Leaving Las Vegas

A desperate writer. A broken-hearted prostitute. One last chance at redemption.

Watch the original version of Leaving Las Vegas

Prologue:

Ben Sanderson was once a successful Hollywood screenwriter with a promising career, a beautiful wife, and a comfortable life. But all that changed when his addiction took over. His alcoholism led to the destruction of his marriage, his career, and his sanity. Now, he’s a broken man, seeking solace in the bottom of a bottle.

After months of trying to numb his pain, Ben comes to a decision that shocks even himself. He decides to head to Las Vegas with the intention of drinking himself to death. In this city of excess, he hopes to find the peace he’s been seeking for so long.

But fate has a different plan for him. As he stumbles through the neon-lit streets, he meets Sera, a young and beautiful prostitute. She sees the pain in his eyes and offers him a kind word. And so, their uneasy friendship begins.

Chapter 1:

Ben Sanderson had never felt as alive as he did now. He was standing on the edge of the world, on the brink of oblivion. Everything he had ever known had crumbled around him, leaving him with nothing but a gaping hole where his life used to be. And so, he had come to Las Vegas, seeking the ultimate escape.

As he stumbled through the streets, Ben drank from a bottle of whiskey, the warm liquid trickling down his throat like molten lava. The city was alive around him, a never-ending stream of lights and sounds. But Ben was only half-present, lost in his own thoughts.

He had always known he was an alcoholic. He had lost count of the number of times he had tried to quit, only to fall back into the abyss. But this time was different. He knew he couldn’t go on like this anymore. He had made up his mind to end it all, to drink himself to death.

And so, he stumbled on, his world spinning in a blur of lights and noise. He was vaguely aware of the people around him, the tourists and locals, the prostitutes and pimps. But he didn’t care. He was beyond caring.

That was when he saw her.

She was standing on a street corner, her long blonde hair shining in the neon lights. She looked young, too young, to be out here on her own. But there was something about her that caught Ben’s eye.

He took a step closer, drawn by some invisible force. As he approached her, she looked up, and their eyes met. There was a moment of recognition, as if they had known each other before.

“Hey,” she said, her voice soft and kind. “Are you okay?”

Ben laughed bitterly. “Do I look okay?”

She smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes. “No, you don’t. But that’s okay. You don’t have to be okay all the time.”

They stood there for a moment, two lost souls in the city of sin. And for the first time in a long time, Ben felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things were going to be okay.

He didn’t know it then, but that chance encounter would change his life in ways he could never have imagined. Sera would become his rock, his confidante, his friend. And he would become hers. Together, they would navigate the highs and lows of life in Las Vegas, and maybe, just maybe, find redemption in each other’s arms.

Chapter 2: An Unlikely Friendship

As Ben Sanderson wanders the streets of Las Vegas in a drunken haze, he never expects to find a kindred spirit. But that’s exactly what he finds when he meets Sera, a beautiful prostitute who sees the pain in his eyes and offers him a rare moment of compassion.

Their first encounter is brief, with Ben stumbling into Sera’s arms and begging for a drink. She gives him a swig from her own bottle, and they share a moment of unspoken understanding. It’s a small gesture, but it sets the stage for a bond that will grow stronger over time.

As they part ways, Ben tells Sera that he’ll see her again. She’s skeptical, knowing all too well the fleeting nature of the relationships she forms with her clients. But something in Ben’s demeanor makes her think that he might be different.

Over the next few days, Ben keeps his promise and seeks out Sera’s company. They spend hours talking on the street corner, drinking and sharing stories of their pasts. Sera is surprised to find that Ben is a Hollywood screenwriter, once hailed as a talent to watch. He tells her how his drinking cost him everything – his marriage, his job, his reputation.

Sera listens with genuine interest, understanding all too well what it’s like to be an outcast. She shares her own story, of a childhood marked by abuse and neglect, and the choices she’s made to survive.

Their conversations are raw and unguarded, a rarity in a city where everyone is trying to put up a front. They don’t judge each other for their mistakes or their flaws – in fact, they seem to find comfort in them.

Despite the clear differences in their lifestyles, Ben and Sera form an easy camaraderie. They laugh, they argue, they lean on each other in moments of weakness. But there’s also an underlying tension, a sense that their friendship is tenuous and could be shattered at any moment.

For Ben, it’s the knowledge that he’s not capable of being a good friend or partner. His addiction has taken over his life, and he’s resigned himself to a slow descent into oblivion. He knows that he’ll never be able to give Sera the stability or security she deserves.

For Sera, it’s the constant reminder of the transactional nature of their interactions. She can’t forget that Ben is a client, and that eventually he’ll move on to someone else. She tries not to get too attached, knowing that any feelings she develops will only lead to heartbreak.

Despite these obstacles, their friendship deepens. They start to confide in each other more, sharing their hopes and fears for the future. Ben starts to see a glimmer of hope in his life, thanks to Sera’s unwavering support. He begins to write again, pouring his pain and regret into a screenplay that he hopes will be his legacy.

Sera, in turn, begins to question the choices she’s made. She’s always known that her life as a prostitute is unsustainable, but now she’s starting to dream of a different future. She finds herself imagining a life with Ben, as unlikely as it seems.

But their bond is threatened by outside forces. Ben’s addiction continues to spiral out of control, and he’s unable to resist the pull of alcohol. Sera’s ex-boyfriend, a violent man with a grudge against her, tracks her down and threatens her safety.

As they navigate these challenges together, Ben and Sera’s friendship becomes even more complicated. They realize that their feelings for each other are stronger than they ever imagined, but they’re unable to act on them. Ben is consumed by his addiction, and Sera is trapped in a life that doesn’t leave room for love.

Their story is one of unlikely connections and tragic missed opportunities. Will they be able to find redemption before it’s too late?

Chapter 3: A Night on the Strip

Ben and Sera spent the day lounging by the hotel pool, soaking up the hot Las Vegas sun. They had become inseparable since their first meeting, and Sera had become Ben’s constant companion in his quest to drink himself to death.

As the sun began to set, they decided to head out to the Las Vegas Strip to indulge in some of the city’s famous nightlife. They hailed a cab and headed towards the heart of the city.

The bright lights of the Strip were overwhelming, and Ben found himself feeling a sense of awe and despair as he took in the sights and sounds around him. He had been to Las Vegas many times before, but he had always been surrounded by other Hollywood types – this was his first time experiencing the city as a lost and broken man.

Sera noticed the shift in his demeanor and took his hand, leading him towards a nearby bar. As they walked, she pointed out various casinos and landmarks, telling him stories about the infamous characters that roamed the city.

They arrived at the bar, and Sera ordered them both drinks. Ben took a sip of his whiskey and felt a wave of numbness wash over him. He knew that he was in a dangerous place, but the alcohol made it hard to care.

Sera noticed how lost he seemed and tried to distract him with conversation. She talked about her dream of leaving Las Vegas, and how she was saving up money to move to Los Angeles and start a new life. Ben listened, enraptured by the hope and determination in her voice.

As they finished their drinks, Sera suggested that they go for a walk along the Strip. Ben hesitated, but Sera’s gentle urging convinced him to go along.

They walked hand in hand, taking in the elaborate displays of the various casinos. Ben couldn’t believe how alive the city was, even in the middle of the night. He felt a sense of detachment, as if he were watching the world from behind a glass wall.

As they walked, they stumbled upon a group of street performers, dressed in elaborate costumes and putting on a show for the crowd. Sera encouraged Ben to join in, and he found himself singing along to the music, his inhibitions loosened by the alcohol.

For a moment, Ben felt a glimmer of hope. He felt alive, connected to something greater than just his own pain. But as the night wore on, the alcohol began to take its toll once again. Ben became increasingly erratic, stumbling and slurring his words.

Sera tried to keep him under control, but it was clear that he was in no state to be out in public. They got into an argument, and Ben stormed off, leaving Sera alone on the crowded street.

Sera watched him go, tears streaming down her face. She knew that their relationship was impossible, that he was too consumed by his addiction to truly see her. And yet, she couldn’t help but care for him.

As the night wore on, Sera searched for Ben, anxious and afraid for his safety. She eventually found him passed out in an alleyway, his body contorted in a painful looking position.

Sera called out to him, but he didn’t stir. She shook him gently, but he remained unresponsive. She knew that she needed to get him back to the hotel, but she had no idea how to do so alone.

Just as she was about to call for help, a group of police officers appeared on the scene. They demanded to know what she was doing, and Sera explained the situation.

The officers were skeptical at first, suspecting that Sera was a prostitute trying to take advantage of a drunk client. But as they examined Ben’s condition, they realized that he was in serious danger.

They helped Sera get Ben into a cab, and she directed them to the hotel. As they drove, Sera held Ben’s hand, praying for his safety.

They arrived at the hotel, and Sera paid the cab fare, grateful for the officers’ help. She said a silent prayer for Ben, hoping that he would wake up in the morning.

As she made her way up to her room, Sera couldn’t help but feel the weight of their situation. She knew that Ben was on a path of self-destruction, and she wasn’t sure if she could save him. But as she lay down in bed, she knew that she couldn’t give up just yet. She had to keep trying, for both of their sakes.

Chapter 4: Confessions and Secrets

As their friendship grew, Ben and Sera started to become more comfortable with each other. They found themselves sharing stories about their past, their hardships, and their secrets. Sera had never felt this close to anyone before, and Ben began to see her as more than just a prostitute.

One night, after a few drinks, Ben opened up to Sera about his ex-wife and their failed marriage. He told her how his drinking had destroyed their relationship and how much he regretted it. Sera listened intently, offering a sympathetic ear and a reassuring presence. She had never felt so connected to someone before.

As the night went on, Sera felt more comfortable sharing her own story. She told Ben about her past, how she had been forced into prostitution by her ex-boyfriend and how it had been a constant struggle to escape that life. Ben listened intently, offering words of encouragement and support.

As they talked, they found themselves getting closer physically. Sera’s hand found its way to Ben’s, and they held hands as they continued to talk. It was a small gesture, but it felt significant. There was something special between them.

But as the night wore on, Sera’s past caught up with her. Her ex-boyfriend had found her in Las Vegas, and he was determined to take her back. He confronted her on the street, and Ben tried to intervene. But the situation quickly escalated, and it became clear that they were in danger.

In the chaos that followed, Sera’s ex-boyfriend was arrested by the police. Sera was shaken, but she felt protected by Ben’s presence. She knew that he would always be there for her.

Back in Sera’s apartment, the two of them sat in silence. There was so much they wanted to say, but they didn’t know where to start. Finally, Sera spoke up.

“Thank you for being there for me,” she said, looking at Ben. “I don’t think I could have handled that without you.”

Ben smiled, taking her hand again. “I’ll always be there for you,” he said. “No matter what happens.”

Sera felt a warm feeling in her chest. It was like she had finally found someone who understood her, who accepted her for who she was.

But their connection was threatened by outside forces. Sera’s ex-boyfriend was still out there, and Ben’s drinking was becoming more and more of a problem.

One night, after a particularly heavy drinking session, Ben stumbled into Sera’s apartment. He was barely coherent, and Sera knew that he needed help. She tried to get him to sober up, but he resisted.

“I don’t need your help,” he slurred, pushing her away. “I can take care of myself.”

But Sera knew that wasn’t true. She had seen the toll that his drinking was taking on him, and she didn’t want to see him destroy himself. She tried to reason with him, but he wasn’t listening.

Finally, in frustration, Sera lashed out. “You’re going to kill yourself,” she said. “Don’t you see that? You’re just like my ex-boyfriend, hurting yourself because you think you deserve it.”

Ben looked at her, his eyes wide with shock. He had never heard anyone speak to him like that before.

“I’m sorry,” Sera said, her voice softening. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. But I care about you, and I don’t want to see you destroy yourself.”

Ben looked at her, and for the first time, he saw the pain in her eyes. He realized that his drinking wasn’t just hurting himself, but the people he cared about. He knew he needed to make a change.

Sera held him as he cried, and they stayed like that for a long time. In that moment, they both knew that their friendship had changed for good.

But even as they found solace in each other’s company, their relationship was still fraught with tension. Ben was fighting against his addiction, and Sera was struggling to escape her past. As the days wore on, they both realized that their connection was more complicated than they had originally thought.

Their friendship was about to face its greatest challenge yet.

Chapter 5: A Dangerous Encounter

Ben woke up with a splitting headache and a vague memory of the previous night’s events. He was in a dingy motel room, surrounded by empty bottles of liquor and cigarette butts. He didn’t know how he got there or what time it was, but he knew he needed a drink.

He stumbled out of the room and made his way to the nearest liquor store. As he walked down the street, he noticed a group of men staring at him. He didn’t care, he just wanted to get his hands on some booze. But as he walked past them, one of them stepped forward and blocked his path.

“What’s your problem?” Ben slurred, pushing the man aside.

But the man didn’t back down. He grabbed Ben’s shirt collar and whispered in his ear, “You’re in the wrong part of town, buddy. You better watch yourself.”

Ben laughed and stumbled away, thinking it was just a random encounter with some tough guys. But as he continued down the street, he realized that they were following him.

He quickened his pace, but they caught up to him and surrounded him. They demanded his wallet, but Ben didn’t have anything of value on him. He tried to reason with them, but they weren’t interested in anything he had to say.

One of them pulled out a knife and held it to Ben’s throat. “Give us something, or we’ll take it from you.”

Ben felt a surge of fear and adrenaline. He was too drunk to fight back, but he couldn’t let them take his life. He stumbled backwards and felt his foot slip on the pavement. He fell to the ground, and the men descended upon him.

He felt their blows raining down on him, and he knew he was in serious trouble. But just as he thought it was all over, he heard a familiar voice.

“Get off him, you assholes!” It was Sera, standing fearless amidst the men.

They turned their attention to her, but she didn’t back down. She pulled out a switchblade and held it in a threatening manner. “I said get off him!”

The men hesitated, unsure of what to do. But Sera’s confidence seemed to give them pause. They backed away and disappeared into the night.

Ben lay on the ground, battered and bruised. Sera helped him up and took him back to her apartment, where she tended to his wounds. He was grateful for her help, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had put her in danger.

“I’m sorry,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

Sera held him, stroking his hair. “It’s okay, Ben. I’m here for you.”

But their moment was short-lived. As they embraced, they heard a knock at the door. It was the police, come to investigate the disturbance. They questioned Ben and Sera, but didn’t find any evidence of wrongdoing. Still, the incident left both of them shaken.

As the night came to a close, Ben realized how much he had to lose. He had found a friend, a confidante, and maybe something more. He couldn’t let his addiction put them in danger again. He vowed to try to get sober, for himself and for Sera.

But as he lay in bed, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. He was still haunted by the demons of his past, and he knew that his addiction would always be a part of him. He just hoped that he could find the strength to resist, for the sake of the one person who had shown him kindness in a world of darkness.

Chapter 6: The Truth Revealed

Sera’s heart was pounding in her chest as she watched her ex-boyfriend, Yuri, approach her on the Las Vegas Strip. She had been trying to escape her past, but it seemed that it had finally caught up with her. Yuri was a dangerous man, and Sera knew that she was in trouble.

“Hello, Sera,” Yuri said, his voice cold and menacing. “Long time no see.”

Sera tried to keep her composure, but she could feel the fear creeping up inside her. She looked around for Ben, but he was nowhere to be found. She was on her own.

“What do you want, Yuri?” Sera asked, trying to sound calm.

“I heard you were working the streets here,” Yuri said, his eyes scanning her up and down. “I came to see for myself.”

Sera felt a wave of shame wash over her. She had been trying to leave her life as a prostitute behind, but Yuri had found her. She wondered what he would do to her if he found out about her friendship with Ben.

“I’m not doing that anymore,” Sera said, her voice shaking. “I have a job now.”

Yuri laughed. “A job? What kind of job?”

Sera hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. “I work at a casino,” she said.

Yuri looked at her skeptically. “And what about this guy you’ve been hanging around with? The drunk writer?”

Sera felt a lump form in her throat. She had been keeping her relationship with Ben a secret, not wanting to risk his safety. But now it seemed as though Yuri knew everything.

“He’s just a friend,” Sera said, trying to sound convincing.

Yuri narrowed his eyes. “You’re lying to me, Sera. I know you better than anyone.”

Sera felt a surge of anger course through her. She had spent years trying to escape from Yuri’s control, and now he was trying to drag her back into her old life. She knew that she couldn’t let that happen.

“I don’t owe you anything, Yuri,” Sera said, her voice firm. “I’ve moved on.”

Yuri took a step closer to her, his eyes glinting with malice. “You haven’t moved on, Sera,” he said. “You’re still the same girl I knew all those years ago.”

Sera felt a tear roll down her cheek. She hated the way Yuri made her feel, like she was trapped in a nightmare that would never end. She wished that Ben was there with her, to protect her from Yuri’s cruelty.

Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. “Is there a problem here?”

She turned around to see Ben standing there, a determined look on his face. He had come to her rescue again.

Yuri glanced at Ben, sizing him up. “Who are you?” he asked, his tone hostile.

“I’m Sera’s friend,” Ben said firmly. “And you’re bothering her. That’s a problem.”

Yuri chuckled. “I don’t see how it’s any of your business,” he said.

Ben stepped forward, his fists clenched. “It is my business,” he said. “Because I care about her.”

Sera felt a rush of gratitude towards Ben. She had never had anyone stand up for her like this before.

Yuri looked at Ben with contempt. “You’re wasting your time, pal,” he said. “Sera’s mine.”

Ben didn’t back down. “No, she’s not,” he said. “She’s her own person, and she doesn’t belong to anyone.”

Sera watched as the two men faced off, a sense of dread rising in her chest. She didn’t want anyone to get hurt.

“Please, can we just leave?” she said, her voice shaking.

Yuri turned to her, his expression changing. “Fine,” he said. “But this isn’t over, Sera.”

He turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Sera let out a sigh of relief, feeling like she had narrowly escaped disaster.

Ben put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asked.

Sera nodded, feeling emotionally drained. “Thank you for coming to find me,” she said, her voice trembling.

Ben smiled at her, his eyes softening. “I’ll always be here for you, Sera,” he said. “No matter what.”

Sera felt a flutter in her chest. She had been trying to deny her feelings for Ben, but in that moment, she knew that she was in love with him. She just didn’t know how to tell him.

As they made their way back to the motel, Sera felt lost in thought. She wondered what the future held for her and Ben, and whether they could ever truly be together. She knew that her past was always going to haunt her, and that she had a lot of work to do to build a new life for herself.

But for now, she was just grateful to have Ben by her side. He was the one person who had ever truly seen her for who she was, and she knew that he would always be there for her, no matter what.

Chapter 7: The Final Goodbye

Ben sat in his dingy hotel room, staring at the bottle of whiskey in front of him. He knew that he was running out of time, that his body could not take any more of the abuse he had inflicted upon it. He thought about Sera and the times they had shared together, the way she had made him feel alive again.

He knew he had to say goodbye, to spare her from the pain of watching him die. He grabbed a pen and paper and began to write:

Dear Sera,

By the time you read this, I will be gone. I want you to know that you gave me something no one else ever could, a reason to keep going. You made me feel alive again, and for that, I will always be grateful.

But I can’t keep going on like this. My body is giving out, and I don’t want to drag you into this any longer. You deserve someone who can give you a future, not someone who is already dead.

Thank you for being my friend, for showing me kindness when I least deserved it. I’ll always remember you.

Love, Ben

Ben folded the letter and placed it on the dresser, then picked up the bottle of whiskey and took a long swig. He felt numb, disconnected from everything around him. He knew what he had to do.

Sera arrived at the hotel room, her heart heavy with fear and anticipation. She knew that something was wrong, that Ben was not himself. She knocked on the door and waited anxiously for him to answer.

When Ben opened the door, Sera was shocked at his appearance. He looked pale and gaunt, his eyes sunken and bloodshot. She could smell the alcohol on his breath, and she knew that he was close to the end.

“Ben, what’s going on?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ben handed her the letter he had written, his hands shaking. Sera read it, tears streaming down her face.

“No, Ben, you can’t do this,” she pleaded. “We can get you help, we can get through this together.”

Ben shook his head, tears running down his own face. “It’s too late, Sera. I can’t go on like this. I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”

Sera took his hand and led him to the bed, sitting next to him as he took another swig from the bottle. They sat in silence for a few moments, their emotions too raw to put into words.

Finally, Sera spoke. “I know that you don’t believe in God, Ben, but I do. And I believe that there’s a reason for everything. Maybe you were meant to come into my life, to show me that there’s still good in the world. Maybe you were meant to teach me how to love again.”

Ben looked at her, his eyes filled with sadness. “I wish I could believe that, Sera. But I’ve done too many terrible things to believe in redemption.”

Sera took the bottle from him and set it aside. She took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes.

“You may not believe in redemption, Ben, but I do. And I believe that we all have a purpose, no matter how small it may seem. You gave me something, Ben. You gave me hope. And that’s something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

They sat in silence for a few more moments, their emotions too raw to put into words. When Sera finally spoke, it was with a sense of acceptance.

“I’ll always remember you, Ben,” she said.

Ben smiled sadly. “And I’ll always remember you, Sera. You saved my life.”

They hugged each other tightly, their tears mingling together. And then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.

Sera watched as the paramedics took Ben away, knowing that she would never see him again. She felt a sense of emptiness, a void where he had once been. But she also felt a sense of peace, knowing that he was finally at rest.

As she left the hotel room and walked out onto the streets of Las Vegas, Sera felt a sense of hope. She knew that her life would never be the same, that she would carry the memory of Ben with her wherever she went. But she also knew that she had the strength to move forward, to build a life for herself that was filled with love and purpose.

And as she walked into the night, Sera knew that she would always remember the broken screenwriter who had taught her how to love.

Chapter 8: Hope and Redemption

Sera sat alone in the small Las Vegas apartment she shared with Ben. It had been months since he passed away, and she was still struggling to come to terms with his death. The memories of their time together flooded her mind, and she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with grief.

But something had changed within her. She knew that she couldn’t continue living the way she had before, and that Ben’s death had given her a newfound sense of purpose. She was determined to leave her life as a prostitute behind and start anew.

Sera began attending AA meetings, seeking solace in the company of others who had struggled with addiction. She found a job as a waitress at a local diner, enjoying the simplicity of her new life. Though the money wasn’t great, it was enough to pay the rent and put food on the table.

But the biggest change came when Sera met a man named Tom. He was a customer at the diner, and they struck up a conversation one day. Sera found herself drawn to him, and they quickly became close friends.

Tom was the complete opposite of Ben. He was kind, reliable, and didn’t have a drinking problem. Sera found comfort in his presence, and he was patient with her as she struggled to move on from Ben’s death.

Sera couldn’t help but compare Tom to Ben, and it made her feel guilty. She knew that she had loved Ben, and that he would always hold a special place in her heart. But she also knew that she couldn’t let her past hold her back.

One night, Tom took Sera out to a fancy restaurant. It was a far cry from the seedy bars and cheap motels she had frequented in the past. Sera felt out of place, but Tom reassured her.

“I want to take care of you, Sera,” he said, taking her hand. “I know that you’ve been through a lot, but I want to help you start a new life. Will you let me?”

Sera felt tears welling up in her eyes. She had never felt so cared for before, and it was almost overwhelming. She looked at Tom, and for the first time since Ben’s death, felt a glimmer of hope.

“Yes,” she said, smiling through her tears. “I would like that very much.”

As they left the restaurant, Tom took Sera’s hand and they walked towards the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Sera felt a sense of peace wash over her, and she knew that she was finally on the right path.

She turned to Tom, and he kissed her gently. It was a different kind of kiss than the ones she had shared with Ben – it was sweet, and tender, and full of promise.

Sera knew that she would never forget Ben, and that his memory would always be with her. But she also knew that it was time to move on, and to start a new chapter in her life.

As they walked down the Strip, Sera couldn’t help but feel grateful for the time she had spent with Ben. He had shown her the kind of love and acceptance that she had never known before, and for that, she would always be thankful.

But as she looked at Tom, she knew that she had found something just as special. It was different than what she had shared with Ben, but it was just as valuable.

Sera’s journey had been long and arduous, but she was finally on the path to redemption. And even though she didn’t know what the future held, she knew that she was ready to face whatever came her way.

The End.


Some scenes from the movie Leaving Las Vegas written by A.I.

Scene 1

EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP – NIGHT

The bustling streets of Las Vegas are alive with the glamor and excitement of life at its peak. Amidst the bright lights and flashy casinos, we see a lone figure walking down the street, Ben Sanderson, a broken man in his late 40s.

INT. CASINO LOBBY – NIGHT

Ben stumbles into the lobby of a casino, his breath heavy and his eyes wild. He’s clearly been drinking heavily.

BEN

(to himself)

Just one more drink, that’s all I need.

A waitress walks past him, looking concerned.

WAITRESS

Sir, are you alright?

Ben nods numbly, waving her off.

BEN

Just keep the drinks coming, please.

As he walks away, we see him take out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. It’s a letter from his former wife, detailing the consequences of his drinking and his eventual downfall as a screenwriter.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Ben enters his hotel room and immediately goes to the mini bar, downing a bottle of vodka. He stumbles into the bathroom and looks at himself in the mirror, his eyes red with exhaustion and regret.

BEN

(to his reflection)

You’ve done it this time, Ben. You’ve lost everything, and now you’re in Vegas, ready to drink yourself to death. What a pathetic way to go.

He collapses onto the bed, the bottle of vodka slipping from his hand. As he closes his eyes, we see flashbacks of his past, his success as a writer, his loving wife, and his eventual downfall.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 2

Genre: Drama/Romance

Logline: In the city of Las Vegas, a broken screenwriter battles with his addiction while forming an unlikely friendship with a prostitute, leading to unexpected feelings and consequences.

Characters:

– Ben Sanderson: A broken screenwriter struggling with alcoholism.

– Sera: A young prostitute trying to survive on the streets of Las Vegas.

– Yuri: Sera’s abusive ex-boyfriend.

– Peter: Ben’s former colleague and friend in Los Angeles.

Setting:

The scene takes place in a cheap motel room in Las Vegas.

Scene 2:

INT. MOTEL ROOM – DAY

Ben and Sera are sitting on the bed, drinking from a bottle of whiskey. They have been spending more time together since their first meeting at the casino.

BEN

(looking at the bottle)

This is not a good idea. You shouldn’t be drinking this much.

SERA

(smiling)

You’re not exactly in a position to lecture me, Ben.

BEN

(sighs)

You’re right. It’s just that…I don’t want to be the one who drags you down.

SERA

(puts a hand on his shoulder)

You’re not dragging me down, Ben. I’m here because I want to be.

BEN

(confused)

Why? Why would you want to be around someone like me?

SERA

(leans in)

Because you’re not like the other guys. You see me for who I am, not just what I do.

BEN

(sadly)

That’s not true. I see a lot of myself in you, Sera. We’re both broken.

SERA

(smiles)

Maybe that’s why we get along so well.

Suddenly, there’s a loud banging on the door.

YURI (off-screen)

(shouting)

Sera! Open up! I know you’re in there!

Sera’s face goes pale. She looks at Ben, who is now standing up.

BEN

(firmly)

Stay here. I’ll take care of this.

Ben opens the door to reveal Yuri, a large and menacing man.

YURI

(pointing at Ben)

Who the hell are you?

BEN

(calmly)

I’m a friend of Sera’s. And you need to leave.

YURI

(laughs)

A friend? You look like you’re about to die any minute.

Ben takes a step forward, and Yuri pulls out a knife.

YURI

(threateningly)

You want a piece of me?

The tension in the room is palpable as the two men stare each other down. Suddenly, there’s a loud crash from inside the motel room. Yuri turns his head for a split second, and Ben takes the opportunity to disarm him.

BEN

(pinning Yuri to the ground)

Stay down. And don’t come back.

Ben goes back into the motel room to find Sera standing over a broken lamp.

BEN

(alarmed)

What happened?

SERA

(tearfully)

I’m sorry. He just…he scares me.

Ben takes Sera into his arms, holding her tightly.

BEN

(sincerely)

You don’t have to be scared anymore. I won’t let anything happen to you.

The two friends hold on to each other, realizing that their connection is stronger than they thought.

End of Scene 2.

Scene 3

INT. BEN’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Ben and Sera are drinking and laughing, relishing in their night of freedom on the Las Vegas Strip. The room is a mess, bottles and cigarette butts littering the floor.

Sera: “You know, for a guy who’s drinking himself to death, you don’t seem half bad.”

Ben: “I’m not all bad, just misunderstood.”

Sera: “I understand you just fine. You’re a good guy who’s had it rough.”

Ben looks at Sera, a flicker of something stirring in his chest. He pours them another drink, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spreading through him.

Ben: “Cheers to new friends.”

They clink their glasses together and drink.

The night wears on, and they find themselves stumbling around the Strip, arm in arm. They stop at a street performer, a magician who’s drawing a large crowd.

Magician: “Who wants to see a magic trick?”

Sera: “I do, I do!”

The magician pulls out a deck of cards and asks Sera to pick one. She chooses the six of hearts.

Magician: “Watch closely now.”

He shuffles the deck, then pulls out a card. It’s the six of hearts.

Sera: “How did you do that?!”

Magician: “A magician never reveals his secret.”

They continue their night of revelry, stopping at casinos and bars along the way. Eventually, they stumble back to Ben’s hotel room, giggling and swaying.

Ben: “I don’t want this night to end.”

Sera: “Me neither.”

They collapse onto the bed, facing each other. There’s a moment of silence as they both try to catch their breath.

Ben: “Do you ever feel like you’re not really living? Like you’re just going through the motions?”

Sera: “All the time.”

Ben: “But tonight, it feels like we’re really living. Like we’re really alive.”

Sera: “Yeah, it does.”

They lean in for a kiss, their mouths meeting in a burst of passion. The camera pulls away, leaving them lost in each other’s embrace.

Scene 4

INT. SEEDY MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Ben Sanderson sits at the small table in his motel room, nursing a bottle of whiskey. Sera enters, carrying a bag of groceries.

SERA: Hey, you hungry?

BEN: Not really.

Sera unpacks the groceries, revealing a small cake.

SERA: I got you something.

Ben looks at the cake, confused.

BEN: What’s this for?

SERA: It’s your birthday.

Ben is taken aback, realizing he’d forgotten.

BEN: How did you know?

SERA: I didn’t. I just had a feeling.

Ben smiles, touched by the gesture.

BEN: Thanks, Sera.

They sit in an awkward silence, until Sera finally speaks up.

SERA: Can I ask you something?

BEN: Sure.

SERA: What happened with your wife?

Ben’s smile fades, as he takes a deep breath.

BEN: She left me. Said she couldn’t handle my drinking anymore.

Sera nods, empathetic.

SERA: I’m sorry.

BEN: It’s not your fault.

Sera reaches across the table and takes Ben’s hand.

SERA: You don’t have to go through this alone, you know.

Ben looks at her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes.

BEN: Neither do you.

They share a moment of understanding, knowing that they’re both damaged in their own ways.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 5

EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP – NIGHT

Ben stumbles down the street, a bottle of vodka in his hand. Sera tries to keep up with him, but he’s moving too quickly.

SERA

Ben, slow down. You’re going to hurt yourself.

BEN

I don’t care. Let them come after me. I have nothing left to lose.

Suddenly, a group of men appear out of nowhere. They surround Ben and Sera, leering at them.

LEADER

Well, well, well. What do we have here?

SERA

Please, just leave us alone.

LEADER

We don’t want any trouble. Just give us your money and we’ll be on our way.

Ben takes a swig of vodka and steps forward, ready to confront the men.

BEN

I don’t have any money. And even if I did, I wouldn’t give it to scumbags like you.

The men laugh and close in on Ben. Sera tries to pull him back, but it’s no use.

Suddenly, a police car pulls up, lights flashing.

OFFICER

What’s going on here?

The men scatter, running in different directions.

Ben falls to the ground, his bottle of vodka shattering beside him.

Sera kneels down beside him, tears in her eyes.

SERA

Why do you do this to yourself? You’re killing yourself, Ben.

BEN

I know. But I can’t stop.

They sit in silence, tears streaming down their faces.

FADE OUT.

Scene 6

Genre: Drama, Romance

Logline: In an unlikely friendship, a broken screenwriter and a prostitute find love and solace in each other’s company as they navigate their addictions and complicated pasts in Las Vegas.

Characters:

Ben Sanderson – A once-successful screenwriter who has lost everything to his addiction to alcohol.

Sera – A beautiful and street-smart prostitute who sees something in Ben that no one else does.

Yuri – Sera’s abusive ex-boyfriend who finds her in Las Vegas.

INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Ben and Sera sit on the bed, holding each other. Sera looks up at Ben with tears in her eyes.

SERA

I need to tell you something.

BEN

What is it?

Sera takes a deep breath.

SERA

I think I’m in love with you.

Ben looks stunned, but he doesn’t respond.

SERA (CONT’D)

I know it’s crazy. We come from different worlds, and we’re both messed up. But being with you… it’s the only thing that makes sense to me anymore.

Ben looks away.

BEN

Sera, I…

Sera puts a finger to his lips.

SERA

Don’t say anything. I know you’re not ready for this.

There’s a knock at the door. Sera’s face goes white.

SERA (CONT’D)

That’s Yuri. He’s found me.

Ben stands up, ready to defend Sera.

BEN

I won’t let him hurt you.

SERA

No, Ben. You don’t understand. Yuri is dangerous. You need to go. Now.

Ben hesitates, but Sera pushes him towards the door.

SERA (CONT’D)

Please, Ben. I can handle this.

Ben looks back at Sera, torn. He finally nods and leaves the room.

INT. MOTEL HALLWAY – NIGHT

Ben hurries down the hallway, but he stops when he hears a commotion coming from Sera’s room. He turns back and kicks the door open.

INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Yuri stands over Sera, his fists raised. Ben rushes towards him, but Yuri grabs a bottle and smashes it against Ben’s head. Ben falls to the ground, stunned.

Yuri turns to Sera with a sneer.

YURI

You thought you could run away from me, bitch? You’re mine.

Sera looks helpless, but then she spots a lamp on the table. She grabs it and smashes it over Yuri’s head.

Yuri falls to the ground, unconscious. Ben slowly gets up, holding his bleeding forehead.

BEN

Are you okay?

Sera nods, tears streaming down her face.

SERA

I never want to see him again.

Ben takes her in his arms, holding her tightly.

BEN

You won’t. I’ll protect you.

Sera looks up at him, her eyes full of gratitude.

SERA

Thank you.

The two of them hold each other, unsure of what the future holds.

FADE OUT.

Author: AI