Fade in- A full body shot on Andy locking himself in accidentally, on his toilet. Andy desperately tries to open it, but fails, utterly. As giving up, he slides down the wall.

Andy’s Voice
I’m such a failure. I can’t even handle my own bathroom. Maybe it was because I was raised up to solve things on my own. Maybe what I needed was someone to point for me- what’s wrong and what’s not.

Andy keeps trying to get the door open.

I guess what I needed was a--a--a tour guide, of some sort? Someone to show me around. Where I should go and where I shouldn’t. The risks of life. What choices mean.

Andy sits down again rubs his forehead intensely.

I guess, if my folks wouldn’t have been throwing stuff at each other I wouldn’t be such a pathetic kind of guy, you know?

Clip to; childhood scene: Parents fighting, throwing stuff at each other, both verbally and physically.

Gina – Mad, almost crying – a bit neurotic.
Why did you have to say that!?

Jim
(Overlapping Gina)
What? What!? W-What did I say!?

- They always fought about small things too. I understand why they broke up. But, uh, I still can’t understand how a couple can end up like that. Fighting over the kitchen lamp’s light- Is one good example or an innocent remark about money-

Gina
(Overlapping Jim)
It’s your attitude! I mean, Can’t you hear yourself!? “You-You ever considered getting a new job? With a--a higher salary?” What the hell is that supposed to mean?! She shouts furious, and throws an object at him, although missing him. Is my job not good enough for you!? - Answer me!

Jim
(Sighs)
Look, we have a son to support! Don’t take things so personal, I am only trying to help you- and us! I mean, you obviously know how many debts we’ve got! It’s not always about you you know! Says he gesticulating with his arms, as if he was making his presidential speech about personal freedom.

Mother throws another object on him, this one hits him in the head. She immediately runs forward in guilt telling him how sorry she is.

Gina
(Crying as she walks fastly up to Jim)
Jim I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. Oh, god, Di-did I hurt you? S-Sorry.I di-I didn’t mean to hit you, Jim, I’m so… She says and starts crying.

They walk away slowly, holding each other, they walk towards the bedroom. Jim comforts Gina (mother).

Jim
(Overlapping Gina)
Its ok Gina, calm down, we all make mistakes, I’m ok, and you didn’t hurt me a bit- There there, shh, shh, it’s going to be OK, I promise. He says comfortably, still in a tiny way a bit patronising.

Andy comes out under the sofa and sees his mum & dad walk slowly into the bedroom. They shut the door. Kissing can be heard. Andy gets back under the sofa.
Fade out.

Bathrooms again, close up on Andy, splashing some water on his face. Monologue.

Andy’s Voice
But then again. Maybe it wasn’t their fault at all. Maybe it’s my genes, I probably got it from my grandfather-
Fade out.

Cut to scene: The grandfather walking on the street, its dark, he’s tall, normal weight, grey haired, a bit of a bulky belly. Talking to himself. Gesticulating with himself. And strangely enough, kept switching sides, from left to right as he spoke.

He was a very odd man. Schizophrenic. He always claimed he was married, but whenever we saw him kissing someone it only looked like if he was kissing himself- Me and my friends used to call him “ Ole’ Pervy “ , sometimes we sneaked a letter under his door that said “ I’m the lover of your wife, we’re running away together tonight –Yours, Casanova”- Come to think of it, maybe that’s- (laughs)- maybe that’s why we kept hearing what sounded like an injured cow, arguing most of those nights. Fade out.

Bathroom; Full body shot of Andy sitting on the floor, exhausted, tired.

Andy kicks the door. Door’s still closed. He sighs & to Andy’s surprise, it opens. He laughs, stands up and exits the bathroom.

Fade out. End of scene.


New scene: A zoom-in view from far away, showing the city and then getting close to Andy & Anders- that are walking on the street, just out for a daily walk. There’s a lot of traffic and a few scattered people walking by. And cars passing by behind them, on the side, at the road.

Anders
So how’s work Andy? Anders looks at Andy. Anders got both of his hands in his pocket, walking comfortably.

Andy
Well…its ok- I guess I’m a bit exhausted from doing the daily Prose, but I like writing the Essays. Andy, nodding and gesticulating slightly as he speaks.

Anders
Yea, I actually read your prose from yesterday.

Andy
“Actually”? Says Andy and smiles at Anders.


Anders
(Laughs): Yea, You--You talk about your daily anxiety, how much a small- tiny, little thing can bring your anxiety and, uh, neurosity forth. Anders, keeping one of his hands in the pocket, gesticulating with his other.

Andy
Yea, so? Andy and looks at Anders, clearly awaiting an answer.

Anders
You’re never worried it might get too personal? I mean, aren’t you afraid of being judged? Anders tilts his head against his shoulder, clearly asking an honest question.

Andy
It doesn’t matter what I write- You know, I could be writing about…dandruff- And I’d still be judged, you know? Says Andy pretty straight forward and looks at Anders.
Anders nods at Andy.

As Andy & Anders walk, two women walk by- a couple. They look at Andy, and giggle towards each other. Andy quickly reacts in excitement, fixes his hair a bit then poses at a streetlamp- smiling and showing his teeth as if he was doing a dentist commercial.
Anders notices a dog urinating on Andy’s leg and says:

Anders
Andy... Says Anders and points towards Andy’s leg.

Andy slowly looks down, trying not to look insecure, still smiling a bit towards the women. Then notices the dog, he shakes his legs which shoots off small drops of urine- Then keeps walking with Anders as if nothing has happened.

Andy
So where were we?

Anders
You can drop the act now Andy. Says Anders and laughs at Andy, pointing at his leg. “To the VICTIM belong the spoils “he says and laughs.

Andy
Very funny. Clever on that remark. Says Andy sarcastic and points at Anders.

Andy
Right, let’s head back. I can’t walk around in urine, can I? Says Andy and looks smilingly at Anders.

They both laugh, Andy a bit less than Anders.
Fade out.

Scene: Andy and Anders are on their way back to Andy’s apartment to switch pants.

Andy
So how are you and Anna doing? Andy first looks at the ground, then looks at Anders.

Anders sighs.

Anders
We had a quarrel yesterday. Says Anders keeping his face down- kicking on a small pebble.

Andy
Oh, I’m sorry. About what? Don’t mean to pry or anything. Andy’s gesticulating and scratching his chin.


Anders
Anna wants to have a baby. I mean, we just decided to move into together- Anders gets interrupted.

Andy
(Overlapping)
That’s great, I mean, that’s a big step in- well a big step in the most relationships.

Anders
-Last night, and now this morning, she says she wants to have a baby, a child. Me Andy, a father? I just can’t see myself being at that point in life. Says Anders, sadly gesticulating with his hands, hopelessly, above his waist.

Anders looks with his head down, gloomy.


Andy
You know, that reminds me of when I had a urine infection. I-I had the same look as you do now, every time when I took my pants down. Andy laughs at Anders, trying to cheer him up.

Anders
(Overlapping Andy, slightly)
I have dreams Andy! You know, Motivations! I’m not just ready to be a father- Yet! I got ambitions, things I want to accomplish before I become a family man, you know? Says Anders excited and desperately trying to make a point.

Andy
So do we all. And suddenly, a factory decides to let a defective condom slide. And, whoops, you’re a father! Andy’s looking down, looking as if he’s imagining the whole thing.

Anders
You don’t have children, right? Do you- Andy? Says Anders poking Andy with his eyes and kicking him a bit on the foot.

Andy
No. But that’s what my grandfather always told me when I began talking about my ambitions. Andy laughs a bit as he scratches his neck.

Anders Laughs and says:

Anders
Sounds like a nice grandfather! Still laughing a bit and looks at Andy.

Andy
He had his ups & downs, you know.

Anders
And that was his downs?

Andy
Nope actually, that was his ups. When down he used a whole other term. “How could you let this child slip through the factory“, he used to say this to my mother, of course I had to be around to hear it every time as well. You know, it’s a metaphor.


Anders & Andy reaches Andy’s apartment. We can see that they are still talking.

Anders
This’s where you live?

Andy
Yup. You been here before haven’t you? I think- Have you?

Anders
Yea I think so, anyway, I’ll catch you later Andy, right?

Andy
Yea, I’ll call you Anders. Good luck with Anna.

Anders
(Shouts from a few meters away)
Oh yea Andy!? – Anna and I want you to come have lunch with us tomorrow-

Andy
(Overlapping)
In town?

Anders
Yea of course. We were thinking of going to Gabrielle’s.

Andy
Sounds nice, when?

Anders
Pick you up at 3. Ok?

Andy
Yea sure, 3’s fine. I’ll see you then.

Anders walks off & Andy is about to enter his apartment when one of his neighbours, an older lady, shoving around her rug over the balcony, though not noticing- or not caring about the neighbour below who keeps getting dust on him, the neighbour below looks up constantly, a bit annoyed.
End of scene. Fade out.





New scene; Inside Andy’s apartment. He takes off his jacket, hangs it over the couch. Begins making some coffee. Brings his typewriter out, puts it on his coffee table. Comes out of the kitchen, with his cup of coffee. Rubs his hands together, getting ready to begin writing.

Andy
Right let’s see. Hmm. Andy is trying to relax. He gives out a long sigh.

He begins writing his Prose; we actively see him writing and hear him speaking it. Similar to a monologue. It’s dark outside.


“Dear folks

Thank you for reading my prose. But, I have a confession to make. I’m very confused with myself. I’ve always seen myself as a loving person; I can’t and won’t harm anyone, ever. But lately I’ve been thinking, is there any hatred inside of me? If there was, I’d hate myself. I can’t stand the truth that I might not be who I think I am. Am I who I think I am, inside me is there an evil person waiting to come out?

I can’t see clearly within myself, it’s all foggy and misty, and in frustration I scream and cry. The Anxiety. Big chunks of emotion waiting to burst, if they burst, what will come out?

I’m so scared and shattered that lately I can’t trust myself, I can’t write anymore, therefore this is my last prose before I go on leave. And if I can’t trust myself, who do I trust?

I’m so afraid that I might end up being someone I despise. Gah, I feel sick. I don’t like writing about emotions.

I was having a chat with my analyst, who I lately been going to on a more active basis. She asked me what I was afraid of, the only answer I could come up with was “Me “. She asked “Why?” “What if I have a hidden agenda I don’t know about? “I said. “Like what?” she asked, although I could see that she moved her chair back, as if she was scared to see this new side of me. “What if I become the very thing I am afraid to be, a maniac”. She suggested medication, but I told her that medication was not the answer, what would medication do? It wouldn’t change me!

To have no choice is basically what that would be. “Dear God, I’m so scared, please tell me that there’s always a choice, that only my awareness makes the actions. Please, I beg you”.

“Andy, maybe this fear is just another way for you to bring your anxiety to the surface? “ I could understand what she meant, but it scares me what people can do, and why? Why!? I just can’t understand it, I just can’t. At nights I lie with my pillow over my head hoping that nothing is going to rob me of my conscious.

If we can loose control of our own conscious and our actions, then what is the point of living? I’m not suicidal, but lately there was an actor who killed herself, apparently things had gotten so dark that she couldn’t find her way out of her depression. How did this happen? Why would someone do this to one self? Isn’t the goal of life to pass all the tests and jump over all the obstacles? And she was such a lovely and nice person!

I have to go lie down for a moment, take 2 aspirins, although I’m not sure that is enough…

/Andy, Daily Prose”

Andy is just about done writing his Prose. He goes into the kitchen and takes out two aspirins. Comes back to his coffee table to get his cup of coffee. Accidentally spilling it out, all over the Prose he just wrote.

Andy
Jesus! For cry- Goddamnit!

He removes the messed up papers. Dumps them into the bin. Goes and swallows his pills. Gets into his bed and lies in a fatal position, with his back to the camera.
End of scene. Fade out.

New Scene: Fade in- Andy can’t sleep. We see him lying with his pillow over his head. He turns around, trying to sleep. He stares up at the ceiling. Then decides to go up. He goes into his kitchen and gets a glass of water. Sits down and drinks it.

Andy Goes out of his kitchen. Taking up the phone, calling his shrink- at 3 AM in the night.

Shrink
Hello? Uh (coughs), who is this?

Andy
It’s Andy. I-I can’t sleep.

Shrink
Andy… (Sniffs & sighs tirely). What’s wrong? - Hold on a sec… (You can hear some shuffling noise) Ok, what’s wrong?

Andy
What’s the point- What’s the point of living if at any time, any how, without a choice, you could be loosing your conciseness- to become some…weird-mental patient or whatever you may call it.

Shrink
I’m sorry Andy. I w-I wouldn’t know.

Andy
But you’re a shrink! Aren’t you? I mean, uh, if anyone should know anything about this- It’d be you, right?


Shrink
Oh right- I’m a shrink. Sorry Andy. I forgot. Maybe it’s because you called me at 3:00 AM in the morning.

Andy
Sorry about that. But I’m on a very thin line here. Help me. I need to understand this.

Shrink
You can’t understand everything Andy.

Andy
Why not?

Shrink
That’s how life works. It’s about luck & random.

Andy
I don’t like that. Why can’t life be- You know, jesus, Like- Like sport, you know, You know the rules and how to score, how to foul and what happens if you do.

Shrink
Oh Andy- (yawns) I’m not sure what to say to make you calm down.

Andy
Tell me that I’m going to be ok, that In 5 years I’ll still be me.

Shrink
Look- Andy, you’re an intelligent young man-

Andy
(Overlapping)
Intelligent? Jesus- Look, uhm. Even intelligent men go insane, god, if anything it’s dangerous to be intelligent or let alone creative. I guess there’s a very thin line between insanity and creativity.

Shrink
(We hear deep breathing on the other end)

Andy
(Sighs) Am I the only one worried about these things? Jesus (Sighs)
Andy puts the TV on and lies down on the sofa. Falling asleep, slowly. End of scene – Fade out.

New scene; It’s early in the afternoon, around 15:00. Anders & Anna arrive right on time. Honking the horn outside Andy’s apartment.

Anders
Andy!

Andy opens his window.

Andy
Uh (coughs), w-what are you guys doing here so early in the morning guys? (Yawns) I mean, it’s 3 in the morning, jeez…

Anders
(Overlapping Andy)
3 in the afternoon Andy! We were supposed to have lunch, remember? Anders, looking up at Andy, who’s sort of leaning on his window ledge.

Andy
(Sighs)
Oh, really? I-uh, I’ll be right down, gimme a few minutes, okay?

Anders
All right Andy.

Anna & Anders starts talking, while waiting for Andy.

Anna
Boy’ he’s a real sleeper isn’t he, Andy?
Says Anna & laughs as she turns to Anders.

Anders
He sure is. (Laughs)

Andy comes out of the entrance to his apartment block. Not knowing he forgot to put his pants on.

Andy
Looking all tired
(Yawns) gee, it’s a bit cold for late August don’t you think, guys? Andy shivers.

Anna & Anders look over to Andy & laughs hysterically.


Anders
(Laughs) Andy, d-didn’t you, I mean, are you sure you didn’t forget something?

Anders & Anna laughs again, smiling at Andy


Andy
(Sighs) Oh you mean the keys, y-you know I’m not the kind of guy who forgets his keys, I like to keep things organized, so I know what I’m doing, you know?

Anders points to Andy’s legs – Anna laughs.

Andy
Wh-whaaat? What’s wrong now?

Andy looks down. Noticing he forgot his pants.

Andy
(Laughs)
Heh, h-eh, n-no wonder It felt cold, heh. I’ll be right back. Andy runs back in.

Anna
S-so, uh, you given any thought to, the, uhm, c-c-child? I- mean no pressure or anything.

Anders
(Sighs)
Do we have to talk about this now?

Anna
(Looking a bit annoyed)
‘Course not. (Sighs) we can talk about it anytime, when YOU want, notice the emphasis?

Anders
(Overlapping)
L-Look, I promise we’ll talk about it later (sighs)

Andy comes out. Checking his pants, jacket & pants.

Andy
Okay, I’m ready, let’s go.

Andy gets into the car comfortably.
The car takes off.

Cut to scene: Anders, Anna & Andy are in the car, on their way to Gabrielle’s.

Anders
(Nods at Anna)
Go on tell him.

Anna
O-oh okay, Andy?

Andy
Yea? Looks at Anna

Anna
Uhm, Anders told me you where, uhm, looking for a job?

Andy
I di-didn’t exactly, put it that way, I, uh, I mean- I just said I was getting exhausted from writing at the Daily Prose.

Anna
Oh, right. Never mind then

Andy
(Overlaps Anna)
Although I actually decided to quit writing tomorrow. You-

Anders
What, Why Andy?

Anna
Writers block, huh, Andy?

Andy
No, uh, not really, no. I, uh, I just can’t seem to focus on it anymore, you know, I got too much…Issues with, uh, with myself right now. I think, I think I’m, uh, going through some kind of, uh, a phase, right now?

Anders
Oh right…well you might wanna hear what, uh, Anna has got to say then, right?

Andy
Y- Yea I guess, uh, go ahead.

Anna
Well, ok. Uh, well, I’ve got this, uh, friend called. Lisa-

Andy
No, that’s out of the question, really- I mean, seriously.

Anders
What is? She’s not finished.

Andy
I know it already, I mean, you know, I don’t do blind dates, I was born with eyes, why not use em you know?

Anna
Andy, I was talking about a job (laughs a bit)

Andy
Oh, that kind of date, oh, (laughs)
Sure, uh, go ahead.

Anna
Okay. Well, I got this friend Lisa, as I said. Uh, well, she’s a waitress, and, uh, they need a new waiter, you see?

Andy
(Overlapping)
Oh-no thanks. I’m- I’m not a waiter kind of guy. I’m- I’m uh, how should I put this. Uh.

Anders
(Fills in)
Burnt as a child.

Andy
Yea, exactly- Wait a minute! How’d you know that? I told you bout that before?

Anders
Yea, actually-

Anna
Guys? What? Have I missed anything?
Andy
I can’t work as a waiter, I-It’s just outtalk the question, seriously, I mean, I’d be asking everyone whether the food was cold enough or not.

Anna
(Overlapping)
W-what, do you mean if it’s, uh, cold enough or not?

Anders
(Fills in, overlapping)
Burnt as a child as I said. Tell her Andy. He nods at Andy.

Anna looks at Andy

Andy
Well, you see, my mom had made this great stew. And uh, she- she was gonna pour it up, you know, to me- to my bowl. And, uh, I flinched, you know- accidentally knocking the pot filled with stew. I guess- somehow the safest place to dump it was on me...so- I guess, uh-

Anna
Oh, that’s awful Andy! Did it hurt? I mean

Andy
(Interrupting)
Of course it hurt! That pot was, uh, steaming hot. It tasted delicious though.

Anders
All right, we’re here, I’m just gonna park the car.

Anna
Oh, Andy, you made that story up didn’t you?

Andy
No, no, why- why would you think that? Do I look like the lying kind person?

Anna
Of course not, (laughs)

Anders
All right.

They all exit the car and start moving over to the sidewalk.

Cut to scene; Sidewalk. They walk in the city, towards Gabrielle’s, a small short scene. Anders & Anna start arguing.

Andy
So you guys ever eaten here before?

Anders & Anna answers at the same time.

Anders
Nope

Anna
Yea, Once

Anders
We have? W-When?

Anna
No, with an old friend of mine. Was a long time ago though.

Anders
Oh, with, uh, with who?

Anna
Nobody in particular

Anders
It’s an old boyfriend isn’t it?

Anna
If you must know. Yes, uh, yes I was here with my boyfriend a long time ago. Anna says, a little bit uncomfortable.

Anders
Did you love him?

Anna
What!?

Anders
Did you love him?

Anna
Since when is that your business?

Anders
We’re together, you and I?

Anna
Of course I loved him. Just as I love you, now.

Anders
Did you have sex?

Anna looks at Anders. Andy gets in between, trying to divert their attention to something else.

Andy
Oh, wow! Look, 50% sale. Jesus- I mean, come on, that is the deal of a-

Anders
Well, maybe we could go in there and have sex?

Anna
You’re unbelievable.

Anders
And you’re not?

Andy
Jesus, guys, come on, lighten up. This’s supposed to be a lunch here. You’re making me very unhungry.

Anna
Look, we’ve all had previous relationships!

Andy
(Overlapping)
Well, uh, (laughs) I-

Anders
Oh- Well- I (Anders looks at Andy, twice, surprised)

Andy
Andy scratches his neck
It’s, uhm, (laughs). Yea, true story.

Anna
Well that’s just you Andy

Andy
Oh thanks, how nice of you to boost my self-esteem.

Anna
(Laughs)

Andy
Phew. So you guys are ok for now, are you?

Anders
Yea...I bet she didn’t love him anyway. Says Anders and laughs to Andy

Anna
R-r-right that’s it! I’m going. Sorry Andy, I just can’t stand being with this asshole right now.

Anders
Jesus- Anna!

Anna walks away. Not looking back.

Anders
Oh come on! - Anna, wait, uh, please, don’t go. Anna!

Andy shrugs

Andy
Jesus, w-what the hell is this supposed to be?

Anders
Andy I’m sorry bout this pal. I’ll call you!

Andy
Uh, that’s ok I guess- I guess. Good luck!

Andy stands alone. Kicks in the air.

Andy
I guess it’s just you and me then Andy. He says to himself.

Andy
Oh joy.

Andy walks into Gabrielle’s.

Andy waits at the restaurants entrance. Tapping his foot, slightly impatient.
She waiter spots Andy and walks fastly towards Andy.

Waiter
Good afternoon sir! Table for one? He says and looks at Andy.

Andy
Yes, that’ll do fine.



Waiter
Great. Right this way sir, if you’ll follow me over here.

The waiter reaches the table.

Waiter
Here we are. May I take your order?

Andy sits down takes his jacket off and picks up the menu.

Andy
Hmm, let’s see.

The waiter is eagerly awaiting Andy’s order with his pen & notebook.

Andy goes through the menu thoroughly.

Andy
Oh this looks nice.

Waiter
Yes?

Andy
Uh, I’ll have, beef ala carte and a fresh pressed juice?

Waiter
Certainly- naturally! Sir.

Andy
How much?

Waiter
How much?

Andy
How much?

Waiter
How much?

Andy (overlapping)
For the meal.

Waiter
Oh! (Laughs)

Waiter
7 dollars.

Andy nods & picks up his wallet. He opens it and notices a lonely dime at the bottom. He looks up at the waiter who’s eagerly standing there, smiling, waiting to go and hand in the order.

Andy
Uhm. I changed my mind.

Waiter
Yes?

Andy
I’ll have a glass of water and, uh. I’ll just have the glass of water.

The waiter stares at Andy, surprised. Things get awkward quickly.

The waiter looks at Andy.

Andy looks nervously to the Waiter.

Cut to scene: Andy exits Gabrielle’s.