Final Scene. Cut, Print… That Was, Unfortunately, a Wrap.
By: Sean Purcell,
LifeThatPops.com,
Post Archive,
RSS FeedPosted: Sunday, January 9th, 2011, 8:23 am MST
Category: Flourishing,Group Therapy
EXT. CHICAGO STREET – NIGHT
The MAN walks up to the cab. The back door is open and a PASSENGER sits inside. The Man leans in and talks to the Passenger.
MAN
               I’d like to tell you I’ll stay in touch, but… hell, I haven’t stayed in touch at all over the past years.
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PASSENGER
               Don’t worry about it.
The Man reaches out to shake hands. He’s trying to come across with a kind of distant warmth common to men who don’t express any real feelings, but his smile only makes him look sadder.
MAN
               It’s been great to see you bro’.
The Passenger accepts the Man’s handshake and pulls it in tight, bringing both men together. The Passenger wraps his other arm around the Man, embracing him in a hug.
PASSENGER
               You too.
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MAN
(still hugging)
               I had a great time this weekend. I really miss talking to you… And getting to see everyone again, like old times? You were always the one; you always brought everyone together.
The Man begins pulling back from the hug. They drop the handshake, but the Man remains there; leaning into the back of the cab. They are close in proximity. The Passenger is relaxed… accepting, but the Man feels a little awkward. He holds on to the front seat of the cab to steady himself. His grip tightens, willing himself to hold the position. To remain close.
PASSENGER
(in a tired, weak voice)
               Yeah?
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MAN
               Yeah.
(looking directly into the Passenger’s eyes)
MAN (CON’T)
               You know, if there’s anything I can do… Anything you need…
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PASSENGER
(nodding gently)
               I know.
The Man lets go his grip on the front seat and begins to straighten up out of the cab. The headlight of a passing car reflects wetness in his eyes.
MAN
               Take care of yourself brother
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PASSENGER
               You too…
It’s dark and it’s snowing and the wind whips at the Man’s jacket collar. He turns and walks five or six steps back to the sidewalk. His face looks like it might have been five or six miles. The snow muffles everything and it is quiet. The Man turns and looks back into the cab; through the front windshield. He sees only a silhouette now. He raises his arm up, bent at the elbow, hand about shoulder height. He waves just once, hand moving in a slight arc – away from the body. It’s a practiced wave, handed down by one generation of men to another. It’s meant to appear casual; a non-committal wave that conveys absolute commitment. The cab quietly pulls away.
FADE TO BLACK
———-
Good-Bye little brother. You rest easy now… you’ve fought long enough.
19 comments
19 Comments so far
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Beautiful. Very well done. I’m sorry for your loss. Making this effort was worth it, I think.
Amen. True, pure and beautiful.
I’m glassy-eyed, and feelin’ for you. So sorry.
Sean, the vivid details you desribed have goose bumps running from the top of my head down to my ankles. I’m sorry for your lose.
Sean, I am so sad for your loss. I am in awe of your talent in grief. God bless you.
All blessings, Sean. I’m sorry for your loss.
Sean, I’m having a good cry right now. That you were able to honor and express so much through these words is amazing and wonderful.
i knew you would handle this with a grace not known to many.
Amen brother. Sad and beautiful, like all of life.
My thought and prayers are with you man!
That last moment of closeness will last forever. Cherish it.
I wonder if anyone can ever know how powerful their words and well wishes are. It’s an absolute blessing to come here and find solace among so many friends. Thank you.
Oh man. So sorry for your loss…
Ahh Sean. You have me crying my eyes out. Who knew? God bless him and his family.
sorry for your loss Sean. I lost my brother Drew.
I still see him in my dreams. they never really leave us.
May the hole in your heart be filled with love.
Sean, that was beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Sean, don’t know if you remember me from the OLPH days, but I received the FB page and was really saddened by the news. So sorry to hear that Mike had to leave this life so early. Knowing that you and your family will see him again is hopefully the best consolation during this difficult time. Take care.