2. Fade in:
EXT. HOUSE – DAY
An old woman exhales deeply as she examines her grandchildren
playing in the garden. The grandson enters the house through the back
door and walks into the living room where the old woman is sitting.
The old woman tilts her fragile head towards the young boy as a smile
appears on her weakened face. The boy points at the framed
photograph hanging on the wall.
YOUNG BOY
Did Granddad fight in the war?
The old woman looks up towards the photograph of her husband and
exhales.
OLD WOMAN
Indeed he did sweetheart. He used to
fight all the baddies that would try
to hurt innocent people in our country.
He was a very brave man. I can see you’re
taking after him.
3. A huge smile appears on the young boy’s face as he imagines the
thought of himself being a hero.
YOUNG BOY
I wanna be just like Granddad! I want
to be a crime fighting ninja! No one
would ever see me coming! And then I
will be able to protect the world from
baddies and save the entire world!
OLD WOMAN
You can start by helping your sister
in the garden. She may need help fighting
that GIANT dragon from taking over my
house.
The boy gasps. He charges outside towards his sister and raises his
imaginary sword at the dragon.
The old woman watches the young boy as he runs outside. She then
turns her attention to the photograph on the wall. She begins
reminiscing.
4. OLD WOMAN (V.O)
Isn’t it strange how one moment you have
everything that you could possibly want,
then all of a sudden - it’s taken away from
you without warning. It’s scary to think
that the very people you love, won’t be
around forever. As an old and experienced
lady, all I can tell you is that time doesn’t
lastlong. It’s valuable and you need
to spend it with those who make you happy.
You need to appreciate what you have and
treasure it because it won’t be around
forever.
The woman starts to make her way to the kitchen where she boils the
kettle and continues to watch the grandchildren.
YOUNG BOY
It’s okay Abby! I’ll protect you! Take
this you dragon!
YOUNG GIRL
That was close! He almost got me then!
5. A smile appears across the old woman’s fragile face as she laughs to
herself. She walks towards the staircase and grabs hold of the banister.
She slowly makes her way to the top of
the stairs and enters her bedroom. She retrieves a box from beneath her
bed and returns downstairs to the kitchen. She makes a cup of tea and
takes the box into the living room. She opens the box up and looks at
the items in it. She picks up an old letter. She begins to read it.
HUSBAND (V.O)
Darlin’dearest, todayI met your mother.
I’ve never been so scared to meet someone
in my life. But I’m glad I did because
she was almost as lovely as you. I can
tell natural beauty runs in the family
though. I miss you deeply. Sending love to
you. See you tomorrow.
The old woman puts down the letter to the side of the box and smiles to
herself. She then picks out another letter at random and begins to read
it.
HUSBAND (V.O)
My dearest love, I miss you deeply. I
cannot stop thinking of you when I sleep
at night in my bunk. That beautiful smile
6. keeps me going strong throughout the day.
I have a photograph of you which stays in my
pocket. It goes everywhere with me. I always
look at it before I got out on patrol. It
reminds me that I’m not alone and that
you’re with me when I need you the most.
I look forward to seeing you when I return
from being deployed. Life can get back to
normal and we can start being a family again.
I’ll be able to see my girls and they can tell
me about their latest love dilemmas. The
thought of seeing all 3 of my girls smile,
sends shivers down my spine. I cannot wait
to be together and being around each other.
Every time I see you, It’s like the first
time. I never did understand how such a
beautiful and strong woman was single (and
the fact she spoke to me too?! Now that
was a bonus). I’m grateful to be able to
say that, that girl is my girl. She’s my
world. I love her dearly. I’ll write to you
the same time tomorrow. Send my love to the
Tilly and Anna. I love you girls dearly,
You’re man.
7. The old woman holds the letter tight as her eyes begin to fill up with
water. She wipes her eyes and a smile appears across her face. She
places the letter back into the box and exhales deeply.
