Rachel arrives in Tangier, Morocco by plane and struggles to communicate to find the train station to Casablanca. On the train, she sits next to Meryem, who speaks little French or English. Through gestures and limited language, they begin to connect. Meryem's daughter Sabah then boards with her infant and niece Ranya. Sabah returns with some friends, including Yasmin, who speaks some English and acts as a translator for Rachel and Meryem to begin conversing.

1. Memories of Green
By
Nick Ian Marshall
May 2nd, 2016 email:
nicholasimarshall@msn.com

2. BLACK SCREEN WITH TEXT
EXT. TANGIER, MOROCCO- DAYTIME
Clear blue skies and bright sunlight are interrupted by a
plane landing, colored white with "RYANAIR" painted in navy
blue on the sides.
THE BUGLE CALL from horse races sounds, followed by a
RECORDED VOICE.
INT. AIRPLANE CABIN
RACHEL BISHOP, 28, with light brown skin and straight dark
hair that reaches just past her shoulders, rolls her eyes up
at the speaker above her window seat as the recorded voice
plays with a British accent.
RECORDED VOICE
Welcome! You have arrived on yet
another on-time flight! Last year,
over 90% of Ryanair flights landed
on time, beating every other
European airline. RYANAIR! For the
lowest fares and best on-time
record.
A different voice repeats the message in French, Spanish,
and Arabic as Rachel rolls her eyes back to looking out the
window.
EXT. IBN BATTOUTA AIRPORT, TANGIER, MOROCCO
Passengers begin walking off the plane down staircars,
including Rachel, carrying a tote bag over her shoulders.
She stares at the building in front of her, to which the
stream of people are moving. It looks newly built with a
modern design.
She takes a deep breath as she focuses on the Arabic writing
above the windows, to the left of which is written
"ARRIVEE."

3. 2.
INT. IBN BATTOUTA AIRPORT
The inside of the airport is a single large, open room.
Rachel stands in front of the booth and looks around, legs
fidgeting as a CUSTOMS EMPLOYEE, who speaks in a Moroccan
accent slightly similar to French.
CUSTOMS
(Eyes down, looking through
the passport)
This is your first time in Morocco?
RACHEL
(Quickly turning back to him)
Um-hmm.
CUSTOMS
And how long will you be staying?
RACHEL
... I have no idea.
Customs looks up without raising his head at her perplexed
expression.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
I don’t know. Maybe like a month?
It was kind of spur of the moment.
CUSTOMS
(Eyes back down at the
passport)
And what is the nature of your
visit?
RACHEL
... family related. Look, I’m
sorry, but how long is this going
to take? I have to catch like a
really infrequent train.
CUSTOMS
Do not worry, we’re almost done.
Will you be staying with family
during your visit?
RACHEL
No, I don’t- No. I am not staying
with anyone.
(CONTINUED)

4. CONTINUED: 3.
CUSTOMS
Where will you be staying?
RACHEL
Casablanca, but I may move around.
CUSTOMS
In a hotel?
RACHEL
I’m renting an apartment for a
month.
CUSTOMS
And where might you move around to?
RACHEL
I don’t- know exactly. I’m looking
for something. Could be anywhere.
CUSTOMS
(staring at her)
Something family related.
Rachel adjust the tote bag over her shoulder.
RACHEL
Yep.
Customs studies her, then goes back to the paperwork.
EXT. IBN BATTOUTA AIRPORT, FRONT.
There are four beige cab cars without markings in front of
the airport. CABBIE 1 and CABBIE 2 speak over each other by
the cars while trying to communicate with Rachel.
RACHEL
(Poor French accent)
No, TRAIN! "Voyage en TRAIN."
"Tanger Ville! Tanger Ville!"
CABBIE 2
(Always Arabic)
I don’t know what you’re saying.
RACHEL
Are you speaking French right now?
I can’t be that bad. "Le tren?" or
"El tren?" or something?
(CONTINUED)

5. CONTINUED: 4.
CABBIE 2
Oh, she’s speaking French. I don’t
don’t speak French.
RACHEL
No, that’s Arabic isn’t it? Yeah,
wonderful.
Cabbie 1 chuckles a little. Says something in Arabic to
Cabbie 2.
RACHEL
(to Cabbie 1)
Do YOU speak French? "Tanger
Ville?" "TANGER VILLE STA-CION?"
CABBIE 1
(Chuckles, Always in Arabic)
I cannot understand you, nasseuanis
(foreigner).
Rachel rustles through her tote bag until she pulls out a
folded piece of paper with "ONCF" written in bold at the top
and a photo of Tanger Ville Train Station just below.
RACHEL
HERE! I’m trying to get HERE! Do
you know where this is? "TANGER
VILLE?"
CABBIE 1
Ah, The train station! She wants to
go to the train station. Youssef,
you take her. She’s given me a
headache.
CABBIE 2
(laughs)
Yeah, sure. Whatever. Here come
with me.
He begins moving to the lead beige car and motions Rachel to
follow him.
RACHEL
Are you gonna take me to this
place? DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
She points at the photo again and he nods his head as he
opens the trunk. She hesitates before putting her luggage in
the trunk. She closes it and sits in the backseat.
She checks her watch: 12:50.

6. 5.
INT. CAB
Rachel sits in the back seat holding her tote bag on her lap
and the ONCF paper in her hand, as the cab drives past
mostly trees and open land.
She notices a STRANGE MAN on the side of the street with a
large bag, motioning at the cab which pulls over next to
him. He and Cabbie 2 exchange words in Arabic, laughing, and
he suddenly gets in the passenger seat.
Rachel slightly shakes uncomfortably at this, but keeps
looking out the window, frequently shooting glances at them.
STRANGE MAN
(Only speaks Arabic)
Much thanks for this. I needed to
get into the city.
CABBIE 2
Ah, of course. Not much business.
Mostly locals already with rides.
STRANGE MAN
She’s a westerner? American?
CABBIE 2
She tried speaking French to us.
The man turns his head to glance back at Rachel. She shoots
back a quick glare as he smiles and turns back. The cab
begins driving into a more urban area.
She checks her watch again: 13:00.
CABBIE 2
They don’t realize we’re not a
COLONY anymore.
She looks at the ONCF paper and reads text that says "Tanger
Ville...roughly 25 minutes from the airport," and then back
out the window.
CABBIE 2 (CONT’D)
Petit taxis don’t like to go out
that far. More money for me!
The car stops at a red light.
Another STRANGE MAN (LOCAL) walks up to the car and speaks
through the open passenger window to Cabbie 2. They bicker
loudly in Arabic and the Local opens Rachel’s back door.
(CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: 6.
RACHEL
Hey, what the-
She quickly slams the door shut as Cabbie 2 continues to
yell at him. The light changes and he speeds across the
intersection, leaving the Local behind.
CABBIE 2
(looking at Rachel through
back mirror, laughing)
Some people are just crazy, right?
Ah she doesn’t know what I’m
sayin’.
Rachel looks back at him through the mirror and gives a
slight smile. She checks the paper, then her watch: 13:02.
Rachel turns to her side as she pulls out a smartphone from
the bag, hiding it from view of the cabbie. We see the
screen.
The phone has no signal, and the screensaver is a photo of
Rachel and a man slightly taller and darker, with short
black hair, the Chicago skyline in the background. They have
arms wrapped around each other, beaming. Rachel stares at
the photo for a beat before putting it back in her back.
The drive continues forward until Cabbie 2 pulls over a few
minutes later near a park. Srange Man and Cabbie 2 wave at
each other as Strange Man gets out.
STRANGE MAN
Much thanks again. Ma’a salama
(With Safety)
CABBIE 2
Allah yasalmak (God keep you safe).
Rachel notices the man grab something from the trunk and
looks back and out the window to see what it is. It is NOT
her luggage. The cab drives away and Rachel checks her
watch: 13:08.
EXT. TANGER VILLE TRAIN STATION
Cabbie 2 and Rachel both exit the vehicle, Rachel making a
relieving sigh as she stares at the station, then at the
photo on the ONCF paper.
CABBIE 2
That’s 200 Dirhams!
(CONTINUED)

8. CONTINUED: 7.
RACHEL
What? How much?
Cabbie 2 holds up two fingers with one hand and makes a
circle twice with the other.
RACHEL
I thought it was like 30! Oh fuck,
whatever. Here! Just let me go.
She hands him two 100 dirham bills. He smiles as he opens
the trunk and hands her the luggage.
CABBIE 2
Thank you! Welcome to (mocking her)
"TANGER VILLE! TANGER VILLE!"
hahahahahahaha.
She gives a small reluctant grin and walks towards the
station, checking her watch: 13:17
EXT. TANGER VILLE TRAIN STATION PLATFORMS
Rachel walks down the platform alongside her train, her
luggage rolling LOUDLY behind her.
INT. TRAIN CAR
Rachel surveys the car. Empty. She goes past a couple rows
of seats before settling down in one next to a window,
placing her luggage on a support above.
She sits and dials on a small cell phone and hears RINGS as
she puts it to her ear, staring out the window.
A woman, ASMAE ALAMI, 30, answers with a proper Moroccan
accent, hints of British.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Salut?
RACHEL
Sa-salut. Uhhh, hi. Is this Asmae?
ASMAE (O.S.)
Yes.
RACHEL
This is Rachel Bishop.
(CONTINUED)

9. CONTINUED: 8.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Ahh, Yes! Rachel! You are in
Morocco now, yes?
RACHEL
Yeah, I’m in Tangier.
ASMAE (O.S.)
How was your flight?
RACHEL
Uhhh, fine, I guess.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Wonderful!
RACHEL
(Slightly rolls eyes)
Yeah, it was great. Listen. I’m on
the train now to Casablanca. I’m
supposed to get in at like 6:20
into-
Checks her ticket as she incorrectly pronounces the name of
the station.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
-"CASA-VOYAGEURSSS." Yeah, I just
wanted to give you an update and
make sure you could still pick me
up.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Ahh Casa Voyageurs. Yes. I will be
there to get you.
RACHEL
Ok, great. So I’ll see you at like
6:30 then at Casa-Voyageurs.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Haha, yes, okay. We’ll see.
InshsaAllah. (God-willing)
RACHEL
Sorry?
ASMAE (O.S.)
Oh, nothing, don’t worry. Okay, I
will see you then, Rachel. Bye-Bye!
(CONTINUED)

10. CONTINUED: 9.
RACHEL
Umm, alright I guess. Bye.
She hangs up and puts the phone and paper away in the bag.
The train travels through mostly rural areas, which Rachel
looks at through the window.
Suddenly the AIR CONDITIONER TURNS OFF.
RACHEL
(whispering)
Oh, come on. Please.
The train gets hotter and Rachel sweats. She notices
children running alongside the train on a hill. Some throw
rocks at the train, one CRASHING against Rachel’s window,
which makes her shutter and edge slightly away from it.
The train gradually slows to a stop at another station. The
area looks mostly dilapidated.
Rachel is writing in a notepad. We see what she has written:
"Aiden -> Nabil," "List of Beneficiaries." Rachel adds
"Ministry of Equipment and Transport."
A young woman, RANYA, boards, wearing a colorful hijab with
an infant in blankets, an adolescent girl, SABAH, her head
bare, and MERYEM, 46, in an all black, even her hijab.
Rachel turns to see the Meryem and Ranya briefly arguin.
Ranya and Sabah take the seat across from Rachel, and Meryem
sits down next to her. Rachel looks away.
The train continues its journey. More children THROWING
ROCKS.
Rachel opens a packet of gum, pulls out a strip for herself,
putting the wrapper in her bag. She notices Meryem from the
corner of her eye staring at the gum and hesitates before
turning back to the window.
The sunlight shines through the train from the other side
straight onto Rachel’s face as she occasionally turns. She
squints her eyes with heavy discomfort.
Meryem raises her purse to shield her from the sunlight.
RACHEL
Oh, th- thank you- merci.
Meryem stares back at her with a slight grin.
(CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: 10.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
... Fuck it.
Rachel pulls out the gum and offers a strip to Meryem. Her
grin grows. Rachel nods back. Meryem continues to hold up
her purse to shield Rachel’s face.
MERYEM
(In Arabic)
Do you speak Arabic?
Rachel keeps staring and smiling.
MERYEM (CONT’D)
Any Arabic.
Meryem continues speaking in Arabic, until Rachel finally
understands and shakes her head.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Parlez-vous Francais?
Meryem puts her finger and thumb closely together.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Ah, I see. Umm, je... parle ingles.
MERYEM
Anglais? (In Arabic) You speak
English? Ahhh, Americain?
RACHEL
Ummmmmmm...
Rachel gets up to look around at everyone within hearing
distance. No one nearby appears to be paying attention.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
(nods)
Yes. I. Am. American.
MERYEM
(In Arabic)
Oh. I’ve never met an American.
Sabah, Ranya. This woman is from
America!
Ranya and Sabah begin speaking in Arabic animatedly. They
say something to Rachel, but she doesn’t understand and
shakes her head and smiles. Then sighs.
(CONTINUED)

12. CONTINUED: 11.
RACHEL
Yeah, I definitely needed that to
get out.
Meryem says a few more things in Arabic, beaming at Rachel.
Rachel relaxes into her seat.
INT. TRAIN CAR- LATER
Meryem is speaking quickly and continuously in Arabic to
Rachel, who just smiles and nods. She’s said nothing. She
notices Ranya roll her eyes at Meryem.
RANYA
Mother, all that stuff is so
boring, and I’m the one who knows
what you’re saying. She must be
dying over there!
MERYEM
We’ve been talking for hours. The
beauty is in the friendliness. Not
what’s being said.
RANYA
Well, still, it’s boring for me.
Meryem gestures at Ranya then twirls her finger near her
forehead. Rachel, whose been paying attention to their
interaction, laughs at this.
RACHEL
(looking at Ranya)
It’s ok. My mother thinks I’m
crazy, too.
Ranya musters a small smirk and tends to the infant.
The train pulls to a gradual stop at another station,
seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
Meryem says something to Sabah, who mutters as she gets up
and walks off the train.
RACHEL
Wait, what?
Sabah returns with four young Moroccans behind her, all
dressed in more Western clothing.
(CONTINUED)

13. CONTINUED: 12.
Meryem stands to embrace one of them, a girl, YASMIN, 20,
with long black hair in torn jeans and a black hoodie. The
four new passengers sit in a larger row of seats with a
table in front of Ranya and Sabah.
MERYEM
(In Arabic)
AHHH! Yasmin! Come here.
Yasmin comes and stands over Meryem as they exchange a few
words in Arabic. Yasmin then turns to Rachel.
YASMIN
(In broken English)
What is your name?
RACHEL
You speak English?
YASMIN
Yes. I speak some.
RACHEL
(slightly taken aback)
Rachel.
YASMIN
(In Arabic)
Her name is "Rachel."
Meryem gives Rachel a bright smile, nodding her head.
RACHEL
Wait, what’s her name?
YASMIN
(In English)
Her name is Meryem. She is my aunt.
RACHEL
Is there a different way of
pronouncing it in Arabic?
YASMIN
Ehhh, what?
RACHEL
How do you say her name in Arabic?
YASMIN
It is same. Meryem.
Rachel turns to Meryem.
(CONTINUED)

14. CONTINUED: 13.
RACHEL
Meryem.
MERYEM
Ra-chal.
YASMIN
I am Yasmin.
RACHEL
Yasmin. Well, uhh, nice to meet
you.
Rachel turns to look out the window, but notices Yasmin
continuing to look at her. She starts to return to her seat
when Rachel finally musters words to say.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Did you learn English in school?
YASMIN
(springs back)
Yes. I did not have to, but I did.
And Francais. I want to go to
university in Europe.
RACHEL
Right.
Time passes as Meryem and Rachel communicate through Yasmin,
and Yasmin speaks about herself.
The sun is setting and Rachel notices that the train has not
moved since Yasmin boarded.
RACHEL
Ummm, is there something wrong with
the train?
YASMIN
Oh, this is normal. It stops for
hours sometimes.
RACHEL
Isn’t it late, though?
YASMIN
Yes. It is normal.
RACHEL
(sighs)
Wonderful.
(CONTINUED)

15. CONTINUED: 14.
YASMIN
It will leave soon. Do not worry.
RACHEL
(getting her cell phone)
Uh-huh.
Rachel dials on her phone.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Salut?
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Yeah, hi Asmae. Listen, the train
is very late. It’s... 5:30 now. I
don’t know how long, but the
train’s been stuck in one place.
ASMAE (O.S.)
It’s no problem, Rachel. I knew it
would. Just call me when the train
stops at station "Rabat Ville."
RACHEL
Umm. Alright. Sorry.
ASMAE (O.S.)
Don’t be sorry. You’ve done
nothing. I will see you soon, okay?
Bye-bye now.
RACHEL
Right, okay. Bye.
Rachel returns to her notepad, writing "Where’s the list?"
She then takes out her smartphone, and stares at the
screensaver photo again.
INT. TRAIN CAR, DUSK
The train is moving again. Yasmin is now sitting with the
other teenage Moroccans again. They shoot glances at Rachel
and giggle, except for Yasmin, who shushes them.
Rachel notices them and focuses on the sights outside,
listening to her ipod. She can only see very little.
She returns to writing in her notepad: "possibly online,"
and at the bottom: "find list, find Nabil... find Aiden."
(CONTINUED)

16. CONTINUED: 15.
YASMIN (O.S.)
Rachel?
Rachel turns to see Yasmin standing over Meryem again, who
is asleep.
RACHEL
(takes off her headphones)
Ummm, yeah?
YASMIN
You are American?
RACHEL
Pssshhhhhh, uhhhhh-
She glances at Yasmin’s companions, still giggling.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
-Nooooooope
YASMIN
My aunt said you were American.
RACHEL
(looking down at her ipod)
Did she?
YASMIN
Yes
Yasmin notices Rachel staring at her giggling companions.
YASMIN (CONT’D)
(quieter)
Ignore my friends. They are little
children. It is okay.
She winks and smiles at Rachel.
RACHEL
(hesitating, also quieter)
Yes. I’m... I am American.
YASMIN
UHH!! I have never met a person
from America!
RACHEL
Sorry to disappoint.
(CONTINUED)

17. CONTINUED: 16.
YASMIN
NO! No, I like you.
Rachel stars at Ysmin with total confusion
RACHEL
You do?
Yasmin nods with a light innocent grin.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Well... thank you.
YASMIN
For what?
RACHEL
Just... nothing.
Yasmin gets into the seat in front of Rachel and rest her
arms and head over the back rest.
YASMIN
Are you from New York?
RACHEL
Boston, actually.
YASMIN
AHH! Larry Bird, no? Me and my
brother, we play basketball. Love
Larry Bird, and "Air Michael."
RACHEL
Yep. The Boston Celtics, yeah.
Yasmin is very excited now.
YASMIN
I watch American basketball. Love
Lakers and Bulls. Hate Miami.
RACHEL
(chuckling)
Everyone hates Miami. But wait, you
get games here?
YASMIN
Ehhh no, but we watch on internet.
Rachel chuckles again at Yasmin’s mischievous grin.
(CONTINUED)

18. CONTINUED: 17.
RACHEL
Yeah, I don’t really watch sports.
Sorry. That’s more my brother’s
thing.
YASMIN
That’s too bad. We could have
watched together if you’re staying
in Al-Maghrib.
RACHEL
Where?
YASMIN
Here! Al-Maghrib. Or Maroc. This
country.
RACHEL
You mean Morocco?
YASMIN
Yes. How you say in English?
RACHEL
Just Morocco. And I don’t know how
long I’ll be here actually.
YASMIN
Why are you here?
RACHEL
Morocco? I’m just- I don’t know,
honestly. I’m just here. Might be a
bad idea. WHY I’m here, I mean. I’m
visiting my brother.
YASMIN
Why is that bad idea?
Rachel shrugs and shakes her head. But her eyes are anxious.
YASMIN (CONT’D)
Do you love him?
Rachel darts a stunned look at Yasmin, but quickly brushes
it off.
RACHEL
Of course. Yes.
She shakes her head again. Yasmin looks at her quizzically.
(CONTINUED)

19. CONTINUED: 18.
RACHEL
Whatever, what about you? Where are
you trying to study again?
YASMIN
Europe, I hope France. Many
educated go there.
RACHEL
When will you know?
YASMIN
Soon, yes. I hope. I HOPE.
RACHEL
(slight smile)
You seem pretty sharp. Smart, I
mean.
YASMIN
Ahh, you think? Thank you! We’ll
see.
RACHEL
Yeah that’s what I say.
YASMIN
I want to leave and travel and
speak to many different people.
Maroc is so boring. Same people,
all time.
RACHEL
America can be like that, too. And
less pleasant.
YASMIN
What-
The train pulls into a station, signs saying "FES."
YASMIN
Oh no! We must go!
Yasmin moves to wake Meryem, who jumps out of her seat when
she looks outside.
Before leaving, Meryem looks down and smiles at Rachel, who
instinctively stands up in her seat before noticing and
sitting down again. Meryem says something to Yasmin.
(CONTINUED)

20. CONTINUED: 19.
YASMIN
(to Rachel)
She says she was very happy and
fortunate to meet you!
RACHEL
Yeah, umm- it was nice for me, too.
Yasmin conveys the message to Meryem. As they set out to
leave, Yasmin’s friends walk past and giggle at Rachel
again. Yasmin scolds them and punches one on the shoulder
before turning to Rachel. A random thought occurs.
YASMIN (CONT’D)
Ehhh, what is your name?
RACHEL
What?
YASMIN
Ahh, Your whole name?
RACHEL
Why?
YASMIN
Facebook.
Rachel looks away for a beat, then breathes in and smiles at
Yasmin.
RACHEL
It’s umm... Bishop. Rachel Bishop.
YASMIN
How do you write it?
Before Rachel can ask anything, Yasmin has pulled out a pen
and paper from her bag. Rachel instinctively takes them and
writes her name, who takes it then hugs her again.
YASMIN
Thank you. Goodbye.
RACHEL
... Yeah, you, too.
Yasmin exits the train and moments later it departs. Rachel
runs into her seat and stares out at them as they walk away.
As the train leaves the station, she sits back, mulling.
After a few moments, she puts her earphones back in and
turns on an ipod in her bag.
(CONTINUED)

21. CONTINUED: 20.
MUSIC CUE: ("Sprout and the Bean" by Joanna Newsom)
MONTAGE
-Another half hour passes. Her ipod resting at the top in
her tote bag, Rachel stares off into space, expressionless.
-She notices the sun setting on the other side of the train,
over water. She moves to the empty seats across to watch it
as the light reflects in hot orange on the water’s surface.
-Rachel sleeps with her knees propped against the back of
the seat in front of her. A few passnegers, sitting or
passing by, glance at her in small curiosity, but then go
about their business.
EXT. CASA VOYAGEURS TRAIN STATION, PLATFORMS, CASABLANCA-
NIGHT
-Rachel pokes her head out the train car and looks around,
inhales, and steps onto the platform with her things.
She begins walking into the only building structure of the
station, significantly smaller than Tanger Ville.
EXT. CASA VOYAGEURS TRAIN STATION, ENTRANCE
-Waiting outside, she takes out her phone to call Asmae as a
CAB DRIVER (PETIT CABBIE 1) begins to walk from his nearby
cab, much smaller than the one in Tangier, and approach her.
Other PETIT CABBIES follow.
END MONTAGE
END MUSIC CUE
PETIT CABBIE 1
(in Arabic)
Where ya goin? I’ll take you for
the pretty face discount.
PETIT CABBIES
(in Arabic)
No, No, I’ll take you- I’ve got the
fastest cab- Discount- Cheapest cab
in Casablanca-
They begin to form a large semi-circle around her as they
inch closer, arguing with each other over the fare.
(CONTINUED)

22. CONTINUED: 21.
RACHEL
What? No, I don’t need a cab. (Bad
French accent) No, merci! NO!
ASMAE (O.S.)
Rachel?
The other cabbies stop speaking and turn to see Asmae as she
walks towards Rachel, cell phone in hand.
She wears a long shirt past her waist, blue jeans, and a
dress scarf over her hair, dark brown strands sneaking out
on her forehead.
RACHEL
Yes. Are you Asmae?
ASMAE
(To Cabbies in Arabic)
No! Leave her alone. She’s got a
ride already. Thank you for your
generosity. May God keep you safe.
The cabbies make dismissive gestures and mutter in Arabic as
they walk away. Asmae utters something back aggressively.
RACHEL
Uhhh, everything alright?
ASMAE
Ahh, yes, yes. They are desperate.
That’s all.
RACHEL
I’m sorry I forgot to call ahead. I
dozed off.
Asmae waves dismissively.
ASMAE
You are tired, no? I did not wait
long. I guess now when the train
comes. Always late.
Asmae stands up straight, hands clenched and on her hips,
and surveys Rachel.
RACHEL
... what?
ASMAE
(continuing to survey,
smiling)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

23. CONTINUED: 22.
ASMAE (cont’d)
No. Nothing. I only was wondering
what you looked like.
RACHEL
Uhhhhhhh, okay.
Neither move for a beat.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Well, it may not show, but I’m
kinda hungry. Like, super-hungry,
actually.
ASMAE
Oh, yes. Of course! You’ve been
stuck on that awful train all day.
Sorry, sorry. I have a car. We can
get food now, yes.
They walk to a small, two-door red Toyota hatchback. It’s
slightly dirty, but overall looks well-maintained, though
very old.
RACHEL
How old is this thing?
ASMAE
(Beaming, Arms outstreched)
1987 Toyota Corolla!! My beauty!
INT. ASMAE’S CAR
They drive down a road between skyscrapers and smaller
buildings.
ASMAE (CONT’D)
My father bought me this car in
1989 for me and LEFT it by itself
until I was old enough to drive.
They make a right turn, towards a shore partially hidden in
darkness.
ASMAE (CONT’D)
Never used it himself. He just
stayed on the farm and ignored this
poor car- OH I forgot. I got this
for you.
She pulls up a large water bottle with her free hand from
near her leg. The wrapping says "Sidi Ali." She hands it
casually to Rachel without moving her eyes from the road.
(CONTINUED)

24. CONTINUED: 23.
RACHEL
Oh my God! Thank you.
ASMAE
I do not know who ’Sir Ali’ is-
Rachel immediately opens it and downs the water.
ASMAE
-but I do know he makes wonderful,
and a TON, of bottled water!
Asmae makes a left turn. Rachel notices a street sign
"Boulevard Mohammed V."
ASMAE (CONT’D)
He wanted me to use it when I was
ready to leave the farm. The car,
not the water. Of course, I never
got to use it. I went to secondary
school and university in England
later and it was left, unloved by
all. First thing I did when I got
back to Morocco, I went to my
father and I said-
Turns head for a moment and points finger near Rachel’s
face. Rachel motions slightly away.
ASMAE (CONT’D)
"FATHER! I-Want-the-car!" Hahaha.
RACHEL
It means a lot to you, obviously.
ASMAE
It was something that was mine. My
father bought it for ME! I sort of
got used to that private life with
my own things being in England for
so long, maybe. It allows me be a
"lone wolf" of sorts, travel
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME I want.
She clenches fist and puts it at her heart.
ASMAE (CONT’D)
I really wanted this car, it was so
neglected. And I keep it healthy
and pretty. Still not even 100,000
miles yet.
(CONTINUED)

25. CONTINUED: 24.
RACHEL
Bullshi- I mean, wow.
Asmae grins, eyes forward. Rachel ponders for a moment.
RACHEL
I get what you mean about the lone
wolf thing. I kind of run around
and travel on a whim a lot.
(Looking away) Now I know how that
feels, I guess.
ASMAE
I’m sorry? What is it you said?
RACHEL
(turning back to her)
Just- nothing. It’s not important.
ASMAE
That is why you come here, then? To
travel on a whim?
RACHEL
In a sense. I told my mother this
time. I didn’t always do that.
ASMAE
I see. I don’t tell my mother
everything either.
RACHEL
Heh, does she get mad?
ASMAE
She would get mad either way.
Asmae pulls up to the sidewalk in front of a McDonald’s at
the base of a skyscraper, with a sign in English and Arabic.
ASMAE (CONT’D)
Okay, this is one of the few places
still open. I know what you think,
but it’s better here than in
Europe, or probably America. I’ll
be here when you’re ready.
RACHEL
You’re not going in with me?
ASMAE
I must stay with the car, I’m
sorry. Do not be scared. Trust me,
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

26. CONTINUED: 25.
ASMAE (cont’d)
the service is wonderful and the
woman who’ll take your order speaks
English. You’ll be fine.
EXT. CASABLANCA, BOULEVARD MOHAMMED V
Rachel paces into the McDonald’s. Turning back to see Asmae
waiting in the car outside.
INT. MCDONALD’S ON BOULEVARD MOHAMMED V
While still looking behind her, she accidentally runs into a
YOUNG MOROCCAN MAN, who is a foot and a half taller than
her.
RACHEL
Oh! Sorry, sorry.
The Man simply looks down, towering over her. She quickly
moves away to see that the inside of the restaurant is two
floors and very clean, colorful, and disorientingly bright.
It is also very busy, as people sit and are brought their
Big Mac and Quarter Pounder meals.
ORDER EMPLOYEE (O.S.)
Salut?
Rachel is surprised by a TEENAGE GIRL (ORDER EMPLOYEE)
suddenly in front of her in McDonald’s clothes and a small
rectangular machine at her waist with a shoulder strap. She
also holds a notepad and pen. She speaks with a very clear
European accent.
RACHEL
What- oh, sa- salut. Sorry. Do you
speak English?
ORDER EMPLOYEE
Yes, of course.
RACHEL
Right. Of course.
ORDER EMPLOYEE
What would you like to eat?
RACHEL
... double quarter-pounder meal?
With a Coka-Cola?
(CONTINUED)

27. CONTINUED: 26.
ORDER EMPLOYEE
(Writing down the order)
Okay, and name?
RACHEL
Rachel.
ORDER EMPLOYEE
Are you paying with cash or credit
card?
RACHEL
Credit Card, I guess.
She pulls out a credit card and hands it to the Employee,
who swipes it through a slot on the machine by her waist.
Rachel studies her as she goes through the payment procedure
of pen, paper, and card. She is small and young, but every
movement is deft and efficient.
ORDER EMPLOYEE (CONT’D)
Okay, great! Please wait at the
counter for your name to be called.
(To another customer) Salut!
Rachel walks slowly up to a counter at the back of the
restaurant, where others are ordering or getting their food.
She checks her receipt, the charge is in Moroccan Dirhams.
Her eyes fall to the front door, seeing cars passing by on
the street, none of them Asmae’s.
She immediately takes out her phone and calls Asmae. It goes
to a voicemail in Arabic and French.
OTHER EMPLOYEE (O.S.)
Ra-CHEL!
She turns to the counter as ANOTHER MCDONALD’S EMPLOYEE
places a bag of food on the counter.
RACHEL
(handing her copy of the
recipt)
Uhh, yeah- Oui.
OTHER EMPLOYEE
(Clear European accent)
Okay, Have a good night.
(CONTINUED)

28. CONTINUED: 27.
RACHEL
(looking towards the front
door and grabbing the bag)
Thanks.
EXT. CASABLANCA, BOULEVARD MOHAMED V
Rachel walks outside the McDonald’s and looks around. She
doesn’t recognize any of the cars. She calls Asmae twice
more with no answer.
Asmae suddenly appears from around a corner and stops in
front of Rachel, who gets in the passenger seat.
INT. ASMAE’S CAR
RACHEL
Where the hell did you go?!
ASMAE
I can’t park in front! Traffic. I
had to keep driving around until
you were ready.
RACHEL
(breathing heavily)
... really?
ASMAE
Yes. What did you think? I leave
you there?
RACHEL
No- I don’t...
Rachel puts the bag down at her feet and then sits back,
turning to Asmae, who is looking out at the road.
RACHEL (CONT’D)
Look. I’m, umm, sorry I yelled.
ASMAE
(waves her hand)
No, it’s okay.
RACHEL
I’m just a little on edge. I’m
sorry.
(CONTINUED)

29. CONTINUED: 28.
ASMAE
It’s okay, really. Do not worry-
They stop at a light. Asmae turns to Rachel and smiles.
ASMAE (CONT’D)
-I won’t abandon you.
RACHEL
Thanks.