Time After Time A Love Story Written As A Screenplay

Copyright © 2004, previous version entitled Soul Mates ©
2001, by Pratibha A. Dabholkar and Earl J. Hess, with the

U.S. Copyright Office
Library of Congress Numbers: PA1-204-445, PAu2-594-777
Writers Guild of America Registration ® 2006, previous

version entitled Soul Mates ® 2001, by Pratibha A. Dabholkar
and Earl J. Hess
Writers Guild of America Registration Number: 829785
All rights reserved. (The unauthorized distribution, sale,

copying, editing, or any form of reproduction or modification
of any part of this copy-righted book is illegal.)
We dedicate this screenplay to
Our beloved guardian angels, Julie and Papa
Time after time,

I’ll be there for you
All you have to do is call
Time after time,

I’ll be watching over you
I will never let you fall
1
FADE IN
INTERIOR: BEDROOM IN SUBURBAN HOUSE (LATE

NIGHT)
STUART GRANTHAM, mid 30s, is in bed asleep, tossing

and turning, clearly having a disturbing dream. The
window is open, and a light curtain moves in the breeze.
MUFFLED SOUNDS of EXPLOSIONS and SCREAMS can be
heard from Stuart’s dream. He wakes up with a start,
sweating and shaking.
INTERIOR: STUART’S HOUSE (CONTINUOUS)
STUART sits up in bed and stares ahead. Then he slowly

gets out of bed, and walks in a daze out of the bedroom,
down the stairs, and into the kitchen. We see that he is of
medium build and has short, brown hair.
INTERIOR: STUART’S KITCHEN (CONTINUOUS)
STUART fumbles in the refrigerator, pours milk into a

glass, and walks to the window with it. He sips the milk
and stares out into the darkness at the trees. He is a nice-
looking man, but right now simply looks troubled and
exhausted.
INTERIOR: CLASSROOM AT BENTON COLLEGE,

TENNESSEE (DAY)
STUART, in coat and tie, and wire-rimmed glasses, is

lecturing. He is trying to be enthusiastic, but sounds very
tired.
STUART: Some people argue that the Civil War was fought
over constitutional issues.
2
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA ANDERSON, older than the typical undergraduate

student, late 20s, bright and attractive, with short, blond
hair. She obviously likes Stuart and is enjoying the lecture.
STUART (off-screen): But it was fought by flesh and blood

people, who experienced fear, love, and hate, like
everyone else.
ANGLE ON STUART
STUART (covering a yawn): And that’s what we hope to

understand in this course.
ANGLE ON MIKE
MIKE, typical undergraduate student, early 20s, catches

STUART yawning and is amused.
MIKE: Professor Grantham, if you’re bored already, what

about us?
Class LAUGHS.
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA is glaring at Mike with annoyance.
ANGLE ON STUART
STUART (smiling): Oh, I’m just tired, that’s all. Why don’t
we call it a day?
Class CHEERS.
3
STUART: Read Chapter Two and write a three-page

analysis of the main issues for next class.
Class GROANS.
STUART is packing his books in his briefcase. MISHA

comes up to him.
MISHA: Professor Grantham, I’m Misha Anderson, new

grad student in History. I just transferred from Crawford
College. Can I talk with you while you go to your office?
STUART: Sure.
EXTERIOR: COLLEGE CAMPUS (DAY)
It’s a typical small college campus. But it is exceptionally

pretty, with lots of trees. It is early September. The leaves
are still green. STUART and MISHA are walking to Stuart’s
office.
MISHA: I’m sitting in on your undergrad class, if that’s

okay. I just think your approach to the Civil War is so cool!
THEY continue to walk across campus. MISHA is talking

steadily. We hear snippets of what she says.
MISHA: …I’ve seen your books on the Civil War, they’re

awesome… I’m so glad I transferred to Benton, it’s such a
pretty campus…
STUART smiles and nods occasionally but seems a bit

distracted.
4
INTERIOR: CAMPUS HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)
STUART and MISHA are walking toward Stuart’s office.

MISHA is still talking.
MISHA: …and then I just had to come here to learn all I

can about the Civil War from you.
They stop at his door. MISHA sees a notice on the bulletin

board outside his office.
MISHA (eagerly): Oh, I see you need an assistant. Can I

have the job? I would just love to work with you.
STUART: Well… I don’t know.
STUART has the door unlocked, ready to go in.
MISHA: Do you have anyone else in mind?
STUART: Not really.
MISHA: Please give me a chance. You won’t be sorry.
STUART (hesitatingly): Okay… Can you start Wednesday?
MISHA: Sure! Thanks, Professor Grantham. I’ll see you

then.
MISHA walks away, looking back at STUART with a big

smile. STUART nods at her, and goes into his office.
INTERIOR: CAMPUS CAFETERIA (DAY)
The cafeteria is crowded. STUART (no coat on) walks in,

gets food from the food bar without much interest. He
5
looks around holding his tray, spots someone, and

approaches a table.
ANDY KLEINER, late 30s, bearded, and wearing a tie, is

eating lunch at that table. He is small in build, and looks
bright and alert.
STUART: Sorry I’m late, Andy. I’m zonked out. Didn’t get
much sleep last night.
STUART sits down and starts eating.
ANDY: Don’t worry, Stuart. I’m used to it. Most people I

treat don’t seem to get much sleep either. I think they
come to see me, just to lie down on my couch.
ANDY laughs, enjoying his own joke. STUART smiles, then

looks up and spots EMMA in the food line. She’s in her mid
30s, professional, striking yet serene appearance, with
dark, shoulder-length hair.
STUART: Wow! Who’s that? I’ve never seen her before.
ANDY: Oh, that’s Emma Wallingford. She’s a new professor

in Biology. (In a fake British accent) “She’s from England,
you know.” She’s a looker, isn’t she?
STUART: She’s something…
ANDY waves to EMMA. She smiles, and walks over to their

table with her tray.
EMMA (British accent): Hello, Andy.
EMMA sets her tray down and sits at the table with ANDY
and STUART.
6
ANDY: Emma, this is Stuart. He teaches history and writes

books about the Civil War.
EMMA smiles at STUART. STUART smiles back and shakes

EMMA’s hand.
STUART: Nice to meet you, Emma. How do you like it

here?
EMMA: Oh, it’s lovely. So much warmer than back home.

(Looking at Andy) And the natives are quite charming.
EMMA starts eating.
ANDY: That’s me, the charming shrink.
EMMA (looking at Stuart): And you? Why the Civil War?
STUART: I don’t know. I was always drawn to it.
EMMA: Really? You like wars then?
STUART: No, not really. I want to know why these soldiers

fought. Why they risked their lives. I study their letters and
diaries to understand them better.
ANDY: I didn’t realize that, Stuart. We should think about

collaborating. I’ll bet I could find some fascinating insights
in those letters.
STUART (laughing): But their letters are very

straightforward really. These were young men, boys even.
They put their feelings down pretty honestly when they
wrote home.
EMMA is listening to STUART with rapt attention. It’s clear

7
she’s warming up to him. STUART happens to see EMMA’s

plate and notices she doesn’t have much food.
STUART: Sorry about the food here, Emma. Doesn’t look

like you found much to eat.
EMMA looks appreciative of his concern.
EMMA: Oh, it’s not so bad. You should try the dining hall
at Oxford. They identify soups by their colors! “We have
yellow soup today!”
They all laugh.
STUART: Oxford, huh? How did you wind up in

Tennessee?
EMMA: Oxford’s great. But a bit stuffy, isn’t it? I wanted to

see what it would be like to work in America, you see.
ANDY: But why Tennessee?
EMMA gets a faraway look in her eyes. STUART is

watching her admiringly.
EMMA: Well, it was strange really. I had a couple of job

offers that I was terribly excited about. But they didn’t pan
out for some reason. So I ended up here. But I think I’m
going to like it. (Looking at Stuart) It feels right somehow.
STUART: That’s kind of how I ended up here too. This was

several years ago, of course. But it’s turned out okay. The
ghosts of the Civil War must still be roaming around here.
They really inspire my work.
8
EMMA: It’s hard for me to imagine a war around here. It’s

such a peaceful place.
ANDY: Ah, it only looks peaceful. (Pointing to his head)

The wars are being fought in people’s minds. All around
you.
STUART suddenly looks uncomfortable and shifts in his

chair.
EMMA (laughing): That’s what psychologists want us to

think, don’t they? To drum up business?
ANDY laughs good-naturedly. STUART looks a little

relieved.
ANDY: You’d be surprised how many people in this small

town need counseling.
EMMA: And you help them win their private wars, I

suppose?
STUART looks uncomfortable again. ANDY stops eating

and leans forward.
ANDY: Actually, I’m doing some really exciting work in that

area. I’m using hypnosis for people with phobias.
STUART (interested): Hypnosis?
ANDY: Yeah. I regress people as far back as necessary.

Some have gone back to a childhood trauma. And it seems
to cure them of their phobia.
EMMA (looking at Stuart): Well, that’s good I suppose.

9
STUART shrugs and smiles at her. ANDY is bubbling with

excitement.
ANDY: Wait, there’s more. A couple of them have even

gone back to past lives.
EMMA looks disbelieving. STUART looks very interested,

but guarded. ANDY leans back.
ANDY: I’m hoping to do a lot more past life regressions. In

fact, I want to recruit students as subjects, and do a study
on past lives.
EMMA looks at STUART questioningly.
STUART (smiling): She’s not buying this, Andy.
ANDY: Don’t you believe we’ve all been here before,

Emma?
EMMA shrugs and smiles uncertainly. STUART smiles

reassuringly at her.
EXTERIOR: A SUBURBAN STREET (LATE NIGHT)
A peaceful, suburban neighborhood. Not a person in sight.

Only a few lights are still on.
INTERIOR: STUART’S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS)
STUART is having another nightmare. This time the

SOUNDS from his dream are louder and last longer. We
hear EXPLOSIONS, SCREAMS, CRYING, and STRANGE
ZIPPING NOISES. STUART thrashes around and suddenly
sits up, YELLING. He is sweating and trembling.
10
STUART is again staring out the window into the darkness,

with a glass of milk in his hand. He looks frustrated and
bewildered.
INTERIOR: STUART’S KITCHEN (MORNING)
STUART is dressed and drinking coffee. He is talking on

the phone.
STUART: I need to see you, Andy. (Pause) I’d rather not

say right now, but it’s really important. (Pause) Good, see
you then.
INTERIOR: ANDY’S OFFICE (AFTERNOON)
The office is small but cozy, filled with books and papers.
There are bookcases against the walls, a desk, two chairs,
and a little couch.
ANDY is sitting at his desk. STUART looks exhausted, and

is slumped in the chair across from Andy. ANDY looks
questioningly at STUART.
STUART: I’ve been having nightmares, Andy. I need your

help. I can’t sleep, I can’t function.
ANDY: Do you want to try hypnosis?
STUART: Tell me how it works.
ANDY: Well, there’s no Svengali here. Remember the old

movies? A hypnotist would put a spell on somebody, a
young girl usually, and make them do whatever he
wanted.
11
STUART is more relaxed now, but listening carefully.
STUART: So what do you do?
ANDY: I’m just your coach. I’ll help you to relax and focus
your mind, so you can access memories hidden in your
subconscious. We’ll play music…
STUART: I’ll be on your couch?
ANDY: Sure. Whatever’s comfortable. The most important

thing is that you do the work, with my guidance, of course.
STUART (laughing): And you get paid for this?
ANDY: Not only that, I’m guessing you’ll be saying a lot of

interesting things on that old couch.
STUART rolls his eyes and shakes his head. Then he is

serious again.
STUART: Will I be fully conscious? Will I know what I’m

saying?
ANDY: Sure. I might have to ask you questions now and

then. And you should be able to respond easily.
STUART: Well, then, let’s go as far back as we need to.
ANDY: Okay. But I want you to know that the regression

itself can be pretty traumatic. Especially if you go back to a
bad experience in a past life.
STUART leans forward, concentrating.
STUART: What do you mean?

12
ANDY: Let’s say someone has a fear of water. They go into

regression and find that they drowned in a previous
lifetime. The phobia goes away. But to get rid of it, they
have to relive that awful moment.
STUART leans back, thinks a bit, then shrugs.
STUART: Well, it can’t be any worse than my nightmares.
ANDY: And you can get out of it. Anytime.
STUART (kidding): Be gentle with me, Andy.
ANDY: Heck, I’m the best!
STUART (taking a deep breath): Well, let’s do it, then!
EXTERIOR: CAMPUS BUILDING (EVENING)
A few students are walking by. Only one window in the

entire building is lit.
INTERIOR: ANDY’S OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
STUART is lying down on the couch with his eyes closed.

The lighting is low. Relaxing MUSIC is playing from a
cassette player.
ANDY: You are feeling relaxed, calm. You are going back
in time. Tell me what you see and feel.
STUART breathes deeply and looks calm. His eyes are still
closed. No one speaks for a few seconds.
STUART: I’m playing baseball. I’m happy.

13
ANDY: How old are you?
STUART: About fifteen, I think.
ANDY: Go back further. Stay calm and relaxed.
STUART takes a few deep breaths. A few more seconds

pass.
STUART: I’m very young. Four, I think.
ANDY: What are you doing, and how do you feel?
STUART: I’m in the kitchen, having cookies and milk. My

mom’s fixing dinner. It’s sunny outside. Everything’s warm.
ANDY: Good, good. Go further back, take your time. Relax.

Be peaceful.
STUART continues to breathe deeply. No one speaks for a

few seconds.
STUART (tentatively): I’m walking down a country road.

It’s summer.
STUART smiles. His eyes are still closed.
STUART: I’m going to meet someone, someone very

special. I can feel the hot sun on my skin.
EXTERIOR: COUNTRY ROAD (DAY)
It is summer, 1862. Tall, green trees line the road.

WILLIAM STAMP, about 20, is walking along this road. He
is strongly built and has an honest, likable face and dark
hair.
14
STUART (voice-over): My clothes feel strange. They’re

heavy and they don’t fit well. (Pause) I’ve got something
important to tell her. (Pause) She’s up there, in the
orchard near the Jetterson barn. Her name is Amanda.
EXTERIOR: ORCHARD (DAY)
WILLIAM walks into the orchard and sees AMANDA

JETTERSON, about 20, a short distance away. She is very
pretty and has long, dark, beautiful hair. She’s picking
peaches from a tree and putting them in a basket on her
arm. WILLIAM’s face glows with love as he sees her.
AMANDA hears his step and turns around. She puts the
basket down, her hair cascading around her face. As she
straightens up, she pushes her hair back from her face
with both hands and smiles happily and expectantly at
WILLIAM. He runs to her, and they embrace and kiss.
WILLIAM: Well, I did it. I’m now Pvt. William Stamp,

Company E, 93rd Ohio Infantry.
AMANDA: Oh no! I’ll miss you so much, William. Why must

you go?
WILLIAM: I can’t explain it. At least not now. But I have to

go.
AMANDA breaks away from the embrace and looks away.
AMANDA: Father will be pleased, anyway, to know you’re

gone. So he can try to marry me off to somebody else.
WILLIAM takes a step so he’s facing her, and takes both

her hands in his.
15
WILLIAM: Don’t marry anybody else, Amanda! Wait for

me. You know that I love you more than my own life.
AMANDA (starting to cry): Of course I’ll wait. And I’ll

always love you too, William.
WILLIAM pulls out a handkerchief and dries her tears.

They embrace and kiss, for a long time.
EXTERIOR: UNION ARMY CAMP (DAY)
Rows and rows of tents and campfires dot the scene. A

few soldiers are cooking. Many different groups of soldiers
are drilling. Soldiers stand in line, march, and move about.
WILLIAM is drilling with his company. Company sergeants

are YELLING orders. We hear snippets.
SERGEANT: …Right shoulder, Shift… …Forward, March…

…Battalion, Halt…
ANGLE ON WILLIAM
WILLIAM fires his musket, in line with the rest of his

company. He reloads and fires again.
SERGEANT (off-screen): …Fire…Reload…Fire…
CLOSE-UP
WILLIAM’s hand movements as he reloads.
CLOSE-UP
WILLIAM’s face as he pulls the trigger.

16
SERGEANT (off-screen): …Reload…Fire…
EXTERIOR: ARMY CAMP (NIGHT)
Soldiers are drinking coffee, talking with each other. Some

are playing cards, others are shoving each other playfully.
ANGLE ON WILLIAM
WILLIAM is sitting alone next to a candle stuck in a

bayonet in the ground. He is writing a letter.
WILLIAM (voice-over): Another day has gone by and I still

don’t have a letter from you. I miss you very much. Why
don’t you write?
WILLIAM stops writing and looks off into the distance. The
he starts writing again.
WILLIAM (voice-over): For days now we’ve been drilling

and learning to fire our muskets. I’m getting to know that
a soldier’s life is a hard one. There’s lots of work to do, lots
of orders to attend to. I get along pretty well with the
other boys, but it’s very different from being at home. I’m
here, so far away from you.
EXTERIOR: COUNTRYSIDE (DAY)
A thick column of Union soldiers is marching along a dirt

road. The countryside is beautiful. A rolling landscape,
dotted with trees in brilliant fall colors.
WILLIAM (voice-over): I don’t mind soldier life so much. I

didn’t know nothing but hard work all my life, and don’t
have much to show for it, either.
17
EXTERIOR: ARMY CAMP (EVENING)
Soldiers are cooking their dinners over open fires. There is

a feeling of camaraderie in the air.
WILLIAM (voice-over): Amanda, you know I can’t offer you

much. My folks are all poor. I’m only a common laborer. All
I can give you is my hands, my strong back, and my
promise to always love you.
EXTERIOR: IN THE WOODS (EVENING)
WILLIAM is standing picket with his musket.
WILLIAM (voice-over): I left for the army only because I

think this war is important. I couldn’t stay back while my
friends were risking their lives. No matter what anybody
says, keeping slaves is wrong. How could I be a good
husband for you, if I was too afraid to be a soldier in such
a war?
EXTERIOR: ARMY CAMP (MORNING)
WILLIAM is chopping wood in the early dawn light.
WILLIAM (voice-over): I’ll take care of myself, don’t worry.

There’s nothing more I want than to get back to you. But I
want to do my part in this great struggle.
SERGEANT (off-screen): Halt, dress the line. You’ll learn

how after you’ve been here a while.
WILLIAM stops chopping and turns to look.

18
ANGLE ON RECRUITS
Not a promising looking set of soldiers, they awkwardly try

to form a line.
ANGLE ON WILLIAM
WILLIAM smiles, then resumes chopping wood.
SERGEANT (off-screen): Dismissed. We’ll drill again later.
SOUNDS of the recruits dispersing. WILLIAM continues to

chop wood.
AMANDA (off-screen): Hello, William.
WILLIAM is stunned, looks around, and sees AMANDA. She

has cut her hair very short, and she is wearing a Union
uniform, disguised as a man. She looks pleased with
herself.
WILLIAM (whispering): What are you doing here? Wait,

come with me.
EXTERIOR: IN THE WOODS (CONTINUOUS)
WILLIAM and AMANDA kiss passionately. Then WILLIAM

pulls back and looks questioningly at AMANDA.
AMANDA: I ran away from home, William. Father was

trying to marry me off to Abe Conley. I missed you so
much, so I came up with this scheme.
WILLIAM’s face shows mixed emotions. He is flattered and

excited, but also a bit disappointed that AMANDA has cut
off her beautiful, long hair. He runs his fingers through her
19
short, dark, cropped hair. Then, suddenly, he starts to look

worried, and starts pacing.
WILLIAM: This ain’t going to work, Amanda. This ain’t no

place for you. You’ve got to go home.
AMANDA (disappointed): You’re not happy to see me,

then?
WILLIAM stops pacing, grabs AMANDA, and kisses her

again.
WILLIAM: I am. I’ve missed you so much. But the war’s no

place for a woman.
AMANDA: But if I go back, Father will marry me off to Abe.
WILLIAM starts pacing again.
WILLIAM: No. We can’t let that happen.
AMANDA (happily): See? So I have to stay here. With you.
WILLIAM: But how can we pull it off? And for how long?
AMANDA: I fooled the recruiting officer. I guess I can keep

on fooling people as long as we’re in the war.
WILLIAM stops pacing, puts both hands on AMANDA’s

shoulders and looks intently at her.
WILLIAM: It’ll be harder here. Soldiers work side by side

for long hours. They live together, and they sleep
together.
AMANDA grins.
20
WILLIAM: No, you don’t understand. There’s not much

privacy here.
WILLIAM runs his fingers nervously through his hair.

AMANDA watches him closely. He starts pacing again.
WILLIAM: Don’t talk much with anybody. Do what I do,

and stay close to me.
AMANDA (smiling): No problem with that!
WILLIAM: Don’t volunteer for anything. Don’t do anything

that’ll make yourself stand out.
AMANDA (playfully): But how will you ever tell me apart

from the others?
WILLIAM (stops pacing, taken aback): What?
AMANDA: Oh, William, don’t fret so much. This is exciting,

being together in the army. We’ll make it work somehow.
WILLIAM faces AMANDA. He still looks very worried.
WILLIAM: You don’t know how tough it’ll be! I have to

take care of you. (Pause) Now, you know what to do, don’t
you?
AMANDA (playfully saluting): Yes, sir!
WILLIAM: Come on, Amanda. Don’t play around. This is

serious.
AMANDA (finally serious): Okay, William.
WILLIAM goes close to AMANDA, and takes both her

21
hands in his.
WILLIAM: I’ll watch over you, especially during the

fighting.
AMANDA: Have you been in any fighting?
WILLIAM: None so far.
AMANDA: I’ll be careful, William.
THEY kiss tenderly.
EXTERIOR: COUNTRYSIDE (DAY)
A long column of Union troops is marching along a road.

The trees on either side are bare, yet beautiful in their
starkness. The soldiers have overcoats on.
ANDY (voice-over): Where are you now?
STUART (voice-over): Somewhere in Middle Tennessee.
ANDY (voice-over): What year is it?
STUART (voice-over): December (Pause) 1862.
EXTERIOR: IN THE WOODS (DUSK)
The army is bivouacking. Soldiers are arranging their

blankets for sleep and putting out campfires.
STUART (voice-over): We’re near Stones River.
WILLIAM and AMANDA are rolled up in their respective

blankets, overcoats on, lying next to each other, and
22
whispering. The air is clearly chilly and soldiers are

bundling up for the night.
WILLIAM: The boys are saying there’s no doubt of a big

fight tomorrow.
AMANDA: Oh, William, are you sure?
WILLIAM: The Reb army is only a few hundred yards

away. You can see their campfires if you walk into the
woods.
Both look anxious.
WILLIAM: I wonder, can we hide you somewhere, so you

don’t have to fight?
AMANDA: You know we’d be court-martialed if they found

out.
WILLIAM: But maybe it’s worth the risk.
AMANDA: No, William. I’ve been through the drilling just

as you have. I know how to fire a musket. I’m as ready as
I can be.
WILLIAM still looks anxious.
WILLIAM: I don’t know. I don’t want nothing to happen to

you.
AMANDA: I’ll be okay, William.
WILLIAM: Stick close to me, and I’ll protect you.

23
AMANDA: But you might get hit that way. Then where
would I be?
WILLIAM: If that happens, tell the Captain your secret.

He’ll see to you properly. He’s a good man and he’ll send
you back home.
AMANDA: William, don’t talk like that!
WILLIAM: I have to. There’s no telling what’ll happen

tomorrow. (Playfully) Besides, if I do get hit, I’ll just
become an angel, and watch over you.
AMANDA smiles warmly at him.
AMANDA: Whatever happens, I don’t have any regrets. I

know it’s the right thing to be here with you.
A long shot of hundreds of soldiers sleeping in the woods,

all rolled up in blankets, and hunkered down for the night.
EXTERIOR: IN THE WOODS (MORNING)
A Union line of battle is standing in the trees, nervously

waiting for something to happen. The SOUNDS of FIRING
are heard off in the near distance.
WILLIAM and AMANDA are standing next to each other.

AMANDA is to WILLIAM’s right.
OFFICER (off-screen): They’re coming closer. Get ready!
CLOSE-UP
Apprehension is evident on WILLIAM’s and AMANDA’s

faces.
24
ANGLE THROUGH THE WOODS
Union skirmishers come toward the camera, backing up

through the woods, firing as they retreat, to rejoin the
battle line.
CLOSE-UP
WILLIAM and AMANDA look at each other and gain

strength.
ANGLE THROUGH THE WOODS
The SOUND of hundreds of men CRASHING through the

woods in the near distance. Then we hear the Rebel YELL,
and right after that butternut clothed men emerge into
view through the trees. They begin firing at the Union line.
ANGLE ON THE UNION LINE
OFFICER (off-screen): Commence firing! Fire at will!
The Union line now opens fire. A blaze of musketry rolls

down the line.
ANGLE ON WILLIAM AND AMANDA
WILLIAM and AMANDA fire their first shot in battle.
ANGLE ON CONFEDERATES
Some Confederate soldiers fall, but the rest keep coming

without losing a step, YELLING all the time, and returning
the fire.
25
Union soldiers continue to fire.
WILLIAM and AMANDA reload with determination.
A Union SOLDIER falls badly wounded next to AMANDA.
CLOSE-UP
A look of horror on AMANDA’s face, but she continues to

fire and reload.
ANGLE ON THE CONFEDERATES
The Confederates close in at short range, reform their

ranks into an orderly line, and fire a heavy volley.
ANGLE ON UNION LINE
A Union SOLDIER falls next to WILLIAM, but he does not

notice it even though the man lands on his foot.
The whole Union line continues to fire as Union soldiers fall

rapidly.
The Confederates fire too, their men falling just as rapidly.

26
WILLIAM and AMANDA fire, their faces sweaty and

begrimed with powder smoke.
The Confederates fire a bit more, then, one by one, they

begin to pull back.
ANGLE ON UNION LINE
The Union battle line blazes away.
The rest of the Confederates retreat into the woods.
ANGLE ON UNION LINE
OFFICER (off-screen): Cease Firing!
The Union soldiers stop firing and CHEER loudly.
WILLIAM and AMANDA are CHEERING wildly.
ANGLE ON BATTLEFIELD
Fallen men lie thickly on the ground. The CHEERING

continues.
ANGLE ON UNION LINE
The CHEERING dies down, and a weird calm descends,

27
even though the SOUND of HEAVY FIRING can still be

heard, off in the distance.
CLOSE-UP
WILLIAM and AMANDA look meaningfully at each other.

Suddenly, a strained voice yells in the distance.
VOICE (off-screen): They’re coming again! They’re flanking

us on the right!
ANGLE ON UNION LINE
The Union battle line straightens up and comes to

attention, but everyone looks anxiously to the right.
WILLIAM (to Amanda): Look out!
WILLIAM points to the right. He himself is aiming to the

right, ready to fire at the Confederates when they appear.
Through the woods to the right, an unexpectedly large

number of Confederates emerge suddenly, YELLING,
FIRING their muskets rapidly, seemingly irresistible.
ANGLE ON UNION LINE
Several Union soldiers to the immediate right of AMANDA

break out of line and run to the rear. The line crumbles.
ANGLE ON AMANDA
There is much confusion. AMANDA, facing right, turns back

to look at William on her left, and is hit in the right side of
28
her neck.
ANGLE ON WILLIAM
WILLIAM (anguished): AMANDA!
WILLIAM instinctively reaches out and grabs AMANDA as

she falls, and drops his equipment.
ANGLE ON WILLIAM RUNNING
WILLIAM carries AMANDA to the rear as fast as possible.

He bypasses retreating Union soldiers as Rebel bullets
strike the trees near him. He runs past approaching
Confederate soldiers emerging from the woods. As
WILLIAM runs off camera, the Rebels step closer into view,
aim in his direction, and fire.
EXTERIOR: BARN (EVENING)
The barn is being used as a field hospital for Union

soldiers. Faint SOUNDS of FIRING in the distance, and
wounded soldiers litter the ground outside.
INTERIOR: BARN (CONTINUOUS)
AMANDA is semi-conscious, lying on a bed of straw.

WILLIAM is holding a bloody wad of cloth to the right side
of her neck, and wiping her forehead with a handkerchief.
He looks anguished, but is trying to be brave.
Other wounded soldiers crowd the barn interior. AMANDA

stirs and tries to speak. She’s in a lot of pain.
WILLIAM: You’re going to be okay. I’m here. Keep calm.

The surgeon will see to you soon.
29
Two male NURSES come to pick up AMANDA. They take

her to the operating table. WILLIAM follows them, looking
extremely worried.
The nurses place AMANDA on the table. The SURGEON is

obviously tired from a very long day. He stretches his
aching muscles and gets ready to examine AMANDA. Then
he notices WILLIAM and frowns at him.
WILLIAM (to surgeon): I’m going to stay.
SURGEON (gruffly): Go outside, there’s no room here.
WILLIAM: But, I need to…
SURGEON: OUT!
EXTERIOR: BARN (LATER THAT EVENING)
WILLIAM paces about, hat in hand, walking among the

slightly wounded on the ground. He is deeply worried and
anxious.
EXTERIOR: BARN (NIGHT)
It is very dark and cold. WILLIAM is sitting on the ground,

against the barn, and staring off into the distance. He
looks cold, weary, and deeply troubled. The SURGEON
comes out.
SURGEON (gently): Son, I know now why you wanted to

stay.
The SURGEON looks around to see that no one is near.

30
SURGEON (talking softly): I’ve done all I can for her, but
there’s not much I can promise.
He pats WILLIAM on the shoulder and leaves.
INTERIOR: BARN (CONTINUOUS)
The darkness is lit only by candles. AMANDA is lying on the

straw, a clean bandage on the right side of her neck.
WILLIAM comes to her, and takes her hand. She moves a
little and flinches in pain, but does not open her eyes.
WILLIAM strokes her hair very gently.
WILLIAM (whispering): Oh, Amanda, I’m so sorry. I don’t

know how this could’ve happened. I wish it was me lying
there in your place.
AMANDA moans softly. WILLIAM kisses her hand tenderly.

His eyes are misty.
WILLIAM (still whispering): You’ve got to fight, Amanda. I

don’t want to live without you.
INTERIOR: BARN (LATER THAT NIGHT)
WILLIAM is falling asleep, sitting beside AMANDA, wedged

in between her and the other wounded. Soft sounds of
GROANING from the wounded.
INTERIOR: BARN (EARLY MORNING)
WILLIAM is sleeping, still in the same position. The

SURGEON comes to him, and shakes him awake gently.
SURGEON: Stamp, wake up! (Pause) I’m very sorry, but

your friend didn’t make it.
31
CLOSE-UP
WILLIAM looks stunned. Then he starts to sob and moves

toward AMANDA.
WILLIAM cradles AMANDA’s head in his arms and strokes

her hair tenderly.
WILLIAM: Oh, no, no. God, no. I was supposed to take

care of you, Amanda. What am I going to do now?
He starts to sob. A passing NURSE, one of the two who

had taken Amanda to the operating table, notices them
but says nothing.
WILLIAM (tearfully): When I joined the regiment, I

thought I might never see you again. Then you showed
up, like magic, like an angel. And now you’re gone forever.
WILLIAM continues crying and stroking AMANDA’s hair

silently.
CUT TO
INTERIOR: ANDY’S OFFICE (NIGHT)
STUART opens his eyes, and sits up slowly on the couch.

There are tears on his face.
ANGLE ON ANDY
ANDY is deeply moved and stares at Stuart in silence.

32
INTERIOR: COFFEE SHOP (NIGHT)
STUART and ANDY are sitting at a table drinking coffee,

talking slowly and quietly.
ANDY: I’ve never seen anything like this before.
STUART: It was so real! I heard, and felt, and smelled

everything.
ANDY: No one else has felt the regression like you did. I
felt like I was there with you, Stuart! That’s how moving it
was.
STUART stirs his coffee and thinks.
STUART: Andy, I still miss her. How strange is that?
ANDY: Amanda certainly was amazing, wasn’t she? I wish

I had someone like that.
STUART: I guess we know why I’m so fascinated with the

Civil War.
ANDY: Of course! It’s a tribute to your love for her. And

your nightmares should stop. Now that you know what
they’re linked to.
STUART takes a long sip of his coffee.
STUART: That’s good. But what about Amanda?
ANDY: What do you mean?
STUART: If what I experienced is really true, then our love

is stronger than death.
33
STUART wipes away tears.
STUART: I have to look for her somehow. You said once

that people live many lives with each other, only in
different forms. What if Amanda were here, in this life?
How would I find her?
ANDY: We didn’t study that in grad school.
ANDY starts to laugh at his own joke, but sobers up when

he sees how serious STUART is.
ANDY: All I know is that you and Amanda shared

something very special. You can let it rest at that, or you
can search for her in this life as well.
INTERIOR: STUART’S OFFICE (DAY)
It is an office similar to Andy’s, but without the couch.

STUART is sitting at his desk. MISHA is sitting across from
him, leaning eagerly towards him.
STUART: I’ve got an assignment for you. Go to the library

and verify the service records of William Stamp, Company
E, 93rd Ohio. Do you know how to do that?
MISHA: Sure, no problem. Who was he, a relative?
STUART: Kind of.
STUART walks along, sunk in his thoughts. EMMA, walking

in another direction, sees him, and walks across the lawn
quickly to meet him.
34
EMMA: Stuart! I saw you and Andy at the coffee shop last
night. You seemed quite worked up. Is everything alright?
STUART: Yeah… sure…
EMMA (warmly): Well, if you need a friend to talk to, I’m

here. I just want you to know that.
STUART looks at EMMA, hesitating for a moment. She

smiles at him, and he warms up to her again as he did
when they first met. He makes up his mind.
STUART: Emma, something amazing has happened to

me…
EXTERIOR: COLLEGE CAMPUS (CONTINUOUS)
STUART and EMMA are walking and talking together. They

stop at a bench under a tree, sit and continue to talk.
INTERIOR: COLLEGE LIBRARY (CONTINUOUS)
MISHA is sitting at a microfilm reader, scanning Civil War

service records.
CLOSE-UP
The screen of the microfilm reader shows William Stamp’s

name on a service record.
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA looks away from the screen and through the

window. She sees STUART and EMMA walking along a
tree-lined path, and looks worried.
35
STUART and EMMA are walking under the beautiful trees,

still talking. They pay no attention to the students passing
by them in a stream.
MISHA is photocopying pages from a large book. She looks

toward the window and sees STUART and EMMA again.
MISHA abandons her photocopying and walks to the
window. She stares worriedly at STUART and EMMA, then
walks away suddenly from the window.
STUART and EMMA come to a halt near the entrance of

the Library building.
EMMA: That was incredible. I don’t know what to say. I’m

not sure I believe in past lives, or regressions. And yet…
STUART: It was real. I’m sure of it.
EMMA: At any rate, I hope it’ll make your nightmares

disappear.
STUART: I hope so too. Thanks for listening, Emma.
EMMA: Any time. Ring me if you want to talk some more.
STUART: I will.
EMMA kisses him on the cheek and flashes a radiant smile.

She walks away across campus. STUART looks after her
warmly and goes off in another direction.
36
MISHA emerges from just inside the Library entrance and

looks at the two knowingly. She does not look happy.
MISHA sits at a table with a book, absorbed in it.
CLOSE-UP
The book is about 100 years old, and entitled: HISTORY

OF THE 93rd OHIO.
MISHA is back at the microfilm reader, reading intently.

She has an enigmatic look on her face.
INTERIOR: STUART’S OFFICE (DAY)
STUART is working at his computer. MISHA walks in,

holding a folder. She is very excited.
MISHA: I found him! William Stamp’s first battle was

Stones River. And he was slightly wounded in two other
battles. But he survived the war. I don’t know what
happened to him afterward.
STUART is very excited as he hears this, but he tries to

hide his emotion. He takes the folder from MISHA.
STUART: Thanks, this is very good work. It should be

interesting reading. (Pause) So, I’ll see you tomorrow,
then?
MISHA looks disappointed that STUART does not want to

talk further.
37
MISHA: Well, okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.
MISHA leaves reluctantly. STUART immediately picks up

the phone and dials a number.
STUART: Hi, Andy. Guess what? The records confirm it!

William Stamp existed! (Pause) Yeah, my grad assistant
found it. (Pause) Well we couldn’t check on Amanda. She
won’t be listed in the service records under her real name.
INTERIOR: CAMPUS HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)
MISHA is standing outside Stuart’s office and listening to

the conversation.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S KITCHEN (NIGHT)
It is a small kitchen, but warm and homey. EMMA is

washing dishes and seems lost in thought. Soft music is
playing on the radio.
INTERIOR: STUART’S BEDROOM (NIGHT)
The room is mostly dark, but the bed lamp is on. The
window is open and the curtain is moving in the breeze.
The SOUND of CRICKETS is heard and a dog BARKS in the
distance. STUART is in bed, but awake. His hands are
behind his head, and he is thinking quietly.
INTERIOR: COLLEGE LIBRARY (MORNING)
MISHA is at the microfilm reader, staring intently at the

screen for a few seconds. She smiles, then touches a
switch and makes a copy of the page she is reading.
38
INTERIOR: COLLEGE CLASSROOM (DAY)
STUART, in coat and tie, is lecturing to his class with

animation and excitement.
STUART: And they fought with the courage of their

convictions. The Civil War was changing by late 1862, with
more and more Northerners willing to fight to end
slavery…
ANGLE ON MIKE
MIKE is looking happy and taking notes.
STUART (off-screen): Take for example, the battle of

Stones River. One of the most bitter engagements of the
war.
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA is staring intently at Stuart.
STUART (off-screen): A third of the Union army fell there

on the day before the Emancipation Proclamation went
into effect.
ANGLE ON STUART
STUART’s coat is off. He is pacing and still lecturing

excitedly.
STUART: … and here’s another little known fact. About two

hundred women fought in the Civil War, disguising
themselves as men. There really was no such thing as a
physical exam to join volunteer regiments, so they could
get away with it. These women faced the same hardships
39
as the men, and made the same sacrifices. Some of them

did this for the cause. But most went into battle to be with
their lovers.
ANGLE ON STUDENTS
Several of them look at one another, smiling or raising

their eyebrows, in acknowledgement of this information.
INTERIOR: RESTAURANT (NIGHT)
A modest, quiet restaurant. STUART and EMMA are sitting

at a table, eating dinner. STUART is very excited.
STUART: My regression was real, Emma! The service

records prove it! I knew they would.
EMMA: Stuart. I don’t know what to say. I’m happy for

you, but…
STUART: Don’t you believe it yet, Emma?
EMMA: I want to. But I’m not sure. You could’ve read
about William Stamp a long time ago, and forgotten it, you
see. Perhaps it stayed in your sub-conscious.
STUART: But what about Amanda?
EMMA: You managed to verify her existence too, did you?
STUART: No, I couldn’t. I didn’t remember what name she

had enlisted under.
They both eat quietly for a moment. EMMA is deep in

thought. STUART is looking at her with great intensity.
40
STUART: I don’t know how to convince you, Emma. But I

know what I felt was real. It was as real as being here
with you now.
EMMA: I don’t quite understand, but I’ll have a go at it.

(Pause) Any more nightmares?
STUART: Nope.
EMMA: Well, congratulations, then!
EMMA raises her glass to him. STUART joins her in a silent

toast. They smile and keep looking at each other as they
sip their drinks.
The leaves have turned to brilliant fall colors. Students are

enjoying the beautiful weather. Some are sitting on
benches, others on the grass, reading or talking. Some are
sleeping.
EMMA and ANDY are walking across campus.
EMMA: So you believe in past lives, do you?
ANDY: I do.
EMMA: But you don’t remember your own?
ANDY: The vast majority of people don’t, Emma. We have

enough to deal with in this life.
EMMA: But you’ve seen others regress to a past life, you

say?
41
ANDY: Yeah, a few. But none of them were like Stuart. His
regression was much more detailed and vivid than
anyone’s.
EMMA: Could he have imagined it, you think? And believes

it’s true?
ANDY: It seemed very real to me, I can tell you. Maybe

you should let me hypnotize you, Emma. Then you’ll
become a True Believer.
EMMA (laughing): I don’t know if I can trust you. Me

hypnotized and alone with you?
ANDY (smiling): It would be tempting, but I’ll resist. I

don’t want to lose my license.
INTERIOR: ANOTHER CAMPUS HALLWAY (DAY)
MISHA is reading a flyer on a bulletin board.
CLOSE-UP
The flyer reads: STUDENT SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR STUDY

ON HYPNOSIS AND PAST LIFE REGRESSIONS. CONTACT
DR. KLEINER AT EXTENSION 6434.
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA tears off the flyer and walks away.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S LAB (DAY)
EMMA is working with a female STUDENT on a lab

experiment. They are looking at slides through a
microscope, and making notations.
42
A beautiful, sunny day. Students are streaming across the

campus in different directions.
INTERIOR: ANDY’S OFFICE (EVENING)
A male STUDENT is lying on the couch with his eyes

closed. ANDY is sitting in the chair beside him. It appears
as if ANDY is coaching the student through hypnosis.
STUART and EMMA are sitting on a bench on campus, lost

in conversation. It’s another beautiful day in the fall.
EMMA: I find this hard to believe, you know…
STUART: Well, it’s true. I’ve never been in love.

Relationships, yes. But never serious. What about you?
EMMA: Two serious relationships. Two proposals. But I

just couldn’t say yes to them, could I?
STUART: No, not to both of them, I suppose.
EMMA (laughing): They weren’t at the same time, silly.
STUART: Oh, then, that should’ve made it easier. So, why

couldn’t you say yes?
EMMA: Don’t know. It’s never easy, is it?
STUART: Waiting for the right person?
EMMA: Exactly!
43
INTERIOR: EMMA’S BEDROOM (NIGHT)
A small but cozy room. The window is open but it is very

quiet. EMMA is sitting up in bed, looking thoughtful, and
smiling to herself.
INTERIOR: STUART’S LIVING ROOM (EVENING)
The room is comfortable and uncluttered, with modern

furniture. STUART is sitting on the sofa, deeply absorbed
in reading. The title of the book is: PAST LIVES AND SOUL
MATES.
The phone RINGS. STUART leans over and answers it.
STUART: Hello?
ANDY (off-screen): You’d better come over to my office

right away.
STUART: What’s the matter?
ANDY (off-screen): It’ll blow you away, man!
ANDY is sitting behind his desk, grinning. STUART walks

in.
STUART: What’s the big mystery?
ANDY: You’d better sit down.
STUART sits and looks expectantly at Andy.

44
ANDY: You remember I’ve been recruiting students for

past life research?
STUART: Yeah.
ANDY: Well, I had someone here tonight who went

through a regression and recalled her past life as, get this,
Amanda Jetterson!
STUART: No way!
ANDY: It’s true.
STUART is now sitting on the edge of his chair.
STUART: How can that be? Who is she?
ANDY: Okay, here’s another whopper. It’s Misha, your

grad assistant.
STUART looks unbelieving. ANDY is enjoying the effect of

his news on Stuart.
STUART: But that’s crazy. It’s too much of a coincidence.
ANDY: Is it? Think about it. She’s also taken up with the
Civil War like you. She transfers to Benton College, about
the time you start to get in touch with your past life. She
asks to be your assistant. Is this fate, or what?
STUART stands up and starts pacing. He runs his fingers

through his hair excitedly. After a moment, he turns to
face Andy.
STUART: But tell me what happened. What did she see?

45
ANDY: She saw herself posing as a man to join the army,

to be with her lover. She went into a lot of detail. Names,
places, the 93rd Ohio, Stones River…
STUART stops pacing.
STUART: Did she say she was killed in that battle?
ANDY: No. But get a load of this. She described getting

shot and being carried by her lover to the field hospital.
STUART still standing, looks stunned. ANDY smiles at him.
STUART: What else? Go on.
ANDY: She remembered it was an old barn, very crowded,

and it had a pile of amputated limbs on the outside.
STUART sits down, puts his hands behind his head, and
leans back. He is digesting all of this.
ANDY: She even knew what the surgeon said just before
he operated on her.
STUART: What did he say?
ANDY: He said something like, “God help us, it’s a

woman.”
STUART is on the edge of his chair again.
STUART: Wow!
ANDY: There’s more. She remembered waking up at night

and seeing her lover sitting next to her, asleep. A male
nurse gave her some water to drink.
46
STUART leans back and takes in a deep breath. He looks

very hard at Andy.
STUART: Is this really happening? Do you believe it, Andy?
ANDY: She was very convincing. (He hesitates.) I guess

you can never know for sure. But she seemed to
experience the regression vividly.
STUART: Does this mean I’ve found my soul mate again?

Seems too easy, doesn’t it?
ANDY: Ultimately, you need to find your own truth, Stuart.

But I do believe that soul mates seek each other out in
each lifetime.
INTERIOR: STUART’S LIVING ROOM (NIGHT)
STUART is pacing up and down. Finally, he stops, picks up

the phone, and dials.
STUART: Misha? I need to talk with you. (Pause) Andy told

me what happened today. I think you and I may have
known each other before.
INTERIOR: MISHA’S APARTMENT (CONTINUOUS)
MISHA is sitting on the carpet and talking on the phone.
MISHA: It’s so unbelievable, isn’t it? Do you think it really

happened?
INTERIOR: STUART’S HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)
STUART is walking restlessly through the house.

47
STUART: How did you feel during the regression?
MISHA stands up from the floor and looks dreamy.
MISHA: I felt like I was in another world. Everything was

awesome! (Pause) It was overwhelming sometimes. But
Andy – Professor Kleiner I mean – guided me through it all
so well. It was neat!
STUART is leaning against a kitchen counter.
STUART: But what is your gut feeling? Was it real?
MISHA walks to a couch and sits down.
MISHA: How can I know that for sure?
STUART is clutching the phone intently, with growing

excitement on his face.
STUART: But just imagine! What if it was real? How

incredible that would be…
MISHA looks overwhelmed.
MISHA: I guess…. I don’t know. It’s all too much.

48
INTERIOR: COLLEGE CAFETERIA (DAY)
STUART and MISHA are at a table, eating and talking

intently. STUART especially seems deeply absorbed in the
conversation. EMMA walks in and sees them, and looks
surprised. She starts to walk toward them, but hesitates.
She changes her mind and leaves, unseen by them.
ANGLE ON MISHA AND STUART
MISHA: Maybe it was all my imagination. Isn’t that

possible?
STUART: But you remembered names, dates, places….

Andy said your regression was powerful and vivid, just like
mine.
MISHA (thoughtfully): That’s true. He said that to me, too.
STUART: And tell me again why you came to Benton

College.
MISHA: You know why. To work with you.
STUART looks at her pointedly.
MISHA: I can’t say why that was so important (Pause) but

it was. It was almost as if… as if I was compelled to come
here.
STUART: See! Soul mates are drawn to each other in

every life. You came here to be with me, Misha.
MISHA: Wow!
49
EXTERIOR: RIVERWALK (NIGHT)
ANDY and EMMA are walking together by the river. It is a

clear starlit night and the water is rippling with the breeze.
EMMA: Well, it’s a little too much for me to take in, you
know.
ANDY: Yeah, it knocked my socks off, too.
EMMA: And how is Stuart reacting to all of this?
ANDY: I’m not sure. I haven’t spoken to him for days.
EMMA: Same here. He’s not returning my calls. (Pause)

What do you know about this Misha person, Andy?
ANDY: Not much really. She just signed up as a subject

and went into regression very easily.
EMMA looks thoughtful as she considers this.
ANDY: Oh, if all my subjects were like Stuart and Misha, I

would have it made.
ANDY gestures as if he is reading a tabloid heading.
ANDY: The amazing Dr. Kleiner! He’ll take you to another

world. And, you never have to leave his office!
EMMA laughs despite herself.
ANDY (warmly): This is nice. We should do this more

often, Emma.
50
EMMA: Yes. Let’s. (Looks at the water, sighing) This so

reminds me of walking in Henley on Thames.
ANDY: You mean you walked on the water?
EMMA looks mildly irritated but smiles politely as ANDY

laughs heartily at his own joke.
INTERIOR: STUART’S CLASSROOM (DAY)
STUART is finishing up a lecture, and looks very energetic.
STUART: Well, that wraps it up for this semester. I’ve

really enjoyed teaching this class. Remember, our final is
next Wednesday. Be prepared!
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA is sitting at a desk, beaming adoringly at Stuart.

SOUNDS of students getting up from their desks.
ANGLE ON STUART
Students file out past him, some of them smiling at him.

MIKE stops and shakes STUART’s hand.
MIKE: Cool, man! Loved your floor show.
STUART laughs.
After all of the students leave, MISHA comes up to

STUART. They BOTH look to make sure the coast is clear,
and then embrace and kiss passionately.
51
EXTERIOR: STONES RIVER BATTLEFIELD (DAY)
A large, open field, bordered by woods. Possibly something

was cultivated here years ago, but now it’s just covered
with grass. The sky is gray and overcast. STUART and
MISHA are walking.
STUART (pointing to woods): So this is where we fought,

you and I.
MISHA (peering at woods): Yeah, it does look familiar.
STUART (excitedly): It does? Tell me what you remember.
MISHA: Oh, Stuart. I don’t want to think about how I died.

It’s too painful.
STUART: I’m sorry. (Pause) Let’s just sit quietly

somewhere a bit.
STUART looks around and sees an open section of the

woods nearby. The trees are not as close together, and
there is little underbrush. He leads Misha into this section
and they sit under a tree. STUART closes his eyes and
seems to want to connect with the place. MISHA has other
plans. She starts to kiss and caress him. STUART is
surprised but then drawn in. They start kissing
passionately.
EXTERIOR: UNDER THE SAME TREE (LATER)
MISHA is lying on her back, looking up at the tree and

smiling. STUART is asleep.
52
FLASHBACK – ORCHARD (DAY)
It is 1862. WILLIAM and AMANDA are in the Jetterson

orchard. WILLIAM and AMANDA are kissing before he left
for the war. They kiss passionately and slowly start going
to the ground. They’re laying down in the grass, locked in
an embrace, and kissing.
END FLASHBACK – RETURN TO SCENE
MISHA is playfully throwing leaves on STUART’s face. He

opens his eyes and stares blankly for a second.
STUART: I was dreaming we were making love…
MISHA (hopefully): D’you want to, again?
STUART: No. The other us. William and Amanda.
MISHA (disappointed): Oh.
STUART: Do you want me to tell you? To see if you

remember too?
It’s clear from her expression that there’s only one thing
on MISHA’s mind.
MISHA: Yeah.
STUART: We were in your father’s orchard, on the day I

told you I was joining the army.
MISHA: And, did we make it? Right there?
STUART: I think so… I don’t know. You woke me up.

53
MISHA (coyly): Well, do you want to continue your dream?
STUART: Okay.
He closes his eyes and looks happy. MISHA hits him

playfully.
MISHA: Not that way, stupid. This way…
She starts unbuttoning her shirt. STUART stops her with a

gesture, and sits up, looking around at the woods.
STUART: I don’t know. It doesn’t seem right. This is a

sacred place.
MISHA: You didn’t think so a while ago.
STUART: People lost their lives here, Misha. For a cause. I

wasn’t thinking earlier.
MISHA: They’re gone, Stuart. They don’t care what we do

here now.
STUART (animated, looking around): No. Listen to me.

These were men of honor. Honest, hard-working people
who did extraordinary things. They sacrificed everything
for a cause. They gave up their lives. We should treat this
field like it was holy ground. (Looks at Misha) Come on,
let’s walk a bit.
They start walking. STUART looks contemplative. MISHA

looks bored.
MISHA: It’s too depressing here, Stuart. All those painful

memories. Let’s go home.
54
STUART (hesitating): Well, okay. (Looks around wistfully)

I’ll come back here another time. (Looks at Misha) Come
on, let’s go home then.
INTERIOR: COLLEGE CAFETERIA (DAY)
The cafeteria is not very busy. ANDY and EMMA are sitting
at a table but are not eating. ANDY looks happy just to be
with her. EMMA is looking questioningly at him.
ANDY: I don’t know what it’s about either. He wouldn’t

say.
STUART walks in and joins them. He looks nervous.
STUART: I’m sorry I haven’t seen you guys lately. I’ve got
something important to tell you both. Misha and I are
getting married over Christmas break.
ANGLE ON EMMA AND ANDY
ANDY: Far out, man! Congratulations!
EMMA is stunned and silent. STUART avoids looking at her.
EXTERIOR: BEACH IN HAWAII (DAY)
A beautiful Hawaiian beach. The day is bright and sunny.

There are only a few people around.
ANGLE ON MISHA IN THE WATER
MISHA, in bathing suit, is in the water. She is enjoying

splashing around in the surf.
MISHA: Come on, Stuart, this is so much fun!

55
ANGLE ON STUART
STUART is sitting in a beach chair with an umbrella. He is

wearing shorts, a hat, and a Hawaiian shirt, and reading a
book: ACROSS MANY LIFETIMES.
STUART (looking up): Not now, honey. I’m right in the

middle of a chapter. Maybe later.
EXTERIOR: HOTEL LANAI (NIGHT)
STUART and MISHA are sitting on deck chairs, dressed

casually, and having drinks. The SOUND of the SURF can
be heard.
STUART: It was good to see you having fun in the water,

today, Misha. Sorry I was such a wet blanket.
MISHA: It’s okay. (Faking playfulness) But don’t do it

again.
STUART: I’ll try, but I love to read on the beach.

(Animated) This book is so eye-opening. I think the guy
who wrote it was a genius.
MISHA: But that’s another thing. I think you’re reading

way too much about past lives.
STUART looks annoyed but keeps silent.
MISHA: Today was alright. But I don’t want to play alone

in the water all the time.
STUART: Well, when we have kids, you won’t have to

worry about that.
56
MISHA: Kids?
STUART: Yeah, kids. You do want kids, don’t you?
MISHA shrugs. STUART looks surprised, and a little

disturbed.
INTERIOR: HOTEL BEDROOM (NIGHT)
MISHA is brushing her hair in front of a mirror. STUART is

looking out of a window.
MISHA: I’m so happy we found each other, Stuart.
STUART turns to face Misha.
STUART: Me too. (Pause) Misha, do you really think I’m

reading too much about past lives?
MISHA is still brushing her hair.
MISHA: I think you could spend more time having fun. We

don’t do enough fun things.
STUART: But, don’t you ever think about our past lives?
And how lucky we were to find each other, again?
MISHA (glibly): Yeah, all the time.
She continues brushing her hair, looking in the mirror.
STUART (thoughtfully): I still find it hard to believe,

sometimes. Everything happened so quickly.
MISHA stops brushing her hair, and goes to STUART.

57
MISHA: Well don’t worry about it, honey. We’re together

now.
SHE kisses him, and starts guiding him purposefully toward

the bed.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S LIVING ROOM (NIGHT)
Like the bedroom, the living room is small but cozy. ANDY
and EMMA are sitting on the sofa. Half-empty dessert
plates and half-filled tea mugs are on the coffee table.
ANDY: That was delicious, Emma. I never thought I’d ever

eat, much less enjoy, something called “spotted dick”!
EMMA laughs.
EMMA: Well, it’s a favorite dessert back home. And no, I

have no idea why it’s called that…
ANDY: Are you sure?
EMMA laughs again and shakes her head. ANDY is

encouraged and moves closer to her.
ANDY: I wish you weren’t leaving tomorrow, Emma. Why

don’t you stay and spend Christmas break here? I’ll show
you a wonderful time.
EMMA moves back a little from him, but politely.
EMMA: That’s really lovely of you, Andy. But I told you.

I’ve already made plans to go home for the holidays.
ANDY: There’s nothing I can say to change your mind?

(Coming closer) Or do?
58
EMMA smiles and gets up from the sofa.
EMMA: I’m afraid not. I’ve even packed my case. And my

flight is early tomorrow.
She walks to the door, stifling a yawn. ANDY gets the

message. He goes to the door, but still looks hopeful.
ANDY: Um…I could help you unpack.
EMMA: England isn’t that far, and I’ll be back next

semester.
ANDY kisses her cheek with feeling and looks intently at

her.
ANDY: Merry Christmas, Emma.
EMMA kisses his cheek lightly and moves back.
EMMA: Merry Christmas to you, too, Andy.
INTERIOR: EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT IN HAWAII (NIGHT)
STUART and MISHA are having dinner. They are both

dressed for the occasion. The décor is elegant and the
waiters look somewhat snooty. MISHA is clearly enjoying
herself.
STUART: This food isn’t so great, after all.
MISHA looks irritated. STUART doesn’t notice.
STUART: And a bit pricey, too, don’t you think? I really

liked where we had lunch yesterday.
59
MISHA: That place was so ordinary! It didn’t have the

atmosphere this one does.
STUART: That’s exactly what I liked about it – ordinary!
MISHA: Well, I like it here. The food’s great, and the place
is so elegant. I don’t know why you don’t like it.
There is an awkward silence.
STUART: Misha, let’s forget about the restaurants. I’m

sorry I ever brought it up.
MISHA: Good!
MISHA is back to enjoying her meal. STUART is toying with

his food, looking at her. She notices.
MISHA: What?
STUART: How does it make you feel exactly, knowing we

were soul mates in a previous life?
MISHA: Stuart, not again! Why can’t you just live in the
present?
STUART looks hurt and puts his fork down.
MISHA: Okay, okay. I’m glad I joined the 94th Ohio to be

with you. Even if I had to die.
STUART: It was the 93rd Ohio!
MISHA: Whatever.
60
STUART: How could you forget something as important as

that? Soldiers never forget which unit they served in. It
was their home, their family.
MISHA: Well, I’m not such a stickler for details as you are.
STUART: But you want to be a historian! And you just

relived this life as a soldier, didn’t you?
MISHA: Of course I did.
STUART: Do you remember where you enrolled in the

regiment?
MISHA: What is this, an interrogation?
STUART leans back tiredly.
STUART: It’s just that I wasn’t there when you went

through your regression. And you never seem to want to
talk about it. I wondered what you remembered.
MISHA: I don’t think all these details are important, Stuart.

We’re on our honeymoon, for God’s sake. Let’s be happy.
(Pause) We’re soul mates, remember? Here, a toast – to
us!
MISHA raises her glass. STUART hesitates, then raises his

glass.
STUART: To true soul mates – to Amanda and William.
MISHA looks disturbed.

61
INTERIOR: ANDY’S OFFICE (DAY)
ANDY is working at his computer. He’s typing furiously.

STUART pops in.
STUART: Hi, Andy.
ANDY looks surprised to see him.
ANDY: What are you doing back here? Is the honeymoon

over already?
STUART laughs nervously.
STUART: Where’s Emma by the way? I’ve been trying to

get in touch with her, but she doesn’t return my calls.
ANDY (suspiciously): She’s in England for the break.
There is an awkward pause. ANDY is concerned about

Stuart, despite his irritation at Stuart’s apparent interest in
Emma.
ANDY: Is everything okay?
STUART: I need to talk to someone.
ANDY (relieved): Oh, is that why you were calling Emma?

Heck, I’m a psychologist, remember? “I’m listening.”
STUART gets up, takes a figurine from Andy’s desk, and

nervously turns it around in his hands.
STUART: Maybe it was a mistake. Marrying Misha, I mean.

We don’t seem to have much in common. We fight over
small things. And, big things too, for that matter.
62
ANDY: Well, give it time. You two haven’t known each

other very long… at least in this life. If she’s your soul
mate, all you need is time.
STUART stops fidgeting, sits down, and stares at ANDY.
STUART: But is she?
ANDY: What do you mean?
STUART: Is she my soul mate? (Pause) Andy, I keep

wondering, how could two people so much in love that
they’re willing to die for each other, feel so different now?
ANDY: I don’t know. True love doesn’t die. Maybe you’re

expecting too much, too soon. But like I said before,
Stuart, ultimately you have to find your own truth.
INTERIOR: MISHA’S OFFICE (EVENING)
It’s a small office. No one is in. Someone knocks.
STUART (off-screen): Misha?
STUART comes in and looks around. There is very little on

the desk, just a book or two. It’s a very tidy office.
STUART walks to a file cabinet and opens it.
ANGLE ON FILE DRAWER
STUART is leafing through folders in a file drawer. He pulls

one out, marked: 93rd OHIO.
ANGLE ON STUART
He looks through the file briefly, then replaces it. He is

63
about to close the drawer, when, on an impulse, he pulls

out an unmarked folder.
As he reads from it, a look of disbelief slowly spreads over

STUART’s face. He sits on the desk, reading from the
folder, and growing angry.
CLOSE-UP
In the folder is a photocopy of an old newspaper article,

entitled: SHOCKING STORY. WOMAN POSES AS SOLDIER.
DIES IN BATTLE.
MISHA is sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a television

program. A door SLAMS. MISHA looks surprised. STUART
storms in and throws the folder on the coffee table in front
of her. He is fuming. MISHA looks up, startled and scared.
STUART: What’s this?
MISHA (recognizing the folder): I, I can explain…
STUART: An old newspaper article? You got the whole

story of William and Amanda from an old newspaper?
MISHA (turning off the TV): Stuart, please…
STUART (pointing at the folder): It’s all in there. That

soldier described everything…
MISHA (interrupting): Let me explain…
STUART starts to pace.

64
STUART (ignoring her): What the surgeon said. The

description of the field hospital. Even the male nurse
giving Amanda water, while William slept. It was really
convenient, wasn’t it?
MISHA: Okay, okay, I admit it. But I did it because I love

you.
STUART stops pacing and turns to face MISHA.
STUART (angrily): Love? How can love be based on a lie?
MISHA gets up from the sofa and takes a step or two

toward STUART.
MISHA: I just wanted you to stop living in the past. And to

live in the present with me.
STUART: But you deceived me! You pretended we were

soul mates.
MISHA comes closer and touches STUART’s arm.
MISHA (soothingly): Let’s put all this behind us. Let’s make
a new start.
MISHA tries to embrace and kiss him, but STUART moves

away from her, goes to the window, and looks out.
STUART: I don’t know how we can do that. How can I

ignore what you did?
MISHA walks over to him, and touches his arm again,

tentatively.
MISHA (plaintively): But you love me, don’t you?

65
STUART turns around and looks squarely at her.
STUART (slowly): I don’t think I do.
MISHA (looking shocked): How could you stop loving me?
STUART: Maybe I was just in love with the idea of finding

someone… else.
MISHA looks as if she’s going to cry.
STUART (relenting a little): Look, I’m sorry. I guess I’m

partly to blame. We shouldn’t have rushed into getting
married.
MISHA starts to cry.
STUART: We need to face facts, Misha. We don’t belong

together.
ANDY is sitting at his desk, reading. STUART comes in, and

sits down, wearily. He looks at Andy.
ANDY: What’s wrong?
STUART: It’s over. Misha and me. We’re getting a divorce.
ANDY: You’re joking, I don’t believe it.
STUART sits up straight, on the edge of the chair.
STUART: She faked the whole regression, Andy. I never

should have rushed into marriage.
66
ANDY is uncomfortable on hearing this and tries to be

lighthearted.
ANDY: Oh, no, there goes my study. I only had two

students who could go into a past life. I hope the other
one was telling the truth.
STUART leans back, and glares at him.
STUART: Andy, have you seen Emma lately? She hasn’t

answered my calls or emails.
ANDY (evasively): I guess she’s just been busy.
ANDY and EMMA are at a table, having coffee.
EMMA: Married at the drop of a hat, and divorcing just as

quickly. I say!
EMMA rolls her eyes.
ANDY: Yeah. And they’ll probably be back together

tomorrow, happy as larks!
EMMA stirs her coffee and stares at her cup for a moment.
EMMA: But why are they getting a divorce? Did they have
a row?
ANDY: Apparently Misha faked her whole regression.
EMMA: That’s awful!

67
ANDY: And what’s worse, the amazing Dr. Kleiner’s study

sample is disappearing fast!
EMMA laughs.
ANDY: I’ll be the laughing stock of the paranormal world if

this keeps up. I’ll have to wear a disguise when I go to
psychology conferences.
They BOTH laugh.
STUART walks into coffee shop at that moment, and sees

EMMA laughing with ANDY. He hesitates, and then walks
out.
EXTERIOR: DARK STREET (NIGHT)
STUART is walking, hands in pockets, lost in thought. He

starts to cross the street. We hear the SCREECH of tires.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S OFFICE (DAY)
The office is similar in size to Andy’s and Stuart’s, but

more orderly. There is a large plant in a corner and a
luxurious hanging plant near the window. On the
bookshelves, there are some exotic plants, shells, and
other interesting objects.
EMMA is reading something on her computer screen. It is

the college newsletter. The words: CAMPUS NEWS are
large enough for the audience to read. She is scanning
down quickly, looking bored, then suddenly stops.
68
CLOSE-UP
The computer screen shows an announcement:

PROFESSOR STUART GRANTHAM WAS HIT BY A CAR
LAST NIGHT. HE IS BEING TREATED AT UNION
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.
INTERIOR: HOSPITAL ROOM (DAY)
STUART is in bed and has a sling around his right arm and
a cast on his right leg. He also has minor abrasions on his
face.
The door opens and EMMA peeks in. STUART looks up,
and smiles, despite his condition.
STUART: I’m so glad to see you, Emma.
EMMA: I’m glad to see you, too, Stuart. Although a bit

worse for wear.
STUART laughs. He squirms around with difficulty, but

eagerly, to make room for her to sit next to him on the
bed. He pats the space he made for her, with his good
hand.
STUART: Won’t you sit down?
EMMA ignores him. She pointedly sits on a chair against

the wall instead.
EMMA: So, how did this happen?
STUART: I guess I was just preoccupied. (Pause) I was

thinking of you, actually.
69
EMMA: You don’t expect me to believe that!
STUART: It’s true. I made a mistake, Emma. I got carried

away. I realize now how wrong I was.
EMMA: Oh, Stuart. And I had thought we were on the

verge of something.
STUART: We were. I was wrong not to trust my instincts.

Please forgive me, Emma. I haven’t stopped thinking
about you.
EMMA: Since when?
STUART: Since I realized I’d made an ass of myself.
EMMA (smiling): You certainly made a pudding of it.
STUART (smiling back): A nicer way to put it.
EMMA: Well, what do the doctors say? Are you going to

make it?
STUART: It looks that way.
The door opens and MISHA charges in. She has a big
bouquet of flowers and a huge balloon saying “Get Well
Soon.” STUART looks stunned to see her.
MISHA: Oh, baby, I came as soon as I heard. Are you

okay?
EMMA looks pained and quickly gets up.
EMMA (strained voice): Well, take care.

70
MISHA looks coldly at EMMA and starts to put the flowers

and balloon down on a counter. EMMA starts toward the
door. STUART looks panicked.
STUART (yelling): Emma, wait!
EMMA hesitates at the door and looks back at STUART. He

looks pitiful all bandaged up in the hospital bed. Then she
looks at MISHA, who’s filling a vase with water and
humming cheerfully. EMMA leaves the room.
STUART (exasperated): What are you doing here?
MISHA: Now, Stuart. Just because we’re separated,

doesn’t mean we don’t care for each other.
STUART sighs and looks out the window dejectedly.

MISHA comes and sits on the space he had made on his
bed and tries to hug him. STUART tries to push her away
ineffectually and grimaces in pain.
STUART: Misha, please. I need some space.
MISHA moves back a little, but is unperturbed. She looks

around the room.
MISHA: Don’t you like the pretty flowers I brought you?
STUART (resigned voice): The flowers are fine.
MISHA: I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news, Stuart.

(Trying to rearrange his bandages) Oh, you really look
awful.
STUART: I was better a few minutes ago.

71
MISHA: Well, we’ll have you all better and out of here in
no time.
STUART: Misha, listen to me. I’ve filed for divorce. There’s

no “we” anymore. Please let me get on with my life.
MISHA: I still love you, Stuart! And I know you love me.
Remember Stones River? You couldn’t wait to have me.
STUART (looking pained): I need to rest. Please go.
MISHA gets up, but looks unfazed.
MISHA: Okay. I’ll be back later, baby.
STUART: No. Listen…
MISHA leaves the room with a cheerful wave.
STUART: Oh, good grief.
INTERIOR: HOSPITAL ROOM (LATER)
STUART is asleep. ANDY walks in, sees Stuart asleep, and

starts to quietly back out of the room.
STUART (sleepily): Huh? Oh, hi, Andy.
ANDY: Sorry, guy. Didn’t mean to wake you.
STUART: It’s okay. I need your ear.
ANDY pulls up a chair and sits down.
ANDY (holding both ears): I need them too. Well, okay,

which one do you want?
72
ANDY laughs heartily at his own attempt at humor.

STUART smiles obligingly.
ANDY: What’s wrong? I spoke to the nurse in the hall. She

said you’re doing okay.
STUART: It’s Misha. She won’t leave me alone. And I feel

so trapped in here!
ANDY: Well, maybe you should give her another chance.
STUART: You’ve got to be kidding!
ANDY: She seems to really love you, Stuart. She’s sent me

a lot of pathetic emails about how she misses you. She
wants me to put in a good word for her.
STUART: So, you’re her spokesman now?
ANDY: Listen. I know what she did was wrong. But many
people believe “All’s fair in love and war.” She wanted you
and she grabbed.
STUART: So you approve of what she did?
ANDY shifts about in his chair.
ANDY: No… But people make mistakes. And learn from

them.
STUART: I know. I have. She was my mistake. I don’t

want to see her again. Can’t you tell her that, Andy?
You’re my best friend.
ANDY (looking uncomfortable): I really don’t want to get

involved.
73
STUART: But you’re speaking on her behalf?
ANDY gets up and walks about the room.
ANDY: Well, I won’t any more.
STUART: Thank you!
ANDY notices the flowers and the balloon.
ANDY (casually): Has Emma stopped by?
STUART: Yeah. It was so good to see her, Andy.
STUART doesn’t notice ANDY’s troubled look.
STUART: But then Misha barged in and scared her away.
ANDY (almost to himself): Oh, that’s how these got here.
STUART: Could you take them away? Please?
ANDY (ignoring Stuart): It’s just as well. About Emma, I

mean. You’re on the rebound, Stuart. Any relationship you
rush into now is almost bound to fail.
STUART (sarcastically): Speaking as my psychologist or my

friend?
ANDY (unconvincingly): Both. Don’t rush into anything for

now.
STUART: But I was attracted to Emma before all this

happened!
ANDY walks to the window and looks out.

74
ANDY: But you didn’t have a relationship, did you?
STUART: No.
ANDY (turning to face Stuart): So it doesn’t count. My

advice is to focus on getting well and don’t think about
women for now. (Looking at Stuart’s leg) In your condition
that might be the best thing, anyway.
STUART looks annoyed, but there’s a hint of

understanding in his eyes as to the motive behind Andy’s
advice.
INTERIOR: EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT (NIGHT)
ANDY and EMMA are having dinner. EMMA seems

preoccupied.
ANDY is looking around to get a waiter’s attention. He

waves to a WAITER who studiously ignores him. Another
WAITER finally approaches and stares coldly at him.
ANDY: I think we’ll have that bottle of champagne, after

all.
WAITER (with a little sarcasm): Oh, a very good choice,

Sir. I’m sure Madam will appreciate it.
The WAITER leaves. EMMA is still pensive.
ANDY: A penny for your thoughts, Emma.
EMMA: Terribly sorry. I’m bad company tonight.
ANDY: No, not at all. Is something worrying you?

75
EMMA: It’s just that I thought Stuart and I might have

something special. Then he rushes off and marries that
girl.
EMMA shakes her head sadly.
EMMA: I saw him at the hospital, you know. I was thinking

he’s come to his senses. But she showed up again. (Pause)
Perhaps I should just forget about him.
ANDY: That may be the best. Don’t leave yourself open to

be hurt, Emma.
EMMA: I suppose you’re right.
The WAITER returns with the champagne, pours some out

in two glasses and leaves. EMMA looks surprised. ANDY
raises his glass to EMMA, who unenthusiastically raises
hers, too.
ANDY: Why don’t we go somewhere for spring break?

Take your mind off all this.
EMMA: I don’t know.
ANDY leans forward. He’s trying hard to engage EMMA’s

attention.
ANDY: You know, Emma, you and I have a lot in common.

Take our research, for example.
EMMA (looking surprised): What do you mean? I’m a

biologist. You’re a psychologist.
ANDY: But we’re both scientists. I study minds. You study

cells.
76
EMMA: True. But it’s different, isn’t it? I coax cells to grow
in the lab and study their reactions.
ANDY: And I do the same in my office. With people, not

cells.
EMMA thinks about this for a moment.
EMMA: But my experiments are restricted to my lab. And

cells don’t play games with me.
ANDY: I don’t understand. Is this about hypnosis? It’s not

a game, Emma. People actually do regress.
EMMA (looking pointedly at him): What about Misha?
ANDY winces, and leans back.
ANDY: She was an exception… I hope.
EMMA seems unconvinced and starts to look preoccupied

again.
ANDY leans forward with some urgency.
ANDY: What about spring break? We could both do with a

change, Emma. You especially.
ANDY looks appealingly at EMMA.
EMMA: You’re most kind, Andy. (Pause) Let me think

about it.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S BEDROOM (NIGHT)
EMMA is undressing for bed. She looks lost in thought and

77
somewhat sad.
Suddenly, EMMA notices the answering machine flashing.

She looks curious and walks over to it. She presses PLAY
to listen to the messages and continues getting ready for
bed.
STUART (off-screen): Emma? Emma? Are you there?

Please pick up the phone, Emma! I know you’re mad at
me. But believe me, I was just as surprised as you to see
Misha today. And I sent her packing right after you left. To
be honest…(BEEP!)
EMMA is listening intently and looks disappointed when the

machine cuts Stuart off. She brightens up when the
second message starts.
STUART (off-screen): Hi Emma, it’s me again. Won’t you

please pick up the phone so your machine won’t cut me off
again?
EMMA is sitting on the bed now and smiles at this.
STUART (off-screen): Okay, then. I’ll just have to tell your

machine. Misha and I are finished. I don’t know if she’s got
it yet, but that’s irrelevant. It’s you I care for, Emma. I
haven’t stopped thinking… (BEEP!)
EMMA laughs out loud. Then looks expectantly at the

machine.
STUART (off-screen): Emma! Do you know how difficult it

is to dial this damn hospital phone with my left hand?
(Grunting) I’m trying to hold it down with my good leg, so
it won’t keep slipping.
78
EMMA is laughing. She’s really enjoying it now.
STUART (off-screen): Please call me. Or better still, come

see me tomorrow. We can talk this whole thing… (BEEP!)
STUART (off-screen): Okay, Emma. I can’t do this

anymore. I’m on my last finger. I’m going to say this
quickly. (Talking very fast) When you come tomorrow,
bring a giant sign that says “Off Limits to Misha.” Hang it
on my door before you come in. I’ll be counting the
minutes until you… (BEEP!)
EMMA lays back in bed, with her hands behind her head,
smiling happily.
EMMA: Brilliant, Stuart!
INTERIOR: HOSPITAL ROOM (DAY)
EMMA is sitting on STUART’s bed, holding his good hand.

He still has the cast on his leg and the sling on his arm.
They’re looking at each other, smiling.
STUART: The doctor said I could have gone home today.

But apparently I’ve injured my dialing finger. They have to
keep me here for observation.
EMMA (laughing): Well, was it worth it?
STUART: Yes. Just to have you here.
ANDY comes in and gulps down his disappointment at

seeing STUART and EMMA so cozy.
ANDY: Hi guys. (To Stuart) Well, you seem better today.

79
STUART: I am. (Looking at Emma) I finally have the right

medicine.
ANDY (smiling awkwardly): That’s nice.
Neither notices ANDY’s discomfort. They’re gazing at each

other.
ANDY: Well, I won’t stay. Just wanted to check on you.
INTERIOR: HOSPITAL HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)
ANDY is walking away sadly, when EMMA comes up

running behind him.
EMMA: Andy, wait!
ANDY turns around, and brightens up. She catches up with

him, breathless.
EMMA: Andy, could I have a word with you?
ANDY: Sure!
EMMA: You’re such a good friend to Stuart. And to me.
ANDY looks embarrassed.
EMMA: Could you do us a big favor?
ANDY: Uh… sure. What is it?
EMMA: Won’t you please talk to Misha and tell her about
Stuart and me?
ANDY (gulping): You two are a couple then?

80
EMMA (grinning): Right! I’m so happy.
ANDY: Emma, are you sure this is right for you?
EMMA: More sure than I’ve been of anything.
ANDY: It’s just that I don’t want to see you get hurt again.
EMMA (kissing his cheek): You’re so good to me, Andy.

Stuart and I are lucky to have you on our side.
ANDY looks most uncomfortable.
EMMA: So you’ll tell her then?
ANDY (resigned voice): I’ll try.
EXTERIOR: PARK (DAY)
STUART and EMMA are walking in the park. STUART still

has the cast on his right leg and the sling around his right
arm. He is limping and EMMA is supporting him as they
walk. They are talking and laughing, and look happy
together.
INTERIOR: STUART’S LIVING ROOM (DAY)
STUART and EMMA are on the sofa, kissing. The arm sling
is gone. STUART struggles with his cast to get into a
comfortable position, so he can kiss EMMA again. They
laugh.
INTERIOR: COFFEE SHOP (EVENING)
STUART, EMMA, and ANDY are all having coffee together,

laughing and talking. It is clear that Stuart and Emma are
81
a couple. Andy appears to have accepted this graciously.
ANDY: …I’m glad she’s left you alone, then. I must’ve

made my point!
STUART: What exactly did you tell her?
ANDY: I told her I had something very important to say.

But if she ever repeated it, I would deny it.
EMMA laughs.
STUART: I’m sure that got her attention.
ANDY: Yes. But not as much as what I did say!
EMMA: Tell us, won’t you? I’m dying to know.
ANDY: I said I would have her certified as a Looney Tune

if she didn’t leave you alone, Stuart.
STUART and EMMA are taken aback and not quite sure if
ANDY is serious.
STUART: And she bought that?
ANDY: Well, think about it. I’m a psychologist. I can do

that, you know. She’d have to explain to a judge what she
did to you, and why she did it. She’d be too embarrassed.
EMMA: Oh, Andy. That’s terribly naughty of you. (Pause)

But we do appreciate it.
STUART grins and boxes ANDY playfully on his arm.

82
EXTERIOR: RIVERWALK (DAY)
STUART and EMMA are walking arm in arm along the river.
Stuart’s cast is gone. It is a beautiful day, and the water is
sparkling in the sunlight.
STUART: I’ve done a lot of reading on soul mates and past

lives recently, Emma.
EMMA: You didn’t believe in past lives before you had the
regression, did you?
STUART: I had thought about it.
EMMA: Really?
STUART: Someone had joked at a conference once that I

must have been a Civil War soldier in a past life. The way I
seem to understand the soldier’s mind.
EMMA: But you didn’t know where or what…
STUART: Oh, I didn’t take it seriously. It was just a

compliment. On my writing, I mean.
EMMA: But you take it very seriously now, don’t you?
STUART: I believe it now. I know it’s true.
EMMA (teasingly): So, do you still intend to look for your

soul mate from the Civil War?
STUART (looking at her): No, Emma. You know how happy

I am now, with you. (Reflectively) Besides, it’s possible
that the same soul mates don’t connect in every single life.
83
EMMA: But how would you know if it was the same soul
mate?
STUART: They say there are clues to tell you it’s the same
person.
STUART stops walking. EMMA does too. He takes both her

hands in his.
STUART: But I’m not going to worry about that. I’m

placing my bets on the love I feel now.
STUART smiles at EMMA. She smiles back.
EMMA (hugging him): Same here.
STUART impulsively goes down on one knee, and takes

her right hand. A passerby smiles at them.
STUART: Marry me, Emma!
EMMA laughs and touches his face.
EMMA: Oh, you. Haven’t changed a bit, have you?

Impulsive as ever!
STUART pretends to look crestfallen as he stands up. They

start walking again, arm in arm.
EMMA (seriously): Let’s not rush off into marriage. There’s

no hurry, is there? Why don’t we wait a bit.
STUART: Well, at least move in with me, Emma. I love you

so much.
EMMA smiles and nods. They kiss. A long, loving kiss.

84
STUART and EMMA lying in bed, happily. They gaze at

each other with great feeling, and touch each other’s faces
gently. Then STUART slowly and deliberately takes EMMA
in his arms. They kiss deeply and get locked in a tight
embrace.
INTERIOR: STUART’S KITCHEN (DAY)
STUART and EMMA are preparing and having a meal. They

look very happy together.
EXTERIOR: STONES RIVER (DAY)
It’s the same battlefield that Stuart and Misha had visited
earlier. STUART and EMMA are walking together along the
edge of the large open field, bordered by the woods. It is
cold and the trees are bare.
STUART: I’m so glad you came here with me, Emma. This
is very important to me.
EMMA: Then it’s important to me, too.
STUART: I just want to walk quietly and not talk for a

while.
EMMA: Right!
The two walk quietly along. STUART is deep in thought,

and drinking it all in. EMMA glances at him now and then,
and smiles to herself.
Suddenly, STUART slows down, staring into the distance.

He finally stops completely. EMMA stops too, and looks at
85
him. He is standing stock still and stiff.
EMMA (gently): Stuart?
CLOSE-UP
STUART’s face looks blank and staring.
FLASHBACK – STONES RIVER (DAY)
The same battlefield. But it looks different in appearance

than when STUART and EMMA were walking. The field is a
working cotton field, with the cotton recently harvested.
The woods bordering the field look similar to those seen
earlier, but the trees are fully leafed – it is late summer.
An older William, about 30, is walking at the edge of the

field, bordered by the woods. He is walking aimlessly, eyes
on the ground. He nearly stumbles, and catches himself.
He looks up, tears on his face as he looks around him at
the woods. He is distraught, and looks older than his age.
Suddenly, he stops and stares into the trees, looking
intently.
EMMA (voice-over): Stuart! Are you alright?
STUART is slowly coming out of his trance. He looks at

EMMA but seems unable to comprehend what’s going on.
EMMA looks terribly worried.
EMMA: What’s wrong, Stuart? Please say something!
STUART (still dazed): Amanda?

86
EMMA (taken aback): It’s me, Emma.
STUART: Oh. Oh, of course.
EMMA: Are you okay? You scared me something awful.

What’s the matter with you?
STUART: Emma, it was amazing. I was William. Older,

about 30. I was walking on this same battlefield, but it
looked different then. I was so sad, grieving for Amanda.
EMMA: Sounds like William never got over her.
STUART: No, he didn’t… I didn’t. I felt his pain. He was so

lonely for her. (Pause) Emma, are you sure you don’t feel
anything here?
EMMA shakes her head silently. They start walking again.
STUART: I could feel everything so vividly. I was hoping

you could, too.
EMMA: Stuart, I’m not Amanda. Don’t you love me for who
I am?
STUART: Of course, I do. It’s just – she was my soul mate.
EMMA looks hurt. STUART doesn’t notice. He stops

suddenly. EMMA stops, too.
STUART: Emma, would you consider undergoing a past life

regression?
EMMA: I’d really rather not, you know.
STUART: But then we’d know…

87
EMMA: I already know that I love you, Stuart. That’s

enough for me. Why isn’t it enough for you?
STUART (ignoring her): You know, maybe I should

undergo another regression myself. Just to see what
happened to William later. Maybe he met somebody
eventually. Maybe that was you.
EMMA: Stuart, you’re worrying me. You’re really getting

deeper into this past life thing. Aren’t you happy with
things as they are now?
STUART: I am. But I want to know.
EMMA: Why? Please let it go, Stuart. I don’t have a good

feeling about it.
STUART: Okay, Emma. Maybe you’re right. It’s this place,

you know. The ghosts are getting to me.
EMMA: Let’s go home then, love.
STUART is having a nightmare again. He is tossing and

turning, mumbling in his sleep. We hear SOUNDS from his
dream: a curious CLATTERING sound, HORSES’ HOOVES,
NEIGHING, and a man YELLING. He wakes up sweating
and shaking. EMMA is also wakened and looks very
worried. She tries to comfort STUART.
STUART (still shaking): Emma, something dreadful was

about to happen to me.
EMMA: It was a dream, love. You’re just fine.

88
STUART (with conviction): No. It was real.
STUART clutches his right leg.
STUART: Ow! My leg hurts like crazy.
EMMA: But you’ve just recovered from an accident, haven’t

you?
STUART: No, I tell you. It’s something else. I experienced

something.
STUART is very restless. EMMA holds him and tries to calm

him down.
STUART and EMMA are having breakfast. STUART looks

haggard. EMMA looks very worried. They eat silently for a
while.
STUART: I couldn’t go back to sleep last night, Emma. You

don’t understand how real it was.
EMMA: Well, perhaps it’ll take a bit longer for the

nightmares to stop completely. Please be patient, won’t
you? Tell me how I can help you.
STUART is lost in thought. EMMA looks at him with great

concern.
STUART: Emma, I’m sure of it. I want to undergo one

more regression.
EMMA: Oh, Stuart, no…

89
STUART: I need to do this. I want to see what happened

to William after the war.
EMMA gets up from her chair, comes to STUART, and sits

in his lap. She puts her arms around his neck.
EMMA: Stuart, it’s wonderful that you believe in soul

mates. I do, too. And I don’t mind that you read about
past lives. In fact, I can see why you find it so intriguing.
(Placing her cheek against his) But you take it too
seriously, darling. You said you were betting on the love
you feel in this life. Aren’t you forgetting about me?
STUART moves back a little and looks at EMMA.
STUART: No, of course not! But I thought my nightmares

had stopped. And what about the flashback?
STUART looks off into the distance.
STUART: I think there’s something I still need to face, or

find out.
EMMA touches his cheek gently.
EMMA: But why not wait and see if the nightmares stop on
their own? It’s only happened once, hasn’t it?
STUART: I don’t want to wait, Emma. I have to do this

now. I need to know.
EMMA gets up from his lap, and moves around the room.
She looks extremely troubled.
STUART: It’s not going to change anything between us,

Emma. You can come along if you like.
90
EMMA stops moving around, and looks at him. She still

looks worried, but resigned.
EMMA: Fine, Stuart. If that’s what it takes.
STUART is sitting on the couch, looking expectant and

excited. EMMA is in a chair. She looks worried. ANDY is
excited at the prospect of another regression, but trying to
contain it in deference to EMMA.
ANDY: I don’t believe it. Another nightmare? I thought

we’d cured you, Stuart.
STUART (wryly): Apparently not.
ANDY (looking at Emma): And, what’s all this about a

flashback?
EMMA shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders.
STUART: Andy, I don’t understand what happened to me.

One minute I was walking on the battlefield with Emma,
and the next minute I was William, walking alone.
ANDY: It happened that suddenly?
STUART: Yes, but it was after the war. I was older, maybe
about 30, and feeling very sad and lonely.
ANDY: But where were you?
STUART: Right there! On the battlefield at Stones River! I

was just wandering aimlessly.
91
ANDY: Why?
STUART: All I remember is the sadness, the hopelessness.

(Pause) William was really lost after the war. Amanda was
gone, and there was nothing left for him. Nothing.
EMMA winces and looks disturbed. ANDY notices.
ANDY: Emma, what did you see?
EMMA: I didn’t see, or feel, anything, except worry for

Stuart. He was in sort of a daze, and staring off, miles into
the distance. It was frightening.
ANDY: Well, I don’t know, I haven’t had any experience

with this before. But there have been cases of
spontaneous flashbacks into past lives. It sounds like
you’ve just had one.
STUART: You mean, like a regression?
ANDY: Yeah, sort of, but without the hypnosis.
EMMA: Or the hypnotist!
ANDY gets up and takes a book from his shelf. He flips

through the pages. STUART tries to peek at the title.
ANDY: They’re not common. But they can be very

disturbing of course.
EMMA: What happens, exactly?
ANDY: Well, it’s triggered by something. A smell, a taste…
STUART: Or a visit to a Civil War battlefield?

92
ANDY: Sure, add that one to the list.
ANDY stops on a page. He’s found what he was looking

for.
ANDY (reading): “Spontaneous flashback is extremely rare.

Memories of a past life can be brought up suddenly and
uncontrollably. Psychologists know little about the process.
The few case studies on file suggest that such episodes
are very brief.”
STUART: But it seemed like a long time.
EMMA: It was just a few seconds, love.
ANDY sits down again.
ANDY: It’s all in the perspective, isn’t it? Stuart, you’re one
in a million. And then this nightmare! I should do a case
study on you.
STUART: Let’s not get carried away. Now that you’ve

convinced me I’m not crazy, let’s get to the regression.
ANDY: Before we start – which do you want to focus on?

The flashback, or the nightmare?
STUART: Oh, the nightmare! Without a doubt. That’s the

one that needs looking into.
ANDY: Good. I agree.
INTERIOR: ANDY’S OFFICE (A LITTLE LATER)
STUART is lying on the couch. The lights are low, and soft
music is playing from a cassette recorder. ANDY is sitting
93
in a chair close to STUART and coaching him. EMMA is

sitting quietly, in a chair apart from the two of them. She
still looks worried.
ANDY: Relax, Stuart. Be calm.
CLOSE-UP
STUART looks relaxed. His eyes are closed.
ANDY (off-screen): Focus on the dream you had last night.

Try to remember what you saw and felt.
STUART looks restless, but his eyes are still closed.
ANDY (off-screen): Now you’re going back in time. You will

go to a time that relates to whatever troubled you last
night.
STUART is calmer, but now begins to look sad. His eyes

are still closed.
STUART: I am alone and sad.
ANDY (off-screen): Are you William?
STUART: Yes.
ANDY (off-screen): How old are you?
EXTERIOR: A STREET IN THE 1890s (EVENING)
A busy, urban street. An older WILLIAM, is walking along

the side of the street, lost in thought.
94
STUART (voice-over): I think I’m about 50. (Pause) I’m

walking along a street.
Suddenly, a carriage comes fast around the corner toward

him. We hear the CLATTERING of the CARRIAGE WHEELS
and the POUNDING of HORSES’ HOOVES on the
pavement. The driver is struggling to control the horses
but he cannot.
DRIVER (yelling): Look out there! Get out of the way!
One of the horses NEIGHS as the carriage approaches

WILLIAM. It is all happening very fast. WILLIAM is
startled, but slow to react. The carriage is about to hit
WILLIAM, when a man suddenly appears out of nowhere
and pushes him out of harm’s way. We sense it is a young
woman dressed as a man.
WILLIAM falls to the ground and hits his right leg against a
pile of bricks on the side of the street. He gets up shaking
from his near miss and in great pain. He looks all around
for the person who saved him, but his rescuer has
disappeared.
Three or four people crowd around.
WILLIAM (to himself): Where did he go? Or, was it a

woman? Ow, my leg! (To a man near him) Did you see
him?
MAN: Who? Are you hurt, Sir?
WILLIAM: How could he disappear like that?
MAN: I don’t know who you mean, Sir. Here, (Reaches to

get William’s hat), here’s your hat.
95
WILLIAM is distracted, and stares down the street looking

for his rescuer. Finally, he starts limping away.
WOMAN (shaking her head): I think he must be hurt bad.

He should see a doctor.
The onlookers stare at WILLIAM uncomfortably as he limps

away sadly down the street.
ANDY (voice-over): Stuart? Are you alright?
CUT TO
STUART is still lying on the couch in Andy’s office. ANDY

and EMMA look at him, concerned.
STUART: Where did he go? Ow! My leg hurts so much.
STUART sits up slowly. He is shaken.
STUART: That man saved my life.
ANDY and EMMA stare at him. They’re transfixed with the

drama of Stuart’s vivid experience.
STUART: But it was a woman, dressed as a man, wasn’t it?

Who was he? I mean she?
ANDY: Amanda.
EMMA looks irritated at ANDY for making this suggestion.

STUART is overwhelmed.
STUART: Oh God, of course you’re right.

96
ANDY: She must have been William’s guardian angel.

Watched over him his whole life.
STUART: I’m sure that’s what happened. My God, I owe

her so much.
EMMA is very quiet, and looks sad.
ANDY (off-screen): Yeah. She was something, wasn’t she?
INTERIOR: STUART’S KITCHEN (DAY)
STUART and EMMA are having a meal. It is very quiet, and

there is tension in the air.
INTERIOR: STUART’S LIVING ROOM (NIGHT)
STUART is sitting on the sofa, staring off into the distance.

EMMA peeks in.
EMMA: Aren’t you coming to bed, love?
STUART: Not just yet, you go to sleep.
EMMA looks sad and leaves.
INTERIOR: CLASSROOM (DAY)
STUART is in class, fumbling through the files in his

briefcase. He cannot seem to find the notes for his
lectures. STUDENTS are watching him. Some look irritated,
others look bored.
STUART: Okay, so we’re going to discuss Reconstruction

today. No, wait. Were we supposed to talk about
Gettysburg? Where is that file, anyway?
97
CLASS snickers.
EXTERIOR: CAMPUS (DAY)
STUART is walking across campus, hands in his pockets,

lost in thought. Other FACULTY greet him as they walk by,
but STUART doesn’t notice them. THEY look back at him, a
little surprised.
INTERIOR: KITCHEN (EVENING)
STUART and EMMA are at the dinner table. EMMA is

pecking at her food. STUART’s food is untouched. EMMA
looks worried.
EMMA: What’s the matter, love? Aren’t you hungry?
STUART: Huh? Oh, I guess not.
STUART gets up abruptly and leaves the kitchen. EMMA

stares after him sadly.
EMMA is on the phone, pacing up and down. She looks

worried and irritated at the same time.
EMMA: …I wish you hadn’t put it in his head, Andy, about

Amanda being his guardian angel. He’s becoming
obsessed, you know?
ANDY (off-screen): I said it because I think it’s true. Who

else could it be?
EMMA: I don’t know. All I know is he’s drifting away from

me.
98
ANDY (off-screen): I didn’t do it to hurt you, Emma.

Maybe it’s better to find out now, though.
EMMA (angrily): Damn it, Andy! Are you trying to break us

up?
ANDY (off-screen): Of course not!
EMMA: I’m sorry, Andy. I’m so stressed, you know.
EMMA flops down on the bed.
ANDY (off-screen): Well, I’m here, any time you want to

talk.
EMMA looks at the phone suspiciously.
EMMA: Yes. I’ll talk to you later, then.
EMMA hangs up the phone, still looking very troubled.
INTERIOR: LIBRARY (DAY)
An unshaven STUART, in crumpled clothes, is sitting at a

table. A pile of books is in front of him. He is feverishly
looking through them, searching for something.
EMMA is sitting on the sofa, reading. STUART walks in,

carrying loads of books. His stubble is visible and his hair is
disheveled. EMMA jumps up and goes to him, but STUART
just nods at her absently and keeps walking toward the
den. EMMA follows him.
EMMA: Stuart! Did you go to class looking like that?

99
STUART stops abruptly outside the den. EMMA does, too.
STUART (blankly): Class?
EMMA: Oh, no! Didn’t you teach today, love?
STUART thinks for a moment.
STUART: I guess I forgot.
EMMA: You forgot? What about your students?
STUART: Oh, I suppose they’ll manage. They’re probably

happy with the day off. (Starts going in the den) Excuse
me Emma, I’ve got work to do.
STUART shuts the door in her face. EMMA stands there,

looking stunned.
EMMA is walking across campus, cell phone in hand. She

dials a number and looks at her watch as she listens.
STUART’S VOICE (off-screen): This is Stuart Grantham’s

office. Please leave a message.
EMMA looks at the phone annoyed and hangs up.
INTERIOR: KITCHEN (EVENING)
EMMA is eating alone. She looks sad. The phone rings.

EMMA jumps up, expectantly.
EMMA: Hello? (Sounding disappointed) No, he’s not home.

(Pause, snaps at caller) No, I don’t know where he is!
100
(Calming down a bit) Yes, yes, I’ll tell him you called…
again.
STUART is walking across campus, still looking disheveled,

still wearing the same clothes. ANDY passes him walking in
the opposite direction and almost misses him. But ANDY
senses it’s him, stops, and turns to look back toward
STUART who continues walking off the screen.
ANDY: Stuart! Hey, Stuart! Listen! I heard students have

been complaining to the dean about you.
STUART reappears on the screen, walking purposefully

toward ANDY.
ANDY: And the scuttlebutt about it is…
STUART stops in front of ANDY.
STUART: Andy, do you have any books on spontaneous

regression?
ANDY: What? Didn’t you hear what I said?
STUART: I need to read up on it quickly. I’ve got a plan,

you see. I’m going back to find Amanda.
STUART turns abruptly and walks away, leaving ANDY

staring after him, with his mouth slightly open.
STUART is in his pajamas, still unshaven, and is

distractedly eating from a bowl of cereal. He looks terrible
101
and seems lost in his own world. EMMA is dressed for work
and is also seated at the table, drinking tea, and watching
him anxiously.
EMMA: Stuart, could I have a word with you?
STUART: Huh, … what?
EMMA: Stuart, you’re so worked up. This is really

frightening me. Why can’t you let it go?
STUART: Don’t worry, I have a plan. If I can just go back

one more time…
EMMA: What?
STUART: I have to see Amanda, to ask her…
EMMA looks distressed. She forces herself to be calm.
EMMA (softly): Are you losing your mind, Stuart? I’m so

afraid.
STUART (with sudden clarity): I’m not losing my mind,

Emma. I know exactly what I’m doing. You just don’t
understand.
EMMA stares at him, not sure where this is headed.

STUART leans over and looks at her pointedly.
STUART: She watched over me all my life. I need to find

her. I must.
EMMA’s face betrays a mixture of emotions, as her anxiety

gives way to frustration, then anger.
102
EMMA (angrily): Perhaps I should leave so you can start

looking, then?
STUART looks surprised as EMMA gets up, grabs her

briefcase, strides out of the door, and slams it. He reacts
to the door slamming and stares at the closed door. Then
he slowly gets up, opens the door, and looks out. EMMA is
already backing up and driving away. STUART looks most
surprised.
STUART (softly): Emma?
STUART walks back in to the house, looking confused.
INTERIOR: STUART’S BEDROOM (AFTERNOON)
STUART is fast asleep. It is clear he is making up a lot of

lost sleep. He starts stirring and wakes up a bit. He sleepily
looks at the clock beside the bed, and sits up with a start.
The clock shows that it’s 4:00 p.m.
STUART (to himself): Emma should be home. A while ago,

probably. We need to talk.
STUART walks yawning into the bathroom.
INTERIOR: STUART’S BATHROOM (CONTINUOUS)
STUART is startled to see his grubby reflection in the

bathroom mirror. He stares uncomprehendingly at it and
runs his hand over his stubble and through his hair.
ANGLE ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR
STUART’s clothes are strewn on the floor and we hear the

SOUND of running water.
103
INTERIOR: STUART’S STAIRCASE (CONTINUOUS)
STUART, now showered, shaved, and dressed in clean

clothes, runs downstairs.
STUART: Emma? Emma, where are you?
STUART comes in, looks around, and frowns. He picks up

the portable phone and dials a number.
INTERIOR: BIOLOGY LAB (CONTINUOUS)
The lab is empty. The phone rings several times.
INTERIOR: LIVING ROOM (CONTINUOUS)
STUART is pacing, portable phone in hand, dialing again.
STUART (to himself): Where can she be?
INTERIOR: EMMA’S OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
The office is empty. The phone rings and the voice mail
comes on.
EMMA’S VOICE: Hello, this is Dr. Wallingford’s office.

Please leave a message and I will return your call.
STUART is peering anxiously out of the window. The

phone rings and STUART runs to answer it.
104
STUART: Oh, it’s you, Andy. (Pause) No, she’s not back.
You haven’t heard from her, have you? Not any time
today? (Pause) I’m really getting worried. Do you think
I’ve been neglecting her, Andy? (He listens patiently for a
minute.) Okay, okay, I understand! Listen, I’ve got to go.
He hangs up quickly and runs his fingers nervously

through his hair. Searching his pockets for car keys,
STUART rushes out of the door.
INTERIOR: BIOLOGY LAB (CONTINUOUS)
STUART walks in through the double doors, looks all

around, and leaves.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
The office is empty. A furious knocking is heard on the

door.
STUART (off-screen): Emma? Emma, are you in there?
EXTERIOR: CAMPUS (CONTINUOUS)
STUART walks hurriedly across campus, looking in

different directions. It’s starting to get dark.
STUART pulls out his cell phone and dials as he walks. It

rings a few times.
WOMAN’S VOICE: The party you have called is away from

the phone or out of the calling…
STUART (turning the phone off): For God’s sake, Emma…

turn your phone on.
105
The coffee shop is lively and busy. You can see through
the windows that it’s dark outside. STUART is walking
around inside the coffee shop, looking intently at all the
tables. A male student at one table sees him and yells a
greeting. STUART doesn’t hear him, and leaves.
EXTERIOR: STUART’S HOUSE (NIGHT)
STUART pulls into the driveway. He jumps out of the car

and runs toward the front door.
INTERIOR: LIVING ROOM (CONTINUOUS)
STUART rushes in and turns on the answering machine.
MAN’S VOICE: You have no new messages.
STUART looks very worried and runs his fingers nervously

through his hair. He picks up the phone and dials 911.
STUART: Yes, it is an emergency! My fiancée is missing.

What? Since this morning, or this evening, I don’t know.
(Pause) Twenty-four hours? You’re kidding. What if
something’s happened to her?
STUART listens with growing anxiety and frustration, then

hangs up the phone without saying another word. He
looks frazzled.
EXTERIOR: ROAD (LATER THAT NIGHT)
STUART is back on the road, driving around. He looks

haggard with worry. It is very dark now.
106
EXTERIOR: RIVERWALK (STILL LATER)
STUART drives slowly along the river. No one is in sight.
Suddenly, he spots Emma’s car parked off to one side. He

pulls over sharply, parks his car, jumps out, and looks
inside Emma’s car. Then he starts running along the
riverwalk, occasionally glancing nervously at the dark,
silent river.
Finally, he sees a figure walking in the distance. He

assumes it’s Emma and starts to run toward her.
STUART: Emma! Emma, wait for me!
ANGLE ON EMMA
EMMA keeps walking without looking back.
Running hard, STUART catches up with her, grabs her,

and hugs her tight, half laughing, half-crying with relief.
STUART: Thank God you’re safe, Emma.
EMMA reacts coolly to STUART’s emotional embrace. But

we can see she’s been crying.
STUART: Where have you been all this time? What are you
doing here?
EMMA: Walking. (Pause) And thinking.
STUART: I’ve been worried sick, Emma! Do you know

what time it is?
EMMA is silent.
107
STUART: Emma, please say something.
EMMA (with controlled anger): I can’t take any more of

this, Stuart. Enough!
STUART tries to take her hands in his. EMMA shakes him

off.
STUART: Emma, please…
EMMA: No! It’s too much.
STUART: Please, Emma. Give me another chance. I can’t

live without you.
EMMA: You have been living without me, Stuart. Where

have you been these past few days? With Amanda?
STUART: I know I’ve been a fool, Emma. But you don’t

understand…
EMMA’s face shows a flurry of emotions. She starts

walking again at a fast pace. STUART, his face crumpling
with emotion, walks along with her and tries to put his arm
around her waist. EMMA shakes him off, angrily.
STUART: Please come home, Emma…
EMMA stops walking and turns to face STUART. She looks

drained.
EMMA: Home? It doesn’t feel like home anymore, Stuart.
STUART (desperately): It will, it will. I’ll make it up to you,

Emma.
108
EMMA: But you had some wild scheme to go back again!

That really scares me, Stuart. Why are you so obsessed
with Amanda?
STUART (quietly): I was obsessed. I see that now. I didn’t

realize how I was hurting you. (Pause) I’m so sorry,
Emma.
EMMA looks at STUART searchingly, then shakes her head

in exasperation.
EMMA: I don’t know what to make of all this, Stuart.

Whatever you had with Amanda in your past life is one
thing. But I can’t… I won’t compete with her! She’s not
even here right now!
STUART: I’m very sorry, Emma. I truly am. But it’s not
what you think. I just wanted to speak to her, to thank her
for everything. (Pause) And ask her about you.
EMMA considers this for a moment, and calms down a

little.
EMMA: But where do we go from here? Are you still bent

on going back to find her?
STUART: No, no. That’s all done with. (Becoming

emotional) God, I thought I would go crazy when you
didn’t come home this evening. I thought something had
happened to you!
EMMA softens further, but says nothing.
STUART: I ran around all over the place looking for you.
And Andy helped me understand. Well, I guess I knew it
even before, but didn’t have the guts to admit it.
109
EMMA: Yes?
STUART: That, well, I’d been horrible to you. (His voice

catching) You’re the center of my life, Emma. How could I
be such a fool not to see that?
EMMA (softly): Stuart…
STUART: Please forgive me, Emma.
Tears roll down STUART’s face. EMMA reaches out and

touches his cheek gently.
EMMA: Oh, Stuart, you’re crazy, but you’re one of a kind,

too. (Sighing) I don’t completely understand, but
sometimes I wish I was Amanda. It would make it all so
much easier, wouldn’t it?
STUART looks a bit surprised.
EMMA: But I’m not! Can you accept that?
STUART takes EMMA’s hands in his. He looks deep in her

eyes.
STUART: I do accept it, Emma.
EMMA: And, no more searching for her in this life either?
STUART: No, I promise. (With great feeling) I can’t lose

you, Emma. When I thought you might not come back,
nothing else mattered. You’re my world, Emma. I can’t live
without you.
EMMA (softly): Do you really mean that?

110
STUART: Yes, I do. (Pause) And no more talk of Amanda,

either. I don’t want to hurt you anymore.
EMMA looks off in the distance.
EMMA (quietly): It’s possible she did watch over you,

Stuart. When you were William, I mean.
STUART looks surprised.
EMMA: Andy must be right. Who else could it be?
STUART: Can this be true? Are you becoming a Believer?
EMMA (firmly): But you must understand. That was then.

And this is now.
STUART nods seriously and takes her in his arms.
STUART (emotionally): You came into my life like an angel,

Emma. If I had lost you, I’d be just like William all over
again.
EMMA: You haven’t lost me, love. (Putting her arms

around his neck) Stuart, we have so much to give each
other, so much to do together. But we can’t do it if your
mind and your heart are in the past.
STUART: I know, Emma. We belong together. I feel it

deep in my soul.
EMMA smiles warmly and they kiss tenderly.
STUART: I love you, Emma.
EMMA: Oh, Stuart, I love you so very much.

111
STUART whoops and lifts EMMA and twirls her around.

EMMA laughs. STUART sets her down and they hug each
other tight. They look deeply and lovingly into each other’s
eyes, then kiss, for a long time.
INTERIOR: STUART’S CLASSROOM (DAY)
STUART is lecturing with enjoyment. The STUDENTS are

listening intently and taking notes.
ANGLE ON STUART
As STUART indicates something important on the

blackboard with his left hand, we clearly see his wedding
band.
INTERIOR: EMMA’S LAB (DAY)
EMMA is helping students with biology laboratory work.

SHE stops by a female STUDENT’s work station and looks
through her microscope.
ANGLE ON EMMA
As EMMA holds the microscope and looks through it, the

STUDENT notices Emma’s wedding band. We see her
touching it and asking Emma something. EMMA replies,
smiling and nodding. The STUDENT gives EMMA a big hug.
EXTERIOR: SUBURBAN STREET (NIGHT)
STUART, EMMA, and ANDY are walking and laughing

together.
112
STUART and EMMA are eating sandwiches on a bench

under the trees, which are just leafing out. They sit
snuggled together and look contented. We see them
eating, talking, and occasionally laughing.
INTERIOR: STUART’S LIVING ROOM (DAY)
EMMA is sitting on the sofa, reading from a Biology

textbook. Her notes are piled around her on the sofa, and
on the coffee table.
STUART walks in and stands quietly, watching her with a

tender smile. EMMA pulls her hair back from her face with
both hands, then notices STUART. She looks up and smiles
at him, still holding her hair back. STUART recognizes
something.
STUART walks in and looks out the window.
FLASHBACK – ORCHARD (REGRESSION)
AMANDA sets the basket of peaches down, and as she

straightens up, she pulls her hair back from her face with
both hands, and holds it back (exactly as Emma just did),
and smiles at WILLIAM.
STUART looks pensive.

113
EMMA is asleep. STUART comes into the room quietly and

gets into bed. He gazes lovingly at EMMA, then brushes
her hair back gently from her neck. He sees a birth mark
on the right side of her neck. He touches it tenderly, but
then looks up astonished.
FLASHBACK – STONES RIVER (REGRESSION)
As the Union line to her right crumbles, AMANDA facing

right to look out for oncoming Confederates, turns back to
look at William to her left, and is hit in the right side of her
neck with a bullet. WILLIAM rushes to her and catches her
in his arms as she falls.
FLASHBACK – BARN (CONTINUOUS)
AMANDA is lying semi-conscious on the straw. WILLIAM is

holding a bloody bandage to the right side of AMANDA’s
neck – the exact spot as Emma’s birth mark.
STUART’s face shows intense emotion as he comes out of

the flashback. He looks upon EMMA as she sleeps. It is
clear that he realizes that Emma is Amanda.
CLOSE-UP
Tears come to STUART’s eyes. He closes his eyes and

smiles.
114
CUT TO
INTERIOR: A BEDROOM (FORTY YEARS LATER)
The bedroom is big and open, with a breeze blowing in

through the windows. Beautiful trees can be seen outside.
A much older STUART is lying in bed, very weak but

peaceful. A much older EMMA is sitting on the bed beside
him, holding his hand and gazing at him lovingly.
There are sounds of children playing in the backyard

outside the window, and of adults talking quietly. A little
boy peeks into the bedroom.
LITTLE BOY: Nana, is everything okay?
EMMA: Yes, love. Papa and I just need some time alone.
I’ll come fetch you later to say goodbye to him.
The LITTLE BOY nods, and leaves. EMMA and STUART

smile at each other.
STUART: I’ll miss them all so very much.
EMMA: I know, and each one of them will miss you so

much.
STUART: Emma, I…I…
EMMA: I know, Stuart.
STUART: …you’ve been all the world to me! I’ll miss you
most of all.
EMMA starts to cry.

115
STUART: Don’t cry, Emma. Don’t be sad. We knew this

would come. This time, I’ll be your guardian angel, until
we meet again.
EMMA smiles through her tears.
EMMA: This time, it won’t be such a long wait.
INTERIOR: LIVING ROOM (DAY)
The living room is big but unpretentious. It has a warm

and cozy feel. There are many windows that look out on a
beautiful yard with shrubs and trees.
EMMA and her DAUGHTER are sitting on the sofa next to

each other, looking through a family album. There are
many more albums piled on the coffee table next to them.
DAUGHTER: So, Mom, how are you doing?
EMMA: I miss him so very much. More than I ever

imagined I would.
DAUGHTER: You two had such an incredible life together.

I’m glad you have so many pictures to remind you of the
good times.
EMMA holds up a picture of STUART as he looked when

they first met. She starts to cry. As she gazes at the
picture, the sun’s rays stream in through the window and
fall directly on EMMA and on the picture. She looks up at
the sunlight streaming in, dries her tears, and smiles at her
daughter.
116
DAUGHTER (hugging Emma): See? Dad’s with you every

minute, Mom! He won’t let you be unhappy.
EMMA (hugging her back): I know. I know.
EXTERIOR: BACKYARD (NIGHT)
It is a dark night. EMMA is walking in the yard, alone and

pensive. Suddenly, the full moon peeks out from behind
the clouds. Silvery and magical, it lights up the scene,
softly. EMMA looks up at the moon and smiles.
EMMA: Brilliant! Thank you, Stuart.
FADE OUT
Acknowledgement
The idea for this screenplay was born in 1996. But at
that time it was merely a creative and fun project for us to
discuss, and we had no immediate thought to work on it.
Then suddenly in early 2000, our beloved daughter Julie

was diagnosed with a deadly form of leukemia. Our world
was turned upside down in the terrible year that followed.
After a courageous yearlong battle, our amazing Julie
passed away in early 2001, leaving us lost and forlorn
without her.
But during her last month here, putting aside her own
pain and suffering, our beloved Julie promised to be our
guardian angel, in constant connection with us. Long
before her illness, the three of us had often discussed how
Papa, Julie’s grandfather, was our family’s guardian angel,
always watching over all of us in such wondrous ways, and
how grateful we were to him.
117
In dealing with our immense grief at Julie’s passing, we

talked and read about soul connections and eternal love.
And one day, we remembered our idea for this screenplay.
We felt an urgent need to work on it and as we wrote, we
felt Julie’s spirit guiding and inspiring us.
Since then Julie has shown us daily in the most

miraculous ways that she is our guardian and guiding
angel. We are so grateful for her deep and eternal love,
and we will always remember that this literary creation has
played a huge part in our healing process.
And so, we dedicate Time After Time to our beloved

Julie and Papa, joyful and peaceful in the soul dimension,
and always connected with the deepest love to us.
Pratibha Dabholkar and Earl Hess

About the Authors:
Dr. Pratibha A. Dabholkar taught research methodology
for more than 20 years at the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Earl J. Hess taught history for more than 30 years at
Lincoln Memorial University.
The authors are married to each other and have published

extensively in their own fields and jointly in film history.
Their publications are widely cited, read, and appreciated.
They have also written several works of fiction about

eternal love, dream guidance, and spirit communications.
For more information about the authors, their inspiration,
and their work, please visit www.love-and-learning.info.
118
This is an authorized free edition from www.obooko.com
Although you do not have to pay for this book, the author’s
intellectual property rights are protected by copyright. You are licensed
to use this digital copy strictly for your personal enjoyment only. This
edition must not be hosted or redistributed on other websites without
the author’s written permission nor offered for sale in any form.

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Copyright © 2004, previous version entitled Soul Mates ©

2001, by Pratibha A. Dabholkar and Earl J. Hess, with the

Library of Congress Numbers: PA1-204-445, PAu2-594-777

Writers Guild of America Registration ® 2006, previous

Writers Guild of America Registration Number: 829785

All rights reserved. (The unauthorized distribution, sale,

Our beloved guardian angels, Julie and Papa

Time after time,

Time after time,

INTERIOR: BEDROOM IN SUBURBAN HOUSE (LATE

STUART GRANTHAM, mid 30s, is in bed asleep, tossing

INTERIOR: STUART’S HOUSE (CONTINUOUS)

STUART sits up in bed and stares ahead. Then he slowly

INTERIOR: STUART’S KITCHEN (CONTINUOUS)

STUART fumbles in the refrigerator, pours milk into a

INTERIOR: CLASSROOM AT BENTON COLLEGE,

STUART, in coat and tie, and wire-rimmed glasses, is

MISHA ANDERSON, older than the typical undergraduate

STUART (off-screen): But it was fought by flesh and blood

STUART (covering a yawn): And that’s what we hope to

MIKE, typical undergraduate student, early 20s, catches

MIKE: Professor Grantham, if you’re bored already, what

MISHA is glaring at Mike with annoyance.

STUART: Read Chapter Two and write a three-page

STUART is packing his books in his briefcase. MISHA

MISHA: Professor Grantham, I’m Misha Anderson, new

EXTERIOR: COLLEGE CAMPUS (DAY)

It’s a typical small college campus. But it is exceptionally

MISHA: I’m sitting in on your undergrad class, if that’s

THEY continue to walk across campus. MISHA is talking

MISHA: …I’ve seen your books on the Civil War, they’re

STUART smiles and nods occasionally but seems a bit

INTERIOR: CAMPUS HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)

STUART and MISHA are walking toward Stuart’s office.

MISHA: …and then I just had to come here to learn all I

They stop at his door. MISHA sees a notice on the bulletin

MISHA (eagerly): Oh, I see you need an assistant. Can I

STUART: Well… I don’t know.

STUART has the door unlocked, ready to go in.

MISHA: Do you have anyone else in mind?

STUART: Not really.

MISHA: Please give me a chance. You won’t be sorry.

STUART (hesitatingly): Okay… Can you start Wednesday?

MISHA: Sure! Thanks, Professor Grantham. I’ll see you

MISHA walks away, looking back at STUART with a big

INTERIOR: CAMPUS CAFETERIA (DAY)

The cafeteria is crowded. STUART (no coat on) walks in,

looks around holding his tray, spots someone, and

ANDY KLEINER, late 30s, bearded, and wearing a tie, is

STUART sits down and starts eating.

ANDY: Don’t worry, Stuart. I’m used to it. Most people I

ANDY laughs, enjoying his own joke. STUART smiles, then

STUART: Wow! Who’s that? I’ve never seen her before.

ANDY: Oh, that’s Emma Wallingford. She’s a new professor

STUART: She’s something…

ANDY waves to EMMA. She smiles, and walks over to their

EMMA (British accent): Hello, Andy.

ANDY: Emma, this is Stuart. He teaches history and writes