White Ashes

By
Ruth Isabel Guerra
Spring/Summer 2013
Revised December 2013
Revised June 2014
Ruth Isabel Guerra:
guerrrd0@sewanee.edu
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
CALEB, a reserved male in his late 20s, sits on a simple
chair and speaks to someone (or something) in front of him.
The room is bare and silent with only the sound of his
unsteady voice filling up the space.
CALEB
So this is it. This is my new
apartment. Im not completely moved
in, of course. I still have some
furniture to bring in, some paint
to cover the walls, but its good
for now. Kitchen works. Toilet
flushes. Thats all that really
matters, right?
(beat)
Jessica likes it fine... We were
planning on moving in together,
but... I just dont know for now.
Theres a lot going on... and with
you... here...
(beat)
Its freezing. Are you cold? Im
sorry, you must be cold. Here.
Caleb pulls out a crocheted sweater from a bag and drapes it
over a small treeling in a pot that sits on the coffee
table.
TITLE CARD.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Calebs cordless phone rings on the side table as he lies
wide awake on his bed. The machine sits beside the plant
pot. There are personal memorabilia around his room. A
single photo of him and his mother also sits at his bedside
table.
His girlfriend, JESSICA (late 20s), leaves a voicemail after
several unanswered rings.
JESSICA (V.O. - ON PHONE)
Hey, sweetie. Its me. I tried your
cell but I guess its off. I hope
youre home now. Two weeks was
hard, especially how things have
been lately. Well, if youre back,
give me a call. I dont have to
come in to work till later today,
so I can swing by the apartment
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
JESSICA (V.O. - ON PHONE) (contd)
whenever. Yeah. Hope youre doing
alright. Call me. I love you.
Caleb listens to the message, unaffected. He rolls over,
picks the pot up, and finally gets himself out of bed to
tackle on the day.
INT. BATHROOM - CONT.
Caleb washes up in the sink. The pot sits on the counter in
front of him.
INT. KITCHEN - CONT.
Caleb eats a box of cereal. The pot sits opposite of him on
the table.
INT. WARDROBE - CONT.
Caleb puts on a button-up shirt and slacks. He pulls out a
brightly printed scarf from the same bag of items and places
it around the trunk of the plant.
INT. BEDROOM - CONT.
Caleb makes the call to Jessica. The pot sits on his bed.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
Caleb answers the doorbell. Jessica walks in with bags in
both hands. She sets them down and gives Caleb a tight
embrace.
JESSICA
How are you today?
CALEB
Im fine.
JESSICA
How was your flight?
CALEB
Fine.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.
JESSICA
I got you food. All your favorites.
CALEB
You didnt have to do that.
Jessica leans up to give him a kiss.
JESSICA
But I wanted to.
INT. KITCHEN - CONT.
Caleb sits at the counter as Jessica unloads the meal.
CALEB
Do you need a hand with that?
JESSICA
Im just using the microwave.
While Jessica heats the meal up, Caleb wanders off. He comes
back with the pot and sets it on the counter. Jessica
notices first with bewilderment but then considers it as a
practical joke.
JESSICA
Why is that plant playing dress up?
CALEB
She was cold.
JESSICA
She...? Whats her name?
CALEB
Rebecca.
Jessicas light-hearted mood drops instantly.
JESSICA
You named her after your mother?
CALEB
No, it is her. Jessica meet my mom.
Mom, Jessica.
4.
INT. DINING ROOM - LATER
Jessica and Caleb eat their meals silently. There is a vast
distance between them at the table, and the pot sits in the
middle end of the two.
Finally, Jessica tries to process the truth.
JESSICA
So you had her cremated?
CALEB
Its what she wanted.
JESSICA
And put into a pot?
CALEB
She already had one picked out.
JESSICA
And whats... in there... will grow
into a tree?
CALEB
Only thing she requested.
JESSICA
(beat)
She didnt say anything else in the
will?
CALEB
This is all. She had everything she
owned donated right before she
passed. Didnt have much to begin
with.
JESSICA
And youre going to take care of it
till you have to let it grow
somewhere else?
CALEB
I guess so.
JESSICA
I just... I just dont know if this
is a good idea...
CALEB
Im the only one left for her,
Jessica, you know that.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
JESSICA
I know, I know. Its just, I dont
know if this is going to be a good
idea for you, seeing her everyday
in a pot like this.
CALEB
If its what she wanted, its what
I have to do. I owe her that.
JESSICA
You were always good to her, Caleb.
Always. Dont think this is some
debt you have to pay.
CALEB
I wasnt there when she needed me.
JESSICA
You did the best you could.
CALEB
I did the best I could with what I
knew. If I had known sooner, I
could have--
JESSICA
You couldnt have done anymore if
you knew she was sick.
CALEB
You dont know that. She didnt
know that!
Jessica grows quiet with Calebs rising temper.
JESSICA
Im sorry. Youre right.
CALEB
I didnt mean to yell.
JESSICA
No, no. Its just going to take me
a while to get used to... this
situation, but its alright. If
this is something you feel you have
to do, to reach closure, then Ill
support you.
CALEB
Thank you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
JESSICA
And if you need someone to take
care of it--her--when youre out at
work or something, I will be happy
to. Just show me where the watering
can is.
They continue to eat, half-satisfied.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
Jessica kisses Caleb goodbye and leaves the apartment.
JESSICA
Ill be working late, so Ill come
by tomorrow.
CALEB
Alright.
Caleb glances back over at the pot still sitting on the
dining table, unsure of what to do next.
INT. CAR - LATE AFTERNOON
Caleb drives with the pot in the passenger seat beside him,
buckled in securely.
He pulls into the PLANT WORLD parking lot.
INT. PLANT WORLD - CONT.
Caleb roams the aisles of the store with the pot in the baby
seat of the shopping cart he pushes.
He grabs a bag of fertilizer.
He grabs a watering can.
He grabs long hedge clippers.
Hesitating at first, he grabs a shovel.
He debates on which plant stand to purchase.
As the CASHIER rings his items at her register, she mistakes
the treeeling for a purchase. Caleb tries to convince her
its not, but she merely points to a row of identical
treelings on display outside the store in response. Failing
to win the argument, Caleb pulls out his wallet to pay for
it.
7.
EXT. STREETS - CONT.
Caleb slowly drives by a childrens store and notices a
giant teddy bear bean bag chair in the display window.
He reverses the car and stops to take a second look.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - LATER
Caleb drives back home with his purchases in the backseat,
including the teddy bear chair strapped in the middle.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Caleb brings the bags, pot, and chair inside. He fixes the
pot with all his purchases, finally placing it on the plant
stand.
Caleb dumps the chair in the middle of the room and plops
himself on it. Eventually, he falls asleep.
FADE TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Caleb awakens to banging at the door. He groggily rises and
finds Jessica on the other side.
JESSICA
Ive been knocking for quite a
while now. Here, I found this at
your door.
She hands him a boxed package.
CALEB
Sorry, I was asleep.
JESSICA
Its two in the afternoon.
Jessica notices the teddy bear chair behind him.
CALEB
Really bad jet lag, I guess.
He opens the package.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.
JESSICA
Whats that?
CALEB
Oh, just a chair I picked up at a
store yesterday. I thought I should
start getting furniture, and you
know how I think all the couches
they sell here are too stiff.
JESSICA
And instead you brought back a
teddy bear?
CALEB
It sort of reminded me of one I had
when I was younger. I dont know. I
thought it would help me sleep.
Its really comfy if you want to
try.
Jessica, making a visible attempt to understand, allows
herself to fall into the bears belly.
JESSICA
Ohhh, this is nice.
CALEB
Knocked me out for hours.
JESSICA
I can tell why. And I like the new
stand for Rebecca.
CALEB
Yeah?
JESSICA
Yeah, it suits her nicely.
CALEB
Good. Glad you approve.
JESSICA
So whats in the box?
Caleb pulls out several manila envelopes. Various paper
items exist inside, from old pictures to letters to
postcards. Jessica crawls over closer to him.
CALEB
These were hers.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
JESSICA
Who sent them?
CALEB
It doesnt have a return address.
They leaf through the envelopes, laughing and growing
excited with every find.
Jessica discovers a picture of a very young Caleb lying
naked and asleep on a similar teddy bear chair.
CALEB
I loved that bear.
They look through the contents a little while longer.
CALEB
I think this is everything she had
left after she donated all the big
stuff. All our personal
possessions.
JESSICA
Really? This is all?
CALEB
She never really believed in buying
and keeping things. Just a few
pictures or a postcard here and
there. She didnt feel the need for
extra stuff, as if they inhibited
her from living. When I was
younger, she convinced me into
thinking a piece of fishing rope
was the greatest toy in the world,
but of course, I still sneaked off
to play the newest video game with
the boys in my neighborhood. It
wasnt all depriving though. We
traveled a lot instead, went to
museums or the mountains. The only
modern object she kept with her was
a Polaroid camera. She really
enjoyed taking pictures of anything
that would hold still for her.
JESSICA
Especially you.
CALEB
(chuckling)
She could only catch me when I was
sleeping.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
JESSICA
Its funny, you always talk about
her, but theres always something
new to learn. She sounds like a
really amazing woman, Caleb. I wish
I could have met her.
CALEB
She would have loved you.
Jessica sits herself on Calebs lap on the teddy bear chair.
JESSICA
When do you go back to work?
CALEB
Tomorrow probably.
JESSICA
Can I stay the night?
CALEB
Sure.
INT. BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Jessica sleeps heavily next to Caleb, who is still awake.
Even though they both seem peaceful in their embrace, it is
apparent Caleb hasnt shut his eyes all night.
Eventually, Caleb rises and tucks Jessica more comfortably
in the bed, so she would not be able to notice his absence.
He makes his way to the living room and rests on the teddy
bear chair, where he finally falls asleep.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Caleb sits in a cubicle typing on the computer. He has the
Google search bar open and puts in "How to take care of a
tree in a pot". Unfortunately, the first few results turn
out to be about marijuana plant care.
Meanwhile, PAUL (late 20s) approaches him with a pile of
folders. He gently places them on Calebs desk.
PAUL
Hey, hows it going? I tried
calling, but I guess youve been
pretty busy.
Caleb tries to obscure Pauls view of the screen with his
body.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.
CALEB
Im doing alright.
PAUL
Jessica says you havent been
sleeping.
CALEB
Bad jet lag.
PAUL
I understand.
Tilting his head a little, Paul finally catches a glimpse of
a cannabis article on the computer.
PAUL
Look, Caleb, I know things have
been really shitty these last few
days, but if you ever need
anything, just let me know. I know
ever since Kate and I got married I
havent been around a whole lot,
but weve known each other for
what? Eight years? Im here for
you, man.
(beat)
Even though I only met her a few
times in college and here and
there, I still remember her. She
lived a good life.
CALEB
Thanks, Paul. I really appreciate
it.
PAUL
(nodding)
David wants these on a spread
before the conference next week.
CALEB
Got it. Ill get it to him.
Paul gives another friendly nod and wanders off. Caleb
continues his personal research--finally landing on a
relevant article--as everyone else around him moves quickly
to finish their office work.
FADE TO:
12.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
TIME LAPSE: The pot sits on the plant stand as its
surroundings move quickly through time. The plant inside
slowly begins to grow larger and flashes of Caleb placing
jewelry and more clothing items on it as it emerges.
Finally, the world slows down as Caleb continues to water
the plant. By this point, it is evident that it has grown to
the point where it can no longer live in such tight
confines.
MONTAGE: Caleb converses with the plant everyday. He pulls
out old photographs from the package and displays them
around the house. He sleeps in the teddy bear chair at
night. He snaps photos with a newly purchased Polaroid
camera.
Simultaneously, a phone conversation between Jessica and
KATE (also late 20s) can be heard in the background.
JESSICA (V.O. - ON PHONE)
I dont know what to do anymore. I
thought that if I let him go
through with this, hed realize how
this isnt how he wants to remember
her. But its almost like hes
moving backwards. Hes filling the
apartment up with his old stuff. He
doesnt sleep in his bed. He talks
to it, Kate. Its not healthy
anymore.
KATE (O.P.)
Have you discussed this with him?
JESSICA (O.P.)
And say what? She meant so much to
him.
KATE (O.P.)
Most mothers do to their sons, but
Jessica, you both cant live like
this. Its not fair for you.
JESSICA (O.P.)
I dont know. I guess I just cant
stand to watch him grieve like
this.
KATE (O.P.)
Have you considered professional
help?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.
JESSICA (O.P.)
I cant do that to him.
FRIEND (O.P.)
I can ask Paul to meet with him if
youd like. To be honest, hes been
a little worried, and Im sure hed
be happy to help.
KATE (O.P.)
You know what, that actually sounds
like a pretty good idea.
FRIEND (O.P.)
Ill have Paul talk to him. Hell
take care of it.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Caleb lets Jessica in through the front door.
CALEB
Ok, the watering can is in the
kitchen. Use the sink in the
kitchen and not the bathroom. The
one in the bathroom is pouring out
something that doesnt look right.
Ive been meaning to get it fixed.
Oh, and dont pour all the water
thats in the can because I think
thats a little too much. But also
dont pour out too little because--
JESSICA
Breathe. Its only for a night.
Caleb grins and gives her a kiss.
CALEB
I know, but I just want to make
sure.
JESSICA
Youre going to be late.
CALEB
He wont mind.
JESSICA
(jokingly)
But I do. So go!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.
CALEB
Are you sure you can handle it? I
mean, are you sure this is a good
idea?
JESSICA
GO!
Caleb dashes out the door.
Jessica sits the heavy pot on the coffee table,
unintentionally dropping it with a loud thud. She sits in
the teddy bear chair and faces the pot with a strong sense
of uncertainty about her night.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Caleb and Paul sit at the counter of a crowded bar drinking
tall glasses of dark beer. It is evident they have been at
it for a while. Both struggle to hear each other over all
the noise, but they seem to be having a great time.
CALEB
That didnt happen!
PAUL
Yeah, it did. You drunk dialed your
own mom! Passed the phone around
the smoking circle. Three in the
morning. She was pissed.
CALEB
And not because we were high but
because I woke her up.
PAUL
God, your mom was awesome.
CALEB
Shes something special.
PAUL
(changing the subject)
And you remember that time when I
broke my collar bone while falling
asleep on the toilet in the middle
of the night?
CALEB
And the doctor didnt believe you
were sober.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
PAUL
But I was!
CALEB
Yeah, for the first time.
PAUL
You stayed in the emergency room
with me till I got out at four in
the morning. You didnt even fall
asleep in the waiting room.
CALEB
Thats what roommates are for,
right?
PAUL
I actually really appreciate you
having my back then. Hell, I
appreciate you having my back all
that time. I got into some really
crazy shit.
CALEB
Always here for you, man.
PAUL
You make me feel really guilty, you
know. You were always there for me
even when I didnt want you to be.
CALEB
Are you getting sentimental on me?
PAUL
No, seriously. I feel like such a
bastard for not having time for
stuff like this with you anymore.
When Kate and I got engaged, you
threw us a party. And as soon as
you found out she was pregnant, you
immediately went out and bought us
a bunch of baby shit. We didnt
even know if it was a boy or girl
then, but it didnt matter because
you bought all the stuff in yellow.
CALEB
I read somewhere that its the most
gender neutral color.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.
PAUL
And what do I do? I abandon you,
especially in your time in need. I
didnt want to stress you out any
more than you already were, so I
thought Id wait till you came to
me. But evidently, I should have
tried to reach out sooner.
CALEB
What have you heard?
PAUL
That you havent been yourself
lately. Or maybe youre overly lost
in yourself, in the past. That
ironically, while we smoked pot in
college, your moms now in one.
CALEB
(chuckling)
Did Jessica tell you all of this?
PAUL
No, she told Kate who told me.
CALEB
And thats why youre here. To talk
to me. This was all a master
plan...
PAUL
I know this isnt the best
location, but you know I cant get
like this unless Ive at least had
a few drinks. If you want to talk
about it though, Im listening.
CALEB
(beat)
I just dont understand why she
didnt tell me that she was sick.
Even when I visited last summer, I
had no idea.
PAUL
Maybe she didnt want you to know.
CALEB
Im her only child. Why would she
not want me to know that she had
cancer?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
PAUL
Maybe she didnt want to worry you.
Youre just settling into your new
apartment and things have been
getting pretty serious with you and
Jessica. Maybe she didnt want to
dampen the mood.
CALEB
(sarcastically)
And things would be much easier for
me if I got a call from all the way
across the country that my own
mother died of cancer that I didnt
fucking know about, that shes had
for almost two fucking years?
Youre right. Im so glad she chose
this option instead, because Im
just ecstatic right now.
PAUL
And you think youll resolve all of
this by treating that plant like
its really her?
CALEB
It is her.
PAUL
Its her remains.
Caleb turns silent.
PAUL
Jessica thinks youre never going
to stop taking care of it.
CALEB
Hey, can we just have a good time
tonight? I havent really been out
of the house in months, and I was
really looking forward to hanging
out like old times.
PAUL
Alright, alright. No more probing.
After a few more silent sips of beer, they begin to notice a
DRUNKEN MAN loudly attempting to buy the young ATTRACTIVE
WOMAN beside them a drink. Even though she refuses, he
continues his advances.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.
CALEB
Im sorry, but is this man
bothering you?
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Its fine. Hell leave eventually.
CALEB
Because if he is--
DRUNKEN MAN
Whos this old fucker? Your
boyfriend?
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Hes not my boyfriend.
DRUNKEN MAN
Because I can be your boyfriend.
CALEB
Hey, man. Cool it.
DRUNKEN MAN
Or youll do what?
(sizing his stature)
Youre kidding me, right? You
couldnt do a thing to me.
PAUL
Seriously. Lay off.
DRUNKEN MAN
Oh, I see. Youre with this guy.
How cute. Your little boyfriend is
sticking up for you.
Perhaps letting the alcohol take over, Caleb lunges at him.
With one swift move, the drunken man strikes him in the eye
before Caleb could even take a shot at him. Paul rushes to
Caleb, who now lies defeated on the floor.
By this time TWO SECURITY OFFICERS arrive and demand that
the group leave the premises. The drunken man laughs and
departs the scene, while the attractive woman crouches down
to face Caleb.
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Ive dealt with many men like him
to know that they just give up when
you leave it alone. Dumbass.
And with that, she rises and walks away. Paul helps Caleb
off the ground.
19.
EXT. BAR - CONT.
The two friends stumble out, supporting themselves on each
others shoulders.
PAUL
What a night.
CALEB
This is definitely not college
anymore.
PAUL
Were far too old for this.
CALEB
Or just lacking good judgment.
PAUL
We need to do this again.
CALEB
Youre insane.
PAUL
No, not the Fight Club crap. Me and
you, like old times. Drinking.
Hanging out. I had a lot of fun
with you tonight, man.
CALEB
You know what, despite certain
situations, me too.
PAUL
(beat)
Promise me something? You promise
me youll remember that youre good
enough? Good enough for me, for
Jessica, for Kate, for my baby Paul
II, and especially for Rebecca. You
dont need to--
(noticing Calebs puffy eye)
Shit. Youre going to need to ice
that shiner.
Caleb nods in recognition of the drunken but sincere advice.
CALEB
Lets get ourselves home.
They flag down a taxi and both climb into it.
20.
INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY - LATE NIGHT
Caleb stumbles up the stairs of the building. Upon opening
the front door to his apartment, his face quickly turns into
a mortified expression.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONT.
Jessica kneels on the floor quickly scooping up handfuls of
dirt back into the broken pot. The plant lies with its roots
still partially in the pot, and its leafy head lying on the
floor. Caleb rushes over.
CALEB
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
JESSICA
Im so sorry! I accidentally put
too much water in it and a lot of
it settled at the top, so I took it
to the kitchen to try to pour some
of it out, but its so heavy, and
when I came back to the living
room, it kind of just slipped out
of my hands.
CALEB
I told you not all of the water!
JESSICA
I know, I know! The water just kept
gushing out. The can was heavy too!
CALEB
Get me some tape or glue or
something!
JESSICA
Are you going to try to piece that
back together?
CALEB
What else would I do?
JESSICA
Whats wrong with your eye?
CALEB
What? Oh, nothing. I ran into a
door.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
JESSICA
It looks really bad.
CALEB
Its nothing. Glue.
JESSICA
Let me get something for your eye
first and then--
CALEB
Just find me something to fix this,
Jessica. Please.
Jessica runs around the empty house in search of something
useful. She comes back with a roll of duct tape in a
ridiculous print.
JESSICA
Its for the girl I babysit
sometimes. Its all I could find.
Caleb rips through the duct tape, piecing the broken shards
of pottery back together. He increasingly grows frustrated
when he cant piece the puzzle back together.
JESSICA
(with patience)
Maybe we should just plant it
somewhere else. Its too big for
the pot anyways.
CALEB
She fits perfectly fine in this.
JESSICA
Were you expecting to keep her in
there forever then? Because you
cant do that, you know. Trees have
to keep growing. They get taller
and bigger and need better soil and
space...
CALEB
I know that! Dont you think I know
that?
JESSICA
Then why dont we just scoop all of
this up and take it--
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.
CALEB
Take her where? Theres no room in
the backyard!
JESSICA
Then well find somewhere else. The
field a few blocks over. Theres a
park down the road.
CALEB
Thats too far.
JESSICA
What? Its just down the--
CALEB
I cant take care of her if shes
that far!
JESSICA
But thats just it! You wont have
to take care of her anymore.
CALEB
We were doing just fine until this
happened.
JESSICA
(beat)
Oh my god. You really cant see
whats in front of you...
CALEB
Theres a broken pot that I cant
fucking fix! I know exactly whats
in front of me!
JESSICA
No, you dont... You see more than
that... You still see whats not
there anymore...
CALEB
I dont know what youre talking
about.
Jessica, trying to remain calm, takes on a different
approach.
JESSICA
Caleb, whats keeping you from
letting it go?
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.
JESSICA (contd)
Letting her go?
CALEB
I cant just abandon her out there!
Especially not like this. If I can
still care for her myself, then
damn it, Ill take care of her!
JESSICA
Ok... Ok, let me just help you
then.
Jessica reaches to grab the section of the pot that remains
most in tact. However, Caleb tries to grab it back. They
engage in a somewhat tug-of-war with all the broken pottery
pieces.
JESSICA
Caleb, let me help you.
CALEB
Shes my mother.
JESSICA
And Im your girlfriend. For once,
stop thinking youre in this alone.
CALEB
Youve done enough already!
JESSICA
Excuse me?
CALEB
I leave you with her for one night,
Jessica, one night! All you had to
do was water her! But instead, not
only do you drown her in it, youve
managed to break everything else in
the process! You have done enough.
JESSICA
It was an accident, and I was going
to fix it.
CALEB
And yet it still looks like a mess.
JESSICA
Because you wont even let me touch
it! Damn it, Jacob, its a pot.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.
CALEB
Its my mother!
Suddenly, one of the larger pieces slices Jessicas hand.
She drops the shard of pottery, breaking it into several
more pieces. Blood quickly rushes down her arm. Caleb
remains still at first, stunned by the incident. Coming back
to his senses, he runs to grab a hand towel from the kitchen
to stop the flow.
CALEB
I dont think I have any band-aids.
JESSICA
Im fine.
CALEB
How badly does it hurt?
JESSICA
Not bad. Really, Im fine.
CALEB
(beat)
Im sorry.
JESSICA
(beat)
Caleb, this isnt how it works.
CALEB
I know.
JESSICA
I guess what Im trying to say is
that you cant go around taking
care of everyone all the time and
expect--no, refuse--nothing in
return. It just doesnt work that
way.
Caleb mulls over her words.
CALEB
I know, I know. Its just this was
my responsibility. You shouldnt
have to deal with it.
JESSICA
But I want to.
Caleb looks up at Jessica without saying a word.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.
JESSICA
Let me take care of you like you do
with me.
He buries his head in her arms as she embraces him with her
free hand.
JESSICA
She loved you. You dont have to
keep doing this.
CALEB
I just dont know what to do
anymore. It all looks so much worse
now.
JESSICA
Here, go find a bucket and
something to shovel this up, and
Ill drive us to the park.
Caleb rises and walks off. As Jessica waits for him, a
ziplock bag with a white envelope catches her eye. It
appears to have been buried deep beneath the dirt inside the
pot.
JESSICA
Caleb? Will you come here for a
second? I think I found something.
As he approaches, she hands the bag to him, and he opens it.
The envelope is addressed to Caleb.
CALEB
Its her handwriting.
Caleb plops himself on the teddy bear chair to read the
letter inside.
INT. CAR - LATER
Jessica drives with her cut hand bound tightly in the towel
with the duct tape holding it together. The plant sits
inside the bucket and is secured in the back by a seat belt.
EXT. PARK - CONT.
They dig a hole under a canopy of tall trees and settle the
new plant in the ground. Caleb buries the letter in the dirt
along with it. Rising, he gets one last look before leaving.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.
JESSICA
Shes not so far. You can always
come back.
Caleb mumbles something brief and inaudible to the plant
before making their way to the car.
INT. CAR - CONT.
Caleb grows exhausted in the passenger seat as Jessica
drives back in silence. He grabs her hurt hand and holds it
for a moment. The two exchange an expression.
JESSICA
What was the letter about?
Caleb turns to the window and watches rows and rows of trees
move past.
JACOB
Her illness. Reasons why things
were how they are.
JESSICA
Kind of a strange way to let you
know now. In a letter underneath
her ashes like that.
JACOB
I think somehow Ive always known
why. I was just too stubborn to
admit to it. I feel like she meant
for things to happen in this way.
JESSICA
Like she knew we would mess up, get
into a fight, break my hand,
shatter the pot? Smart woman.
JACOB
(chuckling)
(beat)
She was something special.
EXT. APARTMENT - CONT. - DAWN
Jessica helps the groggy Caleb back inside.
27.
INT. KITCHEN - CONT.
Jessica grabs a frozen bag of peas from the fridge for
Calebs eye. At first, Caleb refuses her help but eventually
succumbs to its relieving feeling on his bruise.
INT. BEDROOM - CONT.
Caleb crashes on the bed, and Jessica climbs in with him. He
rolls over to set the frozen bag aside and embraces her,
catching sight of the photo of him and his mother. He
smiles, turns out the light, and falls asleep.
EXT. PARK - DAWN
The sun slowly rises behind the trees. They are all the same
type: White Ashes.
CLOSE on the newly planted tree.
CREDITS.
FADE OUT.
END.