A modest living room is filled with dated furniture, and the
bookshelves that line the walls are filled with classics,
their spines faded but well-cared for. Even the shelves are
free of dust.
GRANDPA WALKER (70s, blind, grumpy, prejudiced), sits in a
worn armchair, dark glasses covering his eyes. His posture is
rigid and his face shows lines of constant disapproval. His
fingers trace the arm of the chair, something he’s done so
often that the fabric is worn, almost to the wood.
The front door opens, and TONY WALKER (17), enters
cautiously, peeking around the corner before quietly crossing
the room.
The floor creaks, causing Grandpa to turn his head.
GRANDPA
About time you got home. Anybody
with you?
Tony looks surprised. He glances behind him, then back at his
grandfather.
TONY
Nobody.
GRANDPA
(sniffs the air)
You smell like garlic. You been
hanging out with those damn
Italians again?
Tony sighs and drops his backpack on a chair.
TONY
Marco's mom invited me for dinner.
She made lasagna, and even sent
some home for you too.
GRANDPA
I don't need their charity.
Probably poisoned anyway.
TONY
(under his breath)
Why would they poison you?
GRANDPA
What's that?
TONY
Nothing. I have homework.
GRANDPA
You know, when I was your age, I
worked, didn’t waste time with
foreigners and their spicy food.
Tony stands in the doorway, debating whether to engage.
TONY
Marco was born here, Grandpa. So
were his parents.
GRANDPA
Still Italian.
TONY
That's not even an insult, Grandpa.
GRANDPA
It is in my book.
Tony shakes his head and walks toward his room.
TONY
I've got a friend coming over
tomorrow. They're gonna help me
study.
GRANDPA
Not that Jewish kid with the funny
hat?
Tony is walking up the stairs when Grandpa yells.
GRANDPA (CONT’D)
And if any of those damn Irish kids
come over, don't let them bring
food. All those red-headed bastards
eat are bowls of beef stew.
TONY
(exasperated)
David wears a yarmulke, and no, the
one coming over is someone you
haven't met.
GRANDPA
Better not be one of those Mexicans
from your school.
(MORE)
GRANDPA (CONT’D)
They're always talking too loud.
They don't even speak English.
TONY
(firmly)
Good night, Grandpa.
Tony exits, leaving Grandpa alone with his prejudice.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Bridging Generations
INT. WALKER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NEXT DAY
Grandpa sits in the same chair, listening to a baseball game
on the radio. The announcer's voice fills the room.
ANNOUNCER
That’s another run for the Dodgers.
They’re now up six to four.
The front door opens and Tony enters with SHANNON WILLIAMS
(17, bright-eyed, confident, friendly), a young woman
carrying a stack of books.
TONY
Grandpa, this is Shannon. We're
partners for an English project.
Grandpa turns his head in their direction, his expression
guarded.
GRANDPA
She gonna be able to help you?
SHANNON
(cheerfully)
I hope so, Mr. Walker. Tony speaks
very highly of you, and I want him
to live up to your expectations.
GRANDPA
(surprised)
Speaks highly of me? Does he?
SHANNON
He said you used to be an English
teacher. And a writer.
GRANDPA
(warming slightly)
Thirty years at Roosevelt High.
Shannon sets her books on the coffee table, and sits in a
chair opposite Grandpa.
SHANNON
That's impressive. My mother always
said teaching is the noblest
profession.
Grandpa shifts in his chair so he faces her, and his usual
scowl softens.
Tony casts Shannon a look.
TONY
We'll be in the kitchen if you need
anything, Grandpa.
As they turn to leave, Shannon notices the bookshelves.
SHANNON
Oh my goodness. What a collection!
She walks over to the shelves and runs her fingers lightly
along the spines.
SHANNON (CONT’D)
To Kill a Mockingbird! I just
finished reading this for class.
She opens the book and looks down.
SHANNON (CONT’D)
Oh my God! It's a first edition.
GRANDPA
(dismissive)
Girl your age reading Harper Lee? I
doubt that, unless you used
CliffNotes?
SHANNON
(undeterred)
"You never really understand a
person until you consider things
from his point of view... until you
climb into his skin and walk around
in it."
Grandpa's eyebrows rise above his dark glasses.
GRANDPA
So you really do read them?
SHANNON
Who hasn't?
TONY
(surprised)
That a quote from the book?
SHANNON
I have a pretty good memory for
things I love.
She continues looking at the shelves with genuine
appreciation, pulling a book from the shelf, examining it,
then putting it back with care.
SHANNON (CONT’D)
Mr. Walker, would you like me to
read some of these to you? I know
it must be killing you to have all
these wonderful books and not be
able to read them.
Grandpa begins to shake his head, but stops.
GRANDPA
I haven't read in years, but if you
want to try ...
Tony stares at his grandfather in disbelief.
SHANNON
How about now? We have some time
before we need to start our
project.
GRANDPA
(grudgingly)
Well... I suppose a chapter
wouldn't hurt.
Shannon takes "To Kill a Mockingbird" and sits in the chair
near Grandpa. Tony, still stunned, backs away.
TONY
I'll get some snacks.
As Tony exits, Shannon opens the book and begins. Grandpa
leans back, a rare look of contentment crossing his face.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
An Evening of Connection
INT. WALKER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING - ONE WEEK LATER
Shannon reads to Grandpa, who appears more relaxed than ever.
He smiles and rests his head on the back of the chair.
Shannon reads for ten or fifteen minutes, then closes the
book and walks it back to it's place on the shelf.
SHANNON
That's where we left off yesterday.
GRANDPA
You've got a gift, girl. Voice like
a bell.
SHANNON
Thank you, Mr. Walker.
GRANDPA
Call me Grandpa.
Shannon smiles.
SHANNON
Okay, Grandpa.
Tony enters and hands Shannon her coat.
TONY
It's getting late. I should walk
you home.
SHANNON
I'll be back tomorrow, Grandpa. We
can read a few more chapters.
Grandpa's voice shows excitement for the first time in years.
GRANDPA
Maybe more?
Shannon smiles, touches Grandpa's shoulder warmly, and
follows Tony out.
LATER:
When Tony returns, he heads toward his bedroom, but Grandpa
calls him.
GRANDPA
By God, Tony. You finally brought
home someone with class. And
brains. Girl’s smart as a whip.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Generational Advice
INT. WALKER HOUSE - TONY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Tony sits on his bed, texting when a KNOCK sounds at his
door.
TONY
Come in.
Grandpa enters, using his cane to navigate.
GRANDPA
That Shannon girl. She coming back
tomorrow?
TONY
She said she would.
GRANDPA
Good. Good.
Grandpa lingers in the doorway, uncharacteristically
hesitant.
GRANDPA (CONT’D)
She's not like your other friends.
TONY
I know.
GRANDPA
Well, don't mess it up. Girls like
that don't come around often.
Tony looks uncomfortable but nods.
TONY
Sure thing, Grandpa.
When Grandpa leaves, Tony flops back on his bed, clearly
troubled.
TONY (CONT’D)
(to himself)
Should I tell him?
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
A Day at the Park
INT. WALKER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY - TWO WEEKS LATER
The comfort level is evident as Shannon reads to Grandpa. He
sits, relaxed in his chair, so comfortable that he doesn't
even rub the upholstery anymore, just sits and smiles.
After reading a few chapters, Shannon closes the book.
SHANNON
That's the end of chapter twelve.
Do you want to start another one,
or wait until tomorrow?
GRANDPA
We'll wait.
(a beat)
You know, this reminds me why I
taught English all those years. I'd
like to treasure the memories.
SHANNON
I was thinking, Grandpa... would
you like to go to the park
tomorrow? It's supposed to be a
beautiful day.
GRANDPA
(uncertain)
I don't get out much.
SHANNON
Fresh air would do you good. Tony
can come too.
GRANDPA
(considering)
Well, I suppose my old bones could
use the sun.
SHANNON
(excited)
Perfect! I'll bring lunch.
GRANDPA
I don't like many foods.
SHANNON
Roast beef and cheese with onions
and tomatoes? Right?
Grandpa's face displays shock, then he smiles.
GRANDPA
How did you know that?
SHANNON
We all have secrets, Grandpa.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
A Day in the Park: Bridging Generations
EXT. CITY PARK - DAY
It is a pleasant, sunny day when Shannon guides Grandpa to a
bench, while Tony follows with a small cooler.
Other PARK- GOERS enjoy the day around them.
SHANNON
There's a nice breeze, and the
flowers are blooming. Take a whiff,
Grandpa. The air smells sweet.
Grandpa inhales deeply and smiles, a rare occurrence.
GRANDPA
It's good to be outside. Thank you,
Shannon. It’s been too long.
Shannon unpacks sandwiches and hands one to Grandpa.
SHANNON
Roast beef, made to your liking.
TONY
(pointing)
There's Mr. Leibowitz walking his
dog again.
GRANDPA
The Jew from down the street?
Always letting that mutt do its
business on my sidewalk.
Shannon glances at Tony with concern.
SHANNON
I'm sure he cleans up after his
dog, Grandpa.
GRANDPA
(grumbling)
That's what they all say.
Nearby, a group of CHILDREN play. Two young CHINESE-AMERICAN
BOYS laugh as they run by, speaking to each other in accented
English.
GRANDPA (CONT’D)
(scowling)
What's that racket?
SHANNON
Just some kids playing, Grandpa.
GRANDPA
Sounds like those Chinese kids from
the apartment complex. They
shouldn't be allowed to mingle with
decent people.
Shannon's expression falls. She takes a deep breath.
SHANNON
Grandpa I'm sure you don't mean
that. You don't even know those
boys.
GRANDPA
I don't need to know them. They're
damn immigrants, just like their
parents. They're all the same.
Every damn one of 'em.
Shannon purses her lips, then looks to the sky.
SHANNON
Mr. Walker —
GRANDPA
Call me Grandpa, sweetie.
Shannon smiles sadly.
SHANNON
Grandpa, would you 'read' my face
and tell me what you see?
TONY
(alarmed)
Shannon ...
Shannon silences Tony with a look, and Grandpa appears
confused.
GRANDPA
Read your face?
SHANNON
Yes. With your hands. I've heard
that blind people can often 'see'
by touch.
Grandpa hesitates, then reaches out. Shannon guides his hands
to her face. He gently places his palms on her cheeks, then
traces his fingers along her features – her forehead,
eyebrows, the bridge of her nose, her cheekbones, her lips.
GRANDPA
(softly)
You're beautiful. Just like I knew
you'd be.
Shannon lowers her head, takes a deep breath, then looks back
at him.
SHANNON
Grandpa, I'm Black.
Grandpa yanks his hand back, and freezes. A heavy silence
falls, then Grandpa stares blankly.
GRANDPA
(disbelieving)
That's not possible.
SHANNON
Why? Because I don't speak how you
think Black people speak? Because I
like classic literature?
GRANDPA
(defensive)
But you don't sound ... you don't
act ...
SHANNON
(gently)
Like what, Grandpa?
Grandpa's hands fall away from her face. He sits back on the
bench, visibly shaken.
Tony moves beside him and rests his hand on Grandpa’s
shoulder.
TONY
Grandpa, Shannon's mom is a
literature professor at the
university, and her dad's an
architect.
GRANDPA
(struggling)
But ... but you're so ...
SHANNON
Normal? Yes. Just like those
Chinese boys and Mr. Leibowitz.
Just like Tony's Italian friend
Marco.
Grandpa sits in stunned silence, not moving until Shannon
reaches out and takes his hand.
SHANNON (CONT’D)
You know what Scout learns in "To
Kill a Mockingbird"? That people
are just people.
(a beat)
Sometimes we're afraid of what we
don't understand, but when we
actually get to know others ...
GRANDPA
(quietly)
We see them for who they are.
SHANNON
Exactly.
Grandpa sits silently for a long moment.
GRANDPA
I ... I don't know what to say.
SHANNON
You don't have to say anything.
Just sit here and enjoy your lunch.
They sit together in silence, Grandpa still holding Shannon's
hand, his face a complex mixture of emotions.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
A Warm Encounter on the Porch
EXT. WALKER HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - EVENING - ONE WEEK LATER
Grandpa sits in a rocking chair, Shannon beside him, reading
aloud. Tony watches from the doorway.
MR. LEIBOWITZ (60s), walks by with his dog. He hesitates,
clearly used to avoiding the house.
GRANDPA
(calling out)
Evening, Leibowitz! Hot one today,
isn't it?
MR. LEIBOWITZ
(surprised)
Yes... yes it is, Walker.
GRANDPA
Tony tells me that's a fine-looking
dog you've got. What breed is he?
MR. LEIBOWITZ
(approaching cautiously)
She's a beagle mix. Her name is
Bagel.
GRANDPA
(laughing)
Bagel the beagle. That's a good
one, Leibowitz.
Shannon and Tony exchange amazed glances.
GRANDPA (CONT’D)
You know, I had a dog when I could
still see. German Shepherd. Best
friend I ever had.
MR. LEIBOWITZ
Would you like to pet Bagel? She's
very gentle.
GRANDPA
I think I would.
As Mr. Leibowitz brings his dog closer, Shannon squeezes
Grandpa's hand, pride evident in her face.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
A Heartfelt Gathering
INT. WALKER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY - TWO WEEKS LATER
The living room is filled with PEOPLE of various ethnicities
— Tony's friends and neighbors, and people from all walks of
life.
Shannon organizes books while Grandpa sits in his armchair,
looking animated.
Among the guests are Marco, David (wearing a yarmulke), and
the Chinese-American boys from the park — with their PARENTS.
GRANDPA
(to the group)
I said to Shannon this morning.
"Why stop at just us? Let's start a
real book club." Everyone's
welcome.
MARCO'S MOTHER
I brought cannoli. An old family
recipe that dates back to Napoli.
GRANDPA
(genuinely)
Wonderful! I haven't had good
cannoli in years.
Marco leans in and whispers.
MARCO
(jokingly)
That’s a ‘cannolo,’ Grandpa.
‘Cannoli’ is plural.
Grandpa laughs.
GRANDPA
I’ll be sure to remember that,
Marco, thanks.
Shannon slips a new book into Grandpa’s hands.
SHANNON
(whispering)
I brought something special today.
GRANDPA
(feeling the braille on
the cover)
What's this?
SHANNON
It's a Braille edition of "To Kill
a Mockingbird." I thought maybe we
could learn together.
Grandpa's expression softens. He reaches for Shannon's hand,
but pauses to wipe a tear from his eye, then he leans over
and kisses her cheek.
TONY
(to the group)
Okay, everyone! Time to start our
first official meeting of the
Walker House Book Club!
As everyone settles in, Grandpa pats his lap and pulls
Shannon toward him.
GRANDPA
(quietly)
Thank you for helping an old blind
man to finally see.