EXT. THE BANK OF AN IRRIGATION CANAL - MORNING
TRAVIS BRIGGS, a young man in his late 20's and without any
significant distinguishing features, walks along the edge of
an irrigation canal as the early morning sun is rises and a
thin fog sits softly atop the water.
MONTAGE:
a. Travis making a bowl of cereal in his kitchen
b. Travis in bathroom getting ready for work
c. Travis picks up a liquor bottle form the floor of his
living room, straightens some papers and puts his guitar away
d. Travis walking the canal
TRAVIS (VO)
I've always thought life was like a
journey down the river. And death, a
herald that marks the end of that
journey and a return to a vast
unknown ocean that welcomes us back
to its oneness. When I was a child I
believed there would be a kindly,
yet stern, heavenly father whom I
would stand before as judgment was
passed on me and my life. Now I
dream of that ocean - a moving,
living God of infinite patience and
forgiveness.
EXT. SITTING AREA OF A SIDEWALK CAFE - AFTERNOON
Travis sits nursing a coffee, sitting with his girlfriend,
MINA DOTSON, an alluring woman in her early 20's dressed very
fashionably. Mina is fidgety. She looks at Travis, then picks
up her coffee and takes a short sip, then looks around before
starting the routine over again. After a moment, she takes a
deep breath and seems resolved to talk.
MINA
So Jonathan thinks I need to go to
LA now...He thinks I need to
capitalize on my looks while it's in
fashion. You know, everything else I
can learn on the fly, but you either
have the look or you don't.
Travis suddenly seems to realize this conversation is headed
towards a place he has no desire to go. A look of grave
2
concern washes over his face. Mina ignores this and
continues.
MINA (CONT)
I know this isn't what we've
talked about, but...
Travis shifts in his seat and suddenly he can't seem to get
comfortable. He decides to match her intensity and look her
in the eyes, hoping that he will be able in some way to
influence the words Mina is saying to him.
MINA (CONT)
But Jonathan thinks there's risk in
waiting and nothing to be gained by
taking a more conservative approach.
God Travis, don't you know how badly
I want this!
Travis is very agitated. Mina is looking like she regrets
even having this conversation in the first place, her mind is
made up and she wonders what she possible has to gain from
having this conflict.
TRAVIS
Of course I do, but didn't we
already have this conversation like
a hundred times? Improve your acting
techniques locally, build a resume,
find an agent in LA BEFORE you head
off, and save as much money as
possible. How many times have we
planned this out?
Travis takes out a pack of cigarettes and fumbles with them.
He takes one out as if he's going to light up. Mina is
looking uncomfortable with the entire situation.
MINA
(looking around)
You can't smoke here!
TRAVIS
(resigned)
I know, I know. I quit smoking
anyway.
Travis plays with the cigarette but doesn't light it.
TRAVIS (CONT)
(satirically)
Carrying the cigarettes just
emphasizes how completely I've quit
smoking and how I can control my
impulses to do something rash.
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Mina completely misses the jab Travis intended with his
comment. Travis realizes the situation is quickly getting out
of control for him. Mina is starting to appear impatient. She
looks around glancing at her watch, nervously looking at
Travis. Travis realizes he must try and push the conversation
forward.
TRAVIS
You keep mentioning Jonathan as if
he's the unquestionable authority
about what's right for you...
MINA
(interrupting)
It's not that, I'm just having the
same kind of thoughts and He's just
validating what I already feel is
the right thing to do.
TRAVIS
(not believing, and disgusted)
Oh, really?
Travis pauses. He smiles and nods his head as if resolving
some inner debate and then looks straight at Mina. He knows
this is the last chance he has to turn this argument around
and make right with Mina. Affection lights his eyes.
TRAVIS
Ok, look. If this is what you feel
is right for you, not what Jonathan
feels, but what you feel is right.
Then we can make this work.
Travis suddenly becomes a bit preoccupied on himself and
loses his focus on Mina. Mina shrugs in disbelief.
TRAVIS (CONT)
I can make this work. I wouldn't
have picked now to move to LA, but
it's not that big of a sacrifice,
and I certainly can't let you go
this alone.
Mina looks terrified. As if this is the doomsday scenario she
had been hoping to avoid.
MINA
But Travis, I'm not asking you to
give up anything, or make sacrifices
for me. I'm not.
Travis looks like a derailed train, as he begins to
understand the implications of Mina's announcement.
4
TRAVIS
Oh. I see. This is a Mina thing,
something Mina has do herself...
MINA
You know how important this is to
me. It wouldn't be right to drag you
along when I know the sacrifices
I've got to make are just beginning,
it wouldn't be fair to you.
TRAVIS
Right. I'm really glad my well being
has been such an important issue for
you to consider in all this...
MINA
(defensively)
This has been hard enough Travis, I
don't appreciate the sarcasm.
Mina knows the deed has been done and remaining here with
Travis any longer only prolongs her discomfort. She pushes
her coffee cup forward and prepares to excuse herself. Travis
has turned his body away from Mina and is looking off into
space.
MINA
(lying)
Look, I'll call you in a week or so
after I've gotten settled in LA.
This will all work out for the best,
really.
Travis does not acknowledge her. She picks up her things and
walks away.
