day with death

8/2/2019 Day With Death

1/27

A DAY WITH DEATH

by

Breanne Mattson


2/27

FADE IN:

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

A nice little three-bedroom home. Needs a little fixing upbut otherwise well kept. Melancholic piano MUSIC plays UNDER,a theme interspersed throughout.

INT. HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

All is quiet except for the sound of occasional COUGHING orWHEEZING coming from a bedroom at the other end of the hall.

BEDROOM

Light filters softly in through the closed drapes.

In bed covered up, shivering and cold, is MARGARET CRUMPLE,65, a tiny little woman who looks as dear and sweet as anybeloved grandmother. She gently COUGHS and WHEEZES, sicklyand uncomfortable.

Flustered, she sits up, slinging the covers off, and swingsonto the side of the bed, her hair messed up and stickingout. Reaches for her robe.

Standing now, she pulls the robe closed and ties her belt,her annoyance mitigated by fatigue.

Then...

Her face raises, going blank. Somethings wrong. A slightsadness fills her face. Shes feeling faint.

Then...

She drops like a sack of groceries. Knees buckle to the floorand her torso falls forward...

HALLWAY

THUMP! Head hits the floor, out cold, halfway in the bedroomand halfway in the hall.

MOMENTS LATER

Margaret groggily awakens. Eyes open. She looks around. Seessomething. What the hell is that?


3/27

THE OTHER END OF THE HALL

DEATH awaits (later to be called STILTS), a tall silhouettedraped in a black robe and hood-like veil. Or at least itlooks somewhat like what we know conventionally as Deathpersonified. We cant see its face yet, though.

MARGARET

... slowly raises her face, stunned by the vision. Right nowshes just processing it all. Double-checking...

DEATH

Yep, its Death all right. Pretty sure.

MARGARET

... props herself up on an elbow and with the mostcantankerous attitude...

MARGARETIts about damn time you showed up!Get over here and help me up!

DEATH

... cocks its head. Huh?

MARGARET

... bugs her eyes a little.

MARGARETWell, dont just stand there like aHalloween decoration, make yourselfuseful! Im not dead yet!

DEATH

... shrugs, perplexed. Its robe and veil float eerily as itglides down the hall.

MARGARET

Death helps her off the floor. Margaret straightens herselfup like a cowboy dusting himself off after a rodeo throw.

2.


4/27

Looks up at Death, notices how much taller it is next to hertiny frame. We still havent gotten a good look at Deathsface at this point.

MARGARETSay, youre a tall one, arent you?

Looks Death up and down.

MARGARETWhat, do they have you on stiltsunder there?

(without response)Well, youre gonna have to holdyour dark horses a little longer,Stilts. Youre not gonna get rid ofme that easily.

CUT TO:

KITCHEN

Margaret sits at the table. Stilts is in the b.g., bringingher a cup of coffee!!

MARGARETI figure I got one more day left inme so youre stuck with me.

Stilts sets the cup in front of Margaret, who looks up.

MARGARETThanks, Stilts.

She gestures to the other side of the table.

MARGARETMay as well have a seat.

As Stilts moves...

MARGARETIve got a few things I wanna do

before I kick the bucket.

Takes a sip of coffee.

MARGARETI wanna put on my best dress... Getmy hair done... Ive got a coupleof places I wanna go then --

Margaret pauses to look at Stilts.

3.


5/27

Stilts sits across from her. We still havent gotten a goodlook at Stilts yet. Its face always seems dark or obscured.

MARGARETI was a school teacher. I guess youknow that. I dont know what allthey tell you.

Margarets expression takes on a disciplinary tone.

MARGARETI taught school for forty-fiveyears and I never let my studentswear hats in the class. Now youtake that hood off.

Stilts reaches for the veil. Margaret raises her cup todrink.

MARGARETYou look like an executioner.Youre making me uncomfortable --

She stops stunned when she glances at Stilts.

STILTS

... is a young lady in her 20s. Not only that, she looks asharmless as a pixie fairy frolicking in the land oflollipops. She doesnt look like she could hurt a fly, much

less take a life. Shes just a tall, sweet young lady. Herhair is pulled back and slightly messy from wearing the hood.

NOTE: Stilts NEVER speaks. She is very expressive and merelyreacts to Margaret.

Margaret sets her cup down.

MARGARETSweet Jesus smack a crack addict,youre a girl?!!

Stilts nods, Uh-huh.

MARGARETYou mean to tell me, they gotgirl-Deaths?

Stilts: Uh-huh. Old-fashioned Margaret sways back in herchair, waylaid by the thought.

4.


6/27

MARGARETWell, if that isnt thebackwardest-assed thing Ive everheard of. Hell, I thought you werea boy in that get-up.

Stilts shakes her head gently as if to say, Sorry.

MARGARETIs that your uniform?

Stilts: Uh-huh.

MARGARETDont they have anything morefeminine for you to wear?

Stilts shrugs, I dont know. Margaret raises her cup.

MARGARETLet me finish my coffee and wellsee what I have in the closet.

Takes a sip.

MARGARETOf course, anything I have is gonnabe a minidress on you, Stilts.

CUT TO:

BEDROOM

Stilts wears the most unattractive, unflattering dress youcan imagine. She looks like an extra from Little House onthe Prairie, except that the dress isnt even pretty. Itsgaudy with off-putting colors and designs. Stilts cringes.

Margaret, on the other hand, thinks its wonderful. Shesmoothes out the wrinkles.

MARGARETThere. Now you look like a angel.

She notices Stilts expression.

MARGARETWhats-a-matter, dont you like it?

Stilts, recoiling: Uh-uh.

5.


7/27

MARGARETIts the nicest one I have thatwill fit you.

Margaret reaches in and pulls out a dress even worse.

MARGARETThis one is almost as pretty.

Stilts winces.

MARGARETYou dont like this one either?

Stilts: Uh-uh.

MARGARETWell, dont you see anything you

like?

Stilts shyly reaches in and pulls out a really cool, hip,ultramodern black dress that shes going to look fabulous in.

MARGARETYou would pick a black one.

She looks it over curiously.

MARGARETHmm, I dont remember ever owningthat one. It must be my daughters.

She always dressed like a hooker.

Stilts eyes bulge: A hooker! Margaret pulls out a nicepetite dress, very pretty, and holds it against herself.

MARGARETThis is my best dress.

Stilts gently smiles.

MARGARETThis is a dress I can be caughtdead in.

(beat)Come on. We dont wanna be late forthe hairdresser.

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

Margaret, in her best dress, and Stilts, in her killer blackdress, make their way to the car in the driveway. As theywalk...

6.


8/27

MARGARETYoull have to drive. I haventdriven anywhere in twelve years.

EXT. CAR - MOVING - DAY

Stilts drives while Margaret blabs away.

MARGARETI just hope I dont go with mymouth hung open. Thats the worst.Lookin all like a drooling zombie.

Stilts frowns.

MARGARETOf course, it would be kind of

fitting. I had my mouth open allthe time when I was alive.

She looks over at Stilts.

MARGARETSo what, you gotta be quiet to beDeath?

Stilts: Yes.

MARGARETOnly quiet people can be Death?

Stilts: Yep.

MARGARETThats a requirement?

Stilts: Yep. Margaret looks forward ponderously a moment.

MARGARETHell, Id never make it.

CUT TO:

INT. HAIR SALON - LOBBY - DAY

As Margaret and Stilts arrive, JOYCE, 40s, a stylist, stepsbehind the counter from the styling area, smiling,recognizing Margaret.

JOYCEHi, Mrs. Crumple.

7.


9/27

MARGARETHi, Joyce. Im here for myusual do.

JOYCEGreat.

Margaret nods toward Stilts.

MARGARETDo you have anyone who can work onStilts here? Her hairs all matteddown from wearin a hat.

JOYCESure. Weve got a new girl. Lisa.

CUT TO:

SHAMPOO STATION

Margarets head is laid back in a sink while Joyce massagesher scalp, washing her hair. Joyce giggles as Margarets inthe middle of a story.

MARGARET-- So there I was with my pantsdown. The class is laughing at me.Im mad because I dont know whattheyre laughing at --

JOYCEYou didnt know your pants hadfallen down?

MARGARETI got so old, my steps got so smalland my bloomers got so big,I coulda played musical chairsbefore I realized my pants hadfallen down.

Joyce laughs. As they talk, REVEAL that next to them, Stilts

has her head in a sink, getting her hair washed by LISA, 20s,another stylist.

CUT TO:

STYLING STATION

Joyce is in the process of putting curlers in Margarets hairwhile Margaret rattles on.

8.


10/27

MARGARETSo I told him, Listen here,Bojangles, if I want my toesstepped on all night, Ill go toa Beatles concert.

JOYCE(giggling)

So you quit dancing with him?

MARGARETNo, I just made sure I stepped onhis toes first.

(beat)Then I married the klutz.

As they talk, REVEAL that Lisa curls Stilts hair at the nextchair. Margaret pauses and glances their direction.

MARGARETYou all right over there, Stilts?

Stilts: Uh-huh.

JOYCEAre you doing okay, Lisa?

Lisa nods her head quietly, very much like Stilts. Joyceglances down at Margaret the same time Margaret glances up.

MARGARET/JOYCE

(simultaneously)Shes quiet.

LOBBY

Joyce closes the register as Margaret closes her purse.Margaret looks very nice. Stilts looks fantastic with longwavy hair.

MARGARETThanks, Joyce.

As Joyce walks away, about to disappear into the salon...

JOYCEThanks, Mrs. Crumple. Ill see younext time.

Margaret pauses a moment. She realizes there will be no nexttime. She smiles anyway, calls after...

9.


11/27

MARGARETIll see you, Joyce.

She brushes past Stilts.

MARGARETCome on, Stilts.

As she walks off, Stilts pauses at her reflection in a wallmirror next to the door. Shes taken aback by her ownappearance. Its as if she never knew she could be so pretty.

Margaret pops back in with a tender smile.

MARGARETYou look beautiful, Stilts.

Stilts softly smiles. Margaret gives her a gentle tug.

MARGARETCome on.

INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - CLOTHING SECTION - DAY

Margaret and Stilts walk down an aisle.

MARGARETSo you got a boyfriend?

Stilts: No.

MARGARETDont they have any boy-Deaths?

Stilts: Of course.

MARGARETDont ya like any of em?

Stilts shyly hesitates. Her face gives her away.

MARGARET(excited)

You do, dont you? Whats his name?

Stilts nervously shakes her head, I cant say.

MARGARETJames?

Stilts: Nope. Margaret rattles off names but Stilts justkeeps shaking her head.

10.


12/27

MARGARETDon?... Phil?... Robert?...Michael?... Greg?... Steve?...William?... Carl? --

ESCALATOR - DOWN

Still going...

MARGARET-- Tom?... Dick?... Harry?...Moe?... Larry?... Curly? --

Stilts is taken off guard by that last one.

LOWER LEVEL - MAKEUP/PURSES/JEWELRY

Still going...

MARGARET-- Abraham?... Samuel?...Daniel?... David?... Goliath? --

EXT. MALL - DAY

Walking out to the parking lot...

MARGARET

-- Ulysses?... Grant?... Lee?...Winston?... Douglass?...Alexander?... Napoleon? --

INT. CAR - MOVING - DAY

Still going...

MARGARET-- John?... Paul?... George?...Ringo?... Richard?... Jeremy?

Bingo! Stilts gasps.

MARGARETJeremy? Its Jeremy?

Stilts shyly nods, Thats the one. Margaret smiles, selfsatisfied.

MARGARETJeremy. Is he cute?

11.


13/27

Stilts: Uh-huh.

MARGARETIs he tall?

Stilts: Yep.

MARGARETTaller than you?

Stilts: Yep.

MARGARETDark hair?

Stilts: Yep.

MARGARET

How come he doesnt ask you out?

Stilts shrugs, I dont know.

MARGARETIs he shy?

Stilts: No.

MARGARETJust doesnt get the hint, huh?

Stilts shakes her head with frustration, No, he doesnt.

MARGARETMy Frank was a slow one, too.

EXT. RESTAURANT/LOUNGE - DAY

Margaret and Stilts stand outside the car, staring at thesmall building, sandwiched in the downtown area.

MARGARETThis is where I used to go when Iwas young. They would have all

kinds of music, from Doo-Wop toDylan. They had everything. I wouldperform here on the weekends tohelp work my way through college.

12.


14/27

INT. RESTAURANT/LOUNGE - DAY

Its dead inside, a small place filled with empty tables.Margaret and Stilts stop by the Please Seat Yourself signand look around. Theres a small stage with a guitar restingon a stand.

MARGARETIts empty now but it used to behoppin every Saturday night.

A man, STAN, 65, steps in from the kitchen, bringing cleanglasses behind the bar, and casually notices them.

STANHi, folks. Just have a seatanywhere.

He and Margaret look at each other closer, recognizing.

MARGARETStan?

STANMargaret?

MARGARET(smiles)

Stan, it is you... after all theseyears.

Stan steps around the bar.

STANMargaret, my God, I havent seenyou in over forty years.

They embrace, filled with nostalgia. As they pull apart...

STANHows Frank?

MARGARETHe died three years ago.

STANOh, Im sorry to hear that.

Margaret glances around.

MARGARETIve come here off and on over theyears. I had no idea you workedhere.

13.


15/27

STANI bought the place last year.

He gestures toward the empty tables.

STANAs you can see, I dont spend mymoney any wiser.

Margaret turns toward Stilts.

MARGARETThis is Stan. He and I used to singfolk songs together on stage.

Stan chuckles, putting his hand out.

STAN

Nice to meet you.

As Stilts reaches for his hand...

MARGARETShe doesnt talk.

Stan only gives a casual nod at that but when he touchesStilts hand, he gets an unnerving chill, seeming to sensesomething strange about her.

When he pulls his hand away, he smiles at Margaret.

STANYou know, my guitar is tuned.

MARGARET(giggles)

Oh Stan, you were always tone-deaf.

STANNo, they got electronic tuners now.Even old tone-deaf mop-tops cantune a guitar.

They giggle like teenagers.

MOMENTS LATER

Stan strums the guitar on stage. Margaret stands in front ofthe microphone. She smiles at Stilts, sitting at a table inthe audience.

14.


16/27

MARGARET(microphone)

Well, Stilts, it looks like yourethe only one who wants to hear us.

Stilts smiles.

When Margaret sings, her beautiful voice seems to fill theatmosphere, freshening everything and bringing life into theold club.

Stilts turns for a moment and looks at the door.

EXT. RESTAURANT/LOUNGE - STREET - DAY

Young PASSERS-BY hear the music. A few curiously step in.

INT. RESTAURANT/LOUNGE - DAY

PEOPLE come in off the street and head for tables. Stiltsturns back around to watch Margaret, who absolutely loveshaving an audience. She becomes invigorated by it and singswith more passion.

TIME ELAPSE

The tables gradually fill. Stilts serves customers drinks!

END TIME ELAPSE

Margaret finishes the song beautifully, to audience CLAPPING.

MARGARETThank you. Thank you.

Then...

Its like that moment in the bedroom. Margaret is strickenwith dizziness and wobbles. Stilts rushes up to the stage toprevent her from falling.

STANAre you all right, Margaret?

MARGARETYes, Im fine.

She looks out into the crowd of concerned people.

MARGARETI just got a little dizzy.

15.


17/27

This eases their worry.

MARGARETIm gettin too old for this.

She starts to walk off but pulls herself back to themicrophone.

MARGARETYou gotta live while you can.

They sit quietly and listen.

MARGARETYou cant go back. When its over,its over.

(beat)When you get old, you realize just

how much time gets wasted, justtryin to get more time... to getsome back or add some on.

(beat)And for what? So you can thinkabout it some more? So you canwaste more time.

The audience by this time is dead silent, spellbound.

MARGARET(defeated)

Forever. What an absurd thing to

pin hopes to.(beat)

If it ever came, it wouldnt existanymore. If it never comes, youllnever know if it ever existed inthe first place.

(beat)Dont count on forever for nothin.Just live while you can.

She looks up to Stilts, who watches, heartfelt and touched.

MARGARET

(softly)Get me outta here, Stilts.

Stilts helps Margaret off-stage. The crowd stands andAPPLAUDS, CHEERING as Stilts helps Margaret to the door.

EXT. RESTAURANT/LOUNGE - STREET - DAY

As Margaret and Stilts step out, Stan comes, following.

16.


18/27

STANMargaret? Are you okay?

MARGARETIll be fine, Stan.

(hugs him)Its been great to see you again.

She pulls away. As she turns...

STANCome back.

She looks into his eyes.

STANPromise me youll come and see meagain.

Margaret smiles. She knows she wont be back.

MARGARETOkay, Stan.


Margaret watches the road as though in a trance.

MARGARETIve still got a little time,

Stilts.

She turns to look at her.

MARGARETI want to stop by my daughters andfind out why she never comes to seeme.

Margaret turns back toward the road.

MARGARETShe never brings the grand-kids by.

I havent seen Jonathan or Ashleyin more than a year.

EXT. TRAILER PARK - SUZANNES TRAILER/LOT - DAY

Its one trailer in a row of them. No car sits in the smalldriveway except Margarets, having just pulled in.

17.


19/27

MARGARETDoesnt look like theyre home.Wouldnt you know it?

Margaret waddles to the front door, followed by Stilts.Stilts pauses to look through a large window. There are nocurtains and its easy to see theres no furniture in theplace. Stilts glances toward Margaret with a slight bit ofsadness in her eyes.

Margaret reaches the door, KNOCKS.

MARGARET(calling out)

Suzanne! Its Mom! Ive come tofind out why you never come see me!

KNOCKS again. She sticks her face to the window, evading the

glare, trying to see in.

Theres no furniture in the living room. Nothing, not even apicture on a wall.

MARGARETWhy, theres no furniture. It lookslike theyve moved out.

She looks at Stilts.

MARGARETWhere the hell could they be?

She steps away from the door. As she walks off...

MARGARETCome on, Stilts. Lets go to theoffice and find out whats goinon.

INT. TRAILER PARK - MANAGERS OFFICE - DAY

Margaret steps in with Stilts behind her. The place is smalland messy... and empty. But the chair is pulled away from the

desk as though someone just left for a moment.

As soon as this becomes noticeable, the sleazy manager LLOYD,male, 40s, steps in from the back room, smoking a cigarette.

LLOYDI got anything youre lookin for.Two-bedrooms, three-bedrooms --

18.


20/27

MARGARET-- Im looking for my daughter.

Lloyd pauses, puffing a drag of smoke, with a No Smokingsign in the b.g., on the wall next to his desk.

LLOYDJeez, what am I, a messengerservice?

He sits down, flicks ashes at an empty soda can, getting halfof it on his own desk and not bothered by it.

LLOYDAll day long I got people comin inhere lookin for somebody.

MARGARET

Please, I need to find Suzanne.She has my grand-kids and --

LLOYD-- Wait a minute. Suzanne? Crumple?

Margaret nods. Lloyd stuffs his cigarette into the soda canand steps around his desk.

LLOYDYou find her, you tell her she owesme for three months rent.

MARGARETI dont know anything about that.

He steps closer, in an intimidating fashion.

LLOYDYeah, well, she put me off and thenducked out in the middle of thenight, stiffing me on rent. Theyconfiscated her furniture before Icould sell it.

MARGARET

Why would she just up and leavelike that?

LLOYDI dont know. Maybe if you pay up,Ill remember where she is and youcan ask her.

19.


21/27

MARGARET(appalled)

You want me to pay you to find outwhere my grandchildren are?

Lloyd reaches for Margarets purse.

LLOYDWhat you got in there? I bet yougot lots of money.

Margaret tugs on her purse-strap.

MARGARETLet go of my purse, you greasydope-fiend.

He pulls harder, getting nasty now.

LLOYDListen you old bat, I want mymoney --

Stilts puts a hand on Lloyds shoulder and he suddenly CHOKESand GASPS, fighting for air. His eyes widen in horror. Hesabout to croak.

Stilts pulls her hand away and Lloyd drops to the floor,COUGHING and drooling. He looks up at Stilts in disbelief fora moment, then climbs up, using his desk as a crutch.

He breathes heavily a moment, regaining his bearings.

LLOYDSuzannes boyfriend --

MARGARET-- Russell?

LLOYDYeah, yeah. He robbed a bank.

MARGARET(stunned)

He robbed a bank!!

LLOYDThe police have been crawlingaround here off and on for a monthlookin for him or Suzanne.

Margaret is filled with concern for Suzanne.

20.


22/27

MARGARETWhered they go?

LLOYDMexico.

MARGARETMexico!!

LLOYDThey took off for the border, lady.They aint comin back.

Margaret glances at Stilts, distraught.

MARGARETBut its my last day. Isnt theresome way I can at least talk to

them?

LLOYDThey didnt leave a forwardingaddress.

Still a little shaken, Lloyd makes his way back to his desk.

LLOYDThey aint never comin back. Nottil they get in some trouble downthere and wind up gettinextradited.

EXT. TRAILER PARK - OFFICE/PARKING LOT - DAY

Margaret and Stilts step out, Margaret extremely distressed.Theres an empty field to the side of the park. As theyapproach the car...

MARGARETWhat kind of mother am I?My daughters on the lam with abank robber. I never see mygrandchildren.

She pauses, looks at Stilts, who frowns, feeling for her.Margaret is near tears.

MARGARETTake me now, Stilts. Take me now.Im ready.

Stilts sadly shakes her head, No, I cant.

21.


23/27

MARGARETI dont deserve to live.

She pulls away and flees into the empty field. Stilts watcheshelplessly as Margaret hikes briskly and erratically acrossthe rutty ground.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Lloyd, lighting a cigarette, notices Margaret through thewindow.

EXT. PARKING LOT/FIELD - DAY

Finally Margaret wears herself out somewhere in the middle ofthe field and drops to her knees in despair. As she sits

there catching her breath...

Stilts walks out to meet her.

Margaret, realizing Stilts is there...

MARGARETI got worn out. I cant even runaway right. I cant do anythingright.

(beat)Suzanne only ever dated bad seeds.I dont know where we went wrong.

(beat)There was a time, when Frank and Iwere young, he was up for apromotion to principal. He was ateacher too. You probably knewthat. I dont know what all theytell you about us.

She drifts back nostalgically, like shes there again.

MARGARETHe came home so excited. Aftertelling me he got the job, I told

him I was pregnant. Id never seena man so happy.

(beat)Suzanne was such a good kid. Shewas quiet... like you.

Stilts faintly cracks a smile.

22.


24/27

MARGARETWe were all so happy then. We werea family.

Stilts kneels down beside Margaret and puts her arm aroundher. Its as if Margaret gently floats up as Stilts helps herto her feet. Margaret just looks at her, a broken person, asthough Stilts is the only thing she has left.

MARGARET(softly)

Get me outta here, Stilts.

They turn and walk back to the parking lot with Stilts armaround Margaret, and a gentle breeze blowing.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Lloyd watches. Something draws his attention hypnotically.

EXT. FIELD - DAY

As Margaret and Stilts walk, Stilts has a more majestic look.Black scarves flow away from her like soft satin rivers. Thebeautiful colors of the grass and sky are more pronounced.The rutty field seems so splendid and surreal now.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Lloyd stares, transfixed. He glances at his cigarette. Dropsit into the soda can.

CUT TO:


Stilts, now back to her usual self, drives while Margaretsits quietly in the passenger seat.

MARGARET

I have one more place to go andthen I wont trouble you anymore.

She looks over.

MARGARETIm sorry if I set you back a day.

Stilts shakes her head, Nah. Margaret pauses a moment inreflection, then turns to Stilts.

23.


25/27

MARGARETYoure my best friend.

Stilts looks at her. A sweet smile grows on her face.

EXT. CEMETARY - GENERAL - DAY

Margaret and Stilts wander between rows of tombstones.

MARGARETI know hes here somewhere.I wouldnt put it past him to comeback from the dead and move histombstone just to drive me crazy,though.

(beat)Here we are.

They arrive at...

EXT. CEMETARY - FRANKS GRAVE-SITE - DAY

Margaret looks down, reminiscing.

MARGARETIm kind of glad he went first.

(catches herself)Oh, I dont mean glad as in Iwanted him to go. I mean glad as

in I couldnt bear the thought ofhim being so lonely.

Stilts nods, I understand.

MARGARETHe went from the Big C, same asme. Well, for him it was Leukemiaand for me its lung cancer, butits sort of the same thing.

(beat)I suppose most would think we werepretty boring people... but we were

happy together. We werent rich. Wenever had a lot but we hadeverything we needed.

(beat)We had each other. And we did thebest we could.

24.


26/27

EXT. CEMETARY - SITTING AREA - DAY

A small area with stone benches. Margaret and Stilts sit onone by a big tree. The cemetary is actually quite beautiful.

MARGARETCan I tell you something?

She glances over at Stilts, who nods, Sure.

MARGARETI know this is going to sound crazybut... Im glad you came.

(beat)The truth is Im just a lonely oldwoman. When I saw you there, I wasjust glad to have someone to talkto. A reason to get out for a

while.

She looks at Stilts.

MARGARETThanks, Stilts.

Stilts scoots over a little and opens her arms for a hug.Margaret scoots closer and they gently embrace.

As Margaret lays her head against Stilts shoulder, sheexhales a soft gust -- her last breath. Her eyes widen amoment, almost as if realizing it, then simply close. Her jaw

goes slack and she dies with her mouth hung open.

Stilts looks for the first time overcome with emotion. Shebursts out SOBBING. For the first time theres a hint of whather voice might sound like. She cries a moment, then collectsherself.

She gingerly lays Margaret back onto the stone bench.Lovingly pushes up on her chin and closes her mouth. She putsMargarets feet up onto the bench and straightens her dress.Makes her look dignified.

Stilts steps back to look a moment, nostalgia all over her

face. She quietly steps aside as... Margarets confusedspirit rises up and glances around.

MARGARETWhat happened? Whats going on?Where am I? Wha --

She slowly turns and sees her body lying on the stone slab.This stuns her at first. Then she notices Stilts.

25.


27/27

Stilts looks the way she did when Lloyd saw her in the field,magnificent and regal.

MARGARETYou look like an angel.

Stilts cracks a gentle grin and holds a hand out to Margaret.Margaret glances at it with a little reservation.

MARGARETYou know what to do?

Stilts smiles sweetly, confidently nods, Yes. Margaretstares a moment longer, looks up with a faint grin.

MARGARETWell, then, I guess its you and I,Stilts. Together again.

Margaret gently takes Stilts hand. Draws nearer.

MARGARETI told you, you couldnt get rid ofme that easily.

Stilts almost bursts out laughing. As they walk away, arm inarm, much as they did in the field...

MARGARETAt least they wont find me with mymouth hung open. That would have

been the worst.

Stilts: Oh yes, I know. From behind, as they get smaller inthe distance...

MARGARETI sure hope you know where youregoin, Stilts. Im as lost as agoose at a wolf picnic.

FADE OUT.

THE END.

26.

day with death

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