DISCLAIMER: John From Cincinnati and its canon characters are the property of HBO and the show's producers; no copyright infringement is intended.
Written by: Waxon, congadrumbum, svengali2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written by: Waxon, congadrumbum, svengali2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The early sun burns the asphalt in the courtyard of Snug Harbor. The shades are drawn on the windows and no one besides Ramon, who is sweeping the parking lot, sees a yellow taxi as it pulls up. With John in tow Kai, still wearing a red hat, opens the door to room F. The hat gets caught in the broken screen; Kai throws it in the yard and enters the dark room.
Ramon: (nods to himself) About time. (he picks the hat up, shakes the dust off and hangs it on the doorknob).
Sounds of Beach Boys, "Sloop John B" are filling the room, it’s a cell phone alarm on the night stand going apparently for a while. Butchie is in bed, he is mumbling something in his sleep. Kai turns the phone off, however we can hear the song until it ends. Kai looks around at the empty beer bottles, the Bob Marley banner draped over the chair, half opened cardboard boxes on the floor. She watches Butchie for a moment, goes to the kitchenette and fills a glass with water and ice cubes from the fridge. Drinking the water, Kai returns to the room, when finished, she walks over to Butchie’s bed, pulls open his shorts and drops the ice inside.
John: (smiling) Baptize this fucking pistol!
Butchie: Whaa…what the fuck! (he rolls out of bed, jumping up and down to get rid of the ice). Jesus fucking Christ…. it’s you, Kai? (Kai smiles, lifts the glass to drink last drops of water.) Shit, Kai, what the hell's wrong with you, you gonna freeze my balls off! (Butchie sees Kai's shaved and bandaged head) Oh, babe....you were hurt.... (his face turns somber) I thought you were dead… just now I saw…. everyone…. in the dark, then like a flash of lightning or fucking something…. I don’t know, fire….. everyone's dead…. It was like watching from fucking somewhere…. Mom, Dad…..Tina.... the whole fucking town….
Kai and Butchie stand still, then hug each other with desperate urgency, in search of comfort.
Butchie: (quickly regaining his composure) He wasn't there, Shaunie, with the dead, you know!
John walks out of the bathroom, in his widespread arms he's holding two wetsuits with the camouflage pattern. John walks up to Butchie and Kai , they’re still standing in the tight embrace.
John: The end is near!
Butchie: Wow, wow, hold your fucking horsies, John, what do you mean? Like THE end?
Kai: Butchie, you think he knows anything? Wait....
John: I don't know, Butchie, instead. (Kai and Butchie exchange understanding glances)
Butchie: What the fuck I know about this shit, Kai, is that he said to me yesterday (he imitates John's voice) "everyone died". Right, John? Where's Slim Jim, when you need him!
Kai: Who?
Butchie: Linc fucking Stark! Anyways, John, buddy, is there a war, 'cause I sure didn't fucking signed for any draft, and now that I think about it, I got a real thirst, brother, for the draft beer.... or bottled!
John: (making an encouraging grimace) You need to get wet, Butchie!
--svengali2
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Palaka is asleep in bed on his back. The room is dark with only a small shade of light seeping through the fully drawn curtains. As his image comes to forbearance, it appears that he has not shaven in days. He is dreaming and talking nonsense.
Seeing the light from the peephole in the door, he begins to crawl – almost slithering to the door. Pulling himself up he opens the door and a wave of light floods his vision – temporarily blinding him. He staggers out of the room covering his eyes and as his vision clears, he sees that he is in the Snug Harbor
Cut to a scene of a young man who appears to be in his early 20’s with long black hair riding a bike along the street. It is the now-young again, Dr Smith. He turns into the Snug Harbor
Freddie's room.
Freddie sits back on his bed. Palaka returns from the bathroom showered and shaved.
Palaka: Hey, boss, you hungry? I could go get us some food….. and a paper perhaps. Maybe we should get a subscription.
Freddie: Three days.
Palaka: (Thinking) I give up…The resurrection?
Freddie: Your resurrection.
Palaka: Light equipment, remember?
There is a knock at the door.
Palaka: Are you expecting anyone?
Freddie: No. (Freddie reaches for the bedside table and puts his hand partially in the drawer)
Looking through the peep hole, Palaka sees the young Dr. Smith.
Palaka: It's just some kid.
Freddie: See what he wants.
Palaka: (cracks the door open and peers out) Hello!
Dr. Smith: How are you feeling, Palaka?
Palaka: And that would be what business of yours?
Dr. Smith: It's Michael Smith, Palaka. I heard you were awake. (Confused, Palaka looks at Freddie )
Freddie: Let him in.
Palaka: (Opening the door) Do I know you, kid?
Dr. Smith: (entering) Well, sort of. (Looking at Freddie for help) Hello, Freddie.
Palaka looks at Freddie now returning to his relaxed posture, arms folded.
Dr. Smith: I am a friend of the Yosts.
Palaka: You look familiar, but…
Dr. Smith: (motioning to Freddie) What has he told you?
Freddie: Nothing.
Dr. Smith: I see…..Well, um, why don’t we sit down and talk?
Palaka: Can’t – I was just on my way out.
Freddie: He’s hungry.
Dr. Smith: Oh, well, yes, I am sure you are - perhaps later, I guess. (again looking at Freddie)
Freddie: Yeah, later.
Dr. Smith: Hmm. Well, Ok – you have my phone number. I’ll wait to hear from you.
Palaka: (shrugging his shoulders) Yea, we’ll call you.
Dr. Smith: (pauses and turns to Palaka) You look well.
Palaka: OK. Don’t call us, we’ll call you, kid.! (he closes the door. To Freddie) Nice kid, but a little strange..... Anything I need to know before I go out?
Freddie: (looking away) No.
--Waxon
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--Waxon
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(Cut to the coffee shop)
Dwayne is at the computer and Jerri is behind the counter.
Jerri: I have to go out – should I lock the door?
(Dwayne doesn’t resond)
Jerri: I take that as a “yes” (to herself) You can’t turn a mule into a thoroughbred.
Jerri leaves locking the door behind her.
As Dwayne stares at his computer screen, we see images of the Snug Harbor parking lot. Freddie is standing in the doorway looking out. In the background Ramon is sweeping. Into the picture comes a skateboarder into the parking lot. He jumps his board onto the shuffleboard court and it immediately slips right out from under his feet. The rider falls hard to the concrete and Ramon drops his broom and rushes to his aid.
At that moment, there is a loud crash outside the coffee shop. Startled, Dwayne looks out the window to see another boy flat on his back. The wheels of an upside down skateboard are still spinning. The boy is not moving and a small crowd is gathering. Dwayne opens the front door and kneels at the boy’s side. As the crowd grows, Dwayne shouts, “Call 911”. A man from the crowd bends to pick up the boy.
Dwayne: Don’t move him!
Dwayne bends down to feel breath on his cheek from the boy and then moves his ear to the chest to listen for a heartbeat.. A voice from the crowd speaks:
Michael (Smith): Are you a doctor?
Dwayne: No, but we need one fast.
Michael: I’m in pre-med.
Dwayne: Someone get me a blanket or a coat!
Michael takes his shirt off and hands it to Dwayne. Two other men in the crowd do the same, followed by Dwayne. Dwayne places the shirts on the boy - using them to keep him warm.
--Waxon
Dwayne is at the computer and Jerri is behind the counter.
Jerri: I have to go out – should I lock the door?
(Dwayne doesn’t resond)
Jerri: I take that as a “yes” (to herself) You can’t turn a mule into a thoroughbred.
Jerri leaves locking the door behind her.
As Dwayne stares at his computer screen, we see images of the Snug Harbor parking lot. Freddie is standing in the doorway looking out. In the background Ramon is sweeping. Into the picture comes a skateboarder into the parking lot. He jumps his board onto the shuffleboard court and it immediately slips right out from under his feet. The rider falls hard to the concrete and Ramon drops his broom and rushes to his aid.
At that moment, there is a loud crash outside the coffee shop. Startled, Dwayne looks out the window to see another boy flat on his back. The wheels of an upside down skateboard are still spinning. The boy is not moving and a small crowd is gathering. Dwayne opens the front door and kneels at the boy’s side. As the crowd grows, Dwayne shouts, “Call 911”. A man from the crowd bends to pick up the boy.
Dwayne: Don’t move him!
Dwayne bends down to feel breath on his cheek from the boy and then moves his ear to the chest to listen for a heartbeat.. A voice from the crowd speaks:
Michael (Smith): Are you a doctor?
Dwayne: No, but we need one fast.
Michael: I’m in pre-med.
Dwayne: Someone get me a blanket or a coat!
Michael takes his shirt off and hands it to Dwayne. Two other men in the crowd do the same, followed by Dwayne. Dwayne places the shirts on the boy - using them to keep him warm.
--Waxon
------------------------------------------------------------------ In the clear light of the morning Cissy is stacking dirty dishes in the sink that is already overflowing. Two filled up trash bags sit next to her feet. When she turns her head, she sees Shawn and a girl with long blond hair walking through the corridor by the kitchen, trying not to get noticed. Their eyes meet.
Shaun: Hi, Grams…. It’s Christy…. (he doesn’t know what else to say)…. Christina….
Not answering, Cissy looks at him, then at the girl, appraisingly. She opens the top cabinet and takes out two bowls, puts them on the table and points at a box of cereal in the center of the table.
Cissy: Cereal.
Shawn and the girl look uncomfortable.
Shawn: Thanks, Grams, we’re gonna bounce. (The girl smiles and gives him a quick nudge.)
Cissy: You want a peanut butter sandwich?
Shaun:(takes the girl by the arm) No, Grams, we’re good.
Cissy hears them laughing outside. She moves the trash bags to the front door so they block the entrance and returns to the sink. Turning the faucet on she looks through the window, lost in thought. She puts her hands under the water and watches them as they scrub away.
Cissy: Fucking princess, ten inch nails! (She again walks over to the front door and moves the trash bags, placing them at the side entrance of the kitchen).
--svengali2
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At the Internet Cafe "Spinning Wheel" is playing on the radio.
Tina and Linc are sitting at a table. Tina is crumbling a muffin on her plate. She speaks without looking at Linc.
Tina: I can’t do it. I just can’t.
At the table near one of the windows Daphne is talking to Meyer, who is watching the street as the cars pass by. Daphne stabs the melon wedge with a spoon, and droplets of the juice spray all over her white blouse. She grabs a napkin, dropping her spoon on the floor.
Daphne: (irritated) What are we doing here, Meyer? I have to prepare for your mother’s visit, go to the cleaners and pick up your suit…. and a million other things! What is she (throwing an angry look to Jerry) serving here, yesterday’s pastries? Oh, I know…. You don’t like my cooking! Do you like my cooking, Meyer, be honest with me, is that what stands between us now? I barely slept last night, I was having nightmares, some dinosaur was chasing me through the cemetery, and, Meyer, he ate, no, he swallowed my beautiful Italian pumps whole! Meyer, are you even listening?
Meyer: Yes, my love, I am listening. The dinosaur, very interesting. (He continues to look out into the busy street)
A sudden noise outside attracts attention of all of the people in the café, and they look out through the windows. It’s a skateboarder who fell on the pavement. Dwayne runs out as the rest of the patrons stay inside.
The music is interrupted by sudden silence. Linc drags his chair close to Tina, the chair makes loud scratching noise on the tile floor. Tina doesn’t turn her head. Sitting down, Linc gently moves Tina’s long hair away from her face, folding a strand of it behind her ear.
Linc: I want to see your face.
Tina: Do not touch me! (She pulls her hair down, then noticing as Linc’s expression changes, she again folds it behind her ear) That… fucker would say: Move your hair, sugar, we want to see how you’re enjoying it…. Wouldn’t tell the cameraman to stop rolling…. Linc, I thought I…am... I....could
Linc: (flips open his cell and spends few moments pressing different buttons and looking at the screen. He closes the phone and waves to Jerri. Taking money out of his wallet he smiles to Jerri) Hundred for bringing it to our table.
Jerri: What fucking business would I have without my regulars!? All here, like flies on sticky tape!
Linc: (looks at Tina, thinking aloud) If you are the whore of Babylon, what does that make me? A moneychanger? That I can do! Seems to still be allowed…. You wouldn’t mind getting a haircut, would you, milady? (Taking Tina’s hand he makes her stand up) For a million? Three blocks down.
Tina raises her hand to slap Linc, he catches it and kisses Tina's hand.
Tina: You'll lose all your money, you sick fuck!
Jerri rolls her eyes. She walks over to Dwayne who returned and settled at his computer and gives him a wet willie. Dwayne shakes his head in protest.
Dwayne: Can't you leave me alone? (he is watching the screen that shows a skateboarder in Snug Harbor parking lot, laying flat on his back, Ramon is leaning over) I think I am missing something!
Daphne: (raising her voice over the noise in the café and the music) And he swallowed you, Meyer!
Meyer: (engrossed in his thoughts, still intensely watching the street ) What am I missing?
Daphne tries to fight back tears and blows her nose, the loud sound breaks Meyer's spell. Looking at Daphne he smiles a worried smile.
Jerry: (hugs and leans on Dwayne from behind with her breasts) We have to advertise!
Linc: (holding Tina's hand he leads her to the front door) What's mine is yours, baby.
At the door Tina and Linc bump into young Dr.Smith.
Young Dr.Smith: Ahem, hello....
Linc: Right on the nose! I'm wondering who else is missing the festivities!
In the dark corner of the cafe Erlemeyer is slowly sipping his coffee.
Erlemeyer: Voices, so many voices.
(Thanks to SpiritontheWater for the Song)
--svengali2
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At Bill Jacks home.
Commander Cody, Seeds and Stems Again Blues
Vietnam Joe: Bill, when’s the first time you actually saw pot?
Bill Jacks: The first time I busted one of you longhaired hippie bums when I was rookie.
Vietnam Joe: Oh man, you are so fucking square, you know that!
Bill: And proud of it!
Joe: Man, the first time I saw pot I was still in high school. This had to have been 1963, ’64. I couldn’t have been more than 14 or 15 years old at the time.
Bill: Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ! You were smoking pot at that young age? That explains a lot.
Joe: (laughing) No man! I was scared shitless actually.
Bill: Whaddya mean?
Joe: Well, back in those days the general belief was if you smoked marijuana, before long you’d be shooting heroin too. I didn’t want to turn into no junkie. Besides I’m deathly afraid of needles. Anyway I’m sitting shotgun in a souped up car with an older cat named Benny out in the high school parking lot waiting for some chicks, right?
Bill: Of course, what else?
Joe: I mean this is long before the hippie love and peace days. We’re still diddy bopping around with our duck tail haircuts trying to look tough, getting into fights, beer blasts down at the beach, that kind of thing.
Bill: So you weren’t the president of your class I take it.
Joe: Fuck you, Bill! Anyway, Benny pulls out the skinniest joint I’ve ever seen from his shirt pocket, lights it up and takes a really deep drag and blows the smoke in my direction. It kinda smelled like the herbs my mom used to put in the Thanksgiving stuffing.
Bill: Maybe it was.
Joe: I’ve often thought that myself. Anyway, Benny offers the joint to me and I just shook my head no thanks. He shrugged and laughed and finished it off himself.
Bill: Sounds like a fine example of a real upright standing citizen.
Joe: Kinda weird that I went from a scared shitless little kid afraid to take a hit off a skinny joint to a first class drug smuggler.
Bill: Smuggler?
Joe: Yeah, man, right after I got back from Nam. Fuck working for the man!
--congadrumbum
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Vietnam Joe closes his eyes and slumps uncomfortably on the couch, his body is leaning over the armrest. Shaking his head Bill Jacks turns and walks to the table with Zippy’s cage where Alejandro is still staring into space. Bill waves his hand in front of Alejandro’s glossy expressionless eyes.
Bill: Are you done screwing with him, Zip, monkey face, master magician as you are…. (to himself) Jesus Christ, I bet the boy is watching the movie of his life, back and forth!
Returning to Vietnam Joe, Bill lifts his legs up on the couch; without waking up, Joe sighs and stretches out.
Joe: Right, no atheists in foxholes, sergeant!
Bill sits down on the couch next to sleeping Joe. Slowly the orange glow is filling the whole house; everything in it taking on undefined, amorphous shapes.
As Bill begins to climb the spiral staircase, the light intensifies, falling down in a cascade of white fire. Upstairs, Bill, with Zippy on his shoulder, stands looking through the small window, the light dances in the room.
Bill: As we were, Lo, our young ourselves, still treading water….
John: Confirm the sight, trooper! (He looks at Bill through the binoculars he takes from his pocket)
Bill: (turning around and smiling) What you need is only an oar, my friend.
Bill takes a pillow from the bed and goes downstairs. He places the pillow under Joe’s head, then brings a chair and settles Alejandro in it.
Bill: What do I do with you? …. Zip, a chess rematch while we wait?
--svengali2
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Roll the credits!
Whitestarr, Thank You
