BEDTIME STORY

Written by

Viktor T Kerney

[email protected]
213-400-2353
OVER BLACK-- MARION, SOUTH CAROLINA.

EXT. ARROW LANE - AFTERNOON

It’s a sunny day in Marion. TYLER, 9, curious, is walking

home from summer school. He doesn’t have a care in the world,
as he carries a mid-size stick in his hand.

As he turns the corner, he sees a tall man looking around as

if he’s lost something.

MELVIN TOOMS, 38, creepy-but-pleasant, looks towards Tyler’s

direction. Melvin smiles as Tyler gets closer.

Tyler stops in front of Melvin.

TYLER
Are you lost?

MELVIN
No, no I’m not lost, but I’ve lost
something very important to me.

TYLER
What did you lose?

MELVIN
I-I can’t tell you.

TYLER
Why?

MELVIN
Well, it’s kinda special and a
secret.

TYLER
Really? Like a magic sword, or time
machine?

MELVIN
(laughs)
Close... What is your name?

TYLER
I’m Tyler, and what’s your name?

MELVIN
I’m Mr. Tooms, Tyler. I’m a
preacher.

TYLER
Oh, like Rev. Johnston? He’s nice.
 2.

MELVIN
Well, I should get going, Tyler.

Melvin starts walking, but Tyler grabs his shirt.

TYLER
Mr. Tooms, I want to help you.

Melvin stops and looks down at Tyler.

MELVIN
You do?

TYLER
Yes, please, please, please!

MELVIN
Okay, okay. You can help me.

Tyler is full of glee as Melvin smiles at him.

TYLER
Tell me what we’re looking for,
please, Mr. Tooms.

Melvin squats down, eye to eye with Tyler. The look on

Melvin’s face is almost frightening, but Tyler doesn’t care
or notice.

MELVIN
(almost whispering)
You can not tell a soul, Tyler. Not
a soul.

TYLER
I promise.

MELVIN
I’m looking for the angel.

TYLER
(eyes widen)
A real angel?

MELVIN
Yes, and the angel’s here,
somewhere in this town.

TYLER
Can we see him?
 3.

MELVIN
I can see him, but if you want to
see him... You have to come with
me.

TYLER
Okay, but I can’t stay long. I have
to be at my Grandma’s house.

MELVIN
It won’t take long. I’ll be very
quick, okay?

Melvin stands up and extends his hand to Tyler. Tyler grins

and takes his hand.

TYLER
Okay, let’s go!

Melvin grins back and they start walking down the block.

END OF TEASER
 4.

OVER BLACK-- MEDFORD, SOUTH CAROLINA. FOUR DAYS LATER.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

SANDRA MILLS, 37, sits on the couch, watching the news.

The TV Screen shows a newscaster talking.

NEWSCASTER
Today, we have more news on the
young boy found dead in the woods
in Marion. Nine year-old Tyler
Balle was murdered...

SANDRA
(sighs)
Lord.

Sandra grabs the remote, shuts the TV off and gets up from
the couch. She heads into the kitchen.

INT. THE KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

KATHERINE “KAT” MILLS, 17, whimsical, is texting on her

phone. Kat looks up as her Mom walks into the kitchen.

KAT
Oh... Mom, can I have the car
today?

Sandra turns to Kat.

SANDRA
Kat, really? You know I have a late
night at the hospital.

KAT
(whining)
Which leaves me without a car for
the whole day.

Sandra sighs and stares at Kat.

KAT (CONT’D)
Mom... You wouldn’t want your newly-
High-School-graduate car-less...
(Sandra continues to stare
at Kat)
I’ll put gas in it. I’ll even take
it to the car wash.
 5.

SANDRA
You should do that anyway, young
lady... Use premium gas.

Kat walks over and kisses her mom on cheek.

KAT
Thanks, Mom.

Sandra pushes back.

SANDRA
And no boys in my car, girl.

KAT
Just Jacob... And Carl. Carl’s
okay, right?

Sandra’s face proves she’s not happy about that.

KAT (CONT’D)
Don’t be like that. You like Carl.

SANDRA
I did, until he was running around
with those busters.

KAT
That’s his cousin, David. He and
Carl were trying--

SANDRA
(quick cut off)
Trying to steal money from that
store?

KAT
Mom, please. We’ve discuss this
like three times already.

SANDRA
I know, I know. He didn’t know
until it was too late. Kat, please
don’t be stupid about this boy.

KAT
Mom, I’m one of the smartest people
in town.

Sandra rolls her eyes.

KAT (CONT’D)
Trust me, okay?
 6.

Kat walks towards the door, as Sandra shakes her head.

SANDRA
Kat...

Kat turns around.

SANDRA (CONT’D)
Only Jacob and Ren... Maybe Carl
and that’s it.

Kat smiles.

KAT
Got it.

EXT. JACOB’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Kat pulls up to her cousin Jacob’s house. JACOB MOORE, 17,

hipster on 10 and her best friend, LAUREN HOWE, 18, highly
confident, are waiting at out front. Lauren has a BIG
MESSENGER BAG with her.

JACOB
‘bout time.

INT. THE CAR. - MOMENTS LATER

LAUREN
Stephen’s totally trippin’. I mean,
I’m not giving him anything until
he gets a real job. I mean, he
works at the Shop-n-Stuff.

KAT
But he’s in management training,
right?

JACOB
And hot--

LAUREN
So, he’s nothing like your man,
Carl. Good guy, super athlete, no
drama, but his cousin, David--

JACOB
Is hot.

KAT
(looks at Jacob)
And trouble...
(MORE)
 7.

KAT (CONT'D)
Cause of that stupid thing robbery,
Mom’s not ‘Team Carl’ right now.

JACOB
But she knows Carl had nothing to
do with that, right?

KAT
Yeah, she’s knows, but she’s still
not a fan.

LAUREN
Well, she’ll get over it.

KAT
Let’s hope.

LAUREN
Oh, did you get my email about our
resident hall choices?

KAT
I did, let’s take the room in
Hester Hall.

LAUREN
That’s what I was thinking. The
rooms are bigger and we’re near the
frat houses.

KAT
It’s also where Dean Price hosts
her weekly dinners.

LAUREN
Of course.
(connecting eyes with
Jacob)

JACOB
My cousin, the nerd.

LAUREN
My bestie, the nerd.

KAT
Hey, you both can walk to the
creek.
 8.

EXT. SUNSWEPT CREEK - AFTERNOON

Sunswept Creek is THE hangout spot. LOUD MUSIC fills the air
as young folks chill out and dance around the water. There is
a banner with: JUST GRADUATED written on it. Kat, Lauren and
Jacob are sitting under a tree, watching everyone.

LAUREN
(watching everyone)
I’m going to miss coming here,
y’know.

KAT
We’ll be back next summer. Plus,
you’ll be back every weekend since
Stephen’s sticking around.

LAUREN
The real question is, will I be
sticking around with him?

JACOB
Y’all been together for two years.
Are you sure you’re ready to dump
him?

Lauren shrugs and opens a MAGAZINE.

KAT
Summer’s going by too damn fast.
Within a month, we’re off to
college.

LAUREN
I know, right?. I’m so not ready
for this real life adjustment.

JACOB
(scoffs)
Real life adjustment? It’s just
college.

KAT
Don’t hate, cuz.

LAUREN
Yeah, Pre-Senior. Just wait until
it’s your turn.

JACOB
Whatever.
 9.

Kat laughs as Jacob shoves her. Lauren shoves Jacob and then
looks forward.

JACOB (CONT’D)
Oh shit. Here comes your number one
fan.

ZIGG BARBER, 19, a VICE reporter in training, walks over to

the trio. Kat thinly smiles as Lauren’s face lights up. Jacob
is indifferent.

LAUREN
What’s up, Zigg?

ZIGG
(awkward wave)
S’up people...

Jacob gives a head nod and Lauren perks up.

Kat slowly smiles.

KAT
Zigg.

ZIGG
Kat... So, are you almost done with
the John Baptist Church Anniversary
article?

KAT
Yeah, but I wanted to write more on
the preachers. I couldn’t find much
about them anywhere.

JACOB
(buried in a book)
You can ask your man. His
Granddaddy’s a preacher.

Lauren cuts Jacob a “You went there” look.

Zigg also looks at Jacob, but quickly focuses back on Kat.

JACOB (CONT’D)
Send me what you got tonight, okay?
Or stop by the office later. I’ll
be there.

KAT
No problem.

ZIGG
Cool, later.
 10.

He leaves, as Kat turns to Jacob.

KAT
Rude.

JACOB
I’m just helping Ziggy move on.
He’s still hung up on you, y’know.

LAUREN
(joining in)
You know he is.

KAT
Please, Zigg and I are cool. He’s
over it and I’m over it.
(shrugs)
And Carl--

JACOB
(mocking)
Cool with y’all’s working
relationship. We know, cuz, but if
you can’t see that you’re the star
of his spank bank collection, then
you ain’t that bright.

Before Kat can respond, her phone BUZZES.

LAUREN
(looking at Kat’s phone)
Carl must be psychic.

Kat picks up her phone. Carl texted.

Carl‘s Text: HEY, CUTIE. CAN’T MAKE IT. STILL ON VAN DUTY FOR
THE PREACH. SEE YOU LATER?

Kat sighs and starts to text back.

LAUREN (CONT’D)
(looking over Kat’s
shoulder)
I guess you’re not hangin’ with me
and Big Man tonight.

KAT
I can do both. I’ll see Carl for a
bit and then swing by the Varham’s
house.

LAUREN
Deal.
 11.

KAT
I can’t pass up a chance to see Big
Man.

LAUREN
He’ll be thrilled. You’re like his
Beyonce.

JACOB
His Nerd Beyonce.
 12.

EXT. MEDFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARK - AFTERNOON

MARIA TAYLOR, 26, teacher watches the kids play in the park.
The kids are running around, playing games and having a good
time.

Maria looks at her watch and realizes playtime is over.

MARIA
Okay, back inside! Everyone, back
inside.

The kids start coming back to Maria. She starts counting

them, making sure they are all there.

As the she gets to the last kid, Maria notices that one of
them is missing.

MARIA (CONT’D)
Lucas... Where’s Lucas?

One of the girls points to her left. Maria looks over there
and sees him in the distance, standing by a tree.

MARIA (CONT’D)
Lucas!

He doesn’t move.

MARIA (CONT’D)
Lucas!

Lucas still doesn’t move. Maria begins to worry.

MARIA (CONT’D)
All right, gang. Go inside and open
your song books to page 33...
(the kids nod)
I’ll be right back.

The kids head into the building as Maria walks over to Lucas.

As she get closer, Maria sees a man walking away from the
fence that divides Lucas and him. Maria jaunts over to Lucas.

MARIA (CONT’D)
Lucas!

LUCAS VARHAM, 7, turns to Maria, looking very guilty.

MARIA (CONT’D)
Lucas? Did you hear me calling you?
And who were you talking to?
 13.

LUCAS
I-I’m sorry, Miss Taylor. I was
just talking to Mr. Tooms.

Maria looks around to find the man, but he’s already gone.

MARIA
Mr. Tooms?

LUCAS
(thrilled)
He’s a preacher, and he said he’s
looking for angels. He said I’m a
angel, Miss Taylor! He said he will
see me soon and--

Maria just smiles and takes Lucas’ hand.

MARIA
Okay, Lucas, okay. Now let’s get
inside, all right?

LUCAS
Okay.

Lucas leads them back to the building. Maria looks around for
this man named Mr. Tooms. She still sees nothing.

ACROSS THE STREET

But across the street, Melvin watches Maria and Lucas. He

smiles with great joy because he’s found his next angel.

MELVIN
See you soon, little angel.
 14.

INT. THE DAILY JOURNAL OFFICE - LATE AFTERNOON

A few people are sitting behind their desks, or walking

about. Zigg is head deep into the computer screen, typing
wildly. Kat walks up to him.

KAT
Did you get my text?

ZIGG
(eyes still on the
computer screen)
Yeah... You really need more time?

Kat takes a seat next to Zigg.

KAT
I think there’s a story about Rev.
Tove.

ZIGG
(still typing)
Oh?

KAT
He was a preacher for over a decade
and then he died in an accident. I
think it was faulty wiring in his
kitchen, or something.

Zigg finally looks over at Kat.

ZIGG
He was electrocuted by his coffee
maker. Two days later, Rev. Calder
Walker took his place. Which is so
weird.

KAT
Weird?

ZIGG
He just moved to Medford a week
prior. Then, poof, Medford’s
longest running preacher.

KAT
(side-eyeing)
Sounds like you’re creating a
mystery about my boyfriend’s
grandfather.
 15.

ZIGG
Hey, you’re the one digging up old
church stories. I just thought this
bit of info would spice up your
story. Plus, it gotta get Maxine’s
approval and you know she wants
every story to pop.

KAT
Maxine always wants a popper.
(looks at the screen)
What are you working on?

ZIGG
Another mystery... The Sunswept
murders.

KAT
(reading the article)
The urban legend?

ZIGG
It’s more that. I hacked the County
Sheriff's office last week and
found this.

Zigg opens his BACKPACK pulls out an iPad. He opens a file on

the screen called SCM.

ZIGG (CONT’D)
These are the original reports. I
haven’t read them yet, but I’ll get
to them later today.

KAT
(scoffs)
You’re going jail.

ZIGG
Nah, they won’t even know.

KAT
Why are you digging this up?

ZIGG
It’s an awesome story that fucked
this town up about 30 years ago.
Seven people were murdered that
night. Five at Sunswept Creek.

KAT
I heard it was eight people.
 16.

ZIGG
There was only one article written
about that night.

KAT
You’re sure it was just one?

ZIGG
Yeah... But I know there has to be
more about that night somewhere.

KAT
Those murders started those
bogeyman rumors. I remember--

ZIGG
(chuckles)
The Red Raw tale. My brothers used
to scare the fuck outta me about
it.

KAT
I barely remember the stories.

ZIGG
Want join me for a Red Raw Google
search party?

KAT
Maybe later.
(getting up)
Got other things to do.

ZIGG
Carl?

Kat makes the “Don’t try it” face.

KAT
Thanks for the extension.

ZIGG
Just get it done.
 17.

EXT. THE DAILY JOURNAL - MOMENTS LATER

Kat steps out of the building to see CARL WALKER, 18, cool
guy leaning against his car, smiling.

CARL
Of course you would be here, Lois
Lane.

KAT
Try Oprah... Or Joy Reid.

Kat walks up to CARL and kisses him.

CARL
(cuddling Kat)
Did you finish the article?

KAT
Nope, got an extension.

CARL
Really? It’s that deep?

KAT
Maybe... Hungry?

CARL
Starving.

KAT
Let’s go.
 18.

INT. BIG DAWGS BURGERS - AFTERNOON

Kat and Carl are eating burgers in a booth. Kat’s laughing at

something Carl said.

KAT
Drake’s so much better J. Cole.

CARL
You’re only saying that because you
want his goods.

KAT
His goods? Who says that?

CARL
(laughs)
All jokes aside, both are good, but
J’s the truth.

KAT
No argument there... But Drake is
cuter.

Carl shakes his head.

CARL
So, this church story. What’s the
angle?

KAT
Glad you asked, I’m trying to get
some history about the preachers
who served over the years. Your
Granddad’s been in the role for the
longest.

CARL
(eye roll)
Yup, and he’s probably going to die
in that church.

KAT
I was wondering if I could
interview him about his
experiences.

CARL
You’re sure you want to do that?
He’ll go on and on about it, trust
me.
 19.

KAT
I think it would be cool. He has a
long history with the church and
who knows, there could be some
scandal buried in the pews.

CARL
I doubt it.

We hear the sound of a BELL DINGING by the door. Enter BILL

MOONE, 50s, and his wife, HARRIET MOONE, 50s. Bill is pushing
Harriet in a wheelchair. Harriet’s expression is blank.

Kat suddenly focuses on them, Carl takes notice.

CARL (CONT’D)
What?

KAT
Watch.

Bill and Harriet approach the counter, he leans in to speak

and the CASHIER nods.

The Cashier reaches down to the counter and hands Bill a

BLACK PLASTIC BAG. Bill says “Thank you,” and they leaves the
restaurant.

CARL
Okay, and?

KAT
He does this every month around
this time.

CARL
How do you know?

KAT
I’m a writer, babe. I notice
everything, from the odd to the
even.

CARL
What do you think is in the bag?

KAT
Scraps for his pigs? I don’t know.
But I can confirm that ever since
his wife had a stroke or something,
he comes here every month on the
second week for that black bag.
 20.

CARL
Maybe that’s your next story. The
black bag secret.

Kat just shrugs.

 21.

EXT. MEDFORD TOWN SQUARE - MOMENTS LATER

Bill and Harriet are going through the town, the BAG sits on
Harriet’s lap. Bill looks content, happy.

People are going about their day. Someone waves at Bill and
he waves back.

Bill continues on his way.

BILL
It’s such a nice summer’s day,
dear.

Harriet doesn’t answer. She can’t. She just keeps staring

forward.

BILL (CONT’D)
I should’ve brought you out earlier
when the sun was grinnin’ with God.

Then...

UNSEEN VOICE
Bill?

Bill turns around and sees, TAMMY JAMES, 52, full-figured

woman heading his way.

BILL
Tammy? I thought you were in
Jacksonville.

TAMMY
Not ‘til next weekend. I gotta play
piano at the church this Sunday.

Tammy looks over at Harriet.

TAMMY (CONT’D)
Harriet, you look so radiant today.

Harriet remains motionless.

BILL
She does... Well, we need to get
movin’. Got plenty of chores to
take care of.

Bill takes a step and Tammy stops him.

TAMMY
Bill, can I speak to you for a
moment?
 22.

Bill nods and leans down to Harriet’s ear.

BILL
Hold tight, okay?

Harriet just stares.

Bill and Tammy take a few steps from Harriet.

TAMMY
Bill... Are you doing okay?

Bill tries to hide his true feelings through a smile.

BILL
Tammy, now you know--

TAMMY
I know, I know you’re a trooper,
but you don’t come around the
church since Harriet fell ill. If--
If I can--

BILL
(thinly grins)
Harriet’s fine, Tammy. She’s been
resting and getting better every
day.

TAMMY
Well, that’s good, Bill. I’m very
happy to hear that. I would love to
see Harriet back at the church, we
miss her so much.

BILL
Tammy--

TAMMY
And I’m hopin’ you come on back
too.

BILL
I will, when Harriet’s better.

TAMMY
But, You--

BILL
In time, Tammy, okay? In time.

TAMMY
(somewhat disappointed)
Okay, Bill... In time.
(MORE)
 23.

TAMMY (CONT'D)
(realizing that she’s
getting nowhere)
Please, let Harriet know I’m
thinking of her.

Bill puts his hand on her shoulder.

BILL
She knows.

Bill leaves as Tammy watches him.

 24.

EXT. THE WOODS - LATE AFTERNOON

Jacob leans against a tree, waiting. He looks at his phone to

check the time.

JACOB
(to himself)
Where is he?

While Jacob starts texting, someone is sneaking up behind

him.

CHRIS STANLEY, 17, cute, tries to surprise Jacob, but Jacob

turns around and catches him.

CHRIS
Damn.

JACOB
You tried it.

CHRIS
I did.

Chris kisses Jacob and they embrace.

CHRIS (CONT’D)
Sorry, I couldn’t meet you at the
creek earlier.

JACOB
No worries.

CHRIS
I know, but I know you’re tired of
the bullshit.

JACOB
It’s not about me. You come out
when you’re ready to come out.

CHRIS
That’s what I wanted to tell you...
I think I’m ready. I mean, you did
it and you didn’t lose your
friends.

JACOB
Well, my friends are my cousin and
Lauren. Yours, are the baseball
team.
 25.

CHRIS
If they’re my boys, they’ll be cool
about it. If not, fuck ‘em. You’re
more important.

Jacob smiles and kisses Chris again.

CHRIS (CONT’D)
We won’t have to meet out here
anymore.

JACOB
(teasing)
Really? I kinda like the danger of
the woods. Jason might show up and
force us into a threesome.

CHRIS
That’s sick.

JACOB
That’s me.

Suddenly, Chris looks over Jacob’s shoulder.

CHRIS
Hey.

Jacob turns around and sees Bill walking through the woods.
Bill hasn’t noticed the boys.

CHRIS (CONT’D)
Where is Mr. Moone going?

JACOB
I hope he’s not looking for trade.

CHRIS
You wanna follow him?

JACOB
Um, no.

CHRIS
Why not, it could be fun.

JACOB
I really don’t want to know what an
old white man does in the woods.

CHRIS
Come on.

Chris grabs Jacob by the hand and they follow Bill carefully.
 26.

Bill continues to walk through the woods, until he sees a

LARGE CREEPY TREE and heads for it.

Chris and Jacob crouch behind a BUNDLE of BUSHES and watch

Bill approach the tree.

THE CREEPY TREE

BILL
Greetings to you.

Bill stares at the tree like its a person.

BILL (CONT’D)
I am thankful, I am grateful.

Bill takes out some RUBBER GLOVES from his pocket. He puts
the bag down and puts the gloves on.

Then, Bill reaches inside the bag and pulls out some BLOODY
MEAT.

Bill puts the meat inside a hole in the tree. Bill continues
this until the bag is empty.

THE BUSHES

JACOB
What is that?

CHRIS
I don’t know. This is fuckin’
insane.

THE TREE

Bill puts the bag in the tree’s hole and the gloves too.

BILL
Please, hear my cry. Hear my cry.
Set her free.

Bill steps back and bows his head in prayer.

THE BUSHES

The boys watch him. Suddenly, Jacob pulls out his PHONE and
films Bill. Chris tries to stop him, but Jacob shrugs him
off.
 27.

THE TREE

Bill finishes his prayer and touches the tree one last time.

BILL
I am thankful, I am grateful.

Then Bill leaves.

THE BUSHES

Jacob and Chris wait a bit as Bill gets further away before
they come out from hiding.

CHRIS
What was that?

JACOB
(texting)
I don’t know, but I’m sending this
to Kat. This is right up her alley.

CHRIS
Let’s go look.

JACOB
Uh, I’m good.

CHRIS
Come on, let’s check it out.

Jacob stops Chris.

JACOB
While I’m all for adventure time
with you, I’m not trying to be
Sydney Prescott.

Chris stares a bit, but surrenders.

CHRIS
All right, all right.

JACOB
Let’s go before some demon mutuant
squirrel pops out of that tree hole
and eat us.

They quickly hightail it out of the woods.

 28.

EXT. CITY PARK - EARLY EVENING

Kat and Carl are sitting on a bench, eating ice cream.

CARL
So, I was thinking...

KAT
(teasing)
That’s a good start.

CARL
(scoffs)
What if you transferred to Chapel
Hill after your second year?

KAT
Carl, we’ve talked about this. I
got a full ride to Elon, I just
can’t drop that.

CARL
You got scholarships at Chapel Hill
too.

KAT
You could transfer to Elon, y’know.

Carl gives Kat a ‘Are you serious’ look.

KAT (CONT’D)
Really?

CARL
Going there is like being here in
Medford.

KAT
Yeah, but it’s a good school. The
writing program is top notch, so is
the business department.

CARL
Kat, it’s Chapel Hill though. At
least, reconsider it... Again.

KAT
Look, we’ll be about an hour away
from each other. If we stick to our
plan, we’ll be all right.
 29.

CARL
(defeated)
Okay, if you say so.

Kat looks at Carl’s frustrated face and kisses him.

KAT
Trust and believe?

Carl nods.

CARL
Trust and believe.

Suddenly, Kat’s phone BUZZES. She pats Carl and grabs her
phone.

KAT
(looking at her phone)
Shit.

CARL
What?

KAT
A bunch of texts...
(scrolling)
Lauren, Zigg, Jac--

CARL
(annoyed)
What does Ziggy want?

KAT
Don’t trip. He’s working on a
story.

CARL
On what? Being the king of the
asshole nerds?

Kat rolls her eyes at Carl.

KAT
One day, y’all will look back and
laugh at how silly you both were
towards each other.

CARL
Doubt it.

KAT
You’re such the adult.
 30.

A shadow grows behind them.

CARL
Face it, he’s an asshole.

Kat notices the shadow and the man attached to it. It’s
REVEREND CALDER WALKER, 50s, tall and CARL’s Grandfather.

CALDER
Good afternoon, Katherine...
Carlton.

CARL
(embarrassed)
Hi Grandpa.

KAT
Hello, Reverend Walker.

CALDER
So, what are you fresh High School
graduates up to?

KAT
Chillin’ (holding up the ice cream
bowl) And yourself?

CALDER
Just enjoying the day. How’s your
mother?

KAT
She’s good, working a lot... Oh,
can I ask you something?

Carl sighs as the Reverend nods.

KAT (CONT’D)
I’m doing an article about the
church and I was wondering if I can
interview you sometime soon.

CALDER
Sure, can you come by the church
next Tuesday after four?

KAT
Yes, Reverend Walker, I’ll be
there.
 31.

CALDER
Well, I don’t want to intrude, so
I’m off... Oh, and Carlton, don’t
forget to gas up the van.

CARL
I will.

CALDER
All right, good day.

Calder leaves and once he’s further away, Carl turns to Kat.

CARL
Like I said, Zigg’s an asshole and
you’re going to be suffering
through that boring ass interview.

KAT
Don’t sell your Granddad so short.
I’m sure he’s full of wisdom.

CARL
Wisdom... Okay.

Now Carl’s phones BUZZES. Carl takes a look.

CARL (CONT’D)
Duty calls.

Then, Carl shows Kat the phone screen. It’s a text from his
cousin, David.

David’s text: I NEED A RIDE.

KAT
Fun... Can I come?
 32.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The door bell RINGS and Lucas runs to the door and opens it.
It’s Lauren.

LUCAS
MOM, LAUREN’S HERE!

Lauren laughs at Lucas’ excitement. She hugs him.

LAUREN
Big Man!

LUCAS
I gots some new games, Lauren.

LAUREN
Really? We’ll play some of them
tonight.

VIVIAN VARHAM, 36, stylish, walks in, still putting on

earrings.

VIVIAN
Hey, Ren. Greg will drive you
home, because I’m going to get H-A-
M-M-E-R-E-D.

LAUREN
(chuckles)
Oh, don’t worry, Mrs. V. I drove my
Dad’s deathtrap, so I’m good.

We hear a CAR HORN blowing outside.

VIVIAN
All right...
(she bends over and hugs
Lucas)
Good night, baby. No Battle
Zombies, okay.
(Lucas nods)
Good, have fun.

Vivian leaves.

LAUREN
So, Big Man, it’s just you and me.

LUCAS
Is Kat comin’ over too?
 33.

LAUREN
She has an article to write, but
she might stop by.

LUCAS
Cool. Can we play Battle Zombies?

LAUREN
Yup, but don’t tell your Mom.

LUCAS
(grinning)
I won’t.

EXT. DREVIN PACKAGING CORPORATION PARKING LOT- NIGHT

There are a few cars in the parking lot. Several guys are
huddled by a mini-van.

Carl and Kat drive up to the building.

INT. CARL’S CAR - NIGHT

CARL
Of course he would be around a
bunch of drug heads.

KAT
Or they could be workers, talking
shop, don’t jump the gun.

CARL
He’s my cousin, I know him better
than anyone.

Carl gets out the car and starts walking over to the group.
 34.

EXT. DREVIN PACKAGING CORPORATION PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

Carl approaches the group, one of guys taps another guy on

the shoulder and he turns around.

It’s Carl’s cousin, DAVID WALKER, 20, troublemaker.

David rolls his eyes and continues talking to the group. The
same guy walks over to Carl.

GUY 1
You sellin’ or buyin’?

CARL
Neither.

GUY 1
Then get goin’.

DAVID
(look over at Carl)
It’s cool.

The guy leaves Carl alone.

DAVID (CONT’D)
Give me a minute.

CARL
(scoffs)
Fuck.

INT. CARL’S CAR - CONTINUOUS

Kat watches the interaction, hoping nothing goes awry. Then,

her phone BUZZES. It’s a text from Lauren.

Text: R U COMING OVER?

Kat text back: MAYBE LATER, WE HAD TO PICK UP DAVID.

Lauren’s text: FROM JAIL?

Kat’s text: LOL, NO, FROM HIS COMMUNITY SERVICE JOB IN

BALLARD.

Lauren’s text: I BET HE LOOKS GOOD AF!

Kat’s text: BYE.

 35.

EXT. DREVIN PACKAGING CORPORATION PARKING LOT

Carl waits as David passes a SMALL PLASTIC BAG into a guy’s

hand. David nods at the guy and walks over to Carl.

DAVID
Ready, cuz?

Carl turns around and heads to the car.

DAVID (CONT’D)
Cuz... Cuz, come on.

CARL
(still walking away)
Nice to see you’ve learned nothing.

DAVID
I’ve learned to be better at it.

CARL
Do you care that if you’re caught
again, you’re going to jail?

DAVID
(catches up with Carl)
Chill the fuck out!

Carl stops and faces David.

CARL
No, you get your fucking act
together!

DAVID
I’m handling this, C. Stop being a
bitch-ass nigga.

CARL
How... How do you still get second
chances? You rob Mrs. Drevlin’s
store, you get caught and for some
reason, she gives you a job at her
factory!

DAVID
You know. Shit, everybody knows. As
long as Granddaddy “preaches the
gospel” we’re fucking angels in
Medford. Plus, he was plowing her
when they were young. She’s still
loco over that dick.
 36.

CARL
Man...

DAVID
You know I’m right.

Carl starts walking again.

EXT. CARL’S CAR - CONTINUOUS

Kat sticks her head out of the car.

KAT
Y’all good?

DAVID
Always.

Carl says nothing, as they approach the car. David heads for
the passenger side where Kat is.

KAT
No, my brother. You get the back.

DAVID
That’s cold.

David gets in the back seat.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Lauren’s watching TV and scrolling on her phone. Lucas is

upstairs in bed.

Lauren’s phone BUZZES. It’s a text from her boyfriend,

Stephen.

Stephen’s text: CAN I SEND A DICK PIC?

Lauren’s text: I’M SPRING ROSE QUEEN, HAVE SOME RESPECT.

Stephen’s text: LOL!

Lauren’s text: WHERE R U NOW?

Lauren’s phone rings, she takes the call.

 37.

INT. STEPHEN’S CAR - CONTINUOUS

STEPHEN GREAN, 19, athletic, is parked outside the Varham

house.

STEPHEN
Outside, thinking about you in the
backseat for a quickie.

LAUREN (O.S.)
How sweet.

STEPHEN
I know. So, can I see you?

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: LIVING ROOM

LAUREN
Yeah, but give me a minute. Gotta
check on Big Man.

STEPHEN (O.S.)
All right.

Stephen hangs up.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

Lauren walks through the hall to Lucas’ room.

She hears Stephen’s car door close and she smiles.

Lauren gets to Lucas’ room. She opens the door.

INT. LUCAS’ ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Lucas is asleep in his bed. Lauren walks in and look over

him.

LAUREN
Sleep tight, Big Man.

As she turns around, she captures a glance of herself in the

mirror.

LAUREN (CONT’D)
Oh, oh...
(walks closer to the
mirror)
Girl, you can’t lure them in,
looking like a dog.
 38.

Lauren tries to fix herself, but realizes she needs light.

So, Lauren leaves the room.
 39.

EXT. KAT’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Kat and Carl are standing outside of his car.

KAT
Do you think you two can make it
through the summer?

CARL
We have to. The Preach thinks David
can change, and I want that, too. I
just wished he let David fail.

KAT
He’ll get the message. I mean,
David has to see how much your
Granddad truly cares.

CARL
I don’t know if he does. Feels like
he’s spitting and shitting in his
face.

KAT
Not the visual I wanted to see, but
okay.

CARL
Sorry.

KAT
Don’t be.

Carl kisses her on the cheek.

CARL
All right, I got an early day
tomorrow. You?

KAT
(snuggles up to Carl)
Writing and thinking of questions
to ask the good ole Reverend
Walker.

CARL
(laughs)
Okay.
(they kiss)
See you later.

KAT
Yup.
 40.

Carl gets in his car.

CARL
Tell Ren I said ‘hi’.

Kat gives him a ‘thumbs up’.

Carl drives off.

Kat watches for a bit and then, her phones BUZZES.

It’s a text from Zigg.

Zigg’s text: THESE FILES ARE AMAZING! SENT YOU SOME TO READ.

Kat’s text: GREAT, NOW I’M GETTING ARRESTED TOO.

Zigg’s text: PLEASE READ.

Kat’s text: OK

Kat walks inside her house.

INT. KAT’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Kat goes over to her laptop, opens it and logs in.

COMPUTER SCREEN

We see Kat’s email from Zigg. The file is labelled OPEN ME

Kat opens the file.

We see a police report with some of the writing covered with

BLACK BLOCKS. It’s been redacted.

Kat clicks the next the file.

We see the same police report without the redactions.

KAT LOOKING AT THE SCREEN

Kat reads the file. The interest in her face slowly grows as
she continues reading.

KAT
Whoa! You might be onto something,
Zigg.
 41.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Lauren sits on the couch, looking at her phone.

We see Lauren’s text: I’M READY

That was seventeen minutes ago. Lauren text again.

Lauren’s text: HEY, WHERE R U?

Lauren walks over to the window to look for Stephen.

WINDOW

She sees his car, parked across the street.

LAUREN
What are you doing?

Lauren’s phone BUZZES.

Stephen’s text: MEET ME OUTSIDE IN THE BACK.

Lauren shakes her head and texts back.

Lauren’s text: NOW YOU WANT TO PLAY GAMES?

Lauren starts walking to the kitchen.

 42.

EXT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: BACKYARD - MOMENTS LATER

Lauren opens the back door and walks outside. She leaves the
back door open.

It’s quiet and dark. Lauren, still holding her phone, looks
around.

LAUREN
Stephen, you can stop with the
games now.

She keeps walking around.

LAUREN (CONT’D)
Stephen...

Lauren sees the WOODSHED in front of her. She thinks Stephen

is hiding behind it.

Lauren grins as she slowly walks to the shed. As she gets

closer, Lauren notices a flash of light coming from Lucas’
room.

LAUREN (CONT’D)
What? Lucas?

Lauren turns around and walks back into the house.

As she shuts the door, we see STEPHEN’S BODY behind the shed.

He was strangled to death.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE - KITCHEN- MOMENTS LATER

Lauren looks around the room and texts Stephen. Once she
finishes the text, a phone BUZZES, but it’s not hers.

It’s Stephen’s phone!

Lauren sees his phone on the counter and picks it up.

LAUREN
Stephen...

She puts the phone back on the counter and leaves the room.

THE STAIRS

Lauren heads up the stairs.

 43.

UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

Lauren continues to Lucas’ room. She hears him talking.

LAUREN
Stephen, goddamnit.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: LUCAS’ ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Lauren opens the door and sees Lucas in his normal clothes.
He’s standing there in the dark.

LAUREN
Lucas... Why are you dressed?

LUCAS
I’m going huntin’ for angels.

LAUREN
(so confused)
Lucas... Were you dreaming?

LUCAS
No, me and Mr. Tooms are going
huntin’ for other angels like me.

Lauren squats down to Lucas’ level.

LAUREN
Lucas, it’s late and we can’t play
anymore games tonight. So--

LUCAS
It’s a not a game. I was chosen,
Lauren.

LAUREN
(trying to be calm)
Lucas, we can do this another time,
now let’s--

LUCAS
(looks over Lauren’s
shoulder)
Mr. Tooms, tell her!

Lauren follows Lucas’ eyes. She turns around to see a slender

man standing behind her. It’s Melvin, the child killer!

MELVIN
(calmly)
The child is right. He’s an angel.
(MORE)
 44.

MELVIN (CONT'D)
(Lauren reaches for Lucas)
And he will help me.

LAUREN
Lucas get out of here!

LUCAS
Lauren!

Lauren grabs a LAMP from the night stand and hurls it at

Melvin. She grabs Lucas and bolts towards the door.

But, Melvin grabs Lauren’s hair and pulls her back. She hits
the floor hard.

MELVIN
Do you care that angels are trapped
on this rotting earth? No, no you
don’t. You bathe in sin like water,
devour everything until there’s
nothing left.

Lauren rolls over and gets up.

LAUREN
Lucas, RUN!

Lucas is too scared to move.

MELVIN
The angels must be released to save
our souls. To redeem the faith
abandoned by all.

Lauren tries to ram through Melvin, but he’s way stronger

than her. Melvin grabs her by the neck and forces her down.

MELVIN (CONT’D)
(directly at Lauren)
To smite the whores and harlots
from destroying mankind.
(Lauren tries to break his
grip)
You are HIS whore! The one who
seduced Adam, violated Eve! You--

Lucas bolts out of the room!

MELVIN (CONT’D)
No!

Suddenly, Lauren kicks Melvin in the groin. His grip loosens

and Lauren falls back against the bed.
 45.

Her phone SLIPS out of her pocket. Lauren tries to reach for
it, but Melvin reaches out for her.

Lauren lunges away from Melvin and gets out of the room.
 46.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

Lauren struggles to run. She falls onto the wall, trying to

gain her balance.

LAUREN
(hoarsely)
Luc--Lucas, get out!

Lauren gathers herself and gets up.

LAUREN (CONT’D)
Get out, Lucas!

As she stumbles to the staircase, Melvin walks out of Lucas’

room.

MELVIN
You can not stop this, girl.

LAUREN
Fuck you!

MELVIN
Listen to the tongue of Lilith
speaking through you. I should cut
it out!

Lauren grabs a VASE from the hallway and hurls it at Melvin.

He’s hit, but not hurt.

Lauren reaches the stairs, but quickly, Melvin grabs her by

the arm and slams her against the wall.

Then, Melvin pulls Lauren up by the collar of her shirt.

Lauren is barely conscious.

MELVIN (CONT’D)
Your soul is in disarray like so
many. But I will grant you mercy...
I will give you peace.

A dark smile forms across Melvin’s face and then, he throws

Lauren over the staircase.

Lauren lands on a VASE and a SIDE TABLE, breaking them both.

MELVIN (CONT’D)
Now, you will rest in peace.

Melvin stares at Lauren’s body. She isn’t moving and he is

pleased.
 47.

INT. THE CLOSET - CONTINUOUS

Lucas hides in the closet, hoping that Melvin will go away.

He huddles in the corner.

Suddenly, he hears FOOTSTEPS. Lucas tries to be quiet, but

it’s too late.

Melvin opens the door and peeks in.

MELVIN
Come now, Lucas. We must save the
angels.
 48.

INT. KAT’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Kat is still reading the files and writing notes in a note

pad.

Her phones BUZZES, it’s Jacob. Kat takes the call.

KAT
Cuz.

JACOB (O.S.)
Did you get my video?

KAT
Nope, what is it? Please tell me
it’s not you twerking to ‘Jesus,
Love Me’?

JACOB (O.S.)
No, ho. The video with Bill Moone
talking to a tree.

KAT
What the-- You joking, right?

JACOB (O.S.)
Look.

Kat transfers the video from her phone to her laptop.

COMPUTER SCREEN

We watch the video of Bill Moone talking to the tree.

KAT
This is--

JACOB (O.S.)
Crazy, right? Hold up.

We hear the front door open and Jacob walks in and joins Kat
on the couch.

KAT
What were you doing out in the
woods?

JACOB
Meeting Chris.

KAT
In the woods, though? So cliché.
 49.

JACOB
You mean, romantic.

KAT
(scoffs)
Sure. Wait... This tree.

JACOB
Yeah?

COMPUTER SCREEN

Kat stops the video and moves it aside, then she opens the
files Zigg sent her.

KAT AND JACOB LOOKING AT THE SCREEN

KAT
You didn’t see this, by the way.

JACOB
(surprised)
Are these are state files?

KAT
Maybe.

Kat goes through the files until she finds a PHOTO.

JACOB
Whoa.

COMPUTER SCREEN

In the photo, we see the same tree and a GUTTED DEAD BODY
lumped against it.

Kat clicks the next photo.

It’s the back of the previous photo. The writing states:

MARTIN HICKLEY, RIPPED OPEN FROM THE STOMACH, 11:43 PM, JUNE
4th 1985.

KAT AND JACOB LOOKING AT THE SCREEN

KAT
Martin Hickley... I don’t know any
Hickleys.
 50.

JACOB
Neither do I. Never heard about
this murder before, I mean, I heard
things like--

KAT
Scary stories... Remember those old
scary stories we used to hear at
camp?

JACOB
Yeah.

Jacob looks at Kat, realizing that she just discovered

something. Kat reaches for her phone.

JACOB (CONT’D)
You telling Zigg about this?

KAT
How--
(Jacob makes ‘Girl, I
know’ face)
Actually, I’m calling Ren first.
Maybe her mom knows something about
this since she’s the town’s
historian.

Kat calls Lauren. The phone rings, but no one answers.

KAT (CONT’D)
(still holding the phone
to her ear)
Where is she?

JACOB
Maybe she’s with Stephen.

KAT
She still would’ve picked up.

Kat hangs up.

JACOB
She’ll call back.

Kat has an look of uncertainty. For some reason, she feels

like something’s not quite right.

KAT
Let’s drive by the Varhams.
 51.

INT. AN EMPTY BARN - NIGHT

Lucas slowly opens his eyes and sees the rotting walls of
barn. He’s laying in a cleared space on the floor.

As Lucas looks around the room, he finally sees Melvin

smiling at him, with a SHARP KNIFE at his side.

MELVIN
You’re awake, angel.

LUCAS
W--Where’s Lauren?

MELVIN
She’s at peace. At peace, Lucas.
Isn’t that wonderful? Oh, you
wouldn’t understand, you’re so
young.

Lucas watches Melvin as he circles around him.

MELVIN (CONT’D)
We’re in pain because angels are
trapped here.

LUCAS
Where?

MELVIN
In you, in beautiful children like
you. I know because the angels cry
out for me to release them.

LUCAS
You said I was an angel.

MELVIN
You are, and once I cut out the
lost light, you will become a
beautiful, glorious angel you were
meant to be.

Melvin walks toward Lucas. Lucas backs away from him.

LUCAS
Leave me alone!

MELVIN
Don’t be afraid, Lucas. This is the
only way.

Melvin slowly kneels before Lucas.

 52.

Melvin tries to grab Lucas, but slips on a damp PATCH OF HAY

and falls face first.

Lucas gets up and runs.

Melvin scrambles to get his bearings.

MELVIN (CONT’D)
Don’t you run from me!
 53.

EXT. THE VARHAM HOUSE - NIGHT

Vivian and GREG VARHAM, 38, handsome, walk up to the door of

their home. Vivian is tipsy, Greg helps her up the steps.

VIVIAN
(tipsy)
Lauren, we’re back!

GREG
Shh! Let’s not wake the
neighborhood.

Vivian nods and reaches in her purse. She’s having a time

finding the keys.

GREG (CONT’D)
(chuckles)
Babe, I got this.

Greg digs in his pocket and pulls out his keys.

GREG (CONT’D)
Daddy saves the day.

VIVIAN
Daddy... I got your Daddy.

She takes the keys and unlocks the door.

GREG
That sounds hot.

Vivian opens the door.

VIVIAN
It’s does, well let’s--

Vivian’s face drops.

 54.

INT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Vivian is greeted by Lauren’s body, sprawled out on the

floor. She can’t speak or breathe.

Greg quickly runs over to Lauren.

Lauren is bleeding. He can’t tell if she’s dead or alive.

Vivian finally moves.

VIVIAN
(faintly)
Is she-- Is she--

Greg drops to the floor to check on Lauren, and then...

VIVIAN (CONT’D)
LUCAS! LUCAS!

Vivian runs upstairs.

Greg gets back up and runs after Vivian.

UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

Greg dashes from the stairs to the hallway. Vivian runs out
of Lucas’ room.

She grabs Greg for support.

VIVIAN
He’s gone! My baby! My--
(she collapses on the
floor)
Lucas!

Greg’s eyes zone out.

 55.

INT. THE BARN - NIGHT

Lucas hides in a cart. He’s trying to stay quiet, hoping

Melvin won’t find him.

MELVIN
Don’t hide from me, Lucas! I have
to do this!

Judging from the distance of Melvin’s voice, Lucas realizes

that Melvin isn’t close.

Lucas peeks out from the cart and carefully gets out.

He walks around and sees a ladder going down. Lucas starts

climbing down the ladder.

As Lucas climbs down, he scrapes his leg on a sharp piece of

wood on the ladder. He tries to ignore the pain, he just
wants to go home.

Lucas reaches the bottom of the ladder, but the pain is

getting to him. It hurts to walk.

He limps towards the exit, which seems so far away. Still,

Lucas keeps going.

Lucas notices a TRAP DOOR, partly covered by hay. He turns

around to see if Melvin’s behind him. He’s not.

Lucas opens the trap door and just then...

MELVIN (CONT’D)
(peeking from the top
entrance)
There you are!

Lucas panics and missteps!

He falls through the opening of the trap door.

THE BASEMENT

The distance from the main floor to the basement isn’t far,
but the fall was still painful.

Lucas is crying, limping on the damp earth.

The blood on Lucas’ leg smears the ground as he crawls to a

hiding place in the corner of the room.
 56.

INT. THE CAR - NIGHT

Kat and Jacob are heading over to the Varhams. They live
outside of town, where most of rich folks live.

JACOB
Why can’t the Varhams live in town
like the rest of us?

Jacob grabs his phone and calls, Lauren again.

No Answer.

JACOB (CONT’D)
(still holding the phone)
Where are you, girl?

Suddenly, sounds of a POLICE SIREN fills the air. Kat looks

at the rear view mirror and sees TWO POLICE CARS speeding up
behind them.

JACOB (CONT’D)
What the?

Kat pulls over as the police cars zip pass them.

KAT
No...

JACOB
It could be nothing.

Kat gets back on the road and speeds up to follow the police.

Jacob calls Lauren again, hoping she will pick up. Kat
finally reaches the neighborhood where the Varhams live.

When she turns the final corner, her heart drops.

EXT. THE VARHAM HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Outside of the Varhams’ home are three POLICE CARS and an

AMBULANCE.

A few neighbors are standing near the house. There are a

couple of cops keeping them at a distance.

THE CAR

Kat stops the car on the side of the road. She and Jacob jump
out of the car and rush towards the house.
 57.

EXT. THE VARHAM HOUSE: FRONT YARD - NIGHT

A cop stops Kat and Jacob from getting any closer.

COP 1
You two need to get back in your
car and go home!

JACOB
Our friend is in there!

KAT
Lauren, Lauren Howe, she’s in
there.

COP 1
Please, just get home.

KAT
NO! No, we need to see if... We
need to know...

At that moment, the PARAMEDICS comes from around the house...

With a BODY BAG.

KAT (CONT’D)
Lauren!

JACOB
Please no.

The cop moves forward, blocking Kat’s sight of the body bag.

KAT
(faintly)
Is it her?

COP 1
I can’t say, please get into--

KAT
IS IT HER?

COP 1
No, it isn’t.

Kat stares at the body bag being loaded inside of the

ambulance. Jacob joins Kat and holds her.
 58.

INT. THE BASEMENT - NIGHT

Melvin jumps down into the basement. He smiles as he sees

Lucas in the darken corner.

MELVIN
(breathing heavily)
Please, Lucas. Accept your true
calling.

Melvin slowly walks over towards Lucas. As he gets closer to

Lucas, something begins to happen...

Lucas’ blood on the ground starts to GLOW.

Melvin pulls out his knife.

The GLOW gets brighter and brighter, to the point that Melvin
turns around.

The GLOWING LIGHT begins to spread into a circular shape. It

moves fast, forming a weird MAZE like symbol.

Once it’s completed, the glowing light stops and then, it

fades.

Melvin is dumbfounded and Lucas just watches.

And suddenly, the ground RUMBLES and SOMETHING rises from the
ground!
 59.

A THING quickly grows from the dirt like a plant.

The Thing looks like a man, but it isn’t. It can’t be!

Melvin grips his knife as the Thing continues to rise.

Once the Thing is completely free from the ground, it moves

awkwardly forward, like a puppet on some strings.

The Thing is tall, dark and crooked with long arms and legs.
The Thing has a limp. Its face is shaped like a man, but it’s
longer. Its hair is lengthy and resembles straw. Its body is
thin and its eyes are BLOOD RED.

THING
(guttural voice)
I. Am. Free. Free, free, free.

Melvin can’t move. He’s frightened and yet, mystified by this

being standing before him.

The Thing stares at Melvin for a moment and then, it smiles,

revealing two rows of miniature SHARP TEETH.

Melvin raises his knife close to him.

The Thing steps closer to Melvin.

THING (CONT’D)
Your thoughts speak in riddles,
lies and truths joined as one.

Melvin wants to stab it, but he can’t move.

THING (CONT’D)
They move like a river and shines
bright like the sun.

The Thing places its THIN CLAWED HAND over Melvin’s face.

THING (CONT’D)
Ooh, what glories you have.

MELVIN
(incoherent)
Muuuuuuuuuuuyoooo

The Thing removes its hand from Melvin’s face. Now Melvin is
paralyzed! The Thing turns its attention to Lucas.

But Lucas doesn’t see the Thing anymore, he sees a BRIGHT

LIGHT and then...
 60.

EXT. THE WOODS - CONTINUOUS

In a blink of an eye, Lucas is outside the barn, in fact

several feet from it.

He doesn’t remember how he got outside. All Lucas remembers

that something saved him.

Lucas looks around the quiet space and gets up. He’s no
longer scared, he just wants to see his parents, and Lauren.

Lucas starts walking, following the clearing that leads to

the road.

INT. THE BASEMENT

Melvin is still paralyzed, sweating heavily.

MELVIN
(Stammering)
You aren’t the angel I seek. You’re
not the angel!

The Thing just stares at Melvin and then, it smiles.

THING
(almost singing)
I am the angel. I am the angel. I
am the angel.

The Thing leans into Melvin’s face.

THING (CONT’D)
They put me away. They wouldn’t let
me sing, or allow me to stay.

The Thing caresses Melvin’s face.

THING (CONT’D)
Five called the Heavens to keep me
at bay. But thanks to you, kind
sir...
 61.

The Thing raises his hand and SLASHES Melvin’s throat with
its THIN CLAWS. The life leaves Melvin’s eyes as he watches
the Thing grin with glee.

THING (CONT’D)
I AM FREE AND I SHALL PLAY.

INT. BILL MOONE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Bill lies in bed with Harriet. He turns over and watches her.

Harriet stares at the ceiling. She doesn’t speak, just

breathes.

Bill caresses her face and straighten up her hair.

BILL
Good night, my sunshine.

Bill kisses her and lays back down.

Suddenly, Harriet RISES UP! Her eyes BLINK wildly! Bill

doesn’t know what to think! He reaches out her.

BILL (CONT’D)
Harriet?! Harriet!

Harriet continues to look straight ahead and then, she

SHARPLY turns to face Bill.

HARRIET
When he comes, he comes at night.
To hide in the shadows, to hide
from the light.
And when you see him, at the foot
of your bed.
That’s when you know...
You’re as good as dead.
 62.

Bill stares at Harriet. He’s happy she is speaking, but

frighten by the warning that poured from his wife’s dry lips.

FADE OUT.