the given days (master script)
TRANSCRIPT
The Given Days
Written By
Joshua Gennari & Jonathan Gennari
Based on original Concept by: Joshua Gennari & Doron Clays
Area 51 Productions Joshua M. GennariCopyright 2010 Executive ProducerAll Rights Reserved (360) 539-7829
1
1
2
Opening Credits
The opening credits roll. As credits roll we see
Justin driving.
He glances at his rearview mirror and there are dog tags hanging from it.
Split scene between senior year 2000 (Oregon maybe, there are 2 large football colleges in Oregon) and Iraq fall 2002.
The senior year scene is a game where the football team is pummeling a school at their home field.
The scene in Iraq is a dangerous battle with Justin and his squad in which they are infiltrating an enemy bunker.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY1.(SOUND) In the background the intercom is making announcements, including the recent victory of the football team.
Max Approaches Justin’s locker.
MAXHey man. Where’d you go after the game?
JUSTINI just took off with Sierra.
MAXOh shit, getting that ass on theregular
JUSTIN(He laughs)
Fuck off man.
MAXBut... you are crushing it right?
JUSTINI’m...not talking about this withyou...I mean she’s the most funI’ve ever had
MAXYea but you see, women will sneak in with fun, only to break your heart. Where’d ya take off to?
2
3
JUSTINShe took me to this amazing spotwith a view of some mountain orlake or both
MAX(as Loquisha)
...Oh dat’s so romantical! (they laugh)
So are you two gonna get married at like 19 and have a million babies...or what?
JUSTINNo
MAXI mean don’t you even wanna go tocollege?
JUSTINOh I’m goin to mutha fuckincollege. You know this. We bothgoin to college the way we’rebulldozing through the playoffs.
MAXTrue
JUSTINPlus you know there’s gonna bescouts from the Ducks. And that’san in to at least a shot at theleague.
MAXYea but it’s never a sure thing.What if you get hurt?
JUSTINThis from the jackass who’ll pissaway 500 dollars on one bet at thetrack
MAXThat was different. It was aninvestment and you know it
(Justin laughs)Laying 50-1 odds on that pony I’d be an idiot not to take action on it.
(they laugh)(MORE)
3
4
So listen I made some money on a MAX (CONT'D)
Bet and I wanted to give you a cut.
JUSTINWhat are you talking about?
MAXI shaved points in the districtplayoff. Just one score man, andthey gave me a grand. So here’sfive hundred
Max hands Justin the cash.
JUSTINNot fucking cool bro. I need thismoney but everyone’s counting on usending this season with a blast.You’re dad, the scouts... what ifyou get caught?
MAXDon’t WORRY bro I got it undercontrol.
INT. ARMY BARRACKS IRAQ - DAY2.
Iraq- Justin is alone drinking in his barracks writing a letter to Max.
JUSTIN (V.O.)I guess it probably seemed like Ijust ran away. My motivation wassimple. Escape. I don’t know ifI’ll ever get over the embarrassment or the hurt. What thehell were you thinking? And Ican’t help thinking-if it wasn’tfor that defeat would I have evercome to put my ass on the line forsomething I don’t fully understand?
INT. MAX’S HOUSE - NIGHT3.
Back to the senior year. Max and Justin are in Max’s bedroom.
It is the evening before the championship.
4
5
JUSTINSo man, you ready for tomorrow?
MAXAll I do is drop perfectly threadedpasses through double coverage toscore touchdowns...all day
JUSTINAnd all I do is catch anything Isee and beat the secondary like anaughty stepchild.
MAXbut without those perfectlyinspired tosses...
JUSTINUh huh, you’re a god among men Iget it
MAXSo how are things with your “wife”?
JUSTINThey are awesome. She just foundout that her SAT score was wayhigher than she needed to get intothe U. So she'll be there with us in the fall. As long as we playwell against Portland East I thinkthey’ll offer me enough scholarshipto be living easy and free of thisfucking town.
MAXThat’s good man. Real good, I don’tthink I’m gonna go to schoolthough.
JUSTINWhat?
MAXYea dude, college is great for youbut my dad’s got a spot for me assoon as I get my diploma. That’s adecent salary right there. Plus... four more years of school??... nothanks.
5
6
JUSTINWhat about us playing together onthe next level?
MAXI don’t have that kinda talent andyou know it. I’m good enough to winwith great players around me.You’re the true prodigy. My dad isalways getting on about how it wasto win a championship and how it’sgonna be for me. Don’t you ever gettired of being expected to winevery game of your life?
JUSTINNo.
MAXOf everyone expecting you to bebetter than the competition...
(as If he’s just thinking of it.)
What if we just threw it?
JUSTINYou really are crazy, man.
MAXI mean we just put down a gob ofmoney and use the one thing in ourlives we can control to actuallysee a massive win. All there is toreally win...money.
JUSTINI will NEVER agree to that crazylogic.
MAXOf course not... but it really isthe real prize... a trophy will gointo our fucking hall of fame glasswall, but money is ours to use howwe want. I mean we’ve worked ourasses off since we were fifteen,for what? Our school to get all thecredit?
JUSTINDude I know your joking...it’s notfunny though. This is my chance to
(MORE)
6
7
get scouted and take the next stepJUSTIN (CONT'D)
to going pro. We’ve talked aboutthis since we were kids. What aboutthe rest of the team and coach?Honestly, fuck that. This is for myfuture. And you’re joking about fucking it all away for a couple grand. You have the rest ofyour life to fix gambling schemes.
MAXYea man I’m just fucking aroundanyway.
JUSTINYa, that’s something that we’dregret...like forever bro.
MAX(chuckle)I know. I’m just sayingthat kinda cash wouldn’t be bad.
JUSTINNot worth it!
EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT4.
There are two cars in a parking lot.
We see Max get out of one car and get into the other.
INT. CAR - NIGHT5.
Max is sitting in the car across from two men.
One is obviously a body guard.
We see an exchange of money.
EXT. MILITARY BASE - DAY6.
Iraq-Justin and a fellow soldier are on some down time.
Gunshots are still heard in the distance.
Chris and Justin are tossing a football.
CHRISI wish there was somewhere to get acold beer around here.
JUSTINHa...haven’t had beers in at least2 months
7
8
CHRISMe too... GOD has it been thatlong? How long you been here J?
JUSTINGot in bout 9 months ago, you?
CHRIS...a fucking lifetime ago. It’s like everything that happened until I arrived here was to a different person. I thought about going to school and studying business. I couldn’t get a scholarship so I figured I'd enlist. Only way I’ll be able to pay for a worthwhile education. Here though... you just stay alive or you don’t.
JUSTINRight... rule number one: keep yourshit wired tight at all times.
CHRISRight...and that’s understood. Butfuck Justin, how many kids you seencome through here and get blown topink mist? And some of these boysdidn’t have a shirt on their backsat home. They figure they scrapetheir way through life so why notfight for a living? They don’t haveany other means. They have nochoice in life.
JUSTINI know.
CHRISMost of us just don’t get it...without love there is no being.Love of life, love of art, ofcompetition, or of a girl. Withoutit we are robots going through life... getting married, raising kids,paying our mortgage andcontributing no real substance tothe world. Do you think the heads(meaning the enemy) appreciate art,culture or anything?
8
9
JUSTINI don’t thinks so. I mean they havefamilies and all but don’t theybelieve they own their women? Theirwomen are property.
CHRISGOD...THAT’S fucking barbaric. Andhow many of our men have beenkilled by these...Fuckers. I meanthey go about life thinking they’regonna die in combat and go toheaven and reap their reward. Theyare living for heaven? Life is themotha fucking gift, nothing else isgranted. We try to survive so wecan go back to living, but theylive and fight to die, how do youdefeat an enemy like that?
JUSTINWe can’t... as of yet
CHRISI mean these 19 year old boys theydon’t deserve to die by the hand ofsome psychopath. And it feels likethe enemy’s are all exactly that...No one deserves to go out likethat.
JUSTINNo...
CHRISShit no man... struck down in theirprime by “men” who cower in cavesand try to rule over their womenand their people as dictators. Theycertainly don’t deserve that
JUSTINI know... but sometimes I feel likeI don’t deserve the days I’ve beengiven. Like I’m wasting life, andwasting myself. And that someoneelse who’s died before me probablydeserves to be alive more.
CHRISNo man you can’t think like that.Its luck... and then Bam! it’s
(MORE)
9
10
gone. So just by getting out of CHRIS (CONT'D)
here you will deserve all the days you are given.
JUSTINSometimes man, it feels likeevery fucking day is just leadingto my demise. And it’s like I’veaccepted that it will happen to me.I see my buddies get hit by a roadside or an RPG or get there faceblown off by a sniper. It’seventually all of our fate. I meanwho gives a fuck bout us? Thebrass? What are we to them?
CHRISMeat.
JUSTIN(in agreement) Fucking meat, andthat’s all we’ll ever be. It’sokay... but I can’t help but figurewhy not get it over with I meanit’s today...or tomorrow.
CHRISIt’s a commitment brother. Here yougotta decide to stay alive, committo not fucking up and maybe youhave a shot at getting out.(gettingthem out of the dark direction theconversation is going) You got alady stateside J?
JUSTINHe thinks about it for amoment)...Nah, I had nothing tooffer her.
CHRISShe left you?
JUSTINSaved her the trouble.
CHRISYou still think of her
JUSTINAll the time.
(Starting to daydream a
10
11
little.)She’s my.....uh we datedin high school.
CHRIS(Baffled)
Why would you give her up? You love her. Clearly you stilldo man. She’s your escape from allthis. She’s gonna get you home.
JUSTINWhat?
CHRISDude you just thought of her andyou’re face lit up. So the nexttime you’re in the thick of it... ready to give up, ready to let abullet land square on your chestand end it, you think of her andyou’ll find your way through it.Things are clearly not finishedbetween you...and this girl.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - NIGHT7.
This is a flashback of Justin and Sierra’s first kiss.
It takes place after a game when he is coming out of the showers.
He and Max are leaving and she is in the parking lot on her car dressed very hot.
It is night she spots him.
This scene should move very slow and fluid like a dream.
SIERRAHey there all-star... need a ride?
MAX(Knowing that Justin will be riding with Sierra now. )
I’ll see you later
He goes to his car and drives off
JUSTINYa I’d love one.
11
12
They get into her car.
INT. SIERRA’S CAR - NIGHT8.
SIERRA(She is playfully teasing and flirting throughout the scene)
That was some show you put on today.
JUSTIN(A little embarrassed)
Thanks.
SIERRAIt’s funny you guys look likeyou’re not even trying sometimes.As though you know what everybodyelse is gonna do and you can justwalk into the end zone.
JUSTINIt’s just...Max and I know eachother so well we fall into rhythmas second nature as breathing.
SIERRAAww so you’re boyfriends.
JUSTIN(Jokingly)
Yeah we’re in love. But sometimes Ifeel like he just doesn’t listen tome.
SIERRA(Laughs)
I made you something (Nowshe is a little embarrassed
She fiddles in the backseat which makes Justin a little uncomfortable as she is driving, she eventually fishes out a picture that she has drawn or painted of him in his football uniform helmet off.
JUSTINThis is amazing.
SIERRAYea right... You’re sweet though.
12
13
JUSTINNo I mean thanks for the picture,it’s amazing... but you arephenomenally talented. What...areyou going to do with it?
SIERRAI don’t know I like to just, seehow things go.
They arrive at Justin’s house.
JUSTIN(Somewhat oblivious about to get out)
Well, thanks for thepicture... uh and the ride.
JUSTINI guess you’ll just have to repayme.
Justin looks at her she smiles very big...he kisses her.
It is a kiss that has been so anticipated by both of them that it’s explosive but a little slow to start.
They have both kissed other people and maybe even slept with other people but this kiss is special because it’s both of their first kiss with someone they have real feelings for.
JUSTIN(sighs)
Where’ve you been all my life?
INT. HUMVEE IN IRAQ - DAY9.
They are on a secluded road headed to a village in the distance.
In the back are Justin and Chris Taylor, and in the front are staff sergeant Paul Leazak and specialist (sniper) Brad Henderson.
LEAZAK(To Chris and Justin very motivational)
ALRIGHT boys you’re my cleanup crew. This cell is 6 men that we know of and we need it to be quick. They’ve ambushed 2 units with no survivors and they’ve killed 2 reporters that we know of. This is
(MORE)
13
14
a straight forward mission.LEAZAK (CONT'D)
CHRIS(jokingly)
So you want us to bediplomatic.
LEAZAKThat’s a negative boys you are nottaking prisoners on this mission.
HENDERSONIn and out boys. You fucking knowthe drill.
JUSTINIn and...outnumbered three to one.
HENDERSONIsn’t that yall’s specialty?
LEAZAKBoys we all know the level of skillyou two possess that’s why you werechosen for this mission. Now ifyou’ll stop fucking about here’sthe village.
(hands them a map)Now the leader (some Islamic name)operates out of this hut with hisbodyguard. There’s a sniper on eachof the far corner buildings EastWest North South. There’s usuallytwo infantry soldiers guarding theleader's hut and there’s gonna be at least one guard patrolling thevillage.
CHRISSo a guard, two soldiers and foursnipers...fucking cake Sarge’.
JUSTINYea we got this.
HENDERSONThe East and West snipers we cantake care of.
LEAZAKYea that’s why we need you toget in quiet and lay these fuckers
(MORE)
14
15
down cleanly. Because you stillLEAZAK (CONT'D)
have to get in the main hut.Henderson and I will take out thetwo snipers and provide cover foryou the entire time.
Henderson flashes his intervention sniper rifleand I will be manning the 60cal.
(referring to the Gun mounted on the car)
You two get your shit together. We arrive in 3 minutes.
During this dialogue the men are just getting there last pieces of equipment ready such as: silencers, frags, stun grenades etc.
CHRISYou ready for this?
JUSTINFuckin’ ’A’.
CHRISJust know I got you out there.
JUSTINI know.
CHRISWatch out for fucking traps andsmall explosives. Keep your earspeeled man we gotta hear any ragscomin our way and be ready to drop'em.
JUSTINI know. Thanks...
(They both lock and load)READY!
CHRISREADY.
LEAZAKAlright men... we’re here. Cleanthis fucking shit hole out. We willbe watching over you so don’tworry.
15
16
JUSTINGuardian angels huh?
LEAZAKIs there any other kind...?Soldiers... MOVE OUT.
Justin and Chris jump out of the Humvee.
Chris turns to Justin.
CHRISTo living!
JUSTINHoorah!
EXT. IRAQI VILLAGE - DAY10.
The two men stealthily approach the village each one watching the others flank.
Even though they know the enemy is there on the approach it should feel completely secluded.
The two men find cover and spot the patrol guard. He is separated from the rest of the cell.
Chris pops up and triple taps (two in the chest one in the head) he drops.
At the same time we see Henderson take out the first sniper. They move up 12 meters to the next covered area.
They spot one of the soldiers, but do not see the other and they do not see the snipers so they wait to proceed.
Justin spots one of the snipers on top of a north building. He carefully lines up his shot and kills him.
While he’s taking out the sniper Chris kills the soldier. They move up to the next guarded area.
They are on opposite sides of what was a building but is now rubble.
During this time the second soldier has made his way up to the second floor of one of the western buildings.
He is carrying a rocket launcher.
CHRISBy my count, if they got the
(MORE)
16
17
snipers there’s just the lastCHRIS (CONT'D)
soldier, the bodyguard and ElCapitan right?
JUSTINRight... let’s finish this. Where’sthis rag at?
CHRISScan the roofs I’ll...
They hear the launch of the rocket headed their way
CHRISGET THE FUCK DOWN!
As he finishes the rocket hits close to his feet.
Aside from blast shock Justin is fine he sees Chris get thrown, and bleed out...
At the same time we see Sgt. Leazak kill the rocket shooter with the 60 cal.
JUSTINFUUUUUCKKK!!
Justin sprints to the main hut.
Gets down.
Throws in a stun grenade and with reckless abandon runs in and knifes the two last men.
As Justin is leaving the village he hears footsteps and turns his weapon to see a small figure.
He keeps his weapon on it, as he approaches he realizes it’s a child that has been hiding.
The child is holding a handgun probably a revolver given to him by one of the men in the cell.
JUSTINKid... Put the fucking gun down.Put it down boy.
(He tries to remember any Arab taught to them in training such as “drop your weapon” but can’t)
Kid... Please God putthe fucking weapon down.
17
18
The boy begins to fire and Justin kills him.
The boy gets his round off it gets Justin in the leg as that is the highest he could hold the gun.
Justin falls to his knees
JUSTINSHIIITT!!!
Slow motion shot view from the Humvee, Justin is trying to run out from the village to get to the vehicle he can’t move very well and falls but tries to keep moving.
Henderson pulls his side arm and leaves the vehicle to help him.
JUSTINChris’ DEAD.
HENDERSONCome on we gotta get you to theHUMV.
He is able to finally get Justin in the back.
This whole time,Leazak is looking out but the entire cell is dead
LEAZAKTaylor?
HENDERSONDidn’t make it.
LEAZAKGod Dammit... we gotta get him toTriage right NOW!
INT JUSTIN’S CAR - DAY11.
Justin in his car driving.
His dog tags hang in the rearview.
He is listening to classic rock maybe singing a little.
He has been relieved of duty and is on his way home.
He is not distressed but not excited to be going home.
When he arrives it is to a modest house he parks gets out but doesn’t get his bag.
18
19
He is limping but not severely impaired.
Can still get up and down on his own.
Mike Prophet steps out of the house.
He is middle-aged and a surrogate father to Justin.
MIKEWell I’ll be damned. You’re homekid
JUSTINYea...I’m home.
MIKE...How the hell are you? I’vemissed you
JUSTINI’m good... you know...I’m good.God it’s crazy to be here. Whenthings aren’t goin a million milesan hour I just don’t know what I’mdoin.
MIKEThat’ll die down. You just gottagive yourself time to find yourfooting.
JUSTINYea I don’t know how long that’sgonna take.
MIKE Well I got your room all set up.It’s the first room on the left
JUSTINI remember.
MIKE(Laughs)
Oh, that’s right.Yougonna go over and see your dad?
JUSTINI don’t know that I’ll ever beready for that. Has he even come upfor air?
19
20
MIKEHe actually stopped for about amonth. Said he’d been goin tomeetings and then a few days later,I saw him drinking beers at
(He sees that Justin doesn’t need to hear the rest.)
...Well you should at least see Sierra
JUSTINHow...how is she? She move away?She married?
MIKENo Justin she’s not married. She’shad a few boyfriends. Nothinserious. I don’t think she ever gotover you champ...and she stillworks at the diner.
JUSTINYea?
MIKEEvery time I see her she asks ifI’ve heard from you. You should gotalk to her I think she’s workingright now.
JUSTINShe wouldn’t want to see me.
MIKEJustin... that’s exactly what she’swanted for what... goin on threeyears now. God you just disappearedand I hear from you every sixmonths. At least I knew you werealive though.
HE GRABS HIS BAG AND STARTS INSIDE. TURNS TO MIKE11.01.
JUSTINThanks... for letting me stay here.
MIKEOf course kid.
EXT.DINER - EVENING12.
20
21
Justin pulls up to the diner.
He sees Sierra through the glass and is trying to get up the courage to go in.
He is completely choked up and cannot do it so he leaves.
EXT.DINER - EVENING13.
The next day Justin is in front of the diner trying to get up the courage again.
He is still unable to go in.
But this time she spots his car and starts for the front of the store as she gets outside he drives away.
Then Sierra goes to the phone to call Mike.
She pulls out her cell phone.
She hits speed dial.
SIERRAHi Mike.
CUT TO:
INT. TOWN BAR - EVENING14.
Justin is in a bar sipping a drink. It is pretty busy but he is sitting alone.
The crowd is rushing by him but he is almost in slow motion.
He leaves to go home.
INT. MIKES HOUSE - NIGHT15.
Justin gets home from the bar.
Mike sees him and nods to the living room.
He enters the living room and Sierra is sitting on the couch.
This scene should move very slowly.
All their motions specifically Justin’s are somewhat timid.
She looks up at him.
JUSTINHey.
21
22
SIERRAHey.
JUSTINListen...I’m so....
SIERRA...Don’t! I can’t hear it. Don’twant to hear it.
JUSTINThen?
SIERRA(She looks at him and begins to seethe real toll that combat hastaken.)You know every day I saw youdie some horrible way and there wasno way to know if it was true. Allthat time I couldn’t talk to youcouldn’t touch you. You’re homenow. Home’s good enough! (He goesto her they take each other’shands.
JUSTINAll I thought about was being withyou and touching you too. It feltlike my entire life had slippedaway. But I had to...get away
SIERRAI know why you left, but we allknew you didn’t cheat. Max was indirty with some slimy dudes.
JUSTINYea and I got screwed.
SIERRAShe is beginning to break down.Well I got screwed too Justin. Youwere gone without a word. The loveof my life vanished! A disappearingact and I’m here...shattered. (shestarts to cry; he embraces her andholds her) Why...leave me?
JUSTINI’m sorry. I’m here now.
22
23
SIERRA(Sniffling)
Finally. But...
JUSTINYea?
SIERRAShe is trying not to break downagain) Where’ve you been all mylife?
They laugh. They embrace again and kiss
INT. MIKE’S HOUSE KITCHEN - MORNING16.
The breakfast table.
Justin is drinking coffee and Mike pours a bowl of cereal.
Justin goes to the computer a few feet away to play poker and eat.
MIKESo?
JUSTINYeah?
MIKE...Is she here? Do I need to lookaway?
JUSTINNo, she didn’t spend the night.
MIKENo judgment.
JUSTINIt just needs to be right.
MIKEAbsolutely...You know she stillloves you as if you were nevergone.
JUSTINShe’s amazing.
MIKEThere’s no rarer love, than one
(MORE)
23
24
still trusting after not havingMIKE (CONT'D)
connection in years.
JUSTINYou know when I was over there itfelt like even if I made it out Iwouldn’t be able to get her backinto my life.
MIKEWhy would you think that?
JUSTINBecause... I just left her....without a word. It was inexcusable.
MIKEYet, she excused you. Justin, whydid you leave? Was it the game?
JUSTINYea... it was the game.HE TURNS TO Justin
MIKEHe had a lot of people fooled withthat game. That everybody gets outof rhythm. I knew better though. Isaw you two together for your whole high school careers boy...You twowere something to see the way youwould pick a defense apart... (Theyare both reliving it a little.)He’d throw you three or four slantspick up a couple yards. Hand theball to Teddy Johnson, pick up thefirst and on first down let youburn the secondary and float you aprayer that you caught every time.You kids were not outmatched byPortland East. That’s how I knew.
JUSTINI wish I could go back to that lastgame. If I could have just made himrealize that nothing could be worthgiving up that shot.
MIKEI know... I know, but no one everthought you were a part of it. Youknow that right?
24
25
JUSTINHe told me he was shaving points. Ipleaded with him not to do anythingstupid, and I thought he hadagreed. But after that I just knewI couldn’t spend the rest of theyear pretending like that. Plus Icouldn’t live with Dad. He wasfalling, inside and out. I couldn’twatch so there was nowhere to gobut away. Forget everything I hadever known and maybe it wouldn’tfeel like my dream derailed andcrashed into the station.
MIKEBut you could’ve gone to adifferent school and worked yourway up to the athletic program. Youalways had the talent to get youin.
JUSTINMaybe... but the scouts thatmattered were at that game. Oncethey see a team fall apart likethat they will never look at youthe same. You get labeled, “unable to finish strong”.And with everything falling apart Ithought the only thing in my life Icould control was where I wasgoing. I figured by the time I wasdone I would at least have enoughmoney to marry Sierra...Then wewent to war.
MIKEEveryone was so shocked.
Mike goes to the fridge gets a beer and one for Justin.
JUSTINThen I just had to roll with it.
MIKEI couldn’t be happier to have youhome. Oh I talked to Terry Collinsat the Mill. He said “witheverything Justin has done for ourcountry he will always have a place
(MORE)
25
26
to work with me”.MIKE (CONT'D)
JUSTINThat’s good. I need something todo. It’s crazy adjusting to life inreal time.
MIKEThings look different wheneverything isn’t life and deathhuh?
JUSTINExactly and it’s easy to get alittle stir crazy. You know?
MIKEWhat are you doing today? We cantoss the ball around. I feel asthough I never get outside anymore.
JUSTINWell you’re old (Mike laughs) and Ihave to go to the VA but maybelater
MIKEI’m not old. Am I?
JUSTINWell the rule is if you have toask...you’re old. So have you evenheard from Max
MIKEI see him every once and awhilehere and there. He just nods anddoesn’t say anything. I think hejust doesn’t know where to begin.From what I understand he wasreally getting leaned on by theguys that got him to throw thegame.
JUSTINYea, I’m sure he got himself intoall kinds of trouble.
MIKEWhat happens when you see him? Itwill happen eventually.
26
27
JUSTINNothin I guess. Just say hi,there’s nothing else to say.
EXT. GAS STATION - DAY 17.
An Attendant serves Justin. At the same time we see Max from behind go in to get cigarettes.
As Justin is taking the gas nozzle off and puts it into the car and this triggers a flashback.
ATTENDANTSir
JUSTINYea
ATTENDANTDo you just want me to fill itup?
JUSTINThat’s fine.
From the rear view mirror Justin sees the Attendant take the nozzle and begin pumping.
This triggers a flashback to Iraq.
EXT. CITY STREET IN IRAQ - DAY18.
Chris and Justin hear an explosion by a car.
They both get down behind another car.
There are bullets flying by and hitting the car they are behind.
Chris tosses a grenade and Justin comes out and fires four shots.
And gets back to cover as Chris gets up and does the same
JUSTINFuck. That was close
CHRISYea. Way too fucking close.
JUSTIN You hit man. You good?
27
28
CHRISYea good. I think we got them.Check to be sure.
Justin Looks to the area where the attackers were and sees them laying there.
Kneels back to Chris
JUSTINYea clear.
EXT. THE GAS STATION - DAY19.
ATTENDANTSir...Sir...Sir
JUSTINYes
ATTENDANTIt’s full. Here’s your card
Hands him the card.
JUSTINThanks.
Gives him a tip.
ATTENDANTThanks. Have a good day.
Goes back into store.Justin is lost for a moment.
Then Max bangs on the trunk.
MAXI don’t believe it...
JUSTINMax...
He comes to Justin’s window.
MAXHow the hell are you stranger?
JUSTINIt’s been...
28
29
MAXTo long brother.
JUSTINHow are you?
MAXGreat! I got a salary job with the firm.
JUSTINThat’s really great man. I guessyou always knew that was coming.
MAXYea but with my dad you never know.
JUSTINSure...
(Trying to get away)It’s good to see you man.
MAXWait you can’t go... we got tocatch up soon.
JUSTIN(Thinks about it for a moment as if he has a choice)
Ok.
They exchange numbers and Justin drives awaySee ya.
INT. THE VA HOSPITAL - DAY20.
Justin is waiting in the patient room.
The doctor enters.
DOCTOR(reading from the clipboard)
Justin Miller.
JUSTINYea
(they shake hands )Nice to meet you.
DOCTORYou too. So how long have you been
(MORE)
29
30
back?DOCTOR (CONT'D)
JUSTINAbout a month.
DOCTORYou gonna start workin?
JUSTINThat’s what I need the physicalfor.
DOCTORIt says here you were shot?
JUSTINThat’s right.
Motions to his leg.
DOCTORWhen are the stitches supposed to come out?
JUSTIN2 weeks.
DOCTORAlright...How are you walking?
JUSTINI’m fine. It’s really just aformality
He gets up and walks a little. He’s clearly in some pain but is able to walk ok.
DOCTORAlright well that’s what I neededto see
He signs Justin’s release.How are you adjusting to beingback?
JUSTINIt’s a little slow.
DOCTOR(Laughs)
Yea it can be.
Justin leaves the room
30
31
JUSTIN(As he leaves)
Thanks doc.
DOCTORBye Justin. See you in two weeks.
INT. JUSTIN’S CAR - DAY21.
His cell phone rings, he picks it up.
JUSTINHello. Yea. Oh you are? That soundsgreat what time should I be over?It is, I can’t wait to see you.
INT. SIERRA’S KITCHEN - EVENING22.
Justin and Sierra are in her kitchen cooking dinner. She is
boiling pasta and he is cutting vegetables.
SIERRA..uh... do you know what you’redoing?
JUSTINI’m an established slicer I willhave you know.
SIERRAIs that right?
JUSTINOh yea...So why’d you get off earlyfrom work?
SIERRABecause I asked to go home. Ineeded to see you.
JUSTINIs that right?
She moves in closer to him.
SIERRAYes. I’ve been waiting nearly 3years and I don’t think I shouldhave to wait through an entireshift also.
31
32
JUSTINNo argument for that.
She has moved on to stirring the sauce.
A little bit gets on her hand and then she will get a little on her cheek.
JUSTINUh...you got somethin...Justin wipes it away then he kisses her
flashes back to when they were in high school.
INT. SIERRA’S TEENAGE BEDROOM - DAY23.
Sierra and Justin stumble into the room tipsy and kissing.
He takes her shirt off she takes his shirt off they keep kissing.
JUSTINAre your parents home?
SIERRAThey are not.
JUSTINExcellent.
SIERRAWait a second
JUSTINWhat?
She goes to her closet and takes out a body painting kit.
SIERRAAlright... turn around.
JUSTINWhat?
SIERRAYou heard me. Hop to it.
He turns around. She begins painting his back.
SIERRAI gotta start on your back and workmy way around. Get it all on niceand smooth
32
33
JUSTINAll right...but no glitter.
SIERRA(laughs)
Fair enough.
She kisses the back of his neck.
JUSTINNow that’s nice
SIERRAThe painting isn’t nice?
JUSTINIt’s great babe...You know you’renext
SIERRAUh huh.
JUSTINYou almost done?
SIERRAAlmost.
She runs her hands through his hair turns his head and kisses him.
JUSTINAlright Babe...you’re up.
He gets up and she gets in front of him. He begins to paint her from the back to front.
She strokes his arm as he’s painting her body.
SIERRAOh. That is really good. I’ve nevereven thought of doing this before.
JUSTINI can’t imagine myself beingcomfortable enough to do this withanother girl.
SIERRABetter not.
JUSTINYou just bring out the adventurous
(MORE)
33
34
side of me.JUSTIN (CONT'D)
SIERRAIt’s a gift.
JUSTINWell it is for me.
SIERRA(laughs)
Stop you’re gonna get me(blushing)
JUSTINDoubtful.
(laughs)When I’m with you it’s as if my dad doesn’t fuck everything up and blame it on me...you're the nicest thing that’s ever happened to me.
She is smiling but a little misty at this point
JUSTIN...I love you
SIERRAJustin... I love you too.
They kiss.
As the scene fades we see them undress what’s left of their clothing.
INT. THE SAWMILL - DAY24.
Justin is working.
He’s on a table saw.
Max enters and approaches Justin.
MAXHey Justin.
Justin looks up at him.
JUSTIN(Suprised)
Max...what you doin here?
MAXI just thought I’d pay you a littlevisit. See how works goin.
34
35
JUSTINIt’s fine. Bout the same as it everwas I guess.
MAXYea. Some things don’t change.
JUSTINPeople too i guess.
MAXYou mean Terry? Man he’ll beworking here til we’re all restingin our graves.
JUSTIN...Yea i guess he will.
MAXSo how you liking being back. Youdidn’t become an action junky overthere did ya?
JUSTINNah man. It’s OK. I guess I’m alittle bored though.
MAXWell let me take you to lunch.
JUSTINI gotta get this shit finished by2:00.
MAXCome on man it’s your first weekback they won’t get on your caseabout bein a little slow.
JUSTINJust give me five minutes.
MAXThat I can do.
Justin walks over to the saw and begins finishing his work.
INT. MAX’ CAR - DAY25.
They are driving and chatting.
Max is telling Justin about his job.
35
36
MAX...So basically I oversee payroll,liaison between the companies thatare our major clients, and am theteam leader of the managers. Whichonly means I call meetings to orderand sort of make sure all problemsget smoothly taken care of.
JUSTINWow that sounds... wellchallenging.
They pull up to a red light.
As Max is talking Justin sees a little kid playing on the corner.
He notices a man walking toward the kid with something behind his back.
MAXNo, your first reaction was right.It’s boring as shit.
(they both laugh)
Justin notices the man start to get closer and it’s a toy gun he’s got behind his back.
Justin flashes back to the war.
EXT. STREET IN IRAQ - DAY26.
There is an Iraqi soldier running away from Justin.
Justin catches him and tackles him.
They tussle and Justin comes out on top and begins to beat the soldier.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY27.
Justin is on top of the father holding him down.
The boy is crying.
Max comes over and pulls Justin off. The man begins to get up.
BOY'S FATHERJust what the hell do you thinkyou’re doin buddy?
36
37
JUSTINI’m really....
MAXI’m so sorry sir.
BOY'S FATHERWell what’s keeping me frompressing charges? You’re friendjust jumped me.
MAXHe really meant no harm.
JUSTINI thought you had a gun.
BOY'S FATHERYou mean my son’s birthday gift?Well you got it. No inherentdanger... can I get the gun back?
Justin gives him the toy.
JUSTINThere. I’m so sorry.
As he’s leaving with his son.
BOY'S FATHERYou can’t just attack people man.What’s wrong with you?
JUSTIN(sighs as he watches them leave)
I don’t know.
MAXWhat happened?
JUSTINI thought I spotted danger and Isnapped. Couldn’t stop myself. Ithought he was gonna hurt that boyand I was out the car before I knewanything happened.
MAXI mean I’m talking to you oneminute the next you’re on top ofsome guy restraining him.
37
38
JUSTINDon’t know what came over me.
MAXNonetheless that was fast man.You’re still fast...Hey what aboutlunch?
JUSTINNo time now. Gotta get back to work
MAXAlright well you gotta at leastcome over for dinner tonight.
JUSTINNo I gotta...
MAXLook, I’m not taking no for ananswer. You have to come buddy.
JUSTINAlright.
MAXYou should bring Sierra.
JUSTINI’ll try, she might be workin.
MAXHow bout eight?
JUSTINSounds fine.
INT. THE DINER - EVENING28.
Justin is drinking coffee chatting with Sierra.
SIERRAYou gonna eat Babe?
JUSTINNo not right now. Actually Babe Iwas wondering if you’re free fordinner.
SIERRASure, I’m off in an hour.
38
39
JUSTINOk...good.
SIERRAWhere we eatin?
JUSTINMax’
SIERRAWhat?
JUSTINYea. I ran into him and he tried toget me to have lunch with him, butwe didn’t have enough time so Itold him I’d come over tonight fordinner.
SIERRAWell okay...are you sure you’reready for that?
JUSTINI think it’ll be alright.
SIERRAAlright yea that’ll be...nice.
EXT. MAX’ HOUSE - DAY29.
Big with a well kept garden, and nice decorations.
Justin is knocking on the door.
EXT. IRAQI HUT - DAY30.
Justin kicks down the door and tosses in a grenade. We hear it explode as it comes back to regular time.
EXT. MAX’ HOUSE - EVENING31.
Justin is still knocking with force.
Sierra touches his arm. He is sweating a little.
SIERRAYou okay Hun?
JUSTINYea I’m fine. Just a little hot isall.
39
40
SIERRAOk.
Max answers opens the door is pleased to see both of them.
MAXHey! I’m glad you could both makeit come in, come in.
SIERRAThank you Max.
JUSTINYea.
INT. MAX’ HOUSE - EVENING32.
Everything is fancy.
Very classy furniture, a flat screen in the living room.
All top shelf stuff. Jolene Turner, Max’ fiancee, is cooking in the kitchen.
Max takes them upstairs to show them around.
MAXWait ’til you see the bedroom.
JUSTINWhy?
MAXCome on. You’ll love it
They follow Max upstairs to the bedroom.
INT. MAX’ BEDROOM - EVENING33.
They enter. It is a master bedroom that is the size of aliving room or family room.
There is a large flat screen mounted on the wall.
A lot of material things that Max holds sacred.
JUSTINIt’s... everything you mightimagine for a room.
(they laugh)
MAXI think where we stay is where tokeep our nicest things.
40
41
JUSTINYa well when you have everything,how do you choose?
MAXIt’s a tough screening process
(laughs, Justin chuckles)When it comes to pleasure and profit.
Motions to the TV, the king sized bed, etc.
SIERRAWell you’ve certainly done well foryourself since high school.
MAXWell... high school was rough onall of us.
JUSTINSome people just can’t handle thepressure of athletic prowess.
SIERRA(trying to break the tension)
And...dinner smells great.
MAXYa let’s see how Jolene’s coming onthat...
They leave the bedroom
They follow Max downstairs to the dining room.
The dining room and kitchen are connected.
Jolene is a very sweet and loving girl.
She is very trusting of Max and very friendly to anyone she meets.
She wears her emotions on her sleeve.
INT. MAX’ KITCHEN - EVENING34.
MAXYou almost done babe?
JOLENEYes, I am. Will you set the table?
41
42
MAXOf course...
(to Justin and Sierra)you both can just sit righthere at the table.
SIERRACan I help with anything?
JOLENENo, sit down.
MAXYa, you work hard. We can bring itto you. Really, Jolene will beserving everyone.
JUSTINHe’s right baby.
They sit.
As the conversation continues Max sets the table and Jolene brings dinner and serves it.
MAXSo man... what you think of theDigs?
JUSTINIt’s pretty sweet man. Youdid good...
MAXThanks, it’s been a long road.
JUSTINA long road of your dad giving youa job.
(laughs)
MAXYou know I’ve had to prove myself too...
JUSTINIs that right?
SIERRA(trying to break tension)
So Jolene what do you do.
42
43
JOLENEI’m a paralegal at Markowitz,Daniels and Bloomberg.
JUSTINAre you in law school?
JOLENESure am. Second year.
They should be all sitting and have begun eating at this point.
MAXShe’s gonna be my hot little getoutta jail free card.
JUSTINSo you’re going into Criminal lawthen?
They laugh.
JOLENEWhy? Does someone need a lawyer?
JUSTINOne never knows.
JOLENENo no. I’m gonna go corporate. God forgive me, I love money.
Everyone laughs
MAX(with a mouthful)
Who doesn’t?...right?
JUSTINI don’t know that money’s asimportant to everyone.
MAXLike who?
JUSTINWell for a shortlist: the fewfamilies i met in Iraq were muchmore concerned with clean runningwater and food on the table.
43
44
MAXYea but... all that’s attained withmoney.
JUSTINvery true, but the essential thingscan be attained without money.
MAXya but it’s a lot more work.
JUSTINWell some people are raised toappreciate the value of hard work.
MAXThat’s fair. But what about workingsmart?
JUSTINNot everybody has that option. Notall of us are born wealthy.
SIERRAThat’s why I think it’s alwaysimportant to help those lessfortunate,
MAXBut so many that claim to behomeless are just looking forhandouts.
JUSTINYou’ve never had to sleep anywherethat didn’t have memory foam.
MAXWhy be uncomfortable.
SIERRAI think it’s a lovely house.
JUSTINI’m just saying, don’t try to makeit seem like you struggled to gethere. It’s been paved out in frontof you.
MAXI can’t help that
44
45
SIERRA(To Justin)
Are you alright?
Sierra stands up and goes to Justin.
She feels his forehead and needing to get them out of the awkward situation Justin is building says that he is getting sick.
SIERRABaby you’re burning up. We gottaget you home to bed.
JUSTINNo I think I’m... well yea I thinkI need some rest.
JOLENEWell I hope it wasn’t dinner.(as they are leaving.)
JUSTINNo... dinner was delicious. Thankyou.
SIERRAYes, thank you so much for havingus.
(at the door)
MAXWell...we’ll have to do this againsoon.
(They are out the door and walking to their car.) It’s great to see you Justin.
JOLENEGood Night.
INT. DINER - DAY35.
Sierra is serving tables and as she comes back and forth is having a conversation with her boss Delaney.
She is a very lovely women who owns and runs the diner.
SIERRAIt’s been busy in here this week.
DELANEYUh huh...Sure is so.
45
46
SIERRAWhat?
DELANEYDo not play coy with me, you knowexactly what. How are things withsoldier boy?
SIERRAGood.
DELANEYThat is one beautiful boy you gotyourself girl.
SIERRADon’t I know it. It’s just soamazing to have him home.
DELANEYSweety...you waited a long timefor him.
SIERRAI know.
DELANEYWell sometimes it’s not so easy toopen back up to someone.
SIERRAIt’s not for me. It seems likesometimes he’s pulling away alittle.
DELANEYUh huh.
SIERRAIt’s not all the time.Sometimes though he just disappearsright in front of me. He turns awayand I know he’s back there.
DELANEYI think that’s natural.
SIERRAHe won’t talk to me about it.
DELANEYThat’s definitely natural.
46
47
SIERRAYa but it seems like he needs toshare it with someone and he can’tget it out.
DELANEYHe will. When he’s ready dear. It’sjust when a soldier is getting homeat first, it’s as if life haschanged drastically. And it has. Eventually he’ll find his rhythm.
SIERRAI definitely know that I’mcommitted to it.
DELANEYWell anyone can see that to look atyou. Haven’t seen you this happyin...you know I can’t remember atime you were this happy.
SIERRAThat’s true
DELANEYPlus Justin has always been so goodon his feet.And such a sweet boy,I don’t think that will everchange. He’s been sweet on yousince before he even knew what itwas to really like a girl.
SIERRAI don’t know about that.
DELANEYI do. Even when he was a kid I’doverhear him telling his parentsabout his friend Sierra and howgood she was at everything. Heloves you now and loved youthen. You both have somethinspecial. Hold on to it baby
Sierra smiles.
INT. SAWMILL - DAY36.
Justin is driving a forklift loading wood from the belt and unloading it on a panel that is on the opposite side.
47
48
As Justin is driving he changes gears and the the lift jerks a little and this flashes him into a memory of the inside of a humvee on his first patrol.
INT. HUMVEE - DAY37.
Justin is sitting in the back.
Next to him is Chris Taylor, and manning the .60 cal mounted on the roof is a private first class.
This is his first patrol in Iraq.
They are driving on a side road.
A few scattered citizens.
Ahead of them is another humvee.
Justin is holding his weapon. He seems a little out of sorts and lost.
CHRISFirst patrol?
JUSTINYea. It’s so silent.
CHRISNow that’s exactly right. Justremember when the shooting starts.You gotta aim. Basic but everyoneforgets it in their firstfirefight.
JUSTIN(laughs)
Alright. I’ll try.
The Humvee in front of them suddenly hits a roadside bomb and explodes onto it’s side.
This starts a firefight.
The PFC on the Machine Gun begins unloading to the south.
Bullets begin to come close and start whipping the outside of their vehicle.
Justin has hit the deck and is basically on the floor and Chris is up firing in short 3 round bursts to either side of the car.
48
49
CHRISCome on man! get in the fuckingfight!
JUSTINI don’t know what the fuck I’mdoing!
CHRISJust get up and give me some coverfire. Then... I will give youcover. We just gotta watch eachother’s back until we can get outof this area and back to base.
JUSTINOk.
Justin gets up and starts to shoot in bursts out the left window.
Then he gets down and Chris fires out the right.
Bullets are still hitting the car but because of them creating a blanket of fire together they are able to slow the enemy attack enough to get out.
JUSTINHow did you know to do that.
CHRISIt’s common sense. If you’re beingambushed always fight as thoughthere’s more of you then there are.Slow your enemy down. The PFC is still pouring the fire from the mounted gun.
JUSTINI see.
Fires out the window.
CHRISRemember to aim at those fuckers.
JUSTINYea
CHRISI think we’re good for now. I can’tbelieve they took out a wholefucking armored car.
49
50
JUSTINIs that regular?
CHRISAs regular as it gets man. Can’tlet up even for one second. Theyare always looking to pop you so...gotta get’em first. Remember that.
INT. SAWMILL - DAY38.
Justin has spilled a load of lumber.
As he was distracted he missed the panel and some of it has split, most of the load is unusable.
Terry is calling to him as he comes out of his flashback.
Terry runs over to Justin’s forklift.
TERRYJustin... Justin.
JUSTINHuh.
TERRYJustin! Damn it!... you spilled the whole load.
JUSTINI did?
TERRYDid you fall asleep?
JUSTINNo...I... don’t know what happened.
TERRYAre you hurt?
JUSTINNo I’m fine.
TERRYGood. No one was hurt that’s theimportant thing. Look Justin youneed to go home and get some restman. I can’t have you unable to runthese lifts son.
50
51
JUSTINI’m okay T.
TERRYI know but for my sake just gohome and get some rest.
JUSTINAlright man. Sorry again.
TERRYIt’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrowokay.
JUSTINYea...good night
INT. MAX’ OFFICE - DAY39.
The office is nice.
Big windows and tall ceilings.
Max is on the phone with his bookie.
MAXHey man. What? Yea of course I haveit. I know fucking March Madness.It was supposed to be a gold mineand I got completely owned. I don’tremember a time I missed a spreadso bad. Well I’m calling for abet... How much I got for balance.Alright give me 2 stacks on Dallasby 10 on Saturday. Alright, laterman.
Max leaves his office and we see him walk toward the garage he’s parked at.
INT. PARKING GARAGE - EVENING40.
He unlocks his car as he’s approaching it and two men appear from his left side. They are both significantly larger than him.
MAXHey what the fuck...
MAN 1You’re late.
51
52
MAXOh come on man. I just need a fewdays.
MAN 2We’ll take whatever you got on youfor now.
MAXI got nothing.
Man 1 grabs max and holds him.
Man 2 hits him in the gut.
He groans.
Man one reaches in his breast pocket and takes out his wallet.
There is 200 dollars and change in it.
MAN 2This ain't nothin... it’s not allyou need, but it ain't nothing.
Man 2 hits him again and Man 1 lets him go.
He falls to the ground.
MAN 1Hey we warned you...2800 in threedays. Or I start breaking things.
MAXAlright... I’ll have it.
MAN 2You fucking better.
The two men exit.
Max leans up against his car.
INT. MAX’ HOUSE - EVENING41.
Max enters the house.
Just a little shaken up.
Jolene notices and runs to him.
JOLENEBabe are you ok?
52
53
MAXFine.
JOLENEWhat happened?
MAXNothing baby don’t worry about it.
JOLENEYeah, THAT looks like nothing.
MAXIt was just a crazy homeless manoutside work attacked me lookingfor money. He got a little violentbut security escorted him out.
JOLENEOh that is so scary. They can’t letjust anybody on to private property.
MAXI know but you know how things are.Can’t afford more than one guardper shift.
JOLENESure but I can’t have you workingin a place with crazy peopleattacking you.
MAXSweetheart don’t worry aboutit...look I’m fine...Just a littleincident.
JOLENEAre you sure?
MAXAbsolutely.
She kisses him.
JOLENEOK...Can’t have anything happeningto you.
MAXI know.
53
54
He holds her close to him.
INT. BAR - EVENING42.
Terry and Mike are sitting next to each other at the bar.
Both drinking draft beer.
They’ve been friends for a long time and both care very much for Justin.
Terry is smoking a cigarette.
TERRYSo.
MIKEYea.
TERRYHe’s not adjusting as quickly as...
MIKEYea. It takes time. How was it foryou?
TERRYYou know, I don’t even know that you ever fully adjust. It took me years to be able to get through every day life.
MIKESo...How did you do it?
TERRYTruth is I’m not sure. It’s justafter awhile the days fly by. Thenten years has gone by...then twentyand sometimes you think was I everreally there?
MIKEYea?
TERRYI mean the memory of combatstays...but there are days Iquestion whether I knew the men Ifought with. In a second they weregone.
54
55
MIKEWow.
TERRYI think that’s the hardest partabout coming back. Forming newrelationships when you’ve become soused to life and death that anormal relationship feelsimpossible.
MIKEBut Justin has Sierra.
TERRYYes, but how long until he pushesher away? He will believe he’sprotecting her...It’s prettystandard to avoid intimacy.
MIKEShe’s the best person in the worldfor him. How do we get him to...
TERRYWe can’t. It’s all on him.
MIKECan’t force therapy on someone Isuppose.
TERRYAnd as soldiers we’re taught to beself reliant, so Justin won’t evenrecognize if he’s in trouble orneeds help.
MIKEYou don’t think he’ll listen to us?
TERRYEventually. At first he will fightit though. No soldier wants tobelieve he is damaged.
MIKEHe’s not damaged, he just needssomeone to help him to realize it’snot his fault.
TERRYRight, but to him it will feel as
(MORE)
55
56
though if he needs therapy he can’tTERRY (CONT'D)
cope with life himself and he’stherefore damaged.
The waitress brings them another round.
TERRYThank you.
MIKEThanks. So you think for now thebest thing to do is nothing?
TERRYJust be there for him if he needs.Don’t force the issue though. It’sgotta come naturally or he’ll fightit.
MIKEOK. I just don’t want him to gethurt.
TERRYI understand. Trust me. I could seeit in him today. The way his eyesglazed over and he was gone. Itgave me chills to see him go backlike that. I’ve seen it in vetsbefore, but he’s so young.
MIKEExactly. I believe he will bounceback. I believe he will take chargeof his life and let the past staybehind him.
TERRYMe too buddy. Me too... To Justin, cheers.
INT. SIERRA’S HOUSE - EVENING43.
The TV is on.
Justin is sitting on the couch.
He is facing the TV but is not watching it.
Sierra enters.
SIERRAHey babe.
56
57
JUSTINHey. How was work?
SIERRAIt was OK. What have you beendoing.
JUSTINNot much just...sitting here.
SIERRAOh...well can I sit with you.?
JUSTINOf course.
She kisses him before she lays on his lap.
At this point time starts going very fast around him.
He’s not moving.
Sierra gets up and begins cleaning.
She finishes a lot of different tasks without him moving.
Then she comes over and lays back on his lap.
An entire evening goes by until it is morning and she kisses him.
This snaps him out of it.
SIERRAMorning...How’d you sleep?
JUSTINOK.
SIERRADoesn’t look like you slept at all.
JUSTINNo...I dozed off a little.
SIERRAUh huh...still not sleeping well?
JUSTINYou know I never did.
SIERRAIt was never this bad. It’s gonnastart affecting your job. You won’t
(MORE)
57
58
be able to get through the day.SIERRA (CONT'D)
JUSTINI’m OK.
SIERRAYou’re OK now. Just try to get somerest while I’m at work. Have a goodday.
She kisses him good bye.
JUSTINBy babe.
She leaves.
INT. BAR - EVENING44.
Justin is sitting at the bar.
It’s mostly empty. There are a few older men sitting throughout the bar drinking beer.
Reading the paper.
Justin is drinking a full glass of whiskey.
INT. JUSTIN’S HOUSE - DAY45.
Justin’s father Gerry is sitting on a recliner drinking a
full glass of whiskey.
He is drunk.
This is about a day after the state championship Max threw.
Justin enters.
GERRYHey.
JUSTINHey.
GERRYWhere the hell have you been?
JUSTINI was with Sierra.
GERRYShe didn’t drop you after that
(MORE)
58
59
fucking...fiasco?GERRY (CONT'D)
JUSTINNo she didn’t...shocking?
GERRYYea. Most intelligent girls won'tstay with a loser...what does thatsay about her?
JUSTINDon’t you say a fucking word abouther. You can talk about me...
GERRYSon in my house I will talk aboutwhoever the fuck i want.
JUSTINFine whatever. Jesus. Can you evenwalk right now?
GERRYAre you sassing me boy?! Don’t yousass me. Don’t you got no fuckingrespect? What a goddamn shame itwas to watch you in that game.
JUSTINDon’t you get it Dad? Max threwthat game!
GERRYJust like you to put the blame onsomeone else.
JUSTINThat’s what happened. Maybe if youwere sober you could’ve seen that.
Gerry makes a move toward Justin but Justin is too fast and backs up.
GERRYI have to drink.
JUSTINClearly.
GERRYHave to drink to hide my shame. Aslutty ex wife and a loser for ason. That’s what I got.
59
60
JUSTINShame huh? What do you know aboutit?! Have you ever had to drag yourfather out of Chili’s for hecklinga waitress??... No, that was me!
GERRYYou’ll never be a real man.
JUSTINWell guess what Dad? You won’t get a chance to find out cause I’mleaving in two days.
GERRYLeaving...yea right...where YOUgonna go?
JUSTINI enlisted.
GERRYWell...that’s good hopefully you’llstop acting like such a fuckingpussy all the time.
JUSTINGod you’re such an ass hole.
Justin goes into his room, and his dad sits back at the chair and begins drinking again.
INT. BAR - EVENING46.
Justin is intoxicated.
In another blur again with time moving fast around him.
The bar is beginning to fill up.
BARTENDERHey man. You want a refill?
JUSTINYea. Thanks.
He fills it with whiskey.
The bartender walks away and goes to call Mike.
He tells him Justin can’t drive. More time passes.
By the time Mike gets there Justin is very drunk.
60
61
He enters.
JUSTINMike! I’m glad you’re here man.Take a...seat. Lets have a shot.Bartender two...
MIKENo that’s OK. Come on Justin letsget you out of here.
JUSTINnah... come on I begun just begun.
MIKEWhat? Justin come on.
Mike puts Justin’s arm on his shoulder and begins to try to lift him.
JUSTINYou’re heavy.
MIKEThat’s you kiddo.
JUSTINRight. OK I think we can make it.
MIKEMe too come on.
(To the bartender)Thanks for letting me know. Have agood one.
BARTENDERYou too Mike.
They exit.
We see Mike and Justin struggling a little to get Justin into the car but he finally gets in.
INT. MIKE’S CAR - EVENING47.
They are driving a little while before Mike says anything.
Justin is just watching out the window without acknowledging that he needed Mike to pick him up.
MIKEYou alright?
61
62
JUSTINYea. I’m glad you came though. Icouldn’t have drove.
MIKEI see that. How many you have?
JUSTINI don’t know...I was there thebetter part of the day.
MIKEAlright well just be careful isall.
JUSTINThanks Mike.
Justin is watching the back of the car in the passenger side mirror.
This triggers a flashback of him riding in a vehicle on the passenger side.
INT. VEHICLE - DAY48.Chris is driving and Justin is looking out the window withhis weapon next to him.
JUSTINWhere we going?
CHRISNowhere important man. Just awayfrom everyone.
JUSTINOK. So this isn’t work.
CHRISRight. I’m not trying to work rightnow. I just know a place that’spretty secluded.
JUSTINThat’s rare
CHRISI know.
JUSTINSo how’d you find a quiet place?
62
63
CHRISIt was shown to me by a fallenbrother. So I’m showing it to you.
They arrive.
Chris parks.
It’s a completely desolate landscape.
They are in the middle of an empty desert.
They get out of the car.
EXT. ROOF OF THE CAR - DAY49.
Chris pulls out a joint.
He shows it to Justin.
Justin nods in approval and Chris lights it.
CHRISI got this from a guy who told mehe’s a farmer. I believe him too.
JUSTINYou met a farmer?
Chris passes it to Justin.
They pass it back and forth as scene progresses.
CHRISShit yea. All kinds of people over here man.
JUSTINI’ve seen that. It’sunbelievable the things I seepeople here doing...just to get by.
CHRISI know.
JUSTINEvery thing they have they earned.Nothing is inherent here. If youdon’t grow it or have anything totrade, then you don’t eat or haveclean water.
CHRISScary to think of life without
(MORE)
63
64
clean water.CHRIS (CONT'D)
JUSTINShit, I know. I’m already thereman. You said this is from afarmer. It doesn’t matterwhere you got it from.
CHRISWhy’s that
JUSTINIt’s been so long I would’ve gotstoned just talking to you.
CHRISOh you’re fresh again.
JUSTINBasically...This is great.
CHRISYea. Bring something here fromhome.
JUSTINDo you miss home?
CHRISOh all the time. Not a day that Idon’t miss home. You just can’tdwell on it.
JUSTINBut...fuck how do you not dwell onit?
CHRISYea I guess...lucky bastardsfighting on the other side. Atleast they’re close to home.
JUSTINYea how fortunate for them to havetheir homes and schools bombed.
(They laugh)
CHRISI know...but after the battles weare still stuck here. Policing andall kinds of bullshit. I didn’tjoin the army to get blown uptrying to keep civilians in line.
64
65
JUSTINThey don’t want us here.
CHRISI think in some way they do.
JUSTINHalf the attacks lately have beenindividuals. Not terrorist cells.
CHRISI know. It’s fucking impossible topredict or prevent.
They both lay back on the hood
JUSTINI just don’t get it. Why they’rekeeping us here.
CHRISDoes it come down to something assimple as saving face? They rushedinto something and therefore can’trush out?
JUSTINRight...Right...I mean they golooking for all these terrorists.They don’t find them. They keeplooking and they don’t realize theonly reason the terrorists havecome here is for us.
CHRISYep
JUSTINThey want to kill us and thecivilians bear the brunt of it
CHRISDamn right man. And no one getsthat the terrorists wouldn’t behere if it wasn’t for us.
JUSTINI don’t think we’re necessarily toblame either.
CHRISBut we aren’t helping matters. Weare taking a delicate situation and
(MORE)
65
66
raising the stakes...just by beingCHRIS (CONT'D)
here.
JUSTINHow does no one fucking get this.
(they both laugh)Well I am just...Ripped. I think we should go drink.
CHRISBest idea I’ve heard all day.Enough with the talking right? Howyou feeling?
JUSTINPretty good...Really good actually.
CHRISWell... Lets go feel better. Saddleup.
Justin gets back in.
Then Chris gets on driver side and they take off.
SCENE.51.INT MIKE’S HOUSE
We see Mike dragging Justin in over his shoulders.
He brings Justin upstairs.
Drags him into his room and puts him into bed.
JUSTINHey...This isn’t my room.
MIKEYea you can sleep in here tonight.The beds bigger, just don’t puke onit.
JUSTINI’ll try. I think I’m sobering up alittle.
MIKEOh really.
JUSTINI said a little.
(they Laugh)Hey...thanks for coming Mike.
66
67
Mike is putting him into bed at this point.
MIKEI’m just worried about you son. Idon’t know what I can do for you.
JUSTINNothing don’t worry about me. Igotta tell you...I don’t think Ireally deserve to...be alive.
MIKEWho does Justin? We never know whatkind of time we’re gonna be given.Can’t just sit around and waste it.Can’t watch it go by.
JUSTINGood night.
(begins fading quickly.)
MIKEGood night kid. Always takeadvantage of whatever you’re given.You’ve been given this time. Savorit.
Justin is asleep.
INT. MIKE’S BREAKFAST TABLE - MORNING50.
It’s about 10:00 AM.
It’s Justin by himself.
Mike’s already left for work.
Justin is eating an apple and drinking coffee.
He’s reading the paper.
After a little bit the door bell rings.
Justin walks to the door opens it and Max is there.
MAXMorning.
JUSTINYea. How are you.
MAXGood.
67
68
JUSTINYou wanna come in?
MAXNah. I just wanted to see if you’dcome to lunch with me.
JUSTINWhere?
MAXThe diner’s fine.
JUSTINSure. Give me a couple hours.
MAXHow bout 12:30.
JUSTINThat’s fine. I’ll meet you there.
MAXSee you then.
JUSTINSee ya.
Max leaves.
Justin closes door and goes back to sitting at the table.
INT. DINER - DAY51.
It’s a pretty busy afternoon.
Sierra is serving a table.
Max is already sitting down.
Justin enters.
MAXHey J. Over here.
Justin walks over and sits down.
JUSTINHey.
MAXHave a seat man... So how are you?
68
69
JUSTINFine...
MAXHungry?
JUSTINSure yea I could eat something.
SIERRAHey guys. You ready?
MAXYea I’ll have the roast beef withcurly fries.
SIERRAWhat about you baby?
JUSTINI’ll just get the club.
SIERRAAlright. Sounds good. I’ll go putit in.
JUSTINThanks.
She walks awaySo what’s up man?
MAXWell...I just wanted to catch up isall. How are you? How’s work?
JUSTINIt’s good.
MAXAre you making enough?
JUSTINWhat’s enough?
They laugh.
MAXUh...I have some off book work thatwill pay cash. You’re the firstperson I thought of. I’d muchrather have you do it than someidiot I don’t know.
69
70
JUSTINWhat is it?
MAXNothing really...just some regularlabor work.
JUSTINSounds fine.
MAXI can pay you well and gives us achance to hang out.
JUSTINWill I have to leave the mill?
MAXNo it’s just one or two nights aweek.
JUSTINWow. Gotta tell you that soundspretty good. And I could certainlyuse some cash right now I’muh...
(looks to see if Sierra is around )
shopping for a ring.
MAXAh no way. Awesome man. She’s agreat girl, and you two certainlydeserve to be happy.
JUSTINI want her to be surprised though.
MAXOf course, of course. I won’t tellanyone, not even Jo.
JUSTINThanks.
MAXWhen you think you’re gonna do it?
JUSTINDon’t know. I was really trying togo slow with her...but somethingfeels so right there.
70
71
MAXThat’s real good
Sierra comes with the food.
SIERRAHere it is boys.
MAXSmells good.
JUSTINYea thanks.
SIERRAOf course.
She leaves to another table.
They begin eating.
MAXI’m so excited for you two.
JUSTINThanks.
MAXIt’s almost like you never...left...
JUSTINAlmost.
INT. SIERRA’S HOUSE - EVENING52.
Justin enters.
There is a lamp on but Sierra is not in.
There is a letter by the lamp that is on.
It says Justin.
He opens it.
SIERRA (V.O.)Justin, I had to work late tonight.When you get this I want you tomeet me where we first kissed.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - EVENING53.
Justin pulls up and parks.
71
72
The lot is basically empty.
He parks close to the field and gets out.
He doesn’t see her.
JUSTINBaby?
SIERRAOver here.
He goes to her. Can’t find her right away.
JUSTINWhere?
SIERRARight here.
Finally finds her voice.
JUSTINOh... So what’s going on?
SIERRACome on, it’s a surprise.
They walk toward the football field.
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - EVENING54.
On the fifty yard line Sierra has set up a candle lit picnic dinner.
She takes his hand walks him to it and they sit down.
JUSTINThis is amazing
SIERRAThank you.
JUSTINHow?...
SIERRAI have very high powered friends.
JUSTINWell you must’ve called in a fewfavors for this one.
72
73
SIERRAWell it was worth it.
JUSTINYea.
SIERRAI’m so happy you’re home Justin.
JUSTINIt’s...
SIERRASo I figured this would be the bestplace for a celebration dinner.She begins serving a plate for him and herself.
It’s all very delicious bread and cheeses and wine.
JUSTINIt’s amazing how well you know me.Cheese and bread and I’m satisfied.
SIERRAYea, with your taste you shouldmaybe guest judge a cooking show.
JUSTIN(laughs)
Couldn’t you just see it...(Pretending to be a judge)
this is uh...Good? Although some of the judges on those shows have no idea what the hell they’re talking about. You can just tell they arebullshitting.
SIERRAAnd you could be one of thosepeople.
JUSTIN...What a dream come true...no thanks, I don’t think I’d feelcomfortable judging anything.
SIERRAMe either I guess.
JUSTINYou know...this is the nicest time
(MORE)
73
74
I’ve had in... JUSTIN (CONT'D)
SIERRAMe too Sweety.
They kissI missed kissing you so much...youdon’t know what it is you’ll reallymiss about someone until they aregone. So...
JUSTINYea?
SIERRAI’ve been meaning to talk to youabout something.
JUSTINWhat’s up?
SIERRAWell, you’re working. And if you’renot planning on going anywhere Ithought maybe you’d want to startliving with me.
JUSTINReally?
SIERRAUh huh...it’s time you stoppedliving at Mike’s.
(They laugh)Of course, if you think it’s toosoon...
JUSTINNo not at all... I’d love to.
SIERRAReally?
(They kiss)You don’t think it’s too soon?
JUSTINDefinitely not.
SIERRAIt’s settled then...we’re moving intogether!
74
75
JUSTINI’ll start packing my stufftomorrow.
SIERRAOK but for now...
She kisses him suggestivelyYou want to go home?
JUSTINAbsolutely.
INT. SIERRA’S KITCHEN - MORNING55.
Justin is still in shorts and a T-shirt.
Sierra is fully dressed and gives him a cup of coffee.
Justin definitely spent the night and it went very well.
SIERRAMorning.
JUSTINMorning...last night was amazing.
SIERRAExactly.
They kiss.So I’m working a double. I won’t behome until 11:30 so you’ll have tofigure out dinner.
JUSTINI’ll be fine thanks...A double huh?..Ouch.
SIERRAI’ll be fine thanks...
JUSTINWell have fun at work.
SIERRAYou too lover.
They kiss good-bye she leaves and he heads back for the bedroom.
EXT. PARKING GARAGE - EVENING56.
Max parks his car and gets out.
75
76
The same two men from before come out again.
This time they go right in for the physical.
Man 1. Man 1 is smoking. He hits him and Man 2 holds him in place.
MAN 1Time’s up Max.
MAN 2We can give you until 11:00 tonightthan meet us with the $2800.
MAXWhere?
MAN 2The warehouse on Harrison and19th...Have it all Max...
MAN 1...Or we’re gonna be forced to dothings to you that...come on wedon’t want to do. If everyone couldjust pay up and not welsh on theirbets things would be so much lessmessy for us.
MAN 2Yea.
MAN 1I mean I like making the mess, butsit’s such a pain in the asscleaning it up.
Man 2 stands Max up and shoves him on his way.
MAXI’ll be there.
MAN 1You fuckin better be.
Max leaves
INT. SAWMILL - DAY57.
Justin is driving the lift. He unloads a batch and stops to go get water.
As he’s drinking his phone rings.
76
77
JUSTINHey man...Yea I’m at work...YeaI’ll be off...OK I’ll be there...Noproblem man...you said 11:00right?...see you then.Justin hangs up and goes back to work.
EXT. THE WAREHOUSE - EVENING58.
Justin is wearing work gloves walking toward the warehouse.
Max is smoking a cigarette and it’s beginning to rain.
JUSTINHey... well here I am. So what’sthe job.
MAXYou're not gonna need those, man.
Referring to gloves
Justin takes them off
JUSTINOh, well I just figured...
MAXNothing that hard man.
JUSTINAlright. Well...
MAXCome with me.
Tosses cigarette toward the street.
They enter the warehouse.
INT. WAREHOUSE - EVENING59.
They enter and three men are on the far side.
The two men that we’ve seen lean on Max and their boss.
No one says anything right away.
Max walks toward the men.
Justin follows a little behind him
77
78
JUSTINWhat’s going on man
MAXJust follow me. I just need youwith me man.
JUSTIN...alright...
(They get closer)
BOSSAlright that’s good. You got mymoney right Max?
MAXOf course.
BOSSWell, where is it?
MAXIt’s safe.
BOSSWhat do you mean safe? It betterfucking be here.
Man 1 grabs Max. Boss hits himThe fuck is it?
The rain should be picking up in volume at this point.
MAXI just need a little more time.
BOSSWe’ve given you PLENTY of time.
Boss looks to Man 2 and he really lays into Max' face.
Max goes limp for a second.
Then he looks to Justin.
Justin finally realizes why Max brought him and is pissed and begins to leave.
MAN 2God you’re so pathetic you’re ownfriends won’t back you up.
BOSSSo you brought this guy as your
(MORE)
78
79
defense and he won’t even help?(AllBOSS (CONT'D)
three men chuckle at him).
Justin is leaving, Max gasps a little.
MAX...Come on man.
This triggers Justin to flash quickly to Iraq
EXT. IRAQ OUTSIDE OF VILLAGE - DAY60.
Justin is leaning against a hill.
Their are bullets flying everywhere and he is trapped.
Unable to stand.
We then hear someone firing from his side.
Chris comes running up and falls next to him.
They both begin firing toward the enemy.
There is an opening.
CHRISCOME ON MAN!
Chris pulls a grenade throws it, waits, then runs and
Justin follows.
They escape.
INT. WAREHOUSE - EVENING61.
The rain is really hard by now.
Justin turns around.
Comes running in takes out Man 1 with one hit to the throat.
Then quickly takes out the boss.
MAXWow! Shit!
Justin then goes to Man 2 and they tussle for a minute, but Justin elbows his nose and he becomes blinded and falls to his knees.
Justin then punches him again and he falls to his back.
Justin gets on top of him and begins pulverizing him far
79
80
beyond what’s necessary.
This is all building and Justin grabs a loose pipe and raises it to bring down on the man but stops himself realizing what he’s about to do.
He drops the weapon.
JUSTINOh God.
MAXCome on... we gotta get the fuckoutta here.
Max begins running for the door.
The three men are groaning, but none are dead.
Justin follows Max out the door slowly.
EXT. WAREHOUSE - EVENING62.
Justin and Max exit.
Max is very excited and Justin is pulsing with adrenaline but livid with Max.
It’s pouring rain.
MAXOh my God I owe you man! That was incredible!
JUSTINWhat?
MAXThe way you just came...
JUSTINMax. WAKE UP! That was notincredible!
MAXNo it...
JUSTINIt wasn’t. It was scary. It waspathetic. I almost killed that man.We both could’ve been killed there.Don’t you ever think about that?Why’d you bring me here?...you sayyou’re happy for me but you’d be
(MORE)
80
81
willing to take me away from SierraJUSTIN (CONT'D)
for what?..A couple a grand youcould get from your dad? No man.You’re still doing it.
MAXHuh?
JUSTINIt’s you. It’s always been about you. It will always be about you. You remember the championship Max? I begged you not to take that money. You fucking knew that was myshot...it didn’t even matter, youwere so ready to leave us allfucked in the wind for short endmoney...couldn’t been more than tengrand. You’re best friend? Youcouldn’t look out just a littlebit? God we were like fuckingbrothers man, and you’re doing itagain.
MAXI just thought...
JUSTINYou just thought oh... well myfriends back and he’ll come to myaid just like fucking always. I’man idiot. I should’ve avoided youfrom the moment I came home. You’repoison Max. The better part of meknew that you couldn’t havechanged. The sad thing is you don’tsee it...
MAXOh God man I’m...
JUSTINNo Max I made my own choices. ButMax that game, it ruined ourchances. Chances for a bright future, for our friendship and Max...you don’t ever get that back.
Justin walks to his car and drives away leaving Max in the rain.
INT. SHOWER - EVENING63.
81
82
Justin is getting in the shower.
He is washing off what just happened.
He washes a little blood off.
When he’s done he gets out.
INT. BEDROOM - EVENING64.
Once Justin is dressed in his shorts he lays down.
He can’t fall asleep and we see him start to drink.
He has to drink himself to sleep but he finally falls asleep.
INT. BEDROOM - EVENING65.
Justin is having a nightmare. Sierra tries to wake him up.
SIERRAHey...Justin...Wake up sweetyyou’re having a nightmare...
She shakes him
JUSTINNOOOOOOOO!
Justin wakes up with a violent startle, shoves Sierra against a wall and begins to lunge.
He stops and realizes what he’s done. She’s terrified.
JUSTINOh...God...
He runs out completely distressed about what he’s done.
He gets in his car and flies off.
Sierra is left crying against the wall.
She eventually makes her way to the phone to call Mike.
INT. JUSTIN’S CAR - EVENING66.
Justin is driving very fast down a residential street toward Mike’s house.
He is so ashamed of himself that he is going there to pack and leave for good.
At the same time we see Mike get off the phone with Sierra
82
83
and begin to go and see her.
Justin is turning corners fast and finally he looks in the rearview and it triggers back to the memory of him and Chris on their final mission.
EXT. IRAQI VILLAGE - DAY67.
They move through the village and finally we see them go into the the hut.
INT. IRAQI HUT - DAY68.
The explosion goes off and Justin goes to Chris who lay dying.
In the car Justin is going faster and faster as he approaches Mike’s house.
Mike is getting into his car.
CHRISFuck man...did not see that coming.
JUSTINI know...you’re fine though.
CHRISI am not. Why lie Justin? There’slittle time...
JUSTINDon’t talk like that...you can’tlet them get the better of you.
CHRISJustin...you gotta keep your headup man. Look out for the sneakattack...All your life man...It’swaiting...Go home...You go back toher. Forget about this uselessfight.
Chris dies. Justin is there holding him up.
He’s approaching Mike’s house.
Mike is backing up.
In the memory an explosion goes off and this causes Justin to jerk his car.
It violently T-bones Mike’s car on the driver's side.
83
84
EXT. CAR CRASH - NIGHT69.
Justin gets out of his car.
He’s very dizzy and stumbles towards Mike’s ruined car.
He’s trying to run but can’t keep balance.
JUSTINMike...MIKE! Oh shit Mike...
He gets closer and sees that Mike is trapped.
He tries to get the door open but can’t.
The sound of sirens approaches.
This scene will be spliced with Justin holding Chris’ dead body and then killing the kid in the final mission.
EXT. CEMETARY - DAY70.
It is Mike’s funeral. Everyone is there mourning.
Sierra is crying but not next to Justin.
Justin is wearing his military uniform.
Justin is just sitting there and everything is going fast around him and Sierra.
Finally it all clears out and she’s looking at him from far away.
She wants to say something but walks away.
Finally the men lower the casket and Justin walks away.
INT. BAR - EVENING71.
Justin is sitting at the bar drinking
BARTENDERI think that's it for you.
JUSTINJust fill it up.
From the entrance of the bar we see Terry walking in.
Terry walks over to Justin and sits down next to him.
TERRYHey bud. I was driving by and noticed your car in the parking lot
(MORE)
84
85
and thought I would stop in.TERRY (CONT'D)
Bartender comes over
Terry orders a beer.
TERRYLook Justin. Mike was my best friend. And I know he loved you. You know he wouldn't want you sitting here drinking your life away.
JUSTINWhat's your point?
TERRYLook kid, your suffering from what's commonly called post-traumatic stress disorder. It happens to a lot of soldiers who've seen combat.
JUSTINHow the hell would you know? You're a mill foreman. What would you now about WAR? So leave me the Fuck alone.
TERRYLook Justin...
JUSTIN(Screams)
I said leave me alone!
Justin reaches over and shoves Terry.
Terry goes flying backwards into a table and falls to the ground.
Justin turns back to the bar and takes another drink.
Terry gets up. And stares at Justin.
Terry reaches and grabs something from around his neck.
He walks over to Justin and stands behind him.
He reaches over and lays the dog tags on the counter.
TERRYI wasn't always a foreman. I was a
(MORE)
85
86
staff sergeant.TERRY (CONT'D)
Terry turns and walks out of a bar.
INT. MIKE’S HOUSE - EVENING72.
Justin walks in the door and stumbles to the couch.
Before sitting he drops Terry's dog tags on the coffee-table.
Justin is still in his uniform.
He sits on the couch.
Emotionally, Justin has broken.
He has given up.
He unholsters his pistol and puts it under his chin.
Justin drops the gun
Justin raises the pistol to his mouth
Justin drops again
Justin raises the gun to his head
Justin drops again
He is just working up the courage to pull the trigger.
From Justin’s POV we see Sierra open the door.
We hear a gun shot.
PAUSE
She comes running to him.
SIERRAOh sweety...no...no
She runs to him.
Stops kneels in front of him.
She is crying.
She is committing to him.
She is understanding just how much of a toll battle’s left.
He is crying too.
86
87
Justin's shot missed.
JUSTINI thought...
SIERRANever.
JUSTINReally?
SIERRAOf course .
JUSTINI don’t deserve you. I don't deserve any of this...don't deserve to live.
SIERRAYou do. More than anyone you do. Ilove you...It’s alright.
He breaks down and she brings him into her shoulder and strokes his hair as he cries.
JUSTINHow can you forgive me?
SIERRAIt’s not your fault Justin. Youwould never hurt me. I knowthat...I trust you.
JUSTINWhat’s wrong with me?
SIERRANothing.
JUSTINI don’t know what to do.
SIERRAYou just need some help...
Sierra pickups up cell phone and calls Terry
She hands Justin a letter
SIERRAMike gave this to me right after you got back and asked me to give
(MORE)
87
88
it to you when I thought you needed SIERRA (CONT'D)
it.
Justin takes it and opens the letter
MONTAGE INT. JUSTIN & SEARRA'S HOUSE - EVENING73.
During Mike’s Voice Over we see
Terry sitting next to Justin on the couch.
Justin nods and they get up and walk toward the front door
MIKE V.O.Son, I want you to know I have always loved you as my own son.You gotta stay true to yourself. You’ve always been a fine boy. You need to remember that you have a lot to offer.
MONTAGE INT. COUNSELOR'S OFFICE74.
Terry, Justin and Sierra walk into a counselor's officeWe are all so proud of you. What you did for our country is something that may never truly be repaid...
Justin stands and shakes the hand of a counselorbut boy I hold you in such high esteem. You need to hold yourself there too.
MONTAGE EXT. MIKE'S GRAVE - DAY75.
Justin is standing at Mike's grave with a shovel in hand.
On the ground there is a little hole dug.
Justin reaches down and places the gun in the hole and begins to bury it.
Putting your life on the line kid, there’s nothing more you can give.
INT. SUPPORT GROUP - DAY76.
Justin is standing in front of a podium and leading a support group for veterans. It is small.
We see a new member being wheeled in.
One of his legs is missing.
88
89
Justin is sharing.
We notice that the wheelchair veterans dog tag says Anthony Taylor.
So when you doubt if you deserve to be alive. Remember you were there. You put yourself up against it and came through. You know what it is that’s truly worth fighting for. The given days we get to be near the one’s we love. Always Remember that. I love you boy. Mike.
The veteran in the wheelchair approaches Justin.
JUSTINWhat’s your name soldier (Justin smiles at him)
ANTHONYTaylor...Anthony Taylor.
They shake hands.
Justin looks at him.
Anthony hands Justin a picture of Justin and Chris in Iraq smiling with their arms around each other.
ANTHONYChris was my brother
FADE TO BLACK.END CREDITS.
89