PSYCHE

Written by

Diane Carol Harder

Based on the myth of Cupid and Psyche

as told in The Golden Ass by Apuleius

Liliath & Penumbra

dch@liliathandpenumbra.com
(323)647-5327
 ii.

READER NOTE:

To borrow from John August's intro for The Nines, I must explain what
will be obvious to viewers but not to readers: several actors will be
playing multiple parts in this film.

1) YOUNG ISTRA and PSYCHE

2) MAIA and ORUAL

3) REYANNE and REDIVAL

It will all make sense - I promise.

 OVER BLACK:

Heavy breathing.

FADE IN:

INT. CHARITY AND AMOS HOUSE - BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Dark. A trickle of moonlight from a crack in the curtains

reveals very little except flashes of two forms moving
together on a bed. The sounds of ragged breathing and
rustling sheets make it clear whats going on.

Then there are two gasps, followed by slow sighs of pleasure,

and one of the forms rolls over into the moonlight. Its too
dark to distinguish anything other than that its a WOMAN,
her breath quickened and her face glistening with sweat. She
quietly watches the stars outside.

This is DR. CHARITY OBRIEN (mid-30s).

The dark shadow of the PERSON shes with nudges her.

MANS VOICE
Hey - whatre you thinking?

Charity breaks into a smile and turns toward him.

CHARITY
That I have to pee.

She gives him a peck on the cheek, then climbs out of bed and
crosses the room.

Theres a FLASH OF LIGHT as she flips the switch -

- revealing AMOS NGUYEN (mid-30s), a very fit man - as in,

former-Navy-SEAL-now-CIA-Special-Operations-Group-officer fit
- who GROANS and pulls the covers over his head.

CHARITY (CONTD)
(not sorry)
Sorry.

She CHORTLES and turns the light back off, ducking inside the
bathroom just in time to avoid a pillow missile.

Theres the BUZZ of a phone notification, and Amos face

reappears from under the covers, lit by the blue light of his
phone screen.

AMOS
Hey - babe?
 2.

CHARITY
(muffled, through the door)
Yeah?

Amos turns on the bedside light and moves to pull on some

clothes.

AMOS
Looks like I gotta go in.

Theres a FLUSH, and Charity reappears.

CHARITY
But - the airport! Im leaving in
just a couple hours anyway - cant
you wait?

Amos shakes his head no and steps up to her, wrapping her in

his arms. They KISS.

Afterwards, he puts his chin on her head, which shes leaning

against his chest.

CHARITY (CONTD)
Ugh. That means Ill have to take a
cab.

AMOS
Well, I dont even have time to
shower.

She sticks her nose in his armpit and takes a big sniff, then
pulls away, her nose all wrinkled with faux disgust.

CHARITY
Theyre sure going to regret that.

Amos LAUGHS and pulls her into another quick KISS.

AMOS
I also dont have time to do this
right.

He pulls a RINGBOX out of his pocket and gives it to her.

She opens it - it's an ENGAGEMENT RING.

She grins at him and puts it on. Then she KISSES him again.

And that's the whole proposal.

Amos pulls away.

 3.

AMOS (CONTD)
Love you, dork - Ill Skype you in
New York, okay?

CHARITY
(nods)
Love you, too, nerd.

He grabs a PACKED DUFFEL BAG from under the bed and is gone.

Charity sighs and climbs into his side of the bed, snuggling
into his pillow.

She admires her new ring for a moment, then reaches over and
turns out the light.

EXT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME -- DAY

Sleek brick structure with modern landscaping. SENIORS

loiter, alone and in groups, on the grounds - this is a
retirement home.

A YELLOW CAB pulls up and Charity climbs out.

Another WOMAN steps forward from next to the front door,

smiling. This is SHAWNTAY, a big, cheerful NURSING ATTENDANT
(mid-30s).

Charity steps up to her and Shawntay LAUGHS, pulling her into

a big hug.

Then she holds her at arms length, GRINNING.

SHAWNTAY
Youre finally here!

CHARITY
(smiles)
It's good to see you again! Sorry I
didn't make the last reunion -
hows Jay?

SHAWNTAY
At that stage of pregnancy where
you eat all the things. There are a
lot of late night trips to
Gristedes. What about Amos?

Charity shows her her left hand, the ENGAGEMENT RING gleaming
in the sunlight.

Shawntay grins and gives her a high five.

 4.

SHAWNTAY (CONTD)
Congrats! And when did this happen?

CHARITY
What time is it? Maybe six hours
ago?

SHAWNTAY
You have a date yet?

CHARITY
Ha - no. Honestly, I have no idea
how this will work with his job. He
is always on call. And I mean
ALWAYS.

Shawntay raises an eyebrow, then holds the front door of

Lillian Booths open for her before following her inside.

INT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME -- CONTINUOUS

Like a luxury hotel, except all the guests are SENIORS.

Shawntay keeps walking, and Charity hurries to keep up.

SHAWNTAY
Well, after you're done with your
interviews, we can go for dinner
and you can tell me all about it.

Charity nods.

CHARITY
Except I cant tell you everything-

SHAWNTAY
-cause then youd have to kill me.
I get it.
(air quotes)
Itd be treason.

She rolls her eyes.

SHAWNTAY (CONTD)
Pshaw, I say.

Charity cant help LAUGHING.

Then Shawntay stops, almost making Charity bump into her.

Theres a CROWD gathering around a window opening onto a

TERRACE. The faint sound of operatic singing can be heard.
 5.

ISTRA (O.S.)
(singing)
Ave Maria, Gratia plena-

Shawntay turns to Charity.

SHAWNTAY
Oh god - its Ms. Fisher. Ill be
right back.

Shawntay rushes toward the crowd, Charity following more

slowly behind.

ISTRA (O.S.)
(singing)
Maria, gratia plena-

EXT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - GARDEN TERRACE -- CONTINUOUS

A lush green space with a small decorative pond. A pile of

clothes sits next to said pond -

- and an OLD WOMAN (80s) sits in the water, her eyes closed.
She is quite beautiful, but she is also naked. This is ISTRA
FISHER.

ISTRA
(singing)
Maria, gratia plena-

Shawntay grabs a towel and run-walks up to her.

SHAWNTAY ISTRA (CONT'D)
Ms. Fisher? Let me just help (singing)
you back to your room. Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum-

Istra stops singing, opens her eyes, and glares at Shawntay.

ISTRA (CONTD)
No, thank you. Im perfectly
capable.

And she stands with perfect grace to step out of the pond.
Shawntay quickly covers her -

- but Istra bats her hands away, grabbing the towel herself
and walking back inside.

Shawntay lets out a SIGH, and grabs Istras clothing.

Charity follows behind.

 6.

INT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

Shawntay follows a trail of wet footprints, Charity close on

her heels. They stop in front of the door to one of the
private suites.

SHAWNTAY
Sorry about this - I'll just help
Ms. Fisher get dressed, then show
you to your first interview
subject.

CHARITY
(references closed door)
What about her? Why isnt she on my
list?

Shawntay shakes her head.

SHAWNTAY
Ms. Fisher? She's a bit beyond what
you're going for, I think.

Charity just smiles at her. Shawntay finally smiles back.

SHAWNTAY (CONTD)
Okay - fine - but don't say I
didn't warn you.

Shawntay gives a quick KNOCK, then opens the door a bit.

SHAWNTAY (CONTD)
Ms. Fisher? You decent? I've got my
friend Doctor O'Brien with me.
She'd like to speak with you, if
that's alright.

ISTRA (O.C.)
(from inside)
Yes, Shawntay - come on in.

Shawntay opens the door wider and shows Charity inside.

INT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - ISTRAS SUITE - LIVING ROOM -

- CONTINUOUS

A small love seat and cozy chair are the only places to sit,
while a bookcase overstuffed with books fills one wall, and a
small upright piano fills another. A music stand overflowing
with sheet music stands in a corner, in front of a large
cabinet record player.
 7.

The focal point of the room, though, is a FRAMED OPERA

POSTER, advertising the performance of ISTRA FISHER as
Marguerite in Faust, dated 1966.

Shawntay moves toward Istra, who sits on the love seat with
perfect posture. Shes wearing a luxurious bathrobe, and her
hair is wrapped up in the large towel given to her by
Shawntay.

SHAWNTAY
Want me to help you get dressed,
maam?

Istra takes her clothes from Shawntay and drops them in a

pile on the table in front of her, ignoring the question.
Shawntay shakes her head.

SHAWNTAY (CONTD)
Are you warm enough, ma'am? Shall I
make you some tea?

Istra gives her a charming smile.

ISTRA
Thank you, yes.

Shawntay disappears into a small KITCHEN.

Meanwhile, Charity steps up to a shelf full of FRAMED PHOTOS.

A younger Istra (late 20s), her SISTERS (30s), her FATHER
(late 50s) -

- and the last one, of a DONKEY. Charity turns to Istra,

about to ask about it, but Istras been watching her.

ISTRA (O.C.) (CONTD)

(chuckles)
Thats Lucius. He was my pet when I
was younger. Lived to be almost
forty years old, if you can believe
it.

Charity moves to the chair. Shawntay reappears and serves

them tea, then sits on the love seat next to Istra.

ISTRA (CONTD)
(to Shawntay)
You said she-
(indicates Charity)
-was your friend?
 8.

CHARITY
(smiles)
Shawntay and I were roommates at
Columbia. When she heard I was
doing this study, she gave me a
call, suggesting I should talk to
some of your neighbors here.

Istra takes a sip of her tea.

ISTRA
Study?

CHARITY
I'm a psychiatrist doing a study on
the link between creativity and
mental illness.

ISTRA
I see. Just because I'm old doesn't
mean I'm mentally ill.

Charitys eyes widen with innocence.

CHARITY
Oh - forgive me - I made an
assumption based on the lovely
performance I just witnessed, and
that was wrong.
(beat, searches for words)
Its just so common for creative
people to struggle with mental
illness - and sometimes, because
society likes to use that
stereotype as almost a magical way
of explaining the existence of
talent they dont understand,
creative people often receive a
diagnosis anyway, regardless of
whether its deserved or not.

Shawntay gives her a subtle thumbs up.

SHAWNTAY
(mouths)
Smooth.

Istra sits up a little straighter (if thats possible).

 9.

ISTRA
That's very true. I was a famous
soprano - I sang all the great
operas - and because they didn't
understand my passion and what it
took to be a great artist, my
family had me committed to an
insane asylum.
(beat)
Honestly, I think my sisters were
just jealous I was Psyche, and that
I was becoming a goddess.

Charity smiles without batting an eye.

CHARITY
Exactly. So may I interview you for
my study? I just want to hear some
of your stories about your life as
an artist, and how that diagnosis
came to be.

Istra gives her the side-eye, but NODS.

CHARITY (CONTD)
Thank you.

Charity pulls out her PHONE, already open to a RECORDING APP.

She hits the RED BUTTON to record, and sets it down on the
table in front of her.

CHARITY (CONTD)
(to the recorder)
Interview with Istra Fisher, June
10, 2018. Doctor Charity OBrien
and Ms. Fisher's nursing attendant,
Shawntay Jackson, both present.

Charity pulls a NOTEBOOK out of her BAG and turns toward

Istra. She flips it open to a list of questions.

CHARITY (CONTD)
First of all, I just explained to
you why I'm here. Can you tell me
what that reason was, in your own
words?

ISTRA
(nods)
You are doing a study on the link
between creativity and mental
illness.

Charity smiles.
 10.

CHARITY
And what places you in the category
of creative?

ISTRA
I am a famous opera singer.

Charity shifts in her chair, growing serious.

CHARITY
And can you please share with me
what mental illness you were
diagnosed with?

ISTRA
Schizophrenia. When I was thirty
years old.
(beat)
Im sorry - I need a moment.

She takes a steadying breath. Shawntay touches her arm.

SHAWNTAY
(whispers)
Youre doing very well.

Istra dabs at her eyes with a HANDKERCHIEF.

Charity takes a sip of her tea, giving them a moment. Then

her phone BUZZES with a text, so she picks it up.

Seeing its from Amos, her brow furrows with worry. She taps
to read it.

ON SCREEN: p

SHAWNTAY (CONTD)
Charity?

Charity looks up to find herself standing, both women

watching her with concern.

CHARITY
Its Amos. Ill just be a minute.

Shawntay nods, and Charity steps outside.

INT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

Charity taps her phone to call Amos.

It doesnt even ring:

 11.

AMOS
(through phone)
Youve reached Amos Nyugen. Leave
me a message, and Ill call you
back as soon as I can.

CHARITY
(into phone)
Hey - its me. I just got a weird
text from you, which makes me
worried because you probably left
on a mission this morning, which
means you were supposed to have
gone dark and not be texting me, so
Im hoping youre okay. And if you
ARE okay, I know you wont be
allowed to respond anyway, which
would just make you a jerk for
making me worried over an ass-
dialed text in the first place.
Soooo... I guess thats it. Love
you, nerd. Come home soon.

She hangs up, letting out a SIGH. Then she steps back inside
the room.

INT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - ISTRAS SUITE -- CONTINUOUS

Charity gives Shawntay a small smile and returns to her seat.

Meanwhile, Istra appears as if nothing has disturbed her -
you wouldnt know shed just been upset.

ISTRA
Is everything alright, Doctor
OBrien?

CHARITY
I just had to respond to a text.

ISTRA
To Amos - yes. He must be important
to you.

Charitys caught off-guard. Shed forgotten shed said his

name.

CHARITY
Yes. Hes my fianc.

Istra gives her her charming smile. Then she turns to

Shawntay.
 12.

ISTRA
(to Shawntay)
Did I ever tell you about MY
fianc? Of course, he eventually
became my husband...

Shawntay's face is a mask of surprise.

SHAWNTAY
No - I dont think so - all your
records always listed you as single-

Istra stands and glides toward the record player. Hitting the
switch, MUSIC begins to play.

Its the intro to the song she was singing earlier, Ave
Maria.

ISTRA
When I was younger, I had many
admirers but no suitors.

Both Charity and Shawntay lean forward, despite themselves.

INT. CARNEGIE HALL - STERN AUDITORIUM -- NIGHT (1964)

A packed house. The MUSIC transitions from the recorded

version on the record to that of a LIVE ORCHESTRA.

A YOUNGER VERSION OF ISTRA (30), a woman whose sad eyes will

keep you intrigued far longer than her perfect beauty ever
could, steps out onto the stage of the iconic room, the seats
filled with well-dressed people, standing and CHEERING
loudly.

AUDIENCE
Brava! Encore!

Young Istra steps to centre stage and holds her hands up.
Everyone goes quiet and sits down.

Young Istra closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and opens
her mouth to sing:
 13.

YOUNG ISTRA
(singing)
Ave Maria, Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus
Ave Maria

Her sister MAIA (35), a woman with tight, dark curls and
tired eyes, sits next to her bland husband GEORGE (55), and
is entranced with what is going on onstage.

Next to them sits Istras other sister REYANNE (33), a soft,

passive, pink cloud of femininity, and her husband JOHN (35).
Reyanne fights back a YAWN and leans her head on Johns
shoulder.

Meanwhile, as she sings, Young Istra is unabashed - giving

her all to the song.

YOUNG ISTRA (CONTD)

(singing)
-Ave Maria, Mater Dei.
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus.

Maia cannot tear her eyes from her, and subconsciously holds
her breath, straining with every fiber to hear each note
completely.

YOUNG ISTRA (CONTD)

Nunc et in hora mortis,
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis, mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria.

Slowly, quietly, the song comes to a close, and Young Istra

bows her head, spent.

There is a moment of awed silence.

Then the crowd JUMPS back to its feet and thunders with
APPLAUSE.

Maia watches Young Istra proudly and claps, her eyes

dangerously bright.
 14.

Meanwhile, onstage, Young Istra finally opens her eyes and

looks at the audience that is still applauding her with a
standing ovation. She is now dressed in Ancient Roman attire.

She shakes her head, frowning, and quickly leaves the stage,
ignoring the cries for another encore.

Maia watches her sisters exit, a puzzled expression on her

face - but then realizes that the audience is still clapping,
so she smiles at George and keeps clapping as well.

Reyanne, meanwhile, is sound asleep on Johns shoulder.

EXT. CAPITOLINE HILL, ROME - TEMPLE OF VENUS ERYCINA -- DAY

(ANCIENT ROME)

Majestic fluted pillars shoulder the great structure, which

stands on a hill. Several other temples are nearby -
including a huge one for Jupiter - but this is the one where
a CROWD OF UPPER-CLASS WOMEN are gathering.

Its April 23rd, and theyre about to celebrate the Vinalia

Urbana.

PSYCHE (30), played by the same woman as Young Istra, appears

from inside the temple, quickly walking down the steps to
join the crowd.

Her TWO SISTERS, ORUAL (35), played by the same woman as

Maia, and REDIVAL (33), played by the same woman as Reyanne,
appear in the doorway behind her, trying to catch up.

PSYCHE
Its not my fault!

Psyche doesnt notice - shes used to it - but she draws a

lot of stares and double-takes from the people around her.

ORUAL
I know.

PSYCHE
I never asked for this. How do I
get them to stop?

Redival bursts out LAUGHING, as if this is the funniest thing

shes ever heard.

REDIVAL
If they could just see you in the
morning, theres no way theyd ever
think you were-
 15.

Orual elbows her quiet, her mouth twitching with a smile.

Hurt, Psyche walks ahead, joining the group of women standing

near a DITCH beside the temple, where JUPITERS HIGH PRIEST
stands MUTTERING over several CASKS OF WINE.

Her sisters join her.

Psyche SIGHS, frustrated.

PSYCHE
What must she think of me?

Orual smiles, trying to console her.

ORUAL
Psyche, Im sure she doesnt think
of you at all.

A flash of relief crosses Psyches face.

PSYCHE
I hope not.

The High Priest turns and holds up his hands for quiet.

JUPITERS HIGH PRIEST

With this, last years vintage of
sacred wine, we give Jupiter his
tribute.

Psyche, Orual, Redival, and the other women all CHEER as the
casks are opened and poured into the ditch.

Its a joyful celebration -

- but then Psyche and her sisters turn to find A YOUNG

PROSTITUTE (15) kneeling at her feet with a BOUQUET of ROSES,
MYRTLE, and RUSHES.

Redival lets out a frustrated SIGH.

REDIVAL
Really? Again?!

The sisters quickly circle around the girl, urging her to get
up.

The other women in the crowd stream around them, leaving for
more festive celebrations.

ORUAL
(to prostitute)
What are you doing here, child?
(MORE)
 16.

ORUAL (CONT'D)
You should be at the Colline
temple, not here.

Redival GIGGLES nervously when the girl refuses to move.

REDIVAL
If the other women see you, youll
be whipped. You know women of your
type arent allowed here.

Psyche kneels and looks the prostitute in the eye.

PSYCHE
Im not her. I promise. Im just
human. NOT Venus.

The girls eyes well up with tears. She offers Psyche her
bouquet.

PROSTITUTE
Oh - but you are! I know it, just
as plain as looking at you. Please -
I brought you this - please,
goddess - bless me with some of
your beauty and favor!

Psyches face softens, and she leans forward to kiss the

prostitute on the forehead and accept her bouquet.

The girl, grateful, CRIES and BOWS before leaving.

Orual turns to Psyche.

ORUAL
In front of her own temple?! You
tempt her wrath.

REDIVAL
Orual, I thought you said the
goddess doesnt think of her at
all.

ORUAL
Well, I lied.

Psyche, meanwhile, ignores them, taking the bouquet and

starting back up the steps of the temple.

Her sisters dont know whether to follow her or not.

Psyche, still holding the bouquet, steps through the door

into--
 17.

INT. CARNEGIE HALL - ISTRAS DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT (1964)

Lavish flowers and fruit baskets fight for space in this

luxurious, hidden nook.

Psyche, still wearing her Ancient Roman garb, steps inside

and shuts the door behind herself.

Then, sliding down to the floor, she takes a deep breath of

the bouquet shes still holding before bursting into tears.

INT. CARNEGIE HALL - HALLWAY OUTSIDE YOUNG ISTRAS DRESSING

ROOM -- NIGHT (1964)

Long and dimly-lit. Maia, Reyanne, George, and John - dressed

in decade-appropriate attire - stand outside the recently-
closed door.

The muffled sounds of Young Istras CRYING can be heard from

inside.

REYANNE
(yawns)
Should we go in?

Maia shakes her head, no.

MAIA
Shes in one of her moods. Im
really worried about her.

George takes her hand and guides her away from the door. John
puts his arm around Reyannes shoulders, and they follow.

JOHN
(to Maia)
How so?

Maia shrugs.

MAIA
She just seemed odd onstage, is
all.

Reyanne GIGGLES.

REYANNE
But shes always been odd, Maia.

Maia smiles.

MAIA
More so than usual, then.
 18.

George squeezes her hand.

GEORGE
You know her better than anyone. If
you say somethings wrong, then
something must be wrong.

Maia gives him a grateful look.

REYANNE
But can it wait for another day?
Im zonked.

John swoops her up into his arms, and she SHRIEKS with
delight.

JOHN
Then I oughta get you home, little
lady!

Maia joins in the laughter, and lets herself be pulled away

from Istras dressing room.

INT. LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - ISTRAS SUITE -- DAY

(PRESENT)

Charity and Shawntay are still leaning forward, listening.

Istra sits back in the loveseat and unwraps her hair,

starting to dry it with the towel.

ISTRA
That was the day my sisters decided
I must be sick.

CHARITY
But what about your fianc? You
said this story was about him.

Istra stops what shes doing and sits up taller, her eyes
shining.

ISTRA
(to Charity)
He comes later in the story. And
youll see - he went missing, too,
but I found him in the end. Dont
worry - I just know you will, too.

Charitys smile disappears. She stands.

CHARITY
But Amos isnt missing, Ms. Fisher.
 19.

Istra furrows her brow, confused. Charity, meanwhile, blinks,

trying to get her bearings - shes suddenly dizzy.

Shawntay rushes to her side.

SHAWNTAY
(whispers)
You okay?

Charity forces a smile and sits back down.

CHARITY
(under her breath)
Dizzy spell.

She starts to pack her things.

SHAWNTAY
(whispers)
Happening a lot?

Charity shrugs.

CHARITY
(whispers)
Why?

Shawntay grins at her.

SHAWNTAY
(forgetting to whisper)
It was one of the first signs for
Jay that she was pregnant.

Charitys eyes widen. She grabs her phone, stops the

recording, and stands to leave. Shawntay, still grinning,
follows suit.

Istra leans back on the love seat, her eyes closed.

ISTRA
Forgive me for not standing,
ladies, but I find myself unusually
tired.

SHAWNTAY
I'm going off-shift now - but would
you like me to send Brandon in to
check on you?

ISTRA
(shakes head, no)
I'll be fine. Just need to rest.
(MORE)
 20.

ISTRA (CONT'D)
Thank you for your visit, Doctor
O'Brien - Id buy one of those
drugstore pregnancy tests on your
way to your hotel, if I were you.

Shawntay LAUGHS and shepherds Charity out the door before she
can respond.

INT. CHARITYS HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

Theres the BEEP of a keycard opening the door, and then

Charity appears, carrying one of those TINFOIL SWANS OF
LEFTOVERS and a PAPER BAG from a DRUGSTORE. She turns on the
light, puts the swan in the mini-fridge, and tosses her
jacket and purse aside.

Kicking off her shoes, she carries the paper bag into -

INT. CHARITYS HOTEL ROOM - BATHROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Like every other hotel bathroom youve ever seen, except with
the detritus of Charitys morning routine.

Pulling down her pants, Charity sits on the toilet and opens
the bag, pulling out a HOME PREGNANCY KIT. Opening the box,
she pulls out the PEE STICK.

With a SIGH, she holds it down where she can PEE on it.

Then she puts it on the counter, flushes, pulls her pants

back up, and washes her hands.

Not knowing what to do with herself while she waits for the
results, she sits back down on the (closed) toilet and pulls
out her PHONE -

- theres a MESSAGE NOTIFICATION. She hits PLAY, and a video

of Amos, in front of a plain background, starts.

AMOS
Hey, babe - guess I missed you.
Listen, I cant give details, but
Im going to be going dark for a
while. I love you, dont worry, and
Ill call you as soon as I can,
okay? Kick ass with your study and
make me proud.

And then the video stops.

Charitys confused. She checks the TIME STAMP of the

notification:
 21.

ON PHONE SCREEN: 10:13 P.M. E.S.T.

Her face full of relief, she opens a new text to Amos:

ON SCREEN: You nerd! So it really was an ass-text? You

<eggplant emoji>

She taps SEND, SIGHS, then remembers the pee stick again.

She checks it.

POSITIVE.

Dazed, she walks back out to -

INT. CHARITYS HOTEL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Charity climbs under the covers with her clothes still on,
hitting PLAY on Amos message again.

Her eyes are bright with tears, but she refuses to let them
fall.

When the message is done, she just hits PLAY again.