When a mundane life turns into a written story, can Harold Crick break free and rewrite his fate?
Watch the original version of Stranger Than Fiction
Prologue:
Harold Crick is a man of routine. He wakes up every morning at the same time, eats the same breakfast, and heads to work without fail. His life is unremarkable, and he’s content with that. But one day, something strange happens. He hears a voice narrating his every move. At first, he thinks he’s going crazy, but as the voice continues, he realizes that his life is no longer his own. He must find out who is behind it and why before it’s too late.
Chapter 1:
Harold woke up to the sound of rain tapping against his window. He stretched his arms and got out of bed, following his usual routine. He brushed his teeth, shaved, and put on his favorite tie. As he walked to the kitchen, he heard a voice in his head.
“Harold brushes his teeth with passion, as if his dental hygiene were the most important thing in his life.”
Harold froze. The voice was describing his every move, as if he were in a novel. He tried to shake it off, but the voice continued.
“He put on his blue tie, the one that matched his eyes, and headed to the kitchen to make coffee.”
Harold poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the kitchen table, trying to ignore the voice. But it was persistent.
“Harold opened the newspaper and began to read, his mind wandering to the tasks he needed to complete at work today.”
Harold glanced around, trying to find the source of the voice, but there was no one there. He rubbed his eyes and decided he must be hallucinating. Perhaps he had taken too much cold medicine.
But as the day went on, the voice continued. It narrated his every move, from his commute to his workday. Harold tried to push it to the back of his mind, focusing on his job at the IRS. But every time he made a mistake, the voice would chime in.
“Harold missed a decimal point and sent the wrong number to his boss, causing a chain reaction of chaos in the office.”
Harold felt like he was losing his mind. He couldn’t focus, and he was beginning to make more mistakes. By the end of the day, he was a mess and wanted nothing more than to go home and forget everything.
But as he walked out of the office, he heard the voice again.
“Harold walked out of the office, unsure of what the future held. Little did he know, his life was about to change forever.”
Harold stopped in his tracks. He knew he had to find out who was behind the voice and why they were narrating his life. He had to take control before it was too late.
Chapter 2 – Drama:
As the mysterious narrator continues to dictate Harold’s life, he becomes increasingly aware that his existence may be in danger. He seeks the counsel of Jules Hilbert, a literature professor who specializes in the analysis of narrative structures.
Jules is initially skeptical of Harold’s predicament, but as the IRS agent presents more and more evidence of the narrator’s existence, Jules begins to believe him. Together, they begin to search for clues as to the origin of the voice.
They pour over literary texts, examining the various narrative techniques that could be used to create such a voice. They even consult with a linguistics expert, who tries to match the voice with known speech patterns.
As they delve deeper into their investigation, they come across a startling revelation: Harold is not a real person at all, but a character in a novel.
Jules explains that there are certain narrative conventions that define different genres of writing. For example, in a tragedy, the hero must suffer and die. In a romance, the hero and heroine must fall in love and live happily ever after. These conventions are so ingrained in our culture that we often don’t even notice them.
Jules believes that Harold’s story is part of a tragedy, and he warns Harold that his fate is likely sealed. But Harold is determined to fight against his predetermined destiny. With Jules’ help, he begins to try and figure out who the author of the novel is, and how he might be able to influence the outcome of his story.
They pour over various manuscripts, scrutinizing each word and phrase for clues. They even hire a private investigator to help them track down the novel’s author.
As they piece together the clues, they begin to form a picture of the author: a reclusive writer who lives in seclusion and never leaves his house. His novels are dark and brooding, filled with tragedy and sorrow.
But when Harold and Jules finally manage to track the author down, they find that he is not quite what they expected. He is a middle-aged man with a kind face and a gentle demeanor. He is surprised to see them, and even more surprised when they tell him about the voice that is narrating Harold’s life.
The author listens carefully as Harold and Jules explain the situation to him, and after some discussion, he agrees to help them. He tells them that he will try to write a new ending for the novel, one that will spare Harold’s life.
But it won’t be easy. The author is a perfectionist, and he refuses to compromise on his artistic vision. He tells Harold and Jules that the tragic ending is an integral part of the story, and that he cannot just change it on a whim.
Harold is devastated. He had hoped that the author would be able to save him from his fate, but it seems that he is doomed to die. But then something unexpected happens: the narrator begins to speak to Harold directly.
“Harold,” the voice says. “I know that you are afraid. But you must trust me. I will guide you through this, and together we will find a way to save your life.”
Harold is stunned. He had never heard the narrator speak before, let alone address him directly. He realizes that the voice is more than just a passive observer; it is an active participant in his life.
With renewed hope, Harold sets out to find a way to change the course of his story. He knows that the odds are against him, but he is determined to fight until the bitter end.
Chapter 3 – Fantasy:
Harold Crick stepped off the bus and onto the unfamiliar street, heart racing with excitement and fear. He had never seen a world like this before, one filled with fantastical creatures and magical beings. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he was making a mistake, but the voice in his head urged him forward.
As he walked down the street, he saw a giant unicorn prancing down the cobblestone road. Its rainbow-colored mane sparkled in the sunlight and its eyes gleamed with mischief. Harold gasped in awe and wonder, hardly believing what he was seeing.
He rounded a corner and found himself face to face with a group of faeries. They flitted around him, giggling and chattering in voices he couldn’t understand. One of them landed on his nose and tickled him with its wings. He sneezed, and the faeries dissolved into a cloud of glittering dust.
Harold felt a sudden pang of homesickness. He missed his dull and predictable life, the one he had before the voice started narrating his every move. He longed for the comfort of his office, the familiar rhythms of his job at the IRS.
But then he saw her. She was a mermaid, sitting on a rock in the middle of a shimmering lagoon. Her long hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her tail shimmered in the sunlight. Harold was struck by her beauty and felt an inexplicable connection to her.
He approached her hesitantly, not wanting to startle her. She looked up and met his gaze, and Harold felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. They stared at each other for a long moment, and then she spoke.
“Hello, Harold,” she said, her voice like the sound of waves crashing on the shore. “I’ve been expecting you.”
Harold was taken aback. “You know me?”
She nodded. “I know everything about you, Harold. You’re a character in a novel, just like me. But unlike me, you have the power to change your fate.”
“How do I do that?” Harold asked, feeling a surge of hope.
“You must find the author,” she said. “Only they can rewrite the story and give you a happy ending.”
Harold nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. “But how do I find them?”
The mermaid smiled enigmatically. “That’s for you to figure out, Harold. But I have faith in you. You’re braver than you know.”
With that, she slipped back into the water and disappeared from sight. Harold stood there for a moment, stunned and elated. He felt like he was finally onto something, like he had a real chance to change his life.
As he walked away from the lagoon, he heard a rustling in the bushes. He looked over and saw a group of goblins, their beady eyes fixed on him. Harold’s heart raced with fear, and he took a step back.
But then he remembered the mermaid’s words. He was braver than he knew. He squared his shoulders and walked towards the goblins.
“Who are you?” he demanded, trying to sound confident.
The goblins cackled and jabbered, but one of them stepped forward. “We’re the guardians of the author’s lair,” it rasped. “No one gets in without our permission.”
Harold felt a surge of determination. “I need to speak to the author,” he said firmly. “It’s a matter of life and death.”
The goblin snickered. “Isn’t it always?”
But then, surprisingly, it stepped aside. “Very well,” it said. “But be warned. The author is not easily persuaded.”
Harold nodded, feeling a rush of adrenaline. He was on the cusp of something great. He was going to find the author and change his fate. He couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
Chapter 4 – Romance:
Harold couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The voice in his head was narrating every move he made, and he was powerless to stop it. But amidst the chaos, he found solace in Ana, a baker he had met during his quest to find the author of the novel.
Ana was unlike anyone Harold had ever met. She was kind, caring, and had a zest for life that was infectious. They quickly formed a deep connection, and Harold found himself drawn to her in ways he couldn’t explain.
One day, as they were walking through the city, Ana turned to Harold and asked him a question that caught him off guard.
“Harold, what do you want out of life?”
Harold paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer. He had always been so focused on his job at the IRS that he had never really thought about what he wanted for himself.
“I don’t know,” he said finally. “I guess I just want to be happy.”
Ana smiled at him, her eyes twinkling in the sunlight.
“Well, Harold, happiness isn’t something you can find. It’s something you create. And I think you’re on the right path.”
Harold felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words. For the first time in a long time, he felt hopeful. He wanted to share this feeling with Ana, to tell her how much she meant to him.
But as they continued on their journey, Harold couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew in his heart that their happiness was short-lived.
One night, as they were sitting on a park bench, watching the stars twinkle above them, Harold felt the voice in his head grow louder. And then he heard it.
“Ana’s character dies.”
Harold felt his stomach drop. He knew what that meant. If the author didn’t change the ending of the novel, Ana would die.
He turned to Ana, his heart pounding in his chest.
“Ana, I need to tell you something.”
Ana looked at him, concern etched on her face.
“What is it, Harold?”
Harold took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do.
“I’m a character in a novel. And the voice in my head just told me that your character dies.”
Ana’s eyes widened in shock. She looked at Harold, as if seeing him for the first time.
“A character in a novel?” she repeated. “What does that mean?”
Harold explained everything to her, from the moment he heard the voice to his quest to find the author. Ana listened intently, her brow furrowed.
“And you think I’m going to die?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Harold nodded, tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Ana. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to save you.”
Ana took Harold’s hand in hers, her grip firm.
“Harold, listen to me. I don’t care what happens in this novel. I don’t care if my character dies. What matters is this moment, right now. You and me, together.”
Harold felt his heart swell with emotion as he looked into Ana’s eyes. She was right. In this moment, they were happy. And that was all that mattered.
As the night wore on, Harold couldn’t shake the feeling that their time together was running out. He knew that he had to do something, to try and change the course of the story.
But he didn’t know how. The author was stubborn, unwilling to change the ending of the novel. Harold felt hopeless, defeated.
But then, as he sat alone in his apartment, he had an idea. It was crazy, risky, but it just might work.
The next day, Harold enlisted the help of his quirky IRS colleagues. Together, they came up with a plan to disrupt the author’s routine and force them to change the ending of the novel.
It was a long shot, but Harold knew it was worth trying. For Ana, for their happiness, for their love.
As he walked down the street, his heart heavy with the weight of what was to come, Harold knew that he would do everything in his power to save Ana. Even if it meant putting his own life on the line.
Because in this moment, right now, all that mattered was their love. And he would fight for it, no matter what.
Chapter 5 – Drama:
Harold’s heart felt heavy as he realized that Ana’s character was destined to die in the novel. He knew that he had to do everything in his power to save her, even if it meant going against the author’s will.
He spent hours pouring over the novel, trying to find clues that would lead him to the author. Finally, he found a reference to a bookstore where the author was known to frequent. He knew that this was his chance to confront the author and convince them to change the ending of the novel.
As Harold made his way to the bookstore, his mind raced with all the things he wanted to say to the author. He knew that it wouldn’t be easy to convince them to change the story, but he was determined to try.
When he arrived at the bookstore, he immediately recognized the author. She was sitting in a corner, surrounded by books and lost in thought. Harold took a deep breath and approached her.
“Excuse me,” he said nervously. “Are you the author of the novel that I’m in?”
The author looked up, surprised. “Yes,” she said cautiously. “Why do you ask?”
Harold swallowed hard. “I’m a character in your book,” he said. “And I need your help.”
The author’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re a character in my book?” she repeated. “This is unbelievable.”
Harold nodded. “Yes, and I need you to change the ending of the story. Ana’s character is supposed to die, but I can’t let that happen. I need you to give her a happy ending.”
The author looked at Harold with a mixture of shock and amusement. “Do you realize how crazy that sounds?” she said. “I can’t just change the story because you asked me to.”
Harold refused to give up. “But it’s my life we’re talking about,” he said. “I don’t want to die, and I don’t want Ana to die either. Please, you have to help me.”
The author sighed heavily. “I’m sorry,” she said. “But I can’t change the story. It wouldn’t be fair to the other characters, and it wouldn’t be true to the story I’m trying to tell.”
Harold felt his heart sink. He had hoped for a different outcome, but he knew that the author was stubborn and wouldn’t budge. He thanked her for her time and left the bookstore, feeling defeated.
As he walked aimlessly through the streets, he couldn’t help but think about all the things he had lost in his life. His parents, his dog, his sense of purpose. And now, the woman he had come to care for deeply.
But then, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. In the distance, he saw a group of IRS agents gathered around a whiteboard, brainstorming ideas. Harold grinned. Maybe they could help him after all.
He approached his colleagues and explained the situation to them. They listened intently and began to come up with a plan. They decided to disrupt the author’s routine and force her to change the ending of the novel.
Over the next few days, Harold and his team executed their plan with precision. They hacked into the author’s computer, stole her draft of the novel, and made subtle changes to the ending. They knew that it was risky, but they were willing to do whatever it took to save Harold’s life and Ana’s character.
Finally, the day of the novel’s release arrived. Harold held his breath as he read the last few pages of the book. And then, something miraculous happened. Ana’s character didn’t die. She lived, and she and Harold got to be together.
Harold let out a sigh of relief and a smile spread across his face. He had done it. He had saved his own life and the life of the woman he loved. And he had done it with the help of his quirky and devoted colleagues.
As Harold walked home that night, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that his life was still far from perfect, but he also knew that he had the power to change his fate. And that was enough for him, at least for now.
Chapter 6 – Comedy:
Harold Crick’s world had been turned upside down by the mysterious voice narrating his life. He had sought help from a literature professor and discovered that he was a character in a novel and that his life was in danger. He had traveled to a magical world and found love in the process. But now, as he raced against time to save Ana and change the ending of the novel, he turned to his quirky IRS colleagues for help.
He met up with his team at a local coffee shop, and he could tell that they were already discussing something without him. As soon as he arrived, his colleagues surrounded him, each with a different idea on how to disrupt the author’s routine and force them to change the ending of the novel.
One of his colleagues, a man named Phil, suggested that they hack into the author’s computer and rewrite the ending themselves. Harold was hesitant to take such a drastic measure, but his team pressed on, and before he knew it, they had already begun their plan.
Another colleague, a woman named Jess, suggested that they stage a protest outside the author’s house to bring attention to the situation. Harold wasn’t sure how effective this would be, but he appreciated their enthusiasm.
Finally, his team came up with a plan that they all agreed on. They decided to throw a fake IRS audit at the author’s house, causing chaos and confusion. After all, who likes an unexpected audit?
They spent the next few days planning and preparing, gathering fake IRS badges and uniforms, and practicing their dialogue. Harold was nervous, but he knew that this was his only chance to save Ana and change his fate.
The day of the audit arrived, and Harold and his team made their way to the author’s house. They knocked on the door and identified themselves as IRS agents, demanding to see the author’s financial records. The author, a reclusive man named J.D. Salinger, looked stunned and confused, but they pressed on, pretending to search for evidence of tax evasion.
As they ransacked the house, Harold noticed that the author was becoming increasingly agitated. He realized that their plan was working, and they might finally be able to force him to change the ending of the novel. But just as they were about to make their move, they were interrupted by the sound of police sirens.
It turned out that someone had called the police, and they were on their way to the house. Harold and his team knew that they had to act fast. They quickly grabbed a copy of the novel and made a run for it, hoping to find a way to change the ending before it was too late.
As they fled the scene, Harold felt a surge of adrenaline and excitement. He had never been part of a scheme like this before, and he couldn’t believe that he was actually breaking the law. He wondered if this was what it felt like to be a character in a novel, to be caught up in a thrilling plotline that was completely out of his control.
They made their way to a nearby park, where they found a secluded spot to read the novel. They pored over every page, trying to find a way to change the ending. They debated different scenarios, argued about character motivations, and even acted out different scenes.
Finally, they came up with a plan that they all agreed on. They would rewrite the final pages of the novel, giving Harold Crick a happy ending and saving Ana’s life in the process. They spent the next few hours huddled together, rewriting the ending and making sure that it fit seamlessly into the rest of the story.
When they were finished, Harold felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. He had accomplished something that he never thought was possible, and he had done it with the help of his quirky and unpredictable colleagues.
As they left the park and made their way back to their normal lives, Harold couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. He had gone from a boring IRS agent to a character in a thrilling novel, and he had come out the other side with a renewed sense of purpose and a new group of friends to help him along the way.
Chapter 7 – Drama:
As Harold stood in front of the author, he knew that this was the moment he had been waiting for. After months of listening to the mysterious voice that narrated his life, Harold had finally found the author of the novel. But standing before the reclusive and enigmatic author, Harold knew it wouldn’t be easy to convince them to change the ending of the story.
The author, a middle-aged woman with a stern look, glared at Harold in silence. But Harold refused to back down. “You have the power to change my fate,” he said, his voice trembling. “Please, just give me a chance to live.”
The author scoffed. “Why should I care about your life?” she asked, her voice dripping with contempt. “You’re just a character in my story. Your life is just a figment of my imagination.”
Harold felt a wave of despair wash over him. He had been so close to saving Ana and himself, but the author’s words had stripped him of all hope. But as he looked at the author, he noticed something strange. Her eyes seemed to flicker with a strange light, as if there was something she was hiding.
“Please,” Harold begged. “There must be a way to change the ending. I can’t bear to die.”
The author sighed. “Fine,” she said, her voice resigned. “I’ll give you a chance. But you have to prove to me that you’re worth saving.”
Harold smiled. “I’ll do anything,” he said.
The author handed Harold a pen and a piece of paper. “Write down a new ending to the story,” she said. “If I like it, I’ll change the ending of the book.”
Harold took the pen and paper and began to write. He wrote about how he and Ana escaped to a tropical paradise, how they started a new life together, and how they never looked back. He wrote about how they fell in love and how they enjoyed every moment together. And he wrote about how, in the end, they found true happiness.
As Harold finished writing, he handed the paper to the author. She read it carefully, her eyes scanning the words. And then, after a few moments, she smiled.
“You’ve done it,” she said. “You’ve changed the ending of the story.”
Harold felt a surge of relief wash over him. He had done it. He had saved his own life.
But as he looked around, he noticed that something was different. The world around him seemed to be shifting and changing. The people around him looked different. The sky was a different color. And then, he felt something strange happen to his own body. He looked down at his hands and realized that they were no longer his hands. They were the hands of a different man. And then, it hit him. He was no longer a character in a book. He was a real person.
He looked around, trying to make sense of what was happening. And then, he saw her. Ana. She was standing in front of him, looking more beautiful than ever. She smiled at him, and he knew that everything was going to be okay.
“Harold,” she said, her voice soft and gentle. “You did it.”
Harold smiled back at her. “I did,” he said. “And now, it’s time to live.”
Together, Harold and Ana walked out of the author’s house and into a world that was brighter and more beautiful than ever before. They held hands, feeling a connection that went beyond words. And as they walked, Harold knew that he had finally found his place in the world.
The end.
Some scenes from the movie Stranger Than Fiction written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. CHICAGO – DAY
HAROLD CRICK, a dull and lifeless IRS agent, walks to work in the midst of the bustling city.
HAROLD
(to himself)
Must return phone call to Mrs. Evans. Check accounts for Mr. Wallace’s case…
Suddenly, a MYSTERIOUS FEMALE VOICE interrupts Harold’s thoughts.
VOICE (V.O.)
Harold Crick was 42 years, 6 months, 2 days and 11 hours old. He was a man of routine who lived a dull and uninspired life.
Harold looks around in confusion, unable to find the source of the voice.
HAROLD
(to himself)
Did… did I just hear something?
As Harold carries on with his mundane day-to-day activities, the voice continues to narrate his every move, driving him crazy.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LITERATURE CLASSROOM – DAY
Harold seeks the help of literature professor JULES HILBERT, who confirms that Harold is, in fact, a character in a novel.
HAROLD
(disbelieving)
So, you’re saying that my entire life is predetermined by someone else’s imagination?
JULES
(nodding)
Yes, precisely. You must find the author and put a stop to this before it’s too late.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HAROLD’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Harold sits alone in his dimly lit apartment, listening to the voice narrate his every thought, action, and feeling.
VOICE (V.O.)
Harold couldn’t shake the feeling that he was losing his mind. He had to find a way to silence the voice before it drove him crazy.
Harold comes to a decision and starts to take action.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CITY STREETS – DAY
Harold walks determinedly down the streets, his mind buzzing with new ideas. He is no longer the dull, uninspired man he once was.
As he makes his way towards an uncertain future, the voice continues to narrate his every step, leading him on a path towards adventure and self-discovery.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
Characters:
– Harold Crick
– Professor Jules Hilbert
– Narrator (voice-over)
Setting: Harold’s apartment and a college campus
Dialogue:
INT. HAROLD’S APARTMENT – DAY
Harold paces back and forth as the voice-over narrates his every move.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Harold brushed his teeth for exactly two minutes and seventeen seconds before getting dressed.
Harold frowns and shakes his head, trying to ignore the voice.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
He checked his phone for any missed calls or texts, but there were none.
Harold grabs his coat and heads out the door.
CUT TO:
INT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY
Harold meets with Professor Jules Hilbert, a literature professor who specializes in narratives.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
So, you’re hearing a voice narrating your every move?
HAROLD
Yes, it’s been happening for a few days now.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
And you say you’re an IRS agent?
HAROLD
Yes.
PROFESSOR HILBERT
Sounds like you’re in the middle of a narrative. You’re a character in a story.
Harold looks confused.
HAROLD
What do you mean?
PROFESSOR HILBERT
Your life is being written by an author. And if the author is writing a tragedy, your life could be in danger.
Harold’s eyes widen in realization.
HAROLD
So, what do I do?
PROFESSOR HILBERT
We need to figure out what kind of story you’re in and who the author is. Then we can try to change the ending.
CUT TO:
INT. HAROLD’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Harold listens to the voice-over as he types on his computer.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Harold sat at his desk, doing research on the internet. He searched for information on authors and novels, trying to find a clue to his own story.
Harold looks up, determined.
HAROLD
(whispers)
I’m going to figure this out. And I’m going to change the ending.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 3
Logline: Harold Crick, an IRS agent, discovers that his life is being narrated by an unknown voice from a book. He must find the author and convince them to change the ending before it’s too late.
Characters:
– Harold Crick – An IRS agent, who is boring and mundane until he hears the voice narrating his every move.
– Ana – A baker who helps Harold on his quest to find the author.
– Professor Jules Hilbert – A literature professor who helps Harold understand that he is a character in a novel.
Setting: A hidden world of mythical creatures and magical beings.
Scene from Chapter 3:
INT. A MYSTERIOUS FOREST – DAY
Harold follows the directions given to him by Professor Hilbert. He makes his way through a dense forest, filled with tall trees and a thick mist that clouds his vision. As he walks, he sees strange creatures lurking in the shadows. A unicorn runs through a clearing, and a group of goblins scurry behind a large tree.
Harold’s heart races as he tries to take in everything he is seeing. He stops when he hears a rustling in the bushes. Ana emerges, holding a basket of freshly baked bread. Harold smiles at her, relieved to see a familiar face.
ANA:
(startled)
Harold, what are you doing here?
HAROLD:
I’m on a mission to find the author of the book. Professor Hilbert said that they might be hiding in this hidden world.
ANA:
(skeptical)
And you believe him?
HAROLD:
(nodding)
I have to try. The voice in my head, it’s not just a figment of my imagination. I know it’s real.
Ana looks at Harold, seeing the determination in his eyes.
ANA:
(sighing)
Okay, let’s do this.
Together, Harold and Ana set out deeper into the forest. They come across a group of fairy-like creatures, who grant them safe passage through the forest. As they continue, they see more mythical creatures, including a dragon perched on top of a hill.
HAROLD:
(amazed)
This is incredible. I had no idea this world existed.
ANA:
(smiling)
I know. It’s like a dream come true.
As they come to the edge of the forest, they see a castle in the distance. Harold’s heart races as he realizes that this might be where the author is hiding. They set out, ready to confront the unknown narrator and change the ending of Harold’s story.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
INT. BAKERY – DAY
Harold enters the bakery and is immediately struck by the aroma of freshly baked goods. He approaches the counter and Ana looks up from her work to greet him.
ANA:
Good morning! What can I get for you today?
HAROLD:
Just a coffee, please. And maybe one of those cupcakes?
Ana smiles and hands him his order. Harold takes a sip of his coffee and savors the taste.
HAROLD:
Wow, this is amazing. You’re a really talented baker.
ANA:
Thank you! It’s my passion. I love creating beautiful and delicious treats.
They chat for a few minutes as Harold finishes his cupcake. He can’t help but feel drawn to Ana’s warmth and kindness.
HAROLD:
Listen, Ana. I know we’ve only just met, but there’s something about you that I find really special. Would you like to grab dinner with me sometime?
Ana’s face lights up with a smile.
ANA:
I’d love to!
HAROLD:
Great! How about tonight? I know a fantastic Italian restaurant nearby.
ANA:
Sounds perfect.
Harold leaves the bakery with a grin on his face, feeling like he’s finally found something to look forward to in his life.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY STREET – DAY
Harold races down the street, his heart pounding in his chest. He jogs past pedestrians, dodging them as he goes.
HAROLD (V.O.)
I knew I had to act fast if I wanted to save Ana. The clock was ticking, and time was running out.
He stops outside a building and takes a deep breath before walking in.
INT. AUTHOR’S OFFICE – DAY
Harold walks into the office and is met by the author, a stern-looking woman in her 50s.
AUTHOR
(to Harold)
What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.
HAROLD
(intense)
I need you to change the ending of the novel. Ana dies, and I can’t let that happen.
AUTHOR
(skeptical)
And why should I change the ending? It’s the way I wrote it, and that’s final.
Harold steps forward, his eyes burning with determination.
HAROLD
Because it’s my life you’re playing with. You wrote me into this story without my consent, and now you’re putting me through hell.
AUTHOR
(defeated)
Fine. I’ll rewrite the ending. But you have to promise me that you won’t interfere with the story again.
HAROLD
(triumphant)
I promise.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. IRS OFFICE – DAY
Harold is surrounded by his quirky IRS colleagues, JIM, SARA, and KAREN. They sit huddled around a conference table, staring at a map and discussing their plan.
JIM
(whispering)
Okay, Karen, you get the author’s address from the publisher, and Sara, you hack into their computer and find out their routine. Harold and I will take care of the rest.
KAREN
(skeptical)
And what exactly do you mean by “take care of the rest”?
JIM
(slyly)
Let’s just say we have a few tricks up our sleeves.
SARA
(rolling her eyes)
Oh god, I don’t even want to know.
Harold nods in agreement, his eyes focused on the map.
HAROLD
(intense)
We have to be careful though. We don’t want to tip off the author.
JIM
(smiling)
Don’t worry, Harold. We’ve got this.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
EXT. AUTHOR’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Harold and Jim creep up to the author’s house, while Sara and Karen remain in the car nearby.
JIM
(whispering)
Alright, Harold. You take the front door, I’ll take the back.
Harold nods and heads towards the front door, his heart racing.
INT. AUTHOR’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Harold quietly enters the house, looking around for any sign of the author. Suddenly, he hears footsteps and quickly hides behind a nearby bookshelf.
The author, a disheveled and agitated woman in her 50s, enters the room, looking around suspiciously.
AUTHOR
(to herself)
What the hell is going on? Why am I being followed?
Harold watches her, unsure of what to do next.
FADE OUT
