Saturday, April 4, 2020

Attempt 1

From the brilliant Joy Isi Bewaji. She had a challenge during a screenwriter retreat and I decided to take a stab at it.

The Logline: A middle-aged married woman (MM) finds out she is pregnant for another man, how does she break this shocking news to her 30 year old son (Son)?

INT. SON'S APARTMENT - DAY. MM and Son are in the kitchen/dining area. 
MM is restocking the fridge with containers of various lengths and widths containing cooked food: okro, stewed chicken, efo riro, aluminum foil of jollof rice, a bag of puff puff and another with meat pie.

MM is inspecting the fridge to make sure the containers fit
MM
You should have enough food in here for the next month.

MM turns to look at her son coming into the house carrying groceries and says with slight annoyance
MM
You really should try to clean up this fridge once in a while.
Son places the grocery bags on the floor and puts up his hands in defense. MM closes the fridge.
Son
I try. But you know, it's hard working these consulting hours.
Son walks to his mom and gives her a back hug and kisses her cheek
Son (cont'd)
Which is why I massively appreciate you bringing me these meals. You know you're an amazing cook..chef.
Son steps back and starts putting groceries away
MM (half-amused)
Mhmm mm. Who says I'm the one cooking? I order yours along when I order from (sponsor/freebie: allidoiscook). But there is something serious I need to talk to you about.
Son nods at her while putting the groceries away. MM moves to the counter that separates the kitchen from the dining area.
Son
Yeah, I'm listening. Is everything okay with you and Daddy?
Son stops and turns to his mom in jest
Son (with an eyebrow raised in jest)
Is there another family contribution fund coming up?
Mom sits and speaks bluntly
Mom
I'm having a baby
Son freezes and slowly turns to look at his mom. A can of groceries in his hand
Son (speaks slowly)
Like adop-ting?
MM sighs deeply and speaks gravely, offering a weak smile
MM
Nooo... like the actual carrying and birthing
Son retorts immediately, his face expressing both shock and amusement. His hands open in bewilderment.
Son
For who?
MM slightly cocks her head to the side and raises her eyebrows. She looks down and then looks at her son
MM
Well, that's the thing....
Son's face turns from amusement to anger and hurt. MM takes on a more serious tone and is almost sad.
MM
It's not your dad's.
[the end]





No comments:

Post a Comment