THE ONLY MEMORY THAT REALLY STANDS OUT

Jason Hamill

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Early afternoon, its a sunny day so the room fills with light. DAVID (mid 20's) places a few slices of tomato atop of some lettuce and white bread, spreads mustard on another piece of bread making it officially a sandwich and resting it on a plate. It's been a few days sine he has shaved, he rests himself on the counter and scratches as his eyes fix on the refrigerator. There is a small card with a photo, it reads

"In memory of AL Davis 1964 - 2019". David opens the appliance door and pulls out a carton of orange juice.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

CYNTHIA (woman - 40s) is sitting up in bed with her back against the headboard of the frame. She stares off into nothing as DAVID walks into the room with a plate and glass in hand.

DAVID

I hope didn't wake you,its after 12 and thought maybe you could use something to eat.

David places the glass down on the nightstand and clears some room for the plate.

DAVID (CONT’D)

There wasn't much in the fridge, hope you're fine with tomato and cheese.

CYNTHIA

That's very sweet of you, but I think I'll be fine for now.

DAVID

Well I'm going to leave it here, its been over a day so please try and have some of it.

David goes to leave.

CYNTHIA

Could you maybe sit with me for a moment? I know things the past few days have been difficult but i could use the company.

David sits at the end of the bed.

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

You really are his spitting image,not at first but as you got older, everyday you two would look more and more alike.

DAVID

Uncle Dennis says he's got some old home videos of them lying around.

I'm going to go by tomorrow afternoon and pick up a dvd from him.

CYNTHIA

I swear only when someone dies can that man actually do something nice for anyone other than himself.

They both let out a soft laugh. - Camera now holds on Cynthia. (Slow push)

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

It's funny, i've know that man 30 years and try as I might I can't even remember how we met. I've been scouring my brain for the past couple of days and yet, nothing.

She takes a breath.

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

The only thing that comes to mind, is the time that man got food poisoning when we lived above the rainbow cafe. I was newly pregnant with you at the time, and we were spending the weekend painting our dumpy apartment. God only knows why we didn't just move.

(BEAT)

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

One second he was rolling primer on the wall and the next he was running down the hall. Christ it was like he had seen a ghost and in young Cynthia fashion I couldn't just let him be sick own his own. so I rushed right after him completely unaware that he threw up in the hallway and I fell flat on my back.

(MORE)

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

(laughing) At the time i was more concerned about laying in vomit to even think whether or not I had injured myself. And the fool your father was, leaped off the toilet, pants still around his ankles, falling flat on his face. And here we are, on the bathroom floor, just and absolute mess and his face. My god. So much blood, I'm honestly surprised at the time he didn't break his nose.

Cynthia takes a beat.

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

We just laid there for minute and looked at one another, miserable and somehow happy at the same time, and despite all that me and that man went through this is the memory that comes to mind. Just this disgusting mess, just covered in puke, blood, shit, staring up from that tile floor. I didn't know it at the time, but I think that was the moment I knew he was the one.

My shit and blood covered prince charming.

David throws up off to the side of the bed.

CYNTHIA (CONT’D)

You know, i wouldn't trade that moment for anything in the world.

CUT TO BLACK.