The cat carrier is on the ground, open. Bailey is in Sam's arms.
Benny watches from the window. Sandy wags her tail from the yard, following
them through the end of the yard, as they go down the long driveway... DJ Eyes and ears on high alert. We see or hear a car, and we hide. Get off the road and get low. Sam
on verge of crying... SAM Where are we sleeping tonight? You said we wouldn't reach the river until tomorrow. DJ That's if we don't find a car, which is kind of hard to believe we won't. At least once we get back to the highway... ELI So, what happened with you and Benny? I’ve never heard you angry before. DJ The truth is, guys... I like to drink, sometimes. At night, before bed. I had a drink of his last night, and he misunderstood it for something else. Silence
awhile... SAM Misunderstood it for what? More silence... DJ He thought I was my dad... RENEE That’s stupid… Dissolve
to all of them still walking (DJ holding Bailey), with highway onramp up ahead
of them. But they stop, as a car can be heard. DJ quickly hands Bailey to Sam,
and leads them off road, into brush. Sam works hard to keep Bailey from
freaking out. Eli pulls out a gun, as does DJ. They stay low, as the car sounds
close. DJ is peeking out to see... DJ What the... DJ
jumps up, and rushes to road, with hands in air. It's Fish's car, with Benny
driving. He stops, and gets out. They all come out from brush. Benny opens
door, showing all their stuff, along with his own stuff (including food), and
Sandy is there as well... BENNY I had some supplies in the garage, and was a mechanic in my younger days. DJ
takes notice of a second kayak (along with a half kayak for pulling supplies)
tied down on car roof... BENNY Oh, and I love to kayak... Eli,
Sam, and Renee happily loading their things into vehicle. Renee hugging Sandy.
Sam happy to see the carrier, placing Bailey inside. They all climb in (Eli
front passenger seat). DJ shares a look with Benny, who hands him the keys.
Benny begins climbing in back, with the girls. BENNY I know a good back road to use, away from all the traffic. DJ
climbing inside, starting engine, and driving off... DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK EXT.
PERIMETER GATE - NIGHT Ten
men (in orange hunters clothing, including the spear guy, and leader, from the group
that chased off Sam and others, from the tree house) hiding and watching, as
Colonel Ballard drives through, and away from the gates of the perimeter.
Several other army vehicles follow. The last one stops, as the guard closes up
the gate, hops in the vehicle, and they take off. SPEAR GUY They don't look like they're coming back. LEADER I'd have to agree... INT.
HEATHER'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT DJ
walking through front door, greeting Heather with a hug. He places a hand on
Emily's shoulder (sitting at table). DJ Still no word from Lamar? Emily
shaking her head, and takes a drink of booze. Heather hands a drink to DJ, and
gives him a sarcastic toast. HEATHER To the end of the world. (drinks) Suddenly,
someone begins pounding on the door. Heather screams and is too scared to open
door, until she can hear Lamar yelling on other side. LAMAR (OS) EMILY! HEATHER! IT'S LAMAR! Emily
jumps out of her chair, opening the door. Lamar instantly closes and locks it.
Emily is hugging him tight. EMILY Baby, what's happening?! LAMAR We have to get out of here! Colonel Ballard and half the men, already left. Most of the others are heading
back to the city, but I heard some say they were paying both of you a visit, as well as the some of
the other women. They know there's no more law. HEATHER To what?! Rape us?! They're the damn US military. They're suppose to help us! LAMAR There's no one giving orders anymore; it's every man for himself! They
instantly begin gathering their stuff, but more so panicking and moving around
in circles. LAMAR The clothes on your back, that's it! Maybe some food, if you have some, but we gotta’ go, now! DJ Where are you going to go? LAMAR I'd stay here, but we can't hold them off. There's at least five or six of them. I don't trust what they're capable of. Heather
grabs a few things and hugs DJ, in a rush to go, but right before they can head
out, they see headlights, as a jeep rolls into the driveway. LAMAR S**t! DJ looking to the back door, and heads that
way. DJ Come on! The
others follow (Lamar with his gun out), through the living room and kitchen,
coming to back door, quickly unlocked by DJ, and opened, to the faces of three
soldiers. Lamar is about to aim his gun at them, but is beaten to it, and has
no choice other than to hand his over. They lead them back inside. SOLDIER (into radio) We have ourselves some rabbits. Secure and heading your way. VOICE OVER RADIO (with laugh) Rodger that. One
of the soldiers runs through house, to front door and unlocking. Three more
soldiers enter inside. They all look over the place and the others, as they
arrive. Emily crying... LAMAR How can you guys go from protecting these people, to whatever the hell it is you plan on doing?! Soldier
walks right at him, and blows his head off. SOLDIER That's how! EMILY (agony) LAMAR!!! Emily
screams and weeps. Heather drops to her knees, crying. DJ stands there in
shock, watching in slow motion, as the same soldier walks right to him, places
gun to his head, about to pull trigger. Suddenly, tons of gunfire begins taking
place outside. SOLDIER What the... All
the soldiers rushing to window. Their POV of a group of guys (one of them with
a spear on his back, and no longer in their bright orange hunting gear), going
in houses, firing machine guns at everyone. They fire at everyone they see on
the streets. The soldiers rush outside, and open fire at them... They
kill one of them, and then another, but now the other group begins to open
serious fire on the soldiers, and overtake them. The spear guy uses his spear,
to take out a soldier, then his gun, to hit another. DJ is
inside trying to force Emily away, but she is still crying and holding Lamar.
Heather is simply in shock. DJ hesitates a moment, before rushing out back
door. He peeks out and around, then runs toward garage, using whatever he can
to keep out of site, while trying to get to his house... People
are screaming everywhere. Most soldiers appear dead or gone. Seven of the other
group members, continue raiding houses and/or killing people on the streets, or
their yards. DJ glances at his house. The door is wide open. His heart is
pounding... Dissolve
to DJ'S dead grandparents, bloody (with spear wounds) and lying on the living
room floor. Jane's body is just as bloody, and on the upper staircase. Renee is
nowhere in sight... DJ
runs through front door. Freezing at the sight of his grandparents. He looks to
the stairs, and forms tears,
at the sight of his mother. He looks dizzy, almost faint, he almost vomits. He
faintly begins calling for Renee, barely able to speak. DJ Ren...Renee. (little louder) Renee?! (normal yelling) RENEE?!? DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK OF THE FLASHBACK INT.
UPSTAIRS BATHROOM - NIGHT Sound
of people in the house, as Jane is pushing Renee under sink crawlspace, quickly
closing it up, and just as quickly closing sink cabinet, just before bathroom
door is kicked in. Before she can even turn around, she is stuck with a spear,
and dragged out of bathroom, onto the staircase. A man comes in bathroom,
looking around, opening sink, but seeing nothing. He walks out... DISSOLVE
TO: ORIGINAL FLASHBACK Renee
lying in crawlspace with her eyes closed, as DJ can be heard yelling for her,
as he runs up the staircase. He runs in and out of all the rooms... DJ (crying) Renee?! He
drops to his knees, weeping... Suddenly,
he stops, and listens... RENEE (OS) DJ? DJ
rises and bolts toward bathroom. RENEE (OS) DJ? DJ
opens sink cabinet, and slides crawlspace door open. Renee begins climbing out.
He wraps her up in his arms, tightly hugging her, and crying with relief. He
quickly comes out of hug, and guides her toward staircase. DJ Listen to me, Renee. Close your eyes. Just hold my hand, close your eyes, and walk down the steps. You can open your eyes, once we get outside. She
closes her eyes. DJ takes her hand and carefully guides her down the steps.
They walk over and around their mom's body. Renee's leg makes contact with it.
She opens her eyes, looking over her mom's dead body. She develops tears. DJ
reaches the living room, and now takes her past their grandparents. Renee's
eyes are open, as she looks at their bodies. She closes her eyes... DJ
looks out window, seeing at least one of the hunter guys, close by, out front. Up
the street, a few civilians can be seen firing guns, and even killing a couple
of the hunters, but are soon killed themselves, by another hunter. DJ
cautiously gets closer, looking toward Heather's place, where he can see men
bombarding inside. Heather can even be heard screaming. Up the street, more
civilians can be seen being violently killed, by the hunters...DJ instantly
turns and goes for backdoor. Cut
to DJ and Renee, exiting backdoor, into the yard, and over toward a brushy
area, disappearing inside, as he leads her into the woods, to the sound of
their neighbors being slaughtered... DISSOLVE
TO: PRESENT TIME INT.
FISH'S CAR - DAY Driving
along... DJ It was a Lewis and Clark class, that kayaked from the Columbia Gorge to the coast, every year. My friends and I did it once, too. I even taught Renee how to do it, she'll be just fine, out there. RENEE Will Sandy be okay? BENNY Oh yeah, I've taken her many times, she's a pro. DJ Sam's experienced too, so she and Eli should be okay together. Renee and I, in one, and then all we need to do is find one more. Dissolve
to DJ and Eli grabbing a kayak from up against a random garage. Benny is
looking over another supply carrier, and grabs some paddles and a tarp. Renee
runs around with Sandy. Sam stands close by, watching, her back to a brushy
area, where suddenly. a huff comes out of, and right for her. BENNY Oh my God! Sam
turns just in time, and immediately runs for her life, screaming like a little
girl. DJ
and Eli drop the kayak. Eli goes right for the huff, pushing it down and
mashing its head with his boot. Benny stands by in shock. Even DJ is both
shocked and impressed. Sam is still shaken and in shock. Renee stands there,
just staring at the dead huff... Dissolve
to DJ and Benny, finishing up on tying the third kayak onto the vehicle. Sam
sits in the passenger seat, frustrated/annoyed with herself. SAM I just ran and screamed like a ten-year-old girl... Eli
kind of giving her a funny smirk. RENEE You are ten. SAM Doesn't mean I have to act like it. I'll never
survive this or get back to the compound, being a ten-year-old crybaby. I have to be tough, smart. Renee
looks down at the ground... RENEE Do you think I can
survive? Everyone
just looks at Renee, who continues looking at the ground... SAM What do you mean? RENEE I'm not tough, or
smart... Everyone
just looking at her again, as she continues staring at ground... SAM You sure don't seem stupid. Renee
finally looking up, but not directly at Sam... RENEE What do you mean? SAM I don't know...you're quiet, shy, but…pretty far from stupid, in my opinion. Renee
looking at Sam. RENEE Get to know me better. Sam
kind of smiles... SAM See...not stupid at all... DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK EXT.
WOODS - NIGHT DJ
and Renee out of breath, as they stop running, catching their breath. Renee is
bent over, trying to catch her breath... RENEE (barely able to speak) I can't...I can't run anymore. Renee
holding her stomach, begins to sit down with her back to a tree. DJ We have to keep going. We can walk though. RENEE I feel like I'm going to throw up. Suddenly,
she begins dry heaving, followed by hyperventilating. DJ rushes to her. DJ Renee! Just breathe! She
fights to control her breathing, eventually improving, followed by some
weeping. DJ holds/comforts her while looking all around. He spots a house with
a driveway. He continues to help her calm down, before working to get her on
her feet, and toward the driveway... RENEE What's happening? Where are we going? DJ There's a house over there. Maybe we can find a place to rest. He
holds her hand, as they reach the driveway. He can now see a boat, with a tarp
over it. DJ Come on. I see a safe place. He
leads her toward the boat. The house looks dark... DJ We don't want to bother anyone who might be in the house, so we'll just camp out here in the boat. He
begins opening the tarp, and helping her up and under. He uses a lighter, to
check the surroundings. He climbs in and disappears under the tarp... He
uses the lighter a few more times, while making Renee a place to sleep… Dissolve
to darkness with the sound of nervous breathing... Suddenly,
a loud terrifying scream is heard. Darkness gives way to flashes, of what Renee
saw, as she walked over her dead mother, and grandparents. They begin to rise,
as huffs. They come at Renee. She turns to run, but falls to her knees, gasping
for air. She can't breathe, or get up. Her family of huffs begin smothering
her... Dissolve
to darkness... Sound of people sleeping, tossing/turning... Suddenly,
Renee screams. DJ (unseen, too dark) What?! Renee! Are you okay?! RENEE (quietly) Yeah, sorry… I had a dream… DJ It’s okay… I was having one too… Sound
of them going back to sleep, followed by light snoring, and then darkness
giving way to light, slowly, as scene dissolves to dawn, and light comes over
their sleeping faces… With
daylight on his face, DJ begins waking up, immediately looking over at Renee.
She's still asleep, using a life-jacket for a pillow, and a dirty tarp as a
blanket... He quietly moves over to peek outside. Everything
looks clear, the house looks quiet. He ducks back under and looks back to
Renee. She's now awake, and looking right back at him... DJ Are you okay? (Renee simply shaking head) I know, stupid question. RENEE Are we going to die? DJ What? No! I told you we're going to find those cool people, I told you all about. They're not far from here. They have a lake, and neighbors with a tree house. DJ
just looks at her for a moment... DJ Before we go, is there anything that you need to talk about? Renee
thinking... RENEE Do dead people laugh? (DJ a quizzical look at her) I heard Mom scream, then the dead guy was laughing. DJ
closing his eyes a moment... DJ He wasn't dead, Renee... RENEE But, I thought...it was dead people we had to worry about? DJ It is, but... RENEE So, there are bad people, too? DJ (nodding) Unfortunately, yes… RENEE But...(becoming teary-eyed) why didn't the army people save us? DJ I think most of them went home to save their families... The rest, well, they're kinda’ bad, too. RENEE (getting nervous) The army is bad? DJ Renee, everyone is scared, now, which means everyone is bad, until they prove that they aren't. Even good people, will think we're bad, and try to protect themselves. That's why we're going to find these people I know, because they're good people. Renee
begins shaking her head, tears running down her cheeks... DJ What? RENEE I can't do this. The world was already scary to me... before all this. Mom told me last summer about my autism, and how much harder life would be, for me. That gave me so much anxiety. Now it's even harder... people like me won't survive...people like me...will get people like you…killed. A
pair of tears falling down DJ’s face...searching for the right words... RENEE I will get you killed. Like Mom. DJ Renee! That was NOT
your fault! Renee
begins bawling, as DJ goes to hug/comfort her... RENEE (weeping her words) Mom...mom More
tears fall from DJ’s face, as he holds her... DISSOLVE
TO: PRESENT TIME INT.
FISH'S CAR - DAY Renee,
Sam, and Eli all anxiously looking out car windows, as DJ drives along.
Suddenly, they all burst into excitement and cheering... Their
POV out window, of the Columbia River. Sam’s face lights up with a smile, Eli
laughing, Sandy barking, and Renee caught up in their excitement, with her a
big smile of her own... SAM That's it! That's the Columbia River! DJ It sure is! SAM We're going to make it! We're going to make it to the compound! Sam
instantly grabs Renee for a big hug. Renee is happy to receive, hugging back
with a smile... SAM You're going to LOVE my family! DJ
takes notice of more and more abandoned cars, ahead. DJ We might have found it just in time. Benny
(in front seat) looking ahead, as do the kids from the back. BENNY Still pretty far, to hike all our equipment, from
here. DJ a
look at Benny, then back to the road... Dissolve
to DJ outside the car, along the highway, looking over the area, as there
appears no further route, for the car. Others all climbing out... DJ I say we hike it today, and make camp at the river. Maybe have time for some trial runs, before we take off in the morning. BENNY (opening up the back of car) I have rope. We can pull the kayaks. I've already divided the stuff we can take, and what we can't... Dissolve
to Benny, DJ, and Eli all dragging kayaks (loaded with gear/supplies, and
Bailey in carrier) downhill. Sam drags a rope, lugging a supply carrier. Renee
is carrying a pack, and holding a leash for Sandy... SAM So, we'll kayak most of the day, but where will we sleep at night? DJ Including tonight, we'll have to camp three times before reaching the city. We need to be very selective in finding safe places for that. BENNY Sandy will keep guard. No one will be sneaking up on us. SAM (smiling) We're going to do this...we're going to make it there, I just know it! Eli a
small confident nod of the head. Renee is smiling. Both Benny and DJ trying to
hide any skepticism... Suddenly,
Sandy begins to stop, look ahead and growl. They all stop, look, and listen... Huffs
can be heard, then seen. Two of them, but they look as if they'll just pass on
by. Suddenly, Sandy barks. They all try to stop her, but it's too late. The
huffs are now coming right for them, then a third and a fourth one... DJ,
Benny, and Eli drop the ropes and packs. Eli is already grabbing his bat from
the kayak. DJ reaches for his spear, following Eli. Benny is behind them, with
his own spear. Sam holds a gun, looking all around, while standing next to
Renee, who holds Sandy (barking) from going after the huffs... Eli
is super quick to reach the first two, and with little effort, puts them down.
He goes for the third, swinging his bat with all his might. Only one remains,
and DJ is going for him, but Eli beats him to it. He takes it down and looks
all around, with the desire for more... DJ I get it Eli! You're a badass, now. Not even an All-Star, but a freaking Rockstar! But you have to calm down, man! You're gonna’ kill yourself. You're not even thinking, you're just reacting. DJ
just staring at him, blood on Eli’s face. Eli staring back, with no
words... DJ Maybe you want to die, is that it? Well, that s**t isn't happening, not on my watch, it is. DJ
walking back toward his kayak, Eli just standing there, looking down at the
dead huff... Dissolve
to DJ and them, relieved as they reach the river, setting down their gear, and
going to the edge for a look, and wet their hands/faces... DJ
looks around, spotting an area in some brush, worthy of making camp... Dissolve
to same area DJ was checking out, now covered with tarps, and sleeping bags
inside, kind of like a
fort. The cat carrier is next to the camp, door wide open. Bailey is inside,
coming out, then going back in. DJ,
Eli, and Sam are all nearby, at the shoreline, fishing. Sam is pulling in a
fish. Benny is starting a fire, Renee plays with Sandy. Bailey runs out of
carrier, right at Sandy, as Renee laughs, then he turns and zips right back
over, and into carrier... Dissolve
to close-up of leftover fish, panning back to the shoreline, where Eli
(everyone in life-jackets) climbs into rear of one Kayak, with Sam already in
front, placing carrier (Bailey inside) down in kayak. SAM (talking to Bailey) You have to practice getting used to this, too... DJ is
climbing into the back of another, where Renee already sits in the front. Benny
watches from in front of them, where he holds a gun and watches everyone's
back, with Sandy... They
begin paddling into the river... DJ Not too far, now. Just want to get a little practice for the big day, tomorrow. The
kids having fun as they go at it like pros. Laughing and being silly... DJ I know you're having fun, but keep it down, guys. Sam
uses her paddle to splash a little water at Renee, who laughs... Dissolve
to darkness...with the sound of people sleeping... Now the sound of huffs,
grunting... Sandy
begins growling. DJ can be heard trying to quiet the dog, but she begins
barking... In
the moonlight, you can somewhat see Eli and DJ, now using the bat and a spear,
to kill the huffs… Dissolve
to daylight now shining over the camp area, as they begin waking and rising
inside. They begin coming outside, where three dead huffs lay on the ground,
nearby... Bailey quickly zips by, running back inside his open carrier... Dissolve
to close-up of leftover boxes/cans of food, panning back to everyone at the
shoreline, inside their kayaks. Sam and Eli (Eli in back) are paired in a
kayak. Sam is reaching down, placing a finger in cat carrier, to calm Bailey. DJ
(in back) is paired with Renee. Benny (in back) is paired with Sandy. They are
pushing off, out into the river, and away they go. Sam smiling at Renee, who
smiles back... SAM We got this… DISSOLVE
TO: FLASHBACK EXT.
BOAT - MORNING Renee
climbs out of the boat, with fear and gloom all over her expression, as DJ
helps her out. They begin walking away. DJ looks over toward the house, where
someone watches them from the window. He nods at them, and continues on... Multiple
flashes of them walking endlessly through the woods, past random houses
(sometimes people looking out at them), hiding in the brush as a couple huffs
walk by, peeking in abandoned cars as they pass by, grabbing extra clothing,
water bottles, a flashlight, and a little bit of food, from abandoned cars. They
find a creek and fill up water bottles. More endless walking. They are tiring.
They are quiet. Renee suddenly stops, simply staring ahead... DJ stops and
looks at her. DJ What? RENEE We've already been here. DJ
looking around... DJ What do you mean? Renee
points toward a tree. RENEE We've already passed that tree. DJ
turns toward the tree, staring at it a moment... DJ That tree? Which looks (turning to face/point toward other trees) pretty much exactly like that tree right over there, and that one there, and the one over there, and the one next to it? DJ
turning to look at Renee... RENEE Yeah...I noticed it the first time, when (looking, then pointing)...we came from that direction. DJ
looks where she points...and everywhere else, then back at the tree... DJ So...which way have we not gone? Renee
looks around, a bit, then points. He looks, then at her, and then begins
walking that direction, as she follows... Day
dissolves to evening, as they continue walking through the woods... DJ kind of
smirks, and bumps her with his shoulder. DJ And you said you couldn't survive... Renee
just looking at him... RENEE What? DJ You've already contributed to us covering more ground. Without your advice back there, we'd be covering the same ground, because I couldn't figure that out myself...(looking at her) You're not as useless as you think you are, kiddo… She
just looks away and keeps walking...before suddenly stopping... DJ What? She's
listening... RENEE I hear something. DJ
begins listening...eventually the sound of huffs can be heard, and it keeps
getting louder. It sounds like a ton of them. They quickly move to find a safe
place. He finds a good patch of brush, and leads her inside, where they quickly
crawl to the ground and watch... Huffs
begin walking by. Many of them are children, and some are soldiers. If you look
carefully, you might recognize some of them as the same group that was at the
bottom of the tree house, while Sam and Eli were trapped up there, by
themselves, after everyone else had died... DJ
looks at Renee... DJ (very quietly) See...you just contributed again... Renee
looks from DJ, to the crowd of huffs, who continue on their way... Evening
dissolves to night, with DJ using a flashlight, as he and Renee cautiously
approach an area, with parked army vehicles. They continue creeping by them,
and toward cabin. It looks like the same cabin Colonel Ballard and his men,
parked their vehicles, before walking/sneaking back to the tree house. It’s
also Frank and Lisa’s cabin (family who walked below the lake). DJ
shuts off his light, as he and Renee hide by a tree. He smiles and looks toward
the lake, moonlight over it... DJ I bet that's the lake we're looking for. He
looks at Renee. He uses flashlight (halfway covering it with his hand) to see
her face. She is completely exhausted, starving, and barely awake. DJ We can wait until morning to find them. (looks toward cabin) We'll take our chances and crash here tonight. He
leads her toward cabin, shining light on it, and back on the ground for her.
They creep toward it, and up inside. He shines his light inside. It's
completely thrashed, but looks vacant. Cut
to DJ, checking a bedroom, as he walks in shining light, seeing blood and
remains, everywhere, and just as quickly turns and walks out... DJ We'll sleep on the couches... Dissolve
to morning, with DJ and Renee walking along the lake trail. Suddenly, Renee
stops... DJ
stops and looks at her. She points, over and upward. He turns to look... His
POV (as he moves to see more clearly) of what looks to be part of a tree house.
He smiles and looks at Renee, before guiding her with him, toward it. Cut
to both DJ and Renee, creeping through the brush. They can see dead
huffs/bodies everywhere. They are very careful to be quiet and not heard, by
whoever might be in the tree house. Multiples
flashes of them creeping to different angles, trying to see who might be up
there. They continue to use extreme caution. DJ keeps looking to Renee, they
see nothing... DJ
moves quietly (from directly underneath tree house) while Renee follows, but
suddenly stops. DJ looks at her...and mouths "What?"... RENEE (whispering) I saw a girl... DJ A girl? (just looking at her) How old? RENEE (shrugging) Maybe my age... DJ
just stands there, thinking for a second... DJ (quietly) I'm gonna’ say something. Be ready to run! DJ
guides her over a little ways, then stops her. He moves over and looks
upward... DJ All-Star??? DJ
stands there curiously/cautiously waiting... ELI (OS) DJ? Renee
points upward and simply walks outside of the brush, DJ steps out after her,
looking up at the tree house, with a smile. He and Renee watch, as Eli begins
zipping down ladder, and running to DJ. ELI (just looking at him) I can't believe it! Now
simply lunging forward and embracing him. Sam at bottom of ladder watching. She
forms a small smile, and approaches. Eli comes out of hug and excitedly looks
at Sam. ELI Sam, it's DJ! (looking at DJ) DJ, this is Sam. Sam
approaches with a smile, and a tear. She simply walks right to DJ, throwing out
her arms and hugging him. SAM I'm so happy to meet you. DJ
comes out of hug, just looking at her and her face full of tears. He looks to
Eli, who also is shedding tears. He looks all around, at the bodies...and up
toward the tree house. There is no sight of Rhett, Scott, or Amy. He quickly
puts 2 and 2 together... DJ Oh my God, Eli... (he steps toward him, with another hug) I am so sorry! (DJ looks to Sam, then Renee) That is my sister, Renee... Sam
looks from Eli and his tears (hugging DJ), to Renee who has tears of her own,
now developing. Sam moves in on her, with a big hug. SAM Hi, Renee. I'm Sam. Renee
stands there, mostly limp, but slightly joins in on the hug... BLACK RENEE (OS) Do you…have anything to eat? CREDITS THE
END
© 2024 Mike Decker |
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Added on December 31, 2018 Last Updated on March 19, 2024 Tags: The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Zombies, apocalypse Author
Mike Deckervancouver, WAAboutMy daughter and I are huge Walking Dead fans, and have put together our own spinoff series, of it... Above The Dead It's an absolute emotional mess, and a total suspense/thriller... https://w.. more..Writing
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