Endings and New Beginnings

By

Felix Rees

 

Scene 1.

INT. HOSPITAL BEDROOM - EVENING

Spinning in a Dream By Lorn Plays (00:37 - 01:19) 

Jake’s mother is dying. These are her last breaths. Jake is by her side, awaiting her fate. They are both very tired.

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Exhausted, O.S.)

(Lying on a bed) Look after yourself, Jake. (Holds JAKE’S hand)

 

JAKE (Tired and sad)

(he is very solemn and exhales with bloodshot eyes)

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (O.S.)

And do look after helene as well, she is such a sweet girl.

 

JAKE

(Huffing slightly and looking at the floor) Ok.

 

JAKE’S MOTHER loses her grip on JAKE’s hand, and JAKE lets go.

 

Scene 2.

Fly By Ludovico Einaudi Plays (00:00 - 03:08)

The sun is rising, it’s rush hour. People all walk briskly or drive to their jobs. Pedestrians look at the floor with blank faces, or shout through their phones. Drivers beep their horns. Birds fly overhead and out of reach.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE - MORNING

 

JAKE (Empty)

(Wakes up, showers, gets dressed, eats some toast and walks to his desk to start work)

 

Jake is very tired looking, and quite bored of his career. He is studying to be an accountant, like his grandfather. His mother’s ashes in a vase look over him as he works for a few hours. He looks at his screen with dull eyes. A bird perches outside of his window.

Jake turns his head and notices. He smiles slightly, but hesitates and goes back to his computer. His curiosity gets the better of him, and after a few seconds gets up and goes over to the window.

 

*Flashback*

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Unimpressed, O.S.)

What do you think you’re doing?

 

JAKE

(Stops and looks back)

Just- There was a bird-

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (O.S.)

Do not get distracted from your studies. You can’t afford to be wasting time with pointless activities. Productivity is what matters.

 

JAKE

(Looks down and mumbles slightly) Yea.

 

*Flashback end*

 

JAKE

(looks back to the window)

 

The bird has flown away.

 

Scene 3.

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE - MIDDAY

 

JAKE’S THERAPIST (Calm)

How are you coping, Jake?

 

JAKE (Distracted)

(Looking at the floor) Fine.

 

JAKE’S THERAPIST

Good. Well, it’s alright to feel sad about sad situations, but best not to get too distracted, eh? Your mother would not want you to break down after all.

 

JAKE

(Mumbling) Mm.

 

JAKE’S THERAPIST

(Gets up from his chair and walks to his window to look out of it) For now my advice is just to keep focused, these things heal over time.

(Turns back around to face JAKE) I’ll see you again next week.

 

JAKE (Oblivious)

(Looks up from the floor)

 

Scene 4.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

The bird comes back and JAKE sees it again. JAKE runs upstairs, and goes through old boxes to find his camera. After finding it, JAKE blows on and wipes away the dust, then takes it out eagerly. His mother’s ashes watch him leave through the door. Jake ventures off into the outskirts of his town.

 

EXT. BRIGHTON RACECOURSE AREA - AFTERNOON

Mad World Instrumental By Jennifer Ann Plays (00:00 - 01:53)

 

Jake walks around for things to photograph. He moves to different parts of the field, finding things to shoot, whether it’s leaves, birds or insects.
 

MUFFLED VOICE

Jake-

Scene 5.

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE - MIDDAY

THERAPIST

(Slightly raising his voice) Jake.

 

JAKE (Oblivious)

(Looks up) Huh?

 

THERAPIST (Slightly concerned)

You with me?

 

JAKE (Content)

Yep.

 

THERAPIST

Right… You seem jolly today.

 

JAKE

(Nodding) Um, yea, everything is good right now.

 

THERAPIST

(Frowning slightly) Good. Well, (smiles in a friendly way) how’s work then?

 

JAKE

(Starts smiling) Uh, yea, pretty good actually.

 

THERAPIST (Curious)

Mm?

 

JAKE (Enthusiastic)

I’m doing photography now, it’s good. It’s…

 

Jake frowns slightly while trying to describe it. The therapist is listening but is about to change the subject.

 

THERAPIST

Good, well-

 

JAKE

Interesting

 

THERAPIST (Confused)

(Stops speaking for a moment) -Your hobby?

 

JAKE (Thinking)

(Looks back up from the floor) My job.

 

Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt.2 By My Morning Jacket Plays (00:25 - 02:07)

 

THERAPIST

Jake, there’s a difference between this, and your actual job. Is photography reliable? Not really. It’s a very crowded career.

 

The Therapist’s voice fades out, and Jake dives deep into his thoughts. One word is on his mind.

 

JAKE

Interesting (V.O.)

 

Scene 6.

EXT. BRIGHTON RACECOURSE AREA - MIDDAY

 

Jake is once again up at the racecourse, practising his photography. As well as what he’s shooting, he starts to notice things around him more. The blue sky, the tall buildings further down town, etc…

 

JAKE (Slow and calm)

I think I’ve started noticing more things than before. Like how the sky's so blue. What makes it like that? Why isn’t it just white? (V.O.)

 

Jake looks up at the sky, and takes steps back, trying to see even more of it. He is amazed by it, and squints his eyes slightly to avoid the sunlight. He then stops and looks over at the tall apartment blocks in the distance.

 

JAKE

So many windows. Everyone in each window has their own separate life. Own separate problems… How do so many people live in that one block? (Scoffs slightly) And I complain about my space.

 

Jake scans each window, his eyes squinting again at each one, trying to see as much as possible. He then turns around to face in the opposite direction, away from the city.

 

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE - MIDDAY

 

THERAPIST (Curious)

I’m… not sure I understand what you're saying.

 

JAKE (Suspicious)

(Tilts his head slightly)

 

EXT. BRIGHTON RACECOURSE AREA - MIDDAY

 

JAKE (V.O.)

Does it never end? The world. I could run forever, and there would still be more… 

JAKE scans the horizon and sees endless hills stretching on and on, going as far as the eye can see.

 

More…

 

*Cuts to Jake running*

 

Jake starts running as fast as he can, making sure to keep a firm grip on his camera, so he doesn’t drop it.

 

JAKE

YEA!

Jake begins to cheer as he runs through the field he’s in. He finally runs out of breath and stops, panting for air.

 

RANDOM VOICE

What you doin’?

 

JAKE (Caught off guard)

(Turns around) Huh?

Two men are next to Jake, both pretty puzzled.

 

MAN 1

What you doin?

 

JAKE

Er, just- (Turns back around from where he came from, then turns back to the men) Running.

 

MAN 2 (Blank expression)

(Scoffs) …Why?

 

JAKE (Confused)

(Shrugs, and looks around, feeling awkward) Why not?

 

MAN 1 (Raising his voice)

You tapped?

 

JAKE (nervous)

What?

 

MAN 2

(Starts walking to Jake) Yea he’s tapped.

They both advance onto Jake, and Man 1 punches him in the face, knocking him to the floor.

 

MAN 1

Gay cunt.

Man 2 follows and kicks Jake while he’s on the floor, then chuckles.

*FLASHBACK*

 

Scene 7.

INT. JAKE'S MOTHER'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Jake is saying goodbye to a friend.

 

JAKE

Yea, see ya.

 

VOICE (O.S.)

Bye.

 

Jake closes the front door, and goes to the other room where his mother is.

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Suspicious)

Who was that?

 

JAKE (Acting calm)

(Avoiding eye contact) Just a mate.

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Prying)

It sounded like a man.

 

JAKE (Slightly frustrated)

His name’s Charlie.

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Nosy)

You’ve been around this Charlie a lot lately, haven’t you?

​

JAKE (Cautious)

I guess

Jake’s mother tuts in frustration. She knows who Charlie is to Jake.

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Disappointed)

What’s wrong with Helene? She’s such a sweet girl-

 

JAKE (Annoyed)

I don’t like Helene, Mum

 

JAKE’S MOTHER (Angry)

(Raising her voice) Don’t you interrupt me! I don’t know why you choose to be like this, (She walks off) but it has to stop!

 

EXTRA SCENE

 

EXT. OVINGDEAN BEACH - EVENING

Jake is sitting on the beach drinking beer. He feels a bit guilty drinking, but he does it anyway. A stranger walks up behind him.

 

STRANGER

Got a spare?

 

Jake looks up, surprised.

 

JAKE (confused)

What?

 

STRANGER (Hopeful)

Can I have one?

 

Jake seems annoyed, and doesn’t bother turning around  to see the stranger.

JAKE (Annoyed)

(Rhetorical) Why don’t you get your own?

 

STRANGER (Let down)

Okay… (Starts walking off)

 

Jake feels guilty, and turns around.

 

JAKE

Wait! Yea I have another.

 

STRANGER (Happy)

Yay!

 

She skips back over to Jake, and sits down next to him. He hands her a bottle, or can, and she quickly takes it.

 

STRANGER (Forward)

(Drinking the beer) I’m Jenna.

 

JAKE

Jake.

 

Jenna seems quite energetic, as if she’s already tipsy. She is looking at Jake while talking, but Jake keeps looking forwards.

 

JENNA (Talking and drinking)

Why is a man (sip) sitting on a dark beach (sip) drinking beer all by himself? (sip)

 

JAKE

Something wrong with that?

 

JENNA

I don’t know. Is something wrong, Jake? (She sways slightly, as thee effects of alcohol start to work on her)

 

JAKE (Questioning his situation)

You’re weird.

 

JENNA

Really? What is so weird about me?

 

JAKE

You ask a lot of questions.

 

JENNA

Something wrong with curiosity?

 

Jake shrugs.

JAKE

Why do you care? About me?

 

JENNA

Why not? What’s the point in not caring about anything?

 

JAKE

I still care, I care about my health, my financial situation. But I don’t care about random people I meet for five minutes.

 

JENNA

Then why are you still talking to me?

 

Jake is confused by her questions, and is annoyed because of it. He goes silent.

 

JENNA (still swaying)

Do you care about people, Jake? Is there someone that healthy sensible Jake thinks about?

 

Jake looks at the ground, sad and angry at the same time.

 

JAKE

Why are you still talking to me?

 

JENNA (Slurring slightly)

Surely a man drinking by himself needs someone to talk to.

 

JAKE

Maybe he wants to be left alone.

 

JENNA

Are you sure? (She starts getting up)

Jake notices.

JAKE

Well, not by everyone, just some people.

 

Jenna stops, and goes back to her previous position.

JENNA

Are you okay, Jake?

 

Jake thinks about her question for a few seconds, but snaps back. He finally turns to Jenna.

 

JAKE (Avoids the question)

I got more beers at home, want some?

 

*FLASHBACK END*

 

Scene 8.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

Jake slowly enters his house, each step heavy with sorrow. Jake drops his bag onto the floor, and exhales. He slowly moves to his desk and slumps down onto his chair. Jake opens his computer, and finds his Instagram. It’s empty. No comments or feedback to his work. Of course not, social media success revolves around luck.

Jake sighs and goes to bed, ready for sleep.

 

The sun is rising, it’s rush hour. People all walk briskly or drive to their jobs. Pedestrians look at the floor with blank faces, or shout through their phones. Drivers beep their horns. Birds fly overhead and out of reach.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE - MORNING

Jake is very tired looking, and bored with his job. His lit up mother’s ashes in a vase look over him as he works on his computer, discussing finance and quantity.

Sunlight enters the room again, but it reflects off of Jake’s computer screen. Jake gets up and draws the curtains shut. He cowers by his desk, and keeps working. Life goes on outside, not waiting for him.

 

After time Jake can’t handle it anymore. He gets up in frustration and tries not to cry out. With gritted teeth he looks over at the vase. It stares back at him, and although it may just be some china, Jake can sense the disapproval behind it. He storms off to the kitchen and gets a beer.

 

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON

THERAPIST

You okay, Jake?

 

JAKE (Oblivious)

…Mm.

 

THERAPIST (Curious)

You sure? You don’t seem to be as perky as last time.

 

Jake shrugs while he looks at the floor. The therapist leans forward.

 

THERAPIST

Has something happened?

 

JAKE (Scowling)

(Looks up) My mum died, that’s what happened.

 

THERAPIST

Mmm, still thinking about her?

 

JAKE (Thinking but confused)

I thought I had found a different way. One that made me happier… Happy. (Exhales) I guess she was right afterall though. Control yourself, focus on work. If I want happiness, I need to work for it first. Earn it.

 

The therapist gets up from his seat and moves to the window to look out of it.

 

THERAPIST

She was a wise woman, your mother. I remember, she used to be more decisive than my other clients.

 

JAKE (Mumbling slightly)

Is there no other way? I’ve been trying hard at photography, should I stick with it?

 

THERAPIST

Jake, photography can be nice, but… You already have something great here. Your grandfather was a successful accountant, take after him. Finish your accountancy training, and the money from your mother’s will, can pay for your living costs at the moment.

 

Scene 9.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Jake continues to push through his work, even though he can’t stand it. He constantly grits his teeth, and clenches his face muscles.

Each evening, he grabs some beers, and goes out to drink, and when the next day comes, he repeats the process.

Jake looks over at the vase looming over him as he drinks. He lashes out.

 

JAKE (Shouting in pain)

(Stomps over to the vase) Is this what you want?!

(Kicking the wall beneath the shelf) You stupid, fucking…! Argh!

 

He stops and turns back around, clenching his muscles, trying not to go too far. He grits his teeth again, struggling not to shout, and storms off.

 

EXT. OVINGDEAN BEACH - EVENING

Jake is drinking on the beach, and a stranger passes by. They notice Jake, and start to carry on walking, but can’t help but look at his face properly.

STRANGER

Hey, I know you?

 

JAKE (Pissed off)

What? (Looks up)

 

STRANGER (Pleased)

Oh yea, I do know you (Points at Jake subtly)

 

Jake looks up at her with a blank expression, apart from his annoyance.

STRANGER (Upset)

(looks down like she remembers something) …You ditched me, man.

 

Jake shakes his head in confusion.

 

STRANGER

Yea. We had a good talk, I remember. Then you just went off like nothing happened.

 

Jake’s eyes widen slightly as he remembers.

JAKE

Shit… Sorry, Jenna, I couldn't be friends with you.

 

JENNA (Almost shrugging it off)

Pff, what?

 

JAKE (Mumbling)

My…

Jake hesitates to say it, as he knows it will sound stupid.

 

My mum said I couldn’t.

 

JENNA (Confused and slightly defensive)

(Scoffs) What?

 

JAKE

And that you weren’t a good example.

 

JENNA (Sarcastic)

Well excuse me

 

JAKE

Sorry, I don’t think so anyway.

 

Silence. Both avoid eye contact and look at the sea. After a few seconds Jenna turns back to Jake.

 

JENNA (Bewildered)

So… what, you just do whatever your mum tells you to do?

 

JAKE (Sheepish, then hopeful)

(Thinks for a moment, then looks up at Jenna) …Not anymore… (Looks down at his drinks, then back up at Jenna)

 

After a few drinks, they get more casual and start raising their voice. Jokes are thrown as well as rocks into the sea, as they become reckless with their behaviour. Eventually they settle back down, and sit facing the sea.

JENNA

Are you gay?

 

JAKE (Surprised)

(Surprised by the question he looks at Jenna) What?

 

She keeps looking at him, expecting an answer. Jake shrugs.

 

JENNA

(Chuckles) You still a er… (Not sure what to say)

What were you last time I saw you?

 

JAKE (Factual)

Accountant. Well, accountancy student.

 

JENNA

Oh yea, you still doing  that?

 

JAKE (Smiling slightly)

Why? Expected me to stop?

 

Jenna chuckles a bit again. She’s calmer this time. It seems she’s changed a bit since they last met.

 

JAKE

(Looks down) Photography now.

 

JENNA (Interested)

Really?

Jake nods.

That’s cool. Got any pictures?

 

Jake keeps nodding, happy she asked this. He eagerly takes out his phone and finds his photos.

 

American Beauty By Thomas Newman Plays (00:00 - 03:06)

 

JAKE

(Looks back up to Jenna) Here’s one.

 

JENNA

This is good. (Moves in to get a better look)

 

JAKE

Thanks. (Shows another)

 

JENNA (Impressed)

Woah, these are really good.

 

JAKE (Slightly surprised)

(Looks up from phone) Really?

 

JENNA

Yea, I mean, you could sell these. I would buy some.

 

JAKE (Guilty)

(Looks back down) I don’t know. I haven’t actually done it for a while now.

 

JENNA

What?! Why? You should keep going.

 

JAKE

It’s hard to make money from it… And my mum never really liked it.-

 

JENNA

Pff! Yea and your mum disapproved of me, and it looks like we’re having a good drink.

 

JAKE

(Exhales, amused by her joke)

 

JENNA (Encouraging)

Look, do you want to do it?

 

JAKE (Hesitant)

(Exhales) er, well-

 

JENNA

Don’t think about it. Do you want to do it?

 

JAKE

Yea- (he stops)

Jake’s realisation sets in.

JENNA

You need to stop letting your mum control you. Sorry, but… even while she’s gone you’re still under her control.

 

Jake winces after she said that, as if he expected a slap or something bad to happen.

 

JENNA

There’s more to you than your mum’s vision. (Points at the phone 

with the picture on it) And this proves it.

 

Jake looks up at the horizon, with that same expression of realisation.

 

JENNA

You can still respect your mother, but if she’s really bringing you down, you should let her go.

 

Scene 10.

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE - MORNING

Jake enters the therapist’s office.

 

THERAPIST

Ahh, Jake. Good to see you.

 

JAKE (Polite)

You too.

 

The therapist gestures to Jake to take a seat, and sits down as well.

 

JAKE (Standing)

I’ve been thinking about what you said.

 

THERAPIST (Pleased but not sure)

Yes?

 

JAKE

Yea. How I should stick to accounting.

 

THERAPIST (Satisfied)

Ahh yes. And how’s that been going?

 

JAKE (Slightly proud)

Well, I decided to quit again.

 

The therapist’s face drops. He was not expecting this answer.

 

I thought about it, and I reckon that even if it doesn’t make as much money, at least I enjoy it.

 

THERAPIST (Worried)

Now Jake, (Goes to stand up) are you sure you want to do this-

 

JAKE (Decisive)

Yes. I’m tired of this… These decisions being made for me. That’s what it feels like at least. I know it’s your job to help me but… This whole time, feels like you’ve just been subtly telling me what to do.

The therapist acts confused, and sits back down.

 

THERAPIST

Jake, I don’t know what is making you say this but, if you keep going down this road, it’s not going to end well-

 

JAKE (Annoyed)

See. This. (Gestures at the therapist) Any time I get a moment of clarity you snub it out… No wonder my mum appointed you. She knew you’d keep me in line.

 

The therapist looks defeated, and doesn’t know what to say.

 

JAKE

I’m going now, I don’t need this anymore. We’ll handle the payment later.

Jake leaves before the therapist can say anything.

 

Scene 11.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE - MIDDAY

Jake comes home and goes onto his computer. He watches his latest shoot of a bird eating out of a feeder, and smiles, amused by it.

 

After checking his inbox, he comes across something. A notification. Jake rushes to open it.

“This is so good” a comment says.

After seeing it, Jake spots another comment.

“Impressive, very nice” Jake chuckles at the comment. The last one. “You should go pro. Some of these could be professional level”.

His newest post has done well, and Jake hopefully checks his mail.

Christopher Roberts.

Jake opens it, eyes wide, not knowing what to expect.

 

“Jake, I saw your recent post today, and thought it was great. The bird really has some life to it. After looking at your profile, I found myself liking your style.

I’m getting married in a few weeks, and I wanted to hire someone young like you. I know photography can be hard, trust me, I’ve been there. But I think you show good potential, and would like to invite you to take pictures for my wedding.

 

Best Wishes

Christopher Roberts”

 

Jake can’t believe it. Smiling, he lifts his hands up to face in disbelief. Jake jumps up from his chair.

JAKE

Yea!

He turns back around to notice the vase, which is still looking over him. Jake breaths out. He stares at the vase, and gets an idea.

 

JENNA (V.O)

Let her go.

 

EXT. CUCKMERE BAY - AFTERNOON

La Bohéme - Bonus Track Plays (00:00 - 01:28)

Cuts to Jake in the car. He is driving in the countryside somewhere. Jake puts his arm out of the window to feel the wind against him. He feels free out here.

JAKE (V.O.)

Sometimes I think back to that initial stage of sorrow. I mourned for my mother… but sometimes I don’t think I ever felt truly sad…

I’ve been pushing these thoughts back, because I was afraid of them, but I wonder, did I really mourn my mother? Or did I only pretend to, because I thought it was the right thing to do. The only thing to do. Maybe her death was something more than a loss.

 

JENNA (V.O)

Maybe now’s your proper chance to say goodbye. You’re no longer confused, so you can see this through properly.

 

Once on the beach Jake runs around, happy and smiling to be out in the countryside again. Finally he settles down on the shore, and gets the vase from his bag.

 

JAKE (V.O)

It’s weird, it’s like, ever since you’ve gone, everything’s gotten better. I would have never known loss can change someone in a good way.

 

 Jake takes it out, and starts spreading the ashes into the sea. Soon enough he is finished and looks at the horizon.

JAKE (V.O.)

Well, it’s not like any of this is supposed to be normal. Even so, I feel more like myself than before. I think that’s normal.

 

JAKE

You’re free now, Mum.

He takes a deep breath.

And so am I…

He smiles.

 

Something makes him turn around, as if someone is watching him. His mother is standing there. A moment passes, and Jake looks forward again. She disappears.

 

I got a wedding to go to.

 

With that said, Jake drops the vase into the sand, exhales his deep breath and walks off, satisfied.

The camera tracks out slowly, and the frame dissolves into a picture on a wall. As the camera keeps tracking out, this picture is among many of Jake’s pictures. He turned this experience into something he loves.

THE END

Credits role - Where Is My Mind (From “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End - Man Behind The Treasure”) - Cover Version Plays (00:00 - 01:42)