A journey of rediscovery, love and laughter.
Watch the original version of Garden State
Prologue:
The plane descended through the clouds, bringing Andrew back to his hometown. He hadn’t been back in years, not since he left for college and never looked back. But now, his mother’s passing had brought him back, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
As the plane landed with a jolt, Andrew felt a pit in his stomach. He could already picture the small town, the familiar streets, and the people he used to know. All the memories he tried so hard to forget came flooding back. He grabbed his bag and made his way through the airport, feeling a strange mix of sadness, apprehension, and curiosity.
As he stepped outside, the autumn air hit him, crisp and cool. He took a deep breath and looked around, taking in the scenery. The town was quieter than he remembered, but he could still hear the sounds of cars and people in the distance. He hailed a cab and gave the driver his old address, feeling like he was heading towards a destination he had long ago forgotten.
Chapter 1: Heading Home
The cab drove through the heart of the town, and Andrew couldn’t help but notice how much had changed. New stores had opened up, old ones closed, and the streets looked different. Despite this, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of nostalgia that washed over him. Every corner he turned, he saw a memory, a person he used to know, a place he used to go.
The cab pulled up in front of his old house, and Andrew paid the driver before opening the door. The house looked the same, but it felt different. It was like a ghost of his past, a place he used to call home, but now felt like a distant memory. He walked up to the door and took a deep breath before knocking.
His father opened the door, looking older than last time Andrew had seen him. He was the same man as ever, tall and imposing, with a stern look on his face. “Andrew,” he said, his voice cold and masculine. “I’m glad you made it.”
Andrew nodded and stepped inside, taking in the familiar smells of the house. He walked through the hallway and up the stairs, heading towards his old room. The door creaked open, and he saw that nothing had changed. His bed was still there, his posters on the wall, and his old guitar in the corner. It was like he had never left.
He sat down on the bed, feeling overwhelmed. His mother was gone, and he was back in a town that he had tried to escape from. He wondered if anything had changed since he left, if anyone still remembered him. He tried to push these thoughts away and instead focused on the task at hand. He had to help plan the funeral, see old friends, and deal with his father.
But the memories kept coming back, like waves crashing against the shore. He remembered the parties, the friends he had lost touch with, and the girl he used to love. He tried to forget about her, but he couldn’t. It was like she was still there, waiting for him to come back.
As he sat on the bed, lost in his thoughts, he heard a knock on the door. He looked up and saw his father standing there, holding a small bottle. “Here,” he said, handing it to Andrew. “Take this. It’ll help with the stress.”
Andrew sighed and took the bottle, staring at it. He knew what it was, antidepressants. His father had been trying to get him to take them for years, but he always refused. He didn’t want to rely on drugs to numb the pain.
But now, with his mother gone and all the memories flooding back, he wasn’t so sure. He twisted the cap off and swallowed one, feeling like he was giving in. He lay back on the bed, letting the medication take effect, and tried to push the memories away. But they kept coming, like an unrelenting tide.
As he drifted off to sleep, Andrew couldn’t help but wonder what the next few days had in store for him. Would he find closure? Would he reconnect with his old friends? And, most importantly, would he find a way to move on?
Chapter 2: Reconnecting
Andrew woke up in his childhood room, the same room he had left behind years ago. The room hadn’t changed much, the same posters of his favorite band still hung on the wall, and the same old furniture was still there. But Andrew had changed, everything around him seemed so small, and he felt like he was in a different world.
As he walked out of his room, he could hear his father moving around downstairs. Andrew had avoided his father for years, the tension between them had always been high. His father was a psychologist who always tried to “fix” him, but all Andrew ever wanted was for him to listen.
Feeling restless, Andrew decided to take a walk around town. The streets looked the same, but everything felt different. He walked past the familiar buildings and houses, but it all felt like a distant memory.
As he walked, he saw her. Sam. He hadn’t seen her since he left town, but she looked exactly the same. Her long brown hair was messy, and she was wearing a vintage t-shirt and ripped jeans. She looked beautiful.
“Andrew! Oh my god, what are you doing here?” Sam said, jumping up to give him a hug.
“I’m here for my mom’s funeral,” Andrew said, trying to keep his voice steady.
“I’m so sorry, Andrew. Is there anything I can do?” Sam asked.
“I don’t know,” Andrew said, feeling lost.
“Come on, let’s go for a walk,” Sam said, taking Andrew’s hand.
They walked through the town, catching up on old times. Sam was still the same, quirky and full of energy. Andrew felt like he was starting to remember who he used to be.
As they walked, they stumbled upon an old car dealership that had been turned into an art gallery. They walked around, admiring the paintings and sculptures. Andrew had always been interested in art, but he had never pursued it.
Sam noticed Andrew’s interest and started pointing out different pieces to him. “What do you think of this one?” she asked, pointing to a painting of a stormy ocean.
“It’s beautiful,” Andrew said, feeling captivated by the painting.
They continued to walk around, but Andrew’s mind kept going back to Sam. He had never felt this way about anyone before. There was something about her, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
As they walked back to Andrew’s childhood home, Sam stopped in front of a park. “This is where we used to come when we were kids,” she said, pointing to the swing set.
Andrew smiled, remembering. “We used to pretend we were astronauts, flying through space,” he said.
“We were so weird,” Sam laughed.
Andrew felt like he was starting to remember who he used to be. He had always been a little weird, but Sam had never judged him for it.
As they walked back to Andrew’s childhood home, he felt like he was starting to come back to life. Sam had a way of making him feel alive, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.
As they parted ways, Andrew found himself thinking about Sam. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something there, something more than just friendship.
He walked into his childhood home, feeling like everything was different. He didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, he was excited to find out.
Chapter 3: The New Group
Andrew woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing. It was Sam. “Hey, are you up for an adventure today?” she asked. Andrew smiled, feeling excited for the first time in a while. “Sure, what’s the plan?” he asked.
“Well, my pet hamster escaped last night, and my friends and I have been trying to find him. We thought we’d make a day of it and explore some of the hidden gems in town while we’re at it. Want to join?” Sam said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Andrew hesitated for a moment. He didn’t really know Sam’s friends, and he wasn’t sure he was ready to socialize. But then he remembered his therapist’s advice to take risks and try new things. “Yeah, that sounds fun. Count me in,” he said.
He got dressed quickly and met up with Sam and her friends at a coffee shop. They were an eclectic group – an artist, a musician, a writer, and a comedian. Andrew felt a little intimidated at first, but they welcomed him warmly.
They set off on their search for the hamster, stopping at various local shops and cafes along the way. Andrew was amazed at how much the town had changed since he left. He marveled at the colorful murals that adorned the buildings and the quaint little bookstores that had popped up.
As they walked, they chatted and laughed, and Andrew started to feel like he was a part of something. He had forgotten what it was like to hang out with people who didn’t judge him for his medication or his depression. He felt a sense of belonging.
They searched for the hamster in the park, where they climbed trees and played frisbee. Andrew was surprised at how much fun he was having. He hadn’t felt this carefree in ages. They then went to a local ice cream shop and sampled every flavor.
Finally, they got a tip that the hamster might be hiding in an abandoned building on the outskirts of town. Andrew was hesitant to go in, but Sam’s friends convinced him to come along. It was dark and dusty inside, and they had to navigate through a maze of old furniture and boxes.
They finally found the hamster hiding behind an old couch. Sam scooped him up, and they all cheered. Andrew felt a sense of accomplishment. They had found the hamster, but they had also found a new kind of friendship.
As they walked back to town, Andrew felt a pang of sadness. He realized that he would have to leave soon and go back to his old life. But then Sam turned to him and said, “You know, you don’t have to leave just yet. You could stay a little longer.”
Andrew looked at her, feeling his heart skip a beat. “Really?” he asked.
“Sure, we could use a new member of our group,” she said, smiling.
Andrew grinned, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe he could stay a little longer, and maybe he wasn’t as lost as he thought. Maybe this was the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
As they walked back to town, they sang and joked and danced. Andrew felt like he was finally alive again. And he knew that he had Sam and her friends to thank for it.
Chapter 4: A Visit to the Past
Andrew woke up the next morning feeling a little groggy from the night before. He had spent the evening out with Sam and her friends, and despite the copious amounts of alcohol and drugs, he actually had a good time. He felt like he was starting to bond with this new group of people, and it was comforting to have that sense of community back in his life.
But as he lay in bed, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of sadness that had been creeping up on him. Today was the day of his mother’s funeral, and he wasn’t sure if he was ready to face it. He got up and took a long shower, hoping the hot water would wash away some of his anxiety.
When he was finally dressed and ready to go, he headed down to the hotel lobby where he was supposed to meet Sam and her friends. They had offered to give him a ride to the funeral, and he had gratefully accepted. Sam was already there, looking bright and cheerful despite the circumstances. She gave him a quick hug and then introduced him to her friends, who were all dressed in black and looking solemn.
The car ride to the funeral home was quiet, with only the sound of the radio filling the air. Andrew sat in the backseat, staring out the window, lost in his thoughts. The town looked so different from how he remembered it, and yet so familiar at the same time. He saw the houses he used to ride his bike past, the streets he used to walk down with his friends, and the shops he used to visit with his mom.
As they pulled up to the funeral home, Andrew felt a lump form in his throat. He saw his father’s car parked outside, and he knew he was going to have to face him. He took a deep breath and got out of the car, following Sam and her friends inside.
The funeral home was crowded with people, all dressed in black and looking sad. Andrew spotted his father standing near the casket, talking to some of his mother’s old friends. He didn’t feel like approaching him just yet, so he hung back, watching from a distance.
He felt a hand on his arm, and he turned to see Sam standing next to him. She gave him a sympathetic smile and squeezed his arm. “Are you okay?” she asked.
Andrew shook his head. “I don’t know,” he murmured. “I haven’t been back here in so long. It’s all just so overwhelming.”
“I know,” Sam said softly. “But you’re not alone. We’re all here for you.”
Andrew looked at her and felt a rush of gratitude. He didn’t know how he had managed to survive without any emotional support for so long. He felt like he was finally starting to connect with someone on a deeper level, and it was both thrilling and terrifying.
They stood there for a while, watching as people came up to pay their respects to his mother. Andrew recognized some of them from his childhood, but others were strangers. His mother had touched so many lives, and it was comforting to see how many people cared about her.
Eventually, Andrew felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to face his father. His father looked haggard and exhausted, but he still managed to put on a brave face. “Andrew,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry about your mother. She was a wonderful woman.”
Andrew nodded, feeling numb. He didn’t know how to respond to his father’s condolences. They had such a strained relationship, and he wasn’t sure if they would ever be able to repair the damage.
They stood there in silence for a while, watching as people filed past the casket. Andrew’s father finally broke the silence. “Are you still taking your medication?” he asked.
Andrew bristled at the question. He had been trying to avoid this conversation all week. “No,” he said shortly.
His father looked concerned. “Andrew, you know how important it is for you to stay on your medication. You’ve been doing so well on it.”
Andrew felt his anger rising. “I don’t want to talk about this right now,” he snapped. “Can’t we just focus on Mom for once?”
His father looked hurt, but he didn’t say anything else. They stood there awkwardly until it was time for the funeral service to begin.
The service was short but poignant. Andrew heard his mother’s favorite songs played, saw pictures of her projected onto a screen, and listened as his father and some of his mother’s friends shared memories of her. It was both heartbreaking and healing, and Andrew felt like he was finally able to say goodbye.
After the service, they all headed outside to the parking lot. Andrew felt drained and emotional, and he just wanted to go back to the hotel and curl up in bed. But Sam grabbed his arm and pulled him aside. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Andrew felt a surge of gratitude for her. He didn’t want to be alone right now. So, they walked around the town, talking and reminiscing about their childhoods. Andrew felt a sense of comfort and safety with Sam, like he could finally be himself around someone.
They ended up at the cemetery, and Andrew felt a lump form in his throat as they approached his mother’s grave. It was a simple headstone, with her name and dates of birth and death engraved on it. Andrew felt tears prick his eyes as he looked at it.
Sam put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to cry,” she said softly.
Andrew nodded, and then he broke down. He cried for everything he had lost, for all the pain he had been keeping bottled up for years. He cried for his mother, for the missed opportunities, for the broken relationships.
Sam held him as he cried, and he felt like he was finally able to release all of the emotions he had been holding back for so long. When he finally stopped crying, he felt drained but also oddly relieved. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but he felt like he was finally starting to heal.
As they walked back to the hotel, Andrew felt a sense of gratitude for Sam and her friends. They had given him something he had been missing for a long time – a sense of connection and community. And he knew that as long as he had them in his life, he was going to be okay.
Chapter 5: Confronting the Father
Andrew woke up feeling groggy and disoriented. He reached for his pill bottle, but then remembered the decision he made last night. He wasn’t going to take his antidepressants anymore. He felt a surge of excitement mixed with fear. How would he cope without the medication that had controlled his emotions for so long?
He got up slowly, the memories of the previous night flooding back. He had confronted his father about the medication, and it had been a heated argument. He knew he had to face his father again, but he wasn’t sure how to do it without getting angry and defensive.
He decided to take a walk in the park to clear his head. The cool breeze and the rustling leaves were soothing. He felt like he was waking up from a long slumber, and he didn’t want to go back to sleep.
As he walked, he saw a group of children playing hide-and-seek. He smiled at their innocence and carefree spirit. He wished he could go back to that time, before the medication, before the pain and the confusion.
He sat down on a bench, watching the children play. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Sam standing there, a concerned look on her face.
“Hey, are you okay?” she asked.
Andrew felt grateful for her presence. She seemed to understand him in a way that no one else did. He told her about his decision to stop taking the medication and the argument with his father.
Sam listened intently, squeezing his hand. “I’m proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for yourself.”
Andrew felt a surge of warmth spreading through his body. He had never felt so supported before. He realized that he had been searching for love and validation all his life, but he had been looking in the wrong places.
“Thank you, Sam. Your support means everything to me,” he said, looking into her eyes.
Sam smiled, and they sat there in silence for a while, enjoying each other’s company.
Suddenly, Andrew’s phone rang. It was his father.
“Andrew, where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”
“I’m in the park,” Andrew said, trying to keep his voice steady.
“I want to talk to you. Can you come home?”
Andrew hesitated. He didn’t want to go back to the house where he had felt trapped for so long.
“Can we meet somewhere else?” he asked.
His father sighed. “Fine. Let’s meet at the coffee shop on Main Street.”
Andrew agreed, and he and Sam walked to the coffee shop in silence. Andrew felt a knot in his stomach, anticipating the conversation to come.
When they arrived, Andrew’s father was already there, sitting at a table with a cup of coffee. He looked older and more tired than Andrew remembered.
“Son, I’m glad you came,” he said, motioning for them to sit down.
Andrew sat down, feeling like a child again. He hated the way his father made him feel small and powerless.
“I know we had a heated argument last night, but I want you to know that I only have your best interests at heart,” his father said, looking at him sternly.
Andrew clenched his fists. He didn’t want to argue, but he couldn’t let his father manipulate him anymore.
“Dad, I appreciate your concern, but I can’t keep taking those pills. They make me feel like a zombie. I want to feel alive again.”
His father looked taken aback. “But son, you have a chemical imbalance. You need the medication to function properly.”
Andrew shook his head. “I don’t want to be a guinea pig for your experiments. I want to take control of my life.”
His father looked like he was about to argue more, but Sam spoke up.
“Dr. Ames, with all due respect, I think Andrew is old enough to make his own decisions. He’s not a child anymore.”
Andrew felt a surge of gratitude towards Sam. She had always been there for him, even when she barely knew him.
His father looked at her, seeming to notice her for the first time. “Who are you?”
“I’m Sam, a friend of Andrew’s,” she said, smiling.
Andrew felt a warm glow spreading through him. He was proud to have Sam by his side. He knew that he could face anything with her support.
His father looked at the two of them, seeming to weigh his options. Finally, he sighed.
“Fine. If that’s what you want, Andrew. But don’t come crying to me if things go wrong.”
Andrew nodded, feeling relieved. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but he felt more determined than ever. He had made a decision, and he was going to stick with it.
As they left the coffee shop, Andrew felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He looked at Sam, feeling grateful for her presence.
“Thank you, Sam. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Sam smiled, giving him a hug. “That’s what friends are for.”
Andrew had been hesitant to attend the party, but his old high school friends wouldn’t take no for an answer. They promised it would be a night of drinking and catching up on old times. He knew he shouldn’t have gone, but the need to feel like he belonged somewhere was too strong. He felt like he was floating through life, never really fitting in anywhere anymore.
As soon as they arrived at the party, Andrew felt like he had been transported back in time. The sights and sounds of the party were overwhelming, and he was hit with a sense of nostalgia. He saw people he hadn’t seen in years and felt a sense of excitement at the prospect of catching up with them.
Then he saw her. His ex-girlfriend, Samantha, was there, and his heart leapt into his throat. They had broken up years ago, shortly after he moved away from his hometown. He had always regretted the way things ended between them, and now here she was, looking as beautiful as ever.
Samantha was with a group of people, laughing and drinking. Andrew couldn’t take his eyes off her. He couldn’t believe he had been lucky enough to have her in his life at one point. He wanted to go up to her, to say something, anything, but he didn’t know what to say. It had been so long, and he was afraid of what she would say.
His old friends caught up with him, and they all started drinking heavily. Andrew found himself doing shots and chugging beers, trying to keep up with the rest of them. He felt like a teenager again, wild and free. But then the night took a turn for the worse.
The police arrived at the party, responding to a noise complaint. Andrew and his friends panicked, realizing they were all too drunk to drive. They tried to hide, but it was no use. The cops found them, and they were all arrested.
As he sat in the back of the patrol car, Andrew couldn’t believe what had just happened. He was humiliated, embarrassed, and ashamed. He had been so stupid to come to the party in the first place. He realized that he didn’t belong in his old life anymore. He was a different person, and he needed to move on.
The next day, he was released from jail, and his father came to pick him up. Andrew was quiet during the ride home, lost in his thoughts. When they arrived at his childhood home, Andrew knew he needed to talk to his father. He needed to confront him about the medication and tell him how it had affected him.
His father was in his home office when he walked in. Andrew took a deep breath and opened up to him. He talked about how the medication had made him feel numb, how he had lost all sense of himself. He told his father that he was going to stop taking it, that he needed to feel alive again.
His father was defensive at first, but as Andrew spoke, he could see the pain in his son’s eyes. He realized that he had been wrong to force the medication on him, that he had been trying to control him rather than help him. They talked for hours, hashing out their issues and coming to an understanding.
Andrew went to bed that night feeling lighter than he had in years. He had finally confronted his father, he had decided to stop taking the medication, and he had realized that he didn’t need his old life anymore. He needed something new, something different.
The next day, he went to see Samantha. He told her how he felt, how he had always regretted the way things had ended between them. She listened to him, her eyes full of understanding. And then she surprised him by confessing that she still had feelings for him. They hugged each other, and Andrew felt like he was finally home.
They started a new life together, surrounded by their quirky and loving friends. Andrew finally felt like he had found his place in the world, and he was happy. The journey back to his hometown had been painful, but it had brought him to where he belonged.
Chapter 7: A New Beginning
Andrew woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. He stretched his arms and looked over to see Sam sleeping peacefully beside him. It had been two weeks since they confessed their love for each other, and they had been inseparable ever since.
They had settled into a comfortable routine, spending their days exploring the town and their nights cuddled up together. Andrew had never felt so happy and content in his life.
As he got out of bed, Andrew’s mind drifted back to the night of the party. He remembered feeling lost and out of place, surrounded by his old high school friends who were still living in the past. But now, he had found a new group of friends who accepted him for who he was and loved him unconditionally.
He walked over to the window and looked out at the small town that had been his home for so long. He had always thought that leaving was the answer to all his problems. But now, he realized that he had been running away from himself all along. It wasn’t until he faced his past head-on that he was able to move forward and start a new life.
Andrew turned around to see Sam stirring in bed. She rubbed her eyes and smiled at him. “Good morning,” she said, her voice groggy.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he replied, kissing her tenderly.
Sam sat up and stretched. “What are we going to do today?” she asked.
Andrew grinned. “How about we take a hike up to the old lookout point? I heard the view is amazing.”
Sam’s face lit up. “Yes, let’s do that!”
They got dressed and headed out, hand in hand. As they climbed up the steep trail, they talked about the future and all the possibilities that lay ahead.
Andrew knew that he had finally found his place in the world. He was surrounded by people who loved and supported him, and with Sam by his side, he felt like he could conquer anything.
As they reached the top, Andrew took Sam’s hand and led her to the edge of the cliff. The view was breathtaking, with the rolling hills and endless sky stretching out before them.
Sam leaned into Andrew’s arms, and they stood there for a moment, taking it all in. “This is perfect,” she whispered.
Andrew smiled. “It is. And so are you.”
He took her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. In that moment, nothing else mattered. They were together, and they were happy.
As they made their way back down the trail, Andrew knew that this was just the beginning of their journey. There would be ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, but as long as they had each other, they could face anything.
He was excited for the future, for all the adventures that lay ahead, and for the love that he and Sam shared. They had found their new beginning, and it was everything they had ever wanted.
Some scenes from the movie Garden State written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. AIRPORT – DAY
ANDREW (30s), tall and lanky, with a tired expression, walks out of the airport dragging his luggage behind him. He takes a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of the town he left behind years ago.
CUT TO:
INT. ANDREW’S CHILDHOOD HOME – DAY
People in somber clothes mill around, offering their condolences to Andrew. He shakes their hands, murmuring “thank yous.” He notices his father, DR. COHEN (60s), a stiff and stern psychologist, coming towards him holding a prescription bottle.
DR. COHEN
(extends the bottle)
You forgot your medication.
ANDREW
(voice flat)
I don’t need it anymore.
DR. COHEN
(sighs, puts the bottle back in his pocket)
Suit yourself.
Andrew retreats, looking around for old familiar faces. He spots MARK (30s), an old high school friend, waving at him.
MARK
(hugs Andrew)
Dude, I’m so sorry.
ANDREW
(shrugs)
Thanks, man. It’s good to see you, though.
The scene ends with Andrew catching up with his old friends from high school and smoking pot by the pool, reminiscing about the good old times.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
INT. AIRPORT – DAY
ANDREW walks through the bustling airport, his eyes scanning the crowd, searching for someone.
ANDREW
(to himself)
Where is she?
Suddenly, he spots a girl with bright pink hair, standing by a pillar, holding a sign that reads “Welcome Home Andrew!”
He walks over to her.
SAM
(smiling)
Hi, Andrew!
ANDREW
(surprised)
Sam?
SAM
(smiling)
Surprise! I figured you could use a friend right now.
They hug, and Andrew feels a sense of relief.
SAM
(continuing)
So, how have you been?
ANDREW
(awkwardly)
Uh, not great. My mom passed away.
SAM
(sympathetically)
I’m so sorry. How are you holding up?
ANDREW
(shrugs)
I’m trying. I just feel lost, you know?
SAM
(nodding)
I get it. Life can be overwhelming sometimes.
Andrew and Sam start walking towards the exit.
ANDREW
(smiling)
Thanks for being here, Sam. It means a lot to me.
SAM
(smiling)
Of course. Plus, I have a feeling we’re gonna have some fun together.
Andrew looks at her, feeling a sense of hope for the first time in a while.
ANDREW
(smiling)
I think you might be right.
Scene 3
Scene 3: The New Group
FADE IN:
EXT. ANDREW’S HOMETOWN – DAY
Andrew walks down the street, lost in thought. He’s thinking about his old life and how much has changed since he left. Suddenly, he hears a voice call out to him.
SAM (O.S.): Hey, you!
Andrew turns around to see Sam waving at him.
ANDREW: (surprised) Sam?
SAM: (smiling) Hey, stranger. What brings you back to town?
ANDREW: (shyly) My mom passed away.
SAM: (sympathetically) I’m sorry to hear that. How are you holding up?
ANDREW: (shrugs) I’m okay. Just trying to figure things out.
SAM: (nodding) I know how that feels. Hey, do you want to hang out with me and my friends tonight? We’re going on a little adventure.
ANDREW: (curious) Adventure?
SAM: (grinning) Yep. We’re going to find my pet hamster.
ANDREW: (smiling) Count me in.
CUT TO:
INT. SAM’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Andrew walks in to find Sam’s group of friends sitting around, laughing and joking. They include:
– Jesse: A stoner who’s always high.
– Mark: A nerd who loves comic books and video games.
– Emily: A free spirit who’s always up for anything.
SAM: (introducing them) This is Jesse, Mark, and Emily. Guys, this is Andrew.
They all smile and wave at Andrew. Jesse hands him a joint.
JESSE: (offering it) Want to smoke?
ANDREW: (hesitant) I don’t know…
SAM: (teasingly) Come on, Andrew. It’s not going to kill you.
ANDREW: (chuckling) Alright, fine.
They all light up and start to relax. Sam pulls Andrew aside.
SAM: (whispering) So, what do you think of my friends?
ANDREW: (smiling) They’re great. They remind me of the people I used to hang out with.
SAM: (smiling) I’m glad you like them. We’re like a little family.
ANDREW: (smiling) I can see that.
Suddenly, they hear a noise coming from Sam’s room.
SAM: (excitedly) That’s him! Let’s go!
CUT TO:
INT. SAM’S ROOM – NIGHT
Sam leads the group to her room, where her hamster is hiding somewhere. They start to search the room, moving furniture and looking under the bed.
MARK: (excitedly) I feel like we’re on an adventure in a video game.
EMILY: (laughing) Yeah, except we’re not fighting any monsters.
Suddenly, Jesse screams.
JESSE: (panicked) It’s in my pants!
Everyone stops and looks at Jesse, who’s frantically trying to take off his pants.
CUT TO:
INT. SAM’S APARTMENT – LATER
Everyone is in the living room, laughing about what happened.
SAM: (grinning) Well, that was definitely an adventure.
ANDREW: (smiling) I haven’t had that much fun in a long time.
JESSE: (smirking) Just wait until the next one.
They all cheer and high-five each other.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
Scene 4: A Visit to the Past
INT. CEMETERY – DAY
Andrew stands in front of his mother’s grave, tears rolling down his cheeks. Sam stands beside him, holding his hand.
SAM
I know this is hard for you.
ANDREW
(sobbing)
I just wish I could have told her I loved her one more time.
SAM
I’m sure she knew, Andrew.
ANDREW
(sniffling)
I can’t believe she’s gone.
SAM
(squeezing his hand)
I’m here for you.
They stand in silence for a moment before Sam takes out a small, potted plant from her bag.
SAM
Here, we can leave this for her.
Andrew takes the plant from her and places it next to the grave.
ANDREW
Thank you.
SAM
(smiling)
You know, I always loved your mom’s garden. We should go check it out.
ANDREW
(reluctantly)
I don’t know if I’m ready for that.
SAM
(persuading)
Come on, it’ll be good for you.
Andrew nods and they head towards the garden.
INT. GARDEN – DAY
Andrew walks through the garden, memories flooding back. Sam walks beside him, silent and supportive.
ANDREW
(sighing)
I used to spend hours out here with my mom. It was her pride and joy.
SAM
(smiling)
It’s beautiful. You know, my mom always said that plants have feelings too.
ANDREW
(jokingly)
I’m pretty sure my mom would have agreed with her.
Sam laughs, and they continue walking.
SAM
(serious)
Andrew, I know this might not be the right time, but there’s something I need to tell you.
Andrew turns to face her.
ANDREW
(curious)
What is it?
SAM
(sighing)
I have feelings for you. And I know you’ve been through a lot, but I just wanted you to know.
Andrew looks at her, surprised.
ANDREW
(flustered)
I-I don’t know what to say. I mean, you’re amazing, Sam. But I’m not sure if I’m ready for a relationship.
SAM
(nodding)
I understand. I just wanted you to know that I care about you, Andrew.
They share a moment, before deciding to head back to the car.
INT. CAR – DAY
Andrew is lost in thought, staring out the window. Sam breaks the silence.
SAM
(smiling)
You know, we should do something fun tonight. You deserve it.
ANDREW
(smiling back)
That sounds good.
They drive off, ready for a night of adventure.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
INT. ANDREW’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Andrew is sitting on his bed, staring at a pill bottle on his nightstand. He takes a deep breath and picks up the bottle, unscrewing the cap. He hesitates for a moment before finally pouring the pills out onto his hand.
ANDREW: (to himself) It’s time.
He takes a deep breath and swallows the pills, washing them down with a glass of water. He puts the bottle back on the nightstand and leans back against his pillow. A sense of relief washes over him as he realizes he’s finally free.
CUT TO:
INT. ANDREW’S LIVING ROOM – DAY
Andrew’s father, DR. COHEN, is sitting in his favorite armchair, reading a book when Andrew walks in. Dr. Cohen looks up and frowns when he sees Andrew.
DR. COHEN: (concerned) Andrew, are you feeling alright? You look pale.
ANDREW: (smiling) I’m fine, Dad. Actually, I have something I need to tell you.
Dr. Cohen sets aside his book, giving Andrew his undivided attention.
DR. COHEN: (curious) What is it?
ANDREW: (taking a deep breath) I’ve decided to stop taking the medication.
Dr. Cohen’s face falls, and he looks at Andrew with disappointment.
DR. COHEN: (sternly) You know that’s not a good idea, Andrew. You need to take your medication to maintain your mental stability.
ANDREW: (firmly) No, Dad. I don’t need those pills to be stable. I need to feel alive again. I don’t want to be a zombie anymore.
Dr. Cohen stands up, clearly upset.
DR. COHEN: (angrily) You’re making a huge mistake, Andrew. You know what happened the last time you went off your medication.
ANDREW: (calmly) That was different, Dad. I was a different person back then. I’m in a much better place now.
Dr. Cohen looks at Andrew, searching his face for any sign of doubt. After a moment, he nods his head in resignation.
DR. COHEN: (sighing) Alright, Andrew. But if you start to feel unstable, you need to come to me immediately.
ANDREW: (smiling) I will, Dad. I promise.
The two of them hug, and Andrew feels a weight lift off his shoulders. He knows it won’t be easy, but he’s ready for the challenge.
FADE OUT.
