Wearing Willow Green
written by
Daniel Edwin Doble [email protected]
(949) 241-1905
INTRODUCTION
OVER BLACK:
SUPER: "Cold-hearted orb that rules the night,
Removes the colors from our sight,
Red is grey and yellow white,
But we decide which is right,
And which is an illusion"
- Graeme Edge
PEOPLE CHATTER
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Silent Entrance
INT. FINLAY RESIDENCE - DAY
An average home. Clean. Simple. Old lady knickknacks.
In the front living room, side sitting room, the hallway, the
kitchen, clusters of a fairly boisterous mixed group of
thirteen, loosely surround unconscious OLD LADY FINLAY (79).
She has the place of honor, a fancy automated hospital bed,
smack dab in the center of the room.
Her grown son, DARREN FINLAY (60), sits at her side, chatting
with JOSH ADELMAN (18) about the bed's special functions.
Josh's attention is diverted.
DARREN
Seriously, this thing has...
The room stops. Silence.
WILLOW GARNER (13), emerges expressionless. Her movements are
slow and graceful. Her cream-colored kaftan seems to swing
slower than reality.
Willow looks to no one in the room, sees no one except Old
Mrs. Finlay, heads to her directly, stops a foot shy of her.
Staying back near the perimeter is JANET GARNER (36). She
makes eye contact with Darren, nods.
Behind Darren, Josh Adelman lifts his iPhone and records.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
A Gentle Farewell
INT. FINLAY RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS
Willow's breathing steadies, her chest falls slowly, her
hands and fingers raise, up and out, hovering over Mrs.
Finlay's hands.
One last breath and then...
CHUNK.
Willow drops her hands with weight onto Mrs. Finlay's.
Mrs. Finlay's eyes open looking into Willow's, calm, steady.
WILLOW
(soft, gentle)
Soft now, momma.
The corners Mrs. Finlay's thin lips lift very slightly, along
with the wrinkles in the corners of her eyes.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Easy now, momma.
(beat)
Tell me.
Darren's bottom lip quivers and his eyes gloss.
Willow turns to Darren, looks him in the eyes, extends her
hand, connects it with his mother's.
They lean closer, a mere six-inches from each other, Willow's
gaze connected to Darren.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I love you, my Little Bean.
Darren's breathing catches, mouth trembles, hand shakes.
A tear falls.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
You're a good son... You have
always been a good son.
(beat)
And I pray that I have done well
enough as your mother.
Darren is a mix of emotion and confusion, looking between
Willow's haunting gaze and that of his mother.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Now look to her.
Willow settles herself and then softly sings in a language no
one knows.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Éist le mo chroí Go brónach a
choích' Tá mé caillte gan tú 'S do
bhean chéile
(beat)
An grá mór i do shaoil Treoraí sé
mé Bígí liomsa i gcónaí Lá 's oích'
Old Mrs. Finlay breathes her last.
Darren cries out.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Tense Departure
INT. FINLAY RESIDENCE - MOMENTS LATER
Willow turns to her mother and nods.
Janet see it and comes to her side.
JANET
Yes. Let's go home now, huh.
Darren grabs Willow's hand.
A tense moment passes.
DARREN
Thank you... for what you've done.
Janet takes Willow's hand back.
JANET
Sure thing, Darren.
(beat)
Sorry, we'd better go.
Darren nods.
Janet and Willow leave.
EXT. FINLAY HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Janet and Willow walk home.
STATUS QUO
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Tension in the Examination Room
INT. CARDIOLOGIST OFFICE - MORNING
A modern examination room in a high-end cardiologist’s
office. The muted sage green walls bathed in the golden glow
of late afternoon sunlight filtering through half-closed
blinds.
A state-of-the-art ECG machine sits beside a pristine,
adjustable examination table draped in crisp white paper.
Willow lies back on the examination table. A white bandeaux
wrap covering her breasts. Half a dozen adhesive monitors
stuck to her chest, connected to monitoring machines by grey
cables.
Janet stands behind the table.
DR. GARRETT (40s) comes in.
DR. GARRETT
Hey there. How's my cowgirl?
WILLOW
Oh, please, Dr. Garrett, I am so
not a cowgirl.
DR. GARRETT
I know. I know.
(beat)
I just have Toy Story 2 on the
brain... You know? Never mind.
A moment passes.
Dr. Garrett hesitates.
JANET
Doctor?
He thinks twice and then simply shakes his head.
DR. GARRETT
I'm sorry.
(to Willow)
You need to seriously consider that
first gear option we've been
talking about.
JANET
She will.
DR. GARRETT nods, hesitates, and leaves.
INT. CARDIOLOGIST OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Willow looks at Janet and Janet does not look back.
JANET
I'll meet you in the car.
A nurse comes in as Janet leaves.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Playful Bargain to Tense Reality
INT. JANET'S CAR - LATER
A five-year-old Toyota Corolla, grey interior, in good shape,
but certainly not new.
Willow rests her eyes in the passenger seat.
JANET
Ten.
WILLOW
Two-hundred.
JANET
Fifteen.
Willow opens her eyes and looks at her mom.
WILLOW
Five?... You went up five?
(beat)
Okay, One-hundred-ninety-five.
They both laugh.
JANET
I can't get over the fact that
these... What did you call them?
WILLOW
Sittings.
JANET
Yes... are basically killing you.
WILLOW
He didn't---
JANET
Yes. He did.
(imitates Garrett)
(MORE)
JANET (CONT'D)
"The more pressure on your
heart..."
Janet breaks, swerves.
HONK
WILLOW
Mom!
JANET
Sorry. Sorry.
INCITING INCIDENT
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
First Gear, Sissy
INT. GARNER HOME - AFTERNOON
A modest but meticulously maintained single-story home, white
walls, bathed in the glow of midday sunlight.
The front entryway, yellow door, potted succulents, open-
concept living space, dining table, kitchen, and rear family
room, all visible from the front door.
Janet comes in slowly, keys in the bowl, cell phone on the
small valet.
Willow comes bopping in, humming a song.
Janet notices.
JANET
Seriously?
Willow purses her lips, a little exaggerated sassy teenager.
WILLOW
Sorry.
JANET
First gear, Sissy, remember?
First gear.
Willow over-exaggerates the slow walking to the TV remote and
the sofa in the back.
Janet clocks it, shakes her head.
JANET (CONT'D)
You will be the death of me.
THE NEWS IS ON THE TV.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Chopping Tension
INT. GARNER HOME - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
White tile, blonde wood cabinets, stainless-steel
refrigerator.
Janet chops celery.
NETWORK HOST (V.O.)
Checking in with the Humanities
Report, here's Leslie.
With each slice of the knife hitting the cutting board, the
tension builds in her face. Until...
NETWORK LESLIE (V.O.)
An incredible story out of Irvine.
A video, posted on YouTube, shows a
young girl channeling the voice of
a dying woman.
Janet's face is frozen.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Moment of Understanding
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
White tile wall-to-wall, entertainment center, flat panel TV,
and a comfy sectional sofa.
Willow sits on the sofa.
Janet's face slowly pokes out from the kitchen archway.
She eyes the TV in disbelief.
Willow looks at her helpless.
WILLOW
Mom? What is...
On the TV: a YouTube video is shown of the Finlay sitting.
And from the perspective of the phone that captured it, it
shows Willow as something else.
NETWORK LESLIE
No, Chet, rewind it, show us, yeah,
from the beginning.
(beat)
Here... Look at that. With just a
touch of her hands, she summons the
old woman's consciousness...
The video shows Mrs. Finlay's eyes opening.
NETWORK LESLIE (CONT'D)
My God... a woman who has been in a
coma for days.
Willow is wide-eyed.
Janet's are squinting slightly.
NETWORK LESLIE (CONT'D)
Not only that, but check it out...
The video shows: Mrs. Finlay smiles slightly as Willow speaks
to her.
WILLOW (V.O.)
Easy now, momma.
(beat)
Tell me.
NETWORK LESLIE
Did you hear that? She is
commanding the woman's voice to
speak to her, but they do it
without sound.
(beat)
And Then!
The video shows: Willow turns to Darren, looks him in the
eyes.
WILLOW (V.O.)
I love you, my Little Bean.
NETWORK LESLIE
Oh! That just gave me the chills.
(beat)
Look, the man is visibly emotional.
His mother on her deathbed talking
to him miraculously, through a
teenage girl.
BLACK.
Janet stands with the TV remote.
JANET
Nonsense.
Willow's face is intense briefly, and then she CRACKS UP
LAUGHING!
WILLOW
(loud)
Stupid Morons! Ha! They think---
JANET
(snaps at her)
Hey!
Willow comes to.
JANET (CONT'D)
(sharp)
For the last time... Settle down!
WILLOW
(calm)
Yes, mom.
JANET
(frustrated)
Damn it. I knew this would happen
eventually.
A moment passes.
Janet stares at Willow, not angry.
Willow stares back, wondering.
WILLOW
I'm sorry.
Janet shakes it off.
JANET
I snapped at you...
I shouldn't have.
Willow hugs her mom.
A moment passes.
JANET (CONT'D)
Willow, honey, this isn't just
gonna go away.
(beat)
And you need to keep yourself calm.
Please.
WILLOW
I know... I will.
REACTION
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Misunderstood Connections
INT. WILLOW’S BEDROOM – DAY
Soft light through half-drawn curtains.
WILLOW sits cross-legged on her bed, laptop open. The glow
flickers across her face.
On Willow's screen:
A shaky video of MRS. FINLAY holding hands with WILLOW on
YouTube.
The video ends.
Another begins immediately.
A WOMAN (V.O., FROM VIDEO)
She helped her cross over.
A MAN (V.O.)
She sang her into heaven.
TEXT overlays. Hearts. Shares climbing.
Willow gets a TEXT MESSAGE:
On Willow's phone:
RHONDA: "Haha... I saw you on TV today. Loser"
Willow types:
WILLOW: "Shut up. LOL"
Suddenly:
JANET
Who is that?
WILLOW
Oh, just Rhonda.
Janet hesitates.
JANET
How is she?
WILLOW
Not good. I need to go see her.
Willow goes back to the laptop.
Janet leaves.
Willow watches, expression tightening — not upset, just…
bothered.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(to the screen, flat)
No.
(beat)
You idiots.
She leans forward, annoyed.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(to the screen)
She just wanted someone to hold her
hand.
She closes the laptop halfway — not fully. It keeps playing.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Digital Doubt
INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
JANET stands at the counter, staring at her phone.
VIBRATE
On Janet's phone:
Notifications stack faster than she can read them.
Unknown numbers.
Messages.
Tags.
She opens one:
It's the Finlay video.
Number of views in the thousands.
Janet scrolls.
Comments, hundreds.
She dares click on one.
@Sensible76 "If you ask me, it's a hoax."
Her breathing changes.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Final Confrontation
INT. WILLOW’S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Janet enters quickly, sees the laptop, closes it all the way.
JANET
That’s enough.
Willow looks up.
WILLOW
They’re getting it wrong.
JANET
It doesn’t matter.
WILLOW
Mom, I didn't do anything wrong.
Willow studies her.
Janet doesn’t look back.
JANET
That's it. You're done.
WILLOW
Mom---
JANET
No...
(beat)
Mrs. Finlay was the last. That's
it. Case closed.
Janet walks away.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Urgent Pleas and Reluctant Engagement
INT. KITCHEN – MOMENTS LATER
Janet moves fast now, grabs Willow’s phone from the counter.
She turns it off, opens a drawer, drops it in, closes it.
Her own phone BUZZES again.
She ignores it, BUZZES again. She looks.
DM: “Can she come sit with my mother?”
Janet freezes. She scrolls.
ANOTHER DM: “Please. We don’t know what else to do.”
ANOTHER DM: “He’s scared.”
Janet locks the phone, sets it face down.
It RINGS with a custom ring.
JANET
(loud)
WHAT NOW?
She looks.
On her phone: DARREN FINLAY
JANET (CONT'D)
Oh.
(beat)
Hi, Darren.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
A Moment of Connection
INT. FINLAY RESIDENCE - SAME
The living room appears much larger now, without the hospital
bed.
DARREN
(calm, clear)
Hi, Janet. I just wanted to check
in.
JANET (V.O.)
Thank you, Darren.
DARREN
Five people, so far, have asked me
to give them your number...
But I didn't.
JANET
Good, Now I don't have to kill you.
They both chuckle.
DARREN
Janet, I'm here if you need me. I
mean it.
INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Janet thinks twice.
JANET
Thank you, Darren. Really.
She ends the call.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
The Final Plea
INT. LIVING ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
The house is quieter now. Curtains drawn. TV off. Devices
hidden.
Willow sits on the couch, hands folded.
Janet stands nearby — watchful. Still. Trying to hold the
room together.
Then—
A KNOCK at the door.
Janet doesn’t move.
Another KNOCK.
Longer this time.
Willow glances toward the door.
JANET
(quiet, firm)
Don’t even...
The KNOCK comes again.
Not aggressive. Just… persistent.
Janet exhales. Walks to the door. Opens it just a crack.
ANGLE — OUTSIDE
HELEN HENDERSON (40s) stands there. Tired. Holding a photo.
Not frantic. Just… out of options.
HELEN
I’m sorry.
(beat)
I saw the video.
Janet says nothing.
HELEN (CONT'D)
I don’t know what she does—
(voice breaking slightly)
—but he won’t let go.
Janet grips the door.
Helen holds out the photo, HAROLD HENDERSON (40s).
Janet doesn’t take it.
Willow watches. Quiet. Certain.
WILLOW
(softly, from behind)
They’re not talking about me.
Janet closes her eyes briefly.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
They’re talking about dying.
Janet opens her eyes, looks at Willow.
Janet looks back to the doorway.
Helen is still there. She doesn’t leave.
HELEN
Please?
CUT TO BLACK.
PILE ON
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
HELEN HENDERSON stands in the doorway, still, holding the
photo of Harold .
Janet doesn’t answer.
She slowly closes the door.
CLICK.
Silence.
Willow watches her.
JANET
(quiet, controlled)
That's it. No more.
Willow says nothing.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
The Watchful Eye
INT. KITCHEN – MOMENTS LATER
Janet moves with purpose. Locks the back door. Checks the
windows. Pulls the curtains tighter.
Her phone BUZZES again.
She ignores it.
It BUZZES again.
She powers it off. Sets it down.
Stillness.
Then—
A CAR DOOR outside.
Janet freezes.
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Through the curtain—
A SECOND PERSON stands on the sidewalk.
Not approaching.
Just... waiting. Watching the house.
Willow sees them.
JANET
Don’t.
Willow doesn’t move.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Desperate Plea
INT. FRONT DOOR – LATER
Another KNOCK. Different rhythm.
Janet opens the door—
A MAN this time. Late 40s. Trying to stay composed.
MAN
I’m sorry—
I imagine you’re getting a lot
of... well, this.
Janet starts to close the door—
MAN (CONT'D)
He’s not sleeping anymore.
That stops her.
MAN (CONT'D)
He keeps asking if it’s going to
hurt.
Janet grips the door.
MAN (CONT'D)
I saw what she did.
(beat)
I’m not asking for anything else.
Just… ten minutes.
Silence.
Willow is behind Janet now.
Listening.
JANET
We can’t.
The man's expression deflates.
MAN
(soft)
Oh... I understand.
(beat)
I just thought I'd try.
He steps back. Doesn’t argue. Doesn’t push. Just… leaves.
Janet closes the door. Leans against it. Breathing.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
The Weight of Fear
INT. LIVING ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
Janet turns—
Willow is standing there.
WILLOW
Mom, his dad is scared.
JANET
No.
WILLOW
I can sit with him for---
JANET
No.
(beat)
We agreed... Mrs. Finlay was the
last.
Willow holds her gaze. No argument. Just certainty.
WILLOW
They just don’t want to be alone.
Janet looks away.
That lands.
JANET
(whimpers)
This is exactly what I was afraid
of.
Willow steps closer.
WILLOW
(quiet)
Mom, don't be like that.
(beat)
I can help.
Janet shakes her head.
JANET
I believed you...
(beat)
You said 'Okay, mom, one more.'
WILLOW
Yes, and we both agreed, 'No more.'
Willow doesn’t back down.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
But, we said that before.
Janet freezes.
Silence.
JANET
(quiet)
Willow, listen to me and try not to
hate me.
(beat)
Those people...
(points to the door)
I don't care about them like you
do.
(beat)
I don't.
Willow waits.
JANET (CONT'D)
I only care about what it’s doing
to you.
Willow listens, absorbs that. And then she nods.
WILLOW
I’m okay.
Janet almost laughs. But doesn’t.
JANET
You’re not.
(beat)
You just haven't felt the Big One
yet.
Silence.
Then—
Another KNOCK.
Both of them hear it. Neither moves.
Another KNOCK.
And then—
A THIRD.
Not louder. Just more of them.
Willow looks at the door. Then back at Janet.
WILLOW
(softly)
They’re not going to stop, mom.
Janet knows that. She doesn’t answer.
Another shape passes the curtained window. Then another.
Janet grips the arm of the sofa.
RAISED STAKES
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Moonlit Confusion
INT. JANET'S BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
A modest master bedroom, bathed in the silver-blue glow of a
full moon streaming through sheer curtains.
Soft taupe walls, framed black-and-white photos of Janet and
Willow, a thrifted landscape painting
A queen-sized bed with rumpled navy sheets dominates the
space, its wooden headboard slightly scuffed from years of
use.
Janet sleeps, but not deeply.
Willow stands silent next to Janet's bed.
The moonlight through the window illuminates her face and
hair.
She stares out the window.
Willow speaks softly, intentionally, like she's figuring out
a math problem.
WILLOW
(to herself)
...oesn't Make sense.
Janet stirs briefly.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
It doesn't make sense.
(beat)
They will all be...
But they don't...
Janet's eyes open. She sees her.
She moves slowly, something about sleeping dogs, or poking a
bear. Standing, navigating the room towards her daughter.
She gently slides up next to Willow like a sleepwalk
whisperer.
JANET
Good girl. Here we go.
Willow's body walks robotic, back to bed, ushered by her mom.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Morning Secrets
INT. HALLWAY - MORNING
The main hallway connecting the bedrooms.
Janet walks in her pajamas.
The digital clock in the living room says, 07:32 AM.
At the end, Janet turns the corner and sees Willow sitting at
the end of the dining table. A pad of paper, pencils, pens,
and lots of notes.
JANET
Sweetheart?
Willow doesn't look up from the tablet.
WILLOW
Yeah. Couldn't sleep.
Janet does that mom/sys-spy thing.
Willow covers the paper.
JANET
What are you working on there, huh,
Ms. 7AM?
Willow hesitates.
WILLOW
I... had a very productive dream
last night and it may or may not...
have yeah, given me an idea or two.
(panics)
But I still need five minutes.
Janet slogs to the kitchen.
JANET
Okay, I'll go wake up the coffee.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Poignant Proposal
INT. GARNER HOME - DINING TABLE - MORNING
Willow sits directly across from Janet and her coffee.
She looks astute somehow, practiced, prepared.
WILLOW
This family meeting will now come
to order.
JANET
Here here.
WILLOW
I realize that a number of these
meeting have not, how should we
say, ended on a good note. But I am
confident this one will.
JANET
That is encouraging.
WILLOW
Thank you.
(beat)
And please hold your comments to
the end.
JANET
Yes, ma'am.
Willow finally takes her hands off the notes she's made and
to say they are a mix of A Beautiful Mind and the Shining, is
an understatement.
WILLOW
I spent a good amount of time, here
at this table, over the last five
hours, clearly describing my
problem.
JANET
Your---
WILLOW
Please.
The floor is silent again.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
It's not their fault. The people,
the living, the loved ones.
(beat)
It's not their fault. They just
haven't been given a good example.
Willow spreads her papers out, looks Janet square in the
eyes.
Janet returns the gaze, intention, slightly worried.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I don't think of myself as a poet,
but I wrote something...
Janet nods.
Willow pulls out a special, secret sheet from under the
tablet.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Don't laugh.
Janet, straight face, shakes her head.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Oh, my comings and goings.
The excitement of any arrival
and the burden of any leaving.
(beat)
The start of a party
Moving out and moving in.
A first day at a job.
(beat)
They make cards for these.
But not death.
(beat)
A baby is welcomed and celebrated
each and every year of their life.
(beat)
But somewhere in the mist,
at the end,
When you've been fired,
or it's time to go home,
when the party's over...
(beat)
The leaving...
Sometimes, you just wish you had
someone to hold your hand.
(beat)
And that's okay.
Willow looks up.
Janet is crying.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I am not asking for permission to
do another sitting.
Janet wipes her eyes.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I am asking you to join me.
Janet can only nod.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Really.
JANET
Yeah. Okay.
WILLOW
Yes. Okay. Meeting adjourned.
Janet stands.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(smiling, nodding)
Was it the poem that convinced you?
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Final Goodbye
INT. HENDERSON HOME - DAY
A sprawling interior in a large Newport Beach home, floor-to-
ceiling windows, a view of the ocean, white marble floors,
polished walnut, brass accents.
The foyer spills onto a front living room, and then through
an archway into the rear family room.
The front door opens.
Janet enters, nods, walks around the crowd, takes her usual
spot along the back, in the rear room.
A frail HAROLD HENDERSON (40s) lies in a hospice bed, there,
in the rear family room.
A distinct layer of chatter fills the space.
And then the chatter is replaced with a hush, replaced with
utter silence, and then a void.
Willow emerges without expression, wearing her regular cream-
colored kaftan. This time, the head cover is up over her
head, pulling anyone paying attention, directly into her
eyes.
She walks slowly, gracefully.
She lowers her head cover.
Her eyes are on Harold from the fist step in. No one gets
even a glance.
Helen Henderson sits beside her dying husband.
Willow approaches, like she was invited to do this.
She stops a foot from the bed.
Helen Henderson cries at the sight of Willow.
Willow acknowledges her.
WILLOW
Soft now. Gentle now.
Every breath purposeful, her chest falls slowly, her hands
and fingers raise, up and out, hovering over Harold's hands.
One last breath and then...
CHUNK.
Willow drops her hands with weight onto Harold's.
Harold's eyes open looking into Willow's, calm, steady.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(soft, gentle)
Easy now, poppa.
Harold smiles.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Hi, Poppa.
His eyes appear to understand.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
These people... here...
Yes, they love you.
(beat)
And poppa, do not fear where you
are headed.
Harold actually nods.
Helen breaks down.
HELEN
He hasn't spoken in days.
WILLOW
Soft now. Gentle now.
Willow slowly extends her hand to Helen, joins her hand with
Harold's.
The room takes one last breath.
Willow looks directly into Helen's eyes. Close now.
Uncomfortably intimate.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I choose you...
(beat)
to be my wife.
(beat)
I vow to love you, encourage you,
trust you,
Helen cries out like a barking seal.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
And respect you.
(beat)
I accept you as you are, and I
offer myself in return.
(beat)
Until my final day.
Harold Henderson breathes his last.
Helen screams out.
Willow turns, looks at Janet, nods.
Janet collects her daughter and they disappear.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
A Moment of Care
INT. JANET'S CAR - MOMENTS LATER
Janet pulls out of the neighborhood, onto a bigger street.
And for moment, she actually smiles.
Willow groans.
WILLOW
Mmm. I'm sleepy.
JANET
Oh, honey. You're worn out.
(beat)
Are you okay?
WILLOW
(groggy)
Just sleepy.
JANET
Well, put your seat back and take a
nap. We'll be home in like half and
hour.
Willow does.
Janet watches her and the road.
INT. WILLOW’S BEDROOM – DAY
Willow sleeps deeply.
Janet stands in her doorway, stares at Willow.
FADE TO BLACK.
A MOMENT PASES.
The drone of the morning news on the TV in another room.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Grapefruit Banter and Viral Anticipation
INT. GARNER HOME - DINING TABLE - MORNING
A bright and shiny Willow and Janet eat breakfast.
Willow is focused on the fresh grapefruit wedges.
Janet is reading an actual newspaper.
WILLOW
The funny thing...
(winces)
About grapefruit.
JANET
(deadpan behind the paper)
They give you energy.
WILLOW
No, but thanks for playing.
(yum face)
Grapefruit are wonderful and I love
them... AND
(yuck face)
Grapefruit are awful and I hate
them.
Willow exaggerates her surprise.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
How can that be?
NETWORK HOST (V.O.)
And when we return, it seems our
local Willow Garner is popping up
on viral videos again.
(beat)
We'll check in with Leslie and the
Humanities Report.
The RUSTLE of Janet's newspaper coming down.
Janet stands, two steps, watches the TV.
Willow right behind her.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Media Miracles and Maternal Skepticism
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Janet reaches for the remote.
WILLOW
Mom, no.
(beat)
Let's watch it.
Janet purses her lips.
They sit.
NETWORK LESLIE (V.O.)
Her name is Willow Garner, first
seen a week ago, today she appears
on not one, but three new viral
YouTube videos, where she is seen,
once again, performing miracles for
the dying.
On the TV: Footage from the Henderson sitting, but this time,
it's something else.
The way her legs are positioned in combination with the
length of her Kaftan, it looks like Willow is floating.
Janet simply shakes her head.
JANET
You'll be changing water to wine by
this time next week.
WILLOW
Eww, did I ever tell you I tried
wine? It was gross.
On the TV: Footage of Helen Henderson after her husband's
passing. She is in tears, glorifying Willow.
HELEN (V.O.)
She is literally an angel. She
spoke directly to me, looked in my
eyes, and said the exact words my
husband told me twenty years ago.
JANET
Now?
WILLOW
Yeah.
Janet. Remote. Power button. Black.
DECISION TIME
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Acceptance and Connection
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
They get comfortable on the sofa, reposition themselves, face
each other.
WILLOW
One-hundred-ninety-five.
JANET
Willow.
WILLOW
(smiling)
What?
Janet doesn't smile, but she furrows her brow.
JANET
(sharp)
I'll tell you what,
Willow Marie Garner...
(amped up)
You're gonna be dead this time next
year, and I WILL NOT allow myself
to choose the wrong thing here.
Willow reaches out and places her hand on her mom's leg.
WILLOW
(softly)
Hey... mom, I'm here.
(beat)
And let me say something. For the
last 12 months, my dying has in
fact been all about me. Naturally.
(beat)
But you're right, mom.
(beat)
You will be without me by your
side, come on, realistically, by
the end of this year.
Janet shakes her head.
JANET
You can't do that.
WILLOW
Do what?
JANET
You can't sit there and say that
and not break down in tears. You
can't.
Willow leans forward.
WILLOW
Hey, Janet Marie Garner... I think
we are beyond tears. No?
(beat)
Yeah. We've graduated.
Janet stops shaking her head.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
What I don't want... Is for you to
beat yourself up and say 'I should
have...'
Willow does loosey-goosey, "shake it out" arm movements.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Just, shake it out.
Janet does and doesn't stop.
JANET
Five.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW
Deal.
Janet stops her loosey-goosey arms.
The calmly stare.
JANET
Five... five more sittings.
Willow nods.
WILLOW
Together.
JANET
(soft)
Deal.
FIRST PLOT POINT
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Press Briefing Chaos
INT. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
PRESS BRIEFING
An eight-inch riser at the back of the room, on it is a
simple table where Willow sits with a big microphone in her
face, Janet sits there too.
Chairs in front of it for the press core.
TWO FLASHES from cameras.
WILLOW
I am not a saint. Just ask my mom.
CHUCKLES from the gallery.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I'm a 13-year-old girl... cranky,
sassy, and headstrong, just like
any other 13-year-old girl.
(beat)
and sometimes... I sit with people
who are dying because I have a
thing in my heart for what they're
facing.
The press scramble, each to have their question hear.
PRESS CORE
Willow. Willow.
Willow points.
REPORTER #1
Willow, do you believe you have a
gift... something beyond what other
people can do?
WILLOW
There is nothing... supernatural
about spending time with someone on
their way out.
(beat)
I do not perform miracles.
The press scramble again.
REPORTER #2
How do you respond to people who
say this is manipulation...
Willow raises an eyebrow.
REPORTER #2 (CONT'D)
That these families are vulnerable
and you are influencing them in
those final moments?
Willow's mouth hangs open for brief moment.
WILLOW
Sounds to me like someone is
feeling guilty for not spending
time with them... themselves.
The press scramble again.
REPORTER #3
My question is for Mrs. Garner,
ma'am, knowing your daughter has a
serious heart condition... why are
you allowing this to continue?
Janet is a bit awkward moving closer to the mic.
JANET
I've asked myself that same
question... many, many times.
The room falls silent.
JANET (CONT'D)
And the only thing I can tell you
is that I am not willing to
negotiate... with my daughter's
happiness.
REPORTER #2
Will you book unlimited sittings
going forward?
JANET
Willow and I have come to a
balanced agreement...
(beat)
She will attend a limited number of
final sittings.
REPORTER #2
How many?
Janet hesitates.
Willow leans in.
WILLOW
Five.
And then the room really lets loose. Camera's flashing.
Reporters yelling.
The press desperately beg for another question to be heard,
another answer, but they don't come.
REPORTER #1
How will you decide who?
Janet and Willow stare at each other.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Press Conference"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Urgent Escape
INT. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL - MOMENTS LATER
Janet and Willow come out of the conference room doors and
are met by a small group of people.
GROUP
Willow. Willow!
Janet panics.
JANET
Oh, shit.
And then Willow sees DARREN FINLAY off to the left.
WILLOW
Mom.
Darren waves them over.
He covers them with his trench coat, takes them under his
arm, talks while he walks them.
DARREN
You'll never get out the front. I
have a car in the back.
They fumble a slow jog, like they were in a three-legged
race.
Janet looks up to Darren.
JANET
Thank you.
Darren just nods.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
The Calm Before the Storm
INT. GARNER RESIDENCE - DAY
Darren holds the door open as Janet and Willow come in.
Door closes.
Janet looks through the front window, the crowds of people
are behind a staked off perimeter and police tape.
JANET
Who the---
DARREN
Oh, I did that. It's better than
having them walking on your lawn.
Again, for the second time in one day, Janet looks at Darren
with such appreciation in her expression.
DARREN (CONT'D)
No. Nothing. I had the stakes and a
buddy of mine had the police
tape... No big deal.
Willow speaks for her mom.
WILLOW
Thank you, Mr. Finlay---
DARREN
Oh, please, call me Darren.
Willow thinks twice and then approaches Darren.
She wraps her arms around him.
WILLOW
Thank you, Darren.
Darren's face is frozen. He doesn't hug back. They separate.
DARREN
Um... I'm gonna go.
(to Janet)
Listen, when you need something...
He makes a "call me" motion with his pinky and thumb.
DARREN (CONT'D)
Okay?
Janet nods.
Darren leaves.
INT. GARNER HOME - MOMENTS LATER
Janet and Willow haven't moved.
WILLOW
Okay... What now?
Janet's phone BINGS repeatedly.
JANET
(smile)
That, now.
Janet looks at her phone.
On Janet's phone: (370) New Messages.
JANET (CONT'D)
And so it begins...
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
A Heartfelt Decision
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - LATER
Willow watches YouTube.
On the screen: A video of the crowd right out in front of the
Garner home.
WOMAN
I have been here for two days. I'm
hoping to get one of the five
spots.
MAN
Yes, thirty-six hours now, hoping
I'll get one for my mother.
FIRST PINCH POINT
INT. GARNER HOME - DINING TABLE - DAY
The room is now fashioned into a project management
workspace.
All the ding chairs have been removed, except two.
A shallow tablecloth has been added to the table.
The table has been pulled back closer to the center of the
room.
On the wall behind it, there is a large whiteboard with two
sides separated by a black line.
On the left in red, "NO", under it, the number 126.
On the right in blue, "YES", under it, no number.
Willow sits at her "workstation" at the table, her MacBook
Pro laptop in front of her.
Janet next to her on her Dell Latitude laptop.
WILLOW
Listen to this. "I am a mother of
three. My youngest Jeremy, hospice,
is six and on his last legs."
The already quiet room falls silent.
Willow stares at her mom.
Janet stares at the blank space under "YES".
She turns to Willow.
JANET
Your call.
Willow thinks twice.
WILLOW
This little guy... is number one.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
A Tired Conversation
INT. GARNER HOME - DINING TABLE - LATER
Willow is on her phone.
Janet watches her.
WILLOW
Yes. No need to thank---
(beat)
Yes. Ok. Thursday.
(beat)
Ahuh, three days. Great. Oh, and
Mrs. Jenner, please keep this
quite, we don't want---
(beat)
Good. Yes... I'm going to pass the
phone to my mom and she will get
your details.
(beat)
Yes. Me too.
Willow passes the phone, rolls her eyes, and dramatically
lays her whole torso on the table.
JANET
Hi, Mrs. Jenner---
(beat)
Ahuh, okay. Got it.
(beat)
Yes, I know. Okay. See you on
Thursday.
(beat)
Ahuh, bye.
Willow still comically face down.
WILLOW
Oh, my God. Can that woman talk or
what.
JANET
(cool)
Better get used to it, sweetheart.
(beat)
You... have a following.
(beat)
And that, my dear, was only the
first one.
Willow leans back in her chair.
WILLOW
Ugh, I'm exhausted.
Janet feels Willow's pulse, says nothing.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I need a nap.
Willow gets up and walks to her bedroom.
Janet watches her.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Unexpected Fame
INT. DARREN'S CAR - DAY
Darren drives slow around the corner.
Janet rides shotgun.
Willow, backseat.
They turn the last corner.
DARREN
Should be... Oh my.
Three houses down is a circus.
EXT. JENNER HOUSE - DAY
A hundred WELL-WISHERS stand behind police barricades, behind
two police cars, behind FOUR POLICE OFFICERS standing guard.
WELL-WISHER
That's them!
The crowd is engaged, calls of "Willow", claps,, smiles.
BACK IN THE CAR
All three wide-eyed.
DARREN
It's The Beatles all over again.
JANET
(sarcastic)
Ok, Paul McCartney, you ready?
WILLOW
Paul who?
EXT. JENNER HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
The car pulls up to the curb. Janet steps out. Willow steps
out. The crowd claps even louder.
Darren ushers them straight inside.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Isolation in the Foyer
INT. JENNER HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
A bright two story foyer in a middle-market home in Costa
Mesa. Simple, well-maintained.
Darren speaks to MRS. JENNER (32), frail.
DARREN
No one comes in.
She nods.
DARREN (CONT'D)
And we agreed, no cell phones.
MRS. JENNER
Yes.
Darren nods and walks into the next room.
JANET
(to Willow)
You good?
WILLOW
Yeah.
Janet follows Mrs. Jenner into the next room.
Willow stands alone in her kaftan in the foyer.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Final Act of Mercy
INT. JENNER HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
A small, frail, pail JEREMY JENNER (6), lies on a substantial
cot with a thick mattress.
His eyes are open. His breathing is very shallow. And he
suffers, audibly, constantly.
Around him, sits his SISTER and BROTHER, emotional.
And around them another twelve are gathered.
The already quiet room falls silent, except for Jeremy's
pain, as Willow gently rounds the corner.
Willow stops, still at a distance, just shy of making eye
contact with Jeremy.
She clocks the squeaking pain, constant, unrelenting.
SISTER
It's his urinary system....
It shut down and it's painful.
Willow slowly approaches the foot of the bed this time.
Willow's breathing steadies, her chest falls slowly, her
hands and fingers raise, up and out, hovering over the foot
of the bed.
One last breath and then...
CHUNK.
Willow drops her hands with weight onto Jeremy's feet.
Jeremy looking straight at Willow, calm, steady.
Suddenly, his pajamas darken with urine.
Jeremy's squeaking pain is replaces with a peaceful last
breath.
JEREMY
Uhhhh...
His heart monitor flatlines.
Sister cries.
Brother covers his mouth.
Mrs. Jenner approaches Jeremy and hugs his lifeless body.
MR. JENNER (40s), standing in grief along the back wall, amps
up.
MR. JENNER
(yells)
You killed him!
Willow stares at him.
Darren and Janet move directly toward Willow.
MRS. JENNER
No... Frank.
(beat)
She gave him... peace.
Willow is wrangled by Darren and Janet and led out of the
house.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Chaos at the Jenner House
EXT. JENNER HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
The crowd is still there, but livelier.
The policemen have their hands out, as to widen themselves.
Darren, Janet, and Willow come out of the house.
Darren and Janet each have an arm, trying to get Willow back
to the car.
But willow is slowing down, not cooperating.
And suddenly, a police barricade falls over, spilling the
crowd into the yard.
This, just as Willows head falls backward, her eyes rolling
up.
JANET
Willow!
Darren lifts Willow in and instant and loads her into the
back of the car.
The car peels out.
MIDPOINT TWIST
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Tragedy"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Silent Resilience
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
In an otherwise quiet room, monitors hum softly, steady, like
a fragile rhythm.
WILLOW lies in bed, pale but awake. An oxygen line rests
beneath her nose. Her eyes are open — alert, calm.
DR. GARRETT stands near the foot of the bed, reviewing a
chart.
JANET stands close to Willow, arms folded.
DARREN stands in the back.
DR. GARRETT
(to Janet)
She needs to stay. At least
overnight.
JANET
Yes, of course.
DR. GARRETT
She had a cardiac event and we need
to monitor her.
She looks in Janet's eyes.
DR. GARRETT (CONT'D)
This isn’t optional.
Janet nods.
Willow watches them both. Still. Listening.
A KNOCK at the door.
DR. GARRETT turns.
Two POLICE OFFICERS stand just outside — respectful,
composed.
OFFICER
(to Janet)
Ma’am, could we speak with you for
a moment?
Janet’s body stiffens — just slightly, glances at Willow,
forces a small, reassuring smile.
JANET
I’ll be right back, sweetheart.
Willow says nothing. Just watches.
Janet steps out.
The door closes behind her, blocking Willow's view, except
for the square widow framing the two talking heads in the
hallway.
OFFICER (O.S.)
(muffled)
... report was filed.
(beat)
... concerns about her well-being.
Janet's gazes turns to Willow.
WILLOW
(to herself)
Oh, mom.
OFFICER (O.S.)
(muffled)
We need you to come with us...
Janet’s face shifts. Not shock. Recognition.
And then Janet's head turns around, her back to the office.
SCLICK!
Janet winks to her daughter, mouths, "Love you."
And the talking heads walk away.
Silence.
The monitor continues its steady rhythm.
Willow stares at the empty window.
Still.
Then, quietly—
WILLOW
(to herself)
Ok, we stop now.
Genres:
["Drama","Medical"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Call of Distress
INT. POLICE LOCKUP - NIGHT
Janet in County Clothes, stands near a payphone.
INTERCUT
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT
A pinker version of Willow sits up in the hospital bed, an
empty food tray on the rolling table.
Willow is on the phone.
WILLOW
What'd they say?
JANET
The judge comes back from his
weekend tomorrow. My arraignment is
in the morning.
WILLOW
(irritated)
Arraignment for what?
JANET
Honey, don't get worked up. This is
just---
WILLOW
Janet Garner stop.
(beat)
Stop protecting me and tell me the
truth. What charge?
Janet hesitates.
JANET
Child Endangerment.
Willow swallows.
Silence.
WILLOW
Mom, we can stop now.
JANET
What?
WILLOW
I don't need to do anymore
sittings... I'm sorry.
JANET
Oh, no, no.
GUARD (V.O.)
Wrap it up.
JANET
Willow, this is nothing. Just a
bunch of adults trying to push each
other around.
(beat)
Listen to me...
(beat)
I know you. I know your heart.
(beat)
You choose to stop or continue,
just know...
(beat)
That it's YOUR decision... not
mine, and not theirs.
(beat)
I leave it up to you, sweetheart.
GUARD (V.O.)
Now...
CLICK
Willow looks at the phone.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A Mother's Heartfelt Plea
EXT. POLICE HQ STEP - DAY
A press conference.
Janet steps up to the mic.
JANET
I know my daughter’s heart.
(beat)
I know how deeply she feels for
people... and how she shows up for
them.
(beat)
And that same heart... the one that
thinks of you first...
(beat)
That heart... is failing.
(beat)
I’ve sat many time with her doctor.
In the crowd, off to one side, CAROL CALDWELL (42), in a
sharp navy-blue business suit, white blouse, and black heels.
Janet clocks her.
JANET (CONT'D)
And I now have a new understanding
of what precious time is.
(beat)
And for that reason, with regard to
future sittings, I am allowing
Willow decide.
(beat)
It's up to her.
Janet walks away.
SECOND PINCH POINT
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Unexpected Visitor
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - DAY
Willow lies on the sofa, kicking the hand-crocheted blanket
off her legs.
JANET
Willow.
WILLOW
No. Mom. I'm hot. I don't need a
blanket.
Janet looks, one eyebrow raised.
JANET
Fine.
KNOCK, KNOCK.
Janet slowly shakes her head twice.
INT. GARNER HOME - FOYER.
Janet opens the door to CAROL CALDWELL.
JANET
I'm sorry we're not---
CAROL
I'm a lawyer. I was at your press
conference the other day.
Janet thinks twice.
JANET
Yes. I remember... Please, come in.
CAROL
Thank you.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Legal"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Tense Proposition
INT. GARNER HOME - FRONT LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Janet brings Carol a cup of coffee and one for herself.
They sit.
CAROL
I am here on behalf of my client.
Janet looks unimpressed.
CAROL (CONT'D)
George Kaufman.
JANET
Kaufman, as in Kaufman Industries?
CAROL
The same.
JANET
Whose elderly father is dying and
can't speak.
Carol pauses.
CAROL
Yes, but hear me out... My client
believes that his dad is holding
on, straining himself, because he
desperately wants to speak.
JANET
Willow is not a mind reader.
CAROL
And he's willing to pay a million
dollars to have her try.
Suddenly from the side.
WILLOW
A million dollars, for what?
JANET
Willow---
WILLOW
No... I want to hear this.
Willow sits next to her mom.
CAROL
Mr. Kaufman, Jr. is willing to pay
you, Willow, one-million dollars to
have a sitting with his dad.
Simple.
JANET
No. Willow is not for sale.
They stare.
CAROL
Even if---
JANET
My daughter is not a freak show
where people pay admission.
Carol tilts her head, sets her coffee on the side table, and
stands.
CAROL
Understood. I will relay that to my
client.
Janet and Willow stand.
WILLOW
Thank you.
Carol nods and leaves.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Legal"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Unspoken Concerns
INT. GARNER HOME - FRONT LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Willow stares at her mom as the front door closes.
WILLOW
Why didn't you let her speak.
Janet picks up the coffee dishes.
JANET
I did.
(beat)
And then I told her no.
WILLOW
Why didn't you ask me?
JANET
What. You lookin' to make an extra
buck on this deal?
Janet smiles at herself.
WILLOW
No.
(beat)
I was just thinking how her offer
might help my mom when I'm gone.
Janet stops.
REVERSAL
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Opportunity and Relief
INT. GARNER HOME - DINING TABLE - DAY
Janet is on the phone.
Willow at her computer.
JANET
Wow. Amazing.
(beat)
Yesh, I will.
(looks at Willow)
We will.
(smiles)
Ok. Thanks, Darren.
(beat)
Yeah. Bye.
Willow looks up.
JANET (CONT'D)
Darren says, "hi".
WILLOW
And...
JANET
And what?
WILLOW
"Wow. Amazing" is not Darren saying
"hi" to me.
JANET
Oh... that.
Willow waits.
JANET (CONT'D)
A third one.
(beat)
NBC reached out.
WILLOW
(excited)
Not Sandy Summers.
Janet rolls her eyes.
JANET
Yes. Sandy Summers.
Willow claps.
JANET (CONT'D)
But...
WILLOW
But what?
JANET
There is a huge compensation
package.
WILLOW
Mom, why are you so against---
JANET
(snaps)
Because it cheapens you. Don't you
get that?
A moment passes.
WILLOW
Look, when you go to work, does
your paycheck cheapen you?
JANET
No. That's different.
WILLOW
No.
(beat)
It's not... If Sandy Sommers and
NBC want to have your teenage
daughter on their program and they
see enough value in that to pay...
what five thousand dollars...
Janet looks to the ground.
JANET
(under her breath)
Doesn't even cover the airfare.
WILLOW
What?
JANET
Nothing.
WILLOW
Mom, what are they offering?
Janet thinks twice.
JANET
It's a package... Flight, Hotel,
Meals, and an Appearance Fee...
for you.
Willow doesn't wait.
WILLOW
Totaling...
JANET
Twenty-two-thousand.
Willows jaw drops.
WILLOW
And... you think that would...
(laughs)
cheapen me.
Janet smiles.
JANET
Yeah. Ok. I get your point.
BLING!
Janet's phone. A text message. She reads it.
JANET (CONT'D)
Oh, wow. That's good news.
WILLOW
What.
JANET
Looks like your poor mother is NOT
going to Leavenworth, after all.
(flashes her phone)
The charges were dropped.
WILLOW
(dramatic)
Oh, praise the Heavens above!
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
A Day at the Market
EXT. FARMER'S MARKET - DAY
A bustling farmers market in Orange County, bathed in golden
weekend sunlight. Vibrant stalls line the walkways,
overflowing with ripe strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, and
glossy eggplants, their colors popping against the crisp
white canopies.
Willow and Janet slowly stroll, arm in arm. Willow with her
head cover in place and dark sunglasses, and her lessor
disguised mom.
WILLOW
This is nice.
JANET
Yeah, it's good that we can
still...
And then she sees it.
One phone recording, and then another.
Willow doesn't skip a beat.
WILLOW
Mom, just ignore them.
Janet tries and then they turn the corner.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Unwanted Reverence
EXT. FARMER'S MARKET - CONTINUOUS
A MEXICAN WOMAN standing in front of her market stand, she
has a SMALL GREEN WILLOW BRANCH pinned to her shirt, directly
over her heart.
The woman clocks Willow, freezes, and then she kneels down,
lowering her head to the ground.
JANET
What the...
And then a second willow kneels, and a third. And it spreads.
Willow separates from Janet.
Janet swipes at Willows hand but can't reach her.
Willow walks to the woman, removes her sunglasses.
She kneels down, places her hand on the woman's head.
WILLOW
Please, senora, please stand up.
This is silly.
The woman doesn't move.
Willow tries the second... no.
The third... no.
At one point, there are close to fifty people, men, women,
and children, bowing to Willow.
Janet collects Willow by the arm.
JANET
Okay. That's enough.
She leads her away.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Crowd of Devotion
INT. GARNER HOME - AFTERNOON
Willow and Janet come through the front door.
Janet looks back though the window. The crowd on the sidewalk
has grown, now taking up several parking spaces along the
curb. And some wearing a green willow.
Willow goes straight for the remote. TV, on.
It's a commercial.
She flips channels.
Nothing.
And again.
Nothing.
WILLOW
Phew! For a minute there, I thought
it---
And again.
NEWSCASTER
A scene from earlier today...
The video of the people in the farmer's market bowing down to
Willow, their heads to the ground.
It shows the Mexican woman bowing, Willow kneeling near her
and Willows hand on the woman's head.
NEWSCASTER (CONT'D)
... at the Farmer's Market in
Orange, today. A crowd of people
wearing green willow branches...
JANET
Oh, God.
NEWSCASTER
... being blessed by Willow Garner,
now being referred to as the
"Mother to the Dying".
WILLOW
Mother of Pearl, more like it, you
ASS-WIPE!
JANET
Willow.
WILLOW
Ugh... so annoying.
Willow turns to the front window, no sign of the crowd.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Good... at least the people out
front are gone.
JANET
Um... No they're...
Willow and Janet stare at each other.
Willow rushes the window.
Janet shakes her head.
Through the front window, Willow sees them, still there, but
now, they bow with their heads to the ground.
Willow clenches her jaw, turns to the door.
JANET (CONT'D)
Willow. No.
Willow stands frozen with her hand on the door knob.
And then finally lets go, just stands there.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Silent Concerns
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
Willow and Janet watch the news report.
JANET
I'm having second thoughts...
I'm not sure if you should go on
national television. Especially
Sandy Summers.
WILLOW
Why's that?
JANET
Sweetheart, you know what they're
expecting.
Willow just stares.
JANET (CONT'D)
Honey, it's entertainment for them.
They will make you their dancing
pony.
(beat)
They'll expect demonstrations of
your miraculous powers. And when
you can't fulfill that...
(beat)
She will humiliate you. And I can't
stand the thought of that.
Willow just stares at the TV.
Willow gets a TEXT MESSAGE.
On Willow's phone.
RHONDA: "OMG, now you're a SAINT? WTF? LOL"
WILLOW: "IKR, crazy people. Hey, maybe I'll swing by the
hospital next week."
The blank cursor lingers.
RHONDA: "Sure thing."
Willow locks her phone.
SECOND PLOT POINT
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Decisions at Dinner
INT. FINLAY RESIDENCE - EVENING
Darren, Janet, and Willow sit down to dinner at Darren's.
JANET
Ok, so walk me through the three
options.
DARREN
Basically, you have two strong
offers and one outrageous offer.
JANET
Is Sandy Summers the outrageous
offer?
DARREN
No. Actually, the NBC offer, is
barely half of that. Anyway, I'd
think we should stay away from her.
WILLOW
(calm, gentle)
I know what I'm going to do.
Janet and Darren turn and look at Willow.
Silence.
Darren nods.
JANET
Good.
Willow nods.
WILLOW
If they want a dancing pony...
I'll give them one.
CHARACTER REALIZATION
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Independence and Remorse
INT. GARNER HOME - DINING TABLE - MORNING
Willow, already dressed, prepares a backpack.
Janet enters in her pajamas and a yawn.
JANET
What are... where are you going?
WILLOW
I have a sitting... It's just a
mile away. I thought I would walk.
JANET
No. No. I'll drive you.
WILLOW
Mom...
Willows gaze falls to the floor.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I think I need to do this one on my
own.
Janet thinks twice.
She reaches out, under Willow's chin, lifts her daughter's
face, nods.
JANET
You go right ahead.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW
Thanks.
JANET
Need a ride?
Willow shakes her head.
INT. GARNER HOME - FAMILY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Janet stands there as the door closes behind Willow walking
out.
Janet turns her back to the front door, two hands cover her
ears, as the muffled voices of the well-wishers come.
WELL-WISHERS
Willow. Willow!
Janet shakes her head. She still hears it. Wincing.
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
A fresh grave is surrounded by a small group of mourners.
REIS REINHARD (38) stands near the pink coffin.
Willow stands at a distance, away from the ceremony.
WILLOW
Sorry, Rhonda.
CLIMAX
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
A Moment of Compassion
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
Willow is in the makeup chair, Janet stands right beside her,
proud and giddy.
JANET
You are something else, baby girl.
Willow smiles.
Willow stops a passing PRODUCTION ASSISTANT.
WILLOW
Hi. Can you give this note to Sandy
for me?
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Sure.
INT. SOUND STAGE - LATER
No audience.
Sandy Summers sits on a rich navy sofa, going over her notes
on Willow.
The PRODUCER RICK is reviewing placement and composition in
the frame with the SET DECORATOR. Lighting. Sound.
PRODUCER
(quietly to Set Decorator)
Is she sitting?
The Set Decorator nods.
NEAR SANDY
A PRODUCTION ASSISTANT approaches and hands Sandy a slip of
paper. Sandy reads it.
INSERT: “Thank you for your time. Willow”
SANDY
(to herself)
Huh.
The crew gives a thumbs up.
PRODUCER
(to the crew)
And when Sandy is ready...
He's nodding more like a question to Sandy.
Sandy folds Willow's note and nods back.
PRODUCER (CONT'D)
And in 4.. 3.. .. ..
SANDY
My special guest during this
evening’s program has become
nothing less than a national
phenomenon.
She clears her throat.
SANDY (CONT'D)
At this very moment, believe it or
not, in most EVERY MAJOR CITY IN
THE COUNTRY, massive numbers of
people, are holding vigils for this
seemingly very special girl.
Willow sits on the sofa next to Sandy.
SANDY (CONT'D)
So, what’s her trick?
(beat)
What’s the angle?
(beat)
What’s the gimmick?...
She pauses.
SANDY (CONT'D)
At thirteen, her notoriety comes
from being just one thing...
(beat)
a good listener.
(beat)
Everyone, this is Willow Garner.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW
Hi.
SANDY
Hi, Willow. Sweet girl.
Willow smiles.
SANDY (CONT'D)
Willow, how did this happen? ...
How did the entire country come to
know about you?
Silence.
Willow takes her time.
Willow and Sandy look into each other's eyes.
And then...
WILLOW
Sandal...
Sandy is thrown off. Her jaw-drops.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Can we talk?
Sandy recovers.
SANDY
Oh, my God...
(beat)
No one has called me Sandal...
in thirty years.
(beat)
Yes. Yes. We can talk.
WILLOW
I mean, really talk.
Willow again locks eyes with Sandy.
In the background, her PRODUCER RICK is rolling his hands,
like "come on, come on."
Willow clocks him.
She stands and approaches PRODUCER RICK.
Sandy flags the handheld guy to shoot it.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Hi, Rick?
Rick nods.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Sandy and I are going to chat over
there on the sofa.
(MORE)
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(beat)
Yeah, yeah, right over there...
(beat)
and we’re requesting a smaller,
close-up shot. Can you do that?
Rick nods frantically.
Willow walks back to the sofa.
SANDY
Willow, honey. Why don’t you sit
next to me? Here.
Willow accommodates her.
SANDY (CONT'D)
So, tell me.
Silence.
And then Willow shares her caring gaze with Sandy.
WILLOW
Can I touch your hands?
A moment passes.
SANDY
Ah, sure.
Willow slowly reaches out in a gesture, asking for Sandy’s
hands to join hers.
And then Sandy joins hands with Willow.
Silence.
They settle. They’re comfortable, both of them.
Willow never loses her gaze into Sandy’s eyes.
WILLOW
(sincerely)
One of the things I love about you,
is your obvious love for other
people.
Sandy is entranced in Willow’s gaze, her emotions are
bubbling to the surface, eyes slowly glossy.
Sandy takes a deep breath.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I’m talking about the way you
listen. I’m talking about the way
you inspire others, how you empower
others, how you love others.
Sandy can only nod now. Her words are not coming.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
That’s what I love about you. You
are a beautiful human being.
SANDY
(through tears)
Thank you.
Willow still engaged, still connected
Their hands separate. Sandy collects herself, looks at her
notes.
SANDY (CONT'D)
Phew! ... Willow, I wouldn’t be
doing my job, if I didn’t ask a few
questions.
Sandy reaches for a tissue and looks again at her notes.
WILLOW
(shakes her head)
No...
Sandy looks panicked.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I want to talk about your dad.
SANDY
My dad?
(beat)
You mean Charles Summers.
WILLOW
No, I mean Frank Ferris. The man
who stepped in and stepped up and
assumed the role of your father
when he didn’t have to.
Sandy nods and wipes tears.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
He passed recently.
Sandy nods.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
And if he were here today... do you
have any idea what he would want to
say to you?
SANDY
(stuffy now)
No.
A moment passes.
WILLOW
Neither do I.
Pause.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
But I will tell you what my mother
taught me,
(beat)
"It’s not about what you do for
yourself. The true meaning of real
love is what you do for others with
NOTHING IN RETURN."
Sandy nods. She finds herself in a dry (no tears) moment and
reaches out to Willow.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Sandy, I've sat with people. Men,
women, boys, girls...
(beat)
They just wanted someone to listen
to them... to be there. Maybe hold
their hand.
Willow takes a deep breath. Gently now, easy now.
She tries to ignore the pain in her chest, presses on it.
SANDY
Willow, one question, if I can get
it out.
(smiles)
That right there, what you were
just describing. Your compassion.
(beat)
Where did that come from?
The entire country sits on the edge of their seats.
Willow is silent, still engaged with Sandy’s gaze.
Willow leans into her, like she’s going to share a secret.
The handheld guy has to readjust. The shot is very tight.
WILLOW
I did the math.
Some in the crew laughs.
SANDY
Math?
Willow nods.
WILLOW
Eight-billion people on this earth
and 1% of us, die every year.
(beat)
That’s 80 million people...
SANDY
(admiring)
Oh, my God.
Willow uses her hands to represent the living on one and the
dead on the other.
WILLOW
So think about it. If 1% of the
living, took the time to sit with
the 1% of us who are dying,
(beat)
to be quiet, compassionate,
empathetic, and to listen...
that would do it.
Sandy Summers needs a moment to make stable her emotions.
SANDY
Willow Garner, I am so sad to say
that we are almost out of time.
Willow sees her note in Sandy’s hand.
SANDY (CONT'D)
Can I tell you my wish, before you
go?
WILLOW
(smiles)
Yes. Please.
SANDY
My wish, Willow Garner, is that you
are wrong.
Silence.
SANDY (CONT'D)
(gently, carefully)
That you are wrong about your
impending death. And instead you
live for a hundred years.
Some crew clap.
SANDY (CONT'D)
And that you write dozens and
dozens and dozens of books filled
with your vision and your insight.
Crew claps.
WILLOW
(nods)
Thank you.
Sandy shakes her head.
SANDY
It has been an honor to meet you
and talk with you. And in light of
your timeline, I won’t hold you up,
any longer. Thank you for coming
all this way.
WILLOW
Thank you for being here.
SANDY
To our guests at home, say goodbye
to Willow...
A moment passes.
PRODUCER
And we’re clear.
Sandy sits lost in thought.
Willow stands and smiles.
Sandy stands and smiles.
They hug goodbye.
WILLOW
(to Sandy)
Goodbye... and Thank You.
Sandy can only nod.
Sandy turns to Janet in the front row. She blows Janet a kiss
and then has to walk away.
Willow joins Janet in the front row. A handheld camera
captures their leaving.
RESOLUTION
Genres:
["Drama","Emotional","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
A Night of Affection
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING
Willow sits with Janet at “Vin Jardin”, the most expensive
menu in all of Chicago. Janet is content with a glass of
wine, stares at Willow.
Willow smiles.
JANET
The night is yours, precious one.
What would you like to do?
Willow thinks twice.
WILLOW
Let's head back.
Janet nods.
JANET
Okay then... that's what we'll do.
EXT. CHICAGO STREETS - NIGHT
Willow and Janet walk with a STUDIO WRANGLER through the city
of Chicago, laughing and loving.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
A Moment of Connection
INT. LUXURY HOTEL ENTRANCE - LATE NIGHT
A doorman, REGINALD BEAUMONT (72), Black man, wrinkled, frail
and hunched, opens the door for Willow and Janet.
Willow gently touches his arm. He perks up and notices.
Willow looks into his eyes. He responds and looks into hers.
At the elevator, Janet looks back at Willow, still at the
entrance.
JANET
(from a distance)
Willow?
WILLOW
Wait for me.
Janet does.
Willow eases Reginald Beaumont onto an oversized rich leather
sofa in the waiting area.
She sits next to him.
Janet watches them from across the room.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
A Mother's Comfort
INT. HOTEL SUITE - WILLOW'S BED - LATE NIGHT
Willow is in bed.
Janet peeks her head in.
JANET
Sleep well, sweetheart. Get some
rest. We have an early flight in
the morning.
WILLOW
(tired)
Mom? Can you stay with me?
JANET
Sure.
Janet's eyes well. She crawls into the huge bed.
Willow instinctively folds into her mother's arms.
WILLOW
Mom... I’m scared.
Janet looks to the ceiling, tears streaming down her face.
She slowly reaches out to Willow's forearm, gently places her
hand on it, and then...
CHUNK!
An emotional HUM takes over.
JANET
(gentle)
Soft now.
Willow settles, her head rests on Janet.
Janet hums Willow’s favorite childhood song, smiles at her.
JANET (CONT'D)
(gently)
I love you.
Janet continues to hum.
Willow's eyes close. Peace.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
A Somber Announcement
INT. NEWS STUDIO - NEXT MORNING
The ON AIR light is already red. The PRODUCER is nodding.
A solemn NEWSCASTER with a simple green willow pinned to his
jacket, is momentarily lost in thought.
He holds a piece of paper.
NEWSCASTER
We have been given a statement to
read... from the family.
Newscaster clears his throat.
NEWSCASTER (CONT'D)
With solemn...
He shakes it off.
NEWSCASTER (CONT'D)
“With solemn hearts, we deliver the
absolutely devastating news that
thirteen-year-old, Willow Garner...
has passed away."
His head shakes slightly, a tiny tremble in his face.
Silence.
FADE TO BLACK:
A moment passes.
SUPER:
“Even love has a shelf life. Don’t wait for someday,
to give it to someone who needs it today.”
- Willow Garner 2013 - 2026
FADE OUT.
THE END