3. Golden - Leslie

FADE IN:

INT. BANGKOK CITY SKYTRAIN - DAY

JERRY holds onto a pole and watches people push their way onto the train.

He shifts in his jacket trying to get comfortable and loosens his silk tie.

Spotting another AMERICAN entering the train, surrounded by a group of Asian women, his face lights up.

Jerry shifts towards the man and tries to start up a conversation.

JERRY
Hey man! Good to see a familiar face.
The name’s Jerry. Jerry Duvall.

PETER
Hey, I’m Peter R...

JERRY
So what brings you to the armpit of the world? heh heh.

He elbows Peter.

Peter smiles tightly.

PETER
Well, I’m here with...

Jerry grins at some of the Asian girls scattered around the train, and most look away, some roll their eyes.

JERRY
I don’t get it with these people.

PETER
I was saying that...

JERRY
They’re so proud of this stinking little country.

PETER
I...

JERRY
They should come see what a real country looks like.
You know what I’m talking about. Ain’t that right Petey?

He nudges Peter again.

PETER
I’d rather if you didn’t...

JERRY
Gives me the creeps, all their voodoo and mumbo jumbo,
think their better than us, worshipping dead uncles.
That sort of thing’s just downright spooky.

Peter shifts in his seat.

JERRY
Don’t you worry, it’s not like they understand a word we’re saying.
It’s all going above their heads.

PETER
I...

JERRY
All these bug-eaters - just savages trying to get culture...
trappings of the west...wolves in sheep’s clothing I say.
Well we taught them fifty years ago, we’ll teach ‘em again.

A GIRL with a nose ring and a miniskirt sitting across from them coolly looks towards him and slowly flips her middle finger up.

Jerry rocks slightly back, a bemused look on his face as if he can’t quite compute what she just did.

The train pulls into the station.

PETER
I was trying to say, I’m here with a girl’s academy from the States.

He stands to leave the train, and the crowd of girls stand up with him.

PETER
You have a good day.

They file off the train, the NOSERING GIRL smiles brightly at Jerry as she leaves, and follows her teacher off the train.

The doors slam shut as the warning bell shrieks. The train hisses and sighs as it speeds out of the station.

FADE TO BLACK.