The film opens on a shot of the curb. The camera slowly moves upwards perpendicular to his body, introducing us to our main character Joe. He’s just your average freshman at his new institution. He’s soft-spoken, nervous, unsure of himself. When the shot finally reaches his face, the camera should hold. He looks meek and doesn’t exactly exude self-confidence. The camera holds on his face. He is still, and then moves forward, past the camera.
Intercut.
Joe moves forward, the camera facing his back as he crosses the street and heads towards a large foreboding building. This is college; all of the time, space, and energy that is college is literally contained within the confines of this building. As Joe reaches the middle of the street, the camera should pan up to an establishing shot of the building; the bright autumnal skyscape seemingly fades to a more neutral hue. Throughout this, the audio should be filled with multiple recordings of people saying their goodbyes.
Intercut.
The shot should be from the vantage point of the door handle. Joe quickly approaches it from the edge of the street and reaches out to grab hold. The audio should be getting slowly, yet progressively louder.
Intercut.
The shot changes to a profile of Joe as he clutches the handle. He’s hesitating, unsure of whether he wants to open the door. The audio reaches a crescendo. He opens the door and the audio cuts.
Intercut.
Joe begins to walk forward, towards the front desk where atop sits a stack of freshly-printed papers. The camera swings slowly behind him to his left side, finishing its motion when he picks up the top piece of paper from the stack. He walks forward a few steps, the camera keeping pace with him. Joe stops and looks down at the paper. His eyes are trained on the stairs in front of him, Joe, puzzled, looks around the room quickly. He then proceeds forward again, the camera still keeping pace with him as he moves to ascend the staircase. He arrives at the stairs and moves swiftly up them, reaching the second floor. He turns to his left and heads towards a set of double doors as the camera follows behind him. The camera stops and Joe goes through the double doors. A few seconds pass and an adult male voice shouts: “Wrong room!” Joe exits through the same set of double doors, his pace quickened slightly, and walks straight back to where he came from.
Intercut.
Joe keeps walking and goes down a second hallway. He arrives at the door. He tries to frantically turn the knob, but the door is locked. He lets go of the doorknob and cups his hands around his eyes as he peers into the room. Joe is still peering into the room, but quickly gives up on his efforts and turns, marching down the hallway. Joe is now standing at the end of the hallway. He cocks his head slightly, as if trying to hear something. He snaps his head to left and immediately heads down that direction.
End Scene.
Discovering Partying (2)
While exploring the halls of the building, Joe starts to hear muffled music with a heavy bass. He follows the sound, curious as to what he’ll find. He starts running down the halls, desperate to find the source of the music. The music, though still muffled, begins as to grow louder as he travels further down the hall. The music’s volume reaches its muffled zenith when Joe reaches a final door. Colored lights are flashing beneath it and the bass from the music seemingly shakes the door. He stares at the door, unsure of what he’s run into. He slowly reaches for the handle, grasps it, but hesitates. Joe puts his ear to the door; he looks puzzled. With his curiosity at its peak, he swings the door open and goes inside. Within the room is a wild house party. Everyone is having a great time and is happy to see a new face join the festivities. An upperclassmen approaches Joe.
Nick
Hey what’s up man? Are you a freshman?
Joe
Um...yeah. You?
Nick
I’m a junior. How you like it here so far?
Joe
Uh, yeah. It’s pretty cool so far…
Nick
You alright man? You seem a little nervous.
Joe
A little bit. This is kind of a lot to take in. I didn’t party a ton in high school, so ya know…
Nick
Say no more dude. I get it. It’s cool. Here, you’ll need this.
Nick hands Joe a beer and the two shake hands.
Nick (cont.)
I’m Nick. Just stick with me and you’ll be fine.
Joe
Joe.
Nick
Nice to meet you.
The song changes.
Nick (cont.)
Oh shit yes! I fucking love this song!
No, no, no. Who invited this guy? What’s up man?!
Joe
Wait…
Nick walks away to greet his friend, leaving Joe to fend for himself. Joe proceeds forward nervously.
Joe
Okay, okay, okay…
Michael
Hey man. You’re lookin’ a little nervous there. Here try this.
Michael slides the bong over to Joe.
Michael (cont.)
The name’s Michael.
Joe
Joe.
Michael
Have you ever used a piece like this? All you do is just light it here, inhale, and pull this part out after a few seconds, but keep inhaling. Like breath in as much as you can.
Joe
Sounds easy enough.
Joe takes a hit. He holds the smoke in for a bit, but falls into a coughing fit.
Michael
Oh, little man tried to go too champ with it! Make sure you drink that.
Joe drinks the beer that Nick gave him. Joe and Michael share an awkward silence.
Joe
So what classes are you in?
Michael
Do I look like I wanna talk about class right now?
Joe
Not really. Sorry. Um, how high are you?
Michael
No, I don’t smoke.
Michael reaches forward and takes another hit from the the bong.
Michael (cont.)
It’s a bad habit that I choose to abstain from.
Joe
Alright, well... um...enjoy your partying, I guess?
Michael
Likewise stranger.
Joe continues to walk through the crowded house, perplexed by all that he is seeing. He moves slowly and looks over into the bathroom. A man sits on his knees in front of the toilet, slumped over having just made it through a bout of vomiting. He lifts his head out of the toilet and spits into the bowl, and reclines on the side of the bathtub. A girl in a party dress and high heels stands over the counter in front of him, bent over. The girl leans closer to the countertop and snorts a line of cocaine. She begins to stand up. The girl stands and holds her head back. She wipes the coke from her nostrils. She stoops her head forward, pinches the rest away and shakes her head. She exits the bathroom, leaving the sick man sitting on the bathtub. His eyes widen and he jumps up and thrusts his head in the toilet to throw up again. Joe squints, unsure of what exactly he has just witnessed. He turns around and nearly runs into a girl who was walking towards him.
Kayla
Oh! Sorry! Didn’t mean to run into you!
She puts her hand on his arm, slides it down and off-one quick motion.
Joe
Oh, it’s okay. Um hi…I’m Joe.
Kayla
I’m Kayla!
They shake hands. Kayla is acting perky and interested in Joe.
Kayla (cont.)
Are you new here? I don’t think I’ve seen you here before?
Joe
Uh yeah this is my first year here actually and-
Kayla
Stop right there. House rules: if it’s your first night here, you have to take shots!
Joe
Um…okay…
Kayla grabs Joe’s hand and leads him into the kitchen before he can protest. They stop by the sink, as Kayla reaches across the counter for six shot glasses. She pours some liquor in each glass and places them in front of Joe
Joe (cont.)
Are you sure this is okay?
Kayla
Yeah, totally! I know Nick, he’s super chill.
Joe
I don’t know; this doesn’t feel-
Kayla
It’s your first night here! You have to!
She hands him the first shot.
Kayla (cont.)
Drink pussy!
Joe, surprised by her boldness, quickly knocks back all six shots. He puts his hand to his mouth and squeezes his eyes shut. He then opens his eyes and moves his hand away from his mouth. The alcohol has made him more upfront and confident.
Kayla
Nice, there ya go! How you feelin’?
Joe
Lit!
Kayla
Good! Damn, you pounded those shots!
She leans in to whisper in his ear.
Kayla (cont.)
You know, you’re pretty cute for a freshman.
She reaches out and grasps Joe’s hand. They leave the kitchen and race up the stairs, searching for an empty room.
Intercut.
The shot is now focused on a door outside the party. The music is muffled. A few seconds pass by and Joe opens the door, steps out, and closes the door. He rests his back against it and stares at the wall ahead of him. A bewildered smile spreads across his face. He leaps up, opens the door, and rejoins the party.
Intercut.
Joe has left the party and is drunkenly trying to find his way back to his back to his dorm. Slowly, Joe staggers into frame, walks towards the door, opens it and stumbles inside.
End Scene.
Going To Class (3)
Joe’s alarm goes off, blaring for a few seconds before eliciting the slightest response from Joe. He lazily reaches his arm, missing a few times in the process, and shuts off the alarm. Joe slowly opens his eyes. He turns over, rubs the sleep from his eyes, and sits up in bed. He looks around the room disoriented, but stops his scan when he sees his roommate, Kevin, sitting on a separate bed, looking at his phone. Joe stares at his roommate, who continues to look at his phone. Joe quickly looks around the room and refocuses his attention on his roommate. Kevin becomes aware of his roommate staring at him. He glances at him from the corners of his eyes and realizes that Joe will not look away. He rolls his eyes, looks up from his phone and tries to feign interest in his roommate.
Kevin
Hi…
Joe
…
Kevin
Okay? I’ll try again...hi!
Joe
Um...were you here last night?
Kevin
My name’s Kevin. And you are?
Joe
Uh, Joe. Were you here last night?
Kevin
Oh! You mean when you drunkenly stumbled in and made a ruckus? Yup!
Joe
Oh...um, sorry about that.
Kevin
It’s fine! Not like I was trying to sleep and that racket woke me up. Not even close! Totally not mad about it; but hey, pretty unique introduction!
Joe
Oh god!
Joe jumps up from his bed, covering his mouth, and runs to the bathroom to vomit. We can hear his muffled vomiting from within the room.
Kevin
Oh this is gonna be fun!
Intercut.
After some well-spent time vomiting, Joe walks into the room, wiping his mouth.
Joe
Hey, do you, perchance, have any Tylenol?
Kevin is focused on his phone again, almost completely disinterested in his roommate.
Kevin
Well, I have Advil, like a normal person. Check that drawer.
Without looking up from his phone, Kevin points to a drawer. Joe opens the drawer and takes some advil.
Joe
Thanks.
Kevin
No problemo.
Kevin is still fixated on his phone. Joe checks the time and grabs his backpack.
Joe
Damn it! I’m gonna be late on my first freakin’ day!
Joe runs out the door.
Kevin
Yeah good luck!
Joe is out of the door.
Kevin (cont.)
Fuckin’ tool.
Intercut.
Joe barely makes it to class on time. He walks through the door and looks around. He sees Michael, whom he met at the party, and goes and sits down beside him.
Joe
Hey, how’s it going?
Michael
Ehh...it’s ok. Not really wanting to be here ‘cause ya know, hangover’s are a thing.
Joe
Unfortunately, I feel that. You heard anything about this class?
Michael
Not a thing. Let’s hope it’s easy!
Joe
It’s stats…
Michael
Fuck.
Joe
Shouldn’t be that hard.
End Scene.
Fake Love (4)
After the end of his first class, Joe exits the room with Michael. They are the first ones out and a crowd follows soon behind them. They stop and allow the crowd to envelop them. The new friends have exchanged phones and finish putting their numbers into the others’ phones. Each hands the others’ phone back to its owner and they begin walking again.
Michael
Well that wasn’t so bad.
Joe
We survived at least. I feel like that’s gonna get harder as we go on.
Michael
Agreed, unfortunately. But hey! Hit me up if you ever wanna party. I know where the good ones are at!
Joe
Oh for sure!
Out from another room walks Kayla, with whom Joe eloped at his first party. They see each other and Joe waves and she waves back (Joe should be a bit more enthusiastic). He walks up to her with the intention of asking her out.
Joe (cont.)
Hey Kayla!
Kayla
Hey. Joe, right?
Joe
Yeah. We met at that party over the weekend.
Kayla
Yes! Nick’s party right? God, that was a good time.
Joe
Yeah it was and I was thinking, since you know, and you said I was cute and I kinda think you are too…
Kayla
Oh god. I don’t know what you thought that was, but I’m not looking for anything right now.
Joe
But we…
Kayla
I know and it was nice, and you were really good by the way, but that’s all it was.
Joe
I don’t understand.
Kayla
It was just a hookup. That’s all it was and will be. I’m sorry.
Joe
It’s ok, I just...whatever, never mind.
Joe storms off. He rounds a corner, pulls out his phone, and calls Michael.
Joe
Hey, where did you say that party was?
End Scene.
The Breakdown (5)
Joe walks through the door of the house he partied at previously. He walks in, elated to be back. Everyone seems to be excited to see him and rush to greet him.
Intercut.
Joe is asleep in bed, trying to shake his drunken stupor. His alarm goes off, but is ineffective in its efforts to wake Joe. Kevin, however, wakes up and turns it off.
Intercut.
Joe is now in class, sitting next to Michael. He is disheveled and extremely tired. As his professor drones on, Joe’s head slowly droops and falls. He hits the desk and immediately jumps back up.
Intercut.
Joe is in the middle of a party. A small crowd is formed around him, chanting “Chug!” Joe raises his beer bong and drinks. After he is finished, the crowd cheers and disperses. Kayla walks up to Joe, who in his displeasure to see her, flips her off. He walks past her, finds another girl to hook up with, and goes upstairs.
Intercut.
Joe is hunched over the toilet, vomiting.
Intercut.
Joe bursts through the doors in the middle of his class in a panic. Everyone stops what they’re doing and stare at him. Clearly embarrassed, Joe quickly composes himself and walks up to his seat.
Intercut.
Joe is slumped over-top of the couch in Nick’s house. The party rages on around him, and Kayla and a friend walk to Joe, sharpies in hand. They flip him over and begin draw to Joe.
Intercut.
Joe wakes up the next morning on the couch, freshly drawn penises adorn his face.
Intercut.
The stats professor walks up the aisle towards Joe, carrying a stack of papers. He reaches Joe and hands him the top piece of paper. It’s the previous exam, which Joe failed. He looks to his side and notices Michael isn’t present today.
Intercut.
Michael is sitting in his room when he hears a knock at his door. He gets up and answers the door and elated to see Joe. He welcomes him inside and beckons him to join the smoking circle seated in the middle of the room.
Intercut.
Michael and Joe, waltz into the stats class in the middle of a lecture, high out of their minds. The two stumble up to their seats, giggling and laughing the entire way.
Intercut.
Joe and Michael are walking together down a hallway, colorful lights vaguely flashing from a distant source. As they walk, a thumping bass gradually becomes more prominent. Their bodies now bathed in the once-remote lights, the pair turn sharply and head up to Nick’s door. Joe knocks and a random party-goer lets them inside.
Intercut.
Much later Joe is standing, drooped over the sink in a bathroom near Nick’s party. Kevin walks up to him and waves away Kayla, who was watching over Joe to make sure he was okay.
Kevin
You okay bud?
Joe
Fuckin’ peachy.
Kevin
Yeah… If you’re quite done there, I’ll take you back so you can go to bed.
Joe
No! No! I wanna party and fuck bitches!
Kevin
I know, buddy. I know.
Joe
Kevin, you don’t even know! I may not seem like it, but I pull crazy bitches!
Kevin
No, you certainly don’t seem like it.
Joe
Just party with me and you’ll see. I’ll show you the ropes!
Kevin
Joe, I have absolutely no interest in doing that.
Joe
Okay. I’m gonna go back and rally now.
Joe shuffles towards the bathroom’s exit. Kevin steps in front of him to stop him.
Kevin
No! Bad Joe! You need to go home now! Joe, I’m gonna win. I’m stronger and much smarter than you right now.
Joe stops and hugs Kevin. He lets go, but still leans on Kevin for balance.
Joe
On second thought-
Kevin
I really wouldn’t call it “thinking” right now.
Joe
Okay. Let’s go back.
They leave the bathroom and walk down the halls towards their room.
Joe
You know, you’re a real good friend for helping me, Michael.
Kevin
That’s really sweet, but I’m Kevin.
Joe
What?! I’m sorry, I’m not okay.
Kevin
I cannot wait to tell you about this tomorrow.
Intercut.
Later that same night, the two sit in their darkened room. Kevin plays on his phone, while an intoxicated Joe sleeps in his bed. Joe starts making odd heaving noises and Kevin realizes he is about to throw up in his sleep. Kevin springs up from his bed, dropping his phone and runs over to Joe. He flips him over and quickly places a trash can beneath his head.
Kevin
No! You are not allowed to die on me tonight!
Joe finishes throwing up, but Kevin stays by his side.
Kevin (cont.)
Then again, I’d get free tuition. Wow, Kevin. That was the evilest thought you’ve thought yet. Why thank you Kevin, I try.
Intercut.
Another day in stats class, Michael sits in his seat alone. He gets his quiz back, and is proud to see a “100%” written on top of the page. He looks over to Joe’s empty seat; he skipped class again. The professor stands over him.
Professor
Not here again today?
Michael
Nope. I’m actually getting concerned.
Professor
My advice: don’t let him drag you down. You’re a gifted student and I wouldn’t want to see you fall into his destructive habits.
The professor walks away, leaving Michael to gaze back at Joe’s empty seat.
Intercut.
Joe is at another party that same day he skipped class. He shotguns a beer and reaches for another. Michael sees him and approaches him.
Joe
Michael! What is up?!
Michael
Hey. Where were you today?
Joe
What? Oh, for stats? Man, fuck that class!
Joe shotguns the beer in his hand and reaches for another. Michael catches his hand, grabbing Joe at the wrist, preventing him from getting another drink.
Joe (cont.)
Mike, what the fuck?
Michael
Will you stop drinking for one second?
Joe
Second over! What do I win?
Michael
Do you not understand what’s happening? How many have you had tonight?!
Joe
Not enough!
Michael
I disagree. You have a problem, Joe. You can party every once in awhile, that’s fine. But you’re taking it too far. When was the last time you went to class?
Joe
Stop!
Michael
Fuck that! No, I won’t! Joe, you came here on scholarship; now you’re about to flunk the fuck out!
Joe
Sorry, dad, but I don’t really wanna fuckin’ hear it from you right now.
Joe reaches for a drink again. Michael knocks it off the counter to stop him from getting it. Everyone stops their partying and looks to see what’s happening.
Michael
Did you even hear a fucking word I just said?!
Joe
Stop it. You’re making a scene!
Joe reaches down for the can of beer on the ground. Michael steps in front of him and kicks the can away. Joe jumps up immediately and shoves Michael.
Joe (cont.)
Michael, what the fuck?!
Michael recovers, steps forward, and shoves him back.
Michael
I’m fuckin’ trying to help you!
Joe throws a haymaker at Michael. It connects, breaking Michael’s nose. Michael staggers and regains his balance. The party has completely stopped, everyone focusing on the drama unfolding; some people are recording the incident on their phones. Michael wipes some of the freshly drawn blood. Rage fills his face as he lunges at Joe and tackles him into the kitchen. Kayla stands to side, panicking; she pulls her phone out and calls the police.
Intercut.
Joe is sitting handcuffed outside the room. A paramedic cleans the blood from Joe’s face. He glares at Michael, who is giving a statement to a policeman. Another cop walks up to Joe (after he’s clean), stands him up and walks him downstairs to a door labeled “Campus Police.” He opens the door for Joe and lightly shoves him inside. The officer follows behind him and shuts the door.
Intercut.
Joe sits in a holding cell while an officer stands guard outside. He is alone and simultaneously trapped in the cell and thought. He knows Michael is right.
End Scene.
The Dropping Sequence (6)
The charges were dropped, so the policeman walked Joe back to his dorm. He is sleeping off the alcohol (again) from the previous night. His face is bruised. He wakes up and tries to rub his eyes, but stops from the pain. Kevin is nowhere to be found. Joe’s phone begins to vibrate as his mom calls him.
Joe
Oh God, this can’t be good.
He picks up the phone and answers it.
Joe (cont.)
Hello?
Mom
Hey honey! Is everything okay?
Joe
Uh, yeah. Everything’s fine! Why are you guys calling?
Mom
I give you life, but I can’t call and talk to you? You were actually supposed to call me, remember? You said you would do that in the morning.
Joe
Umm… no, I don’t. When did I say that, again?
Mom
Last night!
Dad
Are you serious?! Were you blacked out then?
Joe
Is that dad?
Dad
Yes.
Joe
Hi dad. How’s it goin’?
Mom
Answer the damn question, Joseph.
Joe
I… may or may not have been slightly intoxicated.
Mom
God dammit Joseph!
Dad
How often are you going out? I mean we figured you would party a little in college, but we didn’t expect a call from the fucking police station while you’re detained!
Joe
I’m sorry!
Mom
Please tell me this is somehow just a minor mistake or a misunderstanding! Have you been neglecting your studies too?
Dad
That’s a great question, hun. How are your grades, son?
Joe
They’re great.
Dad
Do not bullshit us, Joseph!
Joe
I have no idea.
Mom
Joe, what the hell?! Do you know what GPA you need to maintain your scholarship?
Joe
Yes…
Dad
Then what’s going on?
Joe
I’ll be honest with you guys: I hate it here. I don’t know. The people here all suck; like, nobody’s real. And the one person who did give a shit, I pushed away. There’s nothing under the surface; they all just get fake IDs to match their fake personalities. They go out, get drunk, hook up, hurt people and do it all again the next weekend.
Mom
We’re sorry to hear that.
Joe
I think I may have an alcohol problem.
Mom
Well we can help you with that.
Joe
And an STD.
Dad
Jesus Christ.
Mom
What you’re father means to say is that that’s treatable. You really don’t like it there?
Joe
No. I’m talking to my advisor sometime soon.
Dad
Please keep us updated on what happens.
Joe
I will. I have to go now. I’m so sorry, for everything.
Mom
You’re our son, Joe. We’ll always love you.
Joe
Thank you guys. That really means alot to me right now.
Dad
We love you, son. Good luck. Bye.
Mom
Goodbye, Joseph.
Joe
I love you guys too. Bye.
Joe hangs up the phone. He sits down. He puts his head in his hands and begins sobbing.
Intercut.
Joe is talking to his advisor about switching out of his stats class.
Advisor
You picked a good time to swap out your class! You’re just in time to switch and not be penalized for it. How is everything going for you so far this year?
Joe
Not the best. I really hate the class. Plus the guy that did this sits next to me, so… ya know.
Joe gestures to the bruises on his face.
Advisor
Honestly, the first reason is plenty. And it’s done. I hope you like this class a bit better.
Joe stands up and begins to walk out. He stops at the doorway and turns around.
Joe
Me too, ‘cause if I don’t, I’m honestly thinking about dropping out.
Advisor
Well definitely don’t rush that decision. You have plenty of time to find something you’re passionate about.
Joe
I know. I know. Anyways, thanks for your help.
Advisor
Of course! Anything else you need, just come to me. I’ll help you out. You have a good day, now!
Joe
You too.
Joe exits the room.
End Scene.
The New-Found Passion (7)
Joe sits in his first day of his new class. He looks bored. The person next to him passes the assignment for the day. He takes some time to read over it. Slowly as he goes over the page, his bored expression fades, replaced with genuine interest in the material. He finishes reading the handout, pulls out his notebook and a pen, and begins feverishly writing.
Intercut.
Joe, Kevin, and Michael are all sitting in Joe and Kevin’s room watching a movie. Considerable time has passed since Joe and Michael’s fight. So much so that they all seem to be enjoying the others’ company.
Kevin
We need to have movie dates more often.
Michael
Agreed.
Joe
Why didn’t we do this earlier?
Kevin
Probably on account of you’re alcoholism, if I had to guess.
Joe
Okay, well I’m past that.
Kevin
That you are and I’m proud of you, sport!
Kevin tousles Joe’s hair and plants an exaggerated kissed on the top of his head. Joe playfully pushes him off.
Joe
Okay we aren’t that close, pal.
Michael
Really? No love for me?
Kevin
Well he’s way cuter. And he’s got that dark, damaged mysteriousness to him that drives me crazy.
Michael
Well he just rejected you, so…
Kevin
Well, I happen to like when they play hard to get.
Michael
I feel like you just don’t want to kiss me.
Joe
Face it, Michael. I pull the bitches.
Kevin
Nuh, uh. Ain’t no man callin’ me a bitch and getting away with it.
Kevin gestures to Michael.
Kevin (cont.)
Come on, Mr. Rebound. You’re coming with me!
Michael
Oh, now you acknowledge me.
Kevin
Watch your attitude, sir. That’s my thing.
Michael and Kevin stand up and walk towards the door.
Joe
Wait. Where are you guys going?
Kevin
Well, I’m going to the bathroom to pee. And Michael here is going to accompany me because if I’m not given constant attention and affection, my fragile psyche will shatter; Michael doesn’t want that on his conscience. Haven’t we been over this?
Joe
So many times now, yes. So you’re just gonna tease the poor boy?
Kevin
Precisely.
Kevin and Michael walk out the door.
Joe
Okay now I’m actually concerned about you guys.
Kevin peaks his head back into the doorway to address Joe’s comment.
Kevin
Joe, it’s 2015. I can tease whomever I want!
Joe
I’m impressed you knew it was “whom.”
Kevin
I know, I’m amazing. But that doesn’t excuse your intolerance!
Kevin leaves again, but continues to respond by yelling down the hall.
Joe
I am not intolerant!
Kevin
Then accept me and Michael’s love!
Joe
Michael and I’s love.
Kevin
Whatever!
Joe pulls his phone out of his pocket and calls his mom.
Mom
Hello?
Joe
Hey, mom! How’s everything there?
Mom
Oh they’re just fine. How’s everything going over there? How’s the creative writing class?
Joe
Amazing! I just got my last piece back and my professor loved it! I’m pretty sure she reads it for fun now, if I’m being honest.
Dad
I’m so proud of you Joe!
Joe
Is that dad? Hey dad!
Dad
That’d be me! You staying out of trouble?
Joe
Yes dad. I think I had my fill of trouble already.
Mom
Good boy.
Joe
Yeah, I haven’t gone out in ages and I’ve never been happier. Oh! And I’m symptomless! So that’s good, right?
Dad
Son, there’s nothing I’d rather hear about more than your formerly diseased penis, but we have go real soon.
Mom
But hey! We’ll call you in a few hours, okay?
Joe
Okay, sounds good!
Dad
You better answer. I wanna hear all about your newest piece!
Mom
Yeah, we wanna hear all about it!
Joe
All right. Sneak peak: it might be getting published!
Mom & Dad
Wait wha-
Kevin and Michael walk back into the room.
Joe
Okay. Gotta go! Love you both! Bye!
Joe hangs up the phone quickly and puts his phone away.
Joe (cont.)
About time you guys got back! The story isn’t even close to over!
Kevin and Michael sit back down on the futon. Joe picks up the remote and hits play.
End Scene.
