Author Information
The science of faith
Erny Jon Cantu
The Science Of Faith
10/29/02
The science of faith
INT- HALLWAY- DAY
Three intern doctors walk down a corridor into the psychiatric ward of the general hospital. The three interns are Mark, Mario, and Christina they are following their instructor Dr. Rothberg. The hospital is an ancient facility the degradation is apparent from the moment you step into the building.
Christina (V.O.)
My nightmare is always the
same a maze of flickering
passage ways and rickety
steps sometimes I’m alone
and sometimes I’m not.
The group is descending down a staircase the CLICKING of shoes as it hits the ground is the only sound.
Christina (V.O.)
In my nightmares I here
voices But I never see them
its always dark I never know
what is around the corner.
The doctors are grouped behind a steel gate. A security officer comes and unlocks the gate. As the gate swings open it unleashes a SCREECH that is both loud and haunting.
Christina (V.O.)
The dream ends the same.
Someone grabs my hand from
the shadows. And then I wake
up but I’m always relieved
to be in one piece and out
of danger
The doctors make their way into further sown the corridor. Christina is the last to pass through the gates.
Christina (V.O.)
But the fear always remains
unresolved because it is
never faced. Until today.
The loud CLANG of the steel gate is once again heard as the door is shut and locked.
Angle on Christina
Christina (V.O.)
Today is my first day in
the mad house.
INT.-CORRIDOR- DAY
To either side of the corridor are rooms for the mentally ill. The doctors pass through another serious of gates to make way into the common room. In the room are about 20 patients either mumbling incoherently or sitting on the floor oblivious to the world around them. Dr. Rothberg seems not to notice as he makes his way to his office.
Mark, Mario and Christina are so mortified that they try not to make eye contact with the patients; they continue to follow Dr. Rothberg.
Dr. Rothberg
At county General, each of
you has an invaluable
opportunity to learn in one
of the most sought after
internship programs of its
kind.
Dr. Rothberg walks past more wandering patients almost oblivious to them. The interns again are strangely mortified.
Dr. Rothberg
You have endured four years
of psychology graduate
program; learning theory,
psychological testing, and
psychotherapy techniques
Dr. Rothberg reaches his office door and stops with his back to the students.
Dr. Rothberg
But all of that is
meaningless until you’ve
proven yourselves here.
We will do our best to
shape you into competent
doctors.
Dr. Rothberg turns and faces the three on looking interns.
Dr. Rothberg
Until then you are nothing
more than a sea of slugs in
the evolution of a specialist.
Any questions so far?
Before the students can speak, Dr. Rothberg continues.
Dr. Rothberg
Well, now I’ve chosen some
preliminary patients for
each of you.
The Doctor hands each intern a couple of charts.
Dr. Rothberg
I expect each of you to
check in at least once a day
to check your progress.
INT.- COMMON OFFICE – DAY
The common office wasn’t much more than a small office with a table in the corner a couple shelves, filing cabinets and a couple of old wooden chairs.
Christina sits alone at the moment going over the first chart. With her notes in hand she gets up and makes her way to the patients room.
INT. - CORRIDOOR – DAY
Just out side the first patient’s door, Christina is slouching against the wall with the look of anxiety on her face. She stares at her notes for another moment, takes a big SIGH and proceeds into the room.
INT. – ROBERT’S ROOM- DAY
The room was cold and dark Robert Jewel sat at the desk against the wall. Robert is slim man in his early thirties. Christina approaches Robert.
Christina
High Robert, my name is
Dr. Morano I am going to be
your new doctor.
Robert
Hmm.
Christina
Tell me what happened to
you that you Had to come
to the hospital?
Christa waited in anticipation.
Robert
(Brooding)
I am an alien from the
planet Zork.
Christina confused.
Christina
Pardon me?
Robert
Fuck you!
INT.- JASON’S ROOM - DAY
Christina moves on to her next patient Jason Gibbs. He’s a suicidal teenager. Christina sits at a table with Jason who isn’t paying attention.
Christina (V.O.)
Jason ate Nytol like candy.
He’s a seventeen year old
drop out. Jason’s parents
found him on the floor in
convulsions. There were also
visible cuts on hid wrist.
Generally kids like Jason
are only trying to gain
attention…
INT. - WAITING ROOM- DAY
The waiting room is empty except for a few visitors and Jason’s mother and father.
The parents were bent over, weary.
Christina (V.O.)
…of his parents. In this
case the parents would be
blamed. They made crucial
mistakes at critical times
in Jason’s childhood. Now
the child is calling for
after years of neglect.
INT. - HALLWAY- DAY
Christina is walking down the hallway with a few charts in her hand. In the hall a couple of other doctors and their patients are walking past her.
Christina (V.O.)
All in all my first week
was interesting. I got to
meet people who heard the
voice Of god, I met those
who thought they were God.
One of the hardest things
I had to do Was turn the
homeless away on a daily
basis.
INT. – ADMITIANCE OFFICE – DAY
In the office a lone desk a patient and Christina sit at the table. Dark and dinghy. The prospective patient name is Ben. He is an older gentleman in his early 60’s in tattered clothes he looks fecund.
Christina (V.O.)
I began to tell the
difference between the
mentally ill, and those
pretending to be. Me and
the other interns bare the
task of sorting out the
people. As much as it hurts
to turn them away… we’re
not running a hotel here.
Angle on Ben
Christina
Name?
Ben
Ben.
Christina
Full name please.
Ben
Just Ben.
Christina
Date of birth?
A beat
Christina
Birth date please.
Ben shakes his head shrugging his shoulders.
Christina
Any family members that we
can contact?
Bens shrugs his shoulder and scratches his head.
Ben
I hear voices.
Christina
Oh really.
Christina starts to make a few notes on a legal pad.
Ben
They tell me to do things.
Things that I don’t want to
do. Things like steal… or…
Christina puts down her pen
Ben
Why’d you stop writing? I’m
sick I tell you. I’m crazy.
A beat
Ben
Please… it’s so cold out there.
Christina frustrated puts her hand on her head.
INT. OUT SIDE COMMON ROOM DOOR – DAY
The area outside the common office is home to the snack machine where Christina is. In the background we hear the clamoring of Mario and Mark.
Mario
…he cut it right off.
Mark
Yeah right.
The coke machine THUMPS as a cola is dispensed
Mario
No, I’m totally serious he
thought It was a snake
growing out of his body
Mark
You’re making this up.
Mario
Chuck Adractas room three-
forty tell Him I said hi.
Christina walks into the room.
Mark
Man you’re lucky. All I
get are guys Who wash there
hands too much.
Mario
Did I mention he used
pinking shears?
Mark
(A look of pain)
Oh man! Shut up!
Mario
What about you, Christina?
Any interesting cases come
your way?
Christina
Well, Guys let me see… I
just kicked out A man old
enough to be my grandfather
Out into the streets. Christina
takes a sip of cola. The two
interns are silent.
Christina
Oh, did I mention he hasn’t
eaten in a week And he sleeps
in a box.
The two are still silent. They put their heads down solemnly. They both seem a bit disturbed. Christina leans on the doorframe. Pauses a second and they continues walking down the hall to the file room.
INT. - FILE ROOM - EVENING
The office is full of different filling cabinets. Christina is digging through a stack of recent patients. Mark enters the room.
Mark
Hey, are you on call
tonight.
Christina startled composed her self and looks up at mark.
Christina
We’re interns we’re always
on call. Right?
Mark
Right. Not to mention over
worked and under Paid… Hey
are you all right?
Christina
Mark how are you doing with
your patients
Mark
Is this a competitive thing?
`
Christina
No, no… I’m just wondering.
Mark
Great, just great. The
other day Dr. Rothberg
pulled me into his office
just to tell me how well
I’m doing.
Christina
Really…
Mark
Well… ok I exaggerated a
little bit. I can’t even
Get these people to tell
me their names.
Christina and Mark look at each other in quite contemplation.
Mark
Hey I’m sorry about earlier.
We weren’t trying To sound
like jerks. We just needed
a break. You Know laughter
and medicine and all that
jazz.
Christina
Yeah well some of like to
keep it all in and wait for
the time to lash out. It’s
more cathartic that way.
Mark
Enough! Too much self-analysis
for one day. Its time to
call it a day.
Mark makes a break for the door.
Christina
All right, sure you don’t
want to help? I could have
the next Manson in here.
Mark
I’ll pass, Christina
Christina
All right don’t come crying
when I’m famous.
Mark
Bye Christina.
INT. HALLWAY- NIGHT
Christina wound up with the night shift tonight. It’s around 8:30 and she’s making her rounds.
Christina (V.O.)
At night the ward gets a
little loose. Things
normally contained seep
out. People scream. And in
the distance there are noises
that defy classification.
Christina makes her way through the patient’s room corridor.
Christina (V.O.)
It’s odd being the doctor
at night hearing these noises.
But once a doctor is spotted
the disperse with the wails
and the start to plead
their sanity.
Voices of patients
Hey I’m ok now… Hey Doc
I’m cured…
Christina ignores the pleading and soon the pleading turns into screeches once again.
INT.- ROOM 338 - NIGHT
A new patient lies in bed motionless.
Christina (V.O.)
The patient had no name
like so many others.
He had been spotted
wandering in a church
parking Lot. The cops picked
him up and he couldn’t give
them Any information so they
brought him here.
Christina
Hello, I’m Dr. Morano.
The patient didn’t respond to Christina.
Christina
Oh, Jesus.
The patient stares blankly into space. Christina just closes the door. She begins walks around the halls.
INT. - CHRISTINA’S APT. – NIGHT
Christina had just entered the empty apartment. Her roommate isn’t home. She walks to he room and slumps down against her wall.
Christina (V.O.)
The sessions are running
shorter each day. Today was
no exception.
Christina slumps a little more, she place her head in her hands.
Christina (V.O.)
“Do you need anything? How
are you sleeping? Are you
still hearing voices? Thank
you very much goodbye.”
Christina pulls up her legs and buries her face in her lap.
Christina (V.O.)
“I’m new” was my explanation
to everything. But now I wonder
how long that excuse is
going to cover my ignorance.
INT.- COMMON OFFICE- DAY
Christina is in the corner going over her mourning patients. Other doctors and interns are in and out of the room. Dr. Rothberg enters and walks toward Christina.
Dr. Rothberg
To busy for breakfast I see.
Christina
Oh… Dr. Rothberg good
morning… I was going over the
patient’s files. I’ll have it
ready by noon.
Dr. Rothberg
Hmm… is that what they teach
you in med School. Analyzing
graphs, going over charts
enlighten me what am I
looking at.
Christina
His blood work came back
clean. I’m looking into the
possibility of a neural chemical disorder. I’d like to schedule
an E.E.G. scan I have a
feeling…
Interrupted.
Dr. Rothberg
Ok let’s say after all the
lab work is done, and you
Have looked through all the
textbooks. After all this
And you’re still confused
about the diagnosis… What
do you do?
A beat
Christina
Consult another doctor. Get
a second opinion.
Dr. Rothberg
Humph. Whatever happened
to talking to the Patient?
Did they get lost in all
this?
Christina
I’ve tried. But they’re all
so distant. They won’t Cooperate.
Dr. Rothberg
It’s not their job to
cooperate. Most people are
mistaken about psychiatry
and I suspect at this
point you are too.
Christina is motionless.
Dr. Rothberg
The secret isn’t making
isn’t to make an incisive
analysis. You have to ask
yourself how can I connect
to the patient. If you cant
all the medicine in the world
will never make
them well.
Christina gets up out of her chair and picks up her charts. Dr. Rothberg watches silently. Christina begins to walk to the door with her head down. Before she exits the door she glances back at Rothberg and she continues on her way.
INT. – BEN”S ROOM- DAY
Ben is his room lying in bed with an IV in his arm. Ben looks even more ragged and malnourished.
Christina
Ben? Hi remember me, Ben.
Ben nods his head.
Christina
Well congratulations on
cheating the system.
Looks like someone fell for
your crazy man Routine. What
did you use?
Ben turns his head so he is not facing her.
Christina
More lies about voices?
Attacked by Martians?
Lets see.
Christina picks up Ben’s chart lying in a try in front of his bed.
Christina
Ben… I’m so sorry… I…
Ben twitches a little and scratches his wrist.
Christina
What are you going to do
when the detainment Period
ends. Slit your wrist again.
So we can take You back in.
Ben’s sits up and stares at Christina for a second.
Christina
Excuse me I should be going.
Christina turns around and heads for the door. A GINGLING sound emanates from Ben’s location. Ben’s fighting with the IV lines.
Christina
What are you doing!
Ben rips the IV out of his are and with the force he falls out of his bed hitting the ground hard.
Christina
BEN!!
Christina rushes over to help Ben get up. As Ben rises up and a picture falls from his hands.
Christina
Ben we can work though this.
I’ll try and find You a
shelter or someplace anyplace.
Just let me help you.
Christina notices the photograph on the ground. She picks it up.
Christina
Is this your family?
Ben
Patrick’s the oldest one
he’s an accountant. I don’t
know what Brian’s doing. He
lives Out west somewhere.
The two sat down over at a table in the room.
Christina (V.O.)
We spent the rest of the
afternoon simply Talking. He
told me the story about his
failed Marriage. After a while
he began to break. He Asked
to me leave. Said it wasn’t
proper for a grown man to
cry in front of a lady.
INT. – DANIEL’S ROOM – DAY
Daniel’s alone in his room next to the window. The light hits the back of his head it made him look ghostly. Christina enters the room.
Christina (V.O.)
Everyone in here is in
conflict about wanting to
share their pain rather than
carry it around alone. The art
is in being seductive enough
so that you become the person
to whom they want to unload
their emotions.
Christina
How are you feeling today?
Daniel begins to tremble. Christina concerned rushes over to him.
Christina
Is something frightening
you?
Daniel
You wanted to know how I
felt…what do you mean.
Christina I mean are you happy sad
angry? How do you feel?
inside.
Daniel
I…I Don’t know. I know I
used to feel things, but
now… I’m just numb.
Everything is cold. Unreal.
Christina became interested and sat next Daniel staring at him intently.
Daniel
Sometimes I think I’m the
only one in the world. The
only person in the entire
universe. That no matter how
Hard I search... I’ll never
see another living human
being Again.
Christina
I’m here you’re not alone.
We can help you. We have
Good treatment facilities
here at the hospital.
Medication That we can…
Daniel interrupts.
Daniel
Can you leave me alone now?
Christina is startled.
Christina
Um… sure.
Daniel turned around and stared out of the window. Christina begins to make her way to the door. She stops and turns around.
Christina
Could I ask your name?
Daniel
Daniel.
Christina
Well Daniel, I’ll see you again.
Daniel doesn’t acknowledge Christina’s remark. Christina walks out of the room.
A beat
INT. - DANIEL’S ROOM – DAY
Daniel and Christina are both looking out of the window. It’s been a couple of weeks since later.
Christina (V.O.)
Some days were worse than
others for Daniel. His mind
was elsewhere. As if he was
on another world. Then there
where days when he seemed
normal.
A beat
Those were the worst days.
Christina is looking at Daniel, as he is lost staring out the window.
Christina
Daniel? What is it? What do
you see out there?
A beat
Christina moves closer to Daniel and stares out the window with him.
Daniel
I’m afraid to close my eyes.
I may never wake. What’s
happening to me?
Christina shocked she twitted her thumbs as she searches for an answer.
Christina
I’m not sure either Daniel.
But I’m going to help You
get through this.
INT. – DR. ROTHBERG’S OFFICE – DAY
The office is an organized clean office. With a single desk with two chairs for people to sit in. The walls are adorned with plaques and notes to himself.
Dr. Rothberg
Tell me Christina why did you
choose this field? Why
Psychiatry.
Christina
Umm… I guess because I wanted
to help people.
Dr. Rothberg
(Disappointment)
I see.
A beat
Christina (V.O.)
We talked well into the
night. I told him about
growing up in Virginia. He
told me about growing up in
NYC Slums. I said what I
remembered most was my prom.
He told me about his mother’s
suicide. Our childhoods were
different. I learned the
difference between wanting
something and being driven
to it.
INT.- COMMON OFFICE – DAY
Christina is sitting at the desk going over Daniel’s charts. Mark walks into the room.
Mark
You look like you could use
this.
Mark hands Christina a cup of coffee.
Christina
Thanks Mark.
Mark
I haven’t seen you around
much.
Christina
Yeah. I’m buried in work.
How’ve you been?
Mark
I guess you haven’t heard.
I’m quitting.
Christina drops the coffee mug. It doesn’t break coffee splashes on the table.
Christina
What? Why?
Mark
My father owns a private
practice in Brooklyn. I
Might go to work for him
there. Heh, I’d be up to
my neck in yuppie’s who
think their mothers breast
fed them to long.
Christina pager goes BEEPS
Christina
I’m sorry. I’m being paged.
Look we’ll talk later all right.
Mark
Yeah…
Christina gets up and heads out the door. Mark takes a sip of his coffee.
Mark
Seeya…
INT. – DANIEL’S ROOM- DAY
Daniel is lying on the floor naked. Christina stands next to the door looking down on him.
Christina
Daniel? The nurses are
telling me your refusing
to eat. Is this true? And
where are your clothes?
Daniel rolls over into the fettle position.
Daniel
No food. No drugs. My body
must be clean. My spirit
Must be light and pure for
my journey.
Christina
(Confused)
What?
Daniel
I’m falling. Falling.
Christina
Daniel?
Daniel
I’m blind. Everything is so
dark. Where are you?
Christina?
Daniel sprawls out on the floor stomach down. Christina moves closer to Daniel.
Christina
I’m right behind you silly.
Now come on get up And get
dressed.
Daniel
I can’t. I can’t see
anything. Why can’t I see?
Christina
(Worried)
Daniel stop it.
Daniel
I can hear you but I can’t
sense you. It’s as if we
Were talking across a great
divide. Everything. Seems so
far away.
Christina
Daniel none of this is real.
You’ve created this all in
your mind.
Daniel
It doesn’t matter if it’s
real or not.
Christina
It doesn’t matter? Are you really
saying it doesn’t? matter if
you can’t tell what’s real
from what’s not.
Daniel
Whose reality are we talking
about, mine or yours.
Christina
There’s only one reality.
The fact is you’re a
schizophrenic with delusions.
Daniel understands what she tells him and puts his head down in shame.
Christina
I… I’m sorry.
Daniel picks his head up and looks Christina in her eyes.
Daniel
Tell me then what is real.
Christina
What do you mean what’s real?
I’m real you’re real.
Daniel
How do you know?
Christina
Well for starters I can see
and hear you.
Daniel
What if you were blind and
deaf?
Christina
Well, I might not know you’re
in the room But you would
still be there.
Daniel
What if some one told you
the room was Empty.
Christina
Just saying it wouldn’t
make it so.
Daniel
But what if you believed it.
It would become your reality.
Christina
But it still wouldn’t be
true.
Daniel
Yes, but you would act as
if it were.
Christina
Really, this isn’t philosophy
101. Just saying Something
doesn’t make it true.
Daniel
Then why should I believe
what you tell me? to be
true?
INT. HALLWAY-DAY
Daniel walks through the hallway dazed and confused.
Christina (V.O.)
Daniel was growing more
distant. He was slowly
dissolving into total
apathy. His mind was slowly
crumbling, if left on His
own he would resort into a
walking vegtable. The thought
is appaling.
Daniel sits at a chair with Christina next to him trying to talk to him.
Christina (V.O.)
In the ward we have a medical
big bang theory. Like the
bodies of the universe, we are
sperating form one another at
an ever increasing velocity.
Christina silently throws a fit because Daniel will not respond to a thing that she say’s.
Christina (V.O.)
In normal medicine we find
that distance from the patient
is comforting at times. But
in psychiatry we can’t help
becoming involved with our
patients.
Finally frustrated with Daniel not responding, Christina leaves she is almost in tears. She makes her way over to Ben’s room.
INT. BEN’S ROOM-DAY
Ben is looking worse then we he first arrived at county general hospital. He is lying on his side in his bed, motionless as Christina walks in the room. Ben notices that Christina has entered the room but he makes no motion to acknoledge her existence.
Christina (V.O.)
Ben’s detainment is almost
over. He has two more Days
until he will be sent back
into the streets. To make
Matters worse his eyesight
is failing him. He says he
can Barely make out any
light.
INT. OFFICE- DAY
Christina is on the phone in the common office.
Christina
So there’s nothing you can
do? You don’t know anyone?
Ok, great I understand.
A beat
Christina (V.O.)
We were able to track down
a family member His son, an
accountant who lived out
west. He said that placing
his father in a home would
be fine with him but he
couldn’t help with the
arrangements. After a
couple calls he refused any
other calls.
She hangs up the phone and a look of disgust and failure appear on her face. She folds her arms on the desk and places her arms.
Christina (V.O.)
With ben having no income
and being practicly blind
I’ve had no luck trying to
find him somewhere to stay.
“too much trouble they said
routinely”
INT. ADDMITANCE OFFICE- DAY
Ben is gathering the belongings he had from when he was addmited. Christina is watching as a nurse has Ben place x’s for his signature on the discharge sheets.
Christina (V.O.)
Today was Ben’s last day.
There were no Heart felt
goodbye’s, no handshakes,
no hugs. Not even a thank
you.
Ben takes his belongings all of which fit into his pockets and he begins to shuffle towards the door. Christina peeks out of the hall way to ketch a glimpse as the old man heads out the double doors.
Christina (V.O.)
Was I proud of the job I
had done. We, kept him fed,
medicated and gave him a bed.
Other than that there wasn’t
much else we could do.
Ben exits the building. Christina watches through the glass doors as the shape of the man disappears as he walks back onto the streets.
Christina (V.O.)
And the whole process
begins again. Am I proud of
my work? No. I felt more like
a mechanic at a pit stop.
I slap a patch over the leak
and get the people back on
the road.
Christina turns her back to the door as the figure fades away. She makes her way back towards the hallway. With a look of sadness in her face, her head hags a little lower than normal.
INT. DANIELS ROOM – TWILIGHT.
Daiel is once again looking out the window. Christina walks in the room and stands next to the window and looks out with Daniel.
Christina
Daniel? Are you with me?
Daniel
Yes.
Christina
How do you feel?
Daniel
I don’t know.
Daniel continues to stare out the widow looking at the horizon. A look of frustration comes over Christina’s face. She grabs daniels hand and begins to lead him up a set of stairs. Until they reach a dark hallway. At the end of the hallway was a door, that squeeked when opened.
Christina
Rotheberg’s going to kill
me if he Finds out. Watch
your step.
EXT. ROOF- TWILGHT
The door opens and a blinding ray of light comes through the dark hall way. Daniel’s face lights up and, he proceeds to go out side and take in the sight. Christina wearily follows Daniel out.
Christina
It’s a beautiful night.
Daniel
Magical, do you see it
Christina.
Christina
See what?
Daniel
Where the heaves come down and touch the earth.
Christina
Really?
Daniel
It’s a place of miracles
when the supernatural world
And the natral world intersect.
Christina
Daniel, I only see a horizon.
Daniel seemed unfazed by Christina’s comment. Daniel seemed to bask in the glow of the night. Christina silently stands back and watches as Daniel looks out into the sky line.
Christina (V.O.)
There was something about him
that night. Maybe it was the
moonlight. Maybee it was my
emotional state. But it was
something him that was beautiful.
Christina feels a gust of wind and she begins to smile and enjoy the simple pleasures of a unique view.
Christina (V.O.)
Tonight I didn’t try to
invade his world. I didn’t
tell him that he was
delusional. I didn’t tell
him he was living a fantasy.
instead I wish I was part
of it.
Christina is seated at the window which daniel is known to stare out of. Today daniel isn’t here he hasn’t got out of bed today. christina is looking out the window with a look of disapointment on her face.
Christina (V.O.)
during the next couple of days,
Daniel’s condition is slowly
deteriorating.
a beat
Christina(V.O.)
Dr. rothberg is presuring me for my
patient reports.
Christina in a room typing on a computer.
Christina (V.O.)
As i was updating my patient files. i happened
to come across a familiar name, Ben.
the words on the screen seem to disturb Christina.
Christina (V.O.)
there it was in big letters, deceased.
a look of dispare comes across Christinas face.
fade: out
Fade: In
in a dark room, a black female sits at a table shaking uncontrolably. the woman is in her late 30’s, she is a waif of a woman.
Black woman
i gotta get off this coke. it’s gonna
kill me.
Christina
Where are your kids now?
Black woman
i sold them.
Christina
What
Black woman
I sold them. But now i want them
back.
Christina
Who did you sell the to.
Black Woman
The baby man of course.
Christina
i dont understand who is the baby
man.
Black woman
the baby man is the man who buys
babies, children you know.
Christina
Let me make sure i got the story. you
sold your children to the baby man for
money.
Black woman
No, i traded them for cocaine.
Christina
you sold your children for crack?
what does this baby man do with the
children he buys?
Black woman
i dont know. But its probably nothing
good.
Christina excuses her self and walks out of the room. she begins to breathe in deeply. she walks down a corridor and finds three ordilies shuffling around a patient who is going into convultions on the floor.
Christina (V.O.)
i had the physical sense of being trapped.
It created a sense of panic. it felt like i
couldnt get enough air into my lungs.
in a daze Christina watches as a docter tends to the patient on the ground.
Christina (V.O.)
Despite the size of it...
the sheer abitions of the original intentions
the hosptal was now nothing more than a
rickety pier set up on a stormy sea.
christina walks past the insedent. Christina walks around almost in a daze, as patients walk past her.
Christina(V.O.)
it would be so easy to fall in beneath
the waves.
Christina takes a seat in the lounge area where the patients mingle. she looks around at the patients as they go on doing there normal routine.
Christina(V.O.)
mental illness shatter are most sacred
held ideas about human nature.they
are more different than we could ever
imagine.and more like us than we would
careto admit. we like to believe that they
have crosseda line that seperates them
from us.
Christina stands up and makes her way to a back exit. watching the patients as she walks by.
Christina (V.O.)
though our science and religion try to tell
us where that line is and what we have to do
to stay on the safe side of it. advice and rules
are the flimsy constructs of fear.
Christina sits at a bench out side.
Christina (V.O.)
Mental illiness makes a cheap mockery of it
all, as it shatters all precievied notions.
in aggrivation Christina lets out a scream.
Christina (V.O.)
It turns all wisdom into lunacy.
INT. ROTHBERG’S OFFICE- DAY
Dr. Rothberg and Christina are in a conversation. Rothberg is sitting at his desk while christina is pasing around near the door.
Dr. Rothberg.
Are you sure that you want to do this.
Christina
i just don’t think i can go on anymore.
Dr. Rothberg
i know what you want.
Christina
Whats that Doctor.?
Dr. Rothberg
You want to make a difference. you want
to know that you were able to make a difference.
Christina stops and faces rothberg, acknologing his assuption.
Dr. Rothberg
This isn’t like surgery. with an apendectomy
you get sick in the morning, and within a day
your appendix is out. a couple of days later
Dr. Rotheberg (cont‘d)
your’re out of the hospital.
With mental illness you have patients spending
years in a hospital. sometime there entire life.
Christina
that’s just it. i try and try and it seems
nothing that i do makes a difference. i hate
the stuff that goes on . i hate knowing people sleep
outside, eat garbage take coke. i hate drunks i hate
hookers.
christina takes a seat and looks up at rothberg.
Chrisina
right now i hate the world and everyone in it.
Dr. Rotheberg
you’re overwelmed christina. Take it one
patient at a time. do the best you can for
each one. if you know that you have done that
then you have done your job.
a moment of silence as the two look at each other. Dr. Rothberg realizes Christina still needs a more diffinative answer.
Dr. Rothberg
the larger issues here are to much to
comprehend. But the littleones we can
handle. and if enough little ones go away
we can focus on the larger ones, and some day
they to will go away.
another pause. rothberg stands up and begins to escort Christina to the door.
Dr. Rothberg
Think about it. let me know what you decide.
INT. DANIEL’S ROOM-DAY
In a daze Christina walks out of rothbergs office and wanders the halls of the facility. she finds that she has wandered to Daniel’s room she decides to see how daniel is doing today. daniel is once again staring out the window.
Christina
Daniel? Hi, i dont know if you can here me
but.. i wanted to tell you goodbye.
Daniel turns his head and looks over to Christina with a stoic look. he puts his hands together and blows into the pocet of his hands. with his palms open he shows Christina.
christina curiosly looks down into his hands.
Chistina(V.O.)
There i was waiting for a revalation.
but his hands were empty. then i felt a whisper
than a soft whisper. i felt Daniel trying to speak
but he had forgotten how.
A beat
Christina jerks as she feels somthing entering her head.
Christina (V.O.)
i felt something sliding into me without
any noise as an image in the eye.
the vision is overwhelming she falls on her butt to the floor.
Christina(V.O.)
it was a message beyond words. I was
completey surronded b it.
i was in touch with so much sadness.
pain that i have never felt before.
daniel walks over to christina trying to help her up.
Christina(V.O.)
the emotions were overwhelming. i felt
my mothers love my fathers indiference.
i felt the pain of all my patients.
Christina gets up on her own will.
Christina(V.O.)
and i cried and cried it all out. It was
such an increadable cleansing cathartic
expierience.
christina stands next to the window. the light surronds her as she looks at daniel.
Christina(V.O.)
It was daniel’s way of saying “tank you”.
INT. CHRISTINA’S APT. -DAY
Christina laying in bed as the phone rings in the other room. the phoe stops ringing the voice of christina’s roomate is heard from the other room. a knock at christina’s door.
Roomate
Chris...Chriiis?
She opens the door.
Roomate
Christina? That was your boss on
the phone. you cant keep avoiding him.
Christina lays in bed ignoring her roomate.
Roomate
Christinaaa.. its your mother time for
school.
Christina
don’t bring my mother into this.
Roomate
How ya feeling.
Christina
Like i just swalloed a bag of cotton
balls.
Roomate
You want somthing to wash that down.
Christina
no i dont wanna have to get up to go to
the bathroom.
Roomate
Geea, what happend to you.
Christina
i think im having a nervous break
down.
Roomate
well im not suprised. you’ve been
working some crazy hours. so are
you gonna stay in bed forever.
what about all the crazies that need
the mighty christina’s help?
Christina
i’m never going back there. the madness
is infectious there.
Roomate
your such a drama queen.
well, just get some rest. you’ve
got a big day tommorow.
Christina
Why? whats tommorow.
Roomate
Dr. rothberg said if your not there
tommorow at eight you can kiss your
internship goodbye.
INT. ROTHBERG’S OFFICE- DAY
Rothberg is seated at his table with Christina siiting at the chair across from him.
Dr. Rothberg.
Christina you’ve been gone for a week.
look i understand the pressure of the job.
But what you have done is just unacceptable.
Rothberg pauses for a moment and makes a couple of notes on a pad.
Dr. Rothberg
When you came to me last you were
ready to quit.
There’s no shame in that. better
people than you have left.
Christina looks a little irrated with Rothbergs words. She doesnt say anything.
Dr. Rothberg
I know your type. you wont make it
because you care to much. the thought
of not being able to help every single person
that comes through the door. it will tear you apart.
a beat.
Dr.Rothberg
Those who learn to seperate there feelings
from their work will walk out of these doors
unscathed and harden old fools like myself.
Rothberg gives christina a look in the eye. and then rises up and begins to escort Christina out the door.
Dr. Rothberg
We may have the money and the Bmw’s
but you will change lives. Lets not have
this conversation again.
INT. MAILROOM-DAY
Rotheberg gives Christina mail duty for today. Christina is on one of the floors sorting the patients mail.
Christina(V.O.)
They are never any personal letters,its
as if these people have ceased to exsits
except as patients of the hospital and clients
of the state.
Shuffling and sorting out the mail in a mindless state Christina stops as she comes across the name of one of her old patients Ben. She looks at the racks for his name, his slot has been removed.
Christina(V.O.)
Its as if this letter is the last record of his
existance. Am i the only one to remeber him?
I dont want the burden.
Christina dups the letter into the trash as if she were the custodian.
INT. 4TH FLOOR(THE GARDEN)-DAY
Christina walks down to the 4th floor on her way back to the addmission room.
Christina(V.O.)
The forth floor, i hate comming up here.
She decides to take a walk around on the floor, as if she were looking for somthing or someone.
Christina(V.O.)
They call it the Garden. It sounded nice the
first time i heard the name. until i found out
what the name meant.
Christina(V.O.)
in this garden nothing ever grows nothing
ever rippens. The 4th floor is home to the
chronic mentally ill.
Christina stops and walks toward a person in a wheel chair.
Christina(V.O.)
While i was out on my personal time
Dr. Rothberg took the liberaty to reasighn
my patients.
Christina crouches next to the wheel chair.
Christina(V.O.)
Daniel was moved here because of his
deterioating condition.
She satres directly into his face, he show’s no scents of consiosnous.
Christina moves daniels wheel chair next to the window.
Dr. Phillips
Hey!
Christina startled turns around.
Dr. Phillips
Where do you think your going with
my patient.
Christina
I was just pushing him closer to the
window.
Dr. Phillips
Why on earth for?
Christina
well, he seems to um... like being by
the window. I know it sounds silly
but...
Dr. Phillips starts to wave his hand in front of Daniel face. Daniel has no reaction to the hand in his face.
Dr. Phillips
He Doesn’t Know the difference he’s
completely cataleptic. see?
Christina
Don’t do that.
Christina grabs Dr. Phillips moving hand and hold on to it agrily.
Dr. Phillips
You want to let me go.
Christina
I used to be Daniel’s doctor.
Dr. Phillips
And? He’s my patient now.
Christina
Look maybe i can help you i’ve worked
with him for the past month.
Dr. Phillips
Ah... i remember reading your notes. What
are you some first year intern? As you can
see he’s completley withdrawn.
Christina doesnt silghently ponders her next attack.
Dr. Phillips
Run along now. he’s not your patient
anymore.
The doctor spins the wheel chair and proceeds to push daniel out of the light.
Dr.Phillips
Come on daneil lets get you out of the sun.
I’m sure Doctor Marceau wouldn’t want
you shriveling up.
INT.STORAGEROOM.-DAY
Christina is in the room taking inventory, when she is paged to go to the addmissions office.
INT.ADDMISSIN WARD - DAY
Christina is visually shaken, she doesnt want to be here today. but she does the job to the best of her ability. she’s at a table with a gingerly looking old woman.
Christina(V.O.)
I was going through the motions.
i listened to their stories. i took notes
i filled out admission forms.
The old lady Mrs. Winsted was visably shaken.
Christina(V.O.)
i admitted her even though she wasn’t
mentally ill. one of these days im going
to have to visit one of these horrible shelters.
A beat
Christina(V.O.)
I was trying to fill a void by admiting
all these people. In helping these individuals
i was hoping to feel some kind of reward.
a beat
Christina(V.O.)
But the emptiness is still there...
And it was Daniel’s fault.
INT.DANIELS ROOM- NIGHT
Christina enters daniel room. Daniel is on the bed streched out in between conciousnous and complete ignorance of his surroundings.
Christina(V.O.)
What is it about him. what Unconsuois
fear does he does he rouse in me.
she gets closer to daniel’s bed.
Christina(V.O.)
Sainity was somthing i thought i had a
Grasp on. Working with Daniel has shaken
up my neatly packaged version of reality.
Daniel sits up and looks Christina in her eyes.
Christina
(shocked)
Oh my god...
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN
INT. DANIELS ROOM- NIGHT
Christina is sitting in a chair across from daniel’s bed. Daniel lie in bed tossing and mumbling in his sleep.
Christina (V.O.)
During the day i would conduct my normal
rounds, but at night i looked forward to
seeing Daniel.
Daniel seems to be having a nightmare. Christina in awe sits perched examining his every movement.
Christina (V.O.)
Every time im around Daniel my senses
go wild. maybe thats what drives people mad.
the result of being able to hear, see to much.
Christina(V.O.)
Acute senses are telling there is more
going on here. its somthing fantastic.
something i dont understand.
Christina day dreams as she watches Daniel toss and turn.
Christina(V.O.)
Its as if im in contact with another world.
the word that best describes this feeling
is paridise
INT.CHRISTINA’S OFFICE- DAY
Christina sits at her desk going over some documents. A moment later the phone rings Christina puts the phone on speaker.
Christina
Yes?
DR. Rothberg
Christina i need you to come to my
office, please.
Christina
I’ll have my files ready in a minute.
Dr. Rothberg
Never mind that, in my office now.
Rothberg hangs up, the uncofortable sound of the phone hanging up. Startled Christina puts down her works and makes her way into Dr. Rothberg’s office.
INT. ROTHBERG’S OFFICE - DAY
Rothberg is seated at his desk. he is browsing over some documents as christina enters the doorway. she stops at the door waiting until Rothberg see’s her.
Rothberg
please, have a seat.
Rothberg motions to the chair in front of his desk. Christina saunters over to the seat and sits down facing rothberg.
Rothberg
i remember the first day i saw you.
or the first day i heard of you.
Christina
Excuse me.
Rothberg
it was about, lets see now.
almost two years ago.we had
just recievied the applications for the
follwing years intership program.
Rothberg intently looks at christina, she is a little uncofortable as Rothberg glances over her.
Rothberg
there were five of us that had to choose.
we each had our favorites. bragging to the others
about each ones credentials.
rothberg pauses for a moment.
Rothberg
you were my pick christina.
rothberg pauses again. the information has little effect on christina.
Rotheberg
Christina, i have to submit my intern
evaluationsand recomendations for
next years residency program. I’m sorry.
But at this point your not on it.
Rothberg picks up the papers he was looking at previosuly and hands them to Christina.
Rothberg
you know what this is dont you.
Christina
admission forms.
Rothberg
all filed by you. half the people you
have admitted dont be long here. we cant accept
every transient that shows up
on our doorstep.
Rothberg stops himself from lecturing her for a second.
Rothberg
you have a good heart christina.
but its not practical in the real world.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE- DAY
Christina is sitting at a table alone drinking a cup of coffee. the sound of others fills the room.
Doc 1
Hey congradulations. i heard you
got into neurology.
Doc 2
yeah what about you.
Doc 1
i got into the residency program at Bellevue
Doc 2
Wow, how did you swing that?
The clamering of the interns drives Christina away. She walks out of the room without saying a word.
INT. DANIEL’S ROOM- NIGHT
Christina makes her way over to Daniel who is lying in bed motion less. His eyes openas Christina looks over him. She says nothing niether does he.
Daniel (V.O.)
we are both caged animals
we grow weary of staring through the bars
we pace in cramp circles.
it is a ritual dance around a center where two great wills stand paralyzed.
the air in hear is acid, it burns, it stifles, it chokes
i am waiting...waiting for the right time... i am waiting for you.
Christina sits next to Daniel on his bed and stares into his blank gaze.
Christina
What is it Daniel.
Daniel slowly grins at Christina, and then goes back in to his complacent state.
Daniel(V.O.)
you have arrived at a cross roads, Christina.
Christina walks out of the room.
all things are now in place so that changes can be made.
A guard opens a gate for christina.
the earth has the right point in its rotation around the sun
Christina is pushing daniel in a wheel chair towards the elevator.
spring arrives out of winter.
the two wander down a corridor silently
the change of seasons will give added momentum.
they enter the elevator.
when the earth meets the sky.
the doors close.
we move from one world view to another.
the arrows on the elevator point up.
the veil between the natural and the supernatural becomes transparent
the doors opens and a flash of light emerges
and everything you have ever known to be true is turned upside down.
The light is blinding christina covers her face with her hand as they proceed out of the elevator
it is a time when we can see heaven arching over us like a rainbow.
the two have made it to the roof.
its a time when we must not be limited by the sight. but see the things as they are really are.
christina stops pushing Daniel as the reach the center of the roof.
it is a time when the real world fades away. and the presence in wich we have always stood reaveals itself.
she takes off her lab coat and lays it on the ground.
we must shatter our outer shells and let our inner spirits soar.
Daniel begins to stand from his wheel chair.
for it is the one thing that cannot be chained.
Christina doesnt realize it, but daniel is walking toward her.
we all leave earthly things behind.
Daniel’s reaches out and touches Christina on her shoulder. She grabs his hand.
we escape
They imbrace.
by flight
Christina holds Daniel. he opens his arms as if to take flight.
on imaginary wings.
Daniel motions to the sky, they both look at the sky. th sun is setting and the world looks ablaze. the two make there way to the edge of the roof. daniel leaps off the building with Christina holding on to him. for a moment it looks as though they are flying.
EXT. COUNTY GENERAL -NIGHT
THe building is surrounded by the flashing lights of police cars, and abuzz with the clamouring of reporters. The director of county General Rothberg is making his way into to the building as the repoters hound him.
Rothberg
The only thing that i know for sure
at this moment is that it is entirely
to late for me to be up. aside from
that i have no idea about what happened
Reporter
we have conflicting reports so say
several of the patients have broken out.
should the public be warned about
a potentially dangerous outbreak.
Rothberg
What? That is complete nonsence.
Reporter
so you do know what is happening then
Rothberg
I didn’t say that.
an older black male makes his way next to Rothberg.
Jesse
excuse us, you see here at county
general our patients come first.
Jesse pushes Rothberg closer to the entrance.
Repoter
Thanks for the news flash, buddy.
Jesse
Goodnight gentlemen.
INT.COUNTY GENERAL- NIGHT
Jesse and Rothberg enter the county general walking at furious pace to the meeting room.
Rothberg
Your losing it Jesse. you used
to be slicker.
Jesse
yeah well, you didnt tell them
anything did you.
Rothberg
of course not.
Jesse
I’m trying to get the other administators
together so we can decide what to do about this.
Rothberg
i hope it wasnt one of my patients
Jesse
you doing anything in about an hour?
INT> PSYCH WARD- NIGHT
patientsare roaming the floor like sheep.
Rothberg
What are the patients doing out of their rooms.
get everyone back to there rooms.
Orderly
But, the cops wanted to talk to them first.
Rothberg
id like to see them try. where are they.
Orderly
down the hall. they’re talking to Richie
follow the sceaming.
INT. PATIENT ROOM- NIGHT
Two officers are talking to one of the Richie one of the patients. Richie is violetly trembling as the two officers question him.
Richie
Man. that one thunder was so loud.
i knew it musta broke somthin. It
broke the sky didn’t it?
The to cops scrath there head.
Richie
Tell’em to leave they cant stay
here this is MY room.
Jesse bursts into the room.
Jesse
Here at county general the patients
come first. please gentlemen this way.
The two officers scury off. Rothberg saunters over to the crime scene. A window is broken police are around the area looking out on the fire escape.
Officer
Hey get away from the window. The rain
is already washing away anyevidence
we dont need you poking around.
Rothberg startled turns to face the officer.
Officer
your lawyer freind says you’re the man
in charge.
Rothberg
Yes, doctor Rothberg im head of the
psychiatric department.
Officer
Good i need you to ask you some
questions.
Jesse
you dont have to answer.
Rothberg
im fine jesse.
Officer
About a ms. Christian Marceau?
She was a student of yours?
INT. PATIENT ROOM -NIGHT
the room is bare and empty Christina is lying on a bed just waking up. a doctor sits at a chair. (The Scene is a self analysis of Christina from her two points of view)
Doctor Christina
Do you know where you are.
Patient Christina
im really beging to hate this place.
Doctor Christina
You’re a luck girl. Aside from a few
cuts and bruises it looks like you’ll be fine.
With the proper counselling and treatment
we can work to overcomewhatever problems
that have brought you here.
Patient Christina
Are you reading me the brochure?
You think I’m crazy?
Patient Christina tries to get out of her bed. Doctor Christina tries to keep her on the bed.
Doctor Christina
Please dont try to get up you’ll hurt your
self.
Patient Christina slaps Doctor Christina’s hand off her.
Patient Christina
I don’t want your help.
Patient Christian falls out the bed.
Patient Christina
Ow.
Doctor Christina
The nausea is a side effect. Ive started you
on Haldol and Ativan. Good for relaxing.
Not so good for storming out of places.
Patient Christina crawls over to the toilet and pukes.
Doctor Christina
I understand if you don’t
want to talk. You’ve been
through so much. You’re
probably still in shock.
but please don’t run.
the Doctor grabs a roll of toilet paper.
Doctor Christina
As a child i used to dream
about running away to new york.
i blame movies for that. as
it turns out there were alot
of training facilities here.
it made postions easier to
come by. so now im living my
dream
The doctor distances her self as the patient begins to clean
her self up.
it wasnt long before i got
sick of it. sick of the stuff
that goes on around here.
sometimes it was easier just
to shut everything out. but
believe me that can make your
life so incredibly lonely
The doctor walks toward the window and looks out at the
people in the bustling street.
for a city with so many people
its easy to feel alone.
The Dr. Christina looks turns her attention to the patient.
I know at times it seems
like theres safty in solitude
but its lying in your own misery.
Dr. Christina places her hand down as if to help the patient up.
i would have given anything
for some one to have offered
me the help that im offereing
you now.
Bust of Christina smiling.
hi my name is Christina
Doctor Christina hands a piece of tissue to patient Christina.
Patient Christina
(Laughs)
your amazing. i would give
anything to go back to
being as naive and stupid
as you are now
Patient Cristina attempts to get up but slumps down as soon as she sees the face of the Dr.
im sorry. seeing you...
seeing the way you look at me
it makes me realize how far
away ive drifted from who
i once was
Doctor Christina
what changed you.
Patient Christina
Do you believe in god?
Doctor Christina
Its not important what i believe.
were not here to talk aout me.
Patient Christina
but that’s exactly what this
all about believing in something..
in someone having faith.
INT. BOARD ROOM- NIGHT
The board members are circled around a table discussing the accident.
Jesse
we ma be facing criminal
liability.
board member
how concerned should we be.
Jesse
depends on the kind of
press we get. if you start
seeing us on 60 minutes
i’d start worrying about
future funding.
board member
terrific, another excuse for
the city to cut deeper were
bled dry as it is.
Jesse
well anytime we face...
Rothberg?
Rothberg leaves the room, Jesse follows in toe.
Rothberg
Look at you your scales are
practicly glistening. now i
know why they call you “the eel“.
Jesse
Come on Joseph. lets get
back to the meeting.
Rothberg
She was my responsibility.
Jesse
you cant protect her.
Rothberg
We should be able to choose
our own fates. I wont let
you or the board decide hers.
Jesse
She chose her own fate when
she killed a patient.
INT. PATIENT ROOM-NIGT
Patient Christina lies on her bed, the doctor sits in a chair facing her.
Doctor Christina
Im the wrong person to talk
to about god. im not very religious.
Patient Christina
What’s very religious.
Doctor Christina
Well lets just say there are a
lot of things i dont believe.
patient Christina
How sad.
Doctor Christina
Sad?
Patient Christina
i wish you could see what i see
Doctor Christina
ill tell you what’s sad i see
it every day. the people that come
in here people who see what they
want to see.
The Dr Walks away From The patient and then turns around
they need something to hang
onto as their real lives fall
apart but eventually they find
themselves sucked into a downward
spiral and fall deeper because
they’re too affaid to face the
realityof their situation.
Christina the patient forms her hands like she’s taking a picture.
umn what are you doing?
Patient Christina
We hold onto something whether
we realize it or not.
A flash of a bulb
Doctor Christina
Sorry...i dont normally get
frightened by lightning
patient Christina
he must have fallen
The flash brings back flash backs of the leap.
was he a patient of yours?
did you promise to help him as you
promissed to help me.
A flash back to Daniel in the garden
Doctor Christina
I--I almost didnt recognize him.
this must have been taken when he
was first addmited. he looked so
different then.
i hate to remeber daniel in this way
like a scared child
INT. (flashback) Daniels Room- night
Daniel is staring out the window once again. Christina is in the room next to him looking out the window.
Daniel
Have you ever wondered
whats out there really
Christina
i stoped contemplating the
meaning of life a long time ago
daniel
why
Christina
because.. there may not be
anything at the end of it
and even if there is im
almost positive itll be
disapointing. nothing can live
up to such high expectaions
Daniel
your wrong. its more beautiful
than you can imagine
Christina
how would you know?
Daniel
it has to be. this cant be
all there is
Christina(V.O.)
Like i sais people with nothing
will hold onto anything
INT. PATIENT CHRISTINA’S ROOM- NIGHT
Doctor Christina
i used to think life was
so simple, so straiht forward
like a route on a map.
all you have to do is look up where you are and where
you want to be.
but no matter how carefully
you follow it you can still
get lost in the twist and
turns.
you know when your young
you think you’re invincible
you set out to change the world
but one day
you turn around
only to realize you
forgot your way home.
somewhere along the way
you made a mistake
you started with a basic
fact applied some logic
and voila...
FLASH BACK
EXT. ROOF TOP - DUSK
Daniel points at the sky and grabs christina’s hand.
Christina(V.O.)
you found yourself in wondrland
you believe in fairy tales
how does it go?
first what is it?
second? third? whatever
star to the right peter pan?
Daniel and Christina leap off the building again
INT. PATIENT CHRISTINA”S ROOM - NIGHT
Doctor Christina
But no matter how wonder full
the promise is you cant escape
that easily.
i want you to know that fantasies
and delusions are just... that .
bye there very nature. they can
never be satisfying.
Patient Christina
But i reached out and touched
heaven
Doctor Christina
and how did you expect to
feel? you only think you
know what you saw. your
mind can play all kinds of
tricks on you.
Endegenous peptides in your
brain can influence altered
states of consciousness. you
may be aware that you’re
in a specfic situation, and
yet at the same time your
actually experencing a
hallusination.
Patient Christina
but it was so real.
Doctor christina
its a chemical Reaction
causing a spillover of dreamlike
images into your waking
consciousness
Patient Christina
...so real.
Doctor Christina
i wan t you to sort out whats
real from whats not. i want to
help you find out who you are
and help you live with it.
Patient Christina
...real.
Doctor Christina
and you to face what you’re
running from
Patient Christina
no...
NO!
EXT. ROOF TOP- DUSK
the Christina’s apear on the roof and continue the argument
Doctor Christina
You’re afarid of me because
you see me as an attacker to
your precious imaginay world.
your a lost girl in search
of something to hold onto .
but what you have chosen to
hold onto isn’t real
its an illusion without a future.
Patient Christina
no, Christina. you’re the
one afraid of me im an
invader of your world.
reality is more fragile
than you can possibly
imagine.
what will it any of this
matter anyway when the fog
lifts and the truth is revealed?
Doctor Christina
What Truth? This isn’t about
god again is it? Nothing Descibes
the feeling of absolute dependence
better than religion.
the only time people turn to
it is when they can’t
handle their own problems.
the only real truth we face is..
FLASHBACK
EXT. ROOF TOP- DUSK
The moment just as Daniel and Christina jump off the ledge. for a moment it apears that they are flying.
Christina(V.O.)
...the obvious
ground falls out from
beneath our feet. we feel
weightless for a moment...
but only for a moment, before
a force comes craching back
ten times our weight.
no ecstacy.
no miricles.
EXT. FIRE ESCAPE- DUSK
Daniel and Cristina’s leap of faith turns into a thundering
crash, as the two fall one story down only to be stopped
from plummeting further down by the fire escape.
Daniel lies motion less as his head is impaled on one of the
bars on the fire escape. Christina landed without any major
damage. her nose is broken and bleeding, she is in pain but
alive.
Christina(V.O.)
It was no more than a one story drop. it was as if
i had woken from a dream.
Daniel was staring at me. his head was
facing me but it shouldn’t have
his neck was bent back.
i listened as he gasped for breath
his circulatory system was collapsing.
the oxygen burns itself out, leaving the body
nothing to keep its tissue alive.
his brain must have shut off first. his body
doesn’t need to stay alive.
Blood pressure swings up and down. breathing
and heartbeat wander back and forth. chemical
balences go from excess to deficency
his body ceases to be a cordinated ballet and
becomes a jostling mob of individual.
i watched as the convulsions moved across
his body like a driftwood atop a violent sea.
you were promised heaven
and this is whatyou got
there was no agel to save us
not even some fat baby with wings
to swoop down out of the sky and fly
us away.
do you see how easy it is to fall into madness
its like a black hole opens in front of you.
no matter how hard you try to hang on you fall
deeper and deeper.
sometimes ourjourney takes us somewhere
somtimes it takes us nowhere.
how do you justify spending your hole life
going on a journey, only to end up nowhere?
do you just give up
do you let go?
sometimes we lose our way because we change and
become different people from when we started out.
its only when you realize who you’ve become
that you can find your way back home.
i had become a child. a scared child.
soscared i couldn’t bear to deal with my
own frailties.
i chose instead to hide behind false hopes
and miracle cures.
a weak child. too weak to even try to find
my way back home.
i can only go forward and stumble along in the dark.
i am so completely... litterly... lost.
