Unwell Season 4/Episode 11- Run
by Jessica Wright Buha
Let's give it a try
Are you a liar?
Without you, my world is
Content Advisories for this episode can be found here.
Support Unwell and HartLife NFP on Patreon at www.patreon.com/hartlifenfp
This episode features: Clarisa Cherie Rios as Lily, Pat King as Chester, Joshua K. Harris as Rudy, Mark Soloff as Silas Lodge.
Written by Jessica Wright Buha, sound design by Jeffrey Nils Gardner, directed by Jeffrey Nils Gardner, theme music composed by Stephen Poon, recording engineer Mel Ruder, associate producer Ani Enghdahl, Theme performed by Stephen Poon, Lauren Kelly, Gunnar Jebsen, Travis Elfers, Mel Ruder, and Betsey Palmer, produced by haydée r. souffrant, Unwell lead sound designer Eli Hamada McIlveen, Executive Producers Eleanor Hyde and Jeffrey Nils Gardner, by HartLife NFP.
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INT. JULIA'S KITCHEN, 1994 - DAY
SFX: RADIO PLAYS.
NEWSCASTER
Top news from the Lillehammer '94 Winter Olympics.
SFX: JULIA RIPS THE PACKAGING OFF A STERILE BANDAGE SQUARE.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
Nancy Kerrigan won the silver
in women's figure skating
with a--
JULIA
Hold this here.
SFX: SOFT RUSTLE AS SHE HANDS THE CLOTH TO TWELVE-YEAR-OLD
RUDY.
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
--triple-slachow double toe loop that had the crowd going wild.
JULIA
Just like that, now cover your good eye. How many fingers am I holding up?
NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
Tonya Harding placed eighth in the finals with a, frankly, bizarre display.
She stopped her program midskate because of a--
SFX: CLICK AS THE RADIO IS TURNED OFF.
YOUNG RUDY
Two.
JULIA
Good. I'll get the ice.
RUDY
Is it still bleeding?
JULIA
Oh, I, um--
JULIA
I don't think I should check yet. Just keep
putting pressure on it.
SFX: JULIA'S FOOTSTEPS WALK TO THE FRIDGE.
JULIA (cont'd)
So, what happens when you see this person
tomorrow?
SFX: FREEZER DOOR OPENS.
YOUNG RUDY
I'm not apologizing. He deserved it.
JULIA
No one deserves pain.
SFX: CRUNCH/RUSTLE AS A BAG OF FROZEN PEAS IS TAKEN OUT.
FREEZER DOOR CLOSES.
YOUNG RUDY
Wait, Mom, where's the ice?
SFX: JULIA'S FOOTSTEPS WALK BACK TO YOUNG RUDY.
JULIA
This is better.
SFX: CLATTER OF A BAG OF FROZEN PEAS BEING PRESSED TO A CHEEK.
YOUNG RUDY
Can you please throw away the peas when we're
done?
JULIA
Rudolphus, they're in a package.
SFX: RUSTLE AS THE FROZEN PEA BAG IS ADJUSTED.
JULIA (cont'd)
You feeling better?
YOUNG RUDY
He said you're crazy.
JULIA
That doesn't bother me.
Did he see me dancing barefoot in the rain?
YOUNG RUDY
Cutting the lawn with scissors.
JULIA
The lawn mower's broken. Dad'll fix it when he's
back next month.
YOUNG RUDY
It's not okay to call people crazy.
JULIA
Sometimes you just have to ignore people.
YOUNG RUDY
He'll think it's okay.
SFX: JULIA SETS THE FROZEN PEAS ONTO THE COUNTER WITH A THUD.
JULIA
So. Mrs. Vazquez said the fight took place in the
cafeteria. Is that true?
YOUNG RUDY
Yes.
JULIA
So tomorrow, you're eating lunch and you see him
again, maybe he calls you crazy this time.
YOUNG RUDY
So I hit him again.
JULIA
Then he hits you. And this is my last bag of peas
until payday. So what'll we do.
YOUNG RUDY
He's gotta learn he can't do that.
JULIA
Maybe he likes hitting people. Do you like
hitting people?
YOUNG RUDY
No.
JULIA
Then don't hit him.
YOUNG RUDY
But that doesn't solve anything.
JULIA
Rudolphus, there is no problem so big that you
can't run away from it.
YOUNG RUDY
I don't want to run.
SFX: YOUNG RUDY IS SUDDENLY ABOUT TO CRY.
YOUNG RUDY (cont'd)
I can't run.
JULIA
Oh, Rudy. My brave little boy.
SFX: RUSTLE OF FABRIC AS THEY HUG.
JULIA (cont'd)
When I'm with you, my world is whole.
INT. RUDY'S CAR, PRESENT DAY - NIGHT
SFX: CAR ENGINES IDLES.
CHESTER (O.S.)
Right. I love you, Lou.
LULU (O.S.)
(over the phone)
Love you too, Chet
CHESTER (O.S.)
Could you put Jamie on?
RUDY
For all that is sacred and holy.
SFX: CAR WINDOW ZIPS DOWN.
RUDY (cont'd)
Chester!
CHESTER (O.S)
One moment, Rudy!
SFX: FOOTSTEPS AS CHESTER WALKS TOWARDS THE CAR.
CHESTER
Hey, Jam', just wanted to say I love you.
JAMIE (O.S.)
(over the phone)
I love you, too. Why aren't you here?
CHESTER
I have to take care of something.
SFX: CAR DOOR OPENS. CHESTER GETS IN.
JAMIE (O.S.)
(over the phone)
Grandpa Frank just wants to talk about school.
CHESTER
I know. Try and be patient with him.
RUDY
You ready?
CHESTER
Yes.
SFX: RUDY SHIFTS INTO DRIVE. THE CAR ENGINE RUMBLES AS RUDY
PUSHES THE GAS.
CHESTER (cont'd)
Ah, Jamie?
JAMIE (O.S.)
(over the phone)
Yes, Dad?
CHESTER
I love you.
JAMIE (O.S.)
(over the phone)
You already said that!
CHESTER
Well, I'm saying it again.
JAMIE (O.S.)
(over the phone)
I love you too. AGAIN.
CHESTER
So, ah, I have to go, but I miss you. And we'll
be together soon.
JAMIE (O.S.)
(over the phone)
Okay. Goodbye!
CHESTER
Goodbye.
SFX: JAMIE HANGS UP.
RUDY
Nervous?
CHESTER
Yes. But something must be done, so let's do it.
SFX: RUDY SHIFTS THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND PUSHES THE GAS. THE
CAR STARTS DOWN THE ROAD.
RUDY
You've got the--
CHESTER
Oh yes. Here.
SFX: CHESTER TAPS THE SIDE OF A BRIEFCASE.
CHESTER (cont'd)
The pages are a touch fragile, so I borrowed
Lulu's briefcase.
SFX: BRIEFCASE LATCHES CLICK OPEN.
RUDY
Good sound.
CHESTER
I do love that sound.
SFX: CHESTER GENTLY FLIPS THROUGH THE FRAGILE PIECES OF PAPER.
CHESTER (cont'd)
There is an honor, that I hope he'll recognize,
in viewing selections from our archives.
Especially...
SFX: A FRAGILE PAGE IS SLID OUT OF THE PILE.
CHESTER (cont'd)
This page.
SFX: THE PAGE IS GENTLY SMOOTHED OUT.
CHESTER
"Verily, I say to thee. My heart breaketh when I
do what I must. And thus do we know we are on the
righteous path." Silas Lodge, 1665
Those are his words. His words, in his hand.
RUDY
That's his handwriting?
CHESTER
Yes! Look!
RUDY
(glancing at the paper)
Oh wow.
CHESTER
If he won't listen to us, surely he'll listen to
himself?
RUDY
I don't love that he's conflating pain with
rightousness.
CHESTER
It's a quote from a murderer, I'll remind you, so
no. Not one to live by.
SFX: CHESTER REPLACES THE PAPER IN THE BRIEFCASE.
CHESTER (cont'd)
Surely the Revelator will be moved by the
gesture. These documents are the Order's most
prized possessions.
SFX: CHESTER SNAPS THE CLASPS OF THE BRIEFCASE CLOSED. RUDY
DRIVES IN SILENCE.
CHESTER (cont'd)
And I may appeal to him as a father.
RUDY
Well, good luck to you.
CHESTER
Rudy. Silas cannot be bested in a fight.
However--and he must recognize this--it's for the
good of the town that he leaves. He has to feel
the disgust the town has towards his presence.
RUDY
The whole, "If you love it, leave it."
CHESTER
Precisely.
RUDY
"Run away!"
CHESTER
Oh Rudy, no. He must not think of it as running
away. It is merely a calm, respectful departure.
SFX: RUDY IS SILENT. RUDY PUSHES THE CLUTCH AND MOVES THE
GEARSHIFT WITH A CLICK. THE ENGINE SOUND INTENSIFIES AS THE
ENGINE SHIFTS INTO A HIGHER GEAR.
CHESTER (cont'd)
The only question is if he will actually meet us
at the observatory.
RUDY
Oh, he'll show.
EXT. THE WOODS, NEAR THE OBSERVATORY - NIGHT
SFX: LEAVES CRUNCH UNDER LILY AND SILAS' FEET. FOREST NIGHT
SOUNDS.
LILY
It's not like you can never come visit.
SILAS
Lilian, Mount Absalom is my home.
LILY
But you're the Man in the Woods. It's in your
name.
SILAS
It's impossible.
LILY
But things are so wild right now. What happened
to the bottling works, what happened to Jamie--
SILAS
A misunderstanding.
LILY
Right. A misunderstanding.
And the wolves have been getting antsy. Things
feel unstable.
SILAS
Precisely, the town needs stability. Which will
come, once my presence is established.
LILY
Silas, things aren't getting better. And I
thought that was your whole thing. Taking care of
people. Being a shepherd. Doing anything for your
flock, even if it's, maybe, taking some time
apart.
SILAS
I cannot abandon the town in its time of need.
LILY
Just think about it.
SFX: SILAS AND LILY WALK IN SILENCE.
LILY (cont'd)
Almost there. Oh, and Reverend, Chester Warren's
going to help out with the tour. Go easy on him,
please? And maybe apologize about the whole Jamie
thing?
SILAS
I will do my best.
LILY
Cool.
SFX: SILAS AND LILY'S FOOTSTEPS STOP CRUNCHING LEAVES AND
START WALKING ON GRASS.
LILY (cont'd)
Here we are.
EXT. THE OBSERVATORY - NIGHT
SFX: TOP-OF-A-HILL NIGHT SOUNDS. DISTANT SOUND OF PEOPLE
CRUNCHING LEAVES AS THEY EXIT THE WOODS AND ENTER THE
CLEARING.
LILY (O.S.)
Well, what do you think? Can you believe there's
a church under here?
SILAS (O.S.)
They were most thorough.
RUDY
Here they are.
SFX: QUICK FOOTSTEPS AS CHESTER HURRIES TO RUDY.
CHESTER
Mutton bones are in place. The wolves will be
occupied for quite some time. Oh, they've
arrived.
RUDY
Lily! Over here!
LILY (O.S.)
Hey Rudy!
CHESTER
Rudy, I am having doubts--
RUDY
Just be calm.
CHESTER
What do I say to him.
RUDY
Good evening, Reverend Lodge.
SFX: LILY AND SILAS'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.
LILY
How's it going, Rudy? Hey, Chester! Reverend
Lodge, this is Chester Warren.
CHESTER
Good evening, Reverend.
SILAS
It is good to see you again, Chester Warren. Our
encounter at Halloween was too brief.
CHESTER
Yes.
SILAS
I thank you for your efforts to protect the town.
Misguided as they may be. I recognize that we are
both working towards the same aim.
CHESTER
Oh.
SILAS
And I'm terribly sorry about any distress
regarding the child.
LILY
Yeah, that was pretty scary. But no harm done.
Right, Chester?
CHESTER
It was nothing.
RUDY
Well--
SFX: RUDY OPENS THE OBSERVATORY DOOR.
RUDY (cont'd)
Shall we? Oh, shall I formally invite you inside,
Reverend?
SILAS
Your open door and a welcoming spirit is all I
need.
RUDY
Good. After you.
SFX: SILAS WALKS INTO THE OBSERVATORY. WE CAN HEAR HIS
FOOTSTEPS ECHO ON THE STONE FLOOR.
SILAS (O.S.)
Oh, my.
SFX: RUDY'S FOOTSTEPS JOIN SILAS'S
RUDY (O.S.)
Impressive, isn't it? The telescope's in the
Tendulkar design, note the distinctive ridge
where the second lens is...
CHESTER
He has footsteps?
LILY
Sure does. Come on.
INT. OBSERVATORY, MAIN FLOOR - NIGHT
SFX: SILAS AND RUDY'S FOOTSTEPS ECHO IN THE GREAT HALL OF THE
OBSERVATORY
SILAS
I understand you fixed this with the assistance
of a Resilient One?
RUDY
Resiliant One...? Oh, you mean Norah. She wasn't
my assistant, I was her's, believe me. She's out,
for the moment.
SILAS
I'm certainly in your debt. Repairs like this
make the town whole.
RUDY
This way. The entrance is in the basement. The
Delphics were quite thorough in bricking it up,
but they didn't count on ol' Rudy bringing the
hammer down! Two swings and I was in. I'm
surprised you didn't try it.
SILAS
I did not want to cause displeasure.
RUDY
To who?
SILAS
The one I serve.
RUDY
Sure. Blooms, isn't it?
SFX: BASEMENT DOOR CREAKS OPEN.
RUDY (O.S.)
It's just down these stairs--gentlemen first!
SFX: SILAS'S FOOTSTEPS GO DOWN THE STAIRS. RUDY FOLLOWS.
CHESTER AND LILY'S FOOTSTEPS ENTER THE OBSERVATORY AND WALK
ACROSS THE GREAT HALL TO THE BASEMENT DOOR.
CHESTER
So we go down into the chapel, we let him look
around,
LILY
Yep.
CHESTER
I show him the papers.
LILY
Yeah.
CHESTER
And then...?
LILY
And then I ask him to leave.
CHESTER
It just seems impossible.
LILY
Chester, come on. This whole thing's going to be
a piece of cake.
LILY
Literal cake, like, chocolate
with sprinkles.
CHESTER
Lily, Lily. How can you say
that?
LILY
I feel like things get hard when there're too
many options, like, "aw, what do I do." But this
is all we got. So it's easy.
CHESTER
Right.
SFX: CHESTER AND LILY START DOWN THE BASEMENT STAIRS.
RUDY (O.S.)
It's true, here is the proof that they do sell
fifty foot extension ladders. I anchored it here.
If you're able to do the whole vanish-and-appearwhere-
you-want bit, Reverend, that might be
easier than the ladder.
SFX: SILAS VANISHES WITH SOME SORT OF VANISHING NOISE. THE
DISTANT SOUND OF HIM REAPPEARING IN THE CHAPEL.
RUDY
You down there?
SILAS (O.S.)
I am.
SFX: LILY AND CHESTER FINISH GOING DOWN THE BASEMENT STAIRS.
LILY
All right. Silas is in the chapel. Step one,
done.
RUDY
How you guys doing?
LILY
Okay.
CHESTER
Fine.
RUDY
Good.
SILAS (O.S.)
It's rather dark. Might I trouble you for some
matches?
RUDY
The man's nuts if he thinks I'm giving him
matches.
LILY
Yeah, don't.
RUDY
(shouting down the hole)
What was that, Reverend?
SILAS (O.S.)
Some matches, if you please!
RUDY
Can't hear you! Be down in a minute!
SFX: RUDY STARTS DOWN THE EXTENSION LADDER WITH A CLATTER.
CHESTER
I'm so grateful Rudy's part of our trifecta.
LILY
Yeah. He ended up pulling through.
CHESTER
I suppose I have you to thank.
LILY
Me?
CHESTER
I know how important you are to Rudy.
LILY
Is that a joke?
CHESTER
Lily, he told me.
LILY
Told you what?
CHESTER
That he's in love with you.
LILY
What? Oh. Ha! No. That was a lie--he sometimes
does that.
CHESTER
Rudy lies?
LILY
Sometimes.
INT. CHAPEL - NIGHT
SFX: RUDY CLUNKS DOWN THE LADDER. HE'S ALMOST DOWN. RIPPLING
WATER IS HEARD.
RUDY
Almost there.
SILAS
Are you a liar, Dr. Peltham?
RUDY
Me?
SILAS
You.
SFX: RUDY CLIMBS DOWN THE LAST FEW RUNGS, THEN STEPS OFF THE
LADDER.
RUDY
I would say I share truth strategically. Like
yourself, if I'm not mistaken.
But I did not lie about showing you this. Shall
we light the lamps?
SILAS
I can't imagine they're in working order.
RUDY
Sure they are. Filled em myself. Moment.
SFX: RUDY WALKS AROUND THE CHAPEL, STRIKES MATCHES, AND LIGHTS
LAMPS. HISS OF LAMPS AS THEY'RE LIT.
SILAS
(whispering)
And you. Are you here? Could it be?
SFX: SILAS WALKS TO THE BAPTISMAL FONT. THE RIPPLING WATER
GROWS LOUDER
SILAS (cont'd)
The One I Serve, the One who Blooms. Can you hear
me?
RUDY
(shouting from across the chapel)
That's the baptismal font. Impressive, isn't it?
SILAS
(shouting to RUDY)
Yes. I built it well.
SILAS (cont'd)
(to the water)
Why does the One I Serve seem frightened? Your
servant is here. All will be well.
RUDY
I wouldn't mess with the water. Don't think it likes it.
SILAS
(to the water)
Be at peace, One who Blooms. Please.
SFX: THE LADDER RATTLES AS CHESTER CLIMB DOWN.
CHESTER (O.S.)
Oh dear, oh dear.
SILAS
Don't fret, Mr. Warren! I will catch you if you
fall!
CHESTER
Ah!
SFX: CHESTER HURRIES DOWN THE LADDER FASTER. SOMEWHAT GOODNATUREDLY,
SILAS LAUGHS AT CHESTER'S FEAR.
LILY (O.S.)
You down, Chester?
CHESTER
Almost...
LILY (O.S.)
Just drop the briefcase if it's too hard to
carry.
CHESTER
NO! I'll manage...
SFX: CHESTER CLIMBS DOWN THE LAST FEW RUNGS AND JUMPS OFF THE
LADDER WITH A RATTLE.
SILAS
Well done.
CHESTER
(shouting up)
Lily, I'm down!
SFX: LILY STARTS DOWN THE LADDER.
SILAS
Pray do not shout, Mr. Warren.
CHESTER
Oh.
SILAS
We stand in a sacred place.
Have you brought me a gift?
CHESTER
Pardon me?
SILAS
The satchel.
SFX: CHESTER STARTS WHAT MAY BE A PREPARED SPEECH.
CHESTER
I have brought, Silas Lodge, the contents of this
briefcase for you to view as a gesture of good
faith. You have agreed to hear out our argument
as to why it is best you leave--
SILAS
I'm afraid I've not agreed to that.
CHESTER
And in turn, we have agreed to state it without
malice.
LILY (O.S.)
All right, Chester! Easy! Let's not get those
horses in front of the cart.
SFX: LILY HURRIES DOWN THE LADDER, AND JUMPS THE LAST FEW
FEET.
LILY
But he's right, Reverend. I thought we might
continue our conversation from earlier.
RUDY
(shouting from across the
chapel)
There! Got the place lit up like a birthday cake.
SILAS
Oh my.
RUDY
(shouting from across the
chapel)
How's she look?
LILY
Reverend?
SILAS
Leave me.
CHESTER
(whispering, to LILY)
What now?
LILY
(whispering, to LILY)
Let's just give him a second.
RUDY
She's a beaut, isn't she?
SILAS
I built this place. For you. For the town.
RUDY
Yes. Shame it was buried.
SILAS
It was a shame. A horrific, dreadful, abhorrent
shame.
RUDY
Murderers don't get monuments.
SILAS
All I worked for, forgotten.
RUDY
Again, you kill people, and you're done. Nothing
personal.
LILY
Reverend Lodge, we'd like to start a discussion
about how we can both get what we want--
SILAS
Where are my papers? Were they burned?
RUDY
Sure, I bet most of em.
LILY
RUDY.
SILAS
Oh.
CHESTER
I have what remains! In here.
SFX: CHESTER TAPS THE BRIEFCASE. SILAS STRIDES OVER.
LILY
Yes, I believe Chester's brought something from
the archives.
SILAS
Show them to me.
CHESTER
First, an agreement. You leave town.
SILAS
Never.
LILY
Everybody hold on. So my idea was, maybe, we can
do a thing where we let you come in town once a
year and we can have, like, a little festival.
CHESTER
Not a festival.
LILY
An event. A persimmon brandy brew-off or
something.
SILAS
I can already enter the town on Halloween.
CHESTER
But the town doesn't want you here.
SILAS
Do not tell me what the town wants.
LILY
Reverend, it's true. You have to see that.
SFX: THE WATER IS GETTING LOUDER AND MORE AGITATED
SILAS
I know what the town wants. The One who Blooms
will be respected, and I will be the one ensuring
that is so!
LILY
Silas, even the water's mad at you.
SILAS
Silas?
LILY
Reverend Lodge.
SILAS
Lilian, hear me. I will not be disrespected in my
house.
LILY
The water is getting agitated, that's just the
truth.
CHESTER
For in thy hale and verdant
arms,
We have everything we need!
By our lakes and homes and
halls
SILAS
I've tolerated your sharp
tongue for too long. I think
a lesson is in order
LILY
Reverend Lodge.
SILAS (cont'd)
For the one sin I cannot forgive is disrespect.
SFX: ALL THE LAMPS FLARE UP WITH A HISS/CRACKLE.
CHESTER
And our celery standing tall,
We survive while the others
fall!
Mount Absalom, Mount Absalom,
How may we best thank thee?
For in thy green and growing
arms
We have everything we need!
RUDY
Lily, get upstairs
LILY
Easy with the lamps, Silas.
We're not having a fire in
here
SILAS
You address me as your equal?
RUDY
Lily, now!
LILY
Come on, Reverend. I thought
we were friends.
SFX: WATER EXPLODES OUT OF THE BAPTISMAL FONT. IT GUSHES OVER
THE FLOOR.
RUDY (cont'd)
Oh shit.
LILY
It's Blooms! Yes!
RUDY
Seemed like your boss picked a side, Silas.
SFX: HISS AS THE WATER WASHES OVER THE LAMPS, EXTINGUISHING
THEM.
LILY
Nice one, Blooms! Looks like you lost fire
privileges, Reverend.
CHESTER
In thy hale and verdant arms, we've everything we
need.
LILY
Leave us one lamp, Blooms, please? Thanks.
SFX: ONE LAMP REMAINS LIT. WATER HAS STOPPED FLOWING OUT OF
THE BAPTISMAL FONT, BUT THE WATER IS STILL A LITTLE AGITATED.
LILY (cont'd)
Or maybe Blooms wants us out.
CHESTER
Everyone, up the ladder. Quickly now, everybody
up.
SFX: CHESTER CLIMBS SEVERAL RUNGS OF THE LADDER, UNTIL HE'S
ABOUT TEN FEET UP. THE WATER IS NOW ABOUT THREE FEET DEEP ON
THE FLOOR OF THE CHAPEL AND IS RUSHING SOFTLY IN A CIRCLE
AROUND THE BAPTISMAL FONT DAIS.
CHESTER (cont'd)
Lily!
LILY
Coming.
SFX: LILY WADES/SPLASHES OVER TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LADDER.
LILY (cont'd)
Reverend, we'll talk later!
SFX: LILY CLIMBS THREE FEET OF THE LADDER.
LILY (cont'd)
Rudy, let's go!
RUDY
I'm not leaving him here.
LILY
Rudy, don't! I'm not loving this current.
RUDY
The water's only halfway up the steps of the
baptismal font. The dais is still dry. I'll be
fine.
LILY
Don't!
RUDY
Lily, I can swim!
LILY
Rudy, I was a lifeguard. I'm just smart enough
not to get in a strong current--
RUDY
I'm not running.
LILY
I'm not running either, Rudy, I'm just not
gonna--
LILY
--drown.
RUDY
Silas!
SFX: RUDY SPLASHES OVER TO SILAS.
RUDY (cont'd)
Ooo! This current is stiff.
SILAS
(softly, to the water)
That woman was in no danger. Why did you feel you
had to protect her?
SFX: RUDY SCRAMBLES UP THE STAIRS OUT OF THE
WATER AND ONTO THE DRY BAPTISMAL FONT DAIS.
SILAS (cont'd)
(softly, to the water)
I would never hurt any of my flock.
RUDY
Who are you talking to?
SILAS
The one I serve.
RUDY
This that Blooms fellow I’ve been hearing about?
He pretty pleased with your job, you'd say?
SILAS
Things have been thrown into chaos.
RUDY
Yeah, by you.
Surprise me and walk out of here.
SILAS
No.
RUDY
So it's Plan B.
SILAS
And what is your plan B, Dr. Peltham.
RUDY
I can’t wait to show you. You want to see it?
SILAS
I mean in regards to your mother.
RUDY
What?
SILAS
You traveled all this way, to a tiny town in the
far West, to see her. Will you just give up?
RUDY
I traveled to Mount Absalom cause I heard it’s
got ghosts, but that was a lie.
SILAS
Something you’re well-versed in.
RUDY
The only lie I ever told—-not a white lie, not a
little bullshit lie, but an actual lie—-was when
I said I had no questions. That it’s all right,
that I understood, that I didn’t need to know
why.
But I know why.
SILAS
You know why she succumbed?
RUDY
Yes.
SILAS
Why?
RUDY
Because I made her too sad.
SFX: RUDY'S NEVER SAID THIS OUT LOUD BEFORE.
SILAS
We stand in a powerful place. I cannot make her
appear—
RUDY
It doesn’t matter. It’s not her.
SILAS
But I know who can.
(to Blooms)
I appeal to the One I Serve, the One who Blooms.
I pray that you assist this man in his time of
need.
SFX: THE WATER GETS AGITATED.
RUDY
I don’t want to talk to a shadow.
SFX: APPEARING SOUND AS JULIA APPEARS. THE WATER
QUIETS TO A RIPPLE.
JULIA
Rudy? Rudy. My brave boy?
RUDY
I'm not talking to an echo.
JULIA
You made me so happy. When I was with you, my
world was whole.
RUDY
No, no, no. NO.
JULIA
When I was with you, my world
was whole.
RUDY
If I'd made your world whole, you would have
stayed.
JULIA
There were so many times I wanted to fade into
the dark. Then I thought, "but Rudy would be
sad." You were the reason I stayed for so long.
RUDY
And then what happened.
Some people make it.
JULIA
Yes, they do.
SFX: RUDY CAN'T SPEAK.
RUDY
Why didn't you?
JULIA
All I know is that I love you, Rudy. That's all I
know.
RUDY
That's not all you know. You also know--
JULIA
How to drive a car.
RUDY
You used to say that.
JULIA
I love you.
RUDY
I love you, too. It's okay, Mom. You can rest.
It's all okay.
SFX: JULIA DISSOLVES.
SILAS
You see?
RUDY
Yeah.
SILAS
Be at peace, Dr. Peltham. Your mother did not
want to go, but she had to.
RUDY
I get that she did. But she didn't have to.
SILAS
Your mother loved you--
SILAS
--with the love of a
thousand--
RUDY
Oh, no--without question.
RUDY (cont'd)
Loved me more than anyone ever will.
But she gave me some advice once--what am I
RUDY (cont'd)
saying, she'd say this all the time.
"There's no problem so big that you can't run
away from it."
SILAS
There is truth in that, Dr. Peltham. There's no
shame in the knowledge that you do not have the
upper hand.
Now, why don't we all go back upstairs, with
peaceful hearts and content minds.
RUDY
That's not happening.
SILAS
Dr. Peltham, do not despair because you cannot
fight me.
RUDY
(wry)
Yes, rejoice in the chance to run!
SILAS
No need to run. Why not coexist?
RUDY
Because a kid goes missing and you think it's
funny.
SILAS
A most unfortunate--
RUDY
You bring wolves to just hang around town and
terrorize everyone. You blow up buildings for a
laugh.
SILAS
I would never--
RUDY
You murder people.
You would never murder people? Can you say that?
SILAS
I've been met with difficult choices.
RUDY
You know, I get why someone would run. But then
you're leaving people behind, and that's a shitty
thing to do.
(MORE)
RUDY (cont'd)
So I'm not gonna just go back up with a peaceful
heart, because I'm not gonna let you keep fucking
up this town.
SILAS
I was hoping my gesture of good faith would serve
to calm you regarding my intentions.
RUDY
Showing me my mom? No, that's just boilerplate
manipulation.
SILAS
I have always behaved righteously--
RUDY
And only you know what's righteous.
Only you know what's good, and maybe people die--
SILAS
That was for the best.
RUDY
--a little collateral damage,
RUDY
and sure it'd be easier for me to go, "You know
best, Silas!" And just run away. But I won't.
Because she was wrong. I love her, but she was
wrong, cause there are times you gotta stay and
fix it--
SILAS
There's nothing to be done.
RUDY
--and I'm gonna fix it--
RUDY (cont'd)
'Cause if you're not going away, then I will make
you go away because I'm not running.
SILAS
Run.
RUDY
Ehh!
SFX: RUDY PUSHES SILAS DOWN INTO THE BAPTISMAL FONT. SILAS
GASPS AND STRUGGLES AS RUDY HOLDS HIM UNDER THE WATER. THE
WATER ROARS, AND BECOMES INCREDIBLY AGITATED.
CHESTER
RUDY!
LILY
Rudy, let him go!
RUDY
It has to be done!
SFX: UNDER THE WATER, SILAS TRIES TO SHOUT. HE SPUTTERS AND
CHOKES ON THE WATER.
SILAS
(underwater)
Help! Help!
LILY
Rudy!
RUDY
It's for the good of the town!
SILAS
(underwater, very softly)
help.
SFX: SILAS IS SILENT. THE WATER QUIETS TO A NEAR-RIPPLE.
RUDY
It's done. It's done! Let's get upstairs.
SILAS
(echoing)
help.
SFX: SILAS'S "HELP" ECHOES AND REVERBERATES THROUGH THE WATER
THE WATER GETS AGITATED AGAIN.
RUDY
Get up the ladder!
LILY
Rudy!
SFX: SUDDENLY, THE BAPTISMAL FONT TURNS INTO A FOUNTAIN.
SILAS'S BODY IS PUSHED OUT OF THE WELL BY THE PRESSURE OF THE
WATER. SILAS'S FACE STRUGGLES OUT OF THE WATER.
SILAS
Help!
SFX: SILAS VANISHES AND THE WATER RUSHES BACK
RUDY
Where'd he go?
LILY
RUDY!
CHESTER
He escaped. Vanished.
LILY
You thought he was just gonna let you drown him?
RUDY
It almost worked!
RUDY
Something about the water--he
couldn't just disappear. The
water had to let him go.
LILY
Rudy! And now he's pissed.
What were you thinking? Of
course he vanished. JESUS,
RUDY.
CHESTER
Well, this is a damn mess.
RUDY
I had him until the water pushed him out.
SFX: THE WATER RUSHES OUT OF THE BAPTISMAL FONT MUCH
MORE AGGRESSIVELY THAN BEFORE.
LILY
Let's get upstairs.
RUDY
Yeah, let me just--
SFX: RUDY SPLASHES INTO THE WATER.
RUDY (cont'd)
Hoo, this is a strong current.
LILY
Hey, Blooms? You want to stop the water?
SFX: THE WATER KEEPS POURING OUT OF THE FOUNTAIN. THE WATER
LEVEL IN THE CHAPEL STARTS TO RAPIDLY RISE.
CHESTER
Lily, climb. Climb!
SFX: LILY AND CHESTER CLIMB UP THE LADDER A FEW FEET.
LILY
Blooms! One who Blooms! Hey! It's Lily! Stop the
water!
CHESTER
Rudy, to me! Quickly!
LILY
Stop the water, Blooms!
RUDY
Chester, I'm trying! But the current is-- AH!
SFX: RUDY IS SWEPT IN. RUDY SPLASHES AS HE STRUGGLES TO KEEP
HIS HEAD ABOVE WATER.
LILY
Blooms! Stop!
RUDY
Wait!
LILY
Blooms, stop the water! Save him!
CHESTER
In thy hale and verdant arms, we've everything we
need.
CHESTER
In thy green and growing
arms, we've everything we
need.
LILY
RUDY! RUDY, SWIM! RUDY!
SFX: RUDY SPUTTERS AS THE CURRENT DRAGS HIM UNDER WATER.
SFX: UNDER THE WATER. THE WATER RUSHES ALL AROUND RUDY. RUDY
TRIES TO SHOUT. HE SPUTTERS AND CHOKES ON THE WATER.
RUDY
Wait! Wait!
LILY (O.S)
(above water)
RUDY!
RUDY
(very softly)
wait.
SFX: RUDY IS SILENT. THE WATER STOPS RUSHING.
SFX: BACK ABOVE WATER. THE WATER IS NOW RIPPLING PEACEFULLY.
LILY
Rudy!
SFX: WITH A GREAT SUCKING SOUND, THE WATER RECEDES ALL AT ONCE
BACK INTO THE WELL.
LILY (cont'd)
RUDY!
SFX: LILY AND CHESTER SCRAMBLE BACK DOWN THE LADDER.
CHESTER
No, no, no.
SFX: LILY AND CHESTER'S FOOTSTEPS SPLASH OVER THE WET STONES.
A WET THUNK AS LILY ROLLS RUDY OVER. SOFT SOUND AS LILY STARTS
CHEST COMPRESSIONS.
LILY
One-two-three-four-five-sixseven-
eight-nine-ten-eleventwelve-
thirteen-fourteenfifteen-
sixteen-seventeeneighteen-
nineteen-twentytwentyone-
twentytwotwentythree-
twentyfourtwentyfive-
twentysixtwentyseven-
twentyeighttwentynine-
thirty.
CHESTER
Where's the pulse.
Lily, Lily, I'm not feeling
anything.
Rudy? Rudy?
Check the side of the neck.
Check the chest.
Check the wrists
He's not breathing.
I can't find the pulse.
SFX: LILY BREATHES INTO RUDY'S MOUTH TWICE.
CHESTER (cont'd)
Lily, I don't think...[he's alive]
LILY
Rudy! Rudy! three-four-five --
CHESTER
Lily, he's gone.
LILY
I can get him back. Rudy, let's go. Come on,
Rudy! Lost count. Start over, one-two-threefour--
CHESTER
Lily, there's no pulse!
LILY
I KNOW I'M FIXING IT.
SFX: LILY'S LOST COUNT AGAIN.
LILY (cont'd)
Ah... six-seven-eight-nine--
CHESTER
Lily, stop. It's over.
SFX: LILY CAN'T BREATHE. THE LAST FEW DROPS OF WATER DRIP OFF
THE WALLS.
LILY
Fuck.
SILAS!
SFX: LILY'S SCREAM ECHOES OFF THE WALLS OF THE CHAPEL.
LILY (cont'd)
I'm gonna kill him.
LILY
I knew what he was capable
of, and I just thought--I
don't know what I thought.
CHESTER
This wasn't Silas. Lily, Lily.
LILY
What.
CHESTER
Silas didn't do this. It was the Town.
LILY
The Town? You mean Blooms?
CHESTER
Yes.
LILY
No. Blooms is helping us. Blooms warns us through
the house. And when Silas got weird towards me,
it made the moat. It protected me.
CHESTER
It killed Rudy to save Silas.
SFX: THIS IS A BLOW.
LILY
What do we do.
CREDITS.
POST CREDIT SCENE.
EXT. THE WOODS - MORNING
SFX: BIRDS SING. SILAS BREATHES IN SHARPLY. THE LAST OF THE
FALL LEAVES RUSTLE AS SILAS SITS UP.
SILAS
Oh.
HE WORKS TO REGAIN HIS BREATH. HE IS EXHAUSTED AND THE TINIEST
BIT WEAKENED BY HIS ORDEAL.
SILAS (cont'd)
Your servant thanks thee.
SFX: SILAS CATCHES HIS BREATH. HIS VOICE STEADIES.
SILAS (cont'd)
The work begins. I will not betray thy trust.
END OF PLAY.