Breathless

Trapped in a life of crime, Michel must choose between his love and his freedom.

Watch the original version of Breathless

Prologue:

The sound of sirens filled the air, and I knew I had to move fast. My heart was pounding in my chest as I ran towards the car, my mind racing with fear and adrenaline. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself. I opened the door and got in, the scent of leather and gasoline filling my nose. I felt a surge of excitement as I started the engine and pulled out onto the road. For a moment, I felt invincible, like nothing could touch me. But then, in the distance, I saw the flashing lights of a motorcycle, and I knew my luck was about to run out.

Chapter One:

It was a typical summer day in Paris, and the streets were bustling with people going about their daily lives. But for Michel, life had become monotonous and mundane. He longed for something more, something exciting and spontaneous. He had always been a small-time thief, stealing whatever he could to make ends meet. But today, he was feeling particularly restless, and he knew he needed to do something to break free from the routine of his life.

He wandered aimlessly through the crowded streets, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. As he passed a car dealership, something caught his eye. A shiny red convertible, with the keys still in the ignition. Michel’s heart skipped a beat as he realized this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Without a second thought, he jumped into the car and started the engine.

The thrill of the moment was intoxicating, and Michel felt alive in a way he hadn’t in a long time. He drove through the city, the wind in his hair, the sun beating down on his face. But then, out of nowhere, he saw the flashing lights of a motorcycle behind him. He knew he was in trouble, but still, he continued to drive, faster and faster, trying to outrun his pursuer.

He knew he had made a mistake, but he couldn’t go back now. He watched in horror as the motorcycle skidded in front of him, blocking his path. In a moment of panic, Michel hit the gas, hoping to get around the officer. But then, there was a sickening thud, and he knew he had hit the officer.

Michel pulled over to the side of the road, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had made a terrible mistake, but he couldn’t think straight. He stumbled out of the car, the weight of what he had done finally sinking in.

As he looked down at the officer, lying lifeless on the ground, Michel felt a sense of overwhelming guilt and shame. He knew he had to get out of there, to get as far away as possible. He got back into the car and drove away, tears streaming down his face.

Michel knew there was no going back now. He was a wanted man, a criminal. But still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had done something brave, something exhilarating. And so, he resolved to keep moving forward, to run away from the life he had known and start anew.

As he drove through the city, Michel realized he had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. That was until he remembered Patricia, his American girlfriend who he had been seeing for the past few months. He knew she might be his only hope, the only person who could help him escape the city and start a new life. And with that thought in mind, Michel set out to find Patricia, and with her, a way out of his troubled past.

Chapter 2: Patricia’s Apartment

Michel’s heart was pounding as he raced down the darkened streets of Paris. He had just committed a heinous crime, killing a police officer in cold blood. The weight of his actions felt heavy as he scanned the streets for any sign of the authorities. He knew they would be after him soon, and he had to get away.

Finally, he arrived at the apartment of his American girlfriend, Patricia. He pounded on the door, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Patricia opened the door, and Michel collapsed into her arms, panting and sweating.

“What’s wrong, Michel?” Patricia asked, taking in his disheveled appearance.

“I did something terrible,” Michel whispered, his voice barely audible.

Patricia’s eyes widened as she realized something serious had happened. She urged Michel to come inside, and he stumbled into the apartment.

As he sat on the sofa, he relayed the events of the night to Patricia, confessing to killing the policeman. She listened in horror, unable to believe what she was hearing.

“You have to turn yourself in, Michel,” Patricia said firmly. “This is serious. You can’t just run away from this.”

Michel shook his head vehemently. “I can’t go to jail, Patricia. I’ll never survive in there. You don’t understand. I had no choice. It was either him or me.”

Patricia was torn between sympathy and horror. She realized that Michel was in a desperate situation and needed her help. She agreed to let him stay with her for the night, but she made it clear that he couldn’t hide from the authorities forever.

As they lay in bed together, Michel tried to calm himself down. He knew he was in deep trouble and that his life would never be the same. Patricia held him tightly, trying to offer comfort and support.

“I love you, Michel,” she whispered.

Michel was silent for a moment before replying. “I love you too, Patricia. That’s why I need you to come with me.”

“Come with you?” Patricia repeated, surprised.

“Yes, we can run away together,” Michel said, his eyes shining with excitement. “We’ll go to Italy, start a new life, and forget about everything that’s happened.”

Patricia was taken aback. She had always known Michel was impulsive, but this was something else entirely. Running away with a murderer was not exactly what she had in mind.

“Michel, you can’t just run away from this,” she said, shaking her head.

“Why not?” Michel countered. “We can make it work. You know we can.”

Patricia hesitated before finally relenting. She knew it was a bad decision, but her love for Michel clouded her judgment.

“Okay, we’ll go to Italy,” she said, resigned.

Michel grinned triumphantly. He felt a sense of relief wash over him as he realized he wasn’t alone. Patricia was with him, and together they could conquer anything.

Over the next few days, Michel and Patricia planned their escape carefully. They sold off their belongings, acquired false passports, and made preparations for their journey to Italy.

Meanwhile, the police were closing in on Michel. They had found the stolen car and traced it back to him. His face was on every newspaper and television screen, and the manhunt was intensifying.

As Michel and Patricia prepared to leave, they knew that they were taking a huge risk. However, their love for each other blinded them to the dangers they were about to face. They were determined to make a new life for themselves, no matter what it took.

Finally, the day of their departure arrived. Michel and Patricia said their goodbyes to their life in Paris and set off on their journey to Italy, hoping for a better future.

Chapter 3:

Michel had been on the run for a few days now, moving from one hiding place to another. He had contacted an old acquaintance for help, a shady character named M. Louis who had been a part of his past he wasn’t particularly proud of. M. Louis had agreed to provide Michel with a new identity and a way to leave the country undetected, but he needed time to put everything in place.

Meanwhile, Michel was staying with Patricia, his American girlfriend who was unaware of what had transpired. Patricia was trying her best to act normal, but she could sense that something was off with Michel. He was jumpy, always looking over his shoulder, and constantly on edge. Patricia was worried about him and urged him to turn himself in to the authorities. Michel, however, was resistant and tried to convince Patricia to run away with him to Italy.

“Patricia, you don’t understand,” Michel said. “If I go to the police, they’ll never believe that it was an accident. They’ll throw me in jail and forget about me. I can’t spend the rest of my life locked up, I need to escape.”

“But Michel, running away isn’t the answer. You’ll never be able to live a normal life on the run. And what about the victim’s family? They deserve justice,” Patricia replied, her voice laced with concern.

Michel sighed, “I know, I know. But I can’t think straight right now. I need to get out of here, clear my head. And I can’t do it alone.”

Patricia was torn. She loved Michel, but she couldn’t condone his actions. However, she couldn’t bear the thought of him leaving her either. She decided to stay quiet for the time being, hoping that Michel would come to his senses soon.

Days turned into weeks, and Michel was growing restless. He couldn’t stay cooped up in Patricia’s apartment forever. He needed to get out and move around to avoid detection. He suggested taking a drive to the countryside, hoping that the change of scenery would help him clear his head. Patricia reluctantly agreed, and they set off early in the morning.

As they drove, Michel’s mood lifted a bit. He was enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful scenery. He even managed to crack a few jokes and make Patricia laugh, something he hadn’t done in weeks. However, their happiness was short-lived. As they were driving down a deserted road, they saw a police car approaching from the opposite direction. Michel panicked, and his foot slipped on the gas pedal, causing the car to swerve and hit a tree.

“Are you okay?” Patricia asked, her voice shaking.

Michel groaned and tried to move, but he had hit his head on the dashboard and was bleeding profusely. Patricia grabbed her phone to call for help, but Michel stopped her.

“No, no, we can’t call an ambulance. They’ll take me to the hospital, and the police will be waiting for me. We need to get out of here,” Michel said, wiping away the blood from his forehead.

Patricia knew that Michel was right. They couldn’t risk being caught. She helped him out of the car, and they stumbled into the woods. They walked for what felt like hours, not sure where they were going. They were exhausted, hungry, and scared. But they had each other, and that was enough for the time being.

Finally, they stumbled upon an abandoned cabin. It was run-down and barely standing, but it provided shelter from the elements. Michel and Patricia collapsed on the bed, too tired to speak.

As the night wore on, Michel stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. He realized that he couldn’t keep running forever. He needed to face the consequences of his actions and turn himself in. He turned to Patricia, who was already asleep, and made a decision. He would turn himself in and plead guilty, hoping that the judge would show him mercy.

The next morning, Michel woke up early, determined to do the right thing. He woke up Patricia and told her his plan. She was apprehensive, but she knew that it was the right thing to do. They left the cabin and started making their way back to civilization.

As they walked, Michel felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew that he was doing the right thing, and he was ready to face whatever punishment the law had in store for him. Patricia held his hand tightly, offering him comfort and support.

They walked for hours until they finally saw a police car approaching. Michel stopped in his tracks and turned to Patricia.

“This is it,” he said, his voice trembling. “I’m turning myself in.”

Patricia hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.

“I’ll be here waiting for you,” she whispered.

Michel walked towards the police car, ready to face his fate. Patricia watched as he was put in handcuffs and driven away. She knew that their lives would never be the same again. But she also knew that they had made the right decision. They had faced their demons and come out stronger on the other side.

Chapter 4:

Michel is hesitant to leave without Patricia. He believes she is the only person who truly understands him and is willing to take the risk of running away with him. However, Patricia is torn between her love for Michel and her conscience. She knows that she will have to answer to the authorities if she goes with him.

While Michel tries to convince Patricia that they can start a new life together in Italy, the police are closing in on him. They have identified him as the prime suspect in the murder of the police officer and are actively searching for him.

Michel contacts an old acquaintance for help. The acquaintance provides him with a new identity and a way to leave the country undetected. Michel is relieved to have a way out, but he is still hesitant to leave without Patricia.

As Patricia and Michel discuss their options, the tension between them begins to rise. Michel is frustrated with Patricia’s indecisiveness, and Patricia is torn between her loyalty to Michel and her need to do the right thing.

The police continue their search for Michel, and Patricia is called in for questioning. She tries to play it cool, but the authorities are suspicious of her relationship with Michel. They know that she was with him before he went on the run, and they believe that she may be harboring him.

Patricia does not reveal anything to the authorities, but the experience shakes her to the core. She realizes that she cannot continue to live in fear and uncertainty. She needs to make a decision about her future, and it needs to be a decision that she can live with.

Meanwhile, Michel is growing increasingly nervous. He knows that he needs to leave soon if he wants to avoid getting caught. He tries to convince Patricia one last time to come with him, but she refuses.

Michel leaves her with a heavy heart, knowing that he may never see her again. As he makes his way to the rendezvous point, he is constantly looking over his shoulder, afraid that the police may be following him.

When Michel arrives at the designated location, he meets his contact and is given a new passport and a plane ticket to Italy. He is relieved to have made it this far, but he knows that he still has a long way to go.

As Michel boards the plane, he looks out the window at the city that he once called home. He wonders if he made the right decision, and he can’t help but feel a twinge of regret at leaving Patricia behind.

Patricia, on the other hand, is left to deal with the aftermath of Michel’s departure. She knows that she did the right thing by not going with him, but she can’t help but feel a sense of loss. She realizes that Michel was never the person she thought he was, and that she needs to move on with her life.

As Patricia begins to rebuild her life, Michel finds himself in a new country, starting over with a new identity. He wonders what the future holds for him and if he will ever truly be free of his past.

Chapter 5:

Michel and Patricia had managed to escape to a small village in the countryside. The lush green hills and serene surroundings were a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city. They rented a small farmhouse, and Michel promised Patricia that they would lay low and live a peaceful life.

The first few days were blissful. They would spend their mornings tending to the garden and their afternoons exploring the nearby woods. Michel had even managed to secure some work on a nearby farm, which meant they had a steady income.

However, as time passed, the idyllic life they had imagined began to crumble. Michel was growing restless, and the boredom was starting to get to him. He missed the excitement of his old life, the thrill of the chase. Patricia noticed the change in him and was growing increasingly worried.

One day, as they sat outside, soaking in the sun, Michel broke the silence. “This isn’t living, Patricia. We can’t keep hiding here forever.” His words hung heavy in the air.

Patricia was taken aback. “But Michel, we can’t just leave everything behind and go back. You know what’s waiting for you if we get caught.”

“I know, I know,” Michel replied, frustration evident in his voice. “But I can’t stay cooped up here forever. There’s so much more to life than this.”

Patricia understood where he was coming from, but she was scared. She didn’t want to lose him, not now, not ever. “We can’t risk it, Michel. We have to be patient, let things calm down. Maybe in a few months, we can move somewhere else, start anew.”

Michel’s eyes lit up at the mention of moving away. “Yes, yes, that’s it! We can’t stay here. Let’s move to Italy. We can start afresh there. They’ll never find us.”

Patricia was hesitant. “But how will we get there? We don’t have any money left, and we’ll need passports.”

Michel thought for a moment. “I know a guy. He’s a forger. He can get us passports, and we can sell the car we stole to fund our trip. Please, Patricia, I can’t stay here any longer.”

Patricia looked into Michel’s eyes, and she knew she had no choice. She nodded her head. “Okay. We’ll do it. We’ll go to Italy.”

From that day, Michel began to make preparations. He sold the car and met with his contact to get the passports. Patricia helped him pack their bags and kept a watchful eye for any suspicious activity. The days passed in a blur as they worked tirelessly to make their escape.

The morning of their departure, Michel woke Patricia up early. “It’s time,” he whispered, and they left the farmhouse in a hurry. They drove to the train station, where they boarded a train to Paris.

As they sat on the train, Michel could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He was excited to start anew, to leave everything behind. However, Patricia was feeling anxious. She knew that the journey ahead would be tough, and they would have to be careful every step of the way.

They arrived in Paris and checked into a cheap hotel near the train station. Michel had arranged for them to meet his contact, who would take them across the border to Italy. They were to meet him at a café near the Louvre at midnight.

The hours passed slowly, and as the clock struck midnight, they made their way to the café. However, as they approached the café, Patricia noticed two men standing outside. Her heart sank, and she knew that something was wrong.

Michel didn’t seem to notice, and he walked towards the men confidently. “Are you our contact?” he asked.

The men looked at each other and then back at Michel. “No, we’re not,” one of them replied. “But we know who you are. The police are looking for you, Michel.”

Michel tried to run, but it was too late. The police had caught up with them, and their dreams of a new life in Italy came crashing down. Patricia was left alone, stranded in Paris, wondering if Michel would ever be able to escape the consequences of his actions.

Chapter 6:

Michel’s past catches up with him as one of his associates betrays him to the police. Patricia faces a difficult decision as she struggles with her loyalty to Michel and her conscience.

Michel and Patricia had been on the run for several days, but their time together was running out. They had managed to evade the authorities, but their luck was about to run out. Michel’s past had caught up with him in the form of one of his associates, who had betrayed him to the police.

Patricia was aware of Michel’s criminal activities but had chosen to ignore them. She knew that Michel wasn’t a bad person, but circumstances had forced him into a life of crime. However, with the police closing in on them, Patricia couldn’t ignore the reality of the situation any longer.

As they hid in a rundown motel, Patricia confronted Michel about his criminal past. She demanded to know the truth about what he had done and why he had done it. Michel was hesitant to open up to her, but he knew that he owed her an explanation.

Michel began to recount his life’s story. He had grown up in poverty and had resorted to stealing to make ends meet. As he got older, Michel’s criminal activities escalated, and he became involved in more serious crimes. He had always dreamed of living a better life and had hoped that his criminal activities would be his ticket out of poverty.

However, things had taken a turn for the worse when he impulsively killed the motorcycle policeman. Michel had never intended to harm anyone, but he had acted out of fear and desperation. Now, he was paying the price for his actions.

Patricia listened to Michel’s story, feeling a mix of sympathy and horror. She couldn’t reconcile the man she loved with the criminal that he had become. She desperately wanted to help him, but she knew that it was impossible to outrun the law forever.

As Patricia struggled with her emotions, Michel received a call from one of his associates. The man informed Michel that the police were closing in on them and that they needed to leave the motel immediately. Michel knew that this was the end of the road for them.

Michel and Patricia quickly packed their bags and left the motel, hoping to evade the police. However, they were soon ambushed by the police, who had been tipped off by Michel’s associate. Michel knew that he had been betrayed and that there was no escaping the consequences of his actions.

As the police arrested Michel, Patricia was faced with a difficult decision. She could either stand by Michel and go down with him, or she could walk away and start a new life. Patricia struggled with her loyalty to Michel and her conscience, but ultimately, she knew that she couldn’t continue to live a life on the run.

Patricia tearfully said goodbye to Michel as he was taken away by the police. She knew that her life would never be the same again, but she also knew that it was time to move on. Michel was left to reflect on his actions and the consequences of his choices, knowing that he had lost everything but his regret.

Chapter 7:

Michel sat alone in his cell, staring at the walls surrounding him. His mind drifted back to the events that led him to this point. He thought about his life of crime, the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline rush of stealing and driving fast cars. How did it all come to this?

As he sat in silence, he heard footsteps approaching his cell. He stood up, ready to face whatever was on the other side of the door. The door creaked open, and two police officers stepped inside. They looked at him with a mixture of pity and contempt.

One of the officers spoke, “You have a visitor, Michel. Your girlfriend is here to see you.”

Michel’s heart skipped a beat. Patricia was here to see him? What did she want? Did she still care about him? He nodded his head and followed the officers to the visiting area.

As he walked into the room, he saw Patricia sitting at a table, tears streaming down her face. She looked up at him, and their eyes met. Michel’s heart sank as he saw the pain and sadness in her eyes.

They sat down across from each other, and Patricia spoke first. “Michel, I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you did what you did. How could you kill that policeman? What were you thinking?”

Michel lowered his head, unable to meet her gaze. “I don’t know, Patricia. I was scared, I panicked. I didn’t mean to do it.”

Patricia shook her head, “That’s not an excuse, Michel. You have to take responsibility for your actions. You have to face the consequences.”

Michel looked up at her, “I know, and I will. I’m sorry for what I did, Patricia. I never meant to hurt anyone.”

Patricia sighed, “I know you didn’t, Michel. But you have to understand how serious this is. You’re facing life imprisonment. Your life is over.”

Michel felt a lump form in his throat. He had always known that his life of crime would catch up with him eventually, but he never thought it would end like this. He looked at Patricia, “I know, Patricia. I have to pay for what I did, but I want you to know that I love you. I always have, and I always will.”

Patricia wiped away her tears, “I know you do, Michel. But our love isn’t enough to save you from this. You have to find a way to move on from this, to accept your fate and make the best of it.”

Michel nodded, “I know, Patricia. I will try.”

They talked for a few more minutes, but the conversation was strained. They both knew that this was goodbye. As Michel was led back to his cell, he felt a sense of sadness and regret. He wished things could have been different, that he could have made better choices, but it was too late for that now.

As he lay in his cell that night, Michel thought about everything that had happened. He realized that his life of crime was a dead end, that it had led him to this place of darkness and despair. He vowed to himself that he would try to make amends, to become a better person, even if it meant spending the rest of his life behind bars.

And so, Michel began a new chapter of his life, one that he never could have imagined. It was a life of reflection, of introspection, of trying to make peace with the past and find a way forward. It was a life of regret, but also of hope. Hope that someday, somehow, he could make amends for the pain and suffering he had caused.

Chapter 8:

As Michel sat in his cell, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of remorse for the choices he had made. He reflected on his life and how it had led him to where he was. He couldn’t believe that it had all ended this way. He had never thought that he would be caught, let alone be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Michel had a lot of time to think in his cell. He thought about Patricia and how he had dragged her into his mess. He couldn’t help but feel guilty for what he had put her through. He knew that he had hurt her deeply, and he wished that he could take it all back.

As the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, Michel’s visits from Patricia became less frequent. He knew that it was hard for her to see him in that environment, and he didn’t blame her for not coming around as much.

One day, Michel received a letter from Patricia. It had been a while since they had spoken, and he was eager to read what she had to say. The letter was short, but it was powerful. It read, “Michel, you made a mistake, but that doesn’t define who you are. I hope that one day you find peace and forgiveness.”

Michel was touched by Patricia’s words, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope. He realized that he needed to forgive himself and move on from his past mistakes.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Michel started to make the best of his situation. He began to read books and write in his journal. He also started to meditate and reflect on his life. He knew that he couldn’t change the past, but he could change his future.

One day, Michel was called to the warden’s office. He didn’t know what to expect, but he hoped that it was good news. When he arrived at the office, he was surprised to see Patricia waiting for him. He hadn’t seen her in months, and he was thrilled to see her.

Patricia explained to Michel that she had been working on getting him a pardon. She had been writing letters to the governor and doing everything in her power to get him released. She knew that Michel had changed and that he deserved a second chance.

Michel couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was overwhelmed with emotion, and he couldn’t thank Patricia enough. When he was finally released from prison, he hugged Patricia tight and knew that he had been given a second chance at life.

Michel knew that he had a lot of work to do to start over again. He was determined to make the most of his second chance. He started to work on himself and enrolled in a program to help ex-convicts transition back into society. He also got a job as a janitor and started to save up money to rent a small apartment.

As the months went on, Michel started to rebuild his life. He reconnected with old friends and started to make new ones. He even started to date again.

One day, Michel was walking through the park, and he heard someone call his name. He turned around, and he saw Patricia standing there. She had a big smile on her face, and Michel knew that he had a lot to be thankful for.

They caught up on old times, and Michel thanked Patricia for everything she had done for him. He told her that he knew that he couldn’t have done it without her. They hugged, and Michel knew that he had finally found peace.

As Michel walked away, he knew that he had a lot to be grateful for. He had been given a second chance at life, and he wasn’t going to waste it. He knew that he had made mistakes in the past, but he also knew that he had learned from them. Michel knew that he was going to make the most of his second chance, and he was going to live his life to the fullest.


Some scenes from the movie Breathless written by A.I.

Scene 1

Genre: Drama/Crime

Opening Scene

FADE IN:

EXT. PARIS CITY STREET – DAY

A young man, MICHEL, with a devil-may-care attitude, walks down a busy street in Paris. He observes the people around him, sizing them up. He seems restless, as though he’s looking for something.

CUT TO:

INT. A COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Michel enters a coffee shop and sits down. He looks bored and disinterested in his surroundings. Suddenly, a shiny new sports car pulls up outside, catching his eye.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET – DAY

Michel peers out of the shop window at the car parked outside. A man, the car’s owner, exits a nearby building and approaches the car.

CUT TO:

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Michel watches closely as the man sets down his keys and heads into the café.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET – DAY

Michel swiftly exits the coffee shop, grabs the keys off the table, and hops into the car.

CUT TO:

INT. CAR – DAY

Michel’s eyes glint with excitement as he realizes he’s stolen a sports car. He starts up the engine and speeds off down the street.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD – DAY

Michel glances in the rearview mirror and sees the flashing lights of a motorcycle police officer approaching behind him. In a moment of panic, he steps on the gas pedal and swerves to avoid the officer, causing the motorcycle to crash.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET – DAY

Michel exits the car and approaches the officer, who is lying motionless on the ground. He looks around, panicked, and then runs away.

FADE OUT.

Scene 2

INT. APARTMENT – DAY

Michel enters the apartment and looks around. PATRICIA, his American girlfriend, is sitting on the couch reading a book. She looks up and notices his worried expression.

PATRICIA:

What’s wrong, Michel?

MICHEL:

(looking uneasy)

I need your help.

PATRICIA:

(concerned)

What happened?

Michel hesitates before speaking.

MICHEL:

I stole a car and killed a policeman.

Patricia looks shocked and covers her mouth in horror.

PATRICIA:

(desperately)

Michel, you have to turn yourself in to the authorities.

MICHEL:

(distraught)

I can’t do that. They’ll never believe me. I need to get out of the country.

PATRICIA:

(tearfully)

I can’t just run away with you like this. What about our lives here?

MICHEL:

(pleadingly)

Please, Patricia. I need you. We can start a new life in Italy.

Patricia looks conflicted before finally nodding.

PATRICIA:

(resigned)

Okay, I’ll go with you.

Michel embraces her gratefully, relieved to have her by his side. Little do they know, the police are already closing in on them.

Scene 3

FADE IN:

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING – DAY

Michel is holed up in an abandoned building, nervously pacing back and forth. He’s just received word that the police are hot on his trail and he needs a new place to hide.

Michel’s phone rings, and he answers it.

MICHEL: (whispering) Hello?

VOICE ON THE PHONE: Michel, it’s me.

MICHEL: (relieved) Thank god, I thought it was the police.

VOICE ON THE PHONE: (chuckles) No, it’s just an old friend. I heard you’re in trouble and need a place to lay low.

MICHEL: (grateful) Yes, I do. Can you help me out?

VOICE ON THE PHONE: (pauses) I can, but it’ll cost you.

Michel hesitates for a moment, considering his options.

MICHEL: (resigned) Okay, what do you need me to do?

VOICE ON THE PHONE: (slyly) Meet me at the old factory on 5th and Main in an hour. And bring the car you stole.

Michel hangs up the phone, frustrated with his situation.

MICHEL: (to himself) I don’t have a choice.

Michel exits the building and heads to his stolen car.

CUT TO:

EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING – DAY

As Michel gets into the car, he notices Patricia approaching from a distance.

PATRICIA: (calling out) Michel, what are you doing?

Michel hesitates for a moment before rolling down the window.

MICHEL: (urgently) I don’t have time to explain, Patricia. I have to go.

PATRICIA: (concerned) Please, Michel. Don’t do anything stupid.

Michel drives off without responding to Patricia.

CUT TO:

EXT. FACTORY – DAY

Michel pulls up to the factory and parks the car. A man in a suit approaches him.

MAN IN SUIT: (smiling) Michel, my old friend. It’s been too long.

MICHEL: (guarded) Cut the small talk. What do you want?

MAN IN SUIT: (serious) I need you to do a job for me.

MICHEL: (skeptical) I don’t do jobs anymore.

MAN IN SUIT: (pleading) Please, Michel. Just this one. It’s an easy score, and it’ll be enough to set you up for life.

Michel considers the offer for a moment.

MICHEL: (resigned) Fine. What’s the job?

MAN IN SUIT: (smiling) All you have to do is drive a truck from here to the docks. It’s filled with merchandise, and all you have to do is drop it off.

Michel nods, knowing that he has no other choice.

CUT TO:

INT. TRUCK – DAY

Michel is driving the truck down the highway when he’s suddenly surrounded by police cars.

MICHEL: (panicked) Shit, it’s a setup!

Michel floors the gas pedal and tries to outrun the police. He swerves the truck off the road and crashes into a ditch.

CUT TO:

EXT. DITCH – DAY

Michel crawls out of the wreckage, injured and bleeding. He looks up to see several police officers approaching him with their guns drawn.

MICHEL: (resigned) It’s over.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 4

FADE IN:

INT. APARTMENT – DAY

Michel anxiously paces back and forth in the living room, while Patricia sits on the couch, watching him with concern.

PATRICIA:

What’s wrong, Michel? You’re making me nervous.

MICHEL:

(voice trembling)

I spoke to an old acquaintance, and he’s given me a way to leave the country undetected. But I can’t go without you.

PATRICIA:

(surprised)

What? Michel, I can’t just leave everything behind and go to Italy with you.

MICHEL:

(pleading)

Please, Patricia. We’ve talked about this before. We can start a new life there, away from all this chaos.

PATRICIA:

(shaking her head)

I can’t just run away from my problems, Michel. And what about your crimes? Don’t you think you should face the consequences of your actions?

MICHEL:

(defeated)

I know. But I can’t spend the rest of my life in jail. I have to try.

Patricia takes Michel’s hand, looking at him with tears in her eyes.

PATRICIA:

I can’t go with you, Michel. But I’ll do whatever it takes to help you.

MICHEL:

(surprised and grateful)

Thank you, Patricia. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

PATRICIA:

(determined)

We’ll figure something out. But we have to be careful.

Michel nods in agreement, and the two of them begin to make plans for his escape.

FADE OUT.

Scene 5

FADE IN:

INT. ABANDONED CABIN IN THE COUNTRYSIDE – DAY

Michel and Patricia are huddled together inside the dilapidated cabin. Michel is staring out the window, looking out for any sign of danger, while Patricia is pacing back and forth.

PATRICIA: (frustrated) I can’t just sit here and do nothing! We have to find a way out of here.

MICHEL: (calmly) Patricia, we can’t risk being seen. The police are searching for us, remember? We need to lay low for a while longer.

PATRICIA: (hesitant) But what if they find us here? We’re not safe.

MICHEL: (reassuringly) We’ll be okay. I’ve been in this situation before. We just need to be patient and wait it out.

Suddenly, they hear a branch snap outside. Michel instinctively pulls out his gun.

MICHEL: (whispers) Stay here.

He slowly makes his way outside and sees nothing. He returns to the cabin and takes a deep breath.

MICHEL: (to Patricia) It’s nothing, just an animal.

PATRICIA: (nervously) Michel, I can’t take this anymore. I miss my old life. I miss my family.

Michel takes her hand and looks her in the eyes.

MICHEL: (gently) I know it’s hard, but we’ll get through this. We’ll start a new life together. Just you and me.

They share a moment of silence, staring into each other’s eyes. Suddenly, they hear a knock on the door.

PATRICIA: (whispers) Michel, what do we do?

Michel puts his finger to his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. He cautiously approaches the door and opens it slightly.

MICHEL: (lowers his gun) It’s me.

A man stands in front of him, panting heavily. It’s Michel’s old acquaintance, Jean-Paul.

JEAN-PAUL: (out of breath) Michel, you have to come with me. The police are closing in.

MICHEL: (skeptical) How do I know I can trust you?

JEAN-PAUL: (pleadingly) Michel, please. I owe you one.

Michel looks at Patricia, who nods in agreement.

MICHEL: (to Jean-Paul) Okay, let’s go.

They exit the cabin and run off into the woods as the sound of police sirens grows closer.

FADE OUT.

Scene 6

Scene 6: Betrayal

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – DAY

Michel meets with an old acquaintance, Carlos, in a dilapidated warehouse. Michel is nervous, and Carlos can sense his discomfort.

CARLOS:

“You look like you’ve been through hell. What’s going on, Michel?”

MICHEL:

“I need your help, Carlos. I’m in a real jam.”

CARLOS:

“What kind of trouble are you in?”

Michel explains his situation to Carlos: how he stole a car and killed a motorcycle cop in a moment of panic, and how he’s been on the run ever since.

CARLOS:

“I can get you a new identity and a way out of the country, but it’s going to cost you.”

Michel agrees to the terms, relieved that he’s found a way out of his predicament.

CARLOS:

“But there’s one more thing, Michel. The police are getting closer to catching you, and I can’t have them coming after me too. I’m going to need you to give me the name of your girlfriend, Patricia.”

Michel hesitates, but ultimately gives Carlos the information he needs.

CARLOS:

“Thanks for being straight with me, Michel. I’ll take care of everything. Just lay low, and I’ll be in touch.”

Michel leaves the warehouse, unaware that Carlos has already contacted the police and provided them with Patricia’s whereabouts.

INT. PATRICIA’S APARTMENT – DAY

Patricia hears a knock on the door and opens it to find the police standing outside.

POLICE OFFICER:

“Are you Patricia?”

PATRICIA:

“Yes, why?”

The officer asks to come in, and Patricia reluctantly lets him inside. The officer informs her that Michel is wanted for murder and that they have reason to believe she has been in contact with him.

PATRICIA:

“I haven’t seen him in weeks! I don’t know where he is.”

The officer looks skeptical, but ultimately decides to leave. As soon as he’s gone, Patricia grabs her things and heads out the door, knowing that the police will be back soon.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 7

INT. JAIL VISITATION ROOM – DAY

Michel sits across from Patricia, separated by a glass window. He looks tired and defeated, wearing an orange jumpsuit.

PATRICIA:

I don’t know what to say, Michel. I never thought it would come to this.

MICHEL:

It’s my own fault. I made the wrong choices.

PATRICIA:

I just don’t understand why you did it. Why did you have to kill that officer?

MICHEL:

It wasn’t supposed to go that way. I panicked. I didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt.

PATRICIA:

You could have turned yourself in. We could have worked through this together.

MICHEL:

I know. I just couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.

Patricia looks down, tears welling up in her eyes.

PATRICIA:

You’ve put me through so much, Michel. It’s hard for me to forgive you.

MICHEL:

I understand. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I just wanted to see you one last time, to tell you how much you mean to me.

Patricia looks back up at Michel, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

PATRICIA:

What’s going to happen to you, Michel?

MICHEL:

I’ve been sentenced to life imprisonment. I’ll be here for a long time.

PATRICIA:

I’ll come visit you. We can work things out, Michel. We can start again.

MICHEL:

I don’t want you to waste your life on me, Patricia. You deserve better.

Patricia looks at Michel, her heart breaking.

PATRICIA:

I still love you, Michel. I always will.

Michel smiles slightly, then turns his head and looks out the window, tears in his eyes.

FADE OUT.

Author: AI