cancer: the life of pat mcfarlane

7/28/2019 Cancer: The Life of Pat McFarlane

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Cancer:

The Life of Pat McFarlane

June 2011


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INT. FUNERAL HOME - DAY

October 29th, 2000

CHRISTOPHER, 16, is sitting with his back to a wall,

staring blankly at the camera, his gaze is a million milesaway. He is dressed for a funeral but his clothes fit himawkwardly.

VOICES pass him. His somber stare lifts to the sounds, but hedoesn't acknowledge them.

WOMAN (O.S.)She was a great person.

MAN (O.S)Your mother would be so proud ofyou.

OLD WOMAN (O.S.)I understand how much this hurts.

Christopher looks towards the voices, but his expressiondoesnt alter. As he looks back towards the emptiness, AIMEE,Christophers younger 15 year old sister sits down besidehim. She is also dressed in black and its evident she hasbeen crying all morning.

The two dont look at each other but are lost somewherebeyond themselves.

AIMEEHow did this happen?

CHRISTOPHERI dont know.

FADE OUT

INT. HOSPICE ROOM

October 22, 2000

A woman, PAT, is lying in coma on a hospital bed in themiddle of the room. She is hooked up to a heart machine, anda series of other wires and IVs.

The sound of her shallow breathing can be heard, as herhusband, STEVEN sits beside her holding her hand.


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Steven is only 40, the same age as his ailing wife, however,she looks immensely older due to the cancer ravishing herbody. He is clearly exhausted and worn out as he stares ather.

STEVENPatty Perfume, dont do this to me.I cant raise these kids alone.

He sobs slightly

STEVEN (CONT.)I need you.

EXT. CARWASH - DAY

August 10th, 1978

A beautiful convertible drives up to a busy carwash stationin the middle of summer. In the drivers seat sits, SHERRY,a twenty year old bombshell who has flowing Farrah hair andis smoking a cigarette as if she was born to do it.

Beside her sits Pat, only 18 she is a spitting image of hersister, with the same brunette hair except her cut is moremodern and short. The two are listening to the pop tunes ofthe 70s as they pull into the carwash lot.

PATYou know if Dad catches you

smoking-

SHERRYPat, You are such a goody goody.

PATI am just saying.

SHERRYCome on, all the boys find itsexy.

PATI highly doubt that.

SHERRYIf I was you sister, I would takeany extra pointers you can.

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PATThanks, I love you too.

Sherry parks the car and blasts the horn.

SHERRY(yelling)Stacey!

STACEY, the younger 16 year old teenage sister of the girlscomes marching out ready to go. She is by definition a teenybooper with braces, long hair and bell bottoms.

STACEYYoure late!

SHERRYIt was all Pats fault!

PAT(to Sherry)

We had to stop to get yoursmokes.

SHERRY(to Stacey)

Wheres the boss man?

Sherry climbs out of the car, Pat shuffles over the driversseat and Stacey climbs in.

STACEYDads out back training the newguy.

SHERRYNew guy?

STACEYYeah, hes kind of cute.

PATNice bum?

SHERRY(walking away)

Dont worry girls, I will findout!

Sherry walks towards the carwash office.

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INT. CARWASH OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

JACK (40s), an older gruff man who takes his job and lifeseriously is behind the counter. You can tell he was once avery good looking man, and has merely aged as one should

given he has three daughters and a business to run. He isbehind the till counting some receipts.

JACK(not looking up)

Youre late.

SHERRYStacey said the exact same thing!

Sherry walks behind the till.

JACK

I got you girls that car so youcan get to work on time.

SHERRYSorry Daddy.

JACKYou know if you were anyoneelses daughter you would befired.

SHERRYAnd if you were anyone elses Dad

we wouldnt be working here.

Jack shakes his head and continues counting the receipts.

The door to the back room opens and in walks Steven, 18.

Steven is a shorter guy with curly brown hair, he looks fitand active, his clothes are tight and show off his muscularphysic. His white shirt is covered in dirt. Sherry looks athim.

STEVENI finished with the run off,Jack.

JACKDid you fill up the washer fluid?

STEVENNot yet.

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Sherry laughs.

STEVEN(to Sherry)

Im Steven.

JACKThis is my other daughter,Sherry.

Steven holds out his hand and then notices the dirt andwipes it on his shirt.

SHERRYNice to meet you.

STEVEN(to Jack)

Sir, you never told me you hadanotherdaughter.

JACKI didnt think it was thatimportant.

SHERRYDad!

JACKShouldnt you be doing something?

SHERRYYoure the boss.

JACKSteven come with me.

(to Sherry)You finish up counting these.

He hands her the receipts and walks out the front door.Steven follows.

CUT TO:

INT. CARWASH OFFICE - LATER

Sherry is at the till reading a magazine.

Steven walks in the front door. His shirt is dirty and hewipes his hands on it.

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SHERRYIm not sure if that is doinganything.

STEVEN

Huh?

SHERRYUsing your shirt.

STEVEN(looking at shirt)

Oh yeah, its pretty dirty.

Steven walks over to a cooler and grabs a coke. Sherrywatches him as he drinks it.

SHERRY

Hey Steven.

STEVENYeah?

SHERRYI was just on the phone with mysister, and it turns out shecant drive me home tonight.

STEVENOh.

SHERRYAnd I was just wondering if maybeyou could -

Just then Jack comes walking in.

JACKCould what?

SHERRYDrive me home.

JACKWheres Pat?

SHERRYShe has a paper to write.

JACKIll drive you home.

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SHERRYWell, its just that... Dad youhave to close tonight and thatusually puts you here till elevenor twelve.

JACKSo?

STEVENI can drive her home.

JACKFine, Steven can drive you home.

CUT TO:

INT. STEVENS CAR - NIGHT

Steven and Sherry are sitting in the car starring blanklyforward. You can tell they are awkward and not sure what tosay around each other.

STEVENDo you like KISS?

SHERRYWho?

STEVEN

The band.

SHERRYNever really listened to them.

STEVENI see.

Awkward pause.

SHERRYDo you have a girlfriend?

STEVENPardon?

SHERRYAre you single or taken?

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STEVENOh no. I just moved here and - noI dont.

SHERRY

How come?

STEVENHavent found the right girl.

SHERRYWhats the right girl?

STEVENI dont know, someone whochallenges me.

SHERRY

Im often told I challengepeople.

STEVEN(not buying her flirting)

Right.

Awkward pause. They drive up to the front door of Sherryshouse.

SHERRYLets go to the drive-in thisweekend?

STEVENWith you?

SHERRYNo, with my Dad! With me yougoof.

STEVENSure I guess.

SHERRYPick me up at seven on Saturday.

Sherry gets out of the car and waves goodbye. Steve drivesoff.

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EXT. SHERRYS HOUSE - NIGHT

Steven walks up the door, he is dressed in a T-shirt for arock band and a pair of blue jeans. He runs his fingersthrough his hair and rings the doorbell.

Pat opens the door.

PATHi! You must be Steven!

STEVENYou must be the other otherdaughter.

PATPat.

She holds out her hand for him.

STEVENNice to meet you.

PATSherry is upstairs putting on aface.

STEVENOh.

Awkward pause

PATWhat movie are you seeing?

STEVENThe Exorcist.

PATOne of my favorites.

STEVENYeah?

PATWell only because Linda Blairreminds me of my sisters in themorning.

Steven laughs to himself.

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PATWas that a laugh?

STEVENMaybe.

PATCute.

They share a moment, which is precisely when Sherryinterjects coming down the stairs.

SHERRYThank you little sister.

PATBye Steven.

STEVENBye.

Pat heads back upstairs.

SHERRYShall we?

She holds out her arm so that Steven can takes it. Hedoesn't notice and heads to the car. Sherry pauses and thenheads out clearly disappointed he didnt take her arm.

INT. SHERRYS HOUSE - NIGHT

Sherry opens the door and enters the house.

SHERRY(to the outside)

Thanks for the -

The car drives off. Sherry turns around and Stacey and Patare both sitting on the stairs waiting for her. She turnsaround and jumps.

PATHow was it?

SHERRY(slightly disappointed)

I guess fine.

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PATIs he a good kisser?

SHERRYWe didnt kiss. We didnt hold

hands. We didnt do nothing.

STACEYSeriously?

SHERRYYou know I just wasnt feelingit.

Both look at Sherry with a puzzled look.

SHERRYHes quiet and ... different.

(to Pat)I swear the first time I saw himsmile was with you today.

PATReally?

SHERRYYou should ask him out, Pat.

PATNo.

SHERRYBesides Ive got a date with Daveon Tuesday.

PATWell than maybe.

EXT. AN OLD LOOKING HOUSE - DAY

December 12th, 1978

There is snow on the ground and Stevens car is parked inthe driveway. Pat walks up to the door and knocks. A guy inhis mid-20s wearing only boxers and a t-shirt answers.

PATCan Steven come out and play?

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GUYWhat?

PATSteven? Can he come out and play

. . . in the snow?

GUYOne minute.

(yelling)Steven!

Steven comes to the door and sees Pat.

STEVENWhat are you doing here?

PAT

Want to play in the snow?

STEVENWhy?

PATLifes to short to ask why!

She grabs Stevens hand and starts pulling him out. Heturns around and grabs his coat and shoes and runs out tojoin her in the snow. They are having a snowball fight andmaking snow angels.

They are laughing and having a great time. Pat lies down inthe snow and is making a snow angel. Steven plops downbeside her and looks at her. A snowflake falls on her nose.And he brushes it away. He leans in and kisses her.

FADE OUT.

FAMILY MONTAGE

As the narrator, Christopher (age 16) talks about his familyand his mom, we see video footage from the early 90s thatrepresent the dynamic of the McFarlanes. Starting from thewedding of Steven and Pat, to the birth of their fivechildren (Curtis, Christopher, Aimee, Craig and Daniel).

CHRISTOPHER (V.O.)I was the second oldest of Pat andSteven.

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The birth announcement read OnJuly 26th, 1984, Patricia andSteven McFarlane are happy toannounce their arrival of their newbaby boy, Christopher McFarlane at

seven pounds and eleven ounces.After they finished with me, theyquickly completed the family byadding a sister, and two babybrothers. In total there were fiveof us kids all within 10 years ofeach other. We were your normalfamily, large and loving. We foughtand laughed equally. By the time Iwas eleven we were prettyformulated in our ways. My olderbrother Curtis caused me to bothadmire and hate him in the same

breath. Aimee was the princess, andthe younger boys were simply calledthe babies. However the star ofour family, was always Mom. We allsaw her the same. A caring, lovingperson full of curiosity andhumour. The last person deservingof cancer.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

June 29, 1995

Pat and Steven, age 35, are sitting on the couch in theliving room. The house shows signs of many kids, but lesswith childrens toys while and more and more evidence ofteenagers.

Pat looks tired and slightly worn down, but it could bepassed off as raising five kids.

Christopher, 11, with his brown curly hair and chubbycheeks comes running in with a handful of dripping wettoys.

CHRISTOPHERMom! Mom!

PATWhat?

13.

CHRISTOPHER (V.O.) (cont'd)


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CHRISTOPHERCurtis put my stuff in thetoilet.

Christopher holds up the toys which are dripping on the

floor.

STEVENChristopher! Take those out ofhere theyre dripping everywhere.

CHRISTOPHERBut -

PATJust out.

CHRISTOPHER

You never get mad at him.

PATGo!

Steven gets up and heads to the stairs.

STEVEN(yelling)

Curtis Scott.

CURTIS (O.S)What?

STEVENGet your butt down here!

CURTIS (O.S.)Why?

STEVENBecause I said so, thats why.

We hear the door to Curtiss bedroom open and then hisstomping down the stairs. He is 13 and looks almostidentical to his brother but slightly taller and skinner.

CURTISWhat?

STEVENDid you put your brothers toysin the toilet?

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By now Christopher is back in the living room watching thepunishment go down.

CURTISDefine putting in the toilet?

STEVENDid you or didnt you?

CURTISYes and no.

Steven looks at him blankly.

CURTISCraig threw in the last one.

Steven looks at Curtis sternly.

CURTISWhat? He hates him too.

CHRISTOPHERDad!

STEVENCraig doesnt hate him.

CURTISEveryone does.

PATCurtis Scott.

CURTISSorry, its true.

PATI cant win with you guys. Im sotired of this fighting.

CHRISTOPHERBut he starts -

PATNo, I dont want to hear it.

CHRISTOPHERIts all -

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PATThats it! No more arguing. Thereisnt a single punishment thatwill get you two to stopfighting.

CHRISTOPHERIts him!

STEVENStop!

CURTISBut -

PATBut no. Youre fathers right. Stopwith it all. I think you two should

spend the summer at your Grandpasbecause I cant have you fightinghere all summer.

CURTIS & CHRISTOPHERWhat?!

STEVENGrandpa needs help you two needto smarten up.

CURTISBut-

PATYou need to learn to lean on eachother.

CURTISThis blows.

STEVENWatch it. Grandpa will not put upwith your mother.

CURTISThats why this blows.

Curtis storms off.

CHRISTOPHERDo I have to go?

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STEVENSorry.

CHRISTOPHERThis is going to be the worst

summer ever.

Christopher sulks off.

EXT. FARM - SUMMER DAY

Curtis and Christopher are hauling out bails of hay fromthe barn. Its evident that they have some understanding ofwhat they are doing now that they have been on the farm fora bit. They both have tans and farmers wear.

Christopher grabs a bail but then stumbles with it.

CURTISDont be so clumsy.

CHRISTOPHERI didnt mean to.

CURTISTheres a lot of things youdidnt mean to.

CHRISTOPHERYou know Curtis you dont have to

be such a jerk about everything.

CURTISWhatever.

CHRISTOPHERNo wonder why you have nofriends.

CURTISI have friends.

CHRISTOPHERWho?

CURTISBilly.

CHRISTOPHERYou mean Billy Levick?

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CURTISOkay, hes a little weird.

Just then Grandma comes out from the house and sees the

boys.

GRANDMA(yelling)

Curtis! Christopher!

The boys look up in her direction.

GRANDMADo you know where yourGrandfather is?

CURTIS

Hes up in the loft! Do you wantus to get him?

GRANDMAYes, quickly please!

Curtis runs into the barn. Jack comes down, he is clearlythe older version of Jack who ran the carwash back in the70s. He has aged with grey hair but still has the sterndemeanor.

He walks towards the house and Grandma starts talking tohim.

CHRISTOPHER(to Curtis)

What do you suppose thats about?

CURTISI dont know.

The boys are watching their grandparents talk when Grandmaleans in and starts crying on Jacks chest.

The boys run towards the house.

CHRISTOPHERGrandma are you okay?

She wipes away her tears.

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GRANDMAYes dear. Its just some badnews.

CURTIS

What happened?

JACKYour Dad just called.

Both boys get a look of fear on their face.

JACKIts nothing bad. Its just itseems your brothers and sisterare coming out here earlier thenexpected.

CURTISWhat do you mean?

JACKSherry is going to drive outthere and pick them up tonight.

CURTISBut what about Mom and Dad?

Jack shakes his head no.

CHRISTOPHER

What about my birthday?

GRANDMAI am sure they will try to behere.

CHRISTOPHERBut-

JACKListen, are you guys done in thebarn?

CHRISTOPHERNo.

JACKWell lets get that done and thenwe can figure this out.

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Jack walks off. The boys stare at Grandma who is fightingback tears.

GRANDMAYou heard your Grandpa.

Grandma heads into the house. Curtis starts walking to thebarn. Christopher follows behind.

CHRISTOPHERDo you think everything will bealright?

CURTISI dont know.

CHRISTOPHERWhat do you mean?

CURTISI dont know, okay!

Curtis gets to the barn and dives into continuing his work.Christopher sulks back and pauses before continuing.

EXT. FARM - NIGHT

A van pulls up into the drive way and honks its horn.Curtis and Christopher come running out the front door,Grandma and Jack follow closely behind.

CHRISTOPHERTheyre here!

The doors to the van fly open and Aimee, 10, climbs out.She has her blonde hair in a pony tail and wearing trackpants and a soccer jersey. She is assisting Craig, 5, inunbuckling his seat belt. Sherry, now in her 40s comesaround to help out a sleeping 3 year old Daniel.

AIMEEWe made it!

SHERRY(clearly tired)

It was a long drive.

GRANDMAHow was she?

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SHERRYTired but good.

GRANDMAAnd Steven?

SHERRYAlso tired.

JACKHow long was the drive?

SHERRYThirteen hours each way.

GRANDMACome in for some tea?

SHERRYI got to get home to my ownbabies.

She hands Daniel to Jack.

GRANDMAAlright, good night honey.

Sherry kisses Grandma and Jack goodbye and drives off.

GRANDMAOkay kids, time to come in for

bed.

AIMEEAww, we just got here.

GRANDMAYou can play tomorrow.

The kids walk into the house with Grandma and Jack.

INT. FARM HOUSE - KIDS BEDROOM - NIGHT

Aimee and Craig are sleeping in the one bedroom. Craig isin the bed and Aimee is on a sleeping bag on the floor. Theroom is dark.

Christopher comes into the room.

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CHRISTOPHER(whispering)

Aimee.

She rolls over.

CHRISTOPHERAimee.

Still no response.

CHRISTOPHERAimee.

Just then Curtis comes in.

CURTISAimee!

Aimee jumps, Christopher looks at Curtis.

CURTISShe had to wake up.

AIMEEWhats going on?

CURTISWhats up with Mom and Dad?

AIMEE

I dont know they wouldnt tellus.

CURTISAre they okay?

AIMEEI think Dad is. Hes just angry,but you know Dad.

CHRISTOPHERAnd Mom?

AIMEEShes been sleeping a lot. Andbefore we left she was crying allthe time.

CHRISTOPHERI wonder why.

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AIMEEThey just said we were going tobe coming out here early.

CHRISTOPHER

Do you think they are getting adivorce?

CURTISNo.

The kids pause and look at each other, afraid to acknowledgewhat might be true.

CURTISMom and Dad wouldnt do that.

AIMEE

I dont want to be sent away.

CURTISIt looks like we already havebeen.

AIMEEBut -

CURTISIts not a divorce.

CHRISTOPHER

But-

CURTISLets just get some sleep.

Curtis opens the door to the room, Christopher sulks out.Curtis turns to leave.

AIMEEIm scared Curtis.

Curtis pauses.

CURTISYeah, me too.

He closes the door. Aimee rolls over.

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INT. FARM HOUSE - KIDS BEDROOM - MORNING

Christopher rolls over from his bed and yawns. He looksaround the room and jumps and smiles when he realizes whatday it is.

He runs into the hallway.

INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING - CONTINUOUS

Grandma is sitting on the couch knitting and Craig is ather feet playing with some cars.

GRANDMAMorning Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER

Morning Grandma.

GRANDMAYou seem awfully happy today.

CHRISTOPHERWell yeah!

GRANDMAWhy is that?

CHRISTOPHERYou know.

GRANDMANo, I dont. Whats so special?

CHRISTOPHERCome on.

GRANDMA(yelling off screen)

Grandpa, do you know whatsspecial about today?

JACK (O.S.)Its a Tuesday?

CHRISTOPHERNo!

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GRANDMANo, I think hes right. It is aTuesday.

CHRISTOPHER

No, something else.

GRANDMAI cant think of anything.

CHRISTOPHERIts my-

CRAIGBirthday!

CHRISTOPHERSomeone remembered.

GRANDMAOf course we remembered. Do youwant your present now or later?

CHRISTOPHERNow!

She reaches beside the couch and pulls out a package.Christopher sits down beside her and rips the present open.

CHRISTOPHERThanks Grandma.

JACK (O.S.)And Grandpa!

CHRISTOPHER(yelling off screen)

Thanks Grandpa!!

GRANDMADo you like it?

CHRISTOPHERYeah! Its cool.

GRANDMAGood.

She reaches beside her and pulls out another gift.

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GRANDMAThis ones from your Mom and Dad.

Christophers face changes.

GRANDMAIm sorry honey, they wanted tobe here.

CHRISTOPHERBut -

Jack emerges from the kitchen with an apron on and holding aspatula.

JACKNow listen, these things happen andwe deal with it.

GRANDMAYou are 11 now.

CHRISTOPHER(crying)

I just want to see my Mom.

GRANDMAI know.

CHRISTOPHERNo you dont. No one knows.

Christopher storms off. Grandma is clearly upset. Craiggets up and walks to her. He sees the unopened birthdaypresent.

CRAIGCan I open it?

GRANDMANo, honey.

INT. KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

A group of kids are sitting around the kitchen table withvarious birthday hats on. Christopher is sitting in thecenter of the table. He has his arms crossed and is visiblyupset.

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Sherry comes walking in with a birthday cake full of 11candles. The whole room sings Happy Birthday toChristopher.

Sherry puts the cake down in front of Christopher. His eyes

glance at it.

SHERRYMake a wish!

Christopher pauses for a minute and then blows out thecandles.

CURTISWhat did you wish for?

CHRISTOPHERMom.

The room goes silent for a moment.

SHERRY(trying to break thetension)

Do you like the cake? Its gotall these animals on it.

CHRISTOPHERThose are sea mammals.

SHERRY

No, theyre whales.

CHRISTOPHERWhales are sea mammals.

SHERRYWho wants a piece?

All the kids begin shouting Me! Me!. Christopher gets outof his seat and begins to sulk away.

SHERRY(to Christopher)

First piece to the birthday boy!

CHRISTOPHERI got to pee.

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INT. WASHROOM - CONTINUOUS

Christopher walks into the washroom and closes the door. Heclimbs into the bathtub and starts crying.

INT. KITCHEN - LATER

Sherry has dished out all the pieces of cake and thekitchen is full of noise as the kids eat the sugarygoodness. Christopher emerges from the washroom.

Grandma rubs his head.

GRANDMAAre you okay honey?

CHRISTOPHER

Yeah.

COUSINWhat did you fall in the toilet,nerd?

CHRISTOPHERNo.

COUSINYou probably did.

CHRISTOPHER

I didnt.

COUSINToilet nerd!

All the kids start laughing.

SHERRYStop it.

COUSINHe started it.

SHERRYYou both started it.

CHRISTOPHERNo, I didnt.

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SHERRYJust because its your birthdaydoesnt mean you can talk back.

CHRISTOPHER

But-

The phone rings and everyone looks at it. Grandma goes toanswer it.

GRANDMA(on phone)

Hello?...Steven, how are you?

Cut as necessary

INT. HOSPITAL

Steven is in scrubs. He looks very stressed out. Pat is ina bed behind him, clearly sedated.

STEVENIm good.

GRANDMAAnd how is she?

STEVENSedated. They are taking her infor surgery soon.

GRANDMAWe are all praying for her.

STEVENHow is he?

GRANDMAHe wishes you were here.

STEVENCan I talk to him?

GRANDMASure one minute.

(to Christopher)Its for you.

She hands Christopher the phone. As soon as Steven hearshis voice he almost breaks down.

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CHRISTOPHERHello?

STEVENHey son, happy birthday.

CHRISTOPHERDad!

The other kids get excited, Aimee and Curtis ask to talk tohim.

STEVENHows your birthday?

CHRISTOPHERWhen am I going to see you?

STEVENSoon bud. Soon. I heard Grandmabought you a cake.

CHRISTOPHERIs Mom there?

STEVENShes sleeping.

CHRISTOPHERAre you two getting a divorce?

STEVENWhy would you ask that?

CHRISTOPHERBecause Coreys Mom and Dad didand now he never talks to hisDad.

STEVENWe love you guys too much to dothat. I could never not talk tomy Chrissybear. Tell me aboutyour cake.

CHRISTOPHER(starting to cry)

Dad, I wanna come home.

Just then a doctor enters the room.

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DOCTOR(to Steven)

We are taking her in now.

Steven shakes his head.

STEVEN(to phone)

Listen Christopher I got to gonow.

CHRISTOPHERBut Dad-

STEVENI love you and you take care ofyour brothers and sister.

CHRISTOPHERDad-

STEVENHappy birthday.

Steven hangs up the phone. He rests his head against thewall and starts to cry. A nurse enters the room. She putsher hand on his back.

NURSECome with me, Mr.McFarlane.

INT. KITCHEN

Christopher is still yelling into the phone.

CHRISTOPHERDad? Dad?

Grandma comes over and grabs the phone. She hangs it up.

GRANDMACome here.

CHRISTOPHERNo!

GRANDMAChristopher, dont yell at me.

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CHRISTOPHERI dont have to listen to you,youre not my mom!

Christopher turns and runs down to his bedroom. Grandma is

standing their speechless.

CUT TO:

A montage of images and sound bites from pop culture playfocusing on the word Cancer. As they play they becomemore rapid and chaotic causing tension that is brought onby the intensity of the word.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL - DAY

October 1997

Christopher, now 13 is sitting in a classroom full ofstudents. There is a teacher in the front of the classreading off the attendance.

MS.BEARDSMOREChristopher McFarlane?

Christopher raises his hand.

MS.BEARDSMORE

Welcome to our classroom, Chris.

CHRISTOPHERIts Christopher.

MS.BEARDSMOREOkay. Where did you move from?

CHRISTOPHERVictoria.

MS.BEARDSMOREBeautiful out there. Class pleasewelcome Chris McFarlane.

Christopher winces hearing the name Chris and fakes asmile to the class.

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EXT. SCHOOL YARD - AFTERNOON

Christopher is unlocking his bicycle from the bike rack.Suddenly two other kids come up to him, Reese and Ryan.Ryan is clearly the enforcer but Reese is the tease.

REESEHey Piss.

CHRISTOPHERHi Reese.

REESEHows it going, Piss?

CHRISTOPHERIts Christopher.

REESENo its not, its Piss.

Christopher unlocks his bike and turns his back to them.

REESEWhoa! Are you not listening tome?

CHRISTOPHERI have to go.

REESE

No you dont. Ryan, show Piss hedoesnt have to leave.

Ryan pushes Christophers bike over and grabs him by thebackpack.

CHRISTOPHERHey!

REESEWe just want to talk.

CHRISTOPHERI got to get home!

REESEWhy your Mommy needs you?

Upon hearing about his Mom, Christophers expressionchanges from fear to anger.

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CHRISTOPHERLeave my Mom out of this!

REESENow hes getting feisty!

CHRISTOPHERShut up!

RYANNo one tells Reese to shut up.

REESENow now Ryan, thats not true.Some have, but they shouldnt.Wanna know why, Piss?

CHRISTOPHER

Why?

REESEShow em, Ryan.

Ryan takes Christopher by the shirt collar and punches himin the gut. He collapses on the ground. Reese and Ryanlaugh, then take his bike and ride off.

INT. PRINCIPALS OFFICE - LATER

Christopher is sitting in the chair, clearly abused from

earlier. The principal is sitting at his desk, thinking.

PRINCIPALChristopher, I know how hard amove like this can be.

Christopher doesnt say anything.

PRINCIPALBut you shouldnt pick fightswith people like Reese Thompson.

Christopher is clearly angry at the statement but refusesto say anything.

PRINCIPALWhat did he do or say thatenticed you to engage in suchviolent behavior

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CHRISTOPHERMy mom.

The principal realizes the subject matter and pauses aminute before proceeding.

PRINCIPALI see. Regardless Christopher,fighting is never thealternative.

Christopher says nothing. The Principal stands up andwalks around to the other side of the desk. He kneels downnext to Christopher.

PRINCIPALListen buddy, I know it must behard to see your mom like this.

But there are people you can talkto here.

Christopher just looks at him.

PRINCIPALI never personally lost a parentto Cancer, but we all have dealtwith loss before. So if you needto, please just come in and chatwith me.

Christopher doesnt flinch.

PRINCIPALMy door is always open to you.

Pause

PRINCIPALAre we good?

Pause

PRINCIPALChristopher?

Pause

CHRISTOPHERCan I go?

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The principal gets up and opens the door. Christopher getsup and walks out, as he passes the principal he rubs thetop of Christophers head.

Christopher walks away and fixes his hair.

CUT TO:

As the narration below follows, we see a variety of imagesof the family in various situations. All of them arerepresentative of his family adapting to the new situation.

- Christopher bringing dinner to Pat in bed

- Pat playing with scarves with Aimee, practicing ways towear them over her balding head

- Pat in a wheelchair as they are grocery shopping

- Daniel driving cars on bed with Pat as she is gettingmedication injected into her

- Steven sorting pills on the kitchen table as Pat pacesback and forth in pain

CHRISTOPHER (V.O.)When you first face cancer itsjust a word. It has meaning butnothing more then what thedictionary defines it as. Itisnt long before the disease,

the infectious tumour, takes overyour life. Its hard not toconstantly be reminded when yourMom is dying. All you startseeing and hearing is cancer,cancer, cancer. No one knowsthat their words are really justanother form of reminder. Itsalmost impossible to forget.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - DAY

September 1998

Pat is lying in bed, she is reading a book and has a scarfon her head. Christopher (14) comes running into the roomexcited.

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CHRISTOPHERMom! Mom! Mom!

PATWhat? What? What?

CHRISTOPHERI got it!

PATThe play? Thats great!

CHRISTOPHERIm going to play Toms Dad!

PATNice!

CHRISTOPHERI got sixteen lines.

PATCongrats! Im very proud of you.

CHRISTOPHERWill you help me practice?

PATOf course.

CHRISTOPHER

Can we practice now?

PATSure, do your best Mr.Welles!

CHRISTOPHERWho?

PATOrson Welles. Hes a famousactor, trust me, youll be morefamous.

CHRISTOPHERWhy do you say that?

PATChristopher, never stop believingin yourself. If theres one thingyou remember, its that.

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CHRISTOPHERBut -

PATLets practice, Ill read Tom.

(reading, in a mansvoice)Dad, I need to talk to you.

CHRISTOPHERYes, Son.

FADE OUT.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Christopher is running around getting his costume on for

the play. His brothers and sister are all in their coatsready to go. Steven enters the room.

STEVENSlow down, we will get there ontime.

CHRISTOPHERWe cant be late Dad! This is mybig break.

STEVENIm sure we will make it.

CHRISTOPHERWe have to be there early forwarm up.

STEVENI know. Go get in the car. Imgoing to see if your Mothersready.

Steven hands the kids the car keys and Christopher runs outthe door first. The other four kids head out after him.Steven turns to the hallway.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Pats bed is empty when Steven walks in the room. He looksaround.

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STEVENPat?

PAT (O.S.)(in pain)

Steven.

Steven runs to the washroom attached to the room.

INT. PATS BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

Pat is sitting next to the bathtub on the ground. She iswearing a beautiful dress and a matching scarf on herbalding head. She is crying.

Steven sees her and runs to sit down beside her.

STEVENWhat happened? Are you okay?

PATIt hurts so much.

STEVENWhere? Tell me.

Pat holds her side.

STEVENCan you get up?

Steven goes to help her and she falls over in pain.

STEVENWait here, we will get anambulance.

Steven gets up to go.

PATSteven! Christophers play.

STEVENYoure in pain.

PATYou have to go.

STEVENIm not leaving you here.

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PAT(in pain)

Call Sherry.

STEVEN

But?

PATHes my baby boy.

Steven looks at her as a tear runs down her face. He runsout of the room. Pat buckles over in pain.

EXT. HOUSE - LATER

There is an ambulance out front of the house. All thechildren are in the car staring nervously at it. Sherry

drives up, slams on the breaks and runs up to Steven whosestanding at the door waiting for her.

SHERRYIs she okay?

STEVENYes, they just got here.

SHERRYWhat do you need me to do?

STEVEN

She wants you to stay with her.

SHERRYBut-

STEVENIts Christophers play night.

SHERRYLet me take them to it. You gowith her.

Just then Pat emerges from the door with the Paramedicslifting her up by the arms. She is barely walking out.

PATNo. He needs one of us there.

SHERRYPat -

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PATSherry, come with me. Please.

SHERRYOf course.

They walk Pat to the ambulance. She stumbles slightly.

PARAMEDICPat, we can get you a wheelchair.

PATYou see those five faces there?

Pat is looking at the kids in the car who are clearly infear for their mom.

PAT

They need to know their mom isokay. They dont deserve to thinkanything else.

PARAMEDICPat right now dignity shouldntbe a concern.

PATIts not dignity. Do you knowwhat its like to be weak? Tohave your five year old worriedhe might hurt you if he hugs you?

The paramedics look at her.

PATLets go.

Pat struggles to stand up. They practically are carryingher to the ambulance.

Christopher sees what is happening and opens the car door.

CHRISTOPHERMom!

PATHoney, Im going to try to bethere tonight. Remember tobelieve in yourself.

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CHRISTOPHERAre you okay?

PATPractice your lines.

CHRISTOPHERMom?

PAT(reciting)

Dad, I need to talk to you.

Christopher pauses. He is holding back tears.

PATDad, I need to talk to you.

CHRISTOPHER(crying)

Yes, Son.

The doors on the ambulance close. Christopher isheartbroken.

The ambulance drives away. In silence, Steven ushersChristopher back into the car and they drive off.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Pat is lying on the bed she is asleep. The door opens andin walks Steven in full scrubs, rubber gloves and a facemask.

Pat wakes up and smiles.

STEVENAre you ready for some visitors?

Pat shakes her head yes.

The kids all enter the room in the same hospital gear asSteven, including the protective masks. They all comerunning in and run to Pats side.

CURTISCan we hug you?

PATOf course you can.

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The all give her a hug but Daniel is hiding back by Steven.

PATDanny, what are you doing?

He ducks his head behind Dads leg.

STEVENIts Mommy, go give her a hug.

Daniel shakes his head. Pat realizes how scared he must be.She holds back tears.

PATDanny, close your eyes.

DANIELWhy?

PATJust trust me.

Daniel closes his eyes.

PATAimee, pass me my scarf there.

Aimee hands Pat a scarf and she puts over her bald head.

PATOkay, open them.

Daniel opens his eyes and Pat is smiling at him. Daniellooks suspiciously at her.

Craig, now 8 walks up to Daniel, he grabs his hand.

CRAIGCome on. Its okay.

He walks over with Daniel who visibly is scared. Pat isholding out her arms for her baby boy.

CRAIG(to Pat)

Can we go on the bed?

PATOf course.

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Craig jumps up to the bed. Daniel steps back but thenCurtis lifts him on the bed.

DANIELDoes it hurt?

PATNot when youre here.

Daniel looks at Pat and without warning begins to cry. Patgrabs him in her arms.

PATOh baby, whats wrong?

DANIELIm scared.

PATI know.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Pat is lying in bed, she is reading a book. Steven is on achair next to the bed, he is flipping through the channelson the TV. There is a knock at the door and a female doctorcomes walking in.

DOCTORPat I have your test results.

Pat puts her bookmark in her book and looks at the doctor.Steven turns off the TV.

DOCTORUnfortunately, I am not herebearing good news.

PATDr. Theissen, I had to take anambulance from my own home. Ithink we both know things arentgreat.

DOCTORIt seems that the cancer hasspread.

Pat takes a deep breath. Steven stands up.

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STEVENYou said that you guys removed itall last time?!

DOCTOR

We thought we did. And its morethen likely we removed thatentire tumour. However-

STEVENNo! No! Not however! My wife, themother of my children, she hassuffered for the last three yearswith the surgery and the chemo.

PAT(to Doctor)

What about the chemo?

DOCTORAs aggressive as we thought thechemotherapy was it didntaccomplish as much as we hoped.

STEVENDid you not see what she has gonethrough? The chemotherapy wasntaggressive enough? It almostkilled her.

DOCTOR

Mr. McFarlane, I understand youranger but-

STEVENHow can you understand? Yourenot handing your partner a deathsentence.

PATNo one said anything about death.

DOCTORUnfortunately, if we dont do thesurgery then its quite possible.

STEVENAnd if we do the surgery?

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DOCTORWe dont know. Again, it couldcome back.

PAT

How long would I have if I didntdo the surgery?

DOCTORIts hard to tell. A month, ayear. I dont know. But if we dothe surgery, we can start up thechemotherapy right away and thenreaddress.

PATNo, I cant do that.

STEVENBut-

DOCTORPat this isnt the end, we canfight this as a team.

PATThats what were going to do. Iwant the surgery as soon aspossible, but Im not startingchemo right away.

DOCTORIts strongly recommended thatyou start immediately aftersurgery.

PATWith all do respect, if Ilistened to everything that youtold me I should be dead by now.My kids are afraid of me. Theydont want to touch me becausethey think they are going tobreak me. I need to give themmemories. I need them to knowtheir Mom is their Mom.

DOCTORI understand but-

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PATI will have the surgery. And thenafter my recovery, Im taking thekids to Disneyland.

DOCTORTravelling wouldnt be the bestidea-

PATI need your support. We need yoursupport. If you will not, I willfind another doctor. This isntabout me. Its not about thecancer. Its about my kids, myfive beautiful kids, who rightnow are in fear that theslightest bump will kill me. They

deserve more then a memory oftheir mom being carried to anambulance.

The Doctor takes a deep breath.

DOCTORWe will schedule the surgery forthe next couple days. We willremove as much as we can of theinfected areas. You will have tostay for observation for a week.And then I recommend two weeks of

bed rest.

PATAnd then?

DOCTORAnd then, I will prescribe you ahigh amount of pain relievers.You will fill the prescriptionand if you are down there, andyou get sick, you take them andget to the nearest hospitalimmediately.

PATDeal.

DOCTORI really wish you would considerthe chemotherapy, Pat.

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PATWhen I come back. I got to be aMom before a Cancer patient.

DOCTOR

Ill go book the OR.

The Doctor leaves.

STEVENWe dont need to do this. We cantake the kids to Disneyland someother time.

PATSteven, you and I both know...there may not be some other time.

STEVENDont say that.

Pat takes his hand.

STEVENI dont know what to do if I lostyou.

PATIts okay.

FADE OUT.

EXT. DISNEYLAND - DAY

As the narrator describes the trip we see the familyenjoying various aspects of the park. The entire trip Patis in a wheelchair and the kids take turns pushing her.They are all smiles.

CHRISTOPHER (V.O)Its weird. Memories of thattrip, and most of the years shewas sick, always were the same. Isaw Mom in the wheelchair, or inher bed, or in her comfy chairsmiling away. We never reallynoticed anything else.

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Cut to a scene where the kids are waiting in line on oneside of the ride and Pat is on the other by the handicapentrance.

CHRISTOPHER (V.O)

But she made sure we lived anormal life. Even in Disneyland,they have this special way forpeople in wheelchairs to jumplines to get on through the exit.Mom never let us do that. Shewould wait patiently for us inline. She wanted us to learn wewere equal to our peers.

Cut to a scene where the family is eating lunch. Pat grabsher side, but no one notices except Steven. He looks at herand she nods her head signalling she is fine. Steven then

hands her a bottle under the table. She struggles to openit and pour a handful of pills into her hand. The kidsnever notice.

CHRISTOPHER (V.O)The thing was there was nomemories of her in pain there. Itwas as if the magic had washedaway her cancer. Looking back onthe trip, despite her being in awheelchair none of us rememberedshe was dying.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Christopher is back from the trip to Disneyland. He istanner then his peers and is wearing a Disney shirt. He issitting in the classroom discussing the trip with hisfriends.

CHRISTOPHERAnd then we went down this oneride. It was so cool because youget splashed all over.

A teacher, Mr. Short walks up.

MR.SHORTChristopher, can I borrow you fora second?

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CHRISTOPHERSure.

Christopher gets up and Mr.Short walks over to the side ofthe classroom with him.

MR.SHORTHow was your trip?

CHRISTOPHERIt was amazing!

MR.SHORTAnd how is your Mom doing?

CHRISTOPHERFine.

MR.SHORTShe still able to get up and seeyou and all that.

CHRISTOPHERYeah.

MR.SHORTWell you know if you needanything, anyone to talk to, Imhere.

CHRISTOPHER

Okay?...Can I go back to my desknow?

MR.SHORTYes.

Christopher runs back to his desk and starts talking to hisfriends again.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Christopher is walking down the hallway with a friendchatting. Suddenly a teacher, Mrs. Beardsmore sees him.

MRS. BEARDSMOREChristopher!

Christopher and the friend stop.

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MRS. BEARDSMOREHows your mother doing?

CHRISTOPHERSame old, same old.

MRS. BEARDSMORETell her we are all thinking ofher.

CHRISTOPHERSure.

MRS. BEARDSMOREAnd remember my doors alwaysopen.

CHRISTOPHER

Yeah.

The school bell rings.

CHRISTOPHERWe gotta go.

Christopher and the friend runs off.

INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - LUNCH

Curtis is sitting at a table with a few guy friends.

Christopher comes walking up.

CURTISWhat do you want, nerdbrain?

CHRISTOPHERCan I talk to you?

CURTISPreferably not.

CHRISTOPHERCurtis!

Curtis looks at him. Throws down his sandwich and turns toface his brother.

CURTISWhat?

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CHRISTOPHERHave people been treating youdifferently since Moms surgery?

CURTIS

No.

CHRISTOPHERToday Mrs. Beardsmore andMr.Short both said I could talkto them anytime.

CURTISSo then why are you talking tome?

CHRISTOPHERStop being a dick.

CURTISListen,

(leaning in, speakingquieter)

Dad probably told them about thenew tumour. Its just what theydo.

CHRISTOPHERBut what do you say to them?

CURTIS

Just say thanks and then forgetabout it.

CHRISTOPHERBut I cant forget about it.

CURTISYou have to... now go away.

CHRISTOPHERBut-

CURTISDont make me beat you up.

Christopher realizes the brotherly conversation is over turnsto leave, but then stops and faces his brother.

CHRISTOPHERYoure such a jerk.

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Curtis turns back to his friends.

CURTISYep.

Christopher walks away.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

Pat is laying in bed. She is knitting and watching TV.Christopher comes to the door.

CHRISTOPHERMom.

PATHow was school?

CHRISTOPHERAll my teachers keep asking ifyou are okay?

PATAnd what do you tell them?

CHRISTOPHERI dont know. Are you okay?

PATDo I look okay?

CHRISTOPHERI think so.

PATThen Im okay.

CHRISTOPHERBut, I just dont understand whythey keep asking me it. It makesme feel awkward.

PATWell thats fair. Youve beendealing with this a lot longerthen they have.

CHRISTOPHERIts like they want me to sayyoure going to die.

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PATWhat?

CHRISTOPHERThey look at me like they want to

know how bad it is.

PATI see.

CHRISTOPHERHow bad is it?

Pat pauses for a moment. She puts down her knitting.

PATYou know what I always wanted todo? I always wanted to go on a

safari.

CHRISTOPHEROkay?

PATI always wanted to go on anAfrican Safari but I never gotaround to doing it.

CHRISTOPHERThat would be cool.

PATYoure right. And I think you couldmake a very cool safari.

PATYou see we cant go on a safariright now, because we just gotback from Disneyland. But I wouldlove if you made a safari in thehouse here.

CHRISTOPHERI dont understand.

PATWe will use the bed as a jeep andyou can tell me all the factsabout the animals. And use yourbrothers toys as the actualanimals.

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CHRISTOPHERI could do that.

PATPerfect. Go plan it out and

sometime this week we will go ona safari together.

CHRISTOPHER(sarcastically)

Youre special, Mom.

PATOf course I am, now go prepare.

Christopher gets up, slightly confused by his Moms requestand heads out of the room.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - NIGHT

Pat is lying in bed. Steven is getting undressed, takingoff his watch and such.

STEVENYou know he has spent the lastthree days working on thatsafari.

PATI wish he could put that much

effort into his school work.

STEVENThe kids got a passion.

PATNo denying that. Did you see yourother son has a passion fortaking apart old hot wheels?

STEVENI did... Well rather my foot did.

Steven lifts up his foot to show a cut.

STEVENYou have to make sure he doesthat outside.

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PATIts hard sometimes.

STEVENI know.

He leans over to kiss Pat. She winces in pain.

STEVENWhat happened? Did I hurt you?

PATNo, its just my side. Im sureits nothing.

STEVENIts not nothing. Maybe I shouldcall Dr.Theissen.

PATNo. Im seeing her next Monday.Its fine.

STEVENPat.

PATDont.

STEVENYou cant be doing this. Id

rather you comfortable in thehospital then in pain here.

PATWell I wouldnt. So drop it.

STEVENYou know, youre not the only onedealing with this Cancer.

PATYeah but Im the only one dyingfrom it.

STEVENNo one said you were dying.

PATJust dont try to tell me how todeal with it.

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STEVENI dont want to fight with you.

PATThen dont.

Pat rolls over in the bed. Steven crawls in and turns offthe light.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - MORNING

Pat is getting ready to go out. She is tying a scarf aroundher head. Steven is getting together a bag of hermedication.

Christopher comes into the room, he is clearly gettingready for school.

CHRISTOPHERMom, can we do the safaritonight?

PATI dont know honey. We will haveto see if Im up for it.

CHRISTOPHERBut you said that the last time.

PAT

Im very tired.

CHRISTOPHERYoure always tired. And yourealways going to be tired.

PATNow thats not true. I promiseyou, I will have the safari assoon as Im up for it. Right now,you need to finish getting readyfor school.

Christopher walks off.

STEVENYou are going to have to stopbrushing it off.

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PATDont forget my hand lotion.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - DAY

Pat is on the phone.

PAT(on the phone)

All right... When will you behome? ...Okay. Well dont belate... Love you too.

She hangs up the phone.

PAT(shouting)

Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)What?

PATCan you come here?

You hear the running of feet and Christopher comes into herroom.

PATThat was your sister on the

phone, she isnt going to make ithome till late.

CHRISTOPHERSo?

PATI need you to do the dishes forher tonight.

CHRISTOPHERNo!

PATExcuse me.

CHRISTOPHERNo. You always get me to do herchores, she never does them.

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PATThats not true. She will takeover one of your shifts nextweek.

CHRISTOPHERYeah right.

PATChristopher.

CHRISTOPHERAll I ever do here is the chores.

PAT(sarcastically)

Oh by all means, I forgot howmuch you did.

CHRISTOPHEROf course you did, because youhate me.

PATStop that.

CHRISTOPHERWhy because you know its true?Christopher do this, Christopherdo that. Im tired of being yourslave.

PATIm not going to argue with youover this. Please leave my room.

CHRISTOPHERFine. How about if I leave yourhouse!

PATExcuse me.

CHRISTOPHERThere you go Mom, have you fourhappy children.

Christopher storms out of the room.

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INT. CHRISTOPHERS ROOM - SHORTLY AFTER

Christopher is packing up a backpack of stuff. He is takingthings like his books, Gameboy and CD player.

There is a knock on the door.

CHRISTOPHERWhat?

PATCan I come in?

CHRISTOPHERWhatever.

Pat enters the room and watches him as he packs.

PATSo youre going to run away?

CHRISTOPHERYes.

PATThats really unfortunate.

CHRISTOPHERNow youll have to get anotherkid to do everything.

Pat watches as he packs his CD player in the bag.

PATYou know I bought you that.

CHRISTOPHERSo?

PATTechnically its mine, so youshouldnt take it.

Christopher pauses. He pulls the CD player out.

CHRISTOPHERFine.

He then grabs a set of books.

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CHRISTOPHERAnd what about these?

PATI dont know anyone else who

reads science fiction so you cantake them.

CHRISTOPHERThanks.

PATBesides you might have to sellthem for food eventually.

Christopher looks at her confused.

PAT

You didnt think it be all thateasy out there? What are youtaking? Some books, t-shirts anda pillow? On the street youregoing to have to sell half thatstuff just to buy breakfast.

CHRISTOPHERIll survive.

PATYou are stubborn enough.

Christopher zips up the bag.

PATDone?

CHRISTOPHERYeah.

PATOkay come on.

Pat walks out the door. Christopher looks at her.

PATDont just stand there. Lets go.

Christopher follows behind Pat.

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EXT. DRIVEWAY - NIGHT

Pat walks to the car in the driveway. Christopher followsbehind with the backpack, slightly confused.

Pat unlocks his door and opens it for him.

PATGet in.

CHRISTOPHERBut-

PATJust get in.

Christopher climbs into the car and Pat closes the doorbehind him. She walks around to the drivers side and they

drive off.

INT. CAR - NIGHT - SLIGHTLY LATER

Pat and Christopher are sitting in the car. It is silent.Christopher is still confused.

CHRISTOPHERWhere are we going?

PATAre you sure you want to run

away?

CHRISTOPHERYes.

PATThen just bare with me.

The two drive in silence for a little while.

Pat turns into a parking lot and drives up to a policestation. She stops the car.

PATGet out.

CHRISTOPHERWhy?

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PATIf you runaway, then one dayyoull end up here. Either in abody bag or in handcuffs. And Idont want it to be the former.

So Im dropping you off heremyself.

Christopher just looks at her.

PATI love you more then anythingelse in the world and I couldntimagine losing you.

CHRISTOPHERYeah right.

PATIts not easy.

CHRISTOPHERThen why do you make me do allthe chores?

PATI know I can rely on you to do agood job.

Christopher just looks at her.

PATIm sorry that I cant be aroundmore to help you guys. But trustme you five are the mostimportant things in my life.

There is a slight pause.

CHRISTOPHERWhy dont you want to go on mysafari?

PATSorry?

CHRISTOPHERMy safari. Every time I ask to doit, you just tell me maybe later.

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PATNo I dont.

CHRISTOPHERIts like you dont want me

around.

PATThats not it.

Pat pauses for a moment she looks at Christopher then turnsto face the steering wheel.

PATI always wanted to go on a Safaribefore I died. And until recentlyI thought I might have thechance, but I know its not true

now. And Im scared.

CHRISTOPHERWhy?

PATIf I go on your safari, its likeadmitting Im never going to goon a real one.

Pat looks at Christopher.

PAT

But you know what? I know thatone day youre going to be on areal safari, and I will be rightthere with you... I will alwaysbe with you.

Christopher is looking at his mother, and then turns away tocontemplate the gravity of the statement.

CHRISTOPHERMom?

PATYes.

CHRISTOPHER(looking at her again)

Is it okay if I dont run away?

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PATLets go home.

Pat starts the car up and drives away.

FADE OUT.

INT. DOOR TO PATS BEDROOM - DAY

October 1999

Curtis, now 17, and Aimee, 14, are pressed against the doorof Pats bedroom. They are straining to listen.

Christopher, now 15, walks by.

CHRISTOPHER

What are you guys doing?

AIMEEShhh.

CURTISMom and Dad just got back fromthe Doctors.

CHRISTOPHERIts Tuesday. She has anappointment every Tuesday.

CURTISYeah but this time they wentstraight into her bedroom andclosed the door.

AIMEEIts awfully quiet.

CHRISTOPHERWhy dont we just knock?

Christopher goes to knock on the door. Curtis grabs hishand.

CURTISAre you kidding?

CHRISTOPHERYou want to know whats going on?

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AIMEEWhat if its a surprise?

CHRISTOPHERI know! Get the baby brothers to

go in and ask.

CURTISThats actually not a bad idea.

Curtis runs into the living room. He comes back with Craig,9, and Daniel, 7.

CURTISAlright, so when we say the wordyou knock on the door. And whenMom and Dad answer you ask themwhats going on. Got it?

CRAIGYes sir.

AIMEEDaniel you should knock.

Daniel walks up to the door ready to knock. Just then itopens and Steven is standing over the kids.

STEVENYou know we can hear everything.

The kids look at them.

AIMEEIt was Christophers idea.

CHRISTOPHERAimee!

CRAIGWhats going on?

CURTISNot now Craig.

CRAIGOh, sorry.

PATCome here I want to show you guyssomething.

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The kids enter Pats bedroom.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

AIMEEWhat?

Craig and Daniel climb on the bed as Curtis, Aimee andChristopher crowd around. Pat lifts up her shirt slightlyand reveals a green Christmas tree on her stomach completewith a yellow star.

CHRISTOPHERIs that a tattoo?

PATYou betcha.

The kids are all shocked.

CURTISWhy did you get a tattoo?!

PATWhy not?

CHRISTOPHERIts a Christmas tree!

PAT

My favorite time of the year.

AIMEEBut its a Christmas tree.

PATYou guys seem more upset thenshocked.

CURTISWell I just didnt think my Momwould go get a tattoo... of atree.

CHRISTOPHERIts kind of ... not smart.

PATWell arent you guys the familyof judgement.

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CRAIGI think its cool.

DANIELMe too.

CRAIGCopy cat.

DANIELI like it.

PATThank you.

CHRISTOPHERIs it for real?

PATWhat do you think?

CURTISKnowing you it would be.

PATNo, its not real. I got thenurse to draw it on.

CRAIGYou tricked us!

PATI mislead you. I just wanted tosee what it be like to have atattoo.

CURTISDid you ever want one?

Aimee at this point is looking down fighting back tears.

PATOnce. I thought about it.

CHRISTOPHERWhat about you, Dad?

STEVENOh no. Im a chicken.

Pat notices Aimee.

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PATWhats the matter?

Aimee looks Pat straight in the eye.

AIMEEMom... Are you going to die?

Everyone is shocked by the question.

PATWhat makes you think that?

AIMEEYou and Dad came home from thedoctors and closed the door toyour room.

Pat looks at Steve.

PATYes Aimee. Im going to die.

The atmosphere in the room changes.

PATThe doctor told me today thatunfortunately there are two moretumors. One on my lungs and oneon my stomach.

CHRISTOPHERBut you can get them removed likethe others?

PATAt this point, they will nolonger perform any moresurgeries.

CURTISHow long do you have?

PATWe dont know. But Im going tofight until my last breath foryou guys.

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STEVENYour Mom and I want you all toknow that we will always be herefor you.

CHRISTOPHERI dont want you to die.

PAT(starting to cry)

Sometimes we cant get what wewant. Just remember I love youall, so much.

Craig starts crying. Pat takes him in her arms. Danielcurls up beside the other arm.

PAT

(gesturing to the otherthree)

Come here.

Curtis, Aimee and Christopher climb in the bed. Steven goesaround to the other side and sits down beside Daniel.

PATI want you guys to know, thatwhatever happens in your life,your father and I will love andsupport you.

STEVENUnconditionally.

CHRISTOPHERBut what if we are bad?

PATDoesnt matter. Ive probablybeen there before.

Pat starts telling the kids about her past.

CHRISTOPHER (V.O)That night we stayed up as afamily hearing the stories of ourparents youth. We gained theadvice and knowledge that comesover the course of ten, twenty,thirty years.

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72/103

It was more a relief for her thenit was for us to hear it.

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

11:00pm December 31, 1999

Christopher comes running in the door of the house andthrows his shoes off.

Pat is sitting on a big chair in the living room, Curtis ison the couch flipping through channels.

CHRISTOPHERIm home! Im home.

CURTIS

Damn! I thought it was going tobe a good new year.

Christopher kisses Pat on the cheek.

CHRISTOPHERYou know I am missing a prettyawesome party for this.

PATThere will be more.

CURTIS

Not if the world ends with Y2K.

CHRISTOPHER(to Pat)

What do you care, it cant getworse then cancer?

PATYou know you kids have developedthe blackest humour ever.

CURTISIts a coping mechanism.

PATI dont know if Y2K is just somebig fear or if its real, I justwant to spend the new year withmy family. Is that too much toask?

71.

CHRISTOPHER (V.O) (cont'd)


73/103

CURTIS & CHRISTOPHERYes!

PATYour father is outside trying to

start the fire pit, can one ofyou go make sure he doesnt burnoff his eyebrows.

CURTISFine.

Curtis leaves.

PATConsider it repayment for theseventeen years I raised you.

CHRISTOPHERYou know Laura was having anamazing party tonight.

PATI can promise you there will betones of other parties, but noneas good as this one.

CHRISTOPHERRight.

Just then Pat winces in pain.

CHRISTOPHERMom! Are you okay?

PAT(clearly in pain)

Im fine.

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Christopherlooks at her.

CHRISTOPHERWhat do you want? Methadone?Morphine?

PATJust give me a minute.

Christopher walks up to her and she puts out her hand forhim. He holds it and she squeezes it in pain.

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After a few seconds she seems okay.

PATDont tell your father.

CHRISTOPHERWe dont have to go out there tocelebrate the end of the world.

PATYeah we do. Your father hasfireworks.

CHRISTOPHEROh dear.

Christopher helps Pat up and they walk towards the backyardslowly.

INT. PATS BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

February 2000

Pat is sleeping on her bed.

SFX door slamming.

CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)Mom!

Pat stirs. Christopher enters her room.

CHRISTOPHERMom!

PATIm here.

CHRISTOPHERI was worried sick.

PATIm fine.

CHRISTOPHERYou missed my debate.

PATWas that today?

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CHRISTOPHEROf course it was today. I toldyou this morning.

PAT

Im so sorry, honey.

CHRISTOPHEREvery time you forget.

PATI honestly wanted to go today.

CHRISTOPHERYou say that all the time but allyou ever do now is sleep.

PAT

Because I cant do anything else!Im sick.

CHRISTOPHERYouve been sick for four years.

PATI know its been hard on youkids, on all of us, but we allneed to make sacrifices.

CHRISTOPHERBullshit!

PATWatch your mouth mister!

CHRISTOPHEROr what? Youll forget to punishme?

PATThats uncalled for.

CHRISTOPHERI dont care anymore. I dont!Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!

PATThats it get out of my room.

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CHRISTOPHERNo.

PATYou are being rude and obnoxious.

CHRISTOPHERSo what.

PATLeave now.

CHRISTOPHERAre you gonna make me?

PATChristopher, I dont have theenergy to fight with you. Leave

my room now.

Christopher looks at his mother who is clearly exhausted bythe argument.

In an attempt to win the argument Christopher slams himselfdown on Pats bed as he says the next line.

CHRISTOPHERNo!

As he does so, the bed breaks in half and Pat andChristopher fall to the floor.

PATOh my god!

Christopher jumps up. He sees Pat in the bed, barely ableto move. The bed is splintered. Curtis comes running intothe door way.

CURTISWhat happened?

Christopher is in shock.

CHRISTOPHERIm so sorry.

Pat is now crying. Curtis pushes past Christopher to helpPat up.

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CURTISJust go, you jerk.

Christopher runs out of the room.

INT. CHRISTOPHERS ROOM - LATER

Christopher is sitting on the ground by the bed. His armsare around his legs and he has clearly been crying.

SFX Knock on the Door.

CHRISTOPHERWho is it?

STEVENYour father.

CHRISTOPHERGo away.

Steven opens the door and walks in.

STEVENIts not going to be that easy.

CHRISTOPHERAre you here to punish me?

STEVEN

You do deserve to be punished forwhat you did.

CHRISTOPHERI didnt mean to.

STEVENI know... and your mother knows.

CHRISTOPHERI broke her bed, Dad.

STEVENThat was pretty stupid.

CHRISTOPHERI just dont want her to be sickanymore.

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STEVENUnfortunately thats what we aremeant to deal with.

CHRISTOPHER

How long is this going to go onfor?

STEVENThere are some people who aretold they have years to live anddie the next day, and there areothers who are told they aregoing to die the next day andlive for years. We never know.

CHRISTOPHERDoes she hate me?

STEVENShe would never hate you. Nomatter what you did.

CHRISTOPHERThey will though.

STEVENThey wont forget it, but theyare your family and they willlove you forever.

CHRISTOPHERWhy is it so hard?

STEVENJust stop asking questions andlet life happen.

Christopher takes a deep breath.

STEVENYoure a good kid. Dont forgetthat.

Steven gets up and walks out the door.

Christopher reaches over and grabs a picture of him withhis mom. He looks at it and starts crying again.

77.


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May 22nd, 2000

Pat is in bed dressed up with a beautiful scarf. Steven is

going around getting the last minute touches on his outfit.

PATYou have to tell me where you aretaking me?

STEVENNo I dont.

PATWhat if I get there and theresnothing I can eat?

STEVENSince when has that stopped you?

PATIts not fair to treat me likethis.

STEVENPat, the idea I have tonight forour date will be perfect for you.

PATI dont like it.

Daniel, who is now 7 knocks at the door to the room.

PATMaybe my baby boy Daniel can tellme.

DANIELMommy Im not allowed.

PATNot allowed what?

DANIELTo tell you about your -

Aimee bursts around the corner.

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AIMEEThats ruining the surprise andcheating.

PAT

I just want to be prepared.

AIMEEYou shouldnt cheat.

PATYou kids are too well behaved.

STEVENRarely... Are you ready to go?

PATWhere are we going?

Steven wheels around her wheelchair which Pat climbs into.

STEVENYou will see. First we need tostop at my work.

PATIs the surprise there?

STEVENNope.

Steven wheels Pat out.

EXT. A BANQUET HALL - NIGHT

Pat is in the wheelchair and Steven is wheeling her up.

PATSo first your work and then a oldHall.

STEVENI know how to treat a woman.

PATSuspiciously it was also enoughtime for my kids to drive here tosurprise me.

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STEVENYou should just let life happen.

PATI cant Im dying.

STEVENReally? Since when.

Steven opens the door. And pushes Pat inside.

INT. BANQUET HALL - CONTINUOUS

There are flocks of people around, all of Pats family andfriends plus her kids up front with smiles on.

GUESTS

Surprise!

Pat lights up with smiles.

PATOh my. All of you are amazing.

STEVENI know your birthday isnt for amonth but all of us wanted toshow you how happy we are to haveyou with us.

PATThank you.

They kiss.

Aimee and Christopher walk up with a big card and gift.

AIMEEHappy fortieth birthday Mom.

CHRISTOPHERThis is from all of us.

PATThank you. You guys are amazing.

STEVENTell you what, Im going to letyou mingle and Im going to getsome food.

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PATDone.

People from the crowd start chatting with Pat. Steven runsoff but instead of going to get food, he goes on stage.

STEVEN(on microphone)

Ladies and Gentlemen. Can I haveyour attention.

Pat turns to the stage. Christopher pushes her to thecenter of the dance floor where everyone clears out.

STEVENTonight is a special night for mywife of eighteen years, its herfortieth birthday.

The crowd claps.

STEVEN(to Pat)

Pat, we have a lot of things instore for you today. So we wantedto start right into it.

(to crowd)You see growing up as a teenagerPat loved the band Bay CityRollers, so much she wanted aplaid wedding dress.

The crowd laughs

STEVENI tried to book them for tonight,but sadly they were unavailable.But I do have the next bestthing, the Bay City Rolls.

Suddenly the Song Saturday Night starts playing and outruns 3 middle aged men in track pants and white ts-hirts.

They join Steven on stage who is stripping off his dresspants and shirt to reveal track pants and a white t-shirtas well.

They beginning doing a very awkward dance and the audienceis cheering. Pat is laughing so hard. Her kids are coveringtheir eyes and being all grossed out.

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At a pivotal moment in the song the crowd is going wild andthe quartet smiles at Pat.

STEVENThis is for you baby.

All four men then simultaneously rip off the track pantsrevealing their plaid boxers underneath. Pat breaks outlaughing.

The guys run up and all give her a big kiss and hug.

EXT. FAMILY HOUSE - NIGHT

Everyone is laughing and joking about the party earlier.Steven is pushing Pat in her wheelchair.

PAT(to Steven)

Do you mind taking them in? Iwant to talk to Christopher.

STEVEN(to kids)

Alright guys lets go inside andget ready for bed.

CRAIGI dont wanna.

STEVENI dont care.

PATChristopher can you stay to pushme in.

CURTISAre you sure you dont want metoo?

PATNo, Christopher can do it.

CURTIS(to Christopher)

Dont break her.

All the kids and Steven enter the house.

82.


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PATYour speech tonight wasbeautiful.

CHRISTOPHER

It was okay.

PATNever do that. Take a complimentwhen you are given one.

CHRISTOPHER(reluctantly)

Thanks Mom.

PATRemember that despite everythingthat ever happened, and

everything that will I willalways be proud to call you myson.

CHRISTOPHERI just still feel bad about thewhole bed thing.

PATYou have every right to regretthat, but you have no right todwell on it.

CHRISTOPHERBut-

PATEver since that night I have seenmy baby boy who always smiled andlaughed change. Dont change. Beyou.

CHRISTOPHERI broke your bed.

PATBut you didnt break my heart.

Christopher gives her a big hug.

PATNow, lets get inside Im cold.

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Christopher starts pushing her wheelchair.

CHRISTOPHERIt was a good speech wasnt it.

PATI said take a compliment, notbrag.


August 2000

Pats bed is a mess. Steven clearly was not sleeping in itthat night.

We hear Pat throwing up in the bathroom attached to the

room.

Curtis and Christopher come running in the room.

CURTISMom, are you okay?

They push the door open to the bathroom and see Patcrumbled on the floor in pain.

PATCall a doctor.

She leans over and throws up again.

CHRISTOPHERWhats the matter mom?

PATI dont know. Just call.

Aimee, Daniel and Craig emerge in the door of the room.

AIMEEWhats happening?

CRAIGIs Mom okay?

CURTISAimee. Take the boys into thefamily room and put on a movie.Real loud.

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AIMEECome on boys.

Aimee drags the boys out. They are looking into the roomcuriously.

DANIELBut -

AIMEEIts okay, we are going to gowatch The Lion King.

CURTISChristopher, 911, get anambulance here quick.

Pat lets out a scream of pain.

Christopher jumps over the bed to the phone.

Curtis goes to help Pat.

DISPATCHER(on phone)

Hello, 9-1-1 please state youremergency.

CHRISTOPHERMy Mom is sick.

DISPATCHEROkay. Is your Dad or anotherparent around?

CHRISTOPHERNo. My Dads out of town. We needan ambulance here.

DISPATCHERHow is she sick?

CHRISTOPHERShe has cancer. Terminal, Lungand stomach and needs anambulance now. She is throwing upin a lot of pain.

DISPATCHEROkay, what is your name?

85.


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CHRISTOPHERChristopher McFarlane.

PATHurry up. OW!

CHRISTOPHERYou need to hurry up. She is inpain.

DISPATCHERI understand Christopher. Is yourmother on any medication?

CHRISTOPHERYes, methadone for pain &Dolasetron for nausea. She hadher most recent chemo treatment

on August 4th.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

The ambulance has its lights on. A stretcher comes out ofthe house with Pat on it. Her kids follow close behind.

CURTISI called Grandma she is on herway.

Pat smiles through her pain. Daniel looks scared.

PAT(To Daniel)

It will be okay. Dont worry.

She gets lifted into the ambulance and the kids watch as itdrives away. They all are scared but arent crying.

INT. SCHOOL - DAY

Christopher is at his locker in school. He is putting hisbooks away.

A female friend, Pam, comes running up to him.

PAMDid you hear Randi has a crush onMike?

86.


88/103

CHRISTOPHERThats random gossip.

PAMIts the truth.

Christopher closes his locker. They start walking through thehall.

PAMHows your mom doing?

CHRISTOPHERAlways my favorite topic.

PAMWe dont have to talk about it ifyou dont want.

CHRISTOPHERNo, its fine. Shes fine. Werefine.

PAMThree fines. Clearly not fine.

Christopher looks around the hall to see whose around.

CHRISTOPHERYou want the truth? It sucks. Momis worse then before. Sure she is

home now, but she just sleeps allday.

PAMIs she in pain?

CHRISTOPHEROf course.

PAMSorry, I shouldnt have asked.

Christopher looks around. He is holding back tears.

CHRISTOPHERI dont want her to die, Pam.

PAMShe wont.

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He starts crying.

CHRISTOPHERYes she will. She is so closealready. We knew it would come

but its getting closer andcloser.

People notice what is going on. Pam notices them staring.

PAMCome with me. We need to get outof here.

CHRISTOPHERBut I cant I got class.

PAM

Screw it. This needs to happen.

Pam leads Christopher out of school.

EXT. FIELD - LATER

Christopher is sitting in the field. He has a pile of grasshe has been picking at. Pam is sitting across from him.

CHRISTOPHERIm sixteen and my mom is goingto die before I graduate. Is it

wrong that I want it to all beover?

PAMNo, its been a long time.

CHRISTOPHERFive years. Five years of chemoand ambulances and sick nights. Iwant to just be a normal familyagain. But I feel so bad forsaying that.

PAMI dont know what to say.

CHRISTOPHERI just wish that I could go back.I wish I could not know whatcancer is.

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PAMBut would you want that.

CHRISTOPHERYeah, I would.

PAMWithout cancer, you and yoursiblings wouldnt be so close.And you wouldnt know all thatstuff about your mom and dad.

CHRISTOPHERThats not true.

PAMMy Mom could die tomorrowcrossing the street, and I dont

even know if she loves my Dad.

CHRISTOPHERIts just hard. Hard to seepositive in life when the lastfive years has been negative.

PAMLife isnt meant to be easy.

CHRISTOPHERI just wish I could be a teenageragain.

PAMYou are a teenager, yourecutting class.

CHRISTOPHERTo cry about my dying mother.

PAMIts still cutting class.

CHRISTOPHERCan we just sit here for a bit?

PAMTotally, I got a test in the nextperiod.

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Oct 21, 2000

Pat is sitting on the edge of her bed. She is rocking back

and forth. She is clearly in pain.

There is at least thirty seconds to a minute of her inpain, nothing else but this image.

SFX Door Closing.

Steven comes walking in. He is in work clothes.

STEVENOh my what a day at wor- are youokay?

PATI cant do it anymore.

STEVENWhat do you mean?

Pat looks at him, she has fear and pain in her eyes.

STEVENShould I call an ambulance.

PATI need to walk out of here. They

need to see me walk out of here.

STEVENYou dont have to do this. We canstay here and let it happen.

Pat starts crying while she talks.

PATNo, this house is their safehaven. Promise me they will onlyhave positive memories of me.

Steven sits beside her and hugs her.

STEVENI promise.

PATI love you so much.

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STEVENI know.

The sit there hugging for a moment. After what seemsforever. Steven looks at her.

STEVENI will be beside you until yourlast moment.

PATTake me to the hospice.

Pat lets out a sob. Steven grabs her wheelchair and sheclimbs in.

INT. LIVING ROOM/FORAY - CONTINUOUS

The kids are all watching TV. They see Pat be wheeled out.

CHRISTOPHERWhere are you guys going?

PAT(clearly sad)

Im going out for a drive withyour father.

AIMEECan we come?

PATNot tonight. Come give me a hugthough.

Daniel and Craig run up and hug Pat. Aimee hesitates butcomes up. Christopher follows. Curtis is last.

CURTIS(in her ear)

Its time isnt it.

Pat looks him in the eye and shakes her head. Curtis smilesand nods.

PATI love all of you so much.

She looks up at Steven.

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PATI want to walk out.

He nods and pushes the pedals down on her wheelchair. Hehelps her up and she wobbly walks towards the door.

She almost fumbles.

STEVENCurtis grab the chair.

Curtis grabs it.

PAT(to Steven)

No. I want to do this.

STEVEN

Then let me help.

Steven grabs her under the arm. The two walk out the door.As they walk away white light fills the screen.

INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING

October 22, 2000 - 7am

Sherry is sitting on the couch. Beside her is a pillow andblankets from where she slept last night.

Aimee is sitting in Pats chair with tear stains. Curtis isat the end of the couch dazed.

Christopher walks in the room.

CHRISTOPHERHow is she?

SHERRYShe slipped into coma last night.

CHRISTOPHERWhat do you mean?

SHERRYThe doctors dont know how muchlonger she has. I told your Dad Iwould bring you guys there assoon as your ready.

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CHRISTOPHERIs she going to die?

SHERRYI think so.

Christopher is in utter shock.

SHERRYIts going to be a long day, andfew weeks. I want you all to getdressed and head over there.

INT. HOSPICE - OUTSIDE ROOM - MORNING

8am

The kids are running down the hall towards Pats room.Steven emerges from the room.

AIMEEDad!

He bends down to hug her.

CHRISTOPHERIs she okay?

STEVENWe dont know how long she has.

CURTISBut-

STEVENWe all are going to go in theretogether and remember we are heretogether, as a family.

Steven opens the door to the room.

INT. HOSPICE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Pat is on the bed in the hospice in coma. The hospice isntlike a hospital room as it feels like a simple bedroom. TheTV is on with a morning talk show, and Pats deep breathingcan be heard. Stacey, Pats younger sister, is inside theroom holding her sisters hand.

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The kids follow their Dad in. Stacey sees them. She smilesand gets up.

STACEYI will just be outside.

Steven nods.

The kids all look at their Mom. Helpless and unmoving.

CRAIGIs she is pain?

STEVENNot anymore.

CHRISTOPHERCan she hear us?

STEVENI think so.

Aimee starts crying.

STEVENIts okay, do what ever you guyswant.

Christopher sits down beside her in the bed and sees herhand. He holds it and rest his head against it as he cries.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. HOSPICE ROOM

10am

The kids and Steven are sitting around Pat. Some areholding her hands, others are touching her leg or shoulder.Daniel sits on Stevens lap.

CHRISTOPHER(To Steven)

What do we say?

STEVENIll start... Patty perfume, myloving wife.

94.

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96/103

I will miss you so much, but Iknow where youre going you wontbe in pain anymore. And youllfinally be able to rest.

CRAIGAnd eat all the Twizzlers andchocolates you want.

CURTISMom, Im sorry if I ever made youmad but I was just a teenager.

AIMEEAnd Im sorry for lying sometimesand crying when you were sick.

CHRISTOPHER

Me too. Me too especially. AndMom go on an African safari whenyoure up there.

DANIELIs Mom really dying?

CURTISYeah bud. But she will always bewith us.

CRAIGIll miss you Mom.

STEVENI want to make a deal with youguys. I promise that I will neverlet you forget how amazing yourmom was as long as you promise toalways love each other, througheverything. Thick and thin.

AIMEEWe promise.

CRAIGI promise.

DANIELMe too.

CHRISTOPHERI promise if Curtis promises.

95.

STEVEN (cont'd)


97/103

AIMEEYou guys!

STEVEN(laughing slightly)

No, its okay. Thats what yourMom would expect.

CURTISOf course I promise.

STEVENIve never been prouder of youfive kids then I am right now.You guys are my world.

CHRISTOPHERCan we just sit here with her for

a bit?

STEVENOf course.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. HOSPICE ROOM

12 noon

Curtis and Aimee are sitting on either side of Pat. Danielis at Pats feet playing with a car.

AIMEEAnd remember the time we went toDisneyland and you thought youwere allergic to milk?

CURTISThat is not a funny story.

AIMEEI thought it was hilarious. Doyou agree Mom?

CURTISShe cant respond.

96.


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AIMEEMaybe thats her way of agreeingwith me.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. HOSPICE ROOM

3:00pm

Christopher is sitting beside Pat. Sherry is standing bythe window looking out.

CHRISTOPHER(to Pat)

And then after the Elephant digsthe hole, the other grasslandmammals head towards the wateringhole. ..This would be better if Ihad the pictures to go with it.But-

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. HOSPICE ROOM

6:00pm

All the kids are sitting in various places around Pat.

AIMEEOkay, so Mom we all wrote youthis letter and we wanted to readit to you.

CURTIS(reading)

Dear Mom. Thank you for alwaysbeing there for us andencouraging us to try our hardesteven when our hardest wasnt theeasiest. Thank you for making ussmile, even when faced with thebiggest problems.

97.

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99/103

And thank you for making us laugheven when dealing with pain.

He hands the letter to Christopher.

CHRISTOPHERI...I mean...we have learnt whatit means to be a family becauseof you. You encouraged us to seeeach other as friends beforesiblings, and we cant thank youenough. The memories you gave usare irreplaceable.

He passes the letter to Aimee.

AIMEEAnd now we know we have to make

new memories, and it hurts thatyou wont be there with us, butin our hearts we know that eachone

cancer: the life of pat mcfarlane

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