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

Listen to the episode here.

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.