The View From Heaven

The View From Heaven
by
Joey Payne
Joey Payne
JoeyPayneJr@gmail.com
937-760-2240
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according
to his good purpose.”
-Philippians 2:13
2.
BLACKOUT
The sound of footsteps can be heard, starting softly but

growing louder.
FADE IN:
INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- DAY, ESTABLISHING
The footsteps belong to a pair of shiny, clean tennis shoes

walking on a white, tiled floor. We scan up the body:
DR. BRAD KERRY, 45-50, a tall, handsome man, with graying

hair, walks down a hallway. He wears light blue scrubs and
holds a manila folder.
Nurses and doctors buzz all around him, filing in and out of
doors. He does not meet or greet any. With his eyes above
the commotion, Brad stares at his destination, the emergency
room at the end of the hall. Lights blink in the distance
and a few nurses sprint past him.
Brad walks calmly towards the door and pushes it open.
Blackout.
FADE IN:
INT. AMBULANCE- DAY
Credits roll.
A MAN is being revived in a stretcher. There are signs of

blood under the many garments and straps that hold him down.
There are murmurs of the DRIVER speaking into a radio up
front. The other EMT’S pump his chest, check his vitals, and
fill out paperwork.
We see through the front windshield of the ambulance and

travel out to a birds eye view. It is clear that the vehicle
is speeding, with lights on, through the streets of a large
city. We now know, judging by the signs and stadiums
scattered throughout the city that we are in down town
DENVER, COLORADO. Mountains are in view and as we see the
hospital in the distance. Rising, we reach the clouds,
blinding us from the streets and gleaming with light from the
sun.
All along, an elegant BIRD flies in and out of view.

3.
INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- DAY
Brad washes his hands in the sink of the emergency room. The
patient, from the ambulance busts through the doors in-front
of him and is lifted onto the surgery table.
CARA, 30-35, a cute, put together, nurse walks into the wash
room. Brad continues, diligently scrubbing his fingers.
CARA
Gun-shot victim. Through the
chest. Four shots connected with
the patient and he has lost-
Brad continues to wash. He turns off the sink, giving no

attention to her comment, and lifts his hands in the air to
keep clean. Brad walks through the sliding doors into the
E.R. and Cara follows closely behind.
FADE OUT:
INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- AN HOUR LATER- DAY
Brad weaves stitches through the wounds on the patient and

works silently.
CARA
Shouldn’t we do another line?
Brad ties up the stitch, places the utensils on the platform

next to him and removes his gloves.
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- NIGHT, ESTABLISHING
Brad walks through the revolving doors of his apartment

building. He is dressed in day clothes, dressy and clean-
cut. A BELL-MAN stands behind a lobby desk.
BELL-MAN
Good evening Dr. Kerry.
Brad continues on, emotionless, to a massive line of mail

boxes along the wall He approaches his cubby and twists a
key. It’s empty. He slams it shut.
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- MOMENTS LATER
Brad walks through the front door of his apartment, revealing

a broad, lavishly decorated living room and foyer.
4.
It is clear that Brad has money as we can see straight

through the high rise windows ahead, to a beautiful view of
the city and mountains through the moonlight. He closes the
door behind him.
We follow Brad out of his bedroom. Behind him we see a

massive bed, not made. On the wall beside him hangs a:
PICTURE FRAME displaying two toddlers with ski outfits on

waving at the camera.
Although his living space is big, it is a bit unkempt. Empty

dishes fill the sink and papers are scattered on the tables.
He picks up a remote and flips on the massive television

hanging from the wall in front of him.
A REPORTER stands in front of a blinking police car on a

street. Below the image reads:
TITLE:
“Channel Two Denver News”
TITLE:
“Deadly shooter found at Convenient Store.”
REPORTER
Channel two was the first on the
scene today after a deadly gun
fight involving two, Denver
citizens. We are told tonight that
the victim, Mike Glance, is in
critical condition but will
survive. After being rushed to
West Arella Memorial Hospital this
afternoon Mike sustained hours of
treatment and is now in the
recovery stage. Family, friends
and the community have no choice
now but to wait...hope...
Beat.
REPORTER (CONT’D)
And pray.
Brad clicks off the television.
Blackout.
5.
Title:
“The View From Heaven”
FADE IN:
INT. FLINT’S VAN- DAY
MOBY FlINT, 35-40, a long-haired, bearded man with a tooth-

pick in mouth and a cigarette in hand barrels down a winding
mountain road. A sign ahead reads:
TITLE:
“10 MILES FROM DENVER, COLORADO”
He drives an old, run down, once bright red van that has seen
better days. An Indian Dream Catcher hangs from the rear
view mirror.
VICTORIA FLINT, 25-30, a pretty, but unkempt woman with faded

features and long frazzled hair sits in the passenger seat.
She wears a black stoned rosary around her neck with a
dangling sliver cross hanging from the string of rocks.
MOBY
Oh Lordy...
VICTORIA
Don’t celebrate yet.
Victoria picks at her leather sandals, rested on the

dashboard.
MOBY
Tori, I am about-
VICTORIA
We.
MOBY
We are about three hours away from
our dream come true...
Moby slams on the breaks to avoid a slowing semi-truck ahead.
VICTORIA
We have to get there first
Moby...and don’t wake Abs.
MOBY
Abby?
6.
No one answers. It’s clear that a body lays beneath a

blanket in the back seat.
MOBY (CONT’D)
Out like a rock.
VICTORIA
She must be exhausted...staying up
all night to help us rehearse.
MOBY
In...
Moby check’s his watch.
MOBY (CONT’D)
...three hours we’ll be famous. We
won’t even need our little
manager...
Victoria unfolds a pamphlet that sits in the cup-holder.
VICTORIA
Don’t say that. Nervous?
MOBY
Hell no, you?
VICTORIA
Hunny, it’s the Mile High Music
Festival, of course I’m nervous...
MOBY
Come on...we’ve been waitin’ our
whole lives for this!
VICTORIA
You’re tellin’ me.
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- DAY
Brad leans against his refrigerator. He coughs viciously.

He catches his balance and begins to walk to the door, mildly
coughing all along the way.
Brad approaches the answering machine on his apartment line

telephone. He clicks the flashing button, signalling a
message.
MAN’S VOICE
Bradly...it’s your long lost buddy.
Beat. Brad looks at the machine.

7.
MAN’S VOICE (CONT’D)

Just kidding. Anyway, hey man,
it’s James. Hope all is well.
Haven’t heard from you
in...god...well forever.
Beat.
JAMES
Anyway, let’s hit some balls soon.
I know how you love those- I think
I use that one every time.
Beat. Brad smiles but shakes his head.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Oh yeah...can you give me that
nurses number? Cara- You know-you
know the one. I saw her making
eyes at me last time I was at the
hospital. Cool. Later. Bye.
Brad clicks DELETE.
A SECRETARY can be heard leaving the next message.
SECRETARY
Dr. Kerry. I’m calling from Dr.
Gregory’s office. He would like to
see you around four today, if at
all possible. We need to take a
few more tests, and review some
previous ones. If you have any
questions don’t hesitate to call,
otherwise we’ll see you this
afternoon. Thank you and have a
great day.
Brad clicks off the machine and coughs more, covering his
mouth with the arm that holds his coffee.
He drops the coffee he holds on the marble floor beneath him.
BRAD
God Damnit!
Brad reaches and unravels a roll of paper towels that sit on

the counter. He drops them on the brown liquid.
BRAD (CONT’D)
God...
8.
He wipes it around with his feet and pushes the glass under
the ledge.
BRAD (CONT’D)
...Damnit.
EXT. MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL- DAY
Victoria unloads her trunk. She is at a massive amphitheater

that is visible behind the car. Moby walks up to her from a
near by port-a-potty.
MOBY
Where’s Abby?
VICTORIA
I thought she was with you.
Neither seem too alarmed.
MOBY
Nope, I stopped at the pisser.
VICTORIA
She’s probably off running around
the camp ground.
Moby looks through the window of the van to see the blanket
and pillow in the back seat appearing to cover Abby. She is
still not completely visible.
MOBY
Still, sleepin’...must be tired as
hell.
VICTORIA
Help me with this equip tough guy?
MOBY
Yep.
Moby walks up and helps her carry off two guitars.
INT. PRIVATE PRACTITIONER OFFICE- DAY
Brad stares at a DOCTOR in a suit across an elaborate desk.

Degrees and books line the walls of the broad office.
DOCTOR
You know Brad there are other ways-
9.
BRAD
Don’t give me that bull-shit.
DOCTOR
You need to just-
BRAD
I’ll tell you what I need. I need
a doctor, if that’s what you call
yourself, that knows something
about medicine-
DOCTOR
Brad-
BRAD
ZzzYou feed me one more line of
that and so help me god I will-
DOCTOR
Settle down Dr. Kerry, settle down.
BRAD
Don’t you ever tell me to settle
down.
Brad stands up and slams his chair into the desk. He walks
to the door and whips it open.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I suggest you contact your lawyers.
Because you’ll be hearing from
mine.
EXT. MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL- DAY
Moby and Victoria walk back stage of the amphitheater. Moby

carries a guitar and Victoria stares around at the lighting
and massive stage.
They follow a PRODUCER with a clipboard and headset.
PRODUCER
You’re not in the boonies anymore.
MOBY
Well-
PRODUCER
I hope you know that. This is the
big times.
10.
VICTORIA
Trust me sir, we know.
PRODUCER
Ever since you won that contest of
yours you’ve blown up huh?
MOBY
Yes, I guess we have.
PRODUCER
It got you here didn’t it? The
Mile High Music Festival is-
VICTORIA
With all do respect sir, it’s been
our life goal to perform on that
stage. We know-
PRODUCER
If you need me to pinch you I will.
This is the real deal so get ready,
your on stage in one hour.
Beat.
PRODUCER (CONT’D)
One hour!
The producer walks off down a corridor and we hear a massive

crowd in the amphitheater chanting for a band that plays an
electric guitar, O.S.
VICTORIA
Where’s Abby.
MOBY
She won’t miss it for the world.
You know her, head in the clouds,
floatin along.
VICTORIA
I just hope she wakes up in time.
We don’t have time to go back...
MOBY
She’ll be up. She got us here
didn’t she, signin’ us up for the
battle of the bands?
VICTORIA
I guess yeah, she did.
Moby pinches Victoria.

11.
VICTORIA (CONT’D)
Ow!
MOBY
That guy wouldn’t pinch you but I
will, let’s go!
INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- THAT EVENING
Brad sits on a bench in the locker room of the hospital. He

holds a piece of paper in his hand. He flips a pen against
his knee and stares at the paper.
He slams the door to his locker shut and walks out of the
locker room.
EXT. MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL- EVENING
The sun sets over the mountains as we see a massive crowd in

an amphitheater watching an empty stage. An energetic M.C.
walks along the stage. The crowd cheers.
M.C.
And now, all the way from Junction,
Utah, a rising talent and the
newest band to the festival, give a
warm welcome to Moby and Victoria
Flint. Ladies and gentlemen...I
give you, the Flintstones!
Moby and Victoria take the stage and the ampitheater roars.
Throughout the crowd they look around at thousands of faces,
cheering and smiling. Some young, some old, but all there to
see them perform.
Moby walks over to Victoria, handing her the microphone.
MOBY
You ready Tori!
VICTORIA
Let’s give ‘em hell!
Moby starts off on a guitar intro- and the crowd cheers.

Victoria pulls the microphone from the stand.
INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- NIGHT
Brad knocks on the door to an office. The writing on the

door reads, “Chief of Surgery”. Brad continues to knock.
12.
CHIEF (O.S.)
Just a minute.
Brad knocks.
CHIEF (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Give it a minute.
Brad knocks.
CHIEF (O.S.) (CONT’D)

I’m coming for Christ sake.
Brad’s beeper goes off. He has not realized he’s wearing it

but see’s that he is being called for surgery. He shoves the
paper deep into his pocket and walks away from the door
towards the emergency room.
The Chief swings open his office door and looks around. No
one is there. He closes it.
EXT. EMERGENCY ROOM DRIVEWAY- NIGHT
Two PHYSICIAN'S push a stretcher to the sliding doors.
Cara, the nurse, approaches them, walking for a few steps

along the stretcher. The body is not visible but there is
plenty of blood.
CARA
Status?
PHYSICIAN
Car accident. Multiple head
fractures. Possible damage to the
brain. We have stabled his heart
rate but if you don’t get someone
on him soon-
CARA
Alright, let’s get him in there.
They roll the stretcher through the doors leading to the

surgery table.
The doors behind them slide open as another stretcher barrels

through.
CARA (CONT’D)
There’s two?
13.
PHYSICIAN #2
We’re gonna need another table, and
some towels, now. This one doesn’t
have long. Left half her blood at
the scene of the crash-
As we follow the stretcher in, the face is in a brace and

bandages cover most of the body but around the patients neck
sits a black stoned rosary with a shining silver cross at the
end.
Brad fastens his light blue cap on his head and ties up the
pants to his scrubs. He washes his hands in the sink and
follows the same routine from before. He backs through the
doors into the Emergency Room and Cara approaches him.
CARA
Multiple patient car accident.
Patient one has several abrasions
to the head along with multiple
bone fractures including left arm,
right leg and neck.
Brad slides on his gloves and places a pair of glasses over

his nose, walking to the tables where the patients lay, side
by side.
CARA (CONT’D)
Patient two has suffered trauma to
the chest resulting in internal and
external bleeding that has yet to
impede. We have paged Dr. Flannery
and Dr. Glenmore but as of now you
are the lone-
Cara sees that Brad is staring at the patients who are now
identifiably Moby and Victoria. They are attached to life
support machinery and appear extremely contorted.
Brad works away on Moby. The other doctors and nurses work
to sustain Victoria. Brad is the head surgeon in the room
still and works diligently. He stares at the charts in front
of him and then back into the wounds. A heart monitor RINGS
a flat line from behind him.
DOCTOR #1
We’re losing her.
14.
The doctors work to revive Victoria and Brad hands his

scalpel to a nurse working with Moby. He runs up to Victoria
and pushes down on her chest. A doctor takes over for him as
he goes to open her up again.
DOCTOR #2
Sir we need to work on the man, by
the time you open her up, she’ll be
gone.
Brad continues to cut but realizes that he is too late. As

he fights to bring her back the monitor continues to flat-
line. He shakes his head in passion and runs back to Moby.
Through the reflected window on the back wall of the

emergency room, a lone GIRL watches the procedure.
ABBY, 9-12, a young, bright eyed girl with flowing hair and a
flushed face sits peacefully behind the glass window. She
neither cry’s, smiles, or frowns. In fact, she shows little
emotion at all.
Brad looks up and sees her sitting there for the first time.
BRAD
Cara, get that little girl out of
there!
This is the first time Brad has spoken during the surgery.
The other doctors are alarmed but jump to action. Cara runs
out of the E.R. and into the hall.
INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- LATER THAT NIGHT
Brad works on Moby. Cara runs in fastening her face-mask.
CARA
Moby and Victoria Flint.
Brad continues to work. It is unapparent who Cara speaks to

but the entire crowd of doctors listens.
CARA (CONT’D)
Played at that music festival up in
Boulder tonight.
Beat.
CARA (CONT’D)
The police said they were coming
back from their performance when
they swerved off the road and into
a massive quarry.
15.
Cara pats the body with a towel to soak up blood.
CARA (CONT’D)
Took the response team nearly an
hour to pull them out.
DOCTOR #1
The girl?
CARA
Victoria.
DOCTOR #1
No the girl...
DOCTOR #2 points at the window where the girl had sat

previously before moved by Cara.
CARA
Apparently she was in the car with
them. Daughter I guess?
DOCTOR #2
You guess?
CARA
There’s no papers on any of them.
Just a couple of I.D.’s and some
guitars.
DOCTOR #1
Junction?
CARA
Utah. But it’s pretty obvious that
they lived out of their car for the
most part.
Brad looks up at Cara and then back down at Victoria.
CARA (CONT’D)
Tough life for a kid her age.
Parents always jumping from town to
town.
DOCTOR #1
Poor girl.
CARA
She’s in shock, won’t say a word to
anyone. She just sits staring into
space. The report shows that the
back seat, where she apparently sat
was intact, not a scratch on her.
16.
Again, Brad seems interested in the conversation. He looks

over his glasses at Cara.
CARA (CONT’D)
The first on scene found her
holding both of their lifeless
hands. I can’t imagine the things
that girl has seen.
As Brad works the heart monitor for Moby flat-lines. The

doctors snap into action as Brad continues to work.
Abby sits on a chair, her legs dangle beneath her. She looks
around the halls. There are not many people in the hospital
as it is fairly late at night.
The doors to the emergency room open and a body, covered in a

white sheet rolls out. The body belongs to Victoria and Abby
watches it come towards her.
The NURSES realize that she see’s them and turns around,
going down an adjacent hallway.
Two SURGEONS sprint down the hall, headed for the E.R. The
CHIEF follows close behind but is not running.
The doors open revealing another stretcher, with a white

sheet covering the dead body of Moby. Brad has lost both
patients and nurses wheel Moby down the adjacent hall. The
late SURGEONS slow down their pace.
The Chief walks towards the door just as Brad walks out,
throwing his gloves on the ground and ripping his mask off.
CHIEF
Brad.
Brad pulls out the piece of paper that was in his pants and
slaps it onto the Chief’s chest. The Chief pulls it back as
Brad walks by him, without looking and sees that it reads:
NOTICE OF RESIGNATION
Brad had planned on quitting when he was beeped. Moby and

Victoria will be his last patients.
The Chief notices this and turns around, remaining

stationary.
CHIEF (CONT’D)
Brad! I’m sorry.
17.
Brad continues to walk. He sees Abby sitting down in front

of him. He is ashamed that he has let Moby and Victoria die
under his hands and hesitates when he sees her.
She stares at him and smiles. He continues to walk and

pushes open the locker-room door.
Brad gets dressed and clears out his locker. He furiously

bangs around.
He pushes through the door, out into the dimly lit hallway
leading to the parking lot. The wing is quiet, and the
nurses have cleared.
ABBY (O.S.)
It’s not your fault you know.
Brad turns around to see Abby standing a few feet behind him
in the middle of the hall. Either she waited a while or just
appeared out of no where.
BRAD
Excuse me?
ABBY
It’s not your fault, you know-
about Moby and Victoria.
BRAD
Moby and Victoria?
ABBY
Abby points at the E.R.
Brad realizes.
BRAD
Did the nurses check you out of
here?
ABBY
I think they forgot.
BRAD
No that’s impossible, they would
never forget. Let’s go, follow me.
Brad walks down the hall, Abby is a few steps behind.
ABBY
They’re happy...
18.
BRAD
What? Who’s they?
ABBY
Moby and Victoria.
BRAD
Listen, I’m sorry kid. I really
am. I did the best I could but
sometimes, you know, sometimes-
ABBY
It’s not your fault.
BRAD
You keep saying that.
ABBY
It isn’t.
BRAD
Listen, once we get you checked out
you can talk to the Psychologist on
duty and-
ABBY
Psychologist?
BRAD
It’s a person that can help you
with-
ABBY
I know what a psychologist is.
Abby is more mature than her age would show. Not just by the
things she says but by the way she says them.
Brad approaches the nurses table. Sure enough it is empty.

He looks down the intersecting halls and sighs, perturbed.
BRAD
Do you have any family, that we can-
ABBY
Nope.
BRAD
What do you mean, nope. You have
to have other family, your parents
don’t have any siblings, or
friends?
19.
ABBY
Who Moby and Victoria?
Beat. Brad looks at her for an answer.
ABBY (CONT’D)
No, the life of the traveling
musician kind of breaks the ties of
any pre-constituted relationships.
BRAD
Why do you talk like that?
Abby appears confused.
ABBY
Like what?
BRAD
Like that, your-
ABBY
Vocabulary?
BRAD
I mean with you being on the road
and so-
ABBY
Young? I’ve had a lot of time to
learn.
A NURSE walks down the lone hallway. Brad perks up as she

approaches.
BRAD
Excuse me. Excuse me.
Brad approaches the woman.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Excuse me, can you help me, this
girl-
Brad looks towards her for a name.
ABBY
Abby.
BRAD
Abby here lost her parents tonight.
She doesn’t have any family to call
and needs to be-
20.
The nurse just keeps walking.
NURSE
I’m sorry, I really am but you are
just gonna need to check her out
yourself, I’m on my way to
Maternity.
BRAD
No you don’t understand.
NURSE
I understand perfectly, and I was
beeped.
BRAD
Can’t you just-
NURSE
I’m sorry.
The nurse turns the corner never breaking pace.
BRAD
Son of a-
Brad realizes that Abby is a young girl.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I don’t know how to-
ABBY
Can’t I stay with you?
BRAD
What?
ABBY
Can’t I-
BRAD
No you can’t stay with me.
ABBY
Why not?
BRAD
Because there are protocols and
things that have to happen when a
child is orphaned in a hospital.
You can’t just take any kid home-
ABBY
I’m not just any kid.
21.
BRAD
I’m sorry, but you are an orphan
and-
ABBY
Well do you know how to follow
those-
BRAD
The protocols?
ABBY
Right.
Brad goes through some filing cabinets behind the nursing

station. He finds nothing.
BRAD
Of all the nights.
ABBY
You mean because this was your last
night of work?
BRAD
Yes. How did you know that?
ABBY
Come on Brad, this is a small
hospital.
Beat. Brad looks at Abby for a long moment.
BRAD
No it’s not? And how do you know
my name?
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
The nurses obviously. How long
were you sitting out there.
ABBY
For a while.
BRAD
And no one tried to-
ABBY
No one saw me.
22.
BRAD
You know that’s why I am finished
with this god damn...with this job.
ABBY
You quit because no one saw me?
BRAD
I didn’t quit I resigned.
ABBY
Oh.
BRAD
Listen, you have to be someone
else’s problem.
Brad realizes his comment.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You’re not a problem.
Abby looks at the ground.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You don’t know anyone to call?
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Alright.
Brad looks around the halls and checks his watch.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I have some spare beds at my
apartment. You can sleep there and
tomorrow we can go to child
services.
Abby looks up.
ABBY
You don’t have to-
BRAD
It’s the least I can do. I killed
your parents.
ABBY
You didn’t kill anyone...
23.
INT. BRAD’S SPORTS CAR- NIGHT
Brad drives his car through a fairly empty, late night

street. Abby sits in the passenger seat. She reaches up and
hits the radio on.
BRAD
Don’t do that.
Brad turns it off.
ABBY
You don’t like music?
Abby rolls down her window letting fresh air buzz in.
BRAD
Stop. Roll that up.
Brad reaches over and puts the window child lock on. Abby
tries to roll it back down.
ABBY
Oh that’s low.
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- LATER THAT NIGHT
Brad walks through the revolving door into the lobby of his
building. The bell-man looks up.
BELL-MAN
Good-
He checks his watch and looks surprised.
BELL-MAN (CONT’D)
Morning-.
Brad walks by revealing Abby. He walks directly to the

mailbox and goes through the same routine. Nothing. He
slams it shut and hits the elevator button.
Abby looks around at the high ceilinged lobby in awe.
ABBY
Good morning!
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- MOMENTS LATER- NIGHT
Brad unlocks his front door and Abby runs past him into the
living room. She sees the view of the city and cascade of
mountains.
24.
ABBY
Wow...
Brad walks to the kitchen.
BRAD
Are you hungry?
ABBY
Starving...
Abby continues to walk around the beautiful, but dirty

apartment staring at objects.
Brad opens the refrigerator. A few beers, case of eggs and

several slices of cheese are the only things inside. He
pauses, closes it and opens a cupboard.
Brad pulls out a box of cereal and shakes it.
BRAD
All I have is-
Abby walks up to the kitchen.
ABBY
I’ll eat anything.
She grabs the box off the counter and plunges her hand
inside. She pulls out a massive handful and stuffs it in her
mouth. Brad chuckles.
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- MOMENTS LATER- NIGHT
Brad walks towards the bedrooms. He walks past his room and
opens the next door revealing a room decorated for children.
It has two beds and plenty of toys, posters and colors. He
pauses and then closes it, continuing down the hall. Abby
peeks inside as the door shuts.
She follows Brad into a guest room at the end of the hall. A
queen size bed and dresser fill the room.
BRAD
You can sleep here. It’s nothing-
Abby jumps on the bed and flops her body over the covers.
Brad looks around as it is clear he hasn’t been in the room
for quite some time.
BRAD (CONT’D)
The bathroom’s through that door.
And that’s pretty much-
25.
ABBY
It’s perfect.
Brad walks to the door. Abby sits on her bed.
BRAD
Listen I’m sorry.
ABBY
For what?
BRAD
Good night Abby.
ABBY
Good night Brad...can you leave the
door cracked?
He props it open just a bit and then heads to bed.
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- MORNING
Brad wakes up and throws his comforter off his body. He

yawns and walks out of his room wearing nothing but boxers.
Walking down the hall, he realizes that he has company and

walks back in his room.
Brad walks out of his bedroom with jeans and a sweatshirt on.
He ruffles his hair. We hear a skillet CRACK O.S.
The entire apartment is spotless-clean. It looks like a

completely different place and it’s true beauty comes
through.
We see Abby shaking a pan over the lit stove. She sprinkles
cut cheese inside scrambled eggs. Brad nears her. She
doesn’t turn around.
ABBY
You didn’t give me much to work
with!
Abby continues to mix the eggs. Brad sits down at the

counter on a bar stool.
BRAD
Did you clean my apartment?
26.
ABBY
I straightened up a bit. I hope
you like cheese in your eggs?
BRAD
I don’t usually eat br-
ABBY
Breakfast’s the most important meal
of the day.
BRAD
I know that, I’m a doctor.
Abby pours the eggs on a plate and lays it in front of Brad.

It steams.
ABBY
Not anymore you’re not.
Brad looks up at Abby who stands smiling on the other side of

the counter, proud of her food. He digs in.
Abby turns to clean up after herself at the sink. Brad

pauses and watches her.
INT. BRAD’S SPORTS CAR- LATER THAT MORNING
Brad parks the car at a child services center in down town

Denver. He turns the ignition off and they sit in the car
silently.
BRAD
When we go in here I’ll do the
talking. You don’t have any
papers, i.d’s-
ABBY
Nope.
She looks sad.
BRAD
Listen, you got dealt a bad hand.
You really did, but I have a life
to live and a lot of stuff going on
right now. These people will find
you a good family that-
She stares out the window.

27.
BRAD (CONT’D)
A good family that will give you a
good life. I promise I won’t let
you fall into the system.
Abby silently opens the door and walks up the stairs. Brad
follows.
INT. CHILD SERVICE CENTER- MORNING
There are long lines at each window. Brad picks one.
BRAD
I would have taken you to the
hospital but they would just bring
you here.
ABBY
Thanks.
BRAD
Hey at least you won’t have to
travel around so much-
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You’ll have a real home.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
And a-
Abby glares up at him.
They stand in silence.
INT. CHILD SERVICE CENTER- MORNING
A TELLER sits behind the glass window in front of Brad and

Abby.
TELLER
Next.
Brad walks up to the window, Abby follows.
BRAD
Hi, I have a-
28.
TELLER
Name?
BRAD
Uh- Dr. Brad Kerry.
TELLER
Child’s name?
BRAD
Abby.
The Teller looks from Brad to Abby.
TELLER
Abby Kerry?
BRAD
What? No Abby-
Brad looks to Abby. She stands with her arms crossed.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Toby, Toby, Moby, Moby, Victoria
Frank, Frant, Fred, Flint, Abby
Flint.
The Teller stares at Brad.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Abby Flint.
The Teller types on her keyboard.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Her parents were musicians, Moby
and Victoria Flint. They died in a
car accident late last night.
The Teller continues to type.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I was their surgeon. It was so
late that we-
TELLER
Hometown?
Brad looks perplexed and then looks at Abby.
BRAD
Junction, Utah right? Yeah that’s
the last place they lived.
29.
TELLER
There is no record of a Moby and
Victoria Flint in Junction, Utah.
BRAD
You’re mistaken-
TELLER
There is a Moby and Victoria
Flannery-
BRAD
That’s them.
Brad looks down at Abby. She’s shakes her head no.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Damn.
The Teller looks at Abby and then appalled back at Brad.
BRAD (CONT’D)
They we’re in my emergency room
last night.
TELLER
I’m sorry sir but we have no record
of an Abby Flannery or an Abby
Flint for that matter.
BRAD
How the hell do you not-
TELLER
Sir this happens all the time.
What you’re gonna need to do is go
to window seven.
The woman points at the window with a massive line.
TELLER (CONT’D)
Go to window seven and file a
report for an orphaned child.
BRAD
Can’t you just do that here?
TELLER
Sir, without any identification or
records you’re gonna need to file
for independent orphaning.
Brad looks at Abby who stares at him.

30.
TELLER (CONT’D)
Next.
INT. CHILD SERVICE CENTER- MORNING- MOMENTS LATER
Brad and Abby are now next in line at window seven.
BRAD
Did your parents ever say anything
about another last name?
ABBY
Nope.
BRAD
You’re mother’s maiden name?
ABBY
She didn’t have one.
BRAD
Listen I’m trying to help you right
now. I need to know-
ABBY
Well I don’t know what you want me
to say. My mother didn’t have a
maiden name. I have never lived in
one place for more than a few
months and Toby and Victoria-
A SOCIAL WORKER sits behind a desk at window seven.
SOCIAL WORKER
Yes?
Brad and Abby approach the social worker.
BRAD
Brad Kerry.
The social worker looks confused.
SOCIAL WORKER
Excuse me?
BRAD
Weren't you going to ask my name?
Brad looks at her she stares blankly. Abby rolls her eyes.
SOCIAL WORKER
What is the child’s name?
31.
BRAD
Abby.
SOCIAL WORKER
Abby?
BRAD
If we knew than we wouldn’t be at
window seven. Listen I’ll make
this easy for you. She is not my
daughter, relative, or
responsibility. Her parents died
last night in a car accident and
she has no family to live with.
SOCIAL WORKER
Well without a record-
Beat. Brad looks at her: “I told you so”.
BRAD
Brad.
SOCIAL WORKER
Without a record Brad that won’t be
quite as easy as you had imagined.
Abby stands staring at the Social Worker.
SOCIAL WORKER (CONT’D)

Hunny? Do you have any other
family-
BRAD
I already told you-
SOCIAL WORKER
Sir, I asked Abby.
ABBY
No ma’am I don’t.
She types in her computer and hands Brad a form.
SOCIAL WORKER
Well with no record, name or proof
of birth I’m sorry but we are going
to have to put her in a center with
other children until a family is
able to foster her.
BRAD
Can’t you search for her relatives?
32.
SOCIAL WORKER
I’m sorry but without records-
BRAD
I know I know. Stop with the god
damn records.
SOCIAL WORKER
Unless you can find someone to care
for her until she is potentially
adopted than we have no choice but
to send her to a government run
center. We will do our best to
find her a home in the next few
months.
Abby looks up at Brad. He looks back at her.
ABBY
You promised.
BRAD
Are there other options?
SOCIAL WORKER
You could take legal responsibility
for the child until she is admitted
into our foster care home. Other
than that I am sorry but she’ll
need to go to the center.
Brad looks down at the papers and then back to Abby. She
stares at the ground again.
BRAD
A few months?
SOCIAL WORKER
Most likely sir, six months at the
most.
BRAD
That’s all it will take?
SOCIAL WORKER
Yes sir.
EXT. TRATTORIA- DAY
Brad and Abby sit at an outdoor restaurant. A WAITRESS sets

menus on the table and fills their water glasses. Brad is
preoccupied as he scrolls through his cell phone.
33.
Abby, fixated on her menu, takes a sip of water.
ABBY
It all looks so good.
BRAD
Uh-yeah it is.
Abby looks up at Brad and smiles, Brad snaps back into it.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Do you think you’ll be ready to
order?
ABBY
Yep.
Beat.
BRAD
You know, they could get a foster
home for you any day...so...
ABBY
I know. I’m not-
BRAD
I don’t mean, it’s just-
Beat. Abby looks up.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Nothing.
SLAM (O.S.)
A car screeches to a stop outside the restaurant. We hear

GASPS from the GUESTS.
A GOLDEN RETRIEVER lays lifeless in the center of the street.

Abby immediately jumps up.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Abby-
Abby runs out. Cars are stopped and the DRIVER stands over
the DOG.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Wait-
34.
EXT. STREET- DAY
Abby sits next to the seemingly lifeless DOG. The DRIVER is

pacing.
DRIVER
I didn’t mean to hit it.
ABBY
It’s a he.
DRIVER
Oh come on- don’t make it personal
for me.
ABBY
Bronco...
Abby holds up the chain around the dogs neck.
DRIVER
Not a name...I don’t want to know
it’s name.
Abby ignores the driver.
Brad runs up.
BRAD
Abby don’t touch the dog-
She runs her hands through BRONCO’S coat.
ABBY
It’s okay Bronco. You’re okay
aren’t you puppy...
A small CROWD gathers now.
BRAD
Abby, the dog’s-
In an instant BRONCO opens his eyes, jumps up and starts to

lick Abby’s face. The CROWD cheers. The DRIVER looks
confused.
DRIVER
Thank god.
ABBY
Good boy...good boy Bronco...
DRIVER
Thank-
35.
Brad stares at Abby and the dog. The CROWD dissipates and
the DRIVER gets in his car.
ABBY
Go home Bronco, go home...
Bronco licks her face. BARKS and then runs off down the side
walk.
Abby runs past Brad towards their out door table.
ABBY (CONT’D)
I’m ready to eat...
INT. BRAD’S SPORTS CAR- DAY
Brad parks the car in a lot outside of a clinic. A take home

box from the lunch sits on Abby’s lap.
ABBY
Do you have any pets Brad?
BRAD
Nope but you’d be the first person
I’d come to if I did.
Abby laughs.
ABBY
I love dogs.
BRAD
I saw that.
Silence.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Listen, I’ve got an appointment.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You’ll be good in here right?
Abby laughs.
ABBY
You’re gonna leave a little kid in
the car all by herself?
BRAD
You’re not that little-
36.
A POLICE MAN walks down the side walk.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Jesus.
ABBY
Bad word.
INT. CLINIC- DAY
Brad walks up to the front desk. Abby stands next to him. A

NURSE sits behind the counter.
BRAD
Brad Kerry, here for Dr.-
He looks down at a card in his hand.
NURSE
Dr. Payne.
Abby lets out a little laugh. Brad glances down at her. She
covers her mouth and looks away, still smiling.
BRAD
Right-
NURSE
He’ll be right with you.
INT. CLINIC- DAY
Abby sits cross legged, reading a magazine. It shows a news

article that appears to be inappropriate for her age.
BRAD
Give me that.
Brad snatches it from her hands.
ABBY
Hey?
BRAD
You can’t read-
ABBY
Give me a break, I’m-
37.
BRAD
Too young.
The door to the office swings open.
NURSE
Brad Kerry- The doctor will be
with you now.
Brad hops up and leaves the magazine on his chair. He heads

towards the door.
Abby leans over to pick it up.
Before entering the office, Brad turns around and walks back
to his seat. Abby jumps back. He picks up the magazine and
sticks it in his back pocket.
BRAD
Nice try.
Abby smirks. The nurse smiles.
INT. DR. PAYNE’S OFFICE- DAY
DR. PAYNE, (55-60), a gentle old man with a twinkle in his

eye, takes off his plastic gloves and throws them in the
trash. He removes his glasses and places them on the desk.
We see Brad on the table, putting his shirt back on.
DR. PAYNE
Brad, I just can’t tell right now-
BRAD
That’s a helluva lot better than
what the last guy said.
DR. PAYNE
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,
I’m going to need to run more
tests.
BRAD
Yep, that sounds about right.
Brad shakes his head and stands up.
DR. PAYNE
There are other options.
BRAD
I’ve heard it all doc-
38.
DR. PAYNE
I’m here to help. We can fight
this. I know it sounds bad now but
crazier things have happened.
BRAD
Yeah, yeah-
DR. PAYNE
Brad-
Brad looks at him.
DR. PAYNE (CONT’D)

Just in case, do you have all of
your finances and, you know- Do
you have everything in order.
Brad heads towards the door without answering. He pulls out

the magazine from his back pocket. Dr. Payne looks confused.
Brad slams it into the trash can and exits the office.
INT. CLINIC- DAY
Brad walks right by Abby who is now reading a children’s

book.
Abby looks up at him and jumps out of her seat. He is

already through the door. She scurries after him.
Brad walks into his apartment. We have seen this from him
before. He is mad and irrational. Abby slowly follows
behind him and closes the door quietly.
Abby doesn’t dare make a peep. She walks into the living
room.
Brad turns around abruptly and nearly runs her over.
BRAD
Get-
He composes himself but keeps walking, headed right for his

bedroom.
Abby ducks aside and leans against a couch. Brad slams his
bedroom door shut.
39.
We see Abby now. Her eyes water up as she watches the closed
door.
BEGIN: THINKING MONTAGE- NIGHT
1: Brad sits on the edge of his bed. He stares blankly.
2: Abby bags some trash and opens the refrigerator.
3: Brad holds a picture of his kids.
4: Abby stirs pasta on the stove.
5: Brad picks up a phone. We see him get frustrated.
6: Abby sits at the kitchen table. Two places are set.
7: Brad slams his phone down after no answer.
END: THINKING MONTAGE- NIGHT
INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- NIGHT
We follow Brad into the kitchen. He sees the pristine room

and the place set at the dinner table. He walks up and pulls
a bowl off of his plate revealing his cold dinner.
He hesitates for a moment.
INT. ABBY’S BEDROOM- NIGHT
We see Abby lying on her bed on top of the covers. She is

face down in her pillow.
There is a KNOCK on the door.
It slowly opens and we see Brad walk into the room. Abby
stays buried.
Beat.
BRAD
I’m sick.
Beat. Abby doesn’t move.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I’m really sick.
Abby slowly turns around on the bed.

40.
BRAD (CONT’D)
It’s called CVD, Cardiovascular
Disease.
Abby sits up a bit. Brad sits on the edge of the bed.
ABBY
How long have you had it?
Beat. Brad looks at the floor.
BRAD
Not long. Came out of no where
actually. Figures though.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I spend my whole adult life fixing
other people’s hearts and then mine
decided to just cop out.
ABBY
Can’t you fix it?
Brad laughs.
BRAD
They’ve tried.
ABBY
Aren’t there-
BRAD
Surgeries? Sure. I’ve gotten
plenty, but there’s nothing-
ABBY
Well you can get a transplant.
BRAD
I’m on the list. It’s flared up
all over my body though so that
wouldn’t-.
ABBY
How long?
BRAD
What?
ABBY
How long do you have?
41.
BRAD
Jesus Abby?
Abby seems alarmed.
BRAD (CONT’D)
It’s not like that-
ABBY
So you’re not gonna die?
BRAD
Well everyone dies...
ABBY
I know.
Beat.
BRAD
I’m sorry. All this time I’ve been
thinking about myself, I keep
forgetting you lost your-
ABBY
It’s okay.
BRAD
No, do you want to talk about it?
ABBY
There’s nothing to talk about.
Beat.
BRAD
Okay. Well when you- if you want
to, I’m-
ABBY
All ears?
BRAD
Am I that-
ABBY
Predictable? Yeah.
Brad stands by the door. He lets out a little chuckle.
BRAD
Good talk.
42.
ABBY
Yep.
BRAD
Get some sleep kiddo.
Abby smiles and jumps under her covers. Brad shuts off the
lights.
Brad stands in front of his television drinking from a gallon

of milk.
The front door swings open.
JAMES, (40-45), a goofy bachelor, with a ton of energy

strolls into the apartment with a twelve pack of beer under
his arm.
JAMES
TGIF...
Brad whips around to see his friend. He laughs-
BRAD
It’s Saturday-
JAMES
Nope I broke my dry spell last
night. Thank God I Fu-
Abby enters the living room. We see that she can only see
Brad. He holds the gallon of milk at his side.
ABBY
Ever heard of a cup?
SLAM. The case of beer slams to the ground. Abby jumps over
the couch and grabs the remote out of Brad’s dangling hand.
James stares in bewilderment.
Brad laughs.
BRAD
James, this is Abby. Abby-
ABBY
James.
James doesn’t say anything. Brad walks over to him and picks
up the beer.
43.
ABBY (CONT’D)
Is he deaf?
BRAD
I don’t know...
James comes to. He looks at Brad, questioning the situation.
JAMES
What the hell?
ABBY
Bad word dude.
Brad laughs, cracking open a beer and handing it to James.
BRAD
I’m looking after her for a while.
JAMES
Is she-
ABBY
An orphan. That’s what they call
me at least.
JAMES
Solid.
Beat.
JAMES (CONT’D)
I mean, not solid. Not cool,
parents are good. But no parents
are also...shit.
James chugs his beer.
BRAD
Bad word.
James spits up a bit at this comment.
Brad, Abby and James sit around the couch in the living room,
watching a DENVER NUGGETS basketball game.
JAMES
Come on!
James yells at the screen.

44.
Abby rolls her eyes and Brad sits on the edge of his seat. A
time out is called and the television goes to a commercial.
BRAD
So what have you been up to?
JAMES
Who me? Or your mini me?
Abby sticks out her tongue at James. James sticks his out
way further at her. She hops back laughing.
BRAD
Sorry I’ve been MIA. Been pretty
busy with work.
ABBY
He quit his job.
BRAD
Retired...take it easy over there.
James watches the two interact. He takes it all in.
JAMES
Why the fu-
James looks at Abby.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Oh, shi-
Abby sits up, James sits back.
JAMES (CONT’D)
God dam-
Brad shakes his head. Abby shakes hers in unison.
James gives up. He sits back in the couch defeated.
JAMES (CONT’D)
You left the hospital?
BRAD
I was burnt out I guess...I’ve got
some money put away for retirement.
JAMES
What about Gloria and the kids-
Brad makes a cut throat motion to James. Abby turns to see

Brad’s answer but Brad just smiles at her.
45.
James is confused again.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Oh, so what are you gonna do now?
BRAD
This.
JAMES
That?
James motions at Brad who holds one of Abby’s toys in his

hand.
Brad looks at it. Pauses, and then throws it aside.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Well more power to you Brad, I wish
I could be in your shoes.
ABBY
No you don’t.
Both look at Abby.
ABBY (CONT’D)
You’d want to be sick?
Brad nails Abby’s leg with his foot. Abby looks at it,
realizes and then shuts up.
Beat.
JAMES
Good point, Abs? Can I call you
Abs? Great.
She nods her head.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Wouldn’t want to be a nut job like
B here.
Brad sighs. Abby shoots him a look: “You haven’t told him?”
Brad holds the door open as James heads out.
JAMES
Alright my man-
46.
BRAD
Until next time.
JAMES
Until next year.
Laughs.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Abs...don’t be a stranger.
ABBY
Nice to meet you James.
James heads out.
JAMES
Hold on...I almost forgot.
Brad is intrigued.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Cara’s number.
BRAD
Come on, not one of my
colleagues...
ABBY
You don’t work there any more, so
she’s not your-
JAMES
Exactly. And that’s why I love Abs
here.
James ruffles her hair.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Thanks kid.
Brad writes the number down on a piece of paper. James grabs

it from him.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Later.
EXT. MINI-GOLF COURSE- NIGHT
Brad misses a short shot. Abby nails a long putt. She

struts up to the hole and pulls out the ball giggling.
Brad high fives her.

47.
He misses another one. Abby has already walked to the next

hole. Brad picks up the ball without making it.
ABBY
I saw that.
He makes it to the next hole.
BRAD
Saw what?
ABBY
Good thing I’ve got the score card.
BRAD
You’re going down.
Beat. Abby takes a practice swing. She’s about to putt and

stops.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Choke?
ABBY
What was James talking about the
other day?
BRAD
Huh?
ABBY
Gloria and the kids-
BRAD
Nothing. Shoot the ball.
ABBY
I saw the picture.
BRAD
Drop it Abby.
ABBY
Okay. I’m just saying... Some
things feel better if you let them
out-
Beat.
ABBY (CONT’D)
And you never know how much time
you have left-
48.
BRAD
Stop.
This startles Abby. We are seeing a bit of the old Brad.
ABBY
Sorry.
Brad starts to shoot. He stops.
BRAD
Why do you always have to do that?
ABBY
Ask questions?
BRAD
Act like an adult. You’re just a
kid Abby. Why do you care about
all of this? You should be
thinking about toys and boys and- I
don’t know-
Beat.
Abby mumbles.
BRAD (CONT’D)
What?
ABBY
I said: Because you are my friend.
Beat. She says this quite loud and catches Brad off guard.
BRAD
Talking doesn’t fix everything.
You’ll learn that. You already
have. Your parents died a couple
weeks ago. I haven’t heard you
mention it...seen you upset...seen
you cry?
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You’re a nine year old girl. You
should be sad. You don’t
understand death yet.
ABBY
Yes I do.
49.
BRAD
How could you. I was a doctor for
twenty-five years, I still don’t.
ABBY
Moby and Vicki were happy.
Abby sinks a hole in one. Brad watches his ball bounce off
the back wall, feet away from his target.
BRAD
They’re dead.
Beat.
ABBY
Have you ever wanted
something...wanted it so much that
you were willing to die if it came
true?
Beat. Brad finishes his next put and picks it up. He grabs
Abby’s club and they walk into the shed to return their
equipment.
EXT. PARKING LOT- NIGHT
BRAD
I’ve made a bunch of mistakes in my
life Abby. I’m not a good guy.
ABBY
Sure you are.
BRAD
There’s that child sense of
innocence I’ve been waiting for.
Finally, something to make me think
you’re a real person.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Not a whole lot has worked out for
me in my life. That’s probably why
I’m so sick. The amount of shit
I’ve pulled. Sorry-
Abby: “Don’t worry about it”.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I guess I deserve it.
50.
ABBY
He would never do that.
BRAD
He?
ABBY
God.
BRAD
Oh...right.
He lets out a sarcastic laugh.
BRAD (CONT’D)
God. I had a family, once upon a
time.
ABBY
The kids in the picture?
BRAD
Bradley and Monica.
Beat.
ABBY
And Gloria?
BRAD
Remarried. Moved to Florida.
Haven’t seen- haven’t spoken to
them in fifteen years.
ABBY
Your still their dad.
BRAD
On paper maybe. They don’t
remember me like that. I’m a
figure of their past.
ABBY
But they know you love them.
BRAD
Please. They have a new dad now.
He’s raised them. For all they
know, I’m already dead.
ABBY
Have you tried to see them?
51.
BRAD
Years ago. Gloria got full
custody. It was a battle. Didn’t
realize how much I’d miss them
until they were gone.
ABBY
It’s not too late.
Beat.
ABBY (CONT’D)
Doesn’t it feel better to talk
about it?
BRAD
You’re a trip kid.
Brad throws the keys to his sports car at Abby. She catches
them.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You wanna drive?
ABBY
Really?
She heads for the driver’s door. Brad grabs the keys.
BRAD
Get outta here.
They both laugh and fight over the keys. She finally runs
around to the passenger seat. Brad is genuinely happy.
BEGIN: CONNECTIONS MONTAGE
1: James calls someone on his cellphone. He walks down the

street with a suit on.
2: Cara, the nurse, talks on the phone flirtatiously.
3: Brad and Abby are at an amusement park. Abby tries to

drag Brad onto a roller coaster. He refuses.
4: James and Cara meet for a cup of coffee. They laugh

together.
5: We see a PICTURE from the roller coaster. Abby is frozen

in a hilarious pose of exhilaration. Brad has his hands up
over his eyes.
6: James and Cara leave the restaurant. James reaches for

Cara’s hand. She hesitates at first but then latches on.
52.
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK- DAY
Brad’s face is buried in a trash can.
ABBY
You’ve gotta be kidding me Brad.
Brad comes up for air.
BRAD
I told you I didn’t want to-
He continues a loud throw up. Abby turns her face.
ABBY
What kind of surgeon were you with
that weak stomach.
BRAD
A damn good one.
An older couple walks by and hear Brad cuss in front of her.

They shake their heads.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Relax.
They scoff at this and strut away. Brad continues to throw

up.
EXT. CARA’S APARTMENT- NIGHT
CARA
I had a wonderful time James.
JAMES
How wonderful?
She blushes and touches his arm flirtatiously.
JAMES (CONT’D)
This is where I would normally try
to pull a move but-
Cara grabs his shoulders and kisses him passionately.
JAMES (CONT’D)
You-
She grabs him again for a kiss.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Okay, this is cool too.
53.
Now he leans in for the kiss.
CARA
Do you ever shut up?
JAMES
I can be bribed...
Cara leans in for one more kiss. She pulls back.
CARA
Not this time Casanova...
JAMES
Oh...come on?
CARA
Goodnight.
Brad hangs up the phone.
BRAD
That was James.
Abby washes some dishes.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You know, I do know how to do
dishes.
Abby looks over at a massive pile of unwashed plates.
ABBY
Clearly. What did he say?
BRAD
Who?
ABBY
James.
BRAD
Oh right. He has tickets to the
Nuggets game this weekend. And
wants us to go with him.
ABBY
Nuggets?
BRAD
Basketball-
54.
ABBY
It says here, flights to Florida
cost, $350 round trip. Can you
afford that?
Beat.
BRAD
Do you want to go to the game or
not?
INT. PEPSI CENTER- DENVER, CO- NIGHT
We see Abby dressed in a Denver Nuggets jersey running ahead

of Brad to the seats. Cara and James walk arm in arm next to
them.
BRAD
Floor seats?
JAMES
Yeah right. You’re the doctor, I
don’t have that kind of income.
CARA
The hospital misses you Dr. Kerry.
BRAD
Cara, call me Brad, please.
James laughs.
CARA
Sorry, I’m just used to-
BRAD
I wasn’t that scary was I?
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Really?
CARA
No you were...very professional.
Brad laughs.
BRAD
I’ll take that.
CARA
Isn’t that-
55.
BRAD
Abby.
CARA
From the hospital?
BRAD
My last night there. She was a
going away present.
James runs up to Abby and picks her up over his shoulder.

Cara and Brad walk together alone now.
CARA
She’s precious. How did you-
BRAD
Long story. It just sort of worked
out after her parent’s died.
CARA
Did you adopt her?
BRAD
No I couldn’t-
Cara seems confused.
BRAD (CONT’D)
They’re looking for a family that
will take Abby.
CARA
And you’re the foster home?
BRAD
More like a helping hand.
CARA
God, poor girl, must need so much.
You’re an angel for it.
Brad chuckles.
BRAD
She’s the angel. She does my
dishes.
CARA
Oh, now I get it.
They laugh as James carries Abby back to Brad and Cara. Abby
reaches up and grabs Cara’s hand as they walk.
56.
The group sits together and the game is underway.
BRAD
Great seats.
JAMES
Only if they win. Come on!
The whistle blows. We see the SCOREBOARD. It shows Denver

losing.
CARA
So Abby, where did you used to
live?
ABBY
All over. Give me a break ref!
She answers and then yells at the court.
CARA
Are you a big sports fan?
ABBY
Yep.
CARA
Were your parents?
Brad looks at Abby. She’s not phased by the question.
JAMES
What is this, twenty questions?
CARA
Sorry.
ABBY
I have to go to the bathroom...
BRAD
Uh-
Brad looks up at the scoreboard.
CARA
I’ll take her.
Cara hops up and Abby heads to the aisle.

57.
Brad and James watch the game.
JAMES
Cara’s gonna make a great mom.
BRAD
You serious?
JAMES
She is. What?
BRAD
That’s just not like you. Usually
more of a bang and bolt kind of guy-
JAMES
Hey we all have to grow up
sometime.
The crowd jumps up and cheers.
BRAD
I don’t know what to do with Abby.
JAMES
Seems like you guys are getting
along well-
BRAD
She needs a real family.
JAMES
What are you?
Brad thinks.
INT. BATHROOM- NIGHT
Cara and Abby wash their hands.
ABBY
So you and James are a couple?
CARA
I’ve never really thought about it
but I guess, yeah.
ABBY
He’s cool.
58.
CARA
He is.
ABBY
So you work at the hospital?
CARA
Don’t you remember me?
ABBY
That night was sort of a blur.
Beat.
CARA
I’m sure it was. Dr. Kerry tried
very hard to save your parents.
ABBY
It was their time.
Beat.
CARA
I guess so...come on, you want some
candy?
Brad and James talk during a time out.
BRAD
Abby’s trying to get me to get back
in touch with the kids.
JAMES
Monica and-
BRAD
Bradly.
JAMES
Right. Poor kid, named after a
dork like you.
Laughs.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Maybe it’s a good idea. You’re not
getting any younger.
59.
BRAD
They won’t want to. The amount of
shit that their mother’s fed them
over the years.
JAMES
You won’t know until you try.
BRAD
Yeah.
Cara and Abby walk back.
CARA
We brought you some cokes.
ABBY
Diet for you.
Abby hands Brad his drink.
BRAD
Give me a break.
Cara and James kiss.
ABBY
What’s happened.
BRAD
Denver came back. We’re gonna need
a big break to win it though.
ABBY
They can do it.
JAMES
Not if they keep missing free
throws.
Abby looks at the bench. We see the COACH send in a PLAYER

with his warm up on.
BRAD
What the hell are they subbing him
in for.
JAMES
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
We see that there are five seconds left. The Nuggets pass
the ball to the PLAYER and he shoots a last second shot.
60.
BRAD
No!
He misses the shot. Abby looks at the ref. He blows a

whistle. There’s a foul. They’ll get a second chance.
We see the score board show that DENVER’S down by one. James
puts his hands together.
JAMES
Please God. Please God.
Abby laughs.
ABBY
You think he’ll listen to you?
JAMES
Well if he doesn’t were gonna lose.
This guy hasn’t hit a free throw
this season.
James keeps praying. Brad and Cara keep their eyes glued to
the game.
The PLAYER shoots his first shot. The stadium is silent. It

goes in. The crowd goes crazy.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Thank you lord. Tie ball game.
Abby laughs.
BRAD
No chance he makes two in a row.
We’re going to over time.
CARA
He can do it.
You can hear a pin drop in the arena as the PLAYER gets ready
for his second shot.
Abby focuses on the PLAYER. Silence.
The ball goes in and the Nuggets win the game. The PLAYER
seems surprised he made the shot. James picks Abby back up
cheering. Brad high fives him. The FANS go crazy. Abby
smiles in content.
61.
INT. RAILWAY- NIGHT
Cara Brad and James sit down next to each other in seats on
the train ride home. Abby swings around a pole in front of
them.
JAMES
Don’t get used to that pole kiddo.
ABBY
What?
Cara punches James in the arm.
CARA
Shut up.
Brad chuckles. Abby is confused. She runs at James and he

jokingly puts her in a head lock.
ABBY
Help, Brad.
JAMES
He can’t help you!
BRAD
I have to hit the bathroom. I’ll
be right back.
Brad stands up and walks away. James lets Abby go. She sits
down next to them.
JAMES
How well can you keep a secret Abs?
ABBY
You’re kidding right?
CARA
What?
ABBY
I’m a steel trap.
They laugh.
JAMES
Thought so. Here’s the deal.
Believe it or not but your dad-uh-
Brad is turning the big 5-0 next
week.
62.
ABBY
Believe it.
Cara smiles and grazes Abby’s hair out of her face.
CARA
James-well-we, want to throw a
surprise birthday party for him.
ABBY
I love surprises.
CARA
Same. Do you think it’s a good
idea?
ABBY
Absolutely. We should invite his
kids.
James looks at Cara and then back at Abby.
JAMES
Abs I don’t know if they would come
to this but we can get a good group
together. We’re gonna need your
help though.
Abby seems annoyed at the denial of inviting Brad’s long lost

children.
ABBY
Lay it on me.
CARA
We need you to distract him while
we set up the party in his place.
ABBY
Brad’s?
JAMES
Mine’s too small.
ABBY
Awesome. No problem. Just tell me
when and where.
JAMES
Sounds good dude thanks.
James high fives Abby. Brad walks back to the group.

63.
BRAD
Thank’s for what?
CARA
Oh nothing, we’re not talking about
anything- just- uh- nothing
important. No secrets here.
Abby stares at Cara with her mouth open. She’s horrible at

covering up the secret. James connects eyes with Abby and
they both shake their heads.
BRAD
Okay.
ABBY
Weirdo.
EXT. RED ROCKS, COLORADO- DAY
Brad and Abby sit in the empty, infamous Red Rocks

Ampitheatre. There are work out BUFFS running the stairs and
a YOGA CLASS going on down at the massive open stage. There
is a beautiful view of the mountains and the city of DENVER
from this spot.
BRAD
Isn’t this heaven?
ABBY
No.
Brad looks at her.
ABBY (CONT’D)
But it’s an amazing view.
BRAD
Okay miss literal.
ABBY
Can we climb on the rocks later?
BRAD
Look-
There’s a sign: “NO CLIMBING THE RED ROCKS”
ABBY
Okay Mr. Nerd.
Abby jumps up and climbs onto a higher spot.

64.
BRAD
Hey-
ABBY
Aren’t you coming?
BRAD
Don’t fall.
ABBY
I might.
Abby pretends to lean over the small cliff she’s reached.
BRAD
Brad starts to climb.
He’s a little rusty. His phone rings. Brad stables himself

on a ledge and answers it.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Hello?
INT. DR. PAYNE’S OFFICE- DAY
Dr. Payne sits at his desk with a file in front of him.
DR. PAYNE
Dr. Kerry?
INTERCUT WITH:
Brad looks alarmed.
BRAD
Yes.
DR. PAYNE
It’s Dr. Payne.
Abby looks at Brad confused. He smiles and waves: “It’s

nothing”. She keeps climbing.
BRAD
Hey there doc. How’s everything
going?
DR. PAYNE
Well you sure sound great Brad.
65.
BRAD
I feel great.
Dr. Payne winces a bit.
DR. PAYNE
Well if it’s okay with you, I’d
like to get you in here for a few
more tests.
BRAD
No need to sugar it for me.
ABBY
Coming?
BRAD
I’ll be right there.
She keeps climbing.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I’m a doctor, I know what that
voice means. Haven’t found
anything promising right?
DR. PAYNE
Well there are plenty of treatments
that we can try out Brad.
BRAD
I’ve looked into it doc. Without a
transplant things don’t look good.
I don’t want to spend my last days
with some tubes in me.
DR. PAYNE
Last days, months or even years
Brad. Don’t sell yourself too
short there.
Brad laughs.
BRAD
Not selling anything, let me know
if the transplant comes through.
Otherwise. I’ll call you if
anything goes wrong.
DR. PAYNE
Well, Okay Brad. It’s nice to hear
that you are in good spirits.
Brad looks up at Abby,

66.
BRAD
Thanks Dr. Payne...
He laughs at this. They hang up.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I’ll race you to the top.
Abby keeps going and Brad heads up.
Brad and Abby sit on a large rock at the top of the mountain.
ABBY
Do you think anyone’s ever sat here
before?
BRAD
Nope.
ABBY
Me neither.
BRAD
You okay Abby?
ABBY
What do you mean?
BRAD
Just asking. I’m rusty on the
whole dad thing. I’ve got a lot
going on and-
ABBY
I’m great.
BRAD
Good enough for me.
ABBY
How about you? Have you thought
anymore about trying to find your
kids?
BRAD
It’s just- well, gonna be too hard
I think.
67.
ABBY
Brad, they’re your own children. I
They don’t care what happened- they
still love you.
BRAD
Maybe so.
Beat.
ABBY
I was looking into flights again-
BRAD
Abby.
ABBY
It would be so easy. It’s not like
you have anything keeping you back.
BRAD
Their mother.
ABBY
You’re their father.
BRAD
We’ll talk about it.
ABBY
Yeah right.
BRAD
I do want to see them. I just-
ABBY
You’ve gotta start somewhere.
BRAD
You’re completely right. Let me
look into it. Thank’s for the help-
but I can take it from here.
ABBY
Whatever you say boss.
BRAD
I’m not the boss.
ABBY
But she is-
We look down to see a SECURITY GUARD pull up in a golf cart

at the base of the cliff.
68.
SECURITY GUARD
Hey! You’re trespassing. Stay
right where you are.
ABBY
Go.
Abby starts to run to the other side of the cliff.
BRAD
You’re such a great influence on
me.
ABBY
Let’s go.
She runs back, grabs his arm, and pulls him up. They laugh
and climb down the opposite side.
INT. HOSPITAL- DAY
Cara walks down the hallway in her scrubs. James meets her
in the lobby.
CARA
Hey baby.
JAMES
You want to fulfil one of my
fantasies?
CARA
What?
JAMES
Doctor and patient-
CARA
Quiet.
She giggles and grabs his hand looking around. A family

scowls at his comment.
JAMES
How’s work?
CARA
Long. And taking forever and my
feet hurt.
JAMES
Do you need a foot rub?
69.
He reaches down for her shoes as they walk.
CARA
Get outta here.
JAMES
Did you invite all of his friends
from here?
CARA
Friends- right. Everyone’s scared
of him. I had to basically say he
was dying to get people to actually
come.
JAMES
Nice idea. I should use that as a
pick up line-
Beat.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Should have. Should have used it-
CARA
Dumb ass.
JAMES
Alright. Abs is getting him out-
we’ll have a window of about 45
minutes to set up and get everyone
in.
CARA
Nice work Abby.
JAMES
Yeah she’s solid.
CARA
Look at you.
JAMES
She is. I can see myself wanting a
kid soon-
CARA
Relax buddy.
JAMES
I’m just saying.
CARA
I’ll see you tonight.
70.
INT. ABBY’S BEDROOM- DAY
Abby types on Brad’s lap top while sitting on her bed.
We see that she is sending an e-mail from his account.
Brad opens the door. Abby deletes the evidence of the

message from the sent mail.
BRAD
What are you up to?
ABBY
I heard of this cool place
downtown. Just doing a little
research.
BRAD
Cool place?
ABBY
Yeah it has a ton of video games
and tv’s. I saw a commercial on it
earlier.
BRAD
Nice.
ABBY
Do we have anything going on
tonight?
BRAD
Not that I know of. You want to
check it out?
ABBY
I thought you’d never ask.
INT. APARTMENT LOBBY- NIGHT
Brad and Abby exit the elevator and walk through the lobby of
the apartment complex.
ABBY
Hey Antonio.
The BELL-HOP, Antonio salutes Abby. Brad seems surprised.
ANTONIO
Hey Miss Abby.
Beat.
71.
ANTONIO (CONT’D)
Dr. Kerry.
ABBY
Call him Brad.
Brad hesitates.
ABBY (CONT’D)
We’re going to Jubilee. That place
with-
ANTONIO
I take my kids there all the time.
You’ll love it.
BRAD
Good to know. Thank you-
ABBY
Antonio.
BRAD
Right. Thanks man.
ANTONIO
Have a good time Brad.
BRAD
Thanks.
Brad walks away. Abby points at her wrist. Antonio points

down below his desk and winks.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Are you coming?
ABBY
Let’s go!
Abby and Brad walk outside. James and Cara pop up from
behind the desk.
JAMES
Let’s do this.
ANTONIO
I’ll send the guests up sir.
CARA
That sounds great.
72.
JAMES
You’re the man Antonio. Come up
and have a drink later?
ANTONIO
I don’t know if-
JAMES
It’s on Dr. Kerry.
ANTONIO
I’ll be there.
Brad and Abby drive around the city.
BRAD
Where is this place?
ABBY
I think right around here-
BRAD
We’ve been driving for a half hour.
ABBY
The commercial said-
BRAD
Does this place exist?
ABBY
Why would I make us drive around
for nothing?
BRAD
I don’t try to know what goes
through your mind kid.
ABBY
Keep looking.
James and Cara set out food and put ice in bins for drinks.
The guests trickle in.
JAMES
We’ve got about ten minutes.
73.
CARA
Alright- he’s coming back soon.
A WOMAN NURSE walks up to Cara.
WOMAN NURSE
All of this for Dr. Kerry?
CARA
Everyone needs friends.
WOMAN NURSE
Him?
CARA
I guess I had a change of heart.
WOMAN NURSE
I don’t know how.
CARA
You’re here aren’t you?
WOMAN NURSE
We’re here for the booze.
She holds up a glass of wine.
CARA
Good enough.
They’re driving in circles.
ABBY
I’m getting tired.
BRAD
It’s seven-o-clock. What about-?
ABBY
We can go another time.
BRAD
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
ABBY
Please.
BRAD
Whatever you say.
74.
He rolls his eyes and does a u-turn. Abby smirks.
INT. APARTMENT LOBBY- NIGHT
Antonio sits at his desk watching TV. Abby and Brad walk in.
Antonio hops up.
ANTONIO
Dr. Kerry.
BRAD
Hey Antonio.
ANTONIO
Back so soon?
BRAD
She’s in charge.
ANTONIO
I see. Well good night sir.
ABBY
Thank’s Tony.
They enter the elevator and it closes.
Antonio picks up his phone.
James hangs up the phone.
JAMES
Alright, they’re coming up now.
CARA
Places everyone.
The DOCTORS and “FRIENDS” all reluctantly hide. James and

Cara hide behind where the door will open and turn off the
lights.
Brad and Abby enter.
BRAD
Is James here?
ABBY
What?
75.
BRAD
Because it smells like booze.
Abby turns on the lights. Everyone jumps out.
EVERYONE
Surprise.
Brad looks around dumbfounded.
BRAD
What in the world?
Abby blows a noise maker in Brad’s face.
JAMES
Happy birthday old man...nice to
know I’ve got a scent.
BRAD
Did you do this?
JAMES
With the help of Cara...
CARA
And don’t forget about our little
angel here.
ABBY
It was all them. I just got you
out of the house.
BRAD
Thank you everyone.
A DOCTOR approaches and hands Brad a beer.
DOCTOR
Congratulations Brad.
BRAD
Thanks, great to see you. Great to
see you all.
JAMES
You like the party?
BRAD
Well I’ve been here for ten seconds
but so far, yes. Thanks guys.
JAMES
Fifty? Wow. God, you’re old.
76.
ABBY
There’s a special surprise for you
too.
BRAD
More surprises? My heart can’t
handle this.
James and Cara laugh. Abby squeezes Brad’s hand.
ABBY
You’ll love your surprise.
Abby looks at the door as it opens slowly. Everyone turns.

Abby bites her finger nail. Brad turns around.
In comes: ANTONIO. A big let down for Abby. But no one else
knows what she’s planning.
JAMES
Antonio, my man. Grab a drink. We
couldn’t have done it with out this
guy.
ANTONIO
Thanks James.
BRAD
Am I the only person who didn’t
know this guy?
Antonio is already immersed in the party.
Abby seems disappointed.
BRAD (CONT’D)
What’s wrong with you?
ABBY
Are you kidding? You’re the one
who just turned fifty.
James laughs and Abby snaps out of it.
BRAD
What’s this surprise?
JAMES
We got you a card. Everyone signed
it...
Brad looks at Abby.

77.
ABBY
Open it.
Brad grabs the card.
BRAD
That’s great. Thanks a lot you
two.
He puts his arms around James and Cara.
BRAD (CONT’D)
You three.
Abby jumps up in the group.
BEGIN: PARTY MONTAGE
1: Brad laughs with a group of COLLEAGUES.
2: Abby checks the phone for messages.
3: James and Cara snuggle on the couch, watching the party.
4: Brad introduces Abby to some of his old work FRIENDS.
5: Cara cleans up some trash. James parties with the GUYS.
6: The GUESTS start to clear out a little.
7: Abby yawns on the couch. Brad hands her a water.
8: Brad says some good-byes.
END: PARTY MONTAGE
Brad walks the last GUEST to the door and closes it. James
and Cara help clean up. Abby lays on the couch. She’s
fighting to stay awake.
BRAD
Great party. Thanks again guys.
CARA
It was our pleasure.
James is pretty hammered.
JAMES
Who doesn’t love a party?
78.
CARA
Don’t worry, I’m driving.
BRAD
Not worried.
James playfully pushes Brad. They laugh. The phone RINGS.
Abby shoots up.
ABBY
I’ll get it.
Brad pulls a portable phone out of his pocket.
BRAD
I got it.
Abby looks scared. She sits back down, eyes wide.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Hello?
Brad pulls the phone away from his ear from someone yelling
into the other side.
BRAD (CONT’D)
What-
Beat. James and Cara are silent.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I didn’t send any-
BRAD (CONT’D)
No, it must be some sort of
misunder-
Brad looks confused. He looks at Abby. She stares at the

ground.
BRAD (CONT’D)
No Gloria I didn’t.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I know.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Yes.
79.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Okay. Tell them I-
DIAL TONE. Brad hold the phone in his hand after being hung
up on.
Cara grabs James’ arm.
JAMES
That bitch.
Brad isn’t phased.
CARA
James, let’s go.
JAMES
Why? The party just started.
CARA
Let’s go now.
Abby stands up to go on to her room. Brad is dumbfounded.

James and Cara head to the door.
BRAD
Wait.
Cara and James hold up.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Not you.
They head out and close the door. Abby keeps walking.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Abby.
She turns around.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Did you-?
ABBY
I thought it would help, I didn’t
think-
BRAD
I told you to leave it alone.
He’s raising his voice now.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Have you lost your God damn mind?
80.
ABBY
I just thought it would be a great
surprise if they-
BRAD
Did you think I was kidding when I
told you to stop? They aren’t my
family any more.
ABBY
They are too...
BRAD
What do you think, just because
you’re parents died you have to
play social worker?
ABBY
No I-
BRAD
It’s not meant to be Abby. You
don’t have to fix everything.
ABBY
I wasn’t trying to fix anything.
BRAD
I would have been better off if I
had just stayed alone. Then you
rolled into my life and-
Brad is speechless.
Abby tears up.
Abby turns and walks into her room crying. She shuts the
door. We watch Brad stand and grab his heart. He takes a
deep breath and then hits a bowl of chips off the table.
They splatter onto the ground.
Brad sits on his bed.
He sees a picture of him and his KIDS from years ago on his
desk. He picks it up and sets it back down.
Then he looks over and sees a smaller picture of him and Abby
at the Nugget’s game.
He stares at the picture and brightens up a bit.

81.
Brad walks down the hall towards Abby’s room.
He pauses outside of the door and hesitates. He puts his

hand on the door to knock and then pulls back.
He rests his head on the wall.
Brad turns back to his room.
EXT. DENVER, COLORADO- DAY
We see the sun rise in Denver. We get a beautiful view of

the mountains. It is clear that the clouds are lower than
the peaks of the Rockies. It is a heavenly sight.
Brad throws a shirt on and walks out into the living room.
It is eerily silent. He rubs his eyes, grabs a coffee cup
and walks over to the coffee machine.
He pulls the pot out and starts to pour into his cup. We
realize that the pot is empty. He’s confused. He looks
around and sets it down.
We see that the mess from last night is not cleaned up and
there is no breakfast.
Brad walks to Abby’s room. He knocks on the door and then

opens it.
Her bed is made perfectly. He looks around the empty room.
BRAD
Abby?
He knocks on the bathroom door.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Abs?
There is no answer. He opens the bathroom door. Nothing.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Kiddo?
He walks through the apartment.

82.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Hey Abby? I’m sorry about last
night. Let’s have breakfast.
No answer.
We see a BIRD fly through the city by Brad’s apartment. The

weather is gorgeous.
INT. CARA’S APARTMENT- DAY
James milks a heavy hang over on the couch. He takes an

aspirin and swallows a big gulp of water. His cell phone
rings.
JAMES
What?
Brad seems nervous.
BRAD
James-
INTERCUT WITH:
James sighs.
JAMES
What’s up?
BRAD
I can’t find Abby. Anywhere.
Brad is talking fast.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Last night after the party we
argued. I yelled at her. I
shouldn’t-
JAMES
Whoa man slow down.
83.
We hear Cara walk into the room. From Brad’s end we hear the
voice of a little girl.
LITTLE GIRL
I’m hungry.
BRAD
Is that-
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Put her on the phone James.
We see now that the LITTLE GIRL is not Abby.
JAMES
Brad, it’s not Abby. It’s Cara’s
niece. She’s watching her for the
day-
Beat. Cara looks curious at this comment.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Hello?
Beat.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Bradly.
BRAD
I’m here.
Cara sits down, her NIECE walks into the other room.
JAMES
Listen man don’t panic. She
probably just got some air. Go ask
Tony.
BRAD
Yeah. Okay. Listen if you hear
from her-
JAMES
Obviously man.
BRAD
Thank’s James.
JAMES
She’ll turn up-
84.
BRAD
I gotta go.
James hangs up the phone.
JAMES
That was Brad.
CARA
I got that-
JAMES
Abby’s missing...
Beat.
CARA
Well when was the last time he saw
her?
JAMES
I guess last night-
Cara grabs her keys.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Where are you going?
CARA
I might know where to find her-
James sits up. Feels his hang over and falls back.
JAMES
What about-
CARA
Watch her for a little bit. I’ll
be back soon.
JAMES
Oh great.
Cara runs back and kisses him.
CARA
Call me if you hear anything.
James closes his eyes as she closes the door.
JAMES
Where’d you go kiddo?
85.
Brad runs through the lobby.
BRAD
Antonio-
Antonio looks up confused.
ANTONIO
Dr. Kerry?
BRAD
Abby.
Brad catches his breath.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Have you seen my- have you seen-
ANTONIO
Miss Abby hasn’t left this morning.
I’ve been here all day.
BRAD
Who took over for you last night-
who was on the late night shift.
ANTONIO
Me sir. I’m off in an hour.
Beat.
Brad hands him a card.
BRAD
Call this number if you find her.
Brad runs outside.
EXT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- DAY
Brad heads down the side walk. Cara pulls up and slams to a
break.
CARA
Get in.
BRAD
Cara?
CARA
Come on, I know where she is.
86.
Brad jumps in and they pull off.
INT. CARA’S CAR- DAY
Brad and Cara drive along the high way.
BRAD
How would she have gotten all the
way out here?
CARA
Have you met Abby? That girl’s got
it together.
BRAD
I was too hard on her.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
I shouldn’t have been so rough.
Cara heads off on an exit ramp. We see that the sign says
“RED ROCKS”
CARA
We’ll find her Brad.
EXT. CARA’S CAR- DAY
We watch Cara’s car zip towards the Red Rocks Ampitheater.
Brad and Cara climb up the steps towards the mountain. This
is clearly the same spot where Brad took Abby earlier.
CARA
There’s something- about Abby- that
I’ve been meaning to tell you.
BRAD
What’s up?
They continue to climb.
CARA
I went over the file back at the
hospital.
Beat.
87.
CARA (CONT’D)
Something just didn’t seem right.
The way she handled the Flint’s
death-
BRAD
She watched her own parents burn to
death Cara, maybe a little shock
was involved in that-
CARA
Look, I’m not saying she’s not
normal. I’m saying-
BRAD
Her whole life was stripped from
her in a matter of seconds. And
Jesus, the things I said last night-
CARA
I’m trying to tell you that-
BRAD
Of course I’m happy to have her.
If I wasn’t so caught up with my
own mess.
CARA
Brad-
BRAD
I could always be there for her-
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
If I wasn’t dying.
Immediately following:
CARA
They weren’t Abby’s parents.
Beat.
CARA (CONT’D)
What?
BRAD
What are you talking about? The
Flints?
88.
CARA
Dying- what do you mean you’re
dying?
BRAD
Listen, you need to-
Cara sits down on a rock where they climb.
CARA
Stop.
Beat.
CARA (CONT’D)
You first.
BRAD
I have a condition. It’s not
important right now. Who are
Abby’s parents?
CARA
What condition? Brad is it
serious?
BRAD
I didn’t want you and James to be
panicking about me all the time.
It could be nothing.
CARA
But if-
BRAD
Cara, I’m fine. Are you telling me
Abby was adopted?
CARA
No, but we’re not done talking
about this “condition”.
Beat.
CARA (CONT’D)
We ran some tests. Abby’s hair was
in the car. We ran it against the
Flint’s. Brad it wasn’t a match.
BRAD
So they adopted her.
89.
CARA
I’ve checked the system. I’ve
looked into her past. No one has
ever heard of Abby.
BRAD
How could that be possible-
CARA
Some friends of Moby and Victoria
said that Abby showed up on their
doorstep one day.
BRAD
Out of no where.
CARA
I guess.
Beat.
BRAD
Come on.
They continue up the mountain.
We see the top of the mountain through a cloud in the sky.

We follow Cara and Brad as they scale the jagged rocks.
James works the phone lines.
JAMES
Okay. Thank you. Great. If you
hear from her- Thanks.
James hangs up defeated.
We see in the distance, the spot where Abby and Brad sat
earlier. Cara’s arm reaches over the last rock and she gets
to the summit.
Brad is quick to follow.
The whole area is empty. Spinning around we see the amazing

view of Denver and the mountains. Brad looks around.
90.
CARA
Abby!
She yells in every direction.
Brad freezes up.
CARA (CONT’D)
Abby- Hun-
Beat.
CARA (CONT’D)
Abs-
In a drastic flash Brad collapses onto the red rock beneath

him.
CARA (CONT’D)
Brad?
Cara runs towards him.
CARA (CONT’D)
Brad- Brad...
She falls to her knees next to him.
EXT. DENVER, COLORADO- NIGHT
The clouds roll over the mountains. The bright moon shines
down on the mile high city and snow caps.
We look at the eerie, empty apartment.
INT. WEST HEART MEMORIAL- NIGHT
James sprints down the hallway of the hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM- NIGHT
We see Brad laying on a bed. He is covered in wires and

tubes, a real sight to see. His eyes are closed. The
monitor shows that he is alive.
James and Cara walk into the room. Cara’s in scrubs. James
follows behind but pushes past her.
91.
JAMES
Brad- hey?
Beat.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Is he-
CARA
Sleeping.
Beat.
JAMES
So he’s gonna be fine?
JAMES (CONT’D)
He’ll be fine right Cara?
CARA
He-
JAMES
Because he has to be- I just- we
just had the party for him- I
talked to him this morning. He’ll
be-
CARA
James he doesn’t have long.
JAMES
Buddy?
James holds onto Brad’s hand. Cara comes behind him and puts
her hand on his back.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Bud?
James tears up and Cara rubs his back. Beat.
CARA
He’ll be up in the morning. Go
home, get some rest.
JAMES
He doesn’t have anyone Cara-
where’s Abby?
CARA
I don’t- I don’t know. I’ve
notified the police...
92.
James is falling apart.
JAMES
I gotta stay.
CARA
James.
JAMES
No he’s alone-
He grabs a blanket off the chair and lays down on the couch.
It looks incredibly uncomfortable. Cara stares at him.
She looks at Brad and then walks over to the couch.
James watches Brad sleeping. Cara bends down and touches her
forehead to James. She is tearing up now to.
CARA
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
James presses his head against hers and he breaks down

crying.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM- DAY
The sun shines through the window. A bird sits on the window
sill chirping.
James sleeps on the couch and Cara lays on his chest.
They wake up.
We see that Brad is awake. Although his eyes are open he

looks weak.
JAMES
Brad?
BRAD
Hey.
It is a faint whisper.
JAMES
How you doing man?
BRAD
I’ve been better-
James laughs a bit and Cara sits up. She straightens her
scrubs up and walks to the monitor.
93.
CARA
Your vitals look good.
BRAD
They don’t feel good.
James smirks. Brad fights out a smile.
JAMES
We’ll get you out of here soon bud.
BRAD
Thanks man.
Brad closes his eyes.
JAMES
Brad?
He opens them.
CARA
Let him rest hun-
JAMES
Oh, sorry, I just-
Beat.
BRAD
You’re a good friend James.
Cara perks up.
CARA
I’m gonna go check his charts.
She exits.
JAMES
You too man-
James walks up to the bed.
BRAD
You were my only real friend-
JAMES
I am, why would you say were? Come
on doc-
BRAD
You are, you are- sorry.
94.
JAMES
Thanks Brad.
Brad grabs James hand and squeezes it. James is a bit caught
off guard.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Listen man, we uh- Abby is still-
BRAD
I know.
JAMES
How?
BRAD
She’d be here if you had found her.
JAMES
Right, but we’re gonna get her.
The police say-
BRAD
She’ll come back when she’s ready.
Beat.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Keep an eye on her alright?
JAMES
You mean while you’re here, in the
hospital- until you get out?
Beat.
BRAD
Yeah.
James tears up again.
BRAD (CONT’D)
It’s okay.
JAMES
Sorry man.
He wipes his eyes. Brad shakes his head: “It’s Okay”.
INT. HOSPITAL- DAY
Cara flips through some charts. She walks down the hall. We
see a LITTLE GIRL turn the corner ahead.
95.
Cara stares at the end of the hall.
She walks towards the corner. Looking down the other hall
she sees the girl walking, several yards away.
CARA
Hello?
The girl starts to run. Cara walks briskly.
CARA (CONT’D)
Slow down-
The girl darts down another hall.
Cara runs now. As we turn down the other hall we see the
girl turn a bit. She fits the profile of Abby.
CARA (CONT’D)
Abby? Abby is that you?
The girl continues to run down the hall.
CARA (CONT’D)
Wait-
The girl busts through the double doors leading to the street
outside. The light floods into the hall as the girl
disappears into the glare.
Cara runs outside.
EXT. HOSPITAL- DAY
The entire street and parking lot around her is empty. The
GIRL is no where to be found.
CARA
Abby! Hello?
Beat.
CARA (CONT’D)
Come back-
UNKNOWN VOICE (O.S.)

Excuse me.
Cara jumps and turns around.
BRAD’S SON, (21), a clean cut, handsome young man stares at

Cara.
96.
BRAD’S SON
Excuse me, do you work here?
CARA
Did you see a little girl just run
out here-
SON
What little girl? No we’ve been
standing here for five minutes
because the door was locked.
BRAD’S DAUGHTER, (23), a gorgeous woman in a FLORIDA sweat

shirt, speaks up.
BRAD’S DAUGHTER
We’re looking for our father.
CARA
Your father?
SON
He was a doctor here- his name is-
Beat. It is clear that Cara is dumbfounded. The kids stop

talking.
CARA
How did you- how do you know he’s
here?
Brad’s Daughter hands Cara a sheet of paper.
DAUGHTER
We got this the other day. I
printed it out for the address. It
said he’d be at this hospital-
SON
And that he needed us to come-
DAUGHTER
We haven’t spoken to him in years.
Our mom-
SON
Don’t get into it, she doesn’t
care. We were just told that we’re
supposed to-
CARA
I know.
97.
SON
Wait you know him then? You know
our dad?
EXT. HOSPITAL ROOM- DAY
James sits on the ground with his head in between his knees
outside of Brad’s hospital room. Cara and Brad’s children
walk behind her.
JAMES
He’s sleeping.
Cara opens the door.
CARA
In here. Your Dad’s right in
here...
James looks confused. Brad’s kids slowly step into the room.
Cara sits next to James.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM- DAY
Brad sleeps on the bed. Brad’s son hesitates in the entry

way. His sister pushes him forward.
DAUGHTER
Go.
SON
Should we- should we wake him?
DAUGHTER
I don’t know?
SON
He looks the same-
We see Brad’s face. It looks pale and there are tubes coming
out of his nose.
DAUGHTER
I can’t tell-
SON
Dad-
Silence.
DAUGHTER
Hey daddy-
98.
Beat. Brad’s eyes start to open but it is clear that he is

in a daze. He closes them again.
SON
Dad it’s me-
Brad opens his eyes a bit more. The kids step closer. His
daughter puts her hand onto the end of the bed.
DAUGHTER
We got your email-
SON
Mom said we weren’t allowed to
come. Said the note was a mistake
but-
DAUGHTER
Well we’re here. What happened?
Brad now stares at his kids. He blinks.
BRAD
Kids- what-
He tries to sit up but winces and falls back into his pillow.
His son and daughter jump towards him.
SON
It’s okay, it’s okay. Sit back.
Brad reaches out and touches his son’s arm. He squeezes it

and holds on tight.
BRAD
How did you know I was here?
DAUGHTER
You told us you needed us to come.
Remember in the e-mail?
BRAD
I didn’t-
SON
It’s okay dad- they probably have
you hyped up on some pretty intense
meds here-
DAUGHTER
You don’t remember telling us to
come?
99.
Beat. Brad looks out the window. There is a long pause and
Brad smiles shaking his head.
BRAD
It doesn’t matter. You’re here.
Beat.
DAUGHTER
How are you feeling? It’s great to
see you.
Brad holds onto his daughters wrist. He pulls both of his

kids to him.
BRAD
Oh I’ve missed you so much. I’m
sorry...I’m sorry for everything.
SON
Why are you sorry?
BRAD
For not being around- for missing
your lives- for
DAUGHTER
Dad it’s not your fault...we’re
here now...we can visit more- we’re
adults now...
BRAD
I love you. Look at you two.
You’ve grown up so much. Thank you
for coming.
DAUGHTER
We wouldn’t miss it.
SON
We’ve been meaning to plan a trip
but-
BRAD
You both are amazing. This is
perfect. This is just perfect.
Brad starts to cough pretty hard.
BRAD’S SON
Dad?
100.
BRAD
It’s okay, I’ll be fine. I’ll be
out of this bed in no time.
Brad’s daughter starts to cry.
BRAD (CONT’D)
Come here...come here.
He hugs them both as they lay on the bed with him. Tears
flow down his cheeks as he holds them tight.
EXT. DENVER, COLORADO- NIGHT
We see the sun setting over the mountains.
EXT. HOSPITAL- NIGHT
Through the window we see Brad sleeping in his bed. His

children stand outside the room with James and Cara.
CARA
This rest will be good for him.
DAUGHTER
Yeah he must be tired.
SON
If you don’t mind can we sleep in
the lobby- we didn’t get a hotel
and- well we’re on eastern time so-
JAMES
No problem guys...Cara will set you
up in the bunks.
CARA
And we’ll get you when he wakes up-
DAUGHTER
That would be great. Thank you so
much-
SON
For everything.
James has his arm around Cara.
JAMES
You don’t know how much it means to
your father- well just you two
being here-
101.
CARA
It’s a blessing. Let’s get you to
bed...
The four walk down the hall towards the bunks.
As they are out of sight we hear the door to the hospital

room OPEN and SHUT (O.S.)
We see a small shadow approach Brad’s sleeping body.
Listening to the soft buzz of the machines pumping oxygen we

see a tiny hand reach up to the foot of the bed.
INT. HOSPITAL- NIGHT
Cara shuts the light off in the bunk room as we see Brad’s
kids laying in bed. She grabs James’ hand and they head down
the hall.
Brad opens his eyes to see his visitor. His mouth slides
into a warm smile. He closes his eyes again.
INT. HOSPITAL- NIGHT
James and Cara head towards the door to the parking lot.
JAMES
Are you sure we shouldn’t stay?
Cara holds onto James’ hand and walks him out the door. He
looks back for a moment and then they continue out.
We see now that Abby is standing at the side of Brad’s

hospital bed. Brad rests with a comforting smile.
She reaches up and puts her hand on his forehead. He looks

up at her. She holds it there. Abby looks calm and
peaceful. She grins at Brad.
BRAD
I’m ready-
102.
ABBY
I know.
Brad crosses his hands over his stomach.
Beat.
ABBY (CONT’D)
I know.
BRAD
Thank you.
Abby puts her hands over his. Brad closes his eyes again.
Abby closes hers. Brad slowly fades away.
FADE OUT:
EXT. CHURCH- DAY
Brad’s son, with the help of James lead the casket bearer
crew. Brad’s Daughter stands with Cara. She has been crying
but smiles when Cara squeezes her.
EXT. CEMETERY- DAY
We see a funeral precession underway. It is a gorgeous

Denver day. The guests stand around the casket.
Brad’s son and daughter sit next to each other. They lay
flowers on the casket.
GLORIA, (45-50), Brad’s ex-wife sits close by. Her head is

lowered. Brad’s daughter reaches over to hold her mother’s
hand.
EXT. CEMETERY- DAY
James comforts Cara. She rests her head on his shoulder.

She pulls his hand over to her stomach.
He looks confused. She looks up, through tears, and smiles

at him. Cara nods her head.
He understands now and is dumbstruck. He rubs her belly and

looks up at the sky: “As one life is lost, another is gained”
103.
EXT. CEMETERY- DAY
As the casket is lowered into the ground we see in the

distance a line of tall grave stones. In between two massive
blocks of marble stands Abby.
Closer now, we can see that she watches the casket lower into
the ground.
A dog BARKS in the distance (O.S.) It’s BRONCO, the Golden

Retriever from before.
ABBY
Bronco?
Abby turns to see BRONCO. He BARKS again and then runs

towards her. She catches him, laughing. He licks her face.
He runs through the graves towards the street. Abby follows
him.
ABBY (CONT’D)
Good Boy. Good Boy...
She looks back one last time at the funeral. She hesitates
and then keeps running and laughing after Bronco.
EXT. CEMETERY- DAY
The PRIEST blesses the casket.
Abby walks down the street with Bronco at her side. They are
smack dab in the middle of the city. They approach the TRAIN
STATION.
EXT. CEMETERY- DAY
The guests hug each other and walk towards their cars. James
and Cara wave at Brad’s children as they drive away.
FADE OUT:
EXT. TRAIN- DAY
We see a train pass through the outskirts of Denver heading

into the distance.
104.
INT. TRAIN- DAY
Abby sits with Bronco laying at her feet. The seat next to
her is empty. She stairs out the window.
We hear a BANG (O.S.) as a pile of books, papers and a

computer tumble into the aisle next to Abby. She turns to
help pick up the items.
TROUBLED WOMAN, (25-30), a frazzled woman, unkempt and

stressed out, blows her hair out of her face.
TROUBLED WOMAN
Perfect.
ABBY
I got it.
TROUBLED WOMAN
Just perfect.
Beat.
TROUBLED WOMAN (CONT’D)

You don’t have to-
ABBY
It’s okay.
Abby hands the WOMAN her things.
TROUBLED WOMAN
Thanks. Is this seat taken?
ABBY
It’s all yours.
The woman sits down, takes a deep breath and rubs her face,
frustrated.
TROUBLED WOMAN
Cute dog...
Bronco licks the WOMAN’S hand.
Beat.
ABBY
Thank you. I’m Abby...
FADE OUT.
THE END

The View From Heaven

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The View From Heaven

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The View From Heaven

The sound of footsteps can be heard, starting softly but

INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- DAY, ESTABLISHING

The footsteps belong to a pair of shiny, clean tennis shoes

DR. BRAD KERRY, 45-50, a tall, handsome man, with graying

Brad walks calmly towards the door and pushes it open.

INT. AMBULANCE- DAY

A MAN is being revived in a stretcher. There are signs of

We see through the front windshield of the ambulance and

All along, an elegant BIRD flies in and out of view.

INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- DAY

Brad continues to wash. He turns off the sink, giving no

INT. WEST ARELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL- AN HOUR LATER- DAY

Brad weaves stitches through the wounds on the patient and

Brad ties up the stitch, places the utensils on the platform

INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- NIGHT, ESTABLISHING

Brad walks through the revolving doors of his apartment

Brad continues on, emotionless, to a massive line of mail

INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- MOMENTS LATER

Brad walks through the front door of his apartment, revealing

It is clear that Brad has money as we can see straight

INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- MOMENTS LATER

We follow Brad out of his bedroom. Behind him we see a

PICTURE FRAME displaying two toddlers with ski outfits on

Although his living space is big, it is a bit unkempt. Empty

He picks up a remote and flips on the massive television

A REPORTER stands in front of a blinking police car on a

“Channel Two Denver News”

“Deadly shooter found at Convenient Store.”

Brad clicks off the television.

“The View From Heaven”

INT. FLINT’S VAN- DAY

MOBY FlINT, 35-40, a long-haired, bearded man with a tooth-

“10 MILES FROM DENVER, COLORADO”

VICTORIA FLINT, 25-30, a pretty, but unkempt woman with faded

Victoria picks at her leather sandals, rested on the

Moby slams on the breaks to avoid a slowing semi-truck ahead.

No one answers. It’s clear that a body lays beneath a

Moby check’s his watch.

Victoria unfolds a pamphlet that sits in the cup-holder.

INT. BRAD KERRY’S APARTMENT- DAY

Brad leans against his refrigerator. He coughs viciously.

Brad approaches the answering machine on his apartment line

Beat. Brad looks at the machine.

MAN’S VOICE (CONT’D)

Beat. Brad smiles but shakes his head.

Brad clicks DELETE.

A SECRETARY can be heard leaving the next message.

He drops the coffee he holds on the marble floor beneath him.

Brad reaches and unravels a roll of paper towels that sit on

EXT. MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL- DAY

Victoria unloads her trunk. She is at a massive amphitheater

Neither seem too alarmed.

Moby walks up and helps her carry off two guitars.

INT. PRIVATE PRACTITIONER OFFICE- DAY

Brad stares at a DOCTOR in a suit across an elaborate desk.

EXT. MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL- DAY

Moby and Victoria walk back stage of the amphitheater. Moby

They follow a PRODUCER with a clipboard and headset.