Solving Mr. E - Part Two

A screenplay about a disillusioned young man and the unlikely friend who helps him put life in perspective.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - AFTERNOON

On the drive to the hospital Evan drives through fog but it is dwindling. He passes a gym but all the treadmills are empty of runners, of purpose.

The hospital is all antiseptic lights, a gurney with squeaky wheel, the soft tears of demoralized loved ones a few curtained rooms over.

Evan holds his mother's hand while she sleeps. She is full of hoses and needles and requires assistance breathing. Unknowable, almost mythical medical apparatuses beep and hum. Jargon and charts fill the walls and Steve Harvey shouts about surveys on the small fading television and all of it make Evan's brain hurt.

Dad walks into the room holding two steaming cups of black coffee. He hands one to Evan and they sip while Dad finds himself a seat. He sits beside his wife. Refuses to sit opposite her.

EVAN

Need anything else from the house?

DAD

No.

His voice is stretched thin. Parchment paper ready to tear at the slightest tug.

DAD

We've done this dance before. Your mother keeps a bag in the back of the closet.

His lips fight against stillness with every ounce of strength.

DAD

Yesterday she moved it. It was beside the front door today. We just grabbed it and went. Its been there for two weeks. I hadn't noticed.

EVAN

Dad-

DAD

I came home the other day and there was a cold beer sitting on the coffee table. I didn't say nothing. I just drank it.

EVAN

You can't-

DAD

How many other things? Ya know. I'm just letting them slip right the fuck by.

Dad breaks down. Evan, not used to this much vulnerability in his family, even considering his mothers brushes with terminal cancer in the past, sits in his chair and stares into his cup until his father gets up and leaves once more.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Dad sleeps in the chair. His snoring rattles Evan's fillings. He can't sleep. He watches a video on his phone of his mother crossing the stage at her commencement ceremony. Evan, Dad, Ricky and Sarah cheer her on.

MOM

You remember the guy right after me?

EVAN

How could I forget?

MOM

Shakes the Dean's hand, does a back-flip, kicks the Dean right in the nose. He lands, the Dean bleeds all over his robe and the guy bows to the crowd, completely oblivious.

EVAN

At least the Dean was good natured about it.

MOM

Sure. Right up until he goes back into the office and "loses" that guys transcripts.

They share a laugh. Mom coughs and Evan's laugh dies in his throat.

MOM

Debbie and Alice called me.

EVAN

Yeah?

MOM

They said you were doing great.

EVAN

Yeah?

MOM

Okay, they said they aren't sure you're cut out for it, but Alice did say she thinks it's great for Tommy.

EVAN

I'm honestly not sure.

MOM

I am. I remember the kid I used to bring with me to coach the younger kids. He was patient. He took the time. And he was so excited to see the lessons finally learned. That kid was born to teach.

EVAN

I don't know. This job is a little heavy. I have to read his diary every night and some of the entries detail his dad beating him. I told Alice and she said DSS has been to the house three times already and nothing happens. All we can do is report and hope. It's heavy is all.

MOM

Sometimes it is, yeah. But you're pretty strong. You can lift it.

EVAN

Duggan told me to smile while I pushed the boulder. Even if I didn't feel like smiling.

MOM

Smart lady, her. I'll do you one more. Learn to love the boulder. Love it like it's part of you. Because it is. It's all we get.

EVAN

Yeah?

MOM

Listen, I don't know about tomorrow.

EVAN

Don't-

MOM

No, no, please. I don't know about tomorrow. I need to know that you're going to be okay today. Stick with the job. For me.

EVAN

Okay, Ma.

MOM

And buy that man a sleep apnia mask will you?

They laugh.

INT. MOM AND DADS LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Evan gets home and Rick is already in the living room. He sits back and scrolls on his phone. An unopened book lies in front of him. The light from his phone paints his face in cold lifeless light. The dog is pumped to see him as always. Evan pats the dog.

EVAN

Ignorance is bliss, huh?

RICK

Yeah but he does lick his own ass.

EVAN

Dad said he thought you were on the plane already.

RICK

I got the text on the Tarmac.

EVAN

And they let you off.

RICK

They took me back all the way to my car with a golf cart.

EVAN

Must be nice. Where's dad?

RICK

He just said he was going for a walk.

EVAN

Perfect. I'll go get him.

RICK

From a walk?

EVAN

From Sully's.

INT. SULLY'S TAVERN - NIGHT

Evan sees his father working on a glass of whiskey. Evan slides in next to his old man without a word. The bartender comes over. Dad points to his glass and then the empty space in front of Evan where he would like a similar one placed.

On the TV the bruins are losing again.

DAD

You know, you'd think they'd be embarrassed skating around like that.

EVAN

That bad?

DAD

Josephson hasn't connected with a damn pass all night. Marko can't stop a beach ball. We have three too many men on the ice penalties and it isn't even the third yet. Yeah, it's that bad.

EVAN

Coach gotta go?

DAD

I don't know. I hate that all the blame always falls on the coach but what else can you do? Maybe another voice is the thing.

EVAN

Yeah.

DAD

I knew a guy who designed a lighthouse.

EVAN

You did?

DAD

Shut up. It's a story. Anyway, he thought he got this thing dialed. I mean, he stayed up all day and all night for weeks getting this thing ready to roll, soup to nuts. Thing was, he got the concrete mix wrong. Whole thing collapsed before they even cut the ribbon.

EVAN

That sucks.

DAD

Sucks indeed. What do you think the boats needing to reach land in the harbor did?

EVAN

I don't know. Crashed?

DAD

They landed. Lighthouse or no, they had to land. Lighthouse would have made the job easier, but they had to land. No ifs ands or buts about it.

EVAN

I suppose that's true.

DAD

Ricky wants power of attorney.

EVAN

Of course he does.

DAD

He says he can afford better care. He says I'm too drunk to make the right decisions.

EVAN

Are you?

DAD

I don't know.

EVAN

Do you want him to have power of attorney?

DAD

No. Yes? I don't know.

EVAN

I'll talk to him.

DAD

She doesn't want better care.

EVAN

What are you talking about.

DAD

I'm talking about Mum doesn't want better care. She's tired of the whole song and dance. I don't blame her.

EVAN

She's not fighting this one?

DAD

She says chemo feels like they pull all her blood out and replace it with fry oil.

EVAN

Dad, she's gotta fight.

DAD

Why?

EVAN

Dad, you gotta make her fight?

DAD

So it's on me? I have to make my dying wife walk over an ocean of fire so she has a small chance of seeing another couple sunrises?

EVAN

She's still young. She still has a lot to do.

DAD

I think a person gets to decide that for themselves. I can't make her, Ev. She's so tired. She's so fucking tired. I look in her eyes and I see someone who's at the end of the marathon. I can't ask her to keep running for my sake Evan. I won't.

EVAN

You gotta land anyway.

DAD

Pretty much. Although, I don't know. I could sink.

INT. MOM AND DADS HOUSE - NIGHT

Evan pours his father into bed.

DAD

Fire the coach. Fire the president. Take some damn control.

EVAN

I'll do that , Dad.

He goes back to the kitchen and drinks milk from the carton. Ricky surprises him, sitting in the dark. Dog is pumped as always.

RICKY

That's gross. Bacteria up the wazoo.

EVAN

Mhm.

RICKY

Got dad home safe and sound?

EVAN

I did.

RICKY

Didn't even change into your cape.

EVAN

You had every chance to go get him.

RICKY

He's not fighting for Ma. Why would I fight for him?

EVAN

He's your dad. And Ma isn't fighting for Ma. Why would I force him to.

RICKY

I should be power of attorney. Ma should be at Dana Farber not fucking Lahey. I'd pay for the whole thing.

EVAN

I don't think it's about money, Rick. She doesn't want to go back to Dana Farber. She's done, man.

RICKY

Who the fuck are you to say that?

EVAN

I'm telling you what they told me.

RICKY

And that's enough for you to give up too?

EVAN

I'm not giving up, Rick. I'm respecting my mothers wishes and trying to make the best of it.

RICK

Law school? Sarah? Your mother? Is there anything you won't give up on?

EVAN

Goodnight Ricky.

RICKY

Is there nothing you won't quit?

EXT. DECK OF A SHIP - NIGHT

Evan stands at the helm and pilots an old wooden ship through dense fog.

EVAN

First mate, can you see land?

There is no answer. Evan is alone. A weak white something appears overhead in the distance. Sure enough, as he closes the distance the light reveals itself to be the top of a lighthouse.

There is a great crack and Evan yells out as the lighthouse collapses in on itself. The dust of it's collapse mingling with the fog and if anything, makes it even more difficult to see.

He looks back the way he came but it too is obscured. He looks forward into the impenetrable mystery.

Evan is scared and confused when land rapidly approaches and the ship crashes and he is thrown from the deck.

He wakes.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

EVAN

Come on man, just write your name right there at the top. It even says name next to it. It's like cheating!

TOMMY

I won't do it. You can't make me.

EVAN

You want me to write it?

TOMMY

No! You always spell it wrong!

EVAN

You take it back this instant. I have neither spelled your name, nor any other name for that matter, wrong. S.h.m.o.m.m.y. Tommy.

TOMMY

That spells SHMOMMY! It's Tommy! T.o.m.m.y!

EVAN

Are you sure?

TOMMY

It's my name! I'm definitely sure! Look!

Tommy writes his name on the paper, right where it should go.

EVAN

Oh yeah. Huh. Can I write your last name.

TOMMY

No.

EVAN

How come?

TOMMY

Cuz you'll spell it wrong.

EVAN

No I won't. S.H.M.E.T.T.E.R. See!

TOMMY

That spells SHMETTER! My last name is Retter! What is wrong with you, Mr. E!?

EVAN

Look at that. You wrote your name.

Evan sticks out his knuckles for a fist bump. Tommy bumps him way too hard, making jet engine sound effects as he does.

EVAN

I think I can give you a sticker for that.

Evan gets out the little black book and finds following directions and give Tommy two stickers to complete the row.

TOMMY

Two stickers?

EVAN

Yeah, buddy. You crushed it today. Now get your butt over to the prize box and pick something out before it's time to leave.

TOMMY

You said butt!

EVAN

Sure did! I'll say it again too! Butt! BUTT!BUTT!BUTT!

Tommy chortles away as he chooses a yo-yo he does not have the gross motor skills to use.

Evan sees the coming meltdown when Tommy realizes he can't play with the yo-yo and redirects him.

EVAN

A yo-yo? Boomers like yo-yo's. I thought for sure you would go for the light saber lollipop.

TOMMY

There's a light saber lollipop!?

EVAN

There sure is, bud.

Evan goes to his jacket pocket and pulls out a light saber lollipop that he bought with his own money.

TOMMY

WOW!

EVAN

Heck yeah, wow! Enjoy it pal.

EXT - SIDEWALK OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL - DAY

Duggan watches out of the second floor window as Evan holds Tommy's hand on the sidewalk. They wait for his father to pick him up and laugh together. Duggan smiles and goes back to her desk.

The weather is getting colder. The flowers are almost all gone but for a few intrepid blooms. Same with the bees, buzzing more frantically now.

EVAN

You most certainly are not.

TOMMY

Yes I am.

EVAN

Absolutely, positively not.

TOMMY

Absolutely positively am.

EVAN

Listen, if you beat my high score in Jetpack Joyride, I will eat my hat. It's never going to happen.

TOMMY

Oh yes it is. I hope you are hungry Mr. E.

Tommy's father pulls up and gets out. He wears slept in clothes and his breath smells of liquor. His eyes are blood shot. His hands tremble as he wordlessly takes his son's other hand and roughly pulls him toward the car.

Evan knows Tommy by now. He knows that Tommy would be kicking and screaming if anyone else did this to him. Tommy looks scared.

Evan goes to Tommy's window and leans in. He sees empty liquor bottles carpet the floor and clink together like a sordid wind-chime.

EVAN

See you tomorrow, Shmommy.

TOMMY

(with small voice)

See you tomorrow Shmister Shmee.

Evan goes to the drivers side window. He makes a show of looking at the bottles before he speaks.

EVAN

Are you sure you're good to drive sir?

TOMMY'S DAD

What are you twelve?

EVAN

Have a great night Tom-

Tommy's father speeds off. Evan stands on the sidewalk watching them go.

INT. INCLUSION CLASSROOM - DAY

Evan and Tommy have an impassioned light saber fight. Evan breathes like Vader.

EVAN

We meet again.

TOMMY

Yes. We do.

EVAN

I told you never to return.

TOMMY

Yes. You did.

EVAN

Now you must pay!

TOMMY

I don't think so!

Outside the window, rain pours down in sheets. It is foggy outside. Recess is held inside today. Other kids are doing other activities.

Their foam swords collide. Evan makes all the necessary sound effects. WHOOSH! BZZZT! KKSSSHHH!

Some of other kids watch and laugh.

Evan does a pirouette and swings over Tommy's head. Tommy lunges and pushes the plastic light saber into his stomach.

Evan's eyes go wide and he looks at Tommy with trembling lips.

EVAN

You've killed me.

TOMMY

Sure did.

EVAN

But my new Sith empire!

TOMMY

Not today! It would have stunk anyway!

The bell rings and the kids clean up their toys and games and line up for recess, including Tommy who is usually reticent to do this kind of thing. But his smile is infectious today.

Evan lies on the floor, dead as a door nail, as the teacher walks in. She takes a good long look at Evan.

TEACHER

Tommy, did you kill Mr. E with a light saber?

TOMMY

(beaming)

Sure did! No Sith empire today!

TEACHER

Nice one! Sith Empires stink anyway.

EVAN

(loudly whispering from the side of his mouth)

It would have ruled.

Everyone laughs as they go outside. Evan continues the ruse as long as he can as waits for them all to leave before he gets up and follows after.

Outside, the rain has stopped, the sun is out, and the fog is gone.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

EVAN

Have fun, bud.

TOMMY

I never have fun at PT.

EVAN

Just tell Ms. Heather that you and I had a light saber fight, which I definitely won, and that you want to do something similar. I'm sure she'll think of something.

TOMMY

You so lost.

EVAN

(with mock hurt)

I know. Don't remind me. All those red light sabers I bought in bulk for my sith buddies. What a waste.

INT. DUGGANS ROOM - DAY

Evan walks in and finds Alice waiting for him.

ALICE

How is he today?

EVAN

(smiling widely)

Honestly, he is awesome today.

ALICE

That's somewhat surprising. Although, the more I think about it, maybe not. This is the best part of his day.

EVAN

What do you mean?

ALICE

Have you been reading the diary.

EVAN

I have.

ALICE

And?

EVAN

And most of it is pretty innocuous. Some of it breaks my heart. Some of it makes me want to drive to his house and kick his dads ass. Why?

ALICE

I am going to show you what he wrote today. You are going to do nothing about it. Do you understand?

EVAN

Alice, come on.

ALICE

I asked you a question.

EVAN

I won't do anything about it.

She hands him the diary.

He reads. Storm clouds slowly overtake his face. He pauses when it is finished and slowly closes the diary once more, breathing a heavy breath.

Then he rolls it up and strides out of the room.

ALICE

Evan, wait!

Evan does not wait.

Alice is hot on his heels.

INT. PRINCIPLES OFFICE - DAY

Evan storms in while she is eating.

EVAN

Call the police.

PRINCIPLE

Excuse me?

EVAN

Call the police and send them to Tommy's house. Now.

He throws the little blue diary on her desk.

EVAN

Read the last entry.

She does.

PRINCIPLE

This is disgusting.

EVAN

So call the police.

PRINCIPLE

Evan, I will put this through all the proper channels. But you need to calm down.

EVAN

Calm down? That piece of shit is torturing his son!

PRINCIPLE

You and I and Alice and everyone one here agrees on that! However, the police don't. And neither does DSS. Yelling and storming in my office won't do a damn thing to change that. This doesn't even rise to the level of violence the last call rose to, and nothing happened then.

EVAN

So go over their heads. Call Channel fucking 5. I don't know just do something!

ALICE

Evan, I know you care about Tommy. We all do. But we can only go so far as the law will allow us to go. Why don't you go to PT and get Tommy and bring him outside for a special recess.

EVAN

Special recess. Did you read the part about the hose. Special recess doesn't fix anything.

PRINCIPLE

And neither will you if they fire you for assaulting a parent. Now, take Tommy outside for a special recess, then go to the cafe and get him some ice cream. By then it should be dismissal.

EVAN

Fine. But if I see that bastard again-

PRINCIPLE

You will do nothing or you will be charged and I won't be able to do a damn thing about it. Do you understand?

EVAN

I understand.

But he doesn't.

INT. DUGGANS CLASSROOM - DAY

Evan walks in and puts his coat in the closet.

DUGGAN

You have Megan today, Evan. Tommy's dad called him out sick.

EVAN

Anyone going to check on him and make sure he's still alive?

DUGGAN

You know we can't do that.

EVAN

Didn't think so.

DUGGAN

Don't blame me, Evan. We're on the same team.

EVAN

(after a reflective beat)

I know. Sorry.

Evan works with Megan throughout the day. She is far easier to work with than Tommy and the day goes by uneventfully.

The adults are back inside from getting the kids on their buses or in their parents cars and are getting their own things together to leave for the day.

DUGGAN

You're good with them. Not just Tommy.

EVAN

It's no big deal.

DUGGAN

It sure is. My husband would pull his hair out if he had your job.

EVAN

I'm sure he would be fine.

DUGGAN

I'm sure he would not. He doesn't understand the limitation. He thinks good kids listen and bad kids don't.

EVAN

If only it were that easy.

DUGGAN

Ever think about going into teaching?

EVAN

I haven't actually. Kinda taking everything one day at a time.

DUGGAN

You should. World needs more patient men, not less.

Evan's phone rings. He looks at Duggan.

DUGGAN

I know. Take it.

EVAN

Thank you.

Evan walks outside and takes the call. His father is on the other end, and he is crying.

EVAN

Dad?

His father can't seem to get the words out.

EVAN

Dad? Is it Ma?

DAD

Come to the hospital. Hurry.

INT - HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

NURSE

Not long now

Evan's mother is sitting up a little. Her breaths are ragged and labored. Evan, his father and his brother all sit facing her. They do their best to not look at one another. Ricky is on his phone. Dad stares at his dying wife and wonders about the rest of his life alone. Evan is numb.

Finally, she breathes her last.

DAD

Pam?

Evan watches Ricky turn the phone toward his father and starts videotaping him.

DAD

Pam? Pam?

Tears stream down his face. He trembles as he crosses the distance between them and feels her hand. Then he collapses to his knees and weeps into her hospital blankets.

Ricky tapes the whole thing. Evan watches his brother and has never hated him more.

Evan stands up, rips the phone out of Ricky's hands and throws it as hard as he can into the toilet. There is a loud crash and water sprays everywhere as it fizzes and dies. Nurses run in but Ricky mollifies them and sends them out again.

Evan kneels beside his father.

DAD

She's gone. She's really gone.

EVAN

I know, Dad.

After a moment Ricky drops down on his father's other side and the three of them cry.

INT. FUNERAL PARLOR - DAY

Evan, Ricky, Dad and Uncle Joey awkwardly stand beside Mom's casket and receive mourners. Her casket is open and Evan can't help but keep looking over at her. Most of them Evan has never met before. He does his best and ends up coming off very adult. Dad is a wreck and often walks outside to smoke and tug from a steel flask before he goes back inside. At one point, Ricky leaves the line. When Evan sees him again, he is taping himself walking around the room.

RICKY

Sad day. Sad day for me. Sad day for my family. Here we are, at my mothers wake. Give us all your thoughts and prayers. She needs them. If you've been through something like this before, don't forget to subscribe and smash that like button.

Evan watches as he disappears into the crowd once more.

Uncle Joey leans over and whispers to Evan.

UNCLE JOEY

The fuck is wrong with that kid?

EVAN

(smiling)

Your guess is as good as mine.

UNCLE JOEY

I never told you, but you are way more Pam than Ricky ever was.

Evan struggles to take this compliment in stride and just about succeeds.

EVAN

Thank you.

Evan spies Emily walking into the wake. He pretends not to feel the hot pang of unrequited love and shame and longing in his chest and his stomach.

Duggan and Alice hug him and weep.

Emily finally goes through the line at the end of the service. Dad wraps her up and weeps into her hair. Emily cries as well. Then she and Uncle Joey embrace warmly. Ricky turns away from her. Then she gets to Evan.

EMILY

Evan-

EVAN

Don't.

EMILY

Please-

EVAN

It's okay. It's not like that. You don't have to say anything. I know.

Emily smiles and tears fall freely.

EMILY

Can I see you tomorrow. After?

EVAN

I would like that.

Then they hug. They hug for a long time. Neither one of them wanting to let the other go.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

The funeral is swift. Evan and Emily are the only ones left standing at the end. Ricky takes their father home, taping himself the whole time.

Evan and Emily share an address and leave the cemetery.

INT. DINER - DAY

Evan and Emily sit across from one another. They wear their black funeral best in a diner full of dirty truckers and old people. They get a few odd looks but when one of them sees their faces they understand why they dress that way and turn back to their meals.

EMILY

So, how have you been?

Evan raises his eyebrows.

EMILY

I'm sorry. That was a really dumb question.

EVAN

No it wasn't. I'm just messing with you. Truth is, I don't really know how I've been.

EMILY

Same.

EVAN

Work not going well?

EMILY

No. It is. It's going great actually. I just got another promotion. I oversee most of the New England Property Managers now.

EVAN

That's awesome, Em. I knew you were a big wig.

Emily tears up.

EVAN

What's the matter. There's only supposed to be one sad one today.

EMILY

I know! It's just. I don't know. It's not-

EVAN

Fulfilling?

EMILY

Yes. Fulfilling.

EVAN

Did you expect it to be?

EMILY

Kinda. Yeah.

They share a small laugh.

EMILY

I thought you were holding me back, Evan. I thought your unhappiness with work was effecting my unhappiness with work.

EVAN

I'm sorry Emily.

EMILY

No, I'm saying it had nothing to do with it. My whole life my parents told me to go to school and get good grades and get a great job and make lots of fucking money and I did all that! I did all of it. But-

EVAN

But you aren't happy.

EMILY

No. I'm not happy.

EVAN

I'm really sorry it didn't work out like you wanted it to.

EMILY

No you're not.

EVAN

I am. I swear. I only ever wanted you to be happy.

EMILY

Even if it's not with you?

EVAN

Even then. Especially then.

EMILY

You've grown up a lot, Evan Keating.

EVAN

I had to. I lost the two most important women in my life in less than two months. Old Evan would have let that wrecking ball hit and collapsed like a leaning tower. I can't afford to do that anymore.

EMILY

No? Why not?

EVAN

I have to be there for Tommy.

EMILY

The little boy you work with?

EVAN

How did you know?

EMILY

Your mother told me.

EVAN

When did you talk to her?

EMILY

Last night.

Evan laughs involuntarily and almost chokes on his coffee.

EMILY

Sorry, bad joke.

EVAN

No it was great.

EMILY

I called her a few times after we split up. She was my hero too, Evan.

EVAN

Yeah.

EMILY

Hey listen, I know we can't just put everything back together just the way it was.

EVAN

No. I suppose we can't.

EMILY

Can I at least see you again.

EVAN

You want a second date? I don't put out until the third. Just so you know.

EMILY

(smiling widely)

You would so put out.

EVAN

(raises his hands in mock surrender)

Guilty. It's a date then.

EXT. DAD'S BACKYARD - NIGHT

Evan kisses his Aunt, the last remaining mourner from the reception, as she makes her way to her car. He takes his jacket off and rolls his sleeves up to do the dishes. He sees a fire in the backyard and two ghostly silhouettes sitting around it. He turns the water off and tentatively goes outside.

Dad and Ricky sit in soccer chairs around the fire pit and pass a bottle of whiskey back and forth. Dad sees Evan.

DAD

Sit.

Evan sits on the opposite side of the fire. Ricky tugs from the bottle and passes it back to his father. His eyes remain fixed on the flames.

DAD

Drink.

Evan takes the bottle and drinks a good pull.

DAD

This is good. A father and his sons.

They all stare into the flames.

DAD

Men. I raised men, didn't I? Everyone gone?

EVAN

Auntie just left.

RICKY

Remember when we stole her cat so it would catch all the mice in the tree house.

EVAN

She called us hooligans and Ma mooned her and told Auntie to kiss her ass.

The three of them laugh and pass the bottle.

EVAN

Apparently she and Bob are thinking about adopting.

RICKY

Better late than never?

EVAN

Something like that. She's a lot different than she was then. I bet she'll be a great mom.

DAD

If she is anything like her sister she will be. Pam took to it like a fish to water. And we were so young when she got pregnant with Ricky. We were so damn young.

EVAN

He always did strike me as an unfinished plan.

RICKY

Improvisation is key.

DAD

Please, this boy takes videos of himself talking about his dumps and makes millions. If that's an unfinished plan I'm never finishing one again.

Dad and Evan laugh. Ricky stares into the fire.

RICKY

Ma hated my job.

EVAN

She just didn't understand it.

RICKY

She understood just fine. She hated it.

DAD

She just thought you were capable of more.

RICKY

You like your job, Evan?

EVAN

For the first time in my life, yeah. I do.

RICKY

What's it feel like.

EVAN

A lot. Not always good. Usually not bad. Kind've intense I guess.

RICKY

Ma was proud.

DAD

She's proud of you to, Rick.

RICKY

Yeah?

Ricky gets up and goes inside. Evan and Dad continue to sit, and stare into the fire, and drink.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Alice wraps Evan up in a tight hug.

ALICE

So good to see you back.

EVAN

Thanks, Alice. How has Tommy been?

ALICE

He's still out for a few days actually.

EVAN

Really? That's not like him.

ALICE

I know. His father says he has strep.

Duggan arrives and they go about prepping the room for the kids. The day is a quiet one. Mary and Kevan are behaved. They hit their marks and get their prizes. All the while Evan is concerned about Tommy.

At the end of the day, he approaches Duggan.

EVAN

Strep?

DUGGAN

That's what the note says.

EVAN

You read the last journal entry same as I did.

DUGGAN

I did. And yet short of breaking into the boys house and taking pictures, we can't prove anything.

EVAN

Right.

INT. DAD'S DEN - AFTERNOON

Evan goes home. He finds Ricky taking a video of himself but his heart isn't in it.

RICKY

Ten things I hate about having a dead mom, number 1, unsolicited pity. Do I even need to break that one down? Number 2, awkward social situations-

EVAN

Hey, asshole. Do you want to use that camera for something actually useful for once.

RICKY

(relieved)

I really do.

EXT. OUTSIDE TOMMY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Evan and Ricky sit in Ricky's BMW outside of Tommy's house. They wear baseball hats. Ricky wears a fake mustache.

EVAN

You look like a fucking idiot.

RICKY

For the last time, I could lose everything if I get recognized. I need a disguise.

EVAN

No one knows you! You work for yourself! And you make listicles!

RICKY

Can you shut up please? I'm trying to focus.

Ricky uses a long range lens attached to his phone and a night vision app to see into Tommy's bedroom window. At first, all they see are green curtains waving in a soft wind.

Then Ricky sees Tommy stand up in bed and look outside. It is clear from his face that he has been abused.

RICKY

Fuck.

EVAN

What do you see?

RICKY

We need to go.

EVAN

Ricky what the fuck did you see?

RICKY

I can't tell you.

EVAN

Ricky you're going to tell me what you saw!

RICKY

Promise you won't do anything.

EVAN

Promise. Tell me.

RICKY

It looks like Tommy's dad has been hitting him. He has two black eyes and swollen cheeks.

Ricky barely gets the words out before Evan jumps out of the vehicle and strides purposefully toward the front door.

RICKY

Stop! Evan! STOP!

EVAN

Nope.

RICKY

Evan you are going to get arrested. Then you are going to get fired.

EVAN

Good. Call the police.

RICKY

Fuck.

Ricky watches with his hands on his head as Evan kicks in the flimsy front door and stomps upstairs. He hears the sounds of a scuffle and then yelling and something breaking. Ricky paces. He makes up his mind to go inside and help when Evan kicks the front door open again. He has a shiner on his left eye. Tommy is asleep in his arms.

EVAN

Call 911. He's been giving Tommy Nyquil and alcohol.

He puts Tommy in the car and goes back inside while Ricky talks to the dispatcher.

Evan drags Tommy's Dad roughly down the front steps and onto the grass. He is unconscious but still breathing.

Emergency vehicles arrive. Tommy's dad is put in handcuffs and taken to a hospital on a stretcher. Evan is placed in handcuffs and taken away to the police station. Tommy is taken from the BMW and placed in an ambulance and taken to the hospital as well. Ricky jumps in the car and follows the Evan's cruiser to the police station.

EXT. POLICE STATION EXTERIOR - DAY

Ricky waits by the car while as Evan walks outside and squints in the daylight.

RICKY

Just remember, social media paid your bail.

EVAN

Don't remind me. Do you know where Tommy is?

RICKY

I do but I don't think-

EVAN

Drive me there.

RICKY

Yes sir.

INT. HOSPITAL FRONT DESK - DAY

Evan walks up to the front desk lady.

EVAN

Tommy Retter please.

Front desk lady looks at her notes.

FRONT DESK LADY

Are you family?

EVAN

Yes.

FRONT DESK LADY

Room 311. Pediatric wing.

Evan takes off. Ricky hops to in order to keep pace.

RICKY

Beating up dads. Lying to receptionists. Who are you?

They find room 311 and they see Tommy sleeping in a bed. A nurse is walking out as they are walking in.

EVAN

How is he?

NURSE

Are you family?

EVAN

Yes.

The nurse gives him a critical look but decides not to press the issue.

NURSE

Honestly, not as good as we would like. He has a lot of sedative and alcohol in his system.

EVAN

He's going to make it, right?

NURSE

I wish I could say. I'm sorry I have other patients.

Evan sits beside Tommy and puts his hand on Tommy's forehead. After a long moment Ricky speaks.

RICKY

Evan. What can I do?

EVAN

I don't know, Ricky.

Ricky sits in the chair on the other side of Tommy as Evan starts to cry.

INT. TOMMY'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Emily walks in and sees Evan asleep beside Tommy. She puts her bag down and gently moves Evan's hair out of his eyes. He looks up at her with one eye.

EVAN

You don't have to be here.

EMILY

I know.

EVAN

I'm glad you are.

EMILY

I know.

She pulls a large sub out of her purse.

EVAN

Oh my god. I love you.

She laughs.

EMILY

I know.

Together they eat in silence as the monitors beep and hum.

EMILY

How is he?

EVAN

They can't say. His system is pretty fucked up.

EMILY

Poor guy. I heard they carted his father off to jail already.

EVAN

That they did. I just hope they deny bail.

A moment passes.

EMILY

You are so different than you were before.

EVAN

What do you mean?

EMILY

I mean you were always a good person, Ev. The best really. But you are really protecting this kid. I mean you're like his guardian angel.

EVAN

I just care about him. He's a great kid. He doesn't deserve this.

EMILY

And you're mother put you up to the job. It's almost like fate.

EVAN

You believe in fate?

EMILY

Not even a little.

They laugh.

EMILY

Still. It's hard to argue against it in this case.

Rick bursts into the room.

RICKY

Evan, Emily, I have an idea.

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Ricky and Evan stand just outside the front doors of Lahey Hospital. Emily holds the phone and puts her thumb up to indicate that she is recording.

RICKY

Hey everyone, hows it shaking? I bring you a very special episode today. Something that is very close to my heart. Let me introduce, for the first time on my channel, my brother Evan Keating.

Evan awkwardly waves and Emily stifles a smile.

RICKY

Real quick, I'm just going to jump right in and throw a couple facts out there for you. 1, approximately 1 in 54 kids today is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. 2, the average cost of behavioral interventions is around 60,000$ a year, which really hurts when you consider that early intervention shows significant progress in 90% of cases. You may be asking yourself right now, what can I do? For that, let me turn it over to my brother.

EVAN

Hey everyone. I don't know you, but Ricky does. He thinks you are a generous community and I hope he's right. Behind me, fighting for his life, is a very special little boy. I can't tell you his name because of confidentiality, but rest assured, he needs you. Ricky has set up a Kickstarter campaign. He said he will put the link where you can all find it. Anything you can give will help. Thank you.

RICKY

You heard the man. Anything helps. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This community is everything to me. Let's show Evan why. Stay tuned for more. Ricky out.

The three of them stand awkwardly for a moment.

EMILY

What now?

RICKY

Now we wait.

INT. DAD'S HOUSE - DAY

Evan and his aunt sit down at the kitchen table.

EVAN

Thanks for coming.

AUNT

Of course. We saw Ricky's video. It's horrible. You've been through so much.

Evan waves her off.

EVAN

I want to give you something.

He produces the blue notebook.

EVAN

This is a diary kept by one of my students. I want you to read it.

AUNT

Why?

EVAN

Because I want you to consider adopting him.

AUNT

Oh, Evan. I don't think-

EVAN

I know. I'm not asking you to do it. Just to consider it. He needs someone. I can't think of anyone better than you. But I also know the work it takes. The sacrifice. So please, for me, read the journal. Let me know when you finish it and we can talk.

She takes a long moment

AUNT

Okay.

INT. DADS LIVING ROOM - DAY

Evan, Emily and Ricky sit around a laptop and watch number tick up.

EMILY

This is crazy. This is just crazy.

EVAN

It really is.

RICKY

Eh, it's what we do.

The number keep ticking. Higher and higher and higher.

EMILY

Guys, this is way way more than we bargained for. This is-

EVAN

Enough to keep Tommy is good schools with all the services he needs for the rest of his life. You did it, Ricky.

Emily leaps at Evan and kisses him hard on the lips. Evan is surprised at first but leans into the kiss hard and puts both his hands on Emily's cheeks. Ricky looks at them and smiles.

RICKY

We did it.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Tommy is awake. He drinks from a juice box and watches Transformers cartoons. He sees Evan and smiles.

TOMMY

Mystery! Hello Mystery! I am watching Optimus Prime destroy Megatron and the Decepticons!

Evan smiles

EVAN

That's awesome pal. How do you feel?

TOMMY

Like crap. I feel like crap. I have needles in my arm that I can't pull out but I really want to pull them out.

EVAN

I know pal. Please don't though. Those are giving you good medicine.

TOMMY

Good medicine? Is there bad medicine?

EVAN

There is.

TOMMY

When will I go home? Is Daddy coming to pick me up?

EVAN

I don't think so, buddy.

TOMMY

Never again. I will never be picked up by daddy ever again?

EVAN

I don't know pal. Maybe?

Evan expects some reaction from Tommy but he doesn't get any. Instead, Tommy pours juice from the box onto a plate full of goldfish, softening them and then eating them one by one.

EVAN

I want you to meet someone okay. This is a very special person to me.

TOMMY

Okay.

EVAN

You can come in.

Evan's Aunt enters the room. Her husband, unsure, walks in her wake.

EVAN

Tommy, this is my Auntie Trish and her husband Bob.

TOMMY

Hello Trish and Bob.

EVAN

I'm going to go for a minute so you guys can talk. That okay?

TOMMY

Yes. That is okay. I like how she smells. Like watermelons.

Evan holds back tears as he leaves the room. His aunt places a knowing hand on his as he passes.

AUNT

You like transformers Tommy?

TOMMY

Yes. Very much I do like transformers.

INT. DADS LIVING ROOM - DAY

Evan, Rick and Emily sit on the couch and go over plans for the future.

EMILY

My father says the trust is finished and everything is already in it.

EVAN

Good. I'll call Auntie Trish later and give her all the details so she knows how to access it.

EMILY

What now?

Evan laughs.

EVAN

I don't know. I'm fired.

RICKY

I know.

EVAN

I'm not Youtubing dude.

RICKY

Yes you are. I have been waiting my entire life to do something meaningful with this channel. We have it now. This channel is dedicated to helping kids with autism. We can raise money and awareness. We can tell stories and champion causes. We can make a real difference. What do you think?

EMILY

Sounds good to me.

EVAN

Sounds good to me too.

EXT. BESIDE RICKY'S CAR - DAY

Ricky finishes putting things in the back and slams the trunk door.

RICKY

Ready!

EMILY

Where are we going again?

EVAN

Houston. We're going to lives stream the convention. Should be able to get them some really good attention.

RICKY

I say again, ready!

EMILY

Me too. Evan?

EVAN

(taking a beat to reflect on it all)

Yeah. Me too.