Secrets and Strangers Feature Length Screenplay

1. Secrets and Strangers
Written By
Jacob Lovett

2. INT. DAY CASUALTY STAGING UNIT OFFICE
A busy afternoon for SGT MILLER, CPL JIM, CPL JEREMY and CPL
RICK. A chalkboard is set in the back of the room with a
detailed chart of current patients and their corresponding
hospital locations. MILLER erases several names and sets the
eraser down. RICK picks it up and begins to write as Miller
coordinates.
MILLER
Alright guys, we got 2 C-130s
coming in this afternoon. Three
beds just freed up,
Jim is typing away at a typewriter toward the middle of the
room.
JIM
I’ll do the cards for each.
Rick is a heavier guy, assisting MILLER at the board.
RICK
I’ll get the names on the board.
JEREMY
I’ll get the vehicles ready for the
trip down to the flight line.
JIM
(typing)
I hope that clutch isn’t still
jerking on the Jeep like last time.
Its hard enough backing into the
hospital with these injured guys
without it jerking around the whole
time.
JEREMY
Well, if the motor pool hasn’t
worked on it yet. your just gonna
have to do the best you can.
He slaps him on the shoulder.
They nod to one another. Miller walks up.
MILLER
Wow time flies...We’ll have to head
to the flight line in a few
minutes.
(to rick and jeremy)
Rick...Jeremy! Help me with buses.

3. 2.
They file out of the room.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
The men take the injured guys directly off the plane and
load them into Jim’s crackerbox.
JIM
(to himself)
Here it goes...
Jim starts the ambulance and engages the clutch. He smiles
up to himself in disbelief.
JIM
Alright! No jerking.
NURSE
Jim, we got four for you in real
bad condition.
Miller looks in dismay at the men being loaded into the
cracker box. He sees a man with blood coming through his
bandages, two men in body casts, another with 2 IV’s and a
4th bandaged with napalm burns.
JIM
(Announcing to injured men)
Guys, I’ll go as slow as I can and
will try to keep the ride smooth
for you.
INJURED MAN 1 moans in pain.
INJURED MAN 2
I’m hurting real bad, man.
JIM
(Starting the Vehicle)
You’ll be in a great facility soon.
The best Air Force as to offer in
the pacific.
He takes off.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Jim backs the cracker box up to the hospital. It jerks some.
A few men groan.
(CONTINUED)

4. CONTINUED: 3.
JIM
Sorry ’bout that guys, clutch needs
some work.
The patients are off-loaded.
INT. DAY - OFFICE - LATER
Troops enter the office. They hand Miller valuables which he
places into a safe.
MILLER
Alright, line up by the safe and
I’ll check in your valuables.
A few men step up.
MILLER
Tomorrow before you leave for the
hospital make sure to pick them up.
SOLDIER 1 steps up and hands Miller a wallet with some
documents. The wallet is coated with a layer of discolored
sludge.
Miller looks at it with disdain.
JEREMY
(Quiet, in Miller’s ear)
We all have so much of that stuff
on us it probably won’t make a
difference.
Miller takes the wallet and papers.
Most of the men look down at themselves and their
possessions, all covered in the sludge.
MILLER
Rick! How many men do you have on
your list?
Rick scans his clipboard.
RICK
64. Does that agree with yours?
MILLER
We’ll have to compare them later,
mine says 62. Could have been some
added last minute that weren’t
added to mine.
(CONTINUED)

5. CONTINUED: 4.
Miler sips his coffee and pats Jim. Jim makes a note on his
list.
MILLER
Okay, guys. We’ll get everyone
logged in as soon as possible. For
those of you heading out
tomorrow,we will inform you of your
hospital designations as soon as we
hear back from Washington.
The men carry on their business, handing Miller their
belongings.
INT. ANGELES CITY NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
MILLER, JEREMY and RICK sit together in a seedy nightclub.
Captain Stone enters the room.
RICK
How is that little Filipino girl
treatin’ ya? Taking good care of
you I hope.
MILLER
(reluctantly)
Nora’s great. Its a little tiring
having to go off base all the time,
but it beats spending my days off
shacking up over at the airmen’s
club with all those guys.
JEREMY
Yeah, you got a point, it does get
pretty boring just playing poker
and shooting pool all the time.
Jeremy laughs and grabs Miller’s shoulder.
JEREMY
Where else you gonna find a
definite guarantee every night
without going to these hell holes.
Better than just handjobs, right
fellas?
The men share gut-busting laughter.
MILLER
(Falsely laughs)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

6. CONTINUED: 5.
MILLER (cont’d)
Yeah...But Nora really is a good
girl. I wouldn’t want to do her any
wrong.
RICK
(dismissively)
Ah, you don’t want to get wrapped
up in all that. When we get back to
the states, we’ll have all those
blonds and brunettes to choose
from.
He drunkenly jabs his finger into Millers chest.
RICK
Don’t get married. It’ll haunt you
the rest of your life.
The little combo plays SOUL MAN by SAM & DAVE.
Miller perks up with excitement.
MILLER
I always get turned on by this
song.
RICK
Yeah, its great. These Filipino
singing groups are the best
imitators in the world.
They get lost in the music for a moment. Miller watches as
the other are captivated by the song. The woman by the stage
reminds him of Nora. He is overcome by his longing for her.
He quietly dismisses himself.
MILLER
I’ll see you guys later.
INT. NORA’S APARTMENT
Miller walks in to Nora’s shack. Kisses her as he enters the
doorway. They share a warm embrace pressed against a wall in
the entryway.
MILLER
(Cheekily)
How you doin’ darlin’?
She blushes.
(CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: 6.
NORA
I’m just moving some furniture
around. What little there is.
MILLER
I guess a little change is nice
every now and then.
He looks around. Struts around the small space that is
Nora’s apartment.
Miller stops. He eyes the small couch and wooden chair
sitting on opposite sides of the dusty floor.
NORA
Darlin’, there’s going to be more
than a litle change coming soon.
MILLER
Whats that suppose to mean,
darlin’?
NORA
Some mornings, I’ve been feeling a
little sick in the stomach. I went
to the clinic to get it checked
out.
MILLER
Yes, and?
NORA
Could you...please take a seat.
She gestures towards the small armchair beside him.
NORA
There’s going to be another little
body in the house.
MILLER
(Shocked, disturbed almost)
But I wore protection?.
NORA
Well they’re never 100% effective.
MILLER
What am I going to tell the guys...
NORA
Tell them the truth. Tell them
you’re going to be a daddy soon.

8. 7.
INT. DINING HALL - EVENING
JIM walks down a long hall to the mess hall to find JEREMY
and RICK.
Jim takes a seat at the usual table.
JIM
I wonder what type of joy meat
we’re getting tonight...
RICK
Supposed to be the best on base,
but I don’t buy it.
JIM
Man, that darn day shift yesterday
really messed up the card file.
JEREMY
Well that’s nothing new. Don’t know
why they can’t reconcile that card
file with the manifest lists.
RICK
When I do the cards, I always have
to spend the first hour of our
shift trying to figure out what
happened to the patients whose
cards were left in the file.
JIM
Yeah, we don’t have time for that
when getting the new info ready to
be put in.
JEREMY
So you think the Sarge is getting a
little serious with Nora?
RICK
I think he better watch what he’s
getting himself into.
JEREMY
Seems like he really cares about
her. He spends more time with her
than I’ve seen any guy in this
place.
RICK
I don’t know about women...They
always want to chain you down. The
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

9. CONTINUED: 8.
RICK (cont’d)
local woman are good for a quickie,
but I’ve got a few women waiting
for me when I get back.
JIM
Yeah that’s just cause you’re a
psycho, Rick.
RICK
Maybe so, but at least I know where
to draw the line. Miller’s in too
deep and he doesn’t even realize
it.
INT. CASUALTY STAGING UNIT OFFICE - DAY
RICK walks over to his desk and sits in front of a
typewriter.
CAPTAIN STONE and MILLER are
discussing matters toward the back
of the room.
RICK
Okay, I got all the cards typed.
MILLER
(To Captain Stone)
We are all set for you to call
Washington and find out which
hospitals today’s guys will be
going to.
Captain Stone calls out names and diagnosis and writes down
where they are going.
MILLER
Guys? Let’s gather round and sort
where everyone is going tomorrow.
(sifts through paperwork)
Let’s see...We got Yokosuka in the
Okinawa and Guam hositals and
mostly Scott AFB in Missouri. I see
Brooker Army Burn special jet
didn’t make it in last night?
Miller turns and looks at all the men in the room. They all
look at and shrug their shoulders.
JIM
Guys! Make sure you put the right
ones in the right slot!...
(CONTINUED)

10. CONTINUED: 9.
(Beat)
Okay?
JEREMY
Make sure all the destinations are
on the board for when the flight
nurses get in tomorrow, we don’t
want to lose any patients or leave
any one behind.
INT. FLIGHT OFFICE - NEXT DAY
Nest morning in the office, TWO ATTRACTIVE FLIGHT NURSES
arrive after just landing on a C141 Star Lifter on the
flight line.
MILLER
Hello ladies! Did you have a nice
flight?
ATTRACTIVE NURSE 1
It was a bit rough but we made it
okay.
JEREMY
(to Jim in a low tone)
Oh, man! If I stare any longer I"m
gonna fall into a trance! God only
knows what I’ll do then...
JIM
(Chuckles)
Ah yeah! They’re way too hot to be
that close to us. How are we going
to hide our...
(gestures to his groin)
When the heats got our uniforms
contracted and snug. Just get your
eyes off ’em and stare at the
Sarge.
ATTRACTIVE NURSE 1
We have a lot to do guys.
JEREMY
(to Jim)
And you don’t think we already know
that?
ATTRACTIVE NURSE 1
Can I see the manifest, please?
Jim jumps to his feet.
(CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: 10.
JIM
Oh, sure! Ask any questions you
want!
FADE OUT
INT. CASUALTY STAGING UNITY - NEXT DAY
MILLER
We got two more planes coming in
this afternoon. Let’s get files
cleaned up and the board cleared
for new arrivals.
JIM
Got two more patient cards still on
file...
MILLER
Find out where they are!
CAPTAIN STONE, a tall brooding figure, steps into the
office. He is the authority in this unit and wears it on his
sleeve for all to see.
STONE
Did you have a nice few days off,
SGT. Miller?
MILLER
Actually, I have a few interesting
days. Big news is, my girlfriend
Nora is pregnant with my child.
Jim sits in the corner, hearing the news. He looks up.
JIM
(to himself)
Jesus...
INT. CASUALTY STAGING UNIT OFFICE - LATER
(Miller is out of the room.
Jim and Jeremy finish with the
paperwork. Jim stands by
Jeremy’s desk.)
JIM
Well, looks like our Sarge has put
the nails in his coffin; a GI
daddy...She’ll ruin his life, his
career and his future unless he
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

12. CONTINUED: 11.
JIM (cont’d)
makes the right choice and gets
outta here and doesn’t look back.
INT. NORA’S SHACK - AFTERNOON
Nora paces the room with agitation.
NORA
You are not going to leave when
your tour is ended? Are you?
MILLER
No, of course not. Babe.
(He pulls her close)
I love you and I will always
support you and our child.
He tries to pull her in to kiis her forhead. She pulls away.
NORA
All of the other men. They leave
when the woman get pregant. How do
I know you won’t leave.
MILLER
This is different honey. WE are
different.
She stares at him sternly then gives him, falls into his
arms. He holds her tightly.
INT. NORA’S SHACK - DAY
The size of Nora’s stomach has grown enormously, marking a
passage of time. They sit at the table, Nora stroking it.
TIM (MILLER) cleans his boots with shoe polish.
NORA
I feel the baby is on its way.
She grasps her stomach with both arms and begins to stand.
TIM rises to his feet, supporting her as she stands.
TIM
Really?! Babe, I’ll get you to the
clinic.
He strokes her cheek as he escorts her out the door.

13. 12.
INT. ANGELES CITY HOSPITAL - DAY
Miller waits in a room with other expectant fathers, hunched
over, nibbling his thumbs with anxiety.
DOCTOR REYNOLDS enters the waiting room.
DR. REYNOLDS
Sgt. Miller?
Miller stands to his feet.
DR. REYNOLDS
I’m glad to report that you are the
father of a healthy baby girl!
Miller’s face glows. He shakes the Doctor’s hand intensely,
raises his hands into the air with excitement.
A Nurse stands off to the side, smiling. He hugs her.
MILLER
Can I see her?
INT. NORA’S ROOM - DAY
Miller approaches Nora, baby in her arms. He rushes to her
bedside, kissing her on the forehead and looks down at the
baby.
NORA
Isn’t she beautiful, Tim? She looks
just like her papa. She doesn’t
even look asian to me.
MILLER
Nonsense, she looks just like her
beautiful mom.
He kisses her again.
MILLER
A name. We haven’t come up with a
name!
NORA
If she were a boy, it would be
Brendan, which means he will march
into victory, much like his daddy!
(CONTINUED)

14. CONTINUED: 13.
MILLER
How ’bout Brenda? Same thing right?
Nora smiles brightly.
NORA
Brenda!
MILLER
Thats a perfect name for our baby.
Just perfect.
He touches her little toes and fingers and caresses a small
birthmark on her knee.
MILLER
Hey look, its in the shape of a
heart!
Miller sits on the side of the bed, taking his new baby into
his arms.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN TO
INT. CASUALTY STAGING UNIT - LATE AFTERNOON
Miller bursts into the office, passing everyone, slipping
cigars beside them as they work.
Jeremy looks up with confusion.
The guys are elated.
JIM
Hey, Sarge. Whats the occasion?
Miller stands at the front of the room, smiling.
MILLER
My daughter. Her name is Brenda.
A few of the guys laugh, elated.
JEREMY
You sure you’re going to be able to
deal with this?
MILLER
Well, its hard to believe I’m a
daddy, that’s for sure. We’ll see
how it goes, huh?
(CONTINUED)

15. CONTINUED: 14.
The men look to each other, a little uneasy.
They get back to work.
Stone enters, approaching Miller.
STONE
Hey boys.
(to Miller)
Couldn’t help but overhear.
The presence of Stone makes the rest of the men uneasy. They
return to their duties.
Stone approaches Miller, discreetly.
STONE
That reminds me, Sergeant. Isn’t
your 18 month tour almost over?
Stone sits at the edge of Miller’s desk, eyebrows raised.
STONE
You’ve got a lot of decisions to
make son. And Fast.
Miller sits quietly for a second. Unsure of himself and how
to respond.
MILLER
Yeah.
Stone continues to stare at him, expectantly.
MILLER
But I’m no fool, I’ll make the
right decision.
Stone pats him on the shoulder.
STONE
At-a boy. I knew there was some
common sense dwelling somewhere
beneath the surface.
He steps away, leaving Miller stone-faced. He tries to
refocus himself on his work but is trapped in thought.

16. 15.
INT. NORA’S SHACK - DAY
Nora has the baby propped up in the sink. Bathing her.
BRENDA giggles as Nora sprays her with water, caressing her
back with a rag.
Miller watches from the opposite side of the room, drinking
a cup of coffee, thoughtfully.
INT. NORA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
MIller lays back, propped against a pillow.
Nora enters in a gown. Crawls into bed with him.
NORA
The baby’s asleep. She’s such a
happy baby.
Nora hugs Miller tightly, smiles.
NORA
She’s happy because she has her
mommy and Daddy with her.
Miller stares outward in thought, brushing her shoulder
gently ass she speaks.
MILLER
Hey so, I was thinking. Now, I
know, before you say anything, hear
me out.
Nora’s eyes widen, awaiting the dreaded words to come.
NORA
Uh-huh?
MILLER
I think it would be best for the
baby, and for us as a family, if
when my tour is over, for you to
stay here and focus on getting your
nursing degree before coming to the
states.
Nora jumps back, apalled.
MILLER
Now, I know how it sounds. It
sounds like what everybody else is
doing. The guy looks for an excuse
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

17. CONTINUED: 16.
MILLER (cont’d)
to leave, never showing his face
again. But I promise, this isn’t
how it is. I really feel that it
would be our best bet to get you
settled into a career before we
move in together and give your mom
the time she needs with Brenda
before not coming back for what
could be years.
Nora sits back, steering her glare away from Miller.
Saddened by the news.
NORA
I can get my degree in the states.
I can’t be left alone. It won’t be
the same. There will be too much
that separates us. I will lose you.
(Looking back over to Miller)
Brenda will lose you.
A gentle tear falls from her eye.
NORA
(shaking her head)
I cannot lose you.
Miller reaches for her, attempting to console her.
MILLER
Darling, I promise its temporary. I
just don’t see how its going to
work right away. There will be a
lot of adjustments that need to be
made when I get back. I haven’t
even told my parents I fathered a
child yet.
Miller is exasperated.
MILLER
Your mother- She wants to take care
of you and the baby. Lets give her
that for a little while.once I’m
settled in and you have your
degree, we can regroup and things
will be back to normal again. These
are the kinds of sacrifices we have
to make!
(CONTINUED)

18. CONTINUED: 17.
NORA
(Composed, but sobbing)
You can fly to the other end of the
world. But Brenda and I will always
be yours.
INT. NORA’S SHACK CONTINUOUS - MORNING
Miller gathers his things. Packs them into a sack. Nora
watches from the kitchen.
Miller carries his sack to the opposite end of the house.
Begin to move toward the door.
There are no words. He exits.
She retreats into the house, pale. She gently rocks the baby
in her arms.
INT. CLARK AIR FORCE BASE - EVENING
Tim rushes to the door of the boarding plane. Announcements
play on the overhead speaker.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The military airlift command
announces the loading and immediate
departure of Trans International
flight 415 to Travis AFB,
California.
He enters the gate.
CUT TO:
INT. PLANE - MOMENTS LATER
MILLER settles into his seat. Maneuvering around the others
as he stows his bags in the overhead compartment.
MILLER
Excuse me.
He sits in his seat and th plane begins to move.
He turns his head and looks out the window, down at the
terminal.
He takes a deep breath, relieved but guilty.
CUT TO:

19. 18.
INT. TERMINAL - MOMENTS LATER
Nora watches as Miller’s plane passes overhead.
A tear of frustration falls down her cheek.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN TO
INT. PLANE - MORNING
Miller awakes to the plane halting to a stop. The men and
women around him begin to stand and gather their things.
Miller wipes the sleep from his face and stands.
INT. TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE - MORNING
Miller steps out of the gate and looks up to the overhead
sign. It reads: TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE - SAN FRANCISCO.
Miller smiles to himself.
MILLER
Home.
CUT TO:
INT. TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE - CONTINOUS
He heads through the airport, pleasantly. He slows he speed
as he oversees CIVILIAN WORKERS sharing an exchange about
Vietnam Soldiers. One is having a cigarette, the other
having a coffee.
CIVILIAN WORKER 1
Yeah, we have no business butting
our noses in Vietnam or anywhere
for that matter. How are we
protecting our people by picking
fights all over the world. A big
mistake if you ask me.
He takes a drag from his cigarette.
CIVILIAN WORKER 2
To think these soldiers are the
butt end of the joke, doing all the
government’s dirty work. Sorry sons
of bitches.
(CONTINUED)

20. CONTINUED: 19.
CIVILIAN WORKER 1
Ey, don’t trash to boys. They just
did what they knew to be the best
for the country. Damn shame though.
CIVILIAN WORKER 2
Yeah, damn shame.
Miller shrugs it off and continues on his way.
Miller continues through the terminal and looks up to an
overhead television broadcasting the news.
The reporter discusses the war.
NEWSCASTER
Some of the Soldiers have returned
home carrying with them a chemical
agent scientists are calling agent
Orange and Agent Blue. Soldiers who
have been exposed to the chemicals
are at risk of contracting
illnesses effecting the kidney’s
and digestive tract. The chemicals
are prevelent in the jungles of
Vietnam and have been found in
drinking water at various vienam
bases.
An older man, also looking up at the screen beside him
remarks.
OLD MAN
Son, you might want to get rid of
that uniform. Some of the folks
here aren’t going to be liking of
the Vietnam war. Just afreidnly
word of advice.
MILLER
Thanks.
The man walks away.
INT. MENS ROOM - MORNING
Miller strips off his uniform in a stall. He puts on a
civilian outfit. He folds his uniform meticulously and
places it into his sack. He sits for a moment in the stall,
puzzled.

21. 20.
INT. MILLER’S MOTHER HOUSE - DAY
Miller arrives at his childhood home. He pulls open the
screen door and enters. His mother, ILENE oversees him while
in the kitchen.
ILENE
My boy! My boy is home!
Miller smiles as he enters into the Parlour, placing his
belonging on the floor as he reaches to embrace his mother.
ILENE
(while holding his face)
I’ve missed you so much, my baby,
safe at home.
She looks him up and down.
I suppose the Filipinos treated you
fine enough, other than not feeding
you enough. You look paper thin.
MILLER
I’m fine mother. Its great to see
you!
ILENE
Well, come, I’ve just made some
dinner. Take a seat, take a seat.
They both enter into the kitchen.
Miller’s father, Bill, sits at the table.
BILL
Son!
He motions for Miller to give him a hug.
Miller hugs him and takes a seat.
BILL
We are so proud of you,. I don’t
care what the world thinks about
this way, my son’s a hero. A real
life patriot, fulfilling your duty
with honor and integrity. You’ve
earned yourself that honor, I tell
ya.
MILLER
No more talks about Vietnam, okay?
(He smiles)
I’m here to speak with you and my
mom.
(CONTINUED)

22. CONTINUED: 21.
Ilene smiles. Sets them down chicken and yams.
ILENE
You remember Cindy?
Ilene and Bill exchange and smirk.
MILLER
(Taking a bite)
Um, yeah. I remember her.
ILENE
Shes the manager at the new outback
steakhouse here in Wilmington. You
should give a call sometime, maybe
take her out?
MILLER
Ah, no no, I can’t get into all
that.
BILL
Come on son, she’s single and good
looking. Why not have a little fun
now that you’re back in the states?
Relax a little bit.
Miller chuckles.
MILLER
Alright, I’ll think about it.
He takes a bite.
BILL
Atta’boy.
He grabs the back of his neck lovingly.
EXT. HUGH MCRAE PARK - AFTERNOON
Miller is jogging around the park. It is a bright a sunny
day, many people walking their dogs and chatting with one
another.
Miller takes moment to catch breath. I nurses his lower back
in slight pain. He shakes it off as he sees a familiar face.
DERRICK, another soldier, wearinf his uniform, limps past.
He appears distraught, confused and still wearing his
uniform. He obsessively fixes and refixes his collar.
Miller approaches him.
(CONTINUED)

23. CONTINUED: 22.
MILLER
Derrick! Hey Buddy, its Tim.
DERRICK
Tim Miller, hey how you doing, man!
MILLER
Just great buddy, just great.
He looks him up and down warily.
MILLER
How long you been here in the
states? I heard you left before I
did. Where did you wind up?
DERRICK
I landed flat in the middle of
Mekong Delta. I also got to Saigon
and DaNang!
He takes a moment, somehwat twitching and recollecting
himself.
DERRICK
After my illness, I did get to
Australia. you wouldn’t believe the
kind of women they got over there.
Off the charts!...But I was too
weak to enjoy...
MILLER
Why did they keep you so long? You
went months before I even
enslisted. What happened there? We
heard it was brutal.
Derrick leads Miller to a nearby bench and rests, weakly.
Miller follows accomodatingly.
DERRICK
Its a war that will never be
forgotten...I served as crew member
on a C123. We were in charge of
dropping the defoliant down over
the jungle. The Agent Orange
everyone is talking about. Its
called that cause they store it in
these big orange drums. We watched
the trees actually shrivel up in
three days. Potent, dangerous
stuff. We did that for many weeks
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

24. CONTINUED: 23.
DERRICK (cont’d)
until we could get a better view of
the Viet Cong.It was intended to
kill vegetation so we could better
see them, but it started killing
people. Women, children...Getting
in their food. Their only source of
survival.
MILLER
And here I thought I had it bad in
the Phillipines. Had no idea about
any of this...
DERRICK
Who knows how many it’ll kill. The
government hasn’t said a word,
trying to cover their asses. But
we...
(Points to Miller and himself)
We know the truth. Don’t we.
Miller pauses, unsure how to answer.
MILLER
I wonder if exposure to this dioxin
could have travelled across to the
Phillipines....We Handled these
boys! Touched their clothes„ boots
and belongings. I- I have to have
been exposed.
DERRICK
It might tae years for Americans to
feel the effects. But me, I felt
them instantly. They kept me in for
an extra year because I’d developed
a kidney infection. I didn’t tend
to it till I had collapsed. Never
even drank all the beer those guys
guzzled down. I think that was part
of the problem...I drank the water.
MILLER
Jesus, Derrick! I’m so sorry to
hear this...
Derrick wipes his head with a handkercheif.
DERRICK
Eh...What is fair. Whats fair to
all those Vietnamese children. What
did they do? To think of being born
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

25. CONTINUED: 24.
DERRICK (cont’d)
into that hell. Lord have mercy on
them. The only thing to do now is
forget it ever existed. Live in the
moment...Its the only way to stay
sane in a world like this.
MILLER
Well, Derrick. I’m glad I bumped
into you. I hope everything goes
well with recovery. Stay in touch,
will ya?
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE - DAY
Title Card: 8 Months Later
Miller is sitting on the side of an examination table. He
looks ill, leaning forward as his doctor delivers him the
news. The doctor’s words are MUFFLED as Ted tries to take
this in.
DOCTOR
The effects of the inflammation
effect everyone differently. But
assuming from the blood in your
urine, it is at an acute stage and
needs to be treated. I will be
prescribing you with several
medications which will help ease
the passage of urine and alleviate
the symptoms.
INT. OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE - EVENING
Miller and a few of his friends, Ron and Al, catch up. They
laugh and banter as they enjoy a night out.
RON
Don’t worry about what every one is
saying, man. You’re a war hero, and
you deserve a heroes welcoming!
He slaps his chest joyfully and signals the waitress.
RON
A round on me!
They laugh. The waitress, CINDY approaches the table,
catches Miller’s eye.
(CONTINUED)

26. CONTINUED: 25.
CINDY
Hello Gentlemen.
Miller smiles.
MILLER
Hey, Cindy. How are you doing?
CINDY
Oh my god, Tim, its been what, 3
years?
MILLER
Looks like it.
RON
Three millers, on me.
He knocks on the table.
Cindy and Miller exchange a smile.
CINDY
Coming up!
She knocks on the table, jokingly mocking him.
They all laugh.
EXT. OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE - MINUTES LATER
Cindy and Miller stand outside, to the side of the building.
Cindy has smoke.
CINDY
Tim Miller, wow, I still can’t
believe its really you.
TIM
In the flesh!
CINDY
Not even a word in the three years
you’ve been gone. What was that
about? Couldn’t write, couldn’t
call, it was like you dropped off
the face of the Earth.
MILLER
Well I was on the other side of the
world, protecting our country from
evil?
(CONTINUED)

27. CONTINUED: 26.
They chuckles.
CINDY
Oh come on, I know what its really
like over there for you guys. Just
a bunch of smelly men sitting
around playing poker and watching
TV. How naive do you think I am?
MILLER
Well, you got me there.
CINDY
So tell me more about it, did you
get caught in any firefights, meet
any pretty girls?
MILLER
(Hesitant)
Well, lets catch up about it at
another time. I don’t want to keep
you from your job any longer. Can
we meet up tomorrow?
CINDY
Sure, how about 5, we can meet at
Hugh McCrae, like we used to?
MILLER
That sounds good.
CINDY
I’ll see you then.
She smiles, flicks her cigarette and heads back inside.
EXT. HUGH MCRAE PARK - AFTERNOON
Miller sits at a picnic table. He checks his watch for the
time.
Cindy, wearing a nice dress comes over from across the park.
She smiles. He smiles back.
MILLER
Hey Cindy, good to see you out of
uniform.
CINDY
Its a rare sight, take it in while
you can.
They laugh.
(CONTINUED)

28. CONTINUED: 27.
CINDY
(sizing him up)
So it doesn’t look like the war
took much of a toll on you. You’re
looking a little thin, but no bumps
and bruises. Good luck considering.
Some of my friends boyfriends never
made it home...Thank God for you...
MILLER
Yeah, well not much changed I
guess...Just the same old me. Feels
like it was when I left. How much
really does change, when you think
about it?
CINDY
Well, that’s great! Then we can
just pick up where we left off,
right?
He hesitates. She smiles hesitantly.
CINDY
Of course things have changed Tim.
Its been three years.
MILLER
Yeah, but I’m still the same
person.
CINDY
Of course you are...But you’ve seen
things. People dying, villages
becoming extinct, desperate eyes
begging to understand the
complexity of it all! Even I not
being in Vietnam can feel the echo
of its impact. People change in
order to grow. Have you not grown
at all?
MILLER
I don’t want to talk about it...At
least not now. Perhaps, some day
soon, but I’m just not feeling up
to it at the moment. Time heals,
right?
Cindy reaches for Tim’s hand. Hes not sure how to respond,
pulls away.
(CONTINUED)

29. CONTINUED: 28.
CINDY
Time heals Tim, but only with the
support of others.
(in attempt to comfort him)
Time only diminishes the flame, but
never makes it disappear. You have
to own up to it, spit life in the
eye and allow the grief to
encompass you.
She grips his hand. This time he doesn’t pull away.
CINDY
If you continue to bury those
feelings, you’ll never be able to
live or love...
MILLER
Cindy...I really appreciate what
you’re trying to do. I just- I
can’t right now...You have to
understand.
CINDY
I know Tim. When you’re feeling
better or just need somebody to
talk to. Please give me a call.
She begins to walk away.
CINDY
I’m always here. Always have been!
She smiles and walks off.
He chokes back a smile.
INT. PARENTS LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Tim sits in the living room with his mother nervously
stroking back his hair on the sofa. Miller’s mother Ilene
sits beside him and his father Bill sits on the nearby
armchair.
MILLER
I enjoyed my tour of duty at Clark,
but -uh...Something happened that I
wish hadn’t...
ILENE
Did you kill someone? I couldn’t
imagine having to go through that.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

30. CONTINUED: 29.
ILENE (cont’d)
What our brave soldiers are
expected to do during wartime, its
truly sad. Are you Ok Tim? Please
talk to me.
BILL
Let the boy talk Ilene. You were
saying Tim?
MILLER
I’m a father, mom...I had a
daughter with a vietnam woman. Her
name is Brenda. The mother; Nora.
Both Ilene and Bill are equally taken aback by the news.
Unsure how to take it, Ilene interjects.
ILENE
...Where are they?
MILLER
Back in the Phillipines...Decided
to come back with the advice of my
captain and others...to pretend it
never happened.
BILL
You have a child? Jesus Tim.
ILENE
Bill a grandchild. We have a
grandchild.
(to Tim)
Tim, you can’t just pretend
something like this never happened.
MILLER
I care about Nora and the baby, I
just- Its better that she raises
her. She was suppose to get her
nursing degree and then come to the
states. But I haven’t heard from
her.
(beat)
Her mother was to help take care of
Brenda.
Miller grows distant.
ILENE
Do you love her Tim? Thats the most
important. With that, you have a
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

31. CONTINUED: 30.
ILENE (cont’d)
lof of respoinsibility now and for
the rest of your your life.
MILLER
If I didn’t love her, I wouldn’t
care, right? I care! They’re a part
of me. I just want to do whats
right, and being here away from
them...Its the right decision.
(as if trying to convince
himself)
I need to become financially stable
and when I am, they can come to the
states and we’ll be together.
Miller starts to get distraught and emotional.
His mom leans over to give him a hug.
Distant and confused, he barely returns her embrace. Bill
watches pensively.
BILL
You want to be the man you’re
talking about, send that child
support. That will let her know
that you care.
A pause amongst the group.
BILL
Damn, son, I wish you had used
better sense. What if you never
find her again. This could haunt
you the rest of your life?
(pointedly)
You better make it right.
A silence overcomes them. Miller sits, thoughtful. Ilene
releases him.
MILLER
I think I’m going to go to East
Carolina in GReenville and major in
education. I want to get my
bachelors with my air force money.
Ilene and Bill looks to eachother, worried for their son.
ILENE
That sounds like a great idea, son.

32. 31.
INT. MILLER’S BEDROOM - DAY
Miller grabs for the phone at his bedside. Dials a number.
Ilene answers.
ILENE
Hello?
MILLER
Hey Cindy, its me, Tim. Look, could
we get together at the Hop for
breakfast? The one on market st? I
have something I wanna talk to you
about.
CINDY
Yeah, sure Tim. I don’t have to be
at work until 1, so maybe around
10?
MILLER
Sounds good, see you then.
INT. NORA’S MOM’S HOUSE
Nora’s mother, SONIA cooks dinner. Brenda is in a small
playpen, playing toys on the floor. Nora pleads with her
mother.
NORA
Could you watch Brenda for tonight?
I need to get to my class.
SONIA
I can only watch her so often, I
can’t do this every night. I have
too much to do. Too much!
NORA
I need to get this nursing degree.
SONIA
What, so you can go to the states
and see that soldier. I told you,
he has left you, he left her!
(points to Brenda)
You don’t need him and you don’t
need a degree. Stay home and raise
your child like I did for you.
Close in tight on Brenda watching as the argument continues
to unfold.

33. 32.
INT. BUS, UNITED STATES - DAY
TITLE CARD: 14 Years Later
Fade from toddler Brenda’s face to adult Brenda, riding the
bus. An older, more mature Nora sits beside her. They
exchange glances.
Brenda looks outside the window, looks down to the diverse
people that walk the sidewalks. We are now in the states.
Brenda embraces this new world.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Nora and Brenda walk into their apartment. A small, shabby
place not too different from their home in the Philippines.
They lay down their bags and Nora walks to the bedroom,
exhausted.
She takes a seat on the bed. Nora walks to her, concerned.
BRENDA
...I miss Grandma.
Nora signals her to come sit beside her. She does. Nora
embraces her.
NORA
We’ll make it work, babe. I finally
have my degree and with this new
job at the hospital, we’ll have
better opportunities here then we
had back home.
BRENDA
Will we ever see her again?
NORA
Grandma is hoping we’ll do well in
the states so she can join us
someday.
She looks at Brenda, lovingly.
NORA
We’ll be her hope.
BRENDA
Okay, mama. I’ll be fine.
Brenda dares to address the elephant in the room.
(CONTINUED)

34. CONTINUED: 33.
BRENDA
Is this the city my father lives
in?
Nora shakes her head. Holds Brenda tighter, thoughtful.
INT. CASUALTY STAGING UNIT - LATE AFTERNOON
INSERT TITLE CARD - 1971
Jeremy and Rick are alone in the staging office. Jeremy
looks concerned, stops with his work and moves to Rick.
JEREMY
You hear from Sgt. Miller recently?
RICK
(still focused on his work)
No, why. He left nearly a year ago.
JEREMY
I don’t know. Last I heard he
stopped giving his baby support
money.
RICK
Yeah, sounds like he finally wised
up. Took the advice we were giving
him.
JEREMY
No, I don’t see it that way bud.
Way I see it, you get yourself in
that kind of situation, you got to
own up to it.
RICK
He did what he needed to do. What
do you expect?
(finally taking his eyes off
his work)
Look, there was no way their
relationship could ever work. I had
to cut mine off with a girl here in
town last month. Was getting too
serious.
(Moving his attention away
again)
You got to do what you got to do in
this life. Especially the way
things are in this messed up
country.
(CONTINUED)

35. CONTINUED: 34.
JEREMY
Still, I think somebody ought to
help. Too many babies are being
born and left here. This is his
only child, and Sgt. Miller didn’t
seem like the kind of guy to just
let something like that go.
RICK
Yeah maybe you’re right. You gonna
go down there? Pay her a visit?
JEREMY
Yeah, I think I will.
Jeremy returns to his desk, begins to work.
Jim enters, walking quickly, a little sporadic. The other
men try to avoid eye contact.
JIM
So, boys. What do you say about
having a good time off base
tonight?
RICK
I’ll pass it on.
Rick continues working.
JEREMY
Yeah, me too. Don’t want to get
involved with any more Filipino
women. If you know what I mean. You
saw the mess Sgt. Miller got
himself into.
JIM
Ah, so no one wants to party, huh?
Well, I ain’t going nowhere by
myself...
An awkward beat.
JIM
Well, I’ll just get the hell out of
here then.
Jim storms out.

36. 35.
INT. BASE CAMP STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
Rick walks in to the storage closet. He notices the light is
on toward the back.
As he walks toward the back he spots Jim, curled up in a
ball on the floor, gun to his head.
Rick rushes over.
RICK
Jim, what are you doing?!
Jim, startled immediately turns his gun to Rick. Rick puts
his hands up, tries to maintain his composure.
JIM
Stay away from me Rick.
Jim’s hand shakes gun in hand. Rick watches fearfully.
RICK
You know, whatever is going on with
you, I can help, I can-
jim
No, you can’t!
RICK
You know, whatever you do in this
life...in your past...always comes
back to haunt you.
(beats)
you’re stressed because of this
war. You can’t see past the
horizon. But things will get
better! I promise.
JIM
HOW CAN YOU PROMISE ME ANYTHING. I ALREADY MESSED UP MY LIFE
IN THE STATES AND NOW, HERE, I AIN’T DONE ANY GOOD AT ALL.
(he presses the gun tighter up
against his temple)
I’ll be better off checking of
here.
Stone enters, hearing the commotion.
STONE
Holy-

37. 36.
Jim is taken off guard, and in a quick moment, Rick jumps
for the gun. It goes off as Rick pushes it up. Rick manages
to subdue him.
INT. CASUALTY STAGING UNIT - LATE AFTERNOON
Rick and Jeremy are back in the staging unit, quietly
discussing the activities last night.
Stone storms in.
STONE
Jim has been sent to a mental
hospital, where he is being
evaluated. That man was always a
shit shot...Couldn’t hit a dead
bird lying in front of his foot.
The other two manage a laugh, in spite of recent events.
INT. HOSPITAL OFFICE, VETERAN’S HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO - DAY
Title card: 1977
NORA and a CHIEF NURSE go over NORA’s duties in her new
position. Two other nurses, LYNN and PEGGY, discuss their
own assignments.
CHIEF NURSE
Nora, I want you to cover the rooms
down the hall. You have Ensign
Roger in room 211, Captain Woodman
in room 222 and Sergeant Robert’s
in room 223.
Nora nods.
INT. EXAM ROOM - DAY
NORA walks into Ensign Rogers’ room.
NORA
Ensign Rogers? I’m here to change
your dressings.
ENSIGN ROGERS
Thanks, I haven’t seen one of you
all day.
The man is in bad shape. she looks down to his bandages, the
blood completely soaked through. She moves to him.
(CONTINUED)

38. CONTINUED: 37.
At the door, CHIEF NURSE stands in the window. Waves her
hand for Nora to come over.
Nora, confused, moves back toward the door.
Nora closes the door behind her.
CHIEF NURSE
Captain Woodman needs you.
NORA
I haven’t even cleaned his
dressings-
CHIEF NURSE
It can wait, the captain is calling
for you.
Nora, a little flustered, walks down the hall, she enters
the room.
CAPTAIN WOODMAN
Oh, nurse, thank god.
NORA
What is it?
CAPTAIN WOODMAN
My toenail is falling off. Its
bleeding a little.
Nora, a little flustered. Goes over to the corner of the
room, grabs a pair of clippers and swabs.
She takes a look at his feet and its nothing to be concerned
about.
She begins to clean up his foot.
CAPTAIN WOODMAN
Thanks for coming, it was really
starting to bug me.
NORA
(under her breath)
Well there have been others who
needed my help, I don’t think this
is something that required my
immediate attention.
He looks at her a little puzzled.
The chief nurse watches from the door. Coughs and wags her
finger for Nora to come over.
(CONTINUED)

39. CONTINUED: 38.
CHIEF NURSE
Listen, I know you just got your
degree and you’re new to this. But
Captain’s require a greater level
of focus and attention.
NORA
You mean, they’re more important?
CHIEF NURSE
I mean they require our needs over
the others. They have fought
bravely for this country and need
the care to return back to their
chain of command and continue their
work.
Nora is dumbfounded.
NORA
Well, I will do my best to treat my
patients with the best possible
focus, but I don’t see how a
hangnail was more important than
replacing the bandages on the
other-
CHIEF NURSE
It is not your job to decide what
is more important. You go where I
tell you and do what I ask you to.
You understand?
Nora nods sheepishly.
INT. HOSPITAL BREAK ROOM - EVENING
The nurses are discussing their nightly duties over hot tea.
Nora listens intently to the others.
NURSE LYNN
It’s not my fault that Sgt.
Robert’s condition has worsened. I
was told to focus my efforts on the
Captain.
NURSE PEGGY
You should have mentioned him
before you were selected to put
your charm towards the captain.
(CONTINUED)

40. CONTINUED: 39.
NURSE LYNN
What’s eating you? You should have
checked him if you knew I was busy.
Nora chimes in, off put by what she has been exposed to.
NORA
I don’t understand why some people
have to die at the at the expense
of others. Life is unfair at times,
but we can make it fair in a
hospital.
NURSE PEGGY
You’re not telling me anything I
didn’t already know. I was aspiring
to be a nurse. I thought I could
save the world. I stayed because I
hope that someday, I’ll be able to
make a difference...But not
yet...Not the way things are.
NORA
How long have you been a nurse
Peggy?
NURSE PEGGY
I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as
long as I can remember. When I was
a girl, I would love to play
hospital. I guess the childish
wonder never ended.
NORA
Sometimes I feel like I have my
hands tied behind my back and
nothing gets done. Now I know how
the soldiers felt when the Viet
Cong were shooting and they weren’t
allowed to shoot back unless given
an order.. The wrong people would
up alive.
int. Air Force OfficE, Special INvestigations, TRAVIs AFB
Nora walks into the office, tentatively. She is still in her
nurse attire.
RECEPTIONIST
Yes, can I help you?
(CONTINUED)

41. CONTINUED: 40.
NORA
I have an appointment with Sgt.
Wade.
RECEPTIONIST
You name?
NORA
Nora Corazon
RECEPTIONIST
Okay, have a seat and I’ll tell him
you’re here.
Nora sits down and waits patiently. A few moments later,
SGT. WADE enters.
SGT. WADE
I understand you’re trying to
locate Sgt. Tim Miller?
Nora shyly looks away.
SGT. WADE
Of course, lets speak somewhere in
private. Lets speak in my office.
INT. SGT. WADE’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
They both step into his office.
Sgt. Wade signal’s her to take a seat.
SGT. WADE
Well, you know. We don’t really
keep up with discharged airmen.
Unless an agency wants proof of
their being in the air force or
they apply for educational grants.
NORA
Could you just tell me his
discharged address?
SGT. WADE
That was over five years ago, maybe
seven. Airman don’t stay in the
same city for long when they are
discharged.
(CONTINUED)

42. CONTINUED: 41.
NORA
I understand. Just give me the
address.
SGT. WADE
Tell me, Nora. Why is it so
important to you? This guy left
you, years ago! How do you not know
you’re not just setting yourself up
for dissappointment?
NORA
I- I have to try.
Sgt. Wade understands. Takes a beat.
SGT. WADE
You two have a child?
Nora nods.
Sgt. Wade sighs.
SGT WADE
One moment, while I see what I
have.
Wades digs through his contact files, opens his desk drawer.
Sifts through a Rolodex.
He begins to sift through his contacts.
SGT. WADE
Ah, here we are. I have 32 Fairview
Dr., Rocky Mount, NC
NORA
Thank you, Sgt. Wade
She writes it down on a pad and paper.
EXT. HUGH MCCRAE PARK - LATE AFTERNOON
Cindy and Tim meet up. They are getting closer, their
mannerisms becoming more familiar, friendly with one
another.
CINDY
I know its a sore subject, but I’m
still so curious. We keep hearing
so many different perspectives
about the war on the news. I want
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

43. CONTINUED: 42.
CINDY (cont’d)
to hear from your point of view.
Did you have a lot of wild
experiences on the battlefield?
SGT. MILLER
I had some wild times...Some wilder
than I would like to admit. I want
to move on and not have to think
about it all that much. I just want
peace. I want to be free of that
place. So much chaos. Wilmington is
just...
(he takes a deep breath of the
air)
Its just so calming.
CINDY
Things are the same around here.
(pause, she looks at him
flirtatiously)
I’ve met some nice guys, had a few
relationships...but nothing
developed. I really need to get
some courses in, so I won’t wind up
being a waitress for the rest of my
life.
Miller smirks, nods.
SGT. MILLER
Its already been nine years since I
was in the Philippines...Things do
change. I’m definitely ready for
change in my life.
They look into each-others eyes.
EXT. HUGH MCCRAE PARK - EVENING
MILLER and CINDY are hitched in a humble wedding in the
park.
SERIES OF SHOTS of the reception.
1. Miller feeding Cindy cake.
2. Cindy laughing as he puts some on her face.
3. They take photos with relatives.
4. They share a kiss.

44. 43.
EXT. HOUSE - DAY
The two settle into their new home. Unpacking boxes.
Miller sits in an armchair, sifting through old photos of
while he was in the service. Cindy is unpacking in the other
room.
He sifts through a few of him and his buddies, then uncovers
one with him, Nora, and Brenda as a baby.
Cindy enters the hallway just outside the room. He quickly
puts the photos back into the box.
Cindy enters. Shes pregnant.
MILLER
Cindy, I want to name him Brendan.
CINDY
What makes you so spontaneous with
his name? I’ve never known you to
be so sure about anything before.
MILLER
I just feel like this is what we
need to call him.
CINDY
Is there a reason?
MILLER
It means he’ll be victorious...that
his life will be a march of
victory. I’d be really appreciative
if we could call him by that.
CINDY
If it means so much to you. That
will be his name.
She begins to leave. He stops her.
MILLER
Cindy, you know I’ll always provide
for you and our son, right?
CINDY
Provide for me? Is that what our
relationship is all about? And our
son? Will you only provide for him
or will you love him?
Miller looks at the box of photos, thoughtfully.

45. 44.
INT. NORA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Brenda enters the apartment. She flicks on the light. Nora
was reading in the dark by flashlight.
Nora looks at her, hand on her hip.
NORA
Now what are you doing, reading in
the dark like that?
Brenda turns off her flashlight.
BRENDA
I don’t know...reminds me of home I
guess...There weren’t as many
streetlights outside...They keep me
up at night...
Nora looks at her daughter with love.
NORA
Well we can’t do much about the
street lights. But we are going to
move again.
BRENDA
Where will we be going?
NORA
We’re moving to North Carolina...I
have a lead for a job that I think
will work out great.
Brenda sits there, looking down, flicking the flashlight on
and off.
BRENDA
(to herself, quietly)
Will my father be there?
NORA
Honey, if he is, we’ll find him. My
main objective is to find a good
job.
29 INT. NORA’S APARTMENT - NEXT MORNING
9 year old Brenda sits on the floor surrounded by her toys
and clothes, trying to pack, but finds herself playing with
dolls instead.
Nora is in the opposite room, placing her clothes in bags.
(CONTINUED)

46. CONTINUED: 45.
NORA
Brenda, get your things together,
baby. I have a job waiting for me
at New Hanover Regional Medical
Hospital. It is also on the coast
so you’ll be able to go to the
beach whenever you want. How does
that sounds sweetie?
BRENDA
Sounds fun...
She plays with the doll’s hair.
30 INT. MORNING SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT 30
Nora and Brenda walk through the airport to the check in
desk.
NORA
Brenda, grab your suitcase. We have
to get to the gate before the plane
leaves.
Little Brenda with her tiny suitcase follows close behind.
BRENDA
OK! ...mommy!
NORA
We have to take our things and put
them on this moving belt.
She squeezes her teddy bear.
BRENDA
Are they going to take Bubba from
me?
NORA
Just for a second and then you will
be able to get both Bubba and your
shoes on the other side of the
curtain.
Reluctantly, Brenda hands Nora her Teddy bear.

47. 46.
31 INT. WILMINGTON AIRPORT - LATE EVENING
Nora and Brenda exit the gate late in the evening.
NORA
We have to wait for the luggage to
be loaded onto this belt. Then, we
are going to rent a car, which we
will drive downtown into
Wilmington.
They stand with others around the conveyor belt, waiting for
the luggage to go through.
BRENDA
I already like it here.
NORA
Yes, dear. We’ll get to take horse
and carriage rides through
Wilmington. Aren’t you glad we
came?
BRENDA
Sounds like fun.
She carries Bubba, her bear by the arm as they walk out.
INT. UNCW PROFESSOR GENTRY’S OFFICE - DAY
Miller and PROFESSOR GENTRY discuss Miller’s new position.
MILLER
I finally got my master’s degree.
It took me nearly nine years,
Professor Gentry, but I was
determined and now I’m her to
collect on that promise of a job.
Professor Gentry smirks and chuckles.
PROFESSOR GENTRY
I have already taken care of that
part. There’s been a position
waiting since last year. We’ve had
substitutes filling in...You are
the best candidate for this
position. College students want
facts, truths that will sustain
them for the rest of their lives.
Can you offer that, Tim?
(CONTINUED)

48. CONTINUED: 47.
TIM
I can give them my experience. Text
book brainwashing...it isn’t my
style.
Professor Gentry laughs out loud.
PROFESSOR GENTRY
No bullshit, I like that! Some of
the other professors try to shove
fallacies down their student’s
throats an others are creating a
bunch of Revolutionists. We need a
man like you, a true American hero.
Someone these kids can actually
look up to.
(he stands, reaching out his
hand)
Welcome aboard.
Enthralled, Tim stands and shakes.
INT. TIM AND CINDY’S APT.
Tim wait impatiently by the phone, reading a newspaper and
looking over to it periodically.
It rings. Cindy is in the other room, cooking dinner.
Tim Answers.
MILLER
Hello?
PROFESSOR GENTRY
OK, Tim you are going to be hired
and if it works, you’ll have tenure
in the future. Do what you were
meant to do.
TIM
When do I start?
PROFESSOR GENTRY
Come,next Tuesday at 8:30. We are
meeting at Bear hall. They are
renovating our wing. See you there!

49. 48.
32 INT. DAY FACULTY LOUNGE UNCW-WILMINGTON 32
All the faculty members meet in the faculty lounge. Tim
stands, shaking the hands of OTHER TEACHERS.
FACULTY
Nice to have you here Professor
Tim.
They all settle into seats for a meeting.
Professor Gentry sits at the head of the table looking over
paperwork.
PROFESSOR BARON
Can we keep the same positions as
we had last year?
PROFESSOR GENTRY
Not exactly, some classes have been
deleted and some have been added.
As you can see, now we have
Professor Tim. We may have to
shuffle some classes around.
Professor dismisses the faculty
meeting by 11:30
33 INT. NEW HANOVER HOSPITAL, WILMINGTON
Nora, steps into the staff office. Nurse Lynn sits filling
out patient paperwork.
NORA
I’ll be back in an hour. I am going
out to lunch.
Nurse lynn smiles.
NURSE LYNN
It must be very important for I’ve
never known you even to eat lunch.
NORA
Something I need to take care of!
She rushes out.
CUT TO:

50. 49.
34 INT. UNCW UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - DAY
LIBRARIAN
Do you need help?
NORA
I am looking for the faculty book.
I would like to see who the
professors are.
39. LIBRARIAN
This has just been updated, but you
never know who will arrive as a new
professor or what classes may be
added or deleted.
NORA
Thank you so much. Nora continues
to search with no luck
LIBRARIAN
You look so frustrated. Are you OK?
NORA
I was searching for someone and
thought he might be here.
LIBRARIAN
Sometimes, we need to know when to
quit. You might even feel better.
NORA
You have been a big help. Thank
you.
INT. DAY, AT NORA’S APARTMENT -1997-
NORA
Brenda, for a twenty-nine year old,
you are a very beautiful woman.
BRENDA
Why don’t I feel that way? I feel
lost empty, so saddened by the loss
of grandmother. She was my only
connection to who I truly am.
NORA
She is at peace. She was too sick
to go on. To keep her alive on
machines would have been cruel to
her. Because we want our loved ones
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

51. CONTINUED: 50.
NORA (cont’d)
to be here with us does not give us
the right to keep them alive
through machines. God gives and he
takes. It was her time. BRENDAS
make it any easier. Now, I have no
one. She was my friend. She
understood everything about me. She
had time for me, unlike you.
NORA
I never knew you felt like that.
40. BRENDA
You never knew how I felt. Career
always came first for you. Being an
independent woman is what always
mattered. Did you ever once think
that being independent can also
cause loneliness? Nora is startled
and the tears begin to run down her
face.
BRENDA
I am going to start some classes at
UNC Wilmington. Do you think I’m
too old?
NORA
Dear, no one is ever too old for
anything that is important to them.
It took me a great part of my life
to get my degree. You had to find
out what you wanted out of life.
Discontentment brings change, dear.
Until we realize that, we simply
won’t do anything to find that
change. Gives Nora a hug,
apologetically.
BRENDA
Mom, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I
just miss Grandmother. I miss that
connection to my past. Do you
understand? I am going to the
campus to find out if I can attend
some classes. Perhaps, I can get a
minority grant and work to pay for
the rest.
NORA
I can help you. I have put away
some money. When you were very
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

52. CONTINUED: 51.
NORA (cont’d)
young, I used to save every penny I
ever received for you. I put it all
away, for you.
BRENDA
Did grandma give you this money?
NORA
Sort of?
42. . BRENDA
Did my father give it to you? Morn,
I want to know. No more secrets. I
am an adult. Treat me like and
independent Asian woman. It is what
you have wanted for me all of my
life. I want to major in Asian
Studies. Nora does not bring up the
fact that her father also wanted to
do that.
NORA
You need to do what your heart
tells you to do. Hearts know, minds
only have a clue. It is why we came
to this world!...Our mission, Our
reason for being.
BRENDA
You are such an amazing person, a
realist, an idealist, a daredevil,
an adventurer, a nurse and still
the most amazing mother in the
world. I only wish my father would
have known this!
NORA
He knows, dear. He always knew.
Someday, fate will join our lives
once again. People don’t meet by
chance! ...there is always a
reason. We only have to learn to
look beyond. That evening
BRENDA
I went down to UNCW and the
counselors think I have a good
chance at getting in since my
grades from high school were all
honorable. I have to take an
entrance exam and once that is
done, they will let me know.
(CONTINUED)

53. CONTINUED: 52.
42. .
35 INT. EVENING PROFESSOR TIM’S HOUSE 35
BRENDAN
Dad,I would like to attend UNC
Wilmington and possibly major in
Asian Studies.
SGT. MILLER
Are you sure you are not trying to
follow in your father’s footsteps .
BRENDAN
No Dad! I do think you are quite
impressive, but I have a thirst for
Asian Studies, too. I don’t know
why but I feel a need to pursue it.
Perhaps because you were stationed
in the Philippines. I feel more
compelled towards the Vietnam War.
There is so much I want the world
to know about it. It is like a big,
dark secret.
CINDY
Son, maybe you don’t want to know
all of the facts. Things done in
the past should stay in the past.
We will eventually learn the truth.
The only thing we learn from
history is that we do not learn.
BRENDAN
I need to find out for myself so I
have no choice. I will attend UNCW
and major in Asian studies. My SATS
are well over 1300. I won ’t have a
problem getting into the college.
Since dad is a professor at UNCW, I
will have an added advantage.
SGT. MILLER
You need only use your own merits,
but if they ever need an extra
Asian Studies professor, I would
recommend you. Not because you are
my son, but because I know you
would do your best. Or should I
retire?
(CONTINUED)

54. CONTINUED: 53.
BRENDAN
Dad, you are too young to retire.
42. . SGT. MILLER
Lately, I don’t seem to have enough
energy left for you. After spending
most of the day lecturing I seem to
be worn-out, fatigued and sometimes
very absent-minded.
BRENDAN
You are only in your mid-fifties,
for God’s sake.
(Brendan laughs and calls him
an old man, jokingly)
CINDY
Your dad certainly acts like an old
man! ...no romance
here!...actually, no romance ever.
His testosterone must be on empty!
Tim nearly explodes in anger.
BRENDAN
Geez, Dad! I was only joking! What
has gotten into you lately?
SGT. MILLER
You are right. I need to make a
doctor’s appointment soon. Cindy
rolling her eyes.
CINDY
Not soon!Now! You have been totally
out of control. I can’t take you
anymore!
SGT. MILLER
I’ll get a check-up. Just get off
my back for now!
CUT TO:
36 INT. DAY NEW HANOVER HOSPITAL 36
NORA
Now, I’m head nurse in the urology
department .
42. . NURSE PEGGY
They moved me, too! We seem to be
following each other.
(CONTINUED)

55. CONTINUED: 54.
NORA
It seems like kidney disease, heart
problems and diabetes are the
killers here.
NURSE PEGGY
Do you know that there are a lot of
Vietnam veterans with similar
symptoms? These veterans are not
old either. Nora’s heart began to
throb! Her hands began to tremble
as though she was in a trance
NURSE PEGGY
Nora! Nora! What is wrong? I have
never seen you like this.
NORA
I am fine. I just thought! ...never
mind!
NURSE PEGGY
Nora, I have known you for years. I
know your daughter; yet, you never
seem to bring up your personal
life. Do you even have a personal
life?
NORA
I’d really rather not talk about it
now. I am the head nurse and you
are my nurses. It’s all about the
hospital, only. It ’s how I need it
to be. For now! Forever !!
NURSE PEGGY
You have grown so cold! Yes, you
are the best head nurse I know
that, but life is more than that.
Nora, I am your friend!...probably
your only friend. You won ’t let
anyone in. You can ’t live like
that!
NORA
Yes, you have been a good nurse who
cares about her patients.
42. . NURSE PEGGY
Nora, look at me. I care about you.
You are my friend. I am worried
about you. Friends help friends.
They are there for each other. Let
me in!
(CONTINUED)

56. CONTINUED: 55.
NORA
Someday, I want to be with Tim
again. I have waited my whole life
for him. He is Brenda’s father. I
know he is somewhere here in
Wilmington. I saw a picture of him
in a high school graduation
yearbook, but after that nothing.
Oh! I have searched endlessly for
him.
NURSE PEGGY
Has he ever tried to contact you?
NORA
Yes, he sent me support money when
Brenda was young. He sent money to
my mother for her. My mother saved
all of his money so that one day
Brenda will have it for college. He
kept writing for a few years but
then one day it stopped. I felt
that I did not want to tie him
down, that he should not have to
spend his whole life paying for a
moment of joy. I let him go. Except
my heart could not and I kept
loving him.
NURSE PEGGY
Maybe, it should have been his
choice.
NORA
I made his choice for him, I gave
him his freedom. I raised his child
and for a while, I kept a part of
him. I was content, but I was
wrong. Brenda doesn’t know any of
this. How can I ever tell her now?
NURSE PEGGY
You have to tell her. She thinks
that her father never cared. That
is unfair to the both of them.
42. . NORA
She will hate me if I ever tell
her. I took her father away from
her; yet, I made her into an
independent young Asian woman.
(CONTINUED)

57. CONTINUED: 56.
NURSE PEGGY
You did what you believed to be the
right thing for her. She will
always respect that. Someday, you
need to let her know. She hugs
Peggy
NORA
Thanks, Peggy! Thanks for not
judging me. Thanks for being my
friend, yes, my best friend. They
both embrace each other
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
37 INT. DAY 1999 SEMESTER UNCW CLASS ROOM 37
Miller talks to his student not knowing it is his daughter
PROFESSOR SGT. MILLER
Here is the curriculum for the
semester. There are only two exams.
You bomb those and you have no
business being in this class. Three
absences and don’t come back.
Tardies are unacceptable. Don’t
even try to come into the class if
you are tardy. To me, that is an
absence. All college students
should be responsible adults. Just
like my airmen in the Philippines .
BRENDA
What if you are very sick and you
have an excuse?
PROFESSOR SGT. MILLER
Well, dear !If you are sick more
than three times, then you have
missed too much. Retake the course!
(Shouting) Any more pertinent
questions?
42. . JERRY
Will you eventually talk about your
tour in the Philippines and the
Vietnam War?
PROFESSOR SGT. MILLER
It depends.
(CONTINUED)

58. CONTINUED: 57.
BRENDA
On what?
PROFESSOR SGT. MILLER
You seem to be a bit nervy for a
new incoming student.
BRENDA
I need to be since I am one of the
oldest students in this class. It’s
my last chance and I have to get it
right.
PROFESSOR SGT. MILLER
OK guys! Let ’s begin.
38 INT. DAY HALLWAY AT UNCW 38
After class, Brendan catches up to Brenda
BRENDAN
Geez !What did you do that for? You
embarrassed the professor. Weren’t
you a bit rash?
BRENDA
What are you talking about? Who are
you to criticize me? He asked for
questions, and then he got very
defensive. What a jerk! As if he
had something to hide.
BRENDAN
What are you talking about? You
don’t even know him. He is a real
nice guy and a great professor, I
hear.
BRENDA
Sorry! Let’s shake as if we just
met . It is my first college
experience and I want it to count.
I am hoping for a good experience.
42. .
Brendan extends his hand
BRENDAN
Nice to meet you! Isn’t it strange
how close our names are?
(CONTINUED)

59. CONTINUED: 58.
BRENDA
Have you always lived in
Wilmington?
BRENDAN
Yes, for as long as I can remember.
What about you?
BRENDA
I have lived in the Philippines,
San Francisco and now Wilmington. I
was born in the Philippines and
lived there until my mother
received her nursing degree, then
she received a first job at the
Veterans Hospital in San Francisco.
Now she is head nurse at New
Hanover Regional Medical Center in
Wilmington. Actually, I am an Asian
-American! ...
BRENDA
I think that combination makes a
beautiful person.
BRENDAN
What a charmer you are! Where did
you learn that? And quite
goodlooking for a blonde-haired,
blueeyed Norwegian? And only
nineteenyears old! Hopefully, you
have the brains to pass Professor
Tim’s class.
BRENDAN
I will pass his class. I want you
to know that many professors do
what Professor Tim did on the first
day of class. He wants students who
have true grit. As far as class is
concerned, they try to weed out
their students. They want the
students who have a passion to
learn in their classes. If the
students don’t have true grit, they
usually drop out of their class.
BRENDAN (cont’d) It gives them
the leverage to be good
professors. They know what
they are doing. That is why
they become the great
professors. Stick with him
!And, yes, my dad is from
Norway.
(CONTINUED)

60. CONTINUED: 59.
BRENDA
You sound like one of those
professors yourself. What is your
major anyway?
BRENDAN
I want to major in history,
preferably to teach the Vietnam
War. It interests me to no end. I
don’t know why. Maybe, it is
because my dad worked for the
incoming wounded veterans from when
he was on tour in the Philippines .
He won’t even talk about it, so I
have to research it on my own.
BRENDA
Well, that makes sense to me.
BRENDAN
So, what about you? I know you are
an Asian -American, but why take
this class?
BRENDA
(Stepping back as if to walk
away)
I!...I!... BRENDAN
You are speechless !...Wow!I didn’t
think that could be possible after
what I witnessed in class.
BRENDA
I have to go. I have a job to get
to. Nice talking to you. See you in
class if you don’t drop out.
BRENDAN
Not me. I’m here to stay. Brenda,
don’t let him intimidate you. He is
a great guy. I sort of know him!
42. . BRENDA
I’ll work on it. See you soon
FADE TO:

61. 60.
39 INT. EVENING AT CINDY AND TIM’S HOUSE 39
Miller sees Brendan walk towards his room and stops him in
the livng room
SGT. MILLER
How was school Brendan?
BRENDAN
I had a great day in all of my
classes, except yours. What is
wrong with you dad? I had to save
your butt, this morning.
SGT. MILLER
What are you talking about?
BRENDAN
That Asian-American girl thought
you were a cracker-barrel !You
didn’t need to eat her words,
digest them and spit them out back
to her. Geez !Dad! Be more
discreet. Where is the patience you
use to have? Blood pressure check!
! The semester was progressing
along with a few more outbursts
from Professor Tim. Brenda and
Brendan are becoming very good
friends.
BRENDA
I’ve met a friend, Brendan. He is
also from the Philippines and I
really like him. I need to
introduce him to you. He teaches
quantum physics here at the
University. This is my next best
class. Professor Tim’s is my best
class. You were right.
BRENDAN
I also have met a wonderful
Venezuelan girl. She is almost as
pretty as you are. She is in my
Spanish Conversation class .
50. BRENDA
I am glad that we can still be
friends. I am glad that I stayed in
Professor Tim’s class. Why doesn’t
he ever use his last name? We don’t
even know what it is?
(CONTINUED)

62. CONTINUED: 61.
BRENDAN
Does it really matter to you?
BRENDA
Have you noticed that Professor Tim
has lost weight lately, except for
his stomach? Also, he looks very
fatigued all the time. I like the
guy and I hope that he is going to
teach Asian Studies- Part 2.
(At Tom and Cindy’s House)
BRENDAN
Morn, has dad gone for a check-up
lately?
CINDY
Yes, son he has. That is what he
wanted to talk to you about.
BRENDAN
My friend, Brenda, said he looks
sickly. Funny, I never even
noticed. Dad is always dad. We fail
to see any changes in our parents
when it comes to their health.
Maybe, it is unconsciously done
because we don’t ever believe that
they might not be with us forever.
Brenda saw it and she is not even
related. Geez !
CINDY
Don’t be so hard on yourself. I am
his wife and I didn’t notice
either. We stopped noticing each
other a long time ago.
(Tim enters the room and Cindy
leaves)
SGT. MILLER
Brendan, I have kept this from you
for a long, long time. I have been
sick ever since you were a baby.
SGT. MILLER (cont’ d) I have
known for a long time and
waited for the opportune time
to tell you. I waited until
you were old enough to
understand.
(CONTINUED)

63. CONTINUED: 62.
BRENDAN
To understand what?
SGT. MILLER
I have known for quite a long time.
When I was in the Philippines, I
got sick. I spent an extra year in
the states in a hospital in San
Francisco. That was one of the
reasons I waited a few extra years
to marry your mother. It was my
secret. I usually don’t let many in
on my secrets. It is a way to
protect them.
BRENDAN
Protect them or yourself?
SGT. MILLER
While in the Philippines I got
glornerulonephritis, a kidney
disease. It got real bad and I
collapsed. I was almost out of
there and thought that if I could
just get to the states, I would
feel better. So I left after my
tour ended. It didn’t surface until
a week after I got back to the
states. I checked into the
Veteran’s Hospital in Raleigh and
they kept me for over a year. I did
receive a 30% disability. The
Captain ahead of me received a 100%
disability. We had exactly the same
disease, just different ranks.
BRENDAN
And then?
SGT. MILLER
I knew it would get worse as time
passed. I also knew that I had to
continue living.
BRENDAN
So you married morn on the rebound.
SGT. MILLER
I sort of liked her.
52. BRENDAN
Liking isn’t enough.
(CONTINUED)

64. CONTINUED: 63.
SGT. MILLER
When you came, I learned how to
love.
BRENDAN
So you stayed for me?
SGT. MILLER
I never meant to hurt your mother.
Never! It just wasn’t there. And I
think she felt the same, so we just
pretended to each other that we
were alright. Secrets to each other
for your sake. Until now!
SGT. MILLER
I am very close to needing a kidney
transplant . Without it, I will
die. But I can go on dialysis first
. I am almost at the end-stage.
Dialysis will only postpone it
until I find a kidney that will
match.
BRENDAN
I am your son and I can be a match.
I can give you my kidney.
SGT. MILLER
You are too young. You need your
two kidneys . I haven’t told your
mother, yet.
BRENDAN
How could you keep that from her?
SGT. MILLER
What sense would it have been if I
told her years and years ago? I don
’t like to complain.
BRENDAN
Maybe that is what I always felt.
Some hidden secret.
4 0 *- 4 0 SGT. MILLER
Now you know why I couldn’t talk
about Vietnam.
SGT. MILLER (cont’ d) I wanted
you to live a happy life. I
wanted you to understand. Now
you will learn the long
after-effects of war. Cindy is
(CONTINUED)

65. CONTINUED: 64.
in the next room listening to
all that was being said.
SGT. MILLER
Brendan, are you in love with your
Venezuelan girlfriend?
BRENDAN
Yes, very much so, dad.
SGT. MILLER
What if I told you that you were
never allowed to see her again?
Would you listen to me?
BRENDAN
You wouldn’t do that to me, dad. I
know you better than that.
SGT. MILLER
Yes, I wouldn’t; but, sometimes
circumstances get in the way and
leave you little choice in the
matter. And then you wind up making
the wrong choice and wind up
hurting everyone you care about.
This is all I can tell you for now.
Cindy walks in the room and
approaches Brendan and Tim.
CINDY
You kept your sickness from me all
of these years.
SGT. MILLER
You heard it all!
CINDY
Yes, and now I know where I fit
into your life. Perhaps I have
always known why our love never
blossomed. You withdrew the truth
from me. What else have you hidden?
Tim is very quiet, weak and fragile
in spirit.
54. CINDY
I have always felt that there was
something between us, something
blocking our love from the very
beginning. I thought it was my
fault.
(CONTINUED)

66. CONTINUED: 65.
SGT. MILLER
It was my fault. I was trying to
protect you. I wanted to keep you
from worry. I thought our marriage
would have a chance. I know that
good marriages are built on trust.
Our trust was lost because of me.
BRENDAN
But, both of you are great parents.
You need to be happy with or
without each other. I am old enough
to understand what love is all
about. Your decision is yours
alone. I will be fine with whatever
you both decide. I love you both
equally.
41 EXT . DAY UNCW QUAD 41
Professor Tim does not come back to teach at the University.
It is the last week of school.
BRENDA
What’ s up with Professor Tim? He
said if you don’t show up for
class, it is as good as a failure!
So, now we all fail because he
doesn’t show. Have you heard
anything? Brendan appears very
sullen.
BRENDAN
You know you need to stop bashing
him. He is a great guy.
BRENDA
You and he seem to be good friends.
How do you both connect? I do have
a fine respect for him. It takes me
more time, but once I bond with
someone, there remains a loyalty. I
feel that for him. So, tell me how
do you know him?
BRENDA (cont’ d) And what is
his last name? I don’t see
anything but Professor Tim. Is
that his last name?
BRENDAN
No, his last name is Miller. The
same as mine! Brenda’s face turns
white.
(CONTINUED)

67. CONTINUED: 66.
BRENDA
All this time and you kept this a
secret. Why didn’t you want me to
know?
BRENDAN
I wanted you to respect him because
of his own merits. I told you that
he was a great guy and now, Brendan
he can die. No one ever thinks
their parents are going to die. He
needs a kidney transplant or he
will die.
BRENDA
My mother works at New Hanover
Regional Medical Hospital . She is
going to work in urology. Right now
they have her in pediatrics. She
has been studying in order to
prepare herself for the dialysis
unit. She would know about a
transplant. If I am able, I can be
a donor.
BRENDAN
No, I have already decided. I will
give him my kidney.
BRENDA
You have to be a match. If you are
Type B positive and he is Type A
positive you can’t do it.
BRENDA
I’ll get tested. I have already
checked into it. I have an
appointment the 3rd of January.
BRENDAN
I’m coming with you. Later that
evening Brenda makes an appointment
on the same day
56.
42 INT. EVENING BRENDA’ S BED ROOM 4 2
At home, Brenda is getting ready for bed.
(CONTINUED)

68. CONTINUED: 67.
BRENDA
So, are you learning much for your
new position?
NORA
Yes, dear. I didn’t know some of
the facts, but I am learning.
BRENDA
What blood type am I? Do you know?
NORA
You are the best !...Type o , You
can give to anyone. That makes you
special.
BRENDA
What about during a kidney
transplant? How does that work?
NORA
Well you also have to consider the
antigens.
BRENDA
What are antigens?
NORA
I just studied that. An antigen is
a molecule that stimulates an
immune response. Antigens are
usually proteins or
polysaccharides. You must have at
least three of the same antigens as
the recipient. And the same blood
type or able to be a universal
donor-type o. Type A people make
antibodies only to type B antigens.
The A-type surfaces are not
recognized. That means your body
makes antigens you can receive type
A or type AB. If you are blood type
AB you can receive blood from a
donor with any blood type.
(universal recipient) If you are
blood type O your cells make
antibodies against both type A and
B antigens. If a type O needs
blood, they can only receive from
type o. It is the most common.
(CONTINUED)

69. CONTINUED: 68.
57. BRENDA
Gee this is way too confusing for
me. So, if I have Type o, I can
give someone a kidney.
NORA
Yes, but you need to have a certain
amount of antigens that will match.
The higher the number the better.
Three or four would be good.
Cadavers are sometimes used, but
they don’t always work. But the
hard part is rejection. The
recipients can do well but
sometimes they reject the kidney.
BRENDA
But, sometimes they are fine?
Right?
NORA
Yes, dear. Are you thinking about
nursing? Nora is so excited that
her daughter is interested
BRENDA
Just thinking, mom.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
43 INT. MORNING BACK AT THE UNIVERSITY 4 3
BRENDAN
I found out a lot of the details
about the transplant. I already
signed up.
BRENDA
Well, I can go with you and be your
support person. Maybe I can even
get tested.
BRENDAN
Why would you want to risk your
life? For a teacher you only met a
semester ago?
58. BRENDA
It’s a teacher I respect . He has
integrity. You were right all
along. I was the jerk! And above
all, he is your father. I would do
it if I had a father, wouldn’t I?
(CONTINUED)

70. CONTINUED: 69.
BRENDAN
But, you can die. There is always a
risk.
BRENDA
That’s my choice, isn’t it?
BRENDAN
We will talk about it later. Yes,
you can, at least come to Duke with
me. I would like that, but no one
is to know.
BRENDA
Such secrets. Where did you learn
that?
BRENDAN
Hey, I believe that all things
happen for good. We met by chance
and a very good chance is that we
need each other.
CUT TO:
44 INT. DAY NEW HANOVER REGIONAL HOSPITAL 44
Nora and Dr. Gentry talk in his office
NORA
Dr. Gentry, can universal donors
give a kidney to anyone if their
antigens match the recipient?
DR. GENTRY
Certainly! It is harder for a donor
to give than for the recipient to
receive. And sometimes there are
complications for the donors. Nora
looks confused.
59. NURSE NORA
So how does a donor know that
her/his kidney will not be
rejected, that they might be giving
up their life for nothing. Who
would risk that?
DR. GENTRY
Anyone who cares deeply for another
human being. That is what we call
altruistic!
(CONTINUED)

71. CONTINUED: 70.
NURSE NORA
I haven’t started in the dialysis
ward yet; but, how come so many
young men in their fifties are
dying from kidney disease, cancers,
diabetes etc!...Especially
veterans.
DR. GENTRY
There seems to be a higher rate
among men who were in Vietnam.
Statistics have been used and it is
confirmed that Agent Orange is the
culprit. I wasn’t aware of it when
I was younger, but now being an
urologist and working with the
nephrologist, I see a pattern.
NURSE NORA
Do they have many men that survive
the transplants and live a normal
life?
DR. GENTRY
Normal?... wouldn ’t use that term.
Those that are even able to afford
the medicines which keep them alive
after the transplant, survive.
Their medicine keeps them alive.
The medicine is so expensive that
many men and women have to stop
taking it.
NORA
Doesn ’t seem fair to me! Veterans
will be recognized soon. It’s going
to take an act of Congress to speed
up the process. Some of these men
never even get a chance to have the
transplant. There are waiting lists
a mile long.
60.
Nora’s eyes eyes downcast with a
look of disapointment
NORA
I was in the Philippines during
this time. I met many of the young
soldiers. Nice young men. I need to
get back to work.
(CONTINUED)

72. CONTINUED: 71.
DR. GENTRY
Did you know that Agent Orange is
now affecting the children and
grandchildren? It has already
damaged the lives of many of the
Vietnamese children. When studies
were done ’Operation Ranch Hand’,
the man who had the proof was
murdered. What does that say?
NORA
Well if I don’t get down to the
pediatric floor, we are going to
have a whole lot of screaming
babies. Nora stands up and walks
out of Dr. Gentry’s office towards
the elevator and presses the button
looks up to see what floor it is
on. The bell dings and Nora steps
inside and presses the floor she
needs to go to. Nora turns an looks
at the elevator door she dead pans
the camera.
45 INT. EVENING NORA’S AT HOME AFTER A FULL DAY’S WORK 4 5
BRENDA
Mom, are you home?
NORA
Yes, dear. I am in my bedroom. I
just got back from the hospital .
BRENDA
My professor of Asian Studies class
didn ’t show up today in class. I
did however meet his son, Brendan.
NORA
Well, Hon, isn ’t that your friend?
Is that the same Brendan with whom
you are good friends?
61. BRENDA
You always said there are no
coincidences. Things happen because
they are meant to happen. Mom, did
you ever think of giving part of
yourself to someone else.
(CONTINUED)

73. CONTINUED: 72.
NORA
Sure, honey, only if you truly love
them. Are you talking about an
affair with Felipe?
BRENDA
No, mom. Not that yet. I mean like
being a donor and helping someone
out, who might otherwise die. You
see it all the time, don’t you?
Nora thinking silently
NORA
I thought about it. I know what it
takes to want to help others. That
is why I became a nurse. People
help in different ways, dear. That
is why I am a nurse. Is something
bothering you, Brenda?
BRENDA
I don’t want my professor to die. I
am quite fond of him.
NORA
Do you mean that you are in love
with him?
BRENDA
No, mom. I have Felipe. I am in
love with Felipe. But I am fond of
Professor Tim. Oh! By the way, I
found out his last name. It’s.....
NORA
Tell me later. I can’t hear you I
am in the shower . After her
shower, hair dripping, looking much
like a young girl
BRENDA
Mom, did you ever give a part of
yourself to anyone you loved.
62. NORA
I loved your father. So, Yes! What
does this professor look like?
BRENDA
He is a muscular, Nordic
blondehaired blue-eyed male in his
mid 50’s. He looks much like
Brendan, my friend.
(CONTINUED)

74. CONTINUED: 73.
NORA
Well, what a coincident!
BRENDA
There are no coincidences. His last
name is Miller. Professor Tim
Miller, but he doesn’t use his last
name. No one knows it, not even the
faculty. Brendan told me that Prof.
Tim is his father and that he was
going to give him his kidney if he
matched. Silence was louder than it
had ever been before
NORA
You are Type O blood.
BRENDA
You mean that I could be a match
for him if Brendan isn’t. He
doesn’t have to know who the donor
is, does he?
NORA
No, dear. Is this something you
want to do?
BRENDA
He seems so familiar to me. I feel
as I’ve always known him. There is
an attachment to him and to
Brendan. I just can ’t place it.
Nora’s heart is throbbing. She is
aware that it can be Tim, the
father of Brenda
NORA
We need to take a trip to Duke
University
CUT TO:
63.
4 6 INT DAY DUKE UNIVERSTY HOSPITAL 4 6
BRENDA
I am coming with you, right?
BRENDAN
Right! You said you wanted to
support me. They go to the
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

75. CONTINUED: 74.
BRENDAN (cont’d)
transplant department at Duke. As
they enter, Brendan and Brenda go
to the main desk.
BRENDA
I have an appointment today. My
last name is Corazon.
CLERK
Yes, maam you are in.
BRENDAN
You are going ahead with it, aren’t
you?
BRENDA
I told you I would.
BRENDAN
I go first. If I am a positive, I
can give.
BRENDA
You are too young to give.
BRENDAN
So now you are acting like a big
sister.
BRENDA
I want to do this Brendan. I want
to feel connected to some family. I
only have mother. If I am a match,
I am doing this. He doesn’t ever
have to know. It will be our
secret. You are a pro at keeping
secrets, aren’t you?
BRENDAN
That will be our last secret. I can
’t take anymore secrets .
(Together, they travel back to
Wilmington.
BRENDAN (cont’d) Very little
conversation takes place.
FADE OUT: FADE IN:

76. 75.
47 INT. DAY FOUR MONTHS LATER AT NEW HANOVER REGIONAL 47
DR. GENTRY
So sorry we had to transfer you to
pediatrics.
NORA
I understand.
DR. GENTRY
We are, as of next week, going to
transfer you back to the dialysis
ward. Think you can handle it.
NORA
Yes, it is time. Thinking of an
encounter with Tim, she realizes he
is married and has a son.
DR. GENTRY
I already know you are the best
head nurse I have ever had. I
wanted you to know that if I
weren’t married and, if I didn’t
love my wife, I would have married
you, Nora. Nora thinking that these
will also be Tim’s words. She would
have tried sooner to meet Tim,
except she didn’t want to hear Dr.
Gentry’s word spoken from Tim. She
had hoped they came from Tim’s lips
NORA
You are very kind, Dr. Gentry. Your
wife is very lucky.
INT. DAY THE DIALYSIS UNIT WHERE NORA SEES TIM.
Tim is still as she remembers. He still remains tall,
muscular, and blonde with shades of gray around his temples,
He is very handsome. She keeps herself from tearing up and
walks up to him.
65. NORA
Mr. Miller? ...Mr .Tim Miller?
...Tim?
SGT. MILLER
Oh my God! Nora! I never expected
to see you here, especially like
this. I had always hoped that our
paths would cross again.
(CONTINUED)

77. CONTINUED: 76.
(Tears fill his eyes) Together
they hug each other and they
exchange stories.
NORA
You have a wonderful daughter. Her
name is Brenda. Remember?
SGT. MILLER
I know because I named my son,
Brendan after her.
NORA
You know my daughter was in your
class. She does not know who you
are yet, Brendan’ s father. She
doesn’t know that you are her
father or that Brendan is her
brother. As her father it is your
duty. Make it right, Tim.
SGT. MILLER
She will hate me.
NORA
I don’t! I have always loved you.
Now that I know why you never
contacted me, I understand. Tim I
didn’t want to drag you into my
life. I wanted to give you your
freedom. You do that when you love
someone. I had gotten sick and I
didn ’t want to carry you into that
mess . I was too young to know that
I could have survived and lived an
almostnormal life. I was too young
to know the right thing to do.
SGT. MILLER
I married Cindy knowing that our
families would help if I didn’t
make it. I am so sorry, my darling.
SGT. MILLER (cont’ d) I never
stopped loving you or Brenda.
CUT TO: FADE IN:

78. 77.
4 8 INT. DAY JAN 2001 DUKE HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM 4 8
Jeremy, from Clark AFB, has entered the hospital at Duke
University. He later is transferred across the street to the
Veteran’ s Hospital . Jeremy looks at Tim like he knows and
rernebers him from somewhere
JEREMY
Hey rnan! ...were you in the
Philippines? You look familiar.
SGT. MILLER
I was there from 1965-1969. What
about you?
JEREMY
Yeah! Me, too! This is a hell of a
time to be alive. That is if you
call living at a hospital being
alive. Jeremy is slightly obese due
to his steroids. His face is a
moonpie.
SGT. MILLER
(thinking to himself) I’ll not
get like that. I’d rather
starve to death Corne here
often?
JEREMY
No, I live here. It’s my second
home, like a vacation. I’ve been
corning for the last ten years.
It’s not a pretty site. I thought
the war days were bad enough. This
is even worse. My days are
numbered. I have lung and kidney
cancer and I never even smoked or
drank. Yes, I ate some junk food
when I was young. My life has been
one hell hole after another.
JEREMY (cont’ d) I can
honestly say that my best days
were in the Philippines. At
that point Tim looks at
Jeremy.
SGT. MILLER
Holy Crap! It’s you, Jeremy!
JEREMY
I knew you looked familiar,
Sergeant Tim. My finest moments
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

79. CONTINUED: 78.
JEREMY (cont’d)
were when you were our leader. All
hell broke loose after you left.
SGT. MILLER
How can that be?
JEREMY
Jim tried to commit suicide. Rick
tried to stop him. Jim was placed
in a mental ward.
SGT. MILLER
Didn’t we always tell him that?
Where is he now? What hospital and
where?
JEREMY
They put him in Central Islip
Hospital in New York! It is the
worst place to be; but, he has been
there forever. I visit him when I
go north, but he doesn’t know me
anymore. Poor guy!
SGT. MILLER
Did you ever marry?
JEREMY
Are you kidding? It took me forever
to leave my mother ’s apron
strings. I wasn’t about to let
another woman tie me down. Oh! I
had my share of women. Loads of
them. Nothing ever panned out .
Most likely because I didn’t want
it to. But now. ........
SGT. MILLER
Now, what?
JEREMY
I hate to die all alone, but I
chose my path. I lived my life and
I chose the road less travelled.
JEREMY (cont’ d) And you, Tim.
Did she come back to haunt
you?
SGT. MILLER
On the contrary, she gave me my
space, my freedom and a life
without the one I truly loved. But,
somehow it has worked out.
(CONTINUED)

80. CONTINUED: 79.
SGT. MILLER
She is going to be my nurse during
my kidney transplant. I am going
for it. If it works, I can spend my
last ten years with her. She wants
it to work. She has expressed that
she knows of a possible donor. In
walked both Brenda and Brendan each
sitting on opposite sides of Tim.
Nora walks in behind them.
BRENDA
(to Nora) Morn, this is
Brendan’s dad, Mr . Tim Miller
and thank you Professor Miller
for being honest with me. I
never knew that you were
Brendan ’s father, but I am
glad that you are. Also I want
you to know that I am going to
give you my kidney. I couldn’t
tell you until the day of the
transplant. I was the closest
match. And I was afraid you
wouldn’t let me.
SGT. MILLER
Do you know why you were almost a
perfect match?
BRENDA
(Confused, shocked and
trembling) Are you my father?
SGT. MILLER
Yes, and I have always loved you
and your mother. I never stopped
loving her. That was the biggest
problem. I have always known of my
disease. Your mother needed to live
her life for you. I didn ’t want to
get in her way.
69. BRENDA
Is that why you named your son
Brendan? Was it as a reminder for
you?
SGT. MILLER
I never wanted to forget you. I
paid support and gave it to your
grandmother when you were in the
Philippines . I never wanted anyone
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

81. CONTINUED: 80.
SGT. MILLER (cont’d)
to know. I loved you and your
mother.
BRENDA
And now? Now do you still love us?
SGT. MILLER
Even more! I knew that fate would
bring you back to me. I knew your
grandmother died when I stopped
getting her letters . I wrote to
her: but when I never received any
more letters, I knew she had died.
So I stopped writing because I
couldn’t let you know.
BRENDAN
Can you love us equally dad? I
would love to have a sister. Dad,
Brenda and I were both tested at
Duke and she is a possible donor
for you. It is amazing match. Her
antigens are perfect.
BRENDA
Let me do this, please. Let me
return my love to you, as your
daughter. I haven’t exactly told
morn directly, but I have hinted
about it. She said it was my
choice. And now she knows. Tim
notices Brenda’s birthmark
SGT. MILLER
What if I lose you? Sometimes, it’s
harder for the donor. I have heard
stories from others .
BRENDA
If you die, then I would have lost
you twice. I need to do this and
morn understands.
BRENDA (cont’ d) Felipe is fine
with it. I already checked with
him.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:

82. 81.
4 9 EXT. DAY HUGH MCCRAE PARK
One month passes by and Tim is still on dialysis. His
romance with Nora continues and their love is rekindled.
SGT. MILLER
I can’t do dialysis anymore. It is
like I am imprisoned in my own
sickness.
NORA
That is what dialysis does. It
imprisons you.
SGT. MILLER
I am going to go for the transplant
. I’ve inquired. Duke has an
opening May 7, 2001. If Brenda is
still able, then I will do it.
Maybe, I could then live a normal
life. And when Brenda recovers,
then we can live a fairytale life
all together for as long as God
allows.
NORA
That certainly was my dream. I have
waited a life-time for it to come
true.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
INT. DUKE HOSPITAL ON MAY 7, 2001
DR. BROWN
Well, here goes! You both are a
perfect match. Tim and Brenda are
placed in the operating room on
different tables. Nora, Brendan,
and Cindy are in the waiting room
NORA
No hard feelings, Cindy
CINDY
No, Nora. I always knew. He is a
good man and you deserve each
other. There are no hard feelings
from me. I gained a wonderful son
and now I have a step daughter. I
never have loved Tim as you have.
We both knew that. I just stayed
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

83. CONTINUED: 82.
CINDY (cont’d)
for Brendan’s sake; but, now I need
to find my own way. It’s your turn,
now, Nora. We can be friends! Six
hours passes by and Dr. Browne
comes into the waiting room
DR. BROWN
The operation is a success . Tim’s
new kidney is working like a charm.
And Brenda is up and alert. Her
first question was, "How is dad?"
NORA
It will all turn out fine. Things
don ’t happen for nothing. There
always is a reason. We, humans,
just don’t believe it. The end
justifies the means .
EXT. BEACH WEDDING - DAY
A fabluous beach wedding. Tim walks Brenda down the aisle
and releases her to Felipe.
He takes a seat next to Nora, who looks up to him, smiling.
Tim holds Nora’s hand.
She looks up to him, smiling.
FADE TO BLACK.