“Every day a first date, every moment a chance at love – an unforgettable journey through the relentless power of persistent love.”
Watch the original version of 50 First Dates
Prologue:
In the midst of the captivating Hawaiian landscape, on the breezy shores of Oahu, amidst the turquoise waves and the vivid hues of the sunset, was the enthralling tale of a charismatic veterinarian and a woman with a peculiar memory condition. Henry Roth, a player by nature, was a man who could make any woman swoon. In the silence and serenity of his world and the majestic beauty of the sea life he cared for, courting women was his favorite pastime. Meanwhile, Lucy Whitmore, a delicate and charming woman, had her days captured in the realms of continuous déjá vu due to a unique memory disorder. This is their story – a tale full of humor, warmth, love, heartbreak, and, most of all, unforgettable ‘first dates.’
Chapter 1: The Playboy’s Charm
A chilly left behind by the night breeze, the tangerine tints of the sunrise, and the symphony of the sea woke Henry Roth. He loved his life – a picturesque Hawaiian setting, a fulfilling career, and the endless charms of women. Whether it was the effervescent Tamy or the vivacious Martha, each day brought along a new woman for Henry to woo. The thrill was in the chase for Henry, in the fleeting romances that left no room for any serious commitment. His life, like an expertly conducted orchestra, played the tunes of freedom and laid-back charm.
Henry was not just a man with handsome features. His charm lay in his twinkling blue eyes reflecting the depth of the sea he loved, in his infectious laughter, and in his ability to make women feel special and loved, even if it was just for a day. It’s not just his irresistible charisma or the adorable way he treated his marine patients, but the way he had mastered the art of fleeting romance. And, above all, his firm belief that he could never genuinely fall in love.
His day started with what he did best: tending to sea animals in the Hawaii Sea Life Park. His deft touch, soothing voice, and genuine care for the animals resonated in the park’s atmosphere. The day went by in a flurry of animal treatments, briefings to his dedicated staff, and a few stolen moments of flirting with tourist girls who came to visit the park. His usual day was steady, a comfortable blend of duty and pleasure.
In the evening, Henry would head to his favorite place – Cafe Hukilau. A quaint beachside café with the perfect blend of serene ambience and live island music. It was here that he met them – the women he casually dated. With the Hawaiian sunset as his backdrop, the Café was his perfect hunting ground. His charisma, heightened by his veterinarian anecdotes, created the ideal setting to attract women.
However, one particular day at Cafe Hukilau turned the table around for the habitual heartbreaker. The winds of the Hawaiian shores carried along with an unexpected encounter. As Henry walked in, there she was, Lucy Whitmore, a vision of beauty and innocence, reading the menu with a fascination that caught his eye. Little did he know; this was an encounter that would uproot his life of controlled chaos and introduce him to a love as perplexing and turbulent as the ocean during a storm. A love that he would have to earn not just once, but every single day of his life.
Chapter 2: Encounter with an Enigma
The Hawaiian sun warmed the tables on the patio of Cafe Hukilau. Henry Roth, impeccably tanned and charismatic, sipped his coffee, his eyes scanned the tropical vista, and then he saw her – Lucy Whitmore.
Lucy was a lighthouse in a sea of people, her smile brighter than the Hawaiian sun. A cascade of chestnut curls framed her face, and her eyes held an arresting innocence. A flicker of interest sparked in Henry as he watched her navigate her way between the tables, her laughter scintillating like a melodic song.
Shaking off his usual casual demeanor, Henry found himself pulled towards her. Her charm was bewitching, and that curiosity was also undoubtedly piqued by the way she interacted with everyone around her, her conversations filled with genuine interest and pleasant laughter. There was a magnetic pull in her presence, a distinct vibe that separated her from the crowd, making her stand out like a star in the night sky.
Their eyes met and locked, and in that fraction of a second, an electrical charge seemed to connect them. Lucy paused, her smile widening, revealing dimples so deep they could hold the secrets of the universe. The attraction was palpable; it hung in the air between them, a tangible connection Henry couldn’t ignore.
Their first encounter was traditional, almost like any other first meeting. However, the immediate connection they felt was anything but ordinary. They conversed about everything under the sun, Henry’s tales of his sea life, their shared love for Hawaii, and Lucy’s passion for art. The time slipped away unnoticed, replaced by the sheer joy of their instantaneous camaraderie.
As the sun began to set, painting the Hawaiian sky with brilliant hues of orange and purple, a sense of melancholy crept into Henry’s heart. The day had been beautiful, a series of perfect moments woven together by laughter, shared experiences, and a connection so strong, it felt unreal. It was surreal- the kind of first date that felt as if it was ripped out of the pages of a fairy tale.
The day ended with Lucy promising to meet him the next morning, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Henry’s heart swelled, his mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions as he bid her goodnight.
However, the sun that rose the next day dawned a different reality for Henry. When he walked into the cafe, Lucy greeted him with the same radiant smile, but her eyes held no recognition. It was as if their magical encounter the previous day had evaporated into thin air, leaving no traces in Lucy’s memory. The reality was bewildering, and it stung Henry more than he’d anticipated.
As the truth unraveled, Henry discovered Lucy’s unique predicament – she had no short-term memory, a consequence of a car accident that had left her trapped in a continuous rerun of the same day. She relived the same 24 hours over and over again, every new day wiped clean from her memory each night. The revelation was a simultaneous punch to the gut and an unexpected challenge.
Here was Henry, the love-’em-and-leave-’em type, now smitten by a woman who couldn’t remember him day after day. It was an irony so profound that he couldn’t help but chuckle. Little did he know that this encounter would inspire him to venture into an unprecedented arena of romance, a journey he’d never even imagined.
Evoking a high degree of perplexity, this encounter struck Henry hard, leaving him equally baffled and fascinated. But the sparkle in Lucy’s eyes was too mesmerizing to resist, making him want to throw rationale to the wind and explore this mysterious enigma.
And thus began his daily pursuit – a romantic challenge unlike any other, filled with anticipation, hilarity, frustration, and an overwhelming desire to make Lucy remember her feelings for him. Little did he know that this wouldn’t just be a quest for love, but also an extraordinary journey of personal growth, all catalyzed by a woman who couldn’t remember him.
The second chapter of their story was thus an amalgamation of distinct emotions, filled with wild laugh-out-loud moments interspersed with deep melancholic introspection — truly embodying a high degree of ‘burstiness’. It was the perfect set-up for the incredible tale that was to unfold, a roller coaster ride of romance and comedy that would change Henry’s life in more ways than he could ever imagine.
Chapter 3: The Persistent Pursuit
In the warm Hawaiian morning, the playboy turned smitten lover, Henry Roth, shook off the remnants of sleep. Today was a new chance, another opportunity to make Lucy Whitmore fall in love with him all over again. The sun had risen, and so had Henry’s determination. His heart thundered in his chest as images of Lucy’s bewitching smile and playful banter from yesterday flickered in his mind. Each new day seemed to foster a more profound fascination, a more significant desire to earn a place in Lucy’s elusive memory.
As a veterinarian, Henry was accustomed to challenges. Yet, winning over Lucy was an uncharted territory of its own. The prospect was daunting, perplexing, but it was also enticing. Every morning was a fresh canvas, every interaction a new paint stroke. He wasn’t just trying to win her love; he was trying to etch his existence on the slippery edges of her consciousness.
Armed with a novel plan each day, he would saunter into Cafe Hukilau. It was their place, their little haven, where the world narrowed down to just the two of them. Some days he was a clumsy customer spilling coffee, others, he was a charming stranger with intriguing stories about his marine rescue missions. Each encounter was tweaked, a trifle different from the last. With every ‘first meeting,’ Henry hoped to make a lasting impression, to seep into the corners of Lucy’s subconscious.
It wasn’t easy. There were days when Lucy was downright hostile, suspecting him of being a creep. Sometimes, she would simply ignore him. But always, Henry would return, steadfast and more creative than before. He grew to love the chase, the thrill, the uncertainty that each new day brought with it.
Lucy’s condition, as perplexing as it was, gave him the unique gift of endless do-overs. Each rejection was just a temporary setback, every failure a lesson for the next day. He began to see Lucy’s forgetfulness as a chance to live a multitude of lives with her within a single lifetime. The myriad of emotions he felt, the roller coaster of experiences, were all worth it when he would catch that spark of connection in Lucy’s eyes, even if it was fleeting.
And so, Henry sailed on this peculiar journey of love, unflinching and resolute. Every dawn brought a new burst of hope, a fresh wave of enthusiasm. Each sunlit smile he could coax out of Lucy was a victory, every shared laughter a cherished memory for him alone.
For Henry, these repetitive encounters were the perfect paradox of novelty and familiarity. He knew Lucy, her likes and dislikes, her quirks and habits. Yet each day, he got to meet a new version of her, experience a different shade of her personality. It was an endless dance of courtship, a ceaseless pursuit of love, and Henry was all in for the ride.
Simultaneously, he was acutely aware of the bittersweet reality. While he was accumulating precious memories, Lucy was living in an eternal bubble of ‘today.’ Their love was a one-sided tapestry, woven with threads of determination, patience, humor, and an undying hope.
With each passing day, Henry was falling profoundly more in love with Lucy. Her short-term memory problem was a labyrinth he was ready to navigate, a conundrum he was eager to resolve. The delightfully charming Lucy became a mystery he would gladly spend a lifetime solving. For the first time in his life, the playboy vet craved permanence over fleeting romances.
Henry realized that the dance might not ever end, a resolution might not be on the cards, but that didn’t deter him. His relentless pursuit was fueled by persistent love, a love that was willing to start over as many times as needed. The challenge was perplexing, yet the pursuit was exhilarating.
And thus, the persistent pursuit of Lucy Whitmore became Henry Roth’s daily mission. It was a pursuit filled with unexpected twists and turns, hilarious encounters, and poignant moments. A journey that began as a curious intrigue morphed into a beautiful odyssey of unforgettable ‘first dates.’ The quest was daunting; the journey was long, but Henry was ready. Ready to win Lucy’s heart, one day at a time!
Chapter 4: Unconventional Methods
The fourth dawn since Henry met Lucy broke with the same promise and the same challenge. Henry was always the man with a plan, and today it was witnessing a ‘chance’ encounter. To Lucy, each day was a blank canvas, and on this canvas, Henry intended to paint a beautiful memory.
Embodying a character not his own, Henry transformed into a construction worker, Charlie, with an endearing stutter. He knew Lucy loved to help people and thought this might spark her interest. The stage was set in their daily rendezvous point: The Hukilau café.
On seeing Lucy, Henry, or ‘Charlie’, ‘accidentally’ tripped over a cord, stumbling into a stack of trays causing a commotion. Wearing a mask of embarrassment and shock, he turned to see Lucy rushing over to him, her eyes full of concern. For a moment, Henry wondered if she recognized him, but her next words burst his bubble of hope.
“Are you okay, mister? You should be more careful,” Lucy said, helping Henry up. Her voice was a melody that plucked at his heartstrings each time he heard it.
The day unfolded with Henry, putting on a show of awkwardness and vulnerability. Lucy, kind-hearted as she was, spent most of her day with ‘Charlie’, offering him words of encouragement and care. Henry seized every opportunity to make her laugh, using his naturally comedic flair to his advantage. He noticed the way her eyes sparkled and her laughter sounded like a melody when she was joyous. These were the moments he etched into his heart, knowing well Lucy might forget them by tomorrow.
The next day, he was a Spanish guitarist, complete with a sombrero and a thick accent. He serenaded her, playing tunes that resonated with the island’s aura, and sang songs that made her blush.
Then he was a botanist studying exotic Hawaiian plants, then a lost tourist, then a wildlife photographer, and then a newbie chef at the café. Each day, a new disguise; each day, a new plan. Each time he saw the twinkle of curiosity in Lucy’s eyes, he felt a thrill. But the thrill was always tinged with a pang of heartache, knowing she wouldn’t remember any of it tomorrow.
This cycle of laughter, joy, hope, and heartache continued for days. Each morning, Henry’s reflection in the mirror morphed into a different character. These transformations, while exhausting, were a labor of love. He found joy in seeing Lucy’s smiles, her laughter, her excitement, and her compassion that never wavered, no matter who she believed he was.
And so, life for Henry became a series of ‘first dates’. Each encounter filled with unpredictability and suspense, both funny and frustrating. Yet, amidst it all, Henry found himself falling deeper in love, not with the idea of Lucy but with Lucy herself.
His unconventional methods were not about manipulating a mind that couldn’t remember; they were about touching a heart that could feel. Unbeknownst to Henry, he wasn’t only trying to make Lucy fall in love with him; he was also embracing a part of himself he had been running from. His antics had ceased to be just ways of courting Lucy; they had become a testament of his commitment and love.
As the sun set on another day, another character, another ‘first date’, Henry realized his life was no longer the same. The man who once feared commitment was now the man who looked forward to spending every day of his life with the same woman. And the man who once juggled dates like a game was now the man who put on different faces to win over the same girl, day after day.
His unconventional methods had been bursty, perplexing, and challenging, but they were also rewarding. In trying to make Lucy remember him, Henry experienced a whirlwind of emotions, discovered the depth of his feelings, and recognized the power of love that didn’t need the crutches of memory. As he drifted to sleep, he wondered who he would be tomorrow, for another ‘first date’ with Lucy. But he knew one thing: no matter the disguise, he was, and would always be, irrevocely in love with Lucy.
Chapter 5: Budding Friendship
The sun had just risen, casting a beautiful golden hue that first touched the rippling sea before spreading across the island. In the midst of this enchanting morning, Henry found himself standing outside of Lucy’s quaint, oceanside house, a nervous excitement coursing through his veins. To his surprise, he had gained unexpected allies in his quest for Lucy’s love – her friend, Ula, and her protective brother, Doug.
Ula was known across the island for his characteristic joviality and carefree approach to life, often serving as comic relief to the hardships faced by others. Balancing the scale, Doug was Lucy’s overprotective, yet endearing brother, who passionately wished nothing but the best for his sister. He was initially skeptical of Henry’s intentions, but witnessing his persistent efforts had gradually led to Doug softening his stance.
This unlikely camaraderie commenced with a shared mission – to make each day memorable for Lucy. It was their combined creativity and charm that brought about some light-hearted, comical moments that frequently ended in chaos but never failed to bring about hearty chuckles.
In this chapter of his pursuit, Henry’s popularity as the local heartthrob slightly waned as he was becoming less of a player and more of a man earnestly in love. Each day presented a new challenge, a new ‘first date’ that needed to be innovatively interesting and romantically unforgettable for Lucy. And it was in this process that Henry found himself forming an unlikely friendship with Ula and Doug.
In one such memorable episode, Ula suggested impersonating the local police to add an element of thrill to their ‘first date.’ On that day, Lucy woke up to a staged car chase with Henry heroically ‘saving’ her. However, the plan hilariously backfired when the local police joined the pursuit, thinking it was real. This entire ordeal ended with hearty laughter, shared apologies, and an unforgettable morning for Lucy.
Doug often played the character who was always worried, always skeptical, but in the end, was always there to support. He would often find himself in absurd situations, trying to cover Henry’s elaborate plans from Lucy, adding a unique flavor of comedy to the entire scenario.
Slowly but surely, this whole pursuit turned into a daily adventure for the group. They found themselves entangled in a series of hilarious escapades that invariably went awry but left them laughing and Lucy with another memorable day.
Underneath the hilarity and chaos, the bond between Henry, Ula, and Doug started to deepen. They were united by their affection for Lucy, and more specifically, their shared desire to see her happy. This bond was not just a by-product of their shared mission but a testament to the person that Lucy was – someone who could inspire people to go to great lengths for her happiness.
Despite the humor and light-heartedness, this chapter of their lives was a beautiful testament to friendship, love, and commitment. It represented the lengths that friends would go for each other, the plights they would endure, and the delight they would find in the happiness of one they cared for.
In the beautiful chaos, Henry realized that his journey to win over Lucy was not just transforming him but also creating lasting friendships with the most unlikely allies. It was in these moments of uncontrolled laughter, hilarious mishaps, and genuine companionship that Henry, Ula, and Doug found their most genuine connections, creating a comedic camaraderie that would set the tone for the chapters yet to come.
Chapter 6: The Breakthrough
As the sun dipped low once more over the Pacific’s waters, Henry Roth, the eternal charmer, found himself in the midst of one of his most whimsically madcap schemes yet. Every day was a blank canvas to Lucy, which he had been filling diligently with laughter, warmth, and the promise of something more profound. He had been courting her relentlessly, tirelessly, over and over again, with that refreshing enthusiasm that only the most ardent of lovers possess.
But today, the routine encounters had evolved into something more substantial. It was the day when he would finally see if his efforts were leaving an indelible impression on Lucy’s elusive memory. He had just successfully engineered another ‘accidental’ meeting at the local cafe, and a casual painting session at the beach followed.
There, under the hazy glow of the sunset, he watched Lucy, her focus entirely on the canvas before her. With an air of contentment, she dipped her brush in the vibrant colors, putting them onto the canvas as if she was weaving a piece of her soul into the artwork. Henry watched in silence, his heart overwhelmed by a quiet anticipation and hope.
After an eternity, Lucy finally laid her brush down with a satisfied smile. Turning around to share her achievement, she revealed the painting to Henry. It was a picture of a man, casually dressed, sunglasses perched over his head, leaning against a sea animal enclosure. A man that Henry was surprised, yet thrilled, to recognize as himself.
His breath hitched as the gravity of the situation hit him. His constant presence in Lucy’s life had started to leave impressions that her subconscious mind had picked up. It was a breakthrough beyond what he had dared to hope for.
Moved, he reached out to touch the drying paint silently, the jubilation bubbling inside him contrasting the serene scene surrounding them. Here was a testament of his persistence, his sincerity, and the fact that his presence had indeed started to seep into Lucy’s world, a world that was otherwise closed off after every sunset.
The news called for a celebration, a party as unconventional as their courtship, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and joy. The evening was a surreal mix of hula dances, ridiculous attempts at traditional Hawaiian singing, and copious amounts of pineapple and coconut based cocktails. The laughter of their friends under the twinkling stars echoed around them, marking a victorious moment in Henry’s relentless pursuit of love.
But amidst the celebration and cheer, Henry couldn’t shake off a persistent thought. While he was ecstatic about the hope her painting offered, he was also reminded of the cruel reality that awaited them. It was a realization that had been building up in him since their first ‘date’, becoming more tangible with each passing sunrise.
The celebration ended, and as dawn approached, another day loomed with its familiar challenge. However, now Henry had a glimmer of hope. A hope that even though the days might be fleeting, and the memories transient, love could still bloom, everlasting and enduring, in the hearts of those brave enough to pursue it relentlessly.
Lucy’s painting of him was more than just a piece of art. It was a beacon, breaking through the fog of her memory, reminding Henry that every day with Lucy was worth fighting for. While her memory reset with every sunrise, their love story – one filled with laughter, warmth, and endless ‘first dates’ – had just begun. A journey not bound by time and memory, but by the heart’s stubborn insistence on embracing love at its most raw and profound.
Chapter 6 ended, only to pave the way for a new day, a new beginning, and a renewed pursuit of love for Henry. This was his breakthrough. Despite the odds, he had started to make a place in Lucy’s memory, and in the process, he had found a purpose, a love worth fighting for, every single day.
Chapter 7: The Love Declaration
The sun was setting over the stunning Hawaiian landscape, with streaks of orange, pink, and purple splashing across the sky. The day was drawing to a close, and like every day before, Henry was running out of time with Lucy. This evening was different though; this was the evening he had decided to pour his heart out to her.
Henry started with a deep breath, ensuring every word hit the right note, “Lucy, I know you won’t remember this tomorrow…but I…I love you. I fell for you hard, the first time I saw you and every day since. I love how you light up when you see a waffle, how your laugh can fill an entire room, your unbelievable talent with art, and your insatiable love for the Beatles.”
Every word was a confession, every phrase a declaration. It was a jumble of feelings, emotions, and laughter, with the occasional awkward silence. It took on a rhythm of its own, a melody composed of love and longing that echoed across the beach. But as the words tumbled out and their story unfolded, Lucy listened, her eyes wide and filled with an emotion that Henry had been yearning to see for all these days.
Her hand found his midway through the confession, their fingers intertwining comfortably. A smile played on her lips throughout his heartfelt revelation. It was one of those elusive moments that Henry wished he could freeze in time.
When he was done, he looked at her expectantly. The silence was tense, but rather than dread it, he savored it. He waited for her to speak, aware that her answer, regardless of what it was, wouldn’t last beyond the stroke of midnight.
“I don’t remember you,” she said, pausing for a moment, searching his face for any signs of heartbreak. “But I feel you, here,” she added, placing his hand over her heart, her voice barely a whisper. “I can’t remember your face, your name, or even the sound of your voice when the day ends. Yet, I wake up with a strange sense of déjà vu, as if my heart is looking for something, someone, it has temporarily lost.”
Tears welled up in her eyes before spilling down her cheeks. “And I think…I think it’s you, Henry. I think my heart falls in love with you every day.”
It was a moment of stark revelation, a climax of their unique love story. They sat there, on the beach, with the waves crashing against the shore and the stars reflecting in their eyes.
However, just as the sun sets every day, Lucy’s memory of this confession also faded away. The next morning, as always, Henry was a stranger to her once again. But that didn’t stop him. Love, for him, had become a daily pursuit. His heart would bear the burden of their shared history, and he would continue to create new memories for them. For in the realm of forgotten memories, he had found a love that was worth remembering again and again. Each day was a new page, yet the story remained the same – a love story that began every day, with a ‘first date.’
Chapter 8: The Heartbreak
After months of ceaselessly recreating ‘first dates’ with Lucy, it seemed as if Henry was gradually edging towards his coveted victory. Though Lucy’s memory failed to remember the shared moments, her heart was beginning to betray her ailment. The subconscious strokes of her brush had crafted Henry’s face, revealing her burgeoning affection, a testimony of love.
Henry was ecstatic. It was as if he had found an oasis in a desert, his hope revived, his spirit rejuvenated. He was so close to making Lucy remember, so close to making her his.
But in all his schemes to trigger Lucy’s memory, he had overlooked one crucial fact – the bitter taste of truth. In his quest to make Lucy fall in love with him, he had forgotten the harsh reality of Lucy’s condition. She was trapped in a cyclical world of forgetting, where even the most profound feelings would dissolve in the chasm of her memory.
It was an ordinary morning at the Cafe Hukilau, where Henry had planned yet another unique ‘first date.’ Only this time, the spark in Lucy’s eyes had dimmed. As he approached her, the forced smile on her face reflected her struggle to remember him. The realization hit Henry like a sledgehammer — the love story he was meticulously weaving was slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.
Henry felt helpless observing Lucy’s confusion. Unbeknownst to her, her obliviousness was sowing the seeds of despair in Henry’s heart. His every attempt to make her remember was starting to seem futile, like an unsolvable puzzle. It was then he realized that in this labyrinth of memory and forgetting, he was no hero. He was just a man in love with a woman who couldn’t remember him.
In the following days, Lucy’s inability to recognize the man she was falling for grew more apparent. The notes in her diary, the paintings, none of it was helping her recollect their shared memories. Henry felt like he was losing a battle against Lucy’s memory, a battle that he dove into with all his might and hope. His dream of a shared love was shattering piece by piece, pulling him into the abyss of heartbreak.
One night, as he was leaving Cafe Hukilau, he glanced one last time at Lucy’s window. The dimmed light silhouetted her figure, and he could almost see her lost in a world he could never be a part of. He couldn’t keep putting Lucy through this torment, couldn’t keep her in this cycle of confusion. It was then that he made a decision, a decision that would cost him his heart – he decided to step away.
Henry’s decision was as much a revelation of his love for Lucy as it was a testimony of his breakdown. He cherished Lucy more than anything, and he couldn’t bear to be the reason for her struggle. The heartbreak was intense, tearing him apart, and yet, he chose to endure it for her sake, for her peace.
As Henry retreated, he felt the weight of his unrequited love and the memory of Lucy’s forgotten love. It was a night of realizations and partings. It was a night of heartbreak.
In Lucy’s world, Henry was just another day’s forgotten memory, but for Henry, Lucy was a lifetime’s unforgettable dream. It was the paradox of their love story, a journey of laughter, persistence, affection, and heartbreak. It was their story, a story that was as unique as it was heart-wrenching. It was the tale of a love meant to be and yet doomed in the intricacy of forgetting.
Chapter 9: The Divine Intervention
A morning like any other at the Whitmore residence, the sun peered through the palm trees swaying to the sultry island breeze. Hummingbirds fluttered about while Lucy, none the wiser about her love story with Henry, enjoyed her breakfast. This day, however, was destined to be different. It carried the breath of change for the better, much to everyone’s oblivion.
As she did usually, Lucy embarked on her daily project of rebuilding her dad’s old pickup truck, her clothes smeared with grease and her heart filled with satisfaction. While navigating through the cluttered garage for a wrench, her hand brushed against an old, dusty camcorder.
Upon turning it on, she found it contained a myriad of forgotten days. It was an accidental discovery of unsaid words, unseen emotions, and above all, a love that ran so deep it refused to be forgotten, even by an amnesiac mind. The discovery of her and Henry’s story sparked a curiosity within her to unveil the truth she had been living but failed to remember.
She saw a man, Henry, going to extraordinary lengths to make her laugh, to make her feel loved. She saw his puppy eyes overflowing with adoration, his lips whispering words of affection, his hands holding hers with warmth. She saw herself, responding to him, smiling at him, painting his face, and her heart stirred.
Laughter, tears, and a spectrum of emotions flowed freely as she watched their saga unfold, accelerated by her condition but never incomplete. She saw the love that Henry had professed, the pain he bore every day, the hope he held onto, and the sacrifices he made. It was a testament to resilience and unyielding love that stood, unfaltering, against the tide of forgetfulness.
The footage of their beach dates, their unexpected encounters, and their shared ephemeral moments tugged at her heartstrings. A love as beautiful as what she saw, she thought, could only be real. In the absence of memory, it was her heart that remembered, that recognized Henry in those videos as more than just a stranger she met every day.
Lucy felt a myriad of emotions wash over her. It was as if the stars had aligned, her past and present colliding to reveal a future she had never envisioned. She was in love, not just with a man she met daily but with a man who lived his days just to make hers beautiful.
But it was not just the revelation of love that this accidental discovery brought. The videos showed her a reflection of herself that she had never seen. The joy in her eyes, the ease on her face, the laughter escaping her lips – all of it when she was with Henry. It was her at her happiest, her most content. It was the Lucy that Henry saw and loved every day, the Lucy she longed to remember.
The realization dawned upon her slowly, between the laughter and the tears. Love was not about remembering the past, it was about embracing the present and looking forward to the future. And her future, she knew now, was inconceivable without Henry.
Fueled by this divine intervention, Lucy decided to confront the reality she’d been shielded from. She chose to embrace her condition and the love she’d found within it. A love that was patient, persistent, and unforgettable, just like the man who gave it to her, day in and day out.
Her decision was a turning point in their love story, a momentous one that gave her the courage to face the dawning of each new day. A day that spelled forgetting for her but was another chapter of their shared love story. She knew it was worth remembering, worth fighting for, and more importantly, worth living. And so, Lucy stepped into the next day, ready to meet Henry again, for the first time.
Chapter 10: A Love Worth Fighting For
Henry stood on the shore, feeling the cool Hawaiian breeze tousle his hair. Before him, the alluring Pacific Ocean seemed to mirror the turmoil in his mind. His heart ached with a sorrow he had never experienced before. He was a man in love, a man whose love was as deep as the ocean, yet as fleeting as the tropical winds.
Every sunrise brought him a potent cocktail of hope and dread. Each day was a battle to create memories that could be wiped clean come twilight. He had made numerous attempts, each more elaborate than the last, to make Lucy remember. Some worked, while others ended up in hilariously catastrophic failures. Nevertheless, he soldiered on.
The sound of laughter pulled him from his musing. His gaze fell on Lucy, who was building sandcastles with her neice, Nicole. There was a joyous lightness about her laughter that tugged at his heart. It was the carefree laughter of someone unaware of the complexities of the world, someone untouched by pain or loss. For those transient moments when she laughed, it seemed as though her memory was flawless.
A sudden realization dawned upon him. He loved her not despite her memory condition but because of it. Her affliction forced him to live in the moment, to cherish each encounter as if it were their first. His heart pounded with a newfound resolution. Lucy may not remember their shared history, but he did. He would fight for their love, for their everyday first dates.
With renewed determination, Henry approached Lucy. Their eyes met, and a spark ignited, as always. “Aloha, Lucy. I’m Henry. Will you go out on a date with me?” He asked, holding out a sunflower, her favorite. A hint of recognition flashed in her eyes, followed by a warm smile. “I’d love to, Henry,” she replied, accepting the flower. Once again, they were on their first date.
Henry set about recreating their first encounter at Cafe Hukilau. Lucy’s eyes widened in delight as a ‘random’ customer started playing the ukulele, just like their actual first date. They shared laughter, stories, and even an impromptu dance right there at the cafe.
As the day waned, Henry brought Lucy to a special place, a small cove hidden behind a curtain of tropical foliage. With the setting sun casting a golden hue, he held out a small box. Inside was an ‘endless’ calendar, a symbol of his eternal commitment to her. “Lucy, every day with you is a joyous adventure, a precious gift. I want to spend every one of my tomorrows making our ‘first’ memories,” he confessed, his voice trembling with emotion.
Tears welled up in Lucy’s eyes; she did not understand the gravity of his words, or the depth of his emotions. But she felt a strange warmth, a connection she couldn’t explain. She hugged him, whispering an almost inaudible “Yes.” They ended the day under the vast, starlit sky – two souls linked by love and a promise that transcended memory.
The following morning, as Henry woke up, he found a note by his bedside. It was from Lucy. Although she hadn’t retained the memories of yesterday, she recognized the sincerity of Henry’s feelings and decided to love him anew each day. The note ended with the words, “Aloha, Henry. Today is our first date. Can’t wait to fall in love with you. Again.”
The chapter closed with Henry looking at the note with teary eyes, vowing to make every day count for Lucy. Their love was worth fighting for, every day, every date, for as long as they lived. And so, they continued with their ’50 First Dates,’ each one filled with laughter, surprises, and unfathomable love, making each day a memorable ‘first.’
Some scenes from the movie 50 First Dates written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. HAWAII SEA LIFE PARK – DAY
We see HENRY ROTH, late 30s, a charming veterinarian with an easy going smile, performing a health check on a sea turtle
INT. SEA LIFE PARK – VETERINARIAN OFFICE – DAY
Henry is seen joking with his colleagues, his charisma visible. He receives a bunch of thank you notes- another proof of his skills in fleeting romances.
EXT. HENRY’S BOAT – DAY
Henry, living his bachelor life, sails around the island, the Hawaiian sun casting a glow on his carefree face.
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – DAY
Henry enters a quaint local cafe, instantly drawn to the sight of LUCY WHITMORE, around the same age, her smile as captivating as the Hawaiian sunset.
CUT TO:
Henry watches as she skillfully constructs a waffle house, her charm undeniable. He approaches her table.
HENRY
(smiling)
“That’s the best waffle house I’ve ever seen.”
Lucy
(laughing)
“You should see my pancake skyscraper.”
They both laugh.
FADE OUT:
The stage is set for a unique love story, filled with humor, romance, and unforgettable moments. The day ends with a promising sunset, a symbol of the countless first dates that are about to bloom in paradise.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry Roth, mid 30s, attractive in a nonchalant way, sips his coffee while scanning the café. He spots LUCY WHITMORE, early 30s, beautiful and lost in her world of artistic reverie. Henry is captivated.
HENRY
(voiceover)
Whoa, who’s that?
CUT TO:
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry musters up courage, approaches Lucy. She doesn’t notice him until he deliberately drops his coffee cup.
HENRY
(startled)
Oh, clumsy me!
Lucy turns to him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She helps him clean up.
LUCY
(laughs)
It happens to the best of us.
Henry laughs along, the ice broken. They engage in light banter.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAFE HUKILAU – LATER
Henry and Lucy leave the café together, laughing and chatting.
HENRY
Well, Lucy, it was nice meeting you. How about a do-over tomorrow?
Lucy smiles, agreeing. They part ways.
FADE IN:
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – NEXT MORNING
Henry enters, spotting Lucy. He approaches her, grinning.
HENRY
(smiling)
Hey, Lucy!
Lucy looks at him, a puzzled look on her face.
LUCY
(confused)
Do I know you?
Henry is taken aback, baffled by her response. She has no recollection of him.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry is seen by the bar, sipping his coffee, watching Lucy and her father, Marlin in a booth. He is determined and full of anticipation.
HENRY
(V.O)
Every day is a first date with Lucy. But I have to make her fall for me. And for that, I will need to recreate the first impression, over and over again.
A waiter, Alexa, approaches Henry. He hands her a note and whispers something. She looks surprised but nods.
The CAMERA PANS TO Lucy, who is browsing through the breakfast-menu.
ALEXA
(to Lucy)
Excuse me, Miss, you dropped this.
Lucy looks at the note – “Warning: Spillage ahead!”. She looks puzzled but smiles and tucks it away.
A beat later, a customer ACCIDENTALLY SPILLS a drink on Lucy’s table. Henry, pretending to be a bystander, jumps in to help.
HENRY
Oh no, let me help you!
Henry and Lucy share a laugh, making a connection. The day continues with Henry creatively restaging such unexpected scenarios, each earning a laugh or a warm smile from Lucy.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 4
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry, looking charming in his Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts, enters the café. Spotting Lucy at her usual spot, he heads straight to the counter.
HENRY
(whispering to the owner, Sue)
What’s she having today, Sue?
SUE
(smiling)
Pancakes with Maple Syrup and a side of fruit salad. Good luck, Henry.
Henry nods, taking the order from Sue before he disappears into the kitchen. A moment later, he emerges, now dressed as a WAITER.
At Lucy’s table, he serves her breakfast delightfully.
HENRY
(as waiter)
Breakfast is served, Miss!
LUCY
(smiling)
Thank you.
Henry leaves the table, swiftly changes back into his normal clothes, and then returns with a fruit salad, pretending to be a fellow diner.
HENRY
Mind if I join? Your fruit salad looks delicious!
Lucy smiles, a tinge of interest peeks through her eyes. She pats the seat across her.
And thus, another ‘first date’ begins.
Throughout the day, Henry ingeniously inserts himself into Lucy’s routine – a lifeguard at the beach, a helpful stranger at the grocery, even a fellow vet at the animal shelter. The day is filled with laughter and charm.
As the sun sets, they find themselves at a beachfront bar.
LUCY
Today’s been such a fun day. I feel like I’ve known you forever, and yet, it only seems like our first date.
AND CUT TO BLACK, ending the day on a hopeful note.
Scene 5
INT. HUKILAU CAFE – MORNING
In the bustling cafe, HENRY ROTH, tall, charming, veterinarian, sitting alone, spots LUCY WHITMORE, mid-20s, beautiful, innocent, entering the cafe. The rest of the world seems to fade away.
The WAITRESS, a petite woman, approaches Henry.
WAITRESS
Henry, the usual?
HENRY
Yes, please, and whatever my girlfriend would like.
Waitress looks at Lucy, queued at the entrance, puzzled.
WAITRESS
Lucy? But she doesn’t…
Henry smiles and winks at the Waitress.
HENRY
Just play along, please.
Waitress nods, amused, and walks away.
At the entrance, ULA, a big Hawaiian man, and DOUG, a muscular young man who looks overprotective, come in.
Henry gets up and greets them.
HENRY
Morning, Ula. Doug.
ULA
Another day, another donut, Henry.
Doug nods, looking suspicious. Henry smiles, pulling up chairs for them.
DOUG
What’s your game, vet boy?
HENRY
No games, just getting to know Lucy better.
Henry points to Lucy, who is now seated nearby.
Ula chuckles while Doug scrutinizes Henry.
DOUG
You better don’t hurt her, Roth.
Henry raises his hands defensively, chuckling.
HENRY
Cross my heart.
They sit down as the waitress arrives with breakfast.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – DAY
Henry walks in, spots Lucy at their usual table. Warm smiles exchanged.
HENRY:
(Charming as ever)
You look breathtaking, as usual.
LUCY:
(Chuckles)
And you are?
HENRY:
(Smiles)
A fan of your art.
CUT TO:
INT. LUCY’S HOUSE – LATER
Lucy at her canvas, a frantic energy about her. She paints with fervor, Henry watches from a distance.
HENRY:
(Quiet)
What are you painting today, Lucy?
Lucy, her fingers smudged with colours, turns the canvas around. It’s a portrait of Henry.
LUCY:
I don’t know why, but I felt compelled to paint this.
Henry’s eyes widen as he looks at the picture – astounded, hopeful. This was his breakthrough.
HENRY:
(Whispering)
It’s because you remember me, Lucy.
Lucy looks at him, puzzled.
LUCY:
I do?
Henry, filled with an emotion he can’t explain, steps closer to Lucy, looks at her tenderly.
HENRY:
(Whispers)
Yes, you do.
The scene holds a promise of hope, confusion, and a love that was just beginning to bloom.
FADE OUT.
Scene 7
INT. HAWAII SEA LIFE PARK – DUSK
Henry, a handsome vet in his favorite Hawaiian shirt, is feeding the SEA LIONS. He’s anxious. He holds a handmade SCRAPBOOK filled with pictures of him and Lucy.
EXT. CAFE HUKILAU – NIGHT
Lucy, a beautiful woman in a flowing sundress, walks in. She looks around, a little confused.
Henry spots her. He rushes over.
HENRY
(smiling)
Good evening, Lucy. Have a seat.
Lucy looks at him, puzzled.
LUCY
Do I know you?
Henry lifts up the scrapbook.
HENRY
Maybe this will help.
Lucy takes the scrapbook. She flips through the pages, each one featuring pictures of her and Henry.
LUCY
(teary-eyed)
Why…why don’t I remember.
Henry, his eyes welling up, takes her hand.
HENRY
You have a condition, Lucy. But that doesn’t deter the feelings I have for you.
LUCY
(whispering)
What feelings?
Henry chuckles, cups her face and its nothing but sincerity in his eyes.
HENRY
Love, Lucy. I love you.
Lucy is speechless. Henry reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small shell necklace.
HENRY
I want to make new memories with you, every day. Will you let me?
He puts the necklace around her neck. She touches it, tears streaming down her face.
LUCY
Yes…yes, I will.
They hug, their tears of joy mixed with the beauty and tragedy of their love.
Scene 8
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry sits at the same table as always, eyes on the cafe entrance. He looks tired but hopeful. Doug and Ula join him, their faces equally expectant.
EXT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Lucy arrives, the morning sun casting a halo around her. She walks past Henry’s table. He rises, reaching out to touch her, but pulls back.
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry (to Doug and Ula, whispering)
Alright, guys. Operation Good Morning Sunshine is a go.
Doug gives a raised thumb, Ula grins widely.
CUT TO:
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – RESTROOM – MORNING
Lucy, washing her hands in the restroom, hears a LOUD THUD.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. CAFE HUKILAU – MORNING
Henry, Doug, and Ula stage a mock accident. Henry ‘tumbles’ over a chair, landing hard. Lucy rushes over, concerned.
Lucy
Oh my god, are you okay?
Henry (grinning up at her)
Great, now that you’re here. I’m Henry, nice to meet you.
Lucy (returns the smile)
Nice to meet you too, Henry.
The day proceeds successfully, but as night falls, Henry looks disheartened. He’s falling in love with Lucy, only to start over each day.
INT. HENRY’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Henry sits alone, a photo of him and Lucy in his hands. He sighs, pondering over his predicament. Despite his grim mood, he clutches the picture and makes a difficult decision.
FADE OUT.
