Chapter 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The room is dimly lit, the only sound is the quiet hum of the air conditioning. Alvin stands by the door, his hand gripping the handle tightly. His expression is resolute, but the weight of the decision is heavy on his heart. Simon stands near the window, looking at him, worry etched on his face. Brittany is sitting on the couch, watching them both closely.
SIMON:
(softly)
Alvin... this isn’t the way. We can find Theodore, together. We’ll figure it out. There’s always a way if we work together.
ALVIN:
(shaking his head, determined)
No, Simon. This is the way. I have to go.
SIMON:
But... what if it’s too dangerous? What if you can’t make it back? Theodore’s out there, yes, but you—(pauses, searching for the right words)—you can’t just risk everything, Alvin. Not again.
ALVIN:
(sternly)
You don’t get it. My whole journey began the day I lost him. Every time I find him, he slips away again. I’ve been running after him, thinking this time would be the one... that we’d finally be together. But he’s out there, alone... and I can’t let him stay there, not for one more second.
(Simon steps closer, his voice filled with emotion.)
SIMON:
You don’t have to do this alone. I’ve always been there for you, and I’ll be there for you now. Don’t... don’t push me away, Alvin.
ALVIN:
(voice breaking slightly)
I’m sorry, Simon. I need to do this. I need to finish it, and I need to do it my way. You’ve been with me through everything, but this... this is my path now.
(Simon tries to hold Alvin’s gaze, a mix of pleading and desperation in his eyes.)
SIMON:
(urgently)
Please, Alvin... don’t use the power of waking. You know what it costs. If you save him... you won’t come back. Do you understand that? You won’t come back.
ALVIN:
(firmly)
I will. I promise, Simon. I’ll come back before you even know it.
(Simon stands in silence, the weight of his worry too much to bear.)
SIMON:
(voice trembling)
But how can you be sure?
(Brittany, who has been silent until now, stands up and moves toward Simon. She places a gentle hand on his shoulder, her voice calm but unwavering.)
BRITTANY:
Simon... you have to let him go. His heart and mind are made up. He’s already decided what he has to do. You just have to believe in him.
(Simon looks at Brittany, then back at Alvin. His gaze softens, and a tear slips down his cheek. He tries to hold it together but the fear for his brother is too much.)
SIMON:
(softly, with a shaky voice)
Alvin... I... I can’t lose you too.
ALVIN:
(reassuringly)
You won’t. I’ll be back. I’ll be back before you even realize it. Just... trust me.
(There’s a long silence. Simon swallows hard, trying to keep his composure. He finally nods, his voice barely above a whisper.)
SIMON:
(slowly)
I trust you... but please, be careful. Please...
(Alvin gives a small, grateful smile, though his eyes are filled with sadness. He turns to the door.)
ALVIN:
I will, Simon. I’ll see you soon.
(Simon stands frozen, watching him, and Brittany stands beside him, trying to offer support. Alvin turns the handle, opens the door, and steps out into the night.)
BRITTANY:
(softly, to Simon)
He’ll be alright. He always is.
(Simon nods but doesn’t speak, his eyes still fixed on the door as if waiting for Alvin to return. He wipes away the tear threatening to fall, and Brittany wraps a comforting arm around his shoulders. Together, they stare into the darkness, uncertain of what’s to come but holding on to hope.)