Watch the original version of Forrest Gump
Prologue:
Forrest Gump’s life was not a typical one, as he had an exceptional story to tell. From football star and Vietnam War hero to shrimping entrepreneur and philanthropist, Forrest had accomplished several great things in his life despite his low intelligence quotient. That being said, there was only one thing that had eluded him no matter how many triumphs he had in life – to find true love.
Mama always told Forrest that unconditional love is a rare thing in this world, and that it came your way only if you were lucky. And so, despite all his successes, Forrest couldn’t help but feel like something was missing from his life – something that only true love could fill.
Chapter 1: Simple Life
Forrest Gump was born and raised in a small southern town. As a child, he wasn’t like the other kids in his street, struggling with his academics, and always found himself lagging behind in everything he did. His peers would often tease and bully him, and Forrest had no idea why. But Mama, his only solace, filled up that love vacuum that existed inside him making everything right. Mama was kind and nurturing, someone who loved Forrest for who he was and pushed him to do better every single day. And the bond between the two was unbreakable.
Growing up with Mama taught Forrest a lot of life lessons. One such lesson that he embraced was the idea that his disability wasn’t a hurdle in life – it wasn’t an obstacle to hold him back from living a life full of joy and love. Mama instilled in Forrest the mindset that with hard work, a good attitude, and an open heart, anyone can do just about anything they want – regardless of circumstances.
Forrest had one other constant companion during his growing years – a girl named Jenny. She was the prettiest girl Forrest ever laid eyes upon, and even as a child, he knew that she was someone special. Jenny was completely opposite to Forrest – she was smart, brave, and knew how to handle things that only grown-ups dealt with. Being beside Jenny always made Forrest feel like the world wasn’t so scary and not too confusing. It was simple because she was around.
One hot morning, while Forrest was sitting on the porch eating his breakfast, he saw a group of kids passing by with their bags headed to school. Forrest, feeling left out, wished he could go to school and learn just like the other kids. But he always struggled to catch up with the school lessons, so that seemed nearly impossible. Mama, noticing Forrest’s sad demeanor, smiled at him and said- “ Forrest didn’t need no book-learning, he had common sense.” It wasn’t quite the assurance Forrest was looking for, but it was enough to pick up his spirits.
When Forrest turned school-age, Mama started homeschooling him. She taught him everything he needed to know in a practical sense – this included navigating through complex situations using his wit, finding food and shelter, and ketchup knew no sounds or shapes kind of concepts. Mama even quizzed Forrest on state capital and history for him to be on par with the folks. This learning curve felt a lot easier, and Mama would constantly praise him for how smart he was, which just filled his chest with pride.
Having Jenny around during Forrest’s schools did help a lot because she always knew the answers to all the questions the teacher randomly asked. Jenny would confidently shout out the answer with her hands shoot up high before anyone else, and every kid knew better than to go into a stiff competition with her.
After one long school day, Forrest was walking with his accomplice whom he loved most – Jenny. They were discussing magic and spaceships, and Jenny didn’t think Forrest very a good prime astronaut candidate because he wasn’t smart, didn’t read books, and was bound to fail the NASA trials. Forrest looked over at Jenny, lay down on the grass, watching the clouds rolled up, and said- “ if there is disease everywhere or if people are fighting in our communities, how important is dropping the best rocket on someone”? Jenny looked perplexed for a moment but then offered Forrest her hand to hold on tight.
That was Forrest Gump’s simple-life so far; it was a beautiful, uncomplicated existence filled with the love of family and friends, deep wonderings about life, laughter and very peculiar regards of the world that existed around him. Nevertheless, while such things are just enough to keep the heart entertained and healthy for a while, Forrest knew deep in his bones that there had to be something more worthwhile waiting for him. And maybe one day, he will find true love in a way that surpasses any other person, that special woman who would fill his happiness void up to the brim.
Chapter 2: “Football Star”
Forrest stood on the sideline, his eyes fixed on the football field in front of him. He could hear the roar of the stadium crowds behind him, they were cheering for him. He was sure it was all because of his unique talent- the way he was able to run faster than anyone else on the team. The opposing team had learned quickly to fear him. Nobody could stop him once he was on a roll.
Forrest had always loved athletics, and football was no exception. He had never been good at academics, but there was something about sports that just clicked for him. Even with his lower intelligence, he excelled on the field. He loved the sense of competition, the feeling of working as a team, the adrenaline pumping when he would charge down the field leaving everyone else behind.
As he wrapped his helmet onto his head, his mind went back to Jenny. He hadn’t seen her in years, but the memory of her still held a strong place in his heart. When life got tough for him, he would find solace in his memories of his best friend.
But it wasn’t the time to get lost in his thoughts. The game was about to start. As the whistle blew, Forrest charged down the field to receive the kick-off. As soon as the ball hit his fingertips, he took off like a shot. He dodged players left and right, never staying put for too long. As he crossed the finish line into the end zone, he felt the exhilaration of the touchdown, the roar of the crowd fueling the fire in his soul.
Life felt perfect in that moment. Forrest was on top of the world.
When the game was over and his team had secured the win, Forrest made his way towards the exit of the stadium, weaving through crowds of fans and well-wishers. The thrill of victory would stay with him for days to come.
But even as the throngs of people surrounded him, Forrest felt a sense of separateness. It wasn’t that he was disliked or alone, but rather that he was different, special in his own, unique way. His thoughts wandered back to Jenny, and he realized then that he still had more to do if he was to win her heart.
Forrest left the stadium tired yet satisfied. He went home that night dreaming of all the amazing things he could accomplish in his life, fully unaware of the incredible experiences that were just around corner.
Little did he know, he was going to be a soldier, win a medal of honor, start his own business, run across the country for no reason, and knew the Presidents of various countries. But Jenny was the only thing that cloud big Forrest Gump was lingering over.
Chapter 3: “Shrimping with Lieutenant Dan”
Forrest and Bubba made their way to the Vietnamese docks where Lieutenant Dan had promised to meet them. Bubba was excited at the prospect of starting their own shrimping business, but Forrest was skeptical. What did they know about shrimping? How would they pay for a boat and all the equipment?
But Lieutenant Dan had promised them a boat, and he had always been good to Forrest during their time together in the army. Forrest couldn’t let his friend down.
They arrived at the docks and scanned the horizon for any sign of Lieutenant Dan. Finally, they spotted him coming toward them on a small boat. He looked different than he had in the army – leaner and more rugged. His hair was long and wild, and he had a scruffy beard. But he still had that same intensity that told Forrest he meant business.
“Welcome to Vietnam, boys!” Dan shouted as he jumped onto the dock.
“Hey, Lieutenant Dan,” Forrest said.
Bubba saluted. “Sir!”
Dan laughed. “There’s no need for formalities. We’re just a bunch of guys trying to make it in the shrimping business.”
They all piled onto Dan’s boat, which was much smaller than Forrest had imagined. It was an old wooden vessel with a rusted engine and frayed ropes. Forrest looked around and saw that there wasn’t much space for equipment or for catching shrimp, which made him even more skeptical about their chances.
But Dan was undeterred. He had been shrimping all his life and knew every trick in the book. He showed Forrest and Bubba how to rig up the nets and how to sort the shrimp by size. He explained how the tides worked and where the best spots were for catching the most shrimp.
Forrest listened carefully, always eager to learn something new. Bubba, on the other hand, was practically bouncing with excitement. He had been dreaming of opening a shrimp company ever since he was a kid, and he couldn’t believe that it was finally happening.
Over the next few days, they cast their nets and pulled in thousands of shrimp. Forrest had never seen anything like it. In just a few hours, they had caught more shrimp than he had seen in his entire life.
Dan was strict but fair, pushing the boys to work harder and encouraging them when they did well. Even in the heat of the day, when sweat poured down their faces and their backs ached from bending over the nets, Dan never lost his cool.
Forrest became more and more impressed with Dan’s knowledge of shrimping. The man had a deep respect for the ocean and for the creatures that lived in it. He showed Forrest how to check the shrimp for eggs and make sure that they were only catching mature ones. He talked about how the shrimping business had changed over the years, with big corporations taking over and pushing out the smaller companies.
“It’s tough out here,” Dan said one day when they were taking a break in the shade. “But I’ll be damned if I let those big boys shut me down. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am today. And I won’t let them push us out.”
Forrest didn’t know much about big business or politics, but he could tell that Dan was fiercely determined to succeed. And that was what he admired most about the man – his unwavering grit and tenacity.
As the days turned into weeks, Forrest began to feel like he was a part of something bigger than himself. There was a sense of camaraderie between the three of them that he had never experienced before. They worked, ate, and slept together, and as the weeks passed, they became more like family than coworkers.
When it was time to head back to the U.S., Forrest felt a pang of sadness. He had grown accustomed to the sea and the routine of shrimping. But he knew that he couldn’t stay there forever. He had a business to start back home, and he hoped that Lieutenant Dan would follow through on his promise to give them a real boat and all the equipment they needed.
“You boys did a good job out there,” Dan said as they shook hands goodbye. “I’ll be in touch. We’ll make this work, I promise you that.”
Forrest and Bubba climbed onto a cargo plane, their arms laden with bags of shrimp. They looked out the window and watched as the blue waters receded into the distance. Forrest felt a sense of satisfaction and pride in what they had accomplished. He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew that they had taken a step toward success. And for now, that was enough.
Chapter 4: “Ping-Pong Diplomacy”
Forrest found himself in one of the biggest moments in history, playing a role in one of the most significant moments in US-China relations. Despite being just a simple man from Alabama, Forrest found himself being welcomed as a hero in China. During his time in the country, Forrest experienced far from what he expected.
Forrest had never before been to China, and he was awed by the foreign fascination that awaited him there. As soon as he arrived, he noticed that the city was very busy and was filled with multitudes of bicycles, honking, shouting, and people wandering around. The language was impossibly incomprehensible to him, but that only added to his sense of adventure.
When Forrest and his team arrived at the stadium, they were greeted by a crowd of people dressed in red and yellow, each of them painted with slogans and taunting their opponents jeeringly. They all melded together into a wild, cheering audience as they passed through.The Ping-Pong Diplomacy had more to offer than Forrest could capture, he met individuals and experienced things that took him far beyond just table tennis, he found himself as an adventurer in a foreign land trying to bridge gaps with their hosts.
Forrest was nervous being he had never done anything like this before apart from playing table tennis, he only wished he could just go back home to Alabama. But being Forrest was being Forrest, he felt he had always been pleasantly running into wonderful experiences that for a lower-thinking and solitary everyman hailed significant.
The event, as Forrest later learned, was not just a table tennis competition; it stirred the political arc of changing Sino-Western diplomacy, as China opened their doors to cultural exchange and foreign contact. Forrest was symbolically ‘leading’ the US delegation.
He stumbled on the court and hit his opponent’s racket, and then his own; he never quite could feel what took him to perform aptly that evening. But the spectators were so charmed by Forrest’s laidback playing style that he received a standing ovation from the audience at the end of his match. Forrest may not be an expert in the game, but he managed to stand up and compete with his opponents. That is the bar at which Forrest meets life, getting in and trying your hardest, never quitting and not worrying about the consequences.
As they departed the arena that night, Forrest and his fellow players since their introduction in China, were giggling and laughing so loudly that it prompted locals to move away from them. He was having a moment of friendship with someone he saw as different than him, his former enemies. Forrest was excited, he had grown to love this foreign land and it was a memory he will always cherish, he grabbed pictures of his teammates trying Sichuan spicy cold noodles, baked turtle dumplings, fish flavored sausages, and the ever-crowded food kiosks in Pan Jia Yuan Market.
Forrest’s trip to China was a grand adventure; the way he had emerged as representation for the United states had left him hungry for more. Forrest had seen images that his teammates could not even fully picture; somber monuments catching light along the street, crowded alleyways that led to street cart vendors and hidden “shmoozy” eateries.
He cherished this experience, it was eye-opening for him, he did not realize just how multifaceted an issue Ping-pong could be politically or it’s the power to reverse political ideologies. Forrest had the taste of success and he was intrigued. The world was fun of bizarre circumstances, and Forrest does not really required to be very intelligent to figure out the cocktail, all he had to do was spice it by being Forrest.
Chapter 5: Running Across America
Forrest Gump decided to run across America one day because, as he put it, he “just felt like running”. At first, he only wanted to run across the town, but as he kept running, he realized he wanted to keep going, to explore and understand the country more deeply.
As he ran, Forrest encountered many interesting people and places. He ran long roads stretching into the horizon, small dirt paths leading into forests, and even through deserts that had entertained no footfall since the dawn of time.
After several weeks on the road, he began to capture the attention of the media. People were fascinated with this seemingly average man running across the country without any apparent reason. They asked him about his motivation in news interviews, to which he replied, “I don’t feel like stopping yet”, smiling his signature child-like grin.
Many people started to join Forrest during his run, from experienced runners to novices trying to keep pace with his steps. Others would give him food, water, or a place to rest, or even call the media to laud his story to those who couldn’t show up to their flimsy lodgings on the side of the road, the ones with eyes rich in curiosity.
A few more weeks went by, and Forrest’s run had become the focus of national news outlets. Crowds started to follow his journey along the roads in the different states he passed through, hoping to see him go or get hundreds of miles closer to him, lured by his indefinable aura of wholesome bliss on their latest obsession.
Forrest didn’t realize how much social his run had become until he reached the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. The place was packed, and roadblocks were holding up traffic. Minutes later, a group of protestors started a march, banging drums with hunched voices, cars holding endorsement flags that resembled the dream ball game kiss, all blasting a jaded horns of the irredeemable. Seeing a break in traffic on the opposite side, Forrest just ran across, causing a horn of communication across the horizon.
Rumors sprang up that Forrest’s run across the country had a political message to it, that he was going to deliver a speech upon arrival, but Forrest had no idea that this perception had developed—truth was never kept pretentious in his wake. Forrest only responded when someone congratulated him on running across the country, informing about the sights and sounds he witnessed first-hand.
After a good month of running, Forrest reached the coast and stopped when he ran into California with sea rippling through power dust on his shoes. A massive crowd welcomed him, but Forrest pushed his hair back, trying to catch the shred of thought we likes so much as the cheers washed over him–values rejected echo in The City of Angels amidst commerce of fame and color over everything. Afterward, Forrest went off to analyze what his formidable adventure taught him. Running across the United States taught him that anything is possible if you don’t give up, that strangers are good-hearted more often than not, and that sometimes, the most ambitious things imaginable would remain invisible if you don’t start walking, even if it seems the step after the usual norm.
He sat down for a while to contemplate what he was going to do next, feeling the weight of the journey ending. A reporter soon approached him and asked, “Forrest, do you have any words to people who want to follow in your steps and embrace extraordinary unpredictabilities?”.
Forrest sat there for a second, twirling the side of his mouth. “Looks like a lot of roads in this big nation, and each one tends to stretch into heaven but just once or twice. But see everything you can, follow your dreams and lead the way—not follow someone, no reason to.” His statement ended the chaos, an ancient soul guiding thousands to make big steps, to discover something or understand themselves far more.
Forrest started running again, this time, for a different reason. He ran north, breathing the fresh ocean air; he suspected there was still much left to discover—end of the country be damned.
Chapter 6: “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.”
Forrest couldn’t believe they’d done it. Against all odds, he and Lieutenant Dan had managed to build a thriving shrimp business. They had hundreds of employees, dozens of shrimp boats, and loyal customers all over the country. When he looked at their success, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and amazement.
Forrest sat in his office, overlooking the busy port. The sound of seagulls and boat engines filled the air, and the salty scent of the ocean lingered on the breeze. He settled into his chair, looking at the photograph of Lieutenant Dan on his desk. Though Forrest missed his friend and partner, he knew he would always be proud of the company they’d built together.
“Mr. Gump, your two-thirty appointment is here,” his secretary said through the intercom.
Forrest straightened up and adjusted his suit jacket. He’d received twelve requests for meetings today alone, which he knew was simply a result of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s success. The shrimp industry was booming, and everyone wanted to know how the former “idiot” had achieved such great financial success in it.
“Oh yeah, bring them in,” he said.
Two men entered his office, and up close, Forrest recognized them as businessmen from Florida. For twenty minutes, they asked him question after question about everything from their cooking techniques to their logistics. Forrest was happy to engage with them though as he smiled warmly and made sure to explain every detail. The two men jotted down notes furiously before shaking hands with him before the departed.
Forrest got right back to another report in his office suite, while his eyes wandered over towards the laminated photos of the various shrimps species displayed all over the wall. These photos always beckoned pleasant memories, especially the one with Bubba leaning against the boat smiling widely holding two of the large Crustaceans as they held their catch, an immeasurable number of the same species, such beautiful moments that it got Forrest chuckling even after all these years.
Another knock sounded on his door, and Ada called out softly upon entering his office, “Boss, Captain Feng Wu has dropped a message that he wishes to say that the Ryu Char Galley is coming in early today from Snapper Passage and you seemed very interested in that batch.”
“Ah, thanks Ada,” Forrest replied, unbuttoning the collar of his dress coat, now ready for the ones sent from dear Lieutenant Dan back from Vietnam on his boat.
True to expectations, just as he stood leaning against the steel rail along by the harbor after an hour or so, his desired vessel rounded the harbor master jetty led by no other than Kentucky bred Audrey, an agile red-colored Ocean Master center console with twin catamaran hulls breaking the incoming surf as they backed into a berth alongside his waterfront dining restaurant calmly. Forrest raised his arm wondering when Audrey’s team was going to come down again, it had after all, been close to three months since he had last seen her. Upon seeing her smile, he waved without gaining one in return until she saw who was waving her.
“And there he is,” Audrey said with her dust-covered hair waving in the air about the gentle yanks which as the hatches were thrown open, stunning fish of varied species could be noticed gasping within a sheet of ice cooling them. Besides these, he also had Delicacies that made their way into the state – looking Frog species, scallops, groupers, suzuki, in-bons and funuebis.
“You sure made good time!” Forrest complimented the fisherman with all sincerity as he took his place besides the trout tank just staring at the fish.
“‘Strawberry grouper might taste a little tart when baked, that’s what I hear,” Forrest said to Moon, anticipating her interest in cooking one of her chosen fish.
“You always providing them recipes making it impossible for me to whip these up on my own Forrest. I see an evening in your kitchen fixing one tonight,” Moon laughed.
“That sounds good to me, darling,” Forrest beamed as he led the fish into his clean and neat showcases extending beyond the fishroom.
It gave him so much joy having the market inventory with all sources of fresh fish he’d laid hands on from the Georgia Lowcountry and beyond. Selling lobsters by their species was also intriguing, what hassle-free experience it had been despite selling lobsters not being a major provider of cash raking in needed revenue.
Over the years of supervision and trust-building with his shrimping Captains had led; as a principal deal, to larger companies attempting to bend or break codes laid down as guidelines to be followed to gain his approval – that will make sure the marine biosphere thrives every year in return. It truly made no sense to make business and benefit from the ocean while destroying it so Forrest always made his belief system available for all investors interested in his biotope keeping idea, with checks and maintenance performed daily upon its condition.
Standing with his stock expert, Bubba J., and capturing the giant trout together in time, Forrest thought to giving away a small shares bundle of the business to everyone motivated enough to prove sincerity and tangible consequences-rife environmental policy creation upheld in reaching an exchange, a convivial interdependent relationship.
And just as Forrest absorbed being surrounded by the well embellished looks of the fishing industry’s ultimate experts and overseeing a locale teeming with tasty hordes of lobster, the United States Hockey League’s Worcester IceCats named Forrest as president of their game operations!
The reality with ice hockey made so much sense as there were several benefits correlated with this, such as joint promotional events fashioned to heighten cooperation towards an objective the industry begged for year after year, including educational centers within elementary and surrounding secondary institutions that hadn’t yet build out-rinks was another considered feature in promotions only.
As his ice hockey fans, as a game-loving fellow, it certainly adds another bit to his widespread engagements with great adprations to carry about care for his fans. But even where this new position added more levels of toils and work loads unto his packed-planned busy daily schedules, it exponentially signified an ingrained determination balanced with the chances some situations give abundantly as soon this newly acquire venture had implied a blossoming opportunity laying right before him.
Chapter 7: “Jenny’s Return”
Forrest couldn’t believe it was happening. After all these years, his beloved Jenny was back in his life. And yet, what would happen now? Could they really make things work between them?
Jenny seemed different from the wild and adventurous girl he had known before. She had mellowed out, grown up, and gained a sense of purpose in her life. But even with this newfound stability, Forrest sensed that she felt like something was missing.
As they sat in a park under a beautiful oak tree, Forrest gently inquired about her life since they had last seen each other.
“Well, Forrest, I’ve been through a lot of changes,” Jenny said, twisting her hair nervously. “I’ve been in and out of bad relationships, lost a lot of jobs, and just generally felt like I didn’t quite fit in anywhere.”
Forrest listened patiently, his kind eyes never leaving hers.
“But now,” Jenny continued, “I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching. I realized that what’s been missing from my life all along was you.”
Forrest’s heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Jenny looked into his eyes intensely. “I want to be with you, Forrest, forever. Do you feel the same way?”
Forrest didn’t even have to hesitate. “I’ve loved you my entire life, Jenny. Of course, I want to be with you. Whatever it takes.”
Jenny smiled, beaming with happiness. “I’m so glad to hear that,” she said, taking Forrest’s hand. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for so long.”
They walked hand in hand, utterly consumed by the joy of being together again, stopping only to watch a flock of birds dancing gracefully across the sky.
Over the next few months, Forrest and Jenny began building a beautiful life together. They found a cozy little house on the outskirts of town, and Forrest continued running his business, while Jenny began working for a non-profit organization helping people in need.
As time passed, their love for each other only grew stronger, and they supported each other through every trial and tribulation. Together they laughed, cried, and ultimately built a bond that was unbreakable.
One day, Forrest sat on the porch with Jenny, watching the rain fall gently from the sky. Jenny put her arm around him, finding comfort in the warmth of his embrace.
“You know, Forrest,” she said softly, “I think you’ve taught me everything I know about love.”
Forrest smiled, knowing it was true. “Well, I’m glad I could help,” he said, wrapping his arm around her. “I just hope you know how much I love you.”
Jenny nodded, kissing him on the forehead tenderly. “I do, Forrest. And I love you too. More than anything in the world.”
Forrest took a deep breath, closing his eyes in pure contentment. With Jenny by his side, he didn’t need anything else.
Chapter 8: “The Ultimate Sacrifice”
Forrest sat in the quiet hospital room, watching as Jenny struggled to take each rasping breath. Her hair, now mostly white and fine as silk, was fanned out on the pillow around her. She had refused treatment for years, determined to endure her illness without pharmaceuticals, but now she was in pain and constantly afraid.
Beside her, Forrest laid his hand on hers. He didn’t know what he would do without her, and it occurred to him that he didn’t really know how to live without her. He lightly squeezed her hand, hoping it can help her have some comfort even in her pain.
“Promise me something,” She said rather raspy breaths, just loud enough for Forrest to hear.
“Anything,” he replied, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Promise me you’ll take care of our son, make sure he doesn’t grow up like my father.”
“I promise, sweet girl.”
She gave his hand an extra squeeze as she asked, “Do you remember the time when the lightning struck the tree, and Lieutenant Dan said it was a miracle?”
Forrest smiled, still remembering that moment as clearly as the day it happened. She always seemed to know the right thing to say to make him feel better.
Jenny started to cough hard, her breathing getting shallower and barely audible. Forrest called for the nurse with frantic movements.
“It’s time to go, Forrest,” she managed to whisper. “I’ll love you forever.”
Forrest couldn’t say another word, his throat choked with grief as he watched the light in Jenny’s eyes dim and eventually die out into an expression of peacefulness that he hadn’t seen in a long time.
As he sat there beside her, Forrest couldn’t help thinking about everything they had been through, and how they had always come out of it together. But now, for the first time in his life, Forrest was truly alone.
Months passed and in time, Forrest found it possible to live with the empty feeling of his loss. Time allowed him the chance to put everything in perspective; he had family, a son to take care of, and good memories of Jenny to hold onto.
As Forrest sat by himself thinking about everything, he noticed his momma in the doorway. She was wearing her Sunday best and had a gentle smile on her face.
“Hi, Momma,” he said quietly.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she replied, walking over to join Forrest. “I was just thinking about you and thought I’d come by to see how you’re holding up?”
“I’m okay. Missing her every day, but I’m okay.”
“I know you are, sweet boy,” Momma said, enfolding him in a tight embrace as she sat down next to him. “But keep in mind, Jenny’s not completely gone. She’s still with you, in your heart and in your memories.”
Forrest allowed himself, just this once, to be enveloped in the comfort of his mother’s arms.
“Thanks, Momma,” he whispered, suddenly overcome with emotion.
“Anytime, baby.”
After they talked a bit more, Forrest’s mother eventually stood and made towards preparing some lunch. He thought about what she had said, about Jenny still being with him, and he soon realized that she was right. Even in death, Jenny would still be a part of his life. And for that, he was grateful.
As he moved on with his life, Forrest continued living out his legacy for having achieved great things through uncertain times. He had become successful and had assured to bring up his son without ever controlling him.
And although he would never love again in the same way that he loved Jenny, he learned to live life fully and appreciate every blessing that was gifted to him. Life is blissful when all is said and done, no matter the pain one might suffer through eventually. Forrest knew he had so much to be proud of in Jenny and all he had achieved, and as he looked back on it all, Forrest realized his life had been one of true majesty- nothing was missed out on or unmemorable.
He knew though that her memories-and indeed all the experiences that had rendered life- would hold sway, hitherto, he had acknowledged her death rather slowly moving past it. But Forrest had started today to forgive the sudden circumstance life had thrown at him, allowing himself to be happy and leave loneliness behind.
It was by far his greatest achievement; the self-discovering that a life predicated on love receives passing, joint and singular moments.
With a smile on his face and tears in his eyes, he looked back at his life which was now quite minutely full stop. He waited for what seemingly evolved from the old shooshedness in Forrest Gump, baby or man as he unconsciously uttered words, carrying assurance from his father: you’ve certainly succeeded in loving- which in my humble opinion- is an accomplishing great thing.
“Indeed, it was,” Forrest whispered, closing a tearful eye and feeling the weight of a memory against the rise of renewed optimism.
Some scenes from the AI movie Forrest Gump
Title: The Mind’s Eye
Opening:
FADE IN:
EXT. A LONE HOUSE IN THE WOODS – DAY
Nash, a young man in his 20s is seen entering into a house in the middle of the woods. The house looks as though it has been abandoned for years.
Nash, wearing earbuds, listens to a song with full volume while exploring the rustic décor spread around the house. Upon laying eyes on an overturned drawer, he curiously raises it cautiously to find a photograph featuring Elizabeth; 30, beautiful.
He becomes mesmerized and overwhelmed by her picture as his eyes lock in one hers within the photograph. Memories flooded back and we move into.
CUT TO:
I am sorry, but I do not have information about which novel you are referring to or the genre you would like me to work with. Can you give me more information on this so that I can write the next scene?
Scene 3:
INT. SYNAGOGUE – DAY
Esther is sitting in the front row, surrounded by other mourners. She’s looking down, deeply sad, as the Rabbi speaks.
RABBI (V.O.)
We mourn the passing of our beloved Rabbi Levitas. He was a man of great wisdom, compassion and grace. He guided us and cared for us for many years, and we will always cherish his memory. May he rest in peace.
Esther closes her eyes and whispers a prayer for the Rabbi.
Suddenly, her phone rings. She reaches into her pocket and pulls it out. It’s a message from an unknown number.
UNKNOWN NUMBER (OS)
Meet me at the park. Now.
Esther looks at the message, confused and frightened.
CUT TO:
INT. OLIVER’S HOUSE – DAY
Oliver opens the door and finds Leo standing outside. Leo’s expression is grim.
LEO: We have a problem.
OLIVER: What’s the problem?
LEO: It’s about the thing we were discussing the other day.
OLIVER: (concerned) What thing?
Leo hesitates for a moment before speaking.
LEO: (whispers) The experiment.
Oliver’s expression quickly turns stern.
OLIVER: And what about it?
LEO: Someone is on to us.
Oliver’s eyes widen.
OLIVER: (voice trembling) Who?
LEO: (pauses) We don’t know yet but we need to be really careful.
Oliver slams the door shut behind him and begins pacing.
OLIVER: (frustrated) What kind of security do we have!? This would unravel everything!
LEO: I know it’s not fair, Oliver. But we can’t ignore it. We need a plan.
Oliver stops pacing and clenches his fists.
OLIVER: (defiant) They won’t ruin us. I won’t let them.
LEO: (concerned) Oliver, you have to calm down. Going rogue will only make things worse.
Oliver sighs, and looks at Leo.
OLIVER: (resigned) Fine. Let’s make a plan. But we need to move quickly.
LEO: Okay. I’ll talk to the rest of the team and we’ll come up with something.
Leo nods and leaves.
Oliver sits down and mutters to himself.
OLIVER: (to himself) We can’t let this go on any longer.
EXT. PARK – DAY
John sits at a bench eating ice cream. Park goers surround him with happiness, taking selfies and enjoying the weather—alone in his thoughts, John flicks his spoon at a fresh skid.
The girl with the skateboard from yesterday glides by. She looks blasé, in light of the tumbles off her skateboard.
John throws his spoon to the garbage and then looks towards her. The wind tussles her messy hair. John takes her around, turns her eyes from him as she continues skating by.
John see her off in the distance adjust her earbuds; skateboarding actually looks rhythmic now-giving off a feeling of freedom that’s explainable.
