313. Alexander the Liberator: A Balloon Parable - Leslie

• FADE IN:


• EXT. CITY PARK - DAY


• ALEXANDER peddles gleefully down the park path, his small bike, a mass of color, with a dozen balloons tied to the back.


• He bikes past a small pond, whizzing past ducks who honk in protest at the little boy disturbing their peace.


• The path becomes steeper and Alexander works harder, his little legs pumping furiously.


• The path grows narrow as trees crowd in.


• Alex slows, working harder.


• He finally makes it to the top of the hill and lets out a long breath.


• He pushes his bike to the edge of the hill and looks over the edge.


• He grins as the sun sets over the park.


• A breeze tugs at the balloons and he looks over at them.


• His smile dims as he watches them pulling at their restraints.


• He watches for a moment, then sighs, his smile disappearing.


• They tug hopefully at the bike seat.


• He trods solemnly to the bike and pulls the balloons free.


• Walking to the cliff edge, Alexander purses his lips then lets the balloons go.


• They race away on the wind, colors racing upward.


• He turns away, walking slowly back to the bike.


• A lone blue balloon floats up, then stops, hovering as Alexander returns to the bike.


• The balloon wavers, then descends.


• It brushes Alexander's shoulder and he turns, his face lighting up.


• Taking the balloon, he sits at the edge of the cliff, and together, they watch the sun slowly sink.


• FADE TO BLACK.