Trey figures out what it is to be a man through his father's eyes, even if it means sacrificing his own values.

1. “Liminality”
By Guy H. Fisher III

2. 2
INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY
A boy is sitting in a living room playing video games on the TV
and eating snacks. The living room is middle-class with family
photos scattered throughout and a mother’s poor attempt at being
fancy. The front door opens, but the boy is too entranced by the
video game to pay any attention.
TREY
Hey, dad!
DAD
(He stands at the door way and pauses for a moment looking at
TREY.) You aren’t gonna give your dad a hug when he comes home
from work?
TREY
Oh, yeah, for sure. I just have to get past this level real
quick.
DAD
You’re gonna waste your life playing those damn things all day.
Come give your old man a hug.
The BOY can sense the frustration in the father’s tone and feels
guilty. He immediately pauses the game and shuffles to go hug
his dad to welcome him home.
DAD
There we go. (He smiles as he hugs his son, moves to put his
things down, and then proceeds to his chair in the living room.)
DAD (CONT’D)
What have you been up to today? (He sounds interested but then
glares at the TV in distance.) Just these video games?
TREY
Yeah- (DAD gives him a stern look.) I mean, yes, sir. I finished
all my summer reading, so I started playing the game mom got me.
DAD
(Annoyed.) Of course, she got you a new game. Well, take it off
the TV. My game is on soon.
TREY
Can I just finish this level?

3. 3
DAD
(Sternly.) No, take it off. You’ve spent all day on it. It’s
time for a real game.
The boy goes obediently to turn off his console and change the
TV to DAD’s game. He then proceeds to leave the living room.
DAD
Where ya going?
TREY
To my room.
DAD
(He laughs in confusion.) Why? The game is about to start?
BOY
(A little uncomfortable and unsure.) Um… I think I have some
math stuff to do. I kinda forgot about them. (It is obvious the
boy is just making it up.)
DAD
(Disappointedly.) Right, well, you better get to it then.
CUT TO:
INT. DINING ROOM – NIGHT
The table is set with some freezer lasagna that came out of the
oven alongside some canned vegetables. The lasagna is a little
burnt around the edges. The father is already sitting at the
head of the table as the mother continues to bring out the food.
MOM
Sorry that dinner is so late, guys. I just got caught up at the
office and time just slipped away! (She finishes setting the
table and takes a seat.)
Everyone begins to grab the food on the table.
DAD
(Grumlbes as this has happened before.) Frozen meals aren’t for
a growing boy, Sarah. He’s so scrawny.

4. 4
MOM
Oh, stop. I’m going grocery shopping tomorrow and this is all we
had. Trey is fine anyways. Look at him, getting so big and
strong!
TREY
(Visibly embarrassed and bashful at the comments but smiling.)
Mom, stop.
DAD
Yeah, you’re gonna make the boy softer than he already is. Gotta
put some meat on his bones.
The boy looks sulkily towards his father as he drinks a beer and
continues with his meal.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
TREY and his mother are washing dishes together while his father
is watching more football on the TV. Trey is visibly down about
something on his mind: his father’s comments from dinner.
MOM
Is something wrong?
TREY
(Clearly upset.) It’s nothing, mom.
MOM
It’s not nothing, with that look on your face. What’s on your
mind?
TREY
(He remains silent for a moment as he debates in his head
whether to tell his mom.) Just… do you think dad likes me?
MOM
(Taken aback by the comment, she turns off the sink.) Sweetie,
of course. Your father more than likes you. He loves you.
(Pause.) What made you think that? Was it what he said at
dinner?
TREY
Well, kinda. He just doesn’t seem interested in me. We don’t
like the same things, so what’s he got to like about me?

5. 5
MOM
Honey, your father loves you for who you are and everything that
comes with it. Just because you two like different things
doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you any less, okay?
TREY
(Doubtful)Okay…
MOM
(She knows he’s still unsure and stares at him concerned for a
moment.) Look, it’s getting late, so I’ll finish up here while
you go ahead and get ready for bed. I’ll be there to tuck you in
when I’m done.
TREY
Alright (He wipes his hands on the kitchen rag and walks towards
his room to get ready.)
The mother has just finished up washing the dishes and is drying
her hands. She looks down the hallway to make sure TREY is in
his room. The coast is clear.
MOM
(Loudly whispering.) Mark!
DAD (OFF SCREEN)
(Raising his voice from the living room unaware they are keeping
their voices down.) What?
MOM
Shhh! (Still whispering.) Can you come in here?
DAD (OFF SCREEN)
(Loudly whispering.) The game is on!
MOM
(Still whispering. Sternly.) Can you please come in here?
DAD
(Takes him a few seconds, but he enters the kitchen.) What is
it?
MOM
I was thinking you could tuck in Trey tonight.
DAD
What? Why?

6. 6
MOM
I just think it would mean a lot to him.
DAD
(Surprise.) Oh, we’re still doing that? (A pause, as he
remembers TREY’s age) At 12? That’s a little old for that stuff,
I’d think. (He crosses his arms and leans against the counter,
brushing off the idea) Anyway, you know it's always a little
awkward when we talk. Tucking in isn’t my job.
MOM
(Not fazed by his plea.) It’s a parent’s job, Mark. You’ll be
fine. Just go in there, talk to him, and let him know you love
him. After that, just plug in his nightlight.
(Pause. They both stare at each other for a moment. The father
looks reluctant while the mother looks slightly stern.)
DAD
Fine, I’ll go do it.
MOM smiles and kisses DAD on the cheek.
CUT TO:
INT. TREY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Trey is playing on his handheld game on his bed. He’s ready for
bed and awaiting to get tucked in. The door opens. Trey notices
it’s his father, and so, he immediately tries to hide his video
games.
DAD
Playing more video games?
TREY
(Nervously.) Yes, sir. Just about to start reading though.
He is still standing as he is unsure as to what to do. There is
an uncomfortable pause since both are confused.
TREY
(Pause.) Is mom coming to tuck me in?
DAD
Uh, no. I’m tucking you in tonight, son.

7. 7
TREY
Oh, okay…
(There is another pause. The dad begins approaching the bed.)
DAD
So… what does mom normally do?
TREY
Well, she usually asks me how my day was and stuff. We just
kinda talk and then she kisses me goodnight and plugs in my
nightlight.
DAD
Right, so… How was your day?
TREY
It was good… I got pretty far in my new game.
DAD
(Pause.) Well, tell me about it.
TREY
Really?
DAD
Yeah, sure.
TREY
(Excitement growing as he speaks.) Well, I just got the game,
but I already got farther than Jason, and he’s had the game for
like a month.
DAD
(He attempts to act interested.) So, uh, what’s the point of the
game?
TREY
(Gesturing vaguely.) Getting to explore the world and doing
whatever is out there.
DAD
(Slightly judgmental.) I mean, when I was your age, our games
were outside. You could do the same things you do on the game...
Explore the neighborhood, play with your friends.

8. 8
TREY
(TREY’s excitement is wiped from his face.) Yeah, I guess I
could…
DAD
(DAD sees he is a little discouraged. He notices the nightlight
on the bedside table and gets an idea.) You still afraid of the
dark?
TREY
(Embarrassed.) Yeah.
DAD
Y’know, when I was your age, you know what I was afraid of?
TREY
(A little surprised.) You were afraid of something?
DAD
Oh, yeah. When I was your age, I was terrified of spiders.
TREY
(Laughing.) Spiders? Really?
DAD
(Curious.) Yep, I couldn’t even be in the same room as them.
TREY
(Smiling.) How’d you get over it?
DAD
Well, one day, your grandfather caught a spider, and you know
what he did?
TREY
What?
DAD
He put it in my bed while I was sleeping (TREY laughs.) Yeah, it
was terrifying. He even locked me in my room until I wasn’t
afraid anymore. (He laughs at old memories.) He gave me the push
I didn’t know I needed. He always did. (getting more serious,
more like a teacher to his son) He was always pushing me to make
me into the man I am today. Maybe we could try that out? You’ll
never grow if you don’t face your fears.

9. 9
TREY
What do you mean?
DAD
You’re getting older, so I think it’s time we got rid of your
nightlight, don’t you think?
TREY
(A little worried.) Yeah…
DAD
Alright, I’m gonna take it for the night, okay? (TREY shakes his
head reluctantly.) It may be hard, but I believe in you.
TREY
(Caught off guard by that comment.) Really?
DAD
(Smiling.) Of course.
TREY
Okay… (DAD kisses him on his forehead). Goodnight, love you.
DAD
Goodnight, son. (He turns off the light and shuts the door)
TREY begins his attempt to overcome his fear of the dark. He
tries to close his eyes, but the darkness is too loud. He is
restless. When hears something shift in the dark. He moves into
paralyzing fear and attempts to hid himself beneath the
blankets. He sees the looming shadows through his window. He
makes a dash for his door to get back his nightlight. He
stumbles through the dark out of fear, but he finds the door and
escapes.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY – NIGHT
TREY begins to venture down the hallway. He hears muffled sounds
of fighting coming from the kitchen and begins to head toward
it.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT

10. 10
MOM is continuing to clean the rest of the kitchen while she is
fighting with DAD. TREY walks in mid-argument. He stumbles just
out of sight since he is too scared to interrupt them.
MOM
(Gently, exasperated, with the air of this being a typical
conversation.) He is not wasting his life, Mark! He’s just a
kid. He’s having fun, and that’s what kids do nowadays: play
inside. (Pause.) You’re his father. You’re the one that needs to
be reaching out to him. You could always start taking him on one
of your weekend hunting trips with you.
DAD
(Uneasy.) He doesn’t even know a thing about hunting.
MOM
Then teach him! It would be fun. You two will spend time
together. Bond’n whatnot.
DAD
Fine, I’ll try to teach him. Don’t think he’ll like it much
though.
TREY sees the nightlight in DAD’s hands still. He doesn’t dare
to interrupt and retreats into the hallway a little teary eyed,
but he now has a sense of determination to prove his dad wrong.
We see him stare back into the darkness of his room. He goes in
and shuts the door.
CUT TO:
EXT. BACKYARD SHOOTING RANGE – DAY
TREY and DAD are in a backyard, make-shift shooting range that
his father set up for him. The target they are shooting at has
been worn down from years of practice from DAD while they have a
cooler and two lawn chairs set up nearby for any breaks they
take. There’s a haybale setup by both to prop the gun up for
shooting. DAD is standing next to TREY with a beer in one hand
and BB gun in the other while TREY stands in front of him
watching.
DAD
Now alright, before I can take you out there, we gotta teach you
a few things first. (He swigs his beer. He raises 4 fingers and
counts off them.) You gotta learn how to attract the deer, how
to dress, how to act, but most of all you gotta learn how to

11. 11
shoot. (He grabs the gun.) Your grandfather taught me how to
shoot with a BB gun first, so I’m gonna do the same. Once you
got the hang of this, we can get into the fun stuff.
He walks over to set his beer down on the cooler.
DAD (CONT’D)
Alright, (DAD proceeds to kneel at the hay bale.) This is the
position you want to hold when you’re shooting. You see? (TREY
nods. DAD makes motions as he explains, pressing the gun to his
shoulder and tightening his arm.) You want the gun pressed
against your shoulder with a firm grip. And one of the most
important rules is never have your finger on the trigger ‘less
you’re absolutely sure you’re gonna shoot, got that? (DAD looks
back at TREY. TREY nods.) I need you to tell me you got that,
son.
TREY
Don’t put your finger on the trigger unless you are absolute
sure you’re going to shoot.
DAD
Alright, how’s about you give it a shot. (He hands the gun to
TREY. TREY assumes a rather relaxed and slouching position.)
Well, you gotta straighten up, son. Make sure it’s tight and not
going to move you on the kickback. (DAD proceeds to correct his
form.) There ya go. (Pause.) You see the crosshairs?
TREY
Kinda, not really.
DAD
(Looking at him now instead of down the gun.) Well, close the
eye farthest from the gun.
TREY
Okay, now I see it.
DAD
There’s a line in the middle, you see that?
TREY
Yes, sir.
DAD
Alright, when you think you’re ready, son, you’re gonna pull the
trigger and fire. Think you’re ready?

12. 12
TREY
(Concentrating.) Yeah, I think I am.
DAD
Okay, then take the shot.
TREY hesitates for a moment to ensure that his shot is truly
lined up, but he takes it. It lands somewhat far to the right.
TREY looks disappointed and DAD notices.
DAD
Not bad for your first shot, son. I didn’t even hit the target
on my first try.
They both smile for a moment.
DAD
Let’s give it another try. (He pats TREY on the back.)
TREY
(Excited.) Okay.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The living room lights are on with TREY’s video games still out.
DAD comes by and picks them up and then proceeds to turn off the
other lights. He turns off the kitchen light and proceeds down
the hall.
CUT TO:
INT. TREY’S ROOM
DAD
(He opens the door. Smiling.) Hey, son.
TREY
(Playing handheld video games.) Hey, dad!
DAD
(Lights out at 9. Big day tomorrow.
TREY
Goodnight, love you!
DAD
(Smiling.) Goodnight, love you.

13. 13
DAD closes the door.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT
DAD is reading in bed while MOM is still getting ready. He has
his reading glasses on and book in hand but just finished
reading.
MOM (IN THE BATHROOM)
Was he able to shoot at all?
DAD (CONT’D)
Took him a day or two, but yeah. I moved him up to the big gun,
he handled it well. Eventually, he started really enjoying it, I
think he even started liking it. (proud smile.) He’s started
leaving his games here, too, you notice? He talks to me in the
car now.
MOM (IN THE BATHROOM)
See, I told you this would be great. I’m so proud of both of
you. What are you guys doing tomorrow then?
DAD
Well, I taught him everything my dad did when I first went
hunting, so I’m gonna finally take him out to the real thing.
MOM (ENTERING)
(Looking slightly uneasy.) So, he does know he’s killing a deer,
right?
DAD
Of course. What else would he think he’s doing?
MOM
(Stressed and getting into bed.) I don’t know. I just want to
make sure he’s prepared to do that. I just worry he doesn’t have
the heart for it.
DAD
It’s about overcoming that fear, Sarah. (reflective) My dad
taught me how, it was part of that ritual I’ve told you about.
It’s about making a boy into a man.

14. 14
MOM
What was that?
DAD
He rubbed the blood of the deer on my face. Dad always said that
was the moment I really became a man.
MOM
Mark, don’t you think that’s a little much? I mean, this is Trey
we’re talking about.
DAD
It’ll be fine, Sarah. Trust me, it’ll make him stronger. He’s my
son, and I know what he can take.
MOM
(Still unsure.) Alright, I’m trusting you.
CUT TO:
EARLY MORNING
Small montage of them driving and getting to the deer stand.
CUT TO:
INT. DEER STAND – EARLY MORNING
TREY and DAD are setting everything up inside the stand. Once
settled they sit in silence looking out into the field. Some
time passes, and nothing appears to show. DAD begins to look
frustrated.
TREY
(Impatiently and whispering.) When are the deer gonna show up?
DAD
(Annoyed.) I don’t know, Trey. They show up when they want to.
TREY
What do we do ‘til then?
DAD
(Still annoyed.) We keep waiting. But, if we’re quiet, they’ll
come out faster.
TREY and DAD continue to watch the field as more time passes.
Nothing continues to happen… But, suddenly, DAD sees something.

15. 15
DAD
(Alarmed and excited but still whispering. Nudging TREY.) Hey?
Hey! I think I see something in the bushes!
TREY
(Alarmed and awaken.) Wh-where?
DAD
(Pointing.) Right there. You see?
A pause is held while TREY watches taken aback by this moment.
Suddenly, DAD takes the shot and the unexpected noise startles
TREY. The deer falls dead. TREY’s smile is immediately wiped
from his face. He is in a shock and disbelief.
DAD
(Excited.) That’s how it’s done. You see that? (TREY is silent
and lost in his own mind.)
TREY
(Still in shock.) He-he’s moving.
DAD
(Looks down the range and then back into the scope of the gun
for a better look. He begins to smile and get even more
excited.) No, that’s another deer. (Pause.) Go ahead, take this
one.
He moves out of the way and puts TREY in front of the gun. But,
TREY doesn’t move and just stares at it.
DAD (CONT’D)
It’s by the one I shot.
TREY looks reluctantly down the range and remains silent and
still.
DAD(CONT’D)
Trey, go on. I believe in you, you got this. (TREY takes the
gun and looks through the scope.) It’s small, so it must be far.
Aim high, Trey. Aim high.
TREY begins to shake nervously holding the gun and can’t bring
himself to take the shot.

16. 16
DAD (CONT’D)
(DAD puts his hand on TREY’s shoulder and whisper loudly.) You
got this, son. C’mon, all ya gotta do is pull the trigger.
TREY takes the shot. The loud bang is followed by a dead silent
pause. DAD is looking to see what has happened. TREY killed the
deer.
DAD (CONT’D)
(Ecstatic.) Nice, son! You got it! You got it! (He hugs TREY who
is currently frozen in trauma.) Let’s go check it out. (DAD
opens the door to the stand and leaves while TREY remains there
for a moment and then follows.)
DAD and TREY hover over the dead bodies of the deer they shot.
DAD has a massive grin on his face while TREY has a look of
devastation.
DAD
Wasn’t actually far down the range, looks like it was this one’s
kid. You still got that sucker though! (He slaps TREY on the
back.) Alright, help me carry them to the car.
CUT TO:
EXT. TRUCK – DAY
DAD slams the truck bed shut while TREY remains unnerved. Both
have gotten some blood on their clothes from the deer’s wounds.
DAD
I’m proud of you, son. (He pats TREY on the back.) Let’s take’em
home, Henry’s gonna meet us there, help us skin’em.
TREY walks over to assume his backseat spot in the car, but DAD
stops him.
DAD
You’re gettin’ old. Think it's time for you to sit in the front.
TREY sluggishly takes his new spot in the front of the car.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUSE– DAY

17. 17
The car pulls up to their HOUSE with HENRY waiting outside. DAD
gets out of the car while TREY stays in there. They both
inaudibly boast about the hunt, how proud they are of TREY, and
how they are going to skin the deer. TREY stays in the car
fighting back tears and resisting the urge to break down. He
closes his eyes to gather himself and wipes his watery eyes. DAD
begins to walk toward the car as TREY continues to compose
himself. DAD opens the car door.
DAD
Hey, what are ya doin’ sittin’ here?
TREY
(Still shaken.) What?
DAD
We’re gonna skin the deer. Come on, Henry and I are gonna show
you how we set’em up!
TREY gets out the car and follows DAD.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKINNING AREA – DAY
HENRY and DAD start prepping them for skinning. TREY watches in
an uneasy calmness. TREY is getting lost in his thoughts of
dealing with what has happened. He’s drowned out the voices of
HENRY and DAD as they are going through the process until they
call the attention of TREY.
DAD
Come here, Trey.
TREY walks over to DAD and HENRY and looks nauseatingly at the
spilled blood on the floor.
DAD
I’m proud of you. You acted with the focus and strength of a
man.
TREY nods silently up and down.
DAD (CONT’D)
You were brave out there today. That’s something to celebrate.
It wasn’t easy, I know, but you stuck through it. That’s what

18. 18
growing up is about, beating fear. (DAD rubs the blood of the
deer on both of TREY’s cheeks. DAD and HENRY clap.)
HENRY
Let me get a photo of ya. (HENRY wipes his hands of the blood
and picks up a disposable camera. He takes a photo of TREY.)
DAD
(Smiles.) Now, Henry and I are gonna get this skin off, but I
want you to cut off the meat, okay?
TREY fakes a smile as DAD hugs him. DAD and HENRY get caught
back up in conversation as TREY breaks away from them. He goes
around the corner out of sight and breaks down in front of a
nearby spicket. He leans over for a moment and begins to dry
heave until he just vomits. He notices blood on his hands and
breaks even further. He touches the blood on his face.
TREY
(Still crying.) Man up. Man up. Man up, Trey. C’mon. C’mon. (An
uneasy disconnect comes over him as he stares at his reflection
and composes himself.)
CUT TO:
INT. TREY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
TREY lays in his bed with his back to the door. His eyes are
teary, and he sniffles from crying. DAD opens his door and
enters.
DAD
(Looks over at TREY and smiles wider.) I love you, you know that
right?
TREY
(Holding back his tears, wiping his nose, and still facing
away.) I love you, too, Dad.
DAD
(Smiling. Pause.) Goodnight.
(DAD starts to shut the door and turns out the light. Cut to
black.)
The End