A Change in Zoe

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or situations is coincidental and completely unintentional.






A CHANGE IN ZOE



FADE IN:

INT. NEW YORK CITY STREET MORNING
New York City is seen at rush hour. Cars are lined up bumper to bumper, horns are honking. People are walking up and down streets, and street signs are changing. Subways are going up and down, and people are walking through stiles. ZOE TOLLE is seen walking quickly out of an apartment building and on to a street. She carries a briefcase, a purse, a gym bag, and an overcoat over her arm. Zoe is in business attire, but is wearing tennis shoes.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I’m Zoe Tolle. My parents named me Zoe after my grandmother. Her name was Zoe, too, of course. Grandma Zoe was the first generation born in America, and she always told us to work hard and make the most of our selves. Success, she said, separates the men from the boys, the wheat from the shaft. That was before women’s lib.

Zoe juggles her baggage as she buys a newspaper and then continues to walk down the street. She passes an old man, GUITAR MAN, sitting in a chair by a wall playing guitar, but she doesn’t notice him.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Now, men and women alike are trying to climb that next rung on the ladder of success. That is, when we can find the ladder.

Zoe stops at a street cart and buys coffee from the COFFEE MAN.

ZOE TOLLE
Coffee, please. Large, black.

COFFEE MAN
Regular or decaf?

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, caffeine. I definitely need caffeine.

The Coffee Man hands Zoe the cup of coffee.

ZOE TOLLE
Thank you.

Zoe gets the coffee and continues quickly walking down the street.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, when we’re not trying to climb that ladder or break through glass ceilings or whatever other daring feats of business we try to do from college to death, we try to figure out who we are. I’ve heard that we find the answer to that question when we find inner peace.

INT. INSIDE OF A BUSINESS BUILDING MORNING
Zoe walks into the front doors of a high-rise building and greets the DOORMAN.

DOORMAN
Good morning, Ms. Tolle.

ZOE TOLLE
Morning.

Zoe walks to the elevator and greets the ELEVATOR MAN as the elevator doors open.

ZOE TOLLE
Morning.

ELEVATOR MAN
Good morning, Ms. Tolle.

INT. INSIDE OF A CROWDED ELEVATOR MORNING
Zoe stands in the elevator with THE OTHER ELEVATOR RIDERS. Zoe anxiously watches the floors change until the electronic number shows floor 21

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Inner peace is hard to find in the big city. Trust me, I’ve tried. I’ve tried meditation, visualization, and relaxation, exercising and vocalizing, prayer, yoga, acupuncture and acupressure, and even medicinal herbs.

The bell for floor 21 rings and the doors open.

INT. FLOOR 21 MORNING
Zoe and two strangers get off onto floor 21, which opens to a hallway. Zoe walks down a hall and into the doors above which is the sign MICHAELS, MICHAELS, JULIAN, MARKUS, AND SMITH ADVERTISING.

INT. MMJM&S ADVERTISING AGENCY MORNING
Zoe walks into the office, passes and greets the secretary (RITA BURSTYN).

RITA BURSTYN
Good morning, Ms. Tolle.

ZOE TOLLE
Hey, Rita.

RITA BURSTYN
(hands Zoe some messages) These have already called for you this morning.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Not to mention talk therapy, touch therapy, past life regression therapy, and primal scream therapy, which was just plain scary. And, except for opening my mind and emptying my pockets, I can’t say that any of it’s done too much.

Zoe walks down a hallway, greeting CO-WORKERS along the way, and then walks into her office and shuts the door.

INT. ZOE’S OFFICE MORNING
Zoe steps into the office and quickly sighs in relief. Slowly, she drops her baggage in a chair, but takes her gym bag to her desk, sits down, and begins to change into dress pumps.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
But, in-between all of that searching for myself, I’m here. At the illustrious Michaels, Michaels, Julian, Markus, and Smith. We do promotional advertising for companies that sell CDs and DVDs and PCs.

INT. MMJM&S CONFERENCE ROOM DAY
FIVE MALE MMJM&S EMPLOYEES sit around a conference table and watch Zoe give a presentation while pointing to a chart labeled AGE GROUP 12-29.

ZOE TOLLE
So, what our research has shown is that this age group are the primary fans of the band and they relate to more edgy promotions, visuals, darker tones.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Basically, if your product can be described with initials and put on a shelf in the entertainment department, we’re for you. It’s not exactly what I thought I’d be doing with my art degree, but the job can be interesting from time to time.

INT. HALLWAY OF MMJM&S DAY
A PUNK ROCK BAND passes Zoe walking in the hall. PUNK ROCKER #1 speaks to Zoe. He has multiple piercings and tattoos on his face and one side of his head is bald.

PUNK ROCKER # 1
Hey, Zoe, when you gonna go out with me.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, sorry, Killer, it’s against company policy to date the clients. (Zoe rushes off)

INT. ZOE’S OFFICE DAY
Zoe mouths talking on the phone while typing on the computer. Rita comes in and places a stack of mail on one part of the desk and a stack of papers in the IN Box. Zoe sighs. Rita goes around, pats Zoe on the back, gives her a little hug, and then walks out.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
So, that’s my life. Or, at least, that was my life. But, I’m getting a little ahead of myself here. Maybe I need to start from the beginning. It all started a few weeks ago…

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT BEDROOM MORNING
The alarm rings. Zoe awakes, startled, removes her eye mask, struggles to quickly shut off the alarm, but knocks the alarm clock off the bedside table first. She then retrieves the clock while laying in bed, turns it off, and looks at the digital readout: 6:00.

ZOE TOLLE
Six o’clock? No. I set the alarm for five.

Zoe rushes out of bed and into the bathroom.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT BATHROOM MORNING

ZOE TOLLE
I’m sure I did. Ohhhhh.

Zoe turns on the shower and grabs a towel from a rack. When she does, the entire rack of towels crashes to the floor.

ZOE TOLLE
Why does this always happen when I’m late.

Zoe stands in front of the mirror, putting on make-up. She goes to put on lipstick, but when she rolls the tube upward, the small tube comes out of the container and falls into the sink. Zoe grunts in frustration.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT KITCHEN MORNING
Zoe runs into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator. She fans the door twice quickly before shutting it. A cat (CLAUDE) sits upon the counter beside an empty food bowl watching.

ZOE TOLLE
What am I doing? No time for that.

Zoe runs out of the kitchen.
The cat meows.
Zoe runs back into the kitchen and quickly picks up a bag of dry cat food from beside the refrigerator and haphazardly pours some into the food bowl.

ZOE TOLLE
Gotta go, Claude.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing/from afar)
Peterson account this morning.

Zoe again rushes out of the kitchen.
The cat meows.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM MORNING
Zoe puts her shoes on while trying to quickly walk out the door. She rushes out the front door. Then, she slowly walks back in the door, embarrassed at herself, carefully picks up her purse, briefcase, and overcoat, and then slowly walks out the door.

INT. OUTSIDE ZOE’S APARTMENT BUILDING MORNING
Zoe walks out of the building and onto a busy New York street, walking past other pedestrians rushing to get to somewhere. Zoe speaks to the strangers as she hurries by.

ZOE TOLLE
Excuse me. (pause) Excuse me.

Zoe bumps in to STRANGER #1.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, sorry, excuse me.

Zoe rushes past the newsstand where she usually buys a paper. Again she rushes past the man playing guitar. She then rushes toward and past the coffee man.

COFFEE MAN
Ready for your mornin’ pick-me-up?

ZOE TOLLE
Can’t this morning. No time.

Zoe nears the office building, but just before entering the door she bumps into STRANGER #2, a businessman (in his mid-thirties) who spills his cup of coffee on her suit. Zoe screams in frustration.

ZOE TOLLE
Ahhh!

INT. ZOE’S OFFICE DAY
Zoe sits in her office chair, her suit still stained from the coffee. ADRIAN MICHAELS is in the office, sitting on the corner of the desk facing Zoe.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
I’m just saying…

Rita Burstyn walks in, carrying a bottle of soda water that she hands to Zoe from across the desk along with a rag.

RITA BURSTYN
Here. Try this. Blot, don’t rub.

ZOE TOLLE
Does it work? (takes the items)

RITA BURSTYN
Of course it works. It’s my job to know these things. People in my position secretly rule the world.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
Oh, yes, the secretary motto.

Zoe opens the bottle and begins to blot at the stain, periodically putting more bottle water on the rag.

RITA BURYSTN
(leaving) Secretary, no. Front office representative. I am the voice of this company. (she leaves, closes the door behind her)

ADRIAN MICHAELS
What is it they call all these new labels, politically correct? They didn’t teach us at Harvard to be prepared to learn a new language just to do the job.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, Adrian, times… (pause) they have already changed. (stops blotting, confused) Blot don’t rub? What’s the difference? (continues blotting again)

ADRIAN MICHAELS
But, as I was saying, Zoe. When I let that young nephew of mine talk me into changing the company from general advertising to specializing in this youth market, I was a little hesitant. But, business is business, and some things never change, regardless of the age of the consumer. You want to know why?

ZOE TOLLE
Why, Adrian.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
Because the person with a product to sell always has the same goal: to make money.

Zoe stops blotting, and puts the rag onto the desk by the bottle.

ZOE TOLLE
So, you’re saying Peterson doesn’t want me on the account, that he’s leaving the company, what?

ADRIAN MICHAELS
He’s willing to stay with the company. He even liked your ideas when I presented them to him. But, he doesn’t want (clears his throat), as he put it, that crazy woman working on the account, or any of his accounts for that matter.

ZOE TOLLE
That crazy woman?

ADRIAN MICHAELS
Zoe, you screamed in his face and then kept screaming for him to be more careful.

ZOE TOLLE
(getting emotional) He spilled hot coffee on me, Adrian! I didn’t know it was Peterson. Besides, what was I supposed to do? (stands, walks to the filing cabinet behind the desk, turns to Adrian) Say, oh, I’m so sorry, sir, you’ve spilled all your coffee all over my business suit. That’s too bad for you.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
He thinks you need disciplinary action.

ZOE TOLLE
What?

ADRIAN MICHAELS
(moves his hand in a reassuring manner)

Don’t worry, I think he’s gone overboard on all of this. He’s just another one of those kids who made a million before they were twenty with those mindless video games and now that he’s older and made a few more million, he thinks the world is supposed to bow down to him. Nothing’s going to happen to you, Zoe. I like your work, your enthusiasm for the job. You remind me a bit of myself when I was younger. And, I like your dedication to Michaels, and Michaels, and, oh, I’ve forgotten all the names we’ve added to the sign. When did life get so complicated anyway? But, I do think you’ve been working too hard, too much. I can’t remember the last time you took a vacation day, let alone an entire vacation.

Zoe raises her finger as if to speak.
Adrian raises his hand to stop her.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
(continuing)
Business trips don’t count. Take some time off, Zoe. Have some fun.


Zoe sits back down, a look of defeat upon her face.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
(continuing)
Get away for a while. Find yourself, whatever that means. I only threw that one in there because it’s part of this new language. (shakes his head) I just don’t understand.

Zoe rests her head on her fists, her elbows are on the desk.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
(continuing)
Two weeks, beginning now, Zoe. I really think it will do you a lot of good. Recharge the batteries.

Adrian pats Zoe on the back and stands to leave.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
(continuing)
Come and see me when you get back, Zoe. Let me know how it goes.

Adrian leaves, shutting the door behind him.
Zoe sits at the desk, and sighs.

INT. OUTSIDE ZOE’S OFFICE BUILDING DAY
Zoe slowly walks outside with her purse, briefcase, and overcoat. The street is still busy. She looks up but the sun is behind a skyscraper.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Let me know how it goes. That’s business code for If I don’t like the changes I see when you get back, you’re fired. So there I was with two weeks to find myself, something I hadn’t been able to do in years.

Zoe looks down the street, then up the street, but sees nothing but people and buildings that all look the same. Zoe begins to slowly walk. Then she sees a small sporting goods business called SCALING HEIGHTS SPORTING GOODS with a GRAND OPENING sign in front of it.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
But, then, maybe sometimes what we’re looking for has been right in front of us all along.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM DAY
Zoe is still in her pajamas, eating a bowl of cereal and channel surfing. Claude the cat lays on the back of the couch watching the tv. Zoe is bored. There is a knock at the door. Zoe turns off the tv, walks to the door.

ZOE TOLLE
(through the door) Who is it?

RITA BURYSTYN
(filtered)
It’s your favorite secretary.

Zoe chuckles and opens the door. Rita comes inside.

ZOE TOLLE
What happened to front office representative?

RITA BURSTYN
Oh, I’m no fool. I know who I am. I just want him to take me seriously is all.

ZOE TOLLE
Have a seat, Rita.

Zoe and Rita sit on the couch.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
So, what are you doing here? Michael, etc., is not known for sending people to check on employees-on-leave.

RITA BURSTYN
No, but you know how the office is, Zoe. Nobody’s used to you not being at work. There was so much going around about you I just had to come and make sure you were okay.

ZOE TOLLE
(trying to hide a smile) Had to see if I was okay or try to find out what the truth is about why I’m not there.

RITA BURSTYN
Honey, you know secretaries are better than the CIA at finding out information. I tell ya, I think I missed my calling. Um-hum.

ZOE TOLLE
So, what are they saying about me?

RITA BURSTYN
Well, Margaret from billing thinks you’re just taking a vacation but it’s because you’re eloping to France with some guy named Claude who made his fortune in real estate.

Zoe chuckles and looks to the cat.

ZOE TOLLE
Did you hear that Claude?

Rita Burstyn
Greg, you know, the cute intern from the copy room, he said that he heard from Martin in the cafeteria that you’re on leave because you have to have surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor and there’s only about a five percent chance that you’ll live through it.

Zoe’s eyes widen and she swallows hard.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
And, then there’s Mr. Markus. I don’t know how he ever made partner. He just never knows anything. He just says it’s your own private business.

Zoe nods in agreement and appreciation of the privacy.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
But, Ted and Juanita from legal both say that you’re not on vacation. You actually quit because of sexual harassment from Mr. Julian. Which, I don’t know why they would think that. Everybody knows Mr. Julian is in the closet.

Zoe raises her eyebrows as if she didn’t know.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
Everybody knows he’s been secretly seeing Mr. Hamilton from the New Age Sounds account. Oh, and Billy, the water cooler guy, you know, the one that’s real clean cut and clean shaven…

Zoe nods in understanding.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
…he said that you’re taking the days off because you’re in trouble with the law because you stole some diamonds and you need to buy some time so that you can get out of the country before you’re caught.

ZOE TOLLE
(surprised) Wow! And, I’ve only been gone one day.

RITA BURSTYN
And, we haven’t even got to the other account managers yet.

ZOE TOLLE
Please, Rita, I’ve heard enough.

RITA BURSTYN
Okay, I just thought you’d want to know. (pause) So…

ZOE TOLLE
So?

RITA BURSTYN
So, would you like to add your explanation to the group?

ZOE TOLLE
(tries not to laugh) You know, Rita, so far the office thinks I’m having an affair, I’m getting married, I’m even on the run from the law. I just don’t think I could add anything to that list that would be more exciting.

RITA BURSTYN
But you know what they say, truth is stranger than fiction.

ZOE TOLLE
So, I’ve heard.

RITA BURSTYN
(more serious) Oh, come on, Zoe. We may not be the closest of friends but I’ve seen the changes in you over the past few months. Whenever there’s a new account, you’re the first one the bosses run to because they know you’ll always be there. They like you not taking time off. Why, I can’t even remember the last time you talked about having a boyfriend, other than Claude the cat there.

The cat meows.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
And, taking a cat to the vet does not qualify as a date.

The cat gurgles and jumps off the couch, leaves the room.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
You’ve been working too hard. You need some time off. You deserve it. I’m surprised this little forced vacation of yours…

Zoe looks to Rita with surprise.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
Oh, come on now, don’t be surprised. Messages about leave have to make it down to the payroll office somehow and memos in personnel files don’t make it there on their own.

Zoe is somewhat embarrassed.

RITA BURSTYN
(continuing)
Here, I brought this for you. (removes a pamphlet from her purse and hands it to Zoe) It’s for the Soul Rejuvenation Ranch and Spa. I went there last year after my third divorce. Wonderful. The most blissful spa experience I’ve ever had. I left there a different woman. They have all sorts of treatments and classes and lectures and, you’ll enjoy it, Zoe. You will. It’ll change your life.

ZOE TOLLE
(quietly) Thanks, Rita.

RITA BURSTYN
No problem. And, don’t worry, Zoe. (smiles, pats Zoe on the knee) I just gather information. I don’t leak it. Not the real stuff anyway.

Zoe feigns a smile.

INT. NEW YORK CITY STREET NOON
Zoe is walking down the street, putting on her overcoat as she walks. The street is busy, but not as busy as usual. She has her purse with her, and her dress is casual. Her walk is more slow and exploratory.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
It’s strange how much of life you miss sometimes. Life has a habit of rushing by. Or, maybe we rush by life. But a lot of the blurs and hazy areas become more clear when you slow down.

Zoe sees the man sitting by a wall, playing guitar. She stops and listens, smiles at the pretty sounds, and nods favorably to the man. She then takes cash out of her purse and lays it in his guitar case sitting on the ground. The Guitar Man nods back in gratitude. Zoe walks slowly on.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Had he been there all along? I don’t really know for sure. I had walked along this street to get to work since the day I began as an intern, seven years earlier. And, yet, I didn’t remember ever seeing him before. But, then, things do come and go rather quickly in the city.

Zoe walks by an OUT OF BUSINESS sign in a store window.
Zoe walks up to the Coffee Man.

ZOE TOLLE
Uh, coffee, decaf this morning, just a small, please.

COFFEE MAN
Sure you don’t want that extra-large caffeine fix that you usually get?

ZOE TOLLE
Uh, no, not today, thanks.

COFFEE MAN
I think this is the very first time you’ve ever gone for somethin’ different than the usual.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, somewhere inside, I knew he was right. Repetition had become the name of the game, my way of life, my blessing and my curse. It kept my life in order, all right, but it also kept my life from changing.

Zoe takes the coffee and hands over the money.

ZOE TOLLE
Sir, in all these years of morning coffees, have I ever asked your name?

COFFEE MAN
No. Why would you? I’m just the coffee man. It’s our little anonymous morning caffeine rallies, as my wife used to call ‘em. May she rest in peace.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
But, all that was about to change.

Zoe begins to slowly walk away.

COFFEE MAN
(quietly calling out) Ralph.

ZOE TOLLE
(turns back to him) I’m sorry?

COFFEE MAN
My name is Ralph.

ZOE TOLLE
(smiles) Nice to meet you, Ralph. I’m Zoe.

Coffee Man smiles at her as she turns and walks away. ANOTHER CUSTOMER approaches the coffee cart.

ANOTHER CUSTOMER
Extra large regular with two sugars.

INT. OUTSIDE THE SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
A cab pulls up outside a posh resort. Zoe gets out of the cab. The CAB DRIVER gets her suitcase from the trunk and a BELLBOY carries the suitcase inside. Zoe looks at what’s outside before following the bellboy inside.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
It started with signing up for a full week of deluxe relaxation and restoration.

INT. INSIDE LOBBY OF SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe follows the Bellboy to the front desk of a posh lobby. The DESK CLERK greets Zoe with a smile. The Bellboy walks away after Zoe gives him a tip.

DESK CLERK
(with a big smile) Welcome to the Soul Rejuvenation Ranch and Spa. May I have the name on the reservation, please?

INT. INSIDE DELUXE SUITE AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe gives the Bellboy another tip, closes the door, walks into the room.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I treated myself to the deluxe suite. Why is it that all rooms, whether regular or deluxe or whatever, are all the same. There’s a bed, a television, and a chest of drawers. The only thing that really changes is the view. Of course, sometimes, the view is worth the extra bucks.

Zoe opens the curtains to reveal the scenic view of mountains and pastures.

INT. BARN/PASTURES AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Near the barn, a WELL-BUILT MAN (HEATH SULLIVAN) is carrying hay bales from a truck to the barn. He removes his hat and wipes the sweat from his brow. Nearby, A YOUNG ATTRACTIVE MALE is trying to help an OLDER WOMAN wearing a lot of diamonds on to a horse.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
All I can say is that divorce must be a lucrative business proposition because there were a lot of new ex-wives at the spa. And, a lot of cowboys to wait on them hand and foot.

INT. OUTDOOR POOL AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
A WAITER in a tuxedo carries a drink to a WOMAN sitting by the pool.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Rita was right. Soul Rejuvenation had it all. And, I think I tried it all. There was wheat grass served daily to help detox the body.

INT. DRINK BAR AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe is in a bathrobe by a bar, drinking from a small cup. Her expression is one of disgust in response to the taste.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
But, not until I finished my class of hot yoga.

INT. HOT YOGA CLASS AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe is in a hot YOGA CLASS. Zoe is sweating profusely. She has difficulty with the postures and looks to each side of her, but everyone around her seems to do them perfectly. The YOGA INSTRUCTOR taps a cane in front of Zoe.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR
(angrily) Breathe! You must concentrate.

INT. SPA ROOM AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe is having her eyebrows waxed. SPA WORKER # 1 harshly pulls the wax off of the brow. Zoe winces in pain.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Before long I had been waxed and weighed…

INT. EXAMINATION ROOM AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe is weighed by SPA WORKER # 2, who writes something on a chart.

SPA WORKER # 2
You eat too many animal products.

Zoe appears confused. Spa worker # 2 leads Zoe out and Zoe follows like a lost sheep.

INT. ACUPUNCTURE ROOM AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe is on a table receiving an acupuncture treatment from ELDERLY SPA WORKERS # 1 and 2. Zoe looks frightened.

ELDERLY SPA WORKER # 1
It will improve your chi.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
…poked and prodded…

INT. ZOE’S SUITE BATHROOM EVENING
Zoe sinks comfortably into a large bubble bath.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
…and finally pampered.

INT. AUDITORIUM AT SOUL REJUVENATION NIGHT
The GUEST SPEAKER # 1, dressed in business casual, lectures from a stage before a CROWD of Soul Rejuvenation guests, many in bathrobes. (Each speaker is on a different night.)

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
At night there were the gust speakers who shared information on how to be more happy, more at peace, so that life was lighter, easier.

GUEST SPEAKER #1
(standing behind a lectern) The fastest way to find yourself is to stop looking.

Zoe looks on in comical disbelief. Zoe looks about the crowd who are nodding their heads in agreement with the speaker.

INT. AUDITORIUM AT SOUL REJUVENATION NIGHT
GUEST SPEAKER # 2, dressed in loose white flowing robes, lectures from the stage before a crowd of Soul Rejuvenation guests, many in bathrobes.

GUEST SPEAKER # 2
(sitting in the lotus position) You will only find peace around you once you find peace within. You must breathe. Breathe.

Zoe has an expression of doubt. She looks to her left and sees one audience member taking notes.

INT. AUDITORIUM AT SOUL REJUVENATION NIGHT
Guest speaker # 3 walks about the stage, wearing a metallic colored suit, lecturing to a crowd of Soul Rejuvenation guests, many in bathrobes.

GUEST SPEAKER # 3
If you want to find a more fulfilling life, you have to begin with kindness. Kindness toward not only others but yourself as well. The aliens transferred this information to me directly.

Zoe has an expression of shock and humor, gets up, and walks out. The crowd responds to the speaker with applause.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
After three days I’d had enough and went home early. It was the best mistake I’d ever made.

INT. FRONT LOBBY OF SOUL REJUVENATION MORNING
Zoe walks to the front desk. The Desk Clerk greets her. The Bellboy is carrying her suitcase and waiting for her.

ZOE TOLLE
Good morning. Zoe Tolle. I’m checking out.

The Desk Clerk looks up the account on the computer.

DESK CLERK
Do you realize that you booked your suite for the entire week? You still have several days left, if you’d like to stay, Ms. Tolle.

ZOE TOLLE
(polite but a bit sarcastic) I’m ready to go. Thank you. I think my soul has had enough rejuvenation.

DESK CLERK
(quite confused) But, Ms. Tolle…

ZOE TOLLE
Please. Just do whatever (types her fingers in the air) you need to do so I can get out of here.

The Desk Clerk looks on in greater confusion.

ZOE TOLLE
(becoming emotional) You can’t hold me here against my will. Now (types her fingers in the air again, more emotionally)…

The Desk Clerk looks to the Bellboy as if for instruction. The Bellboy looks to the clerk with a “just do it” expression and gesture.

DESK CLERK
Yes, Ms. Tolle.

INT. OUTSIDE OF SOUL REJUVENATION MORNING
There is a CONCIERGE who meets Zoe at the door as she is leaving the lobby. The Bellboy follows Zoe out. The Bellboy puts the suitcase in the trunk of a red Mustang convertible. The top is down.

CONCIERGE
(walking with Zoe) The rental car you requested is ready for you, Ms. Tolle.

ZOE TOLLE
Thank you. (excited when she sees the car) Whew. That is pretty.

CONCIERGE
Yes, ma’am. If I may say so, you’ve made a fine selection.

Zoe gives the Bellboy a tip, and he leaves.

ZOE TOLLE
This car may do more good than… oh, never mind.

The Concierge opens the car door for her and Zoe gets in, admiring the car and placing her purse in the passenger seat. She then buckles the seatbelt.

CONCIERGE
We do hope you’ve enjoyed your stay at Soul Rejuvenation.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, let’s just say it was (pause) enlightening.

Zoe starts the car with anticipation, puts on her sunglasses in a determined and excited manner, and gives a flirty wave to the Concierge as she drives a way.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
Bye. (laughs)

INT. TWO-LANE RURAL ROAD DAY
Zoe is driving down the road, enjoying herself. She is dancing in her seat and singing along with the radio, which is playing loud and tuned to an Oldies station. The song playing is Who Wrote The Book of Love. A WOMAN IN A MINI-VAN passes Zoe, going in the opposite direction. The two women wave to each other as if friends. As the song ends, the RADIO ANNOUNCER speaks and an old yellow beat-up full-size pick-up nears Zoe from behind. The truck is driven by Heath Sullivan from Soul Rejuvenation.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
That was Who Wrote the Book of Love by the Monotones. That song climbed up the charts in 1958, and I gotta tell ya, it’s still one of my favorites. And, it’s just another great oldie you’ll enjoy right here on WTNY, 95.8 FM. Coming up in just two short minutes we’ve got more hits by Bill Haley and the Comets, Ike and Tina, Little Richard, and we’re gonna start it all off with a classic by Jo Stafford.

Zoe shuts off the radio.

ZOE TOLLE
I’m in advertising, buddy. I know exactly how long two minutes is, so I don’t have to listen to your commercials. Ha! (pause) Michaels, etc., probably isn’t buying time on your station anyway.

Zoe notices the truck nearing, but not in a threatening way, in the rear view mirror. Zoe waves her left arm.

ZOE TOLLE
Go around, dude! I’m enjoying my life today. (she laughs)

The truck passes her, honking twice in appreciation. Heath also waves to her, but Zoe doesn’t recognize him. When the truck is ahead of Zoe, Zoe waves to the truck, and the truck travels on up ahead.

Zoe turns the radio back on.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
Welcome back, oldies fans.

ZOE TOLLE
(over the radio announcer)
Told you so.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
Let’s get this commercial free, ten-in-a-row kicked off with Jo Stafford and Kissin’ Bug Boogie.

The song beings to play, and Zoe is singing along, again dancing in her seat. The road begins to decline, curving alongside a small mountain. Both vehicles slow, and Zoe nearly catches up with the old yellow truck, but the truck is one turn ahead of Zoe.
Zoe’s car makes four downward turns along the road. Then, Zoe comes around the fifth turn and a vulture is in the middle of the lane standing over road-kill. Zoe is startled. The vulture begins to fly off toward the mountainside (on the driver-side of the car). Zoe swerves to the right to miss the bird, and drives off the mountain, downward, into a thick batch of trees and shrubs. Zoe’s car is stopped by the trees, and Zoe’s head hits the steering wheel and she is knocked unconscious. The car engine is shut off during the collision, but the radio continues to play. The car leaves the road where the trees on the right side of the road are ending. There is a clearing between the end of the trees and the old yellow truck.
Heath Sullivan, in the old yellow truck, looks in his rearview mirror and sees the car go off the road. He appears worried. When he reaches the bottom of the mountain (the only place to turn around), he turns around and drives back up the mountain. Heath parks where Zoe went off the road, gets out of his truck, leaving the door open, and carefully walks down the decline, slipping in one place along the way.
Heath reaches the car, pulls Zoe back from the steering wheel, and reaches over to shut off the radio.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Ma’am? Ma’m?

Heath feels for pulse on Zoe’s neck.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
Well, that’s good. You just hang on ma’am.

With his hands on Zoe’s shoulders, Heath looks around the area to assess the situation. He also looks into the passenger seat and back seat, but nothing is there.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
I’m gonna get you back up to the road, ma’am.

Heath unbuckles Zoe’s seatbelt and begins to lift her from the seat. He has difficulty carrying her up parts of the incline, but does so.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
(looking at the road) That’s not a good idea.

When he reaches the road, he looks around, and decides to sit Zoe in the cab of his truck. His breathing is heavy from the weight and the incline. Once Zoe is in the truck, he leans his back against the cab and exhales forcibly.

INT. SOUL REJUVENATION LOBBY EVENING
The Desk Clerk is mouthing a conversation that has the appearance of gossip to the Bellboy. A GUEST, dressed in a robe, walks through the lobby. Heath Sullivan sits in a chair in the lobby, looking out of place in his casual denim clothing and holding his cowboy hat. Heath stands when DR. HOUSEMAN walks in.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Dr. Houseman, how is she?

DR. HOUSEMAN
She’s awake now. You did the right thing, Heath, bringing her here.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Well, this was the closest place for any type of emergency care. I figured you’d be able to take care of her until we could get her to a hospital.

DR. HOUSEMAN
She took a nasty bump to the head. So, I’m going to keep her here for now, keep an eye on her, but I suspect that she’ll be fine in a few days. Probably pretty sore, but fine. No broken bones. Just a slight concussion. Since she was only unconscious for a few moments, I don’t suspect that it’s too bad. But, between here and my office, we’ve got everything we need to run the proper tests. She’ll be well taken care of. (he pats Heath on the arm and begins to walk away)

HEATH SULLIVAN
(touches the doctor on the arm to stop him) Oh, Dr. Houseman, I didn’t see any ID in the car and she couldn’t remember her name, anyway to find out who she is?

DR. HOUSEMAN
(chuckles) Oh, she remembered her name, but we already knew it by tracing the car rental. Seems she was a guest here. Checked out this morning. And, when I told her where she was, she was none too happy about it. (chuckles) She’s got some spirit, that one. Not unlike some of those fillies you raise.

Heath smiles at the comment.

INT. EXAMINATION ROOM EVENING
Zoe sits in an examination gown and robe at the end of the examination table. Heath taps on the closed door three times.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(filtered from behind door)
Ms. Tolle? It’s Heath Sullivan. May I come in?

ZOE TOLLE
It’s open.

Heath walks in, hat in hand, shuts the door behind him.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Evenin’ ma’am. I just wanted to see how you were doing. Dr. Houseman said they were keeping you for observation.

ZOE TOLLE
(unhappily) Um-hum. They’re getting my former room ready. (kindly) Uh, I’m fine. Really. Little headache and a few bruises is all. Might have been a lot worse if you hadn’t stopped to help. I’m glad you stopped by, Mr. Sullivan.

HEATH SULLIVAN
It’s just Heath, ma’am.

ZOE TOLLE
Heath. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for all you did.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Well I think I just did what anyone would have done. I’m sure they’ll look after you quite well here. Dr. Houseman’s a good doctor, a good man. He said you remembered who you are and everything that happened.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, yes, remembered everything I knew and everything I didn’t.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Pardon?

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, nothing.

HEATH SULLIVAN
I’ll go back out there tomorrow, ma’am, and see if I can find your purse. It must have been thrown out during the crash.

ZOE TOLLE
(surprised) Thank you. That would… uh, thank you.

HEATH SULLIVAN
It’s no problem. It’s on my way anyhow. (pause) Well, I should really be going. You need your rest. Hope you get to feeling better. (puts his hat on, turns to the door to leave)

ZOE TOLLE
Thank you, again, Heath.

Heath nods and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

ZOE TOLLE
(quietly, to herself) Rescued by a cowboy. (smiles, then giggles to herself as she leans back on the table, then puts her hand to her head) Ouch.

INT. ZOE’S SUITE NIGHT
A NURSE is sitting in a chair by a table with a lamp in the suite, knitting a scarf. Zoe lies in bed awake.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
So, there I was. Back where I had started. Sort of.

Zoe sees the nurse knitting. She then turns to a window (curtains open) and watches the moon and starlight cascading in.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
My joyride had taken me full circle. And, as I lay in bed that night I began to wonder why. Does everything truly happen for a reason? Did my journey dictate that I was supposed to be here at this particular place at this particular time for some reason only the universe knew and could comprehend? I’m sure that guru who talked to the aliens would have had an answer for that one! But, I didn’t. And, I also didn’t realize that the journey was really just beginning.

INT. BARN AT SOUL REJUVENATION MORNING
Heath is opening a fence from a small pen containing horses to a much larger one where they have room to run. Heath shoo’s the horses through the gate. Zoe walks toward the barn and sees this. She goes to the fence near Heath.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(from afar, waves) Mornin’

ZOE TOLLE
(nearing) Good morning. Wow. They’re beautiful. So free. Never see anything like this in the city.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Do you ride?

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, no. Horses don’t like me, and I’m afraid of anything large enough to trample me.

HEATH SULLIVAN
It’s just a matter of respect. You respect them; they’ll respect you. How’d it go with Dr. Houseman this morning?

ZOE TOLLE
He gave me a clean bill of health. Didn’t find any problems.

HEATH SULLIVAN
So, you gonna be sticking around or heading back to the city?

ZOE TOLLE
Well, I’m sort of stranded for the time being. Until I get my ID and credit cards back, there’s no buying a ticket or getting a rental car.

HEATH SULLIVAN
There was a lot of brush out there. It’s gotta be out there somewhere. I just couldn’t find it.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, the Concierge is helping me order new ones. They should be here in a few days.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Well, you know what they say, ma’am…

ZOE TOLLE
(laughs) First, it’s Zoe. And, second, what’s with the ma’am? You’re not from around here are you?

HEATH SULLIVAN
(laughs) No, no I’m not. South Texas.

ZOE TOLLE
South Texas? Did you come all this way just to work here?

HEATH SULLIVAN
No. Moved up here years ago. When it was time to go to college, I figured that was the best opportunity I had to see part of the country that I was totally unfamiliar with. Afterwards, stayed for a while because of a woman I was involved with. When that didn’t work out… (shrugs)

ZOE TOLLE
And, after a while it just became home?

HEATH SULLIVAN
After a while, I learned that home is wherever I am. Everything else is just a dot on a map. I worked in the city for a while after school. But, when I heard they were building this place, I checked into it. I grew up on a ranch, so it was a good fit. Now I work here and I own a small Christmas tree farm down the highway.

ZOE TOLLE
You worked in the city? What did you study?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Chemistry. I was working in the research and development lab of Cronin Pharmaceuticals.

Zoe is surprised.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
(smiling) You expected me to say agriculture or maybe veterinary medicine.

Zoe is a bit embarrassed.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Never judge a book by its cover. It’s one of the oldest lessons out there, and yet I still hadn’t learned it.

INT. PASTURE DAY
Horses are running care free, enjoying the sun.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Had I spent my whole life like this? Deciding who or whom to get to know, what to read, what blouse to buy, all based on stereotypes without even knowing it? Just some automated response system inside of me that I didn’t know was there? But, then, I’m in advertising. I get paid to convince people to do that. It was beginning to make me feel very boxed in.

INT. BARNYARD DAY
Heath is saddling a horse for Zoe to ride. Zoe is nearby watching. Heath holds on to the reins and saddle horn.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Okay, Zoe. Columbus is ready for you. Now, just put one foot in the stirrup, give yourself a little jump, and swing the other leg over to the other side. Nothing to it.

ZOE TOLLE
(standing still) Nothing to it. (reassuring herself as she approaches the horse) Nothing to it. (by the horse, Zoe is nervous)

The horse moves a bit to the right.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
(frightened)Okay, why did he do that?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Horses are just like people. They can sense when you’re frightened. If you’re frightened, they’re gonna think there’s a reason for them to be frightened. Just show the horse your confidence.

Zoe pats the horse.

ZOE TOLLE
Okay, Columbus. I’ll just pretend that I have to give you a presentation. (puts one foot in the stirrup) Saddles. I bet you like saddles. Or, blankets? I bet I could sell you a blanket.

HEATH SULLIVAN
A little jump and throw your leg over. Don’t worry. I won’t let go.

ZOE TOLLE
What kind of blankets are horses in your age range going for these days, anyway, Columbus? (jumps on) Oh. (tightly holds on to the edges of the saddle) I didn’t realize you were so tall, Columbus.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Okay, you got both feet in the stirrups?

ZOE TOLLE
(checking, still nervous) Um-hum.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Okay. Just sit still for a minute. (calling) America!

A second horse, already saddled comes to Heath. Heath attaches a guide rope from Columbus to America, and then mounts America. He then hands the reins to Zoe.

ZOE TOLLE
What do I do with these?

HEATH SULLIVAN
For today, just hold on to them. This guide rope will make sure that Columbus follows America’s lead. Now, just give Columbus a little kick with the back of your heels. Just a little one.

The horses begin slowly walking together.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
And, we’re on our way.

ZOE TOLLE
(laughing, excited) I’m really riding. I can’t believe this! Good boy, Columbus. (continuing to laugh with excitement)

Heath begins to laugh, truly happy for her.

INT. PASTURE NOON
Zoe and Heath sit upon a picnic blanket eating a picnic consisting of wine, sandwiches, and berries.

ZOE TOLLE
So, tell me about this woman you mentioned you were with after college.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Julia. We actually went to high school together. She always wanted to live in the big city, so when she moved up here for college, so did I. New York sounded like an adventure anyway. After we graduated, I went to work in the lab. She went to work in the admin offices. We always said that I tried to find and create new medicines and she tried to mass market them.

ZOE TOLLE
And?

HEATH SULLIVAN
I was content staying in one place and she wanted a career filled with world travel. It was a point of contention between us for quite a while. Then, she found someone who wanted the same things as she did. She called off the engagement and that was the end of our relationship. Later on I ran into her when we were both back in Texas visiting our families for the holidays. She said that she had gotten married, that she was happy. She had the life she had always dreamed of.

ZOE TOLLE
Must have hurt.

HEATH SULLIVAN
It did for a while. But, then I realized that I was happy that she was happy. And, I just became really grateful for the time we had had together.

ZOE TOLLE
But, you were engaged. You must have thought that it was meant to be forever.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Ahh, nothing is meant to be forever. It’s only meant to be for now. Because now is all we have. Took me a long time to learn that. Julia and I were meant to be together during those years that we were together. If I hadn’t known her, if we hadn’t gone through everything we went through, good times and bad, I wouldn’t be where I am now, wouldn’t be who I am now. I have a lot to be grateful to her for. She changed my life.

ZOE TOLLE
So, you think you’re better for the experience?

HEATH SULLIVAN
My dad used to tell me that everything that happens, we can either use to make our life better or worse. It’s up to us. I believe him. Now. When I was younger I just thought he was crazy. (smiles)

Zoe contemplates Heath’s story.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
What about you? You must have some special beau back home.

ZOE TOLLE
(considering, regretfully) No, uh, I dedicated all my time to my job.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Why did you decide to do that?

ZOE TOLLE
(considering, quietly) I don’t remember. I was new. I liked the job. I wanted to be taken seriously and succeed. There was an extra hour here and there. And, then, there were a few more extra hours. Before long, there were a lot of extra hours and nothing else outside of work. It sort of crept up on me, I guess. Huh, all those hours I spent working and I can’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed the work.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(thoughtfully) Well if you have no life outside of work, isn’t that about the same as saying you haven’t been enjoying your life?

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
When we’re young, we have dreams for the future, images of what we’d like our adult lives to be. I couldn’t remember mine. So, I did what people usually do when approached with such a subject.

Zoe grasps the wine bottle, raising it, and offering it to Heath.

ZOE TOLLE
(deliberately) More wine, Heath? This is really good wine. Good sandwiches, too.

INT. ZOE’S SUITE NIGHT
Zoe sits by an open window, enjoying the breeze, and looking up to the sky. Her head is leaned against the sill.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
No wonder I hadn’t been able to find myself. It’s hard to find what’s missing in your life when you don’t even know what’s missing. And, the only place I’d been looking was Michaels, etc. And, I wasn’t looking very hard to find it there because I didn’t really want it to be there. Maybe I knew my self wasn’t supposed to be there at all.

ZOE TOLLE
(whispering) Goodnight, world.

INT. SIDEWALK/BIKE RENTAL AT SOUL REJUVENATION DAY
Zoe walks casually along a sidewalk in the sunshine. She passes a small bike rental stand and smiles. Then, she turns around and looks at them again, grins, and walks to the BIKE STAND OPERATOR.

ZOE TOLLE
(turning around, quietly, to herself) Riding a bicycle. I used to do that. How hard could it be? (reaching the operator) Excuse me, sir. How much to rent the bike for the day?

BIKE STAND OPERATOR
Thirty dollars for the day. I’ll just need your room key and the charge can be added to your bill.

ZOE TOLLE
I’ll take it.

Zoe excitedly takes the card from her pocket and hands it to the operator. The operator hands her a helmet.

BIKE STAND OPERATOR
Just pick out whatever bike you’d like.

Zoe picks out a pink ten-speed.

ZOE TOLLE
It’s just like the one I had in high school.

Zoe begins to get on the bike. Then, puts on her helmet and adjusts it.

BIKE STAND OPERATOR
(hands Zoe a one-age paper map) Here you go, Ms. Tolle. The resort has five different bike trails that cross the property. All of them are paved, so you shouldn’t have any problems. Lots of pretty places to stop along the way, too.

ZOE TOLLE
Sounds wonderful.

BIKE STAND OPERATOR
Now, if you keep heading in this direction (he points) about three miles you’ll find a few boutiques and eateries. All of them are operated by the resort, so you just need your room key. There’s a nice little café down there if you get hungry.

ZOE TOLLE
Okay. Thanks!

Zoe puts her foot on the pedal, inhales deeply with excitement, and then begins to ride. She is a bit shaky at first, but quickly gets her bearings and enjoys the ride. Zoe rides past a lake, waving and laughing at the ducks. She forgets momentarily and lets go of the handlebars, but then remembers and laughs at herself after grabbing them again. Zoe rides past pastures. A MOTHER AND (adult) DAUGHTER bicycle past her along the pastures.

ZOE TOLLE
Good morning!

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BICYCLISTS (together)
Hi.

Zoe then bikes over an arched wooden bridge that crosses a stream.
The trail then leads around two turns and opens up to a small, quaint shopping area that looks like antique buildings. Zoe slows the bike. While riding, Zoe begins to read a wooden sign located between the concrete parking lot and the grassy area where the path forks. The sign is a pole with the words charred into the wood and arrows pointing to the location. It reads: CLOTHING BOUTIQUES (arrow points to the left); THE CRISPY ROLL CAFÉ (arrow points straight ahead); OL YE’ SOUVENIR SHOP (arrow points to the right); THE CANDY FACTORY (arrow points straight ahead); APPALACHIAN MUSEUM (arrow points to right). There are a FEW PEDESTRIANS walking about the area, carrying shopping bags and chatting. A frumpy dressed BEN HOLDER is sitting on a bench outside the Crispy Roll Café just ahead of where Zoe is located. He is drinking a cup of coffee from a to-go cup.

ZOE TOLLE
(quietly) Clothing. Crispy Roll. Souvenir Shop. Whoa!

Zoe rides off onto the lawn, loses control of the bike, and falls. Ben holder rushes over.

ZOE TOLLE
(trying to sit up) Ow.

Ben pulls the bike off of Zoe and rests it nearby.

BEN HOLDER
You alright?

ZOE TOLLE
Yeah, I think so. I haven’t ridden a bike in years, and now I remember why I quit.

BEN HOLDER
You think anything’s broken? Can you stand up?

Zoe begins to stand, aided by Ben.

ZOE TOLLE
(still winded) Yeah. I think I got it. Thanks, uh?

BEN HOLDER
Ben. Ben Holder.

ZOE TOLLE
Nice to meet you, Ben. I’m Zoe. Whew!

BEN HOLDER
Why don’t you come sit on this bench for a few minutes. Just till you pull yourself back together.

Ben walks Zoe to a nearby bench and they sit.

ZOE TOLLE
I was reading that sign. Guess I shouldn’t do that and try to ride at the same time.

BEN HOLDER
(chuckles) Wouldn’t be the first time that mistake’s been made.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, I think it’ll be my last. I’ve learned my lesson. I will walk that bike back.

BEN HOLDER
Oh, come on now, you can’t do that. Can’t just give up ‘cause of one little fall. It wasn’t even that bad. I used to tell my daughter when she was little that you just had to get back on the bike and try again. She was just learning to ride back then. Trying to get off training wheels, you know. And, she’d fall and scrape her knee or her elbow or something little like that. But, she finally figured it out. You got any kids?

ZOE TOLLE
No, no. No kids.

BEN HOLDER
Oh, kids are great. Beatrice, that’s my daughter. She’s grown now. Got two kids of her own. Um, um, um, it’s a mighty miracle to see something that small grow into a grown person. I noticed that you came from the path that comes from the Soul Rejuvenation Ranch and Spa. I live down the mountain a ways. See that road yonder (he points). It’s the access road so that tourists can come here and spend their money. But, this café, here, the Crispy Roll. Um-um they make some good food. I come here every chance I get. Reminds me of good memories. You ever been there?

ZOE TOLLE
No, I’ve never been here before. I’m from the city.

BEN HOLDER
Well, there’s some beautiful country up here. It sure is. God sure blessed this area when he put his finger on it. Why don’t you let me buy you a cup of coffee, Zoe. You like coffee?

ZOE TOLLE
(gives in, but doesn’t know why) Sure.

INT. INSIDE THE CRISPY ROLL CAFÉ DAY
Ben Holder and Zoe sit at a corner table surrounded by windows drinking coffee from antique mugs.

BEN HOLDER
Advertising, huh?

ZOE TOLLE
(nods) I always thought I’d end up in a museum or actually painting. I sort of fell into advertising.

BEN HOLDER
Nothing wrong with advertising, Zoe. Nothing wrong with any job as long as you do your best. A job is just what you do not who you are. That’s what my daddy used to tell me when I was just a boy. I worked my way through school by washing dishes. And, got a job in banking after that. Was even in the army for a couple years. Then, I got married, and Betty, that’s my wife, Betty and me, we had our little one.

ZOE TOLLE
So, you were in the financial industry?

BEN HOLDER
For a while. Then, my daddy died. And, I realized that he had spent his whole life toiling away in a factory. All he wanted his entire life was to go see the Grand Canyon, but he never did. And all he talked about on his death bed was all the chances he missed. So, Betty and I got to talking and we decided to follow our passions so that we didn’t end up like my daddy. So, I started playing music, just local, you know, nothing big time. But, I loved it. I really did. And, Betty, she was always working as a cook in one restaurant or another. She had always wanted to own her own little restaurant. And, that’s what she did. And, even when it was hard, it was good. We struggled sometimes to make ends meet, but somehow we always did it. (takes another sip of coffee) Of course, I’m retired now. I spend a lot of time over at the old folks home just down the highway. I’m sort of the unofficial activities director, but we have a lot of fun, them old folks and me. (laughs at himself)

ZOE TOLLE
What about your wife?

BEN HOLDER
Oh, she went to be with the angels years ago. May she rest in peace. But, (smiling) I still got her here in my heart. (drinks some coffee)

ZOE TOLLE
You seem happy.

BEN HOLDER
Oh, I am. Why wouldn’t I be? I’d rather feel happy than any alternative. (laughs gently)(takes another sip of coffee) (with concern) So what brings you up this way, Zoe?

ZOE TOLLE
(laughs) Wish I had a really good answer for you. I guess I’m trying to figure out what life is all about, or what my life is all about anyway. I guess I just feel kind of lost.

BEN HOLDER
(laughs) Well you’re not lost, Zoe. You’re right here. You know exactly where you are.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, that’s not exactly what I meant. I just don’t understand how my life ended up how it is. I had a normal childhood. Not perfect. Not horrible. Just normal. I graduated college, so I must have some intelligence, though I’m sure some would debate that issue. I’m emotionally stable—most of the time. So, why do I feel like something’s missing, like there is this big hole in my life and I don’t know what’s supposed to fill it?

BEN HOLDER
(laughs) You young people today. You’re always chasing after something, promotions, the all-mighty dollar, the perfect house, and then a bigger house and a fancier car. It never seems to be enough. You ever go to the grocery store, Zoe, and you look so hard for that one item you’re so certain that you must have that you don’t even realize it’s right in front of you. That’s how a lot of people are today. So, caught up in trying to make tomorrow into what they think it should be that they forget about today. You just need to slow down, live now, and tomorrow will work itself out one way or another.

ZOE TOLLE
What if tomorrow doesn’t work itself out?

BEN HOLDER
That’s fine too. Tomorrow ain’t nothing but an illusion anyway. You can talk about and plan for tomorrow till hell freezes over, but tomorrow ain’t never gonna get here. All you got is today.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, yeah, but what contingency plans? What if something goes wrong? You have to make sure that tomorrow is taken care of so that you’ll be taken care of tomorrow. Right? I mean what if you play hooky from work today, and then you don’t get the new account tomorrow, and then in the future you don’t get any new accounts and the company decides they don’t need you?

BEN HOLDER
Well (he ponders) if you were to die today, I guess it wouldn’t matter. Except, of course, that you would have missed your life.

Zoe has a revelation, understanding what Ben has said.

INT. OUTSIDE THE CRISPY ROLL CAFÉ DAY
Zoe and Ben Holder walk out of the café. There is a bench nearby and a cup of coffee sitting on the armrest.

BEN HOLDER
(picking up the cup of coffee) So, that’s where that went. (takes it to some nearby flowers) It’s cold now, but flowers love coffee with sugar in it, as long as it’s cold. They don’t take too well to hot coffee. Burns, I guess.

ZOE TOLLE
You already had coffee when you asked me?

BEN HOLDER
Yeah, but that’s okay. I got to have a cup with you. (winks at Zoe as he begins to walk away) You have a good day now, Zoe.

Zoe walks back to the bike, picks it up, looks back toward Ben who is walking away, gets on the bike, and, with a smile, rides back toward the spa.

INT. FRONT LOBBY SOUL REJUVENATION EVENING
Zoe walks in the front door, to the front desk.

DESK CLERK
Ms. Tolle, I hope you enjoyed your bike ride.

ZOE TOLLE
Yes, yes I did. Do you happen to know where I might be able to find some art supplies? Paints, canvas, those types of things.

DESK CLERK
We can order them from town and have them for you first thing in the morning.

Zoe nods and smiles.

INT. ZOE’S SUITE SUNSET
Zoe sits by the window, watching the sun set over the mountains and pastures.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I could have died in that car wreck, but I didn’t. And, in that instant before my head hit the steering wheel, I didn’t have time to regret what I had or hadn’t done in my life until the moment the car went off the road. But, what if I had? What would I have thought? Oops, should have changed the lighting on the Peterson account commercial? I don’t think so. We don’t need to have some trauma to reassess our lives. And, we don’t have to go to classrooms to find teachers. Ben and Heath had taught me that. We can find teachers all around us. If we listen. And, I was beginning to do exactly that.

INT. BARNYARD SUNRISE
Heath Sullivan is letting the horses from the small pen into the larger one.

INT. PASTURE SUNRISE
The horses run carefree in the pasture.

INT. SOUL REJUVENATION BACK PATIO MORNING
Zoe sits on a stool on the patio to the building, facing the pasture. An easel with a canvas is situated in front of her along with a small table, within reach, filled with brushes and paints. Zoe begins to sketch the landscape with a pencil.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, so began my last day at the Soul Rejuvenation Ranch and Spa. I had a beautiful day before me to do whatever made me feel good, happy, at peace. It seemed like life couldn’t get any better.

INT. SOUL REJUVENATION BACK PATIO DAY
Zoe sits on the stool behind an easel. The canvas now is about half painted. The painted scene is the horses running carefree in the fields surrounded by mountains.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
But, what do I know.

LILY BURRS, with broom in hand and wearing a nametag for Soul Rejuvenation, comes to the back patio. She begins to sweep, but stops when she sees Zoe studying the painting.

LILY BURRS
(approaching Zoe) Oh, it’s beautiful. You’ve got a lot of talent there.

ZOE TOLLE
Thanks. It’s a little flat. I can’t seem to capture the essence of this place, but I’m working on it. It’s been such a long time, I’m surprised it’s even coming back to me.

LILY BURRS
Oh, I’ve been working here for eleven years now. And, I’m always surprised what people remember when they come here. I’m Lily Burrs, by the way.

ZOE TOLLE
Zoe…
ZOE AND LILY
(together with Lily) Tolle.

LILY BURRS
Yeah. You’re quite the talk around here, with your accident and everything.

ZOE TOLLE
I can imagine.

LILY BURRS
How you feeling anyway? Any residual effects?

ZOE TOLLE
Nope. Just fine. The more people ask, though the more I wonder if they want there to be.

LILY BURRS
Nothing like that’s ever happened here before. We don’t really know what to think. We’re just glad we didn’t lose you. Don’t think the owners of this place would like having to put that in their brochures: only one guest has died. (smiles)

Lily goes to the far side of the patio and begins sweeping away from Zoe and the painting, but she is near enough to talk. Zoe begins dabbing the brush at the painting again.

ZOE TOLLE
Eleven years, huh? I’m curious. What do you think of this place? Have you ever had any of their treatments or attended any of their classes?

LILY BURRS
You mean the find-yourself-by-visualization classes, or something like that?

ZOE TOLLE
(laughs) Yeah.

LILY BURRS
The spa treatments are always nice. We get a free treatment of our choice every month. Sort of a perk for working here. But, those classes, they have? No. I’ve learned more just by studying the people who come here than those classes could ever teach me.

ZOE TOLLE
(stops painting and turns to Lily) Really?

LILY BURRS
Um-hum. People don’t come up here when they’re enjoying their lives and just looking for a quick weekend getaway. They come up here when they’re unhappy, unsatisfied, unfulfilled, and usually unattached—as if they just lost their boyfriend or their husband or their lover. Whatever. They think a few days in the mountains around animals they’ve not even seen before is gonna change their life. Most of them feel relaxed from the spa treatments and all, but as soon as they’re time comes to leave and they get in the cab to go home, they’ve got that same lost expression on their face that they had when they arrived here. Sad state of affairs, really.

ZOE TOLLE
So, you don’t think the changes are permanent? I mean, this place doesn’t really help to change…

LILY BURRS
(stops sweeping and looks to Zoe) Now, Zoe, I’ve been here a long time, and the same people keep coming back again and again. And, while they’re here, some of them may find that same rested feeling you got now, and they might even rediscover something they used to do that brings them joy, like that painting you got going there, but they keep coming back to try to find those feelings because they always forget to pack them up and take them back home with ‘em. And, those that do, well they usually forgot where they put them in just a few days of getting home. At least, that’s what they tell me. (begins sweeping again)

Zoe thinks for a moment, and looks to the horses and then back to Lily.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, you work here. Are you happy?

Lily stops sweeping and slowly walks to Zoe.

LILY BURRS
(thoughtfully) Happiness is something you have to choose each and every day. Sometimes, every moment of every day. It’s the same as peace or joy or whatever. Some days, even some moments, it’s a lot harder than others. It’s never like every day is a sunny day and a cloud or a storm never comes through. But, if you let it, in time, it passes by. Just like everything else. Nothing lasts forever. But, the problem with people, Zoe, including you and me, is that we’re not like those horses there. The horses don’t have to go to some class so they can learn that it’s okay to feel good just for the sake of feeling good.

Zoe watches the horses run and play in the field.

INT. MOUNTAIN WALKING TRAIL DAY
Zoe walks quietly along a paved mountain trail. She picks and smells a flower along the way, enjoying the scent. She then stops when she sees that the path winds and curves upward between some trees, studying the symbolism. Zoe continues to walk until she reaches a clearing. In the clearing is a messy, disorganized circle of stones and chairs. In the center is an area for a campfire and the ashes of a prior one. Heath Sullivan is there, collecting old, dry, dead small limbs for the fire. Zoe approaches him. A saddled horse is tied to a tree nearby.

ZOE TOLLE
(from a distance) Hello there. What you doing?

Heath is slightly startled by Zoe. He smiles, stands, and greets her as she approaches.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(calling out) Hey. Haven’t seen you in a while. (quieter) How’s that little bump? (points to his head)
ZOE TOLLE
Oh, please, with a head as hard as mine, a little car accident can’t hurt anything. What are you doing out here?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Oh, sometimes we like to invite the guests out here for an old-fashioned campfire. We tell stories and roast marshmallows and cook supper the way they did in the old west. It’s just something different for everybody to try. We just sit around, enjoy each other’s company, get to know each other. Most people who come here don’t get out into nature very often, so this is a real treat for them. It’s tomorrow night. You gonna be here?

ZOE TOLLE
Uh, no, I leave in the morning. But, it sounds (smiling) interesting.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Not your thing, huh?

ZOE TOLLE
Actually, I think it sounds like fun. But, I need to be getting home. (looking around) What can I do to help?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Well, you can help me straighten out these stones and chairs so they’re in a circle.

Zoe and Heath begin to straighten, organize the circle.

ZOE TOLLE
Okay.

HEATH SULLIVAN
We like to keep everybody as equal as possible.

ZOE TOLLE
So, what are the stones for?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Oh, some people sit on the stones, like they used to do. And, some prefer a chair. So, we have some of both. I saw you painting earlier today. I didn’t know you were an artist.

ZOE TOLLE
It’s just something I used to do a lot in high school and college. I loved it. Didn’t realize how much I missed it. But, it just sort of came to mind yesterday and thought I’d give it a try. It felt so good just being creative again. Just starting with a blank canvas and some colors. It was great.

HEATH SULLIVAN
I’ve always admired artists. The way they just make something from nothing. We had a guy who used to work here, he was about sixty years old I guess, and he could just pick up a piece of a tree that had fallen down and see an owl or a turtle or something in it. He’d just take a knife to it and, pretty soon, you could start to see the animal where nothing but a piece of wood had been.

ZOE TOLLE
Did he die?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Die? No! He cared a lot of conservation and environmentalism. Always got real upset about the big companies polluting the water or the land. Anyway, he thought the best way he’d be able to help would be to go to law school. Last I heard he was doing pro-bono work for some environmentalist group.

ZOE TOLLE
He went to law school in his sixties?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Sure. Why not?

There is a long pause while Zoe gets over the shock and then agrees with Heath’s comment.

ZOE TOLLE
Heath, you work here at this place that’s supposed to teach people how to be happy, right? how to be at peace. So, what’s your take on all this? How do you think people can be happy?

HEATH SULLIVAN
I don’t really know what you’re talking about, there, Zoe? If you want to be happy, just be happy.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, what about the farm and all this nature stuff. How did you know that that was what you wanted to do? How did you know that it’d make you happy?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Well, I knew something about it from my childhood. But, I don’t know. Basically, I tried it, I liked it, so I kept at it. It probably wouldn’t have made me happy when I was younger. When I was younger, all I wanted to do was work in a lab. So, I did that. And, I was happy while I was there. I left when I wasn’t.

ZOE TOLLE
(standing) It’s that simple.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Yeah. It’s that simple.

ZOE TOLLE
(becoming more emotional)(to herself) It’s that simple? (louder, to Heath) It’s that simple. (louder, to the world) It’s that simple? Then, why don’t I get it? I have tried. I really have. I have tried to be quiet and still and calm and relaxed. I have tried to find my inner self and all those other crazy people all those self-helpers are always talking about.

Heath slowly looks up from a rock with concern.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
(stressed, pacing) But, I can’t figure it out. I don’t hear any wisdom voices or voices of my ancestors or any inner child inside of me that’s supposed to be telling me what I want and who I am and when to make a damn left turn. And, if I do ever hear from one of them, I’m likely to kick it’s ass for hiding from me for all these years.

Heath’s concern turns to amusement and he tries to hide a smile.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
All my life I’ve heard, work hard Zoe. Just be successful, Zoe. Make good grades, make good money, make a good presentation, Zoe. Find a good job. Find a nice house. Find a good angle, Zoe. And, then I come here and I think that maybe, just maybe I’ve finally found me, only to hear that I’ll probably leave me here when I leave. I don’t have a life outside of my job and I’m about to lose my job. And…And…

Heath can no longer stop himself from laughing out loud. He stands and walks toward Zoe.

ZOE TOLLE
(continuing)
What are you laughing at?

HEATH SULLIVAN
You.

ZOE TOLLE
(still emotional) Why?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Because you’re funny.

Zoe becomes angry, grunts, and begins to storm off. Heath gently grabs her arm, trying not to laugh again.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Wait. Zoe, wait. Come on.

Zoe stops, but tries to avoid Heath’s eyes. Zoe’s tears begin to fall and she tries to wipe them away unnoticed.

HEATH SULLIVAN
(continuing)
(calmly, tenderly) Getting yourself all worked up isn’t going to help anything.

ZOE TOLLE
(crying, calmer) I just, I just really want the answers, you know. I just really want to feel like all those gurus seem to feel. And, I don’t know how. I just can’t figure it out. Just be happy. It seems so simple. Why can’t I just be happy?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Maybe you’re just trying too hard.

ZOE TOLLE
That’s what they all say. If you want inner peace, joy, and whatever, you have to stop trying to get it. Now, what the hell does that mean?

HEATH SULLIVAN
Maybe it just means that when you stop chasing whatever it is you think you want you’ll realize that you already have it. It’s like when you were painting. You loved it, didn’t you?

ZOE TOLLE
Yeah.

HEATH SULLIVAN
Felt good while you were painting?

ZOE TOLLE
Yeah. So does that mean I’m supposed to paint full-time now? Just quit my job?

HEATH SULLIVAN
I can’t answer that. I just think it means that you know you feel good when you paint. So, paint. And, find other things that make you feel good, and do them. And, keep adding to the list until you feel good more often than you feel bad. And, I guess that goes for your job, too. Do a job that makes you feel good, at least part of the time. (pause) Just cause something makes you feel good today doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what’ll make you feel good tomorrow. Just stick with whatever makes you feel good. If you want to paint, paint. If you want to go to law school at sixty, go. If you wanna go from working in a lab to working on a farm, do that too. It doesn’t matter.

ZOE TOLLE
So, you think it wouldn’t mean that someone’s a failure if they were to change careers or take a pay cut so they could go in some other professional direction.

HEATH SULLIVAN
No, but you do.

ZOE TOLLE
(surprised) What?

HEATH SULLIVAN
It’s okay to change, Zoe. ‘Cause it’s kind of like that campfire. Anything that burns too hot for too long just burns itself out.

INT. FRONT DESK OF SOUL REJUVENATION MORNING
Zoe approaches the DESK CLERK.

DESK CLERK
Checking out, Ms. Tolle?

ZOE TOLLE
Yes, please.

DESK CLERK
(hesitantly, looking at the computer) Oh, and I see you’ve rented another car?

ZOE TOLLE
Yes, but, really, what are the odds of having two accidents in one week?

The Desk Clerk stares at Zoe with apprehension.
Zoe responds to the Desk Clerk with an expression of humorous disbelief. Then reaches and taps on the computer keyboard as a sign for him to hurry up.

INT. OPEN ROAD DAY
Zoe is driving in a sedan along a four-lane highway. Zoe seems cheerful and looks about the landscape as she drives. The landscape alternates between small towns, rural pastures, and cities.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I made it home in one piece, but I still had a long way to go. I had hardly put my foot inside the apartment before I was gone again. After all, that’s what you’re supposed to do when you have time off, right? Run around like crazy, like all the little mice do, just in a different maze than usual.

Zoe checks the gas gage, and it only has one-quarter tank left.
ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I wasn’t headed in any particular direction—which was the direction that I was usually headed in—I just set out to see America, to drive along the open roads and see what there was to see. I was gonna be like Lewis and Clark, exploring un-chartered territory, seeking out adventure, seeing land not yet seen…

Zoe pulls onto an exit ramp of a very small, rural town. The exit, # 128, is for MILLERSVILLE, population 1285.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
…finding new—-well, you get the idea. Problem is that the rental car had other ideas.

Zoe pulls into the gas station. As she does, the radiator blows, steam and water rise up from beneath the hood.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
A couple weeks ago, I probably would have gone stark-raving mad.

INT. INSIDE THE SEDAN RENTAL CAR DAY
Zoe comes to a stop and pounds her fists on the steering wheel.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Okay, maybe not that long ago. But, I decided to make the most of this little turn of events.

INT. INSIDE MILLERSVILLE GARAGE DAY
Zoe stands outside the garage talking with GEORGE TIDDLE, the mechanic.

GEORGE TIDDLE
We’ll have to order it. It’ll be a few days.

Zoe has an expression of disbelief and frustration at her luck. Zoe mouths a question to George. George points to an old rusty bike leaning up against the garage.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Particularly since it seemed I had no choice.

INT. MAIN STREET, MILLERSVILLE DAY
Just outside of town, Zoe bikes by a church. By the church is a cemetery and a GRAVEDIGGER is using a backhoe to dig a plot while a SECOND GRAVEDIGGER directs him from the ground.
Situated just before the businesses is a small old house, neatly cared for and with a wreath on the door (Ms. Esther’s house).
Zoe bikes down Main Street of Millersville. The buildings are old, but well cared for. The post office, the local café, the hardware store, the courthouse, the church, and various small businesses are all on Main Street.
Zoe then arrives at a large, well-tended, (white picket) fenced-in house with a sign in front that reads: MILLERSVILLE BED AND BREAKFAST. The sign has a wildcat in the corner and a message that says “Go Wildcats.” Zoe pulls in to the B&B. MAY LOONEY opens the door as if expecting her.

MAY LOONEY
You must be Zoe. I’m May. Come on it. Old George Tiddle called from the garage to say you were on your way. Radiator trouble, huh?

Zoe leans the bike by the porch, nods yes to May, and goes inside.

ZOE TOLLE
(climbing the porch steps) Thanks. Hope you have a room available.

INT. INSIDE MILLERSVILLE B&B LIVING ROOM DAY
The living room is decorated with antiques. Zoe and May walk inside, through the living room, and into the kitchen.

MAY LOONEY
Always. We may be the only place to stay in Millersville, well unless someone comes to stay with family. But, Millersville just doesn’t get that many visitors anymore since the State Park down the highway had to close last year because of budget cuts.

ZOE TOLLE
Beautiful home, May.

INT. MILLERSVILLE B&B KITCHEN DAY
Zoe and May walk into a large kitchen. Zoe sits at the table and May goes to the stove and opens the oven.

MAY LOONEY
Oh, thank you. It belonged to my grandmother. (opens the oven, then closes it) They’re almost ready. I put some blueberry muffins in the oven after George called. You must be hungry, riding that bike all the way here.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, it’s only about a mile.

MAY LOONEY
Would you like some coffee? (pours Zoe a cup of coffee before Zoe answers)

ZOE TOLLE
Sure. Thanks.

MAY LOONEY
My grandmother opened this place up as a bed and breakfast to help support her and the children after my grandfather died. Then, mama continued the tradition. And, I have, too. I didn’t really know what else to do anyway. This place was all I knew. It’s so nice to be able to get to know people from places we’ve never been. I haven’t ever been anywhere, but it’s like I get to travel the world when people come here. We had a fella here once that came all the way from Paris, France. I couldn’t believe I actually had a Frenchman in my home. He even taught me how to make genuine crepes, although he was always much better at it than me. (giggles)

The oven timer goes off. May shuts off the timer and takes the muffins from the oven, placing the pan on top of the stove.

MAY LOONEY
Would you like a blueberry muffin, Zoe?

ZOE TOLLE
Sure. They smell wonderful.

May sets a muffin on two saucers, grabs a couple of napkins, sits down, giving one to Zoe.

MAY LOONEY
My grandmother’s recipe. (taking a bike) Um, that woman could cook.

ZOE TOLLE
Is this basically the entire town, here on Main Street?

MAY LOONEY
Yeah. The garage is out there by the interstate so travelers can stop for gas if they need to. Back in the forties or so, when they built the interstate, the people of Millersville thought that it would be closer to town, so that travelers could stop and shop or whatever in Millersville if they wanted. Didn’t work out that way. But, we’ve done fine just the same. Probably worked out for the best. We don’t have to hear all those big trucks passing by day and night. Millersville must seem really quiet to you, you being from New York City and all.

ZOE TOLLE
Quiet sounds good.

MAY LOONEY
I’ve got your room all ready for you. I should be here to help you with anything you might need, except for a few hours this afternoon. I’ll be going to Ms. Esther’s funeral this afternoon. Whole town will be there. If there’s anything you need from the store, you’ll want to get it before three or after five or six or so. They’ll be shutting down for the funeral.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, was she the mayor or something?

MAY LOONEY
(laughs) No, but she could have been. (respectfully) No, Ms. Esther was a real important person around here, though. She turned 101 years old earlier this year. She’s the oldest person to ever live in Millersville. Anybody who went to kindergarten or took piano lessons around here for the past sixty years or longer was taught by Ms. Esther. Every year she put the same sign on the bulletin board in her classroom: You Are Somebody. She retired twice. Then, the county superintendent refused to let her teach anymore. So, Ms. Esther became something of an unofficial room-mom. She was something of a mom to all of us. Uh, anyway, I’ll be back after the service.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, please, take your time. I’ll be fine.

INT. MILLERSVILLE B&B DINING ROOM NIGHT
Zoe, May Looney, and her husband, Bobby Looney are eating dinner.

MAY LOONEY
I was real proud of George. He normally doesn’t tend to say anything if you get more than three people around, but he stood up there in his new suit and spoke about how Ms. Esther helped him learn his alphabet even though that drunkard daddy of his was telling him he’d never learn his letters.

BOBBY LOONEY
Pass the rolls, May.

ZOE TOLLE
Did you grow up here, too, Mr. Looney?

BOBBY LOONEY
Oh, it’s just Bobby. I don’t care for any of that formal stuff. Mr. Looney was my father. But, no, I actually grew up out in Tucson. Ended up here by accident. After I got out of the army, I was heading back to Arizona. Bus had mechanical problems.

ZOE TOLLE
Um. Sounds familiar.

BOBBY LOONEY
(chuckles) Anyway, one thing led to another. Been working down there at the cast iron factory for over twenty years now. You’re from New York City, are ya?

ZOE TOLLE
(nods) Lived in or near the big apple my whole life.

MAY LOONEY
I’ve never been, but it always sounds so exciting.

BOBBY LOONEY
Well, I ain’t got no use for New York City.

MAY LOONEY
(embarrassed) Bobby.

BOBBY LOONEY
Well, I don’t.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, it has changed over the past few years. Cleaner. That sort of thing.

BOBBY LOONEY
Oh, I’ve never seen it. Just got no use for it. Always hearing about it on the evening news. Muggings, assaults, gang violence, white color crime, blue color crime. Just sounds like a lot of crime to me.

ZOE TOLLE
It’s really not that bad. I mean, well, there is crime, but there’s a lot of good things too. But, couldn’t that be said about every place?

May seems uncomfortable, but Zoe listens as if learning.

MAY LOONEY
Yes, it could, Zoe. Even here in Millersville we have crime. It’s probably just a different kind of crime.

BOBBY LOONEY
It’s teenage vandalism, plain and simple. It seems like every year there’s a new group of ‘em that thinks they ought to be able to rule the world. Then, they finally get caught and their mommas and daddies finally teach them that the world doesn’t owe them a thing. Then, they just get ‘em a job and a wife and some responsibilities and settle down like they’re supposed to. Just like the rest of us.

MAY LOONEY
Zoe, did I tell you that Bobby and I have twin sons? I’ll have to show you a picture after we eat. They’re both off at university. I’m so proud of them. I never went to college myself, though I always wanted to. I get so excited when they write or call and tell me about what subjects they’re learning.

BOBBY LOONEY
They’re good kids. They are. Always remember to call their mama so she doesn’t worry.

ZOE TOLLE
So, do they plan to work here in Millersville after college?

MAY LOONEY
(excited) Oh, no…

BOBBY LOONEY
No. Neither of them ever thought Millersville was good enough for them. Couldn’t wait to get out of here. Now, they’re willing to work. Don’t get me wrong. But, they’re both out there trying to get a fancy degree to hang on their wall like there’s some shame in getting your hands dirty. They’re like so many other young people today that think they’re supposed to make a lot of money and have fun doing it. That’s why they call it work because it’s work. You’re not supposed to like it. You’re just supposed to do it.

INT. MILLERSVILLE B&B ZOE’S BEDROOM NIGHT
Zoe lies awake in bed.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I really didn’t think Bobby Looney was a bad man. He probably wasn’t a bad father. But, I kept wondering if happiness or inner peace were even words in his vocabulary. And, furthermore, should they be words in mine? Did Bobby Looney simply come from a generation where you had to work so hard just to survive that whether or not you liked your work or your life were questions that didn’t even occur to anybody? Had I gotten caught up in all the self-help advertising that I’d lost sight of reality? I was surprised at who provided me with the answer.

INT. PORCH SWING AT MILLERSVILLE B&B DAY
Zoe and May Looney sit on the porch swing, drinking coffee.

MAY LOONEY
Oh, Zoe, you just have to pay no-never-mind to Bobby. That’s what I always told my boys, anyway. He’s a good man. He really is. He just sees the world through different eyes is all.

ZOE TOLLE
But, if that’s the way you see it, May, then how come you never traveled like you wanted to?

MAY LOONEY
(with regret) Oh, I’ve always been better at giving advice than taking it. There was always one reason or another getting in the way.

ZOE TOLLE
Seems like there always is.

MAY LOONEY
That’s true. But, I’ve had a happy life. I guess. I try not to think about it too much really. I mean, I love Bobby and the boys. I wouldn’t want to imagine life without them. It’s just… Now, Ms. Esther, she was always the one I admired. She always seemed happy, come rain or come shine. She was always humming some pretty little tune. Bobby used to say that you could set your watch by her ‘cause every morning at 7:35 she’d leave her house and walk to the school. And, she’d get there every morning at exactly five minutes before eight. And, on Sunday mornings, she’d leave her house to walk to church at exactly 9:15. That woman never learned to drive. (laughs) Can you believe it? She always said there wasn’t anyplace she wanted to go that wasn’t close enough to walk.

ZOE TOLLE
Her family must be devastated at the loss.

MAY LOONEY
No family. Except, of course, for all the kids in Millersville, whether they are still kids or all grown up. No, Ms. Esther never got married. Never had any kids of her own. But, she never seemed sad about it. She always called that classroom of kids her children. And, she out-lived all of her siblings before they were ever grown enough to have kids. So, it was just us, this community. We were her family. At the service yesterday, when I signed the guest registry, I saw that her last name was Prince. And, I was talking to some of my friends and we realized that none us ever knew her last name before. To us, she was just always Ms. Esther. No matter how young or old we were. She was just Ms. Esther.

ZOE TOLLE
She sounds like a wonderful lady.

MAY LOONEY
She was. She was. I don’t think that lady ever knew a stranger. She did all her own yard work as long as I remember. It was only these past few years when it got to be too much for her. Some of the teenagers in town just sort of took it on themselves to help her out. They’d mow her yard or trim her hedges. Whatever needed done. Ms. Esther would just sit on that porch and laugh and call them all beautiful people. And, when they were done with the work, she’d always have cookies and lemonade for them or sandwiches or something. I don’t think anyone ever left Ms. Esther’s hungry or wanting for anything. If she had it to give, she gave. That was just how she was.

ZOE TOLLE
Wish every kindergarten teacher could be like that.

MAY LOONEY
I wish every neighbor could be like that. Every town needs a Ms. Esther. At least one.

ZOE TOLLE
(quietly, in agreement) Yeah.

MAY LOONEY
She taught my mom how to play the piano. Traded piano lessons for some of grandma’s homemade pumpkin bread. Then, she taught me to play piano. And, when mama didn’t have the money to pay for the lesson, Ms. Esther would just say, that’s all right, May, don’t you worry ‘bout it none. You just practice those scales so you get real good at them and that’ll be good enough for me. She even taught my boys how to play. Well, sort of. (she laughs) They didn’t really like playing the piano, but they enjoyed spending time with Ms. Esther. Like I said, she was something of a mother or a grandmother, maybe, to all of us.

ZOE TOLLE
I’m sorry I never got to know her.

MAY LOONEY
I may not be a well-traveled person, Zoe, but I am convinced that Ms. Esther couldn’t have been the only one. I truly believe that somewhere out there, there are a lot more Ms. Esthers.

ZOE TOLLE
(doubtful) I can’t recall meeting many little-old-ladies who never married or had children. Not lately anyway. At least, not in New York. Maybe I just need to get out of the city more.

MAY LOONEY
Well, maybe they married, maybe they didn’t. Maybe they’ve led a quiet little life like our Ms. Esther here in Millersville or maybe they’ve traveled the whole world over and back again. I don’t know. Doesn’t really matter. But, I mean the type of person she was inside, that, that light she had. I can’t really put it into words. It was like she was… was…

ZOE TOLLE
At peace?

MAY LOONEY
Yeah. She always radiated this feeling like she was at peace. She always kept this atmosphere about her that most people don’t have until they’re lying in their casket, and some of them not even then. In fact, I remember at the viewing, I saw her lying there and I thought…nothing’s changed. That same wonderful spirit she used to share with everybody when she was in the classroom or just walking down the street, it was still there.

ZOE TOLLE
May, do you think she was born that way? Or, can we all become Ms. Esther?

MAY LOONEY
I asked her once. I really did. She just laughed at me and said that we are all born that way. It’s just that most of us forget about it. (pause) Zoe, are you up to a walk?

INT. OUTSIDE MS. ESTHER’S HOUSE DAY
Zoe and May Looney turn onto the sidewalk to Ms. Esther’s house. The wreath is still on the door.

MAY LOONEY
Ms. Esther used to tell us the story about how she was born in the back bedroom of this house on a cold December day when the temperature was four degrees outside and the only heat in the house was the fireplace and a wood stove that was used for cooking. And, her story never changed, by the way. Unlike my mother’s walk to school which always got a mile longer each time she told it.

May and Zoe laugh as they climb the steps to the porch.

MAY LOONEY
(continuing)
Ms. Esther lived in this little house her entire life. I don’t know what we’ll do with it now. It’d make a good tutoring center. Something that would make Ms. Esther proud. (points to the wreath on the door) She loved flowers.

May turns the doorknob to go in. Zoe is startled.

ZOE TOLLE
Uh, are you sure it’s okay to be doing this?

MAY LOONEY
There is no lock on this door, Zoe. Never was. Ms. Esther didn’t believe in them. She always said why should there be a lock on a door if you have an open door policy.

INT. INSIDE OF MS. ESTHER’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM DAY
The house is tastefully, but simply decorated. There is an upright piano against one wall. The walls are full with pictures of students and former students. The room is filled with hand-made gifts from students of all ages. Zoe and May enter the house. Zoe examines the room and photographs.

MAY LOONEY
And, no one was ever turned away from Ms. Esther’s door. And, we all knew it. If we ever needed someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to just put us in our place and take our attitude down a notch, we knew we could count on Ms. Esther. These pictures on the walls, students, former students. Even those that left Millersville for college or work, marriage, whatever, never forgot Ms. Esther. A lot of them came back just to visit her and make sure she knew how she had affected their lives. She taught kindergarten, but even the high-schoolers would come back to her for advice. I don’t know if she ever taught anyone who became a rocket scientist, but I know she taught all of us how to be better today than we were yesterday. And, her students…

May holds up a plaster hand-print that is painted blue and yellow. Written in a child’s hand-writing is TO MS. ESTHER. May’s eyes begin to tear-up.

MAY LOONEY
(continuing)
…were always making her things. I knitted her a scarf in eighth grade home-ec. (laughs through tears) (pause)She slept in this house every night, right up till the day she died. Can you imagine that? She never left Millersville. I guess she’ll always be here. You know. It’s like she left a piece of her soul in all of us.

Zoe wipes away a tear.

INT. MILLERSVILLE CEMETARY MORNING
Zoe, holding a bouquet of flowers, stands over Ms. Esther’s gravesite. Her stone simply reads: MS. ESTHER. Beneath Ms. Esther is inscribed: BE KIND TO SOMEBODY. Zoe looks to the stone momentarily, and then places the bouquet amongst many others.

ZOE TOLLE
(whispering) Thank you, Ms. Esther.

Zoe stands and walks away.

INT. INTERSTATE MORNING
Cars drive along an interstate on a sunny day.

INT. INSIDE THE RENTAL CAR SEDAN MORNING
Zoe is driving along an interstate. Zoe is calm, contemplative.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I left the next morning.

INT. INTERSTATE EXIT MORNING
Zoe takes an exit onto a four-lane highway separated by a median.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
But, something was different. The world seemed different, like it had changed.

INT. INSIDE ZOE’S RENTAL CAR SEDAN DAY
It begins to rain on the windshield. Zoe softly smiles up to the sky.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Or, maybe I was the one who had changed.

INT. FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY DAY
It continues to rain as a funeral procession slowly turns into a cemetery from the right lane of the side of the highway going opposite of Zoe. A line of cars on Zoe’s side of the median have respectfully pulled off to the side of the road due to the funeral procession. Zoe’s car also sits on the side of the road. A large semi-truck pulls off to the side behind Zoe. An older model family sedan sits in front of Zoe.

INT. OUTSIDE THE SEMI DAY
A truck driver is seen turning off his engine and removing his hat as he looks toward the funeral procession.

INT. INSIDE ZOE’S RENTAL CAR SEDAN DAY
Zoe watches the funeral procession thoughtfully.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I was beginning to see things differently, to see connections where I didn’t realize there had been any, to see the ways that we were all alike…

INT. CEMETARY DAY
Cars continue to pull into the cemetery. MOURNERS dressed in black who had been in the procession of cars now exit their vehicles. A casket is being carried from the hearse to an open grave by EIGHT MEN.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
…all of us, even though on the outside we seem so different. We’re born, we die, and in-between we just do the best we can, I guess. Just trying to fill up that space the best way we know how. I felt sadness for the mourners. And, I wondered what thoughts were going through the mind of whoever had died. Did they ever find inner peace? Was inner peace anything they had even wondered about? Had they lived life the way they wanted? Had they really lived at all? And, I thought about my life, too. What would happen if I died? Would my co-workers be too busy to notice, too busy with accounts and meetings and clients to take time off to go to the funeral? And, my friends, well, I had left them far behind long ago when I was so busy looking for that ladder I mentioned earlier.

One sports car speeds by the cars parked alongside the road. The final car in the funeral procession enters the cemetery. Car engines begin to start up again.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, I wondered, if I died in this moment, would there be any part of my life that would be like Ms. Esther? Is there anything good that I’d be leaving behind? Or, would I be just another life that never really made a difference for having been here at all?

INT. INSIDE ZOE’S RENTAL CAR SEDAN DAY
Zoe slowly starts the car engine and looks toward the car in front of her.

INT. OUTSIDE AN OLDER MODEL FAMILY SEDAN DAY
Zoe sees the back of a car-seat (in the back of the car in front of her) and a bouncing sign that says BABY ON BOARD.

INT. INSIDE ZOE’S RENTAL CAR SEDAN DAY
Zoe smiles at the sign and slowly pulls onto the highway.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I still didn’t have all the answers. We never do. But, I knew that, when my time comes, I want to be able to die knowing that I did my best to be like Ms. Esther…

INT. MS. ESTHER’S GRAVESITE DAY
Ms. Esther’s gravestone is seen: BE KIND TO SOMEBODY

MAY LOONEY
(voice over)
Every year she put the same sign on the bulletin board in her classroom: You Are Somebody.

INT. CRISPY ROLL CAFÉ DAY
Ben Holder is seen smiling and laughing.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
…or Ben Holder…

INT. SOUL REJUVENATION BARNYARD DAY
Heath is seen smiling.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
…or Heath Sullivan.

INT. OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY DAY
The busy city streets, tall buildings, and rushing people are seen throughout the city.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, I went back to New York determined to do exactly that.

INT. INSIDE ZOE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM DAY
Zoe walks in the apartment, puts down her suitcase, and is greeted by Claude the Cat. Zoe picks up Claude, pets him, and walks into the kitchen.

ZOE TOLLE
Hi, Claude. Oh, I missed you. Did you miss me?

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
But, rash and impulsive I’m not. So change came rather slowly. But, it did come.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT BEDROOM MORNING
Zoe lies awake in bed when the alarm rings. She turns it off, but gets out of bed without rushing, and casually heads into the bathroom.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT KITCHEN MORNING
Zoe pours some food into Claude’s bowl. Then, she looks into the refrigerator, pulls out a gallon of milk, and smells it.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, maybe not. Ew.

Zoe dislikes the rotten milk smell and pours it down the sink. Claude the Cat watches from the counter.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM MORNING
Zoe picks up her briefcase, purse, and overcoat and walks out the door.

INT. NEW YORK CITY STREET MORNING
Zoe walks down a busy city street, her pace a bit slower than everyone else. Zoe stops to buy a newspaper. When she reaches the Guitar Man, she stops for a brief moment, smiles at him, and tosses a dollar into his case. Guitar Man nods in appreciation and smiles back at her. Zoe continues to walk until she comes to the Coffee Man.

ZOE TOLLE
Good morning, Ralph!

COFFEE MAN
Zoe! I was afraid you had deserted me for that other coffee vender over on third.

ZOE TOLLE
Not a chance. Just been away for a while.

COFFEE MAN
The usual?

ZOE TOLLE
As large as you got.

COFFEE MAN
And, regular?

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, yeah.

COFFEE MAN
(laughs) Alright.

Zoe continues walking down city streets until she comes to her building. Zoe enters the building.

INT. MMJM&S CONFERENCE ROOM DAY
Zoe stands before a group of CLIENTS sitting at a conference table. Zoe mouths a presentation.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I went back to work.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM NIGHT
Zoe sits on a stool behind an easel painting Claude the Cat laying on the back of the couch.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Painted whenever I could.

Claude is bored and changes position.

ZOE TOLLE
Claude, I need you to be still just a little longer.

Claude yawns and then jumps off the couch and leaves the room. Zoe quickly decides to just laugh at the situation.

INT. PASTURE DAY
Zoe is slowly and carefully riding a horse, but is proud of herself.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Even did a little horseback riding once in a while.

INT. NEW YORK CITY STREET DAY
Zoe passes a flower stand on her way to work. She bends to smell the flowers and enjoys the scent.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And did my best to find something to enjoy in every moment.

Zoe begins to sneeze and walks away.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Some things I enjoyed more than others.

INT. COOKING CLASS NIGHT
Zoe is at a stove in a COOKING CLASS filled with twenty students. Zoe pulls out a muffin pan from the oven. The muffins are burned. Zoe coughs as black smoke rises from the muffins and she sets them on the stovetop.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, I kept my mind open to trying new things.

INT. INSIDE ZOE’S OFFICE BUILDING DAY
Zoe enters the building.

DOORMAN
Good morning, Ms. Tolle.

ZOE TOLLE
Good morning, Frank. (excited) Mary’s getting close now, isn’t she?

DOORMAN
Due any day now.

ZOE TOLLE
Let me know if it’s a boy or a girl, will ya?

DOORMAN
Sure will, Ms. Tolle.

INT. INSIDE THE ELEVATOR AT ZOE’S OFFICE BLDG. DAY
The elevator is crowded with employees. Zoe steps on and the doors close.

ELEVATOR MAN
Ms. Tolle, did I tell you ‘bout my boy. He got into Harvard.

ZOE TOLLE
Joe, that’s great. I know he worked so hard this last year. Give him my congratulations, will you?

ELEVATOR MAN
Well, he’s mighty grateful to you, Ms. Tolle, for helping him those applications. It meant the world to him. It really did.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, it was my pleasure.

INT. MMJM&S FRONT OFFICE MORNING
Zoe walks in the door. Rita Burstyn hands her a stack of messages, and gives Zoe an approving nod.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
For a while, life got easier even though it didn’t seem that much had changed. And, I was still putting in a lot of hours at work, but not as many as before. But, something about the work was changing too.

INT. ZOE’S OFFICE DAY
Adrian Michaels sits in a chair across from Zoe.

ZOE TOLLE
Maybe I’m just not tuned in to the youth market like I used to be, Adrian. But, I just don’t get it anymore. The video games, the music videos, it’s just violence. I used to just look at it as the kind of fun teenagers have today. I mean, it’s not like they’re gonna go find some disco on a Saturday night.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
(laughs) No, and I can’t say I disagree with you either. Ever since that nephew of mind talked me into specializing in the youth market, I’ve regretted it.

ZOE TOLLE
So, how do you reason with it?

ADRIAN MICHAELS
Well, even in the old days I didn’t use all the products we advertised. Didn’t like some of them. But, advertising is what we do. We don’t force them to buy certain products or believe certain ways. If there’s a product and if there’s a market, we just build the bridge between the two. It’s up to all those people out there whether or not they want to cross the bridge.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Problem was that I didn’t want to responsible for building the bridge anymore.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
You can’t be responsible for other people, Zoe. The line has to be drawn somewhere. You can only be responsible for yourself.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
And, I knew he was right.

INT. NEW YORK CITY STREET EVENING
Zoe walks out of her office building and sees the sign for SCALING HEIGHTS SPORTING GOODS—GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. Zoe walks toward the store and then goes inside.

INT. INSIDE SCALING HEIGHTS STORE EVENING
Zoe looks around and sees the large, open area with near-empty shelves and walls. She looks over some of the climbing gear, wondering what it’s for. A SALESCLERK approaches her.

SALESCLERK
Can I help you, miss? It’s our final day. Everything is 70% off.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, no, thank you. Just looking. I’ve never even climbed before.

SALESCLERK
It’s an adventure. Everyone should try to climb at least one small mountain in their lifetime. It’s an experience you never forget. (begins straightening some of the merchandise)

ZOE TOLLE
It’s a shame this place didn’t make it. Well, you know, the business closing and all.

SALESCLERK
Actually, the business has done rather well. Especially since we hired a new advertising company with a department that specializes in climbing. This has been a great location for us, but we’re closing it out so we can open a store further up in the mountains. The New York City customers will still be served on-line.

ZOE TOLLE
I should know better than to pre-judge.

SALESCLERK
(sees another customer) Excuse me.

The Salesclerk walks to ANOTHER CUSTOMER and Zoe continues to look about the room.

INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM DAY
Zoe talks on the phone and jots something on a pad of paper. She then hangs up the phone, flips through a phonebook, dials, and begins mouthing a question.

ZOE TOLLE
Um-hum. Um-hum. (pause) Okay, thank you. (after dialing) Good morning, sir. This is Zoe Tolle.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Adrian was right. I am responsible for myself. I had my own kind of mountain to scale. And, I finally had an idea of how to get there. More importantly, I finally decided to follow that path.

INT. INSIDE FORMER SCALING HEIGHTS STORE DAY
Zoe is directing TWO MOVERS at removing the remaining shelves from the Scaling Heights store. The Scaling Heights sign in the store is being removed by TWO OTHER MOVERS.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I did it anyway.

INT. INSIDE FORMER SCALING HEIGHTS STORE EVENING
ZOE and FOUR PAINTERS are painting the inside of the store. Zoe then looks around, pleased with the outcome.

INT. OUTSIDE FORMER SCALING HEIGHTS STORE MORNING
Zoe and Rita Burstyn stand on the sidewalk, quite excited, as they watch TWO WORKERS install the sign for PALETTE OF DREAMS.

INT. PAINTING CLASS DAY
Zoe teaches a class of twenty ART STUDENTS of all ages. Each has their own easel and paints. The students are all situated so they’re in a circle. In the center of the circle is a bowl of fruit. Zoe goes to three different students, nodding, smiling, and mouthing encouragement.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
Some moments were easy, some were hard, but every one seemed like a labor of love. I taught art classes there several nights a week and on weekends. I loved sharing my love of painting with other people. During the week, I still worked at Michaels, etc., and the Palette of Dreams was rented out by other local artists who wanted to share their talent with others. It worked out well. Even better than I had expected.

INT. FRONT OFFICE OF MMJM&S MORNING
Zoe walks in. Rita is at the front desk. Zoe carries only her purse and briefcase.

RITA BURSTYN
(teasing) Aren’t you the lucky one.

ZOE TOLLE
(teasing) Yes I am. (hands Rita her briefcase) For you, Ms. Rita. I’ve decided to travel a bit more lightly in my future.

RITA BURSTYN
Oh, I’ve always loved this briefcase. Thank you. (hugs Zoe from over the counter) You’re become a good friend, Zoe. And, I promise to say something nice about you at the water cooler.

ZOE TOLLE
(laughs) Thanks, Rita.

RITA BURSTYN
(whispering) I don’t suppose you’d be giving away that overcoat of yours, huh?

ZOE TOLLE
Sorry. Gave it to Goodwill last week.

Rita pretends to pout. Zoe goes to her office.

INT. ZOE’S OFFICE DAY
Zoe’s office is cleared of clutter and work. There is a small box on her desk. She is straightening files on her desk when Adrian Michaels walks in.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
Can’t believe it’s your last day with us, Zoe.

ZOE TOLLE
Oh, you’ll be fine without me, Adrian. I’ve got all the files updated and I’ve attached notes to each one—you know, just personal information that may help the new account managers get to know the clients. (sighs) Wow. This place sure feels different. You know, it wasn’t until I started packing stuff up that I realized I never really brought any personal effects here. What does that say?

ADRIAN MICHAELS
It says that the gain of Hills and Schools is the loss of Michaels and Michaels, and, and, whoever else is listed on that sign. Oh, you know what I’m trying to say, Zoe. I wish you the best.

ZOE TOLLE
Thanks for helping me get the job, Adrian.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
I think you’ll do well as an account manager for children’s educational products. Of course, the pay won’t be as good with such a smaller company. Are you sure…

ZOE TOLLE
Yes.

ADRIAN MICHAELS
You think you’ll ever be able to just run that art studio and not hold down a day job? I’ve been hearing good things about it.

ZOE TOLLE
Well, that’s the plan. But, for now, I’m just enjoying what I’ve got. (Zoe picks up the box and begins to leave)

ADRIAN MICHAELS
I’ve been thinking about taking up painting. I used to enjoy drawing little cartoons when I was just a boy. You take old people?

ZOE TOLLE
Anybody who wants to paint. (smiles)

INT. INSIDE PALETTE OF DREAMS DAY
Zoe is instructing an art class.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
So, that’s where I got to where I am. There are days when I still struggle with inner peace, but I’ve given up looking for it. I just take life day by day.

INT. CENTRAL PARK DAY
Zoe sits on the greenery behind an easel and paints the water and yards of the park.

ZOE TOLLE
(voice over)
I still think Grandma Zoe was right. We should work hard and make the most of ourselves. But, now I’ve written my own definition of success… and I’ve thrown out the ladder.

Zoe looks up toward the sun, smiles, and returns to painting.

THE END



Written by Debra Phillips


This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or situations is coincidental and completely unintentional.