72. Lives, Observed (or Out of Context) - Leslie

• FADE IN:


• Note: In the following, the CAMERA is a silent character. The film is intended took take place in a single fluid shot.


• EXT. CITY SIDEWALK - DAY


• ALYS balances on the edge of the sidewalk, dangerously close to the street.


• She wears paint splattered jeans, a graphic tee, and worn vegan shoes.


• Her nose ring glistens in the sun.


• She turns to CAMERA.


• She comes closer and puts a finger to her lips.


• ALYS
• Listen.


• She begins walking and Camera follows.


• Two WELL-DRESSED WOMEN walk towards them on the sidewalk.


• WELL-DRESSED WOMAN 1
• ...and we slept on cots, you know, just on the floor.


• WELL-DRESSED WOMAN 2
• Yeah, you'd just lay them out when it got too hot...


• Their voices fade and blend into the a FRAZZLED FATHER leaning down to his seven year old DAUGHTER who clutches his hand tightly.


• FRAZZLED FATHER
• Mia, please be careful, I don't need you busting open another... Mia!


• Alys and Camera move past them, and Alys turns to admire the colorful cloth in the windows of the fabric stores lining the sidewalk.


• TWO MEN, one in skinny jeans and a busy graphic tee, the other in baggy jeans and an undershirt walks slowly past Alys and Camera.


• MAN IN SKINNY JEANS
• Oh honey! Sometimes I just want to curl up with the internet and turn his pages. Mmmm.


• Alys grins at camera as the couple fade out of earshot.


• A HOMELESS MAN sits under a large storefront window and holds a large, dirty cardboard sign which reads "Withdrawing in disgust is not the same thing as apathy."


• Alys stands for a long moment looking at the sign.


• The homeless man smiles and hands her a quarter, she grins back and curtsies.


• Alys waves camera on and they cross the street.


• A MAN ON A CELL walks in front of them, speaking quietly


• MAN ON CELL
• May, May? It's James. Is that really you? Yes, yes. I love you so much. No, please don't say that, I don't blame you at all. It's alright. I've found you now.


• Alys turns to Camera one last time, and nods, solemn.


• She turns, and walks into a crowd, as Camera stands, watching her disappear.


• FADE TO BLACK.