348. Stranger - Leslie

• FADE IN:


• INT. CHURCH LOBBY - DAY


• RICHARD, dressed in a crisply pressed shirt, khakhi pants, a perfectly matched tie, and shiny dress shoes, stands at the breakfast table, listening to the music coming from inside the sanctuary.


• He looks over at the table, contemplating the bagels, then at his watch.


• He sighs.


• RICHARD
• Guess it's that time.


• TED, a homeless man dressed in ragged plaid and holey sneakers pushes open the door nearest to the breakfast table and walks toward Richard.


• Ted's beard is flecked with unidentifiable bits of food and Richard works hard at not backing up as Ted approaches him.


• Ted barely looks up, mumbling.


• TED
• Could I get a bagel for my friend out there? Eddie, Eddie's ashamed to come in. Doesn't use drugs, doesn't do nuthin'. I told him the food was ok for him to have. Church people wouldn't mind, but he's ashamed.


• RICHARD
• Sure, that's fine.


• Richard moves aside to let Ted get to the table, then glances at the man's hands and reconsiders.


• RICHARD
• Here, I'll get you that bagel. Does he want it toasted, cream cheese?


• TED
• Just plain with cream cheese is fine. Knows the Bible better than anyone I know, Eddie does, but he's ashamed.


• Richard cuts a bagel and slathers it with cream cheese.


• He puts it on a plate and places a muffin next to it.


• RICHARD
• Yogurt?


• TED
• No, no...doesn't trust those packaged things, Eddie doesn't.


• Richard hands him the plate, trying not to shudder as their hands touch.


• Ted looks up at him for the first time.


• TED
• You think I didn't notice?


• RICHARD
• Excuse me?


• TED
• You'll get to Him on that day and you'll say, "Lord, Lord, I fed poor, smelly Eddie, I gave Ted the plate, Lord" and He'll say, "Get out, I don't know you, never did."


• Ted holds his gaze with Richard until Richard looks away.


• Ted turns to shuffle away and Richard rushes, faster than he'd like to the sanctuary, pulling open the door and letting the strains of music free for a moment, before closing the door behind him.


• FADE TO BLACK.