fade IN:
int. farm house-day
MAUDE BAKER, 80’s, takes off dirty boots and
puts them near the door. A shovel leans against the wall.
Sparingly furnished room is a mix of old and
new, mostly old.
Shelving fills one wall. On shelves are an old
television, radio, and many old photographs.
More photographs are scattered about.
Maude sits with a cup of tea admiring one of
the photos on the wall. Soft music plays.
Photo is of Charles, mid-twenties, in uniform.
He stands near a fighter-jet. Near photo is another of young Maude and the same
man in a tuxedo. She wears a bridal gown.
Other pictures show girl, birth through
pre-school.
Maude jumps at the sound of loud static. She
turns the radio off. A loud electrical hum continues.
Maude covers her ears with her hands. She
hurries out the door.
She steps onto the covered porch.
ext. porch-night
Maude scans porch, front yard, and fields. She
sees no one.
Re-enters the house.
int. house-night
Maude pulls plugs on radio and television. The
static stops, hum noise continues.
Maude picks up the phone and dials.
maude
Sheriff Reynolds? This is Maude Baker.
ext. small town-day
PEOPLE mill about on sidewalks in front of
building with sign that reads Baker County Sheriff.
GARY SPARKS, a handsome man in a suit and tie
approaches the door and enters.
int. office-day
TOM REYNOLDS, an older man sits at desk behind
glass wall. Papers lay everywhere.
Tom wears a badge. He stands and the buttons
of his shirt strain across his belly.
gary
Good morning Sheriff. I’m Gary Sparks.
Tom shakes Gary’s hand.
He removes papers from the seat of a chair and
motions to it.
tom
What brings a big city lawyer out here?
gary
I’m working with Caldwell & Associates
on a project we think will interest you.
Tom returns to his chair. Gary sits.
tom
They’re bankers or somethin’ aren’t they?
gary
Among other things. They’re also commercial
developers. You know, resorts, spas, civic projects.
Gary hands some papers to Tom.
Tom scans them.
tom
I see they been buying farms. They’re not
farmers too?
Gary laughs.
gary
No, they don’t farm. We think your county
has a bright future.
Gary moves to Tom’s side and points out plots
on a map.
gary
The interstate’s going through there. We’ve
secured agreements here and here. There’s just one problem.
Gary returns to his chair. Waits.
Tom lays papers on desk.
tom
The Baker place.
ext. farm house-Day
Large house looks weathered. The land is
unfarmed. To one side a small patch of ground has been worked.
A barn to other side is in worse condition
than the house. The windows are boarded over. The door is hanging half off its
hinges. The roof sags.
Sheriff’s car is parked near large covered
porch.
ext. Porch-day
Tom leans on porch railing, back to Maude.
maude
I said you wouldn’t hear anything. You have
to come when I call or it goes away.
Tom speaks under his breath. Maude doesn’t
hear.
tom
I did that last time you called in
th-middle-a-the night.
Tom turns toward Maude and speaks loud.
tom
I talked to a Doc over at the county clinic.
He says there’s somethin called tinnitus that can make people hear hummin
noises.
maude
It’s not just that hum, there’s static too
and besides, I think there’ve been prowlers around here.
Tom steps back.
tom
You seen somebody?
maude
Well, not exactly somebody. More like
things, strange things.
Tom
Maude, won’t you consider movin inta town?
You’d have people close by when you need-em.
Maude shakes her head.
Maude
Charlie’s family farmed this place before
there was a Baker County. I’ve spent most of my life right here in this house.
tom
You know, there’s been some people round
that’d like ta buy your place. Big money people. Might be worth lookin into.
Maude
I’m not interested in their money. And Tom,
I’m not crazy. There’s strange things going on around here.
tom
Will you at least think about seein a
doctor?
INT. HOUSE-night
Maude opens cupboard, takes out one of several
plastic cartons and removes lid.
She fingers a few of the dried corn seeds
inside and replaces the lid.
Ext. field-night
Maude is in field with flashlight where soil
is turned. She is planting corn seed from a plastic carton.
INT. CAR-DAY
SANDY CHAMBERS in
business attire drives and talks on phone.
SANDY
...thanks for your help Tom. I think I’ve
found the place.
ext. car on street-day
Car approaches Maude’s house and parks in
front.
EXT. CAR-DAY
Sandy gets out.
Maude is in the field. She is spading another
section near the planted one.
ext. field-day
Sandy walks toward Maude.
sandy
Maude? Maude Baker?
Maude continues to dig as Sandy approaches.
sandy
Hello, I’m Sandy Chambers and I work with
Baker County Senior Services. I’m here to talk with you about...
Maude stops digging and looks up.
MAUDE
Who? I don’t know you do I? I don’t really
have time to chat right now. I have a lot of work to do.
Sandy moves closer to Maude and speaks a bit
louder.
sandy
I see that.
Maude stops digging.
maude
What? A free hat? I don’t think so dear. I
don’t really need another hat.
Maude goes back to digging. Sandy moves close,
holds out a business card. She speaks louder.
sandy
Maude. My name is Sandy! I work with the
county.
Maude stops, takes and examines the card.
Maude
Sandy? I used to call my little girl Sandy.
Her father insisted on calling her Sandra Lynne, but I called her Sandy.
sandy
Maude, Tom Reynolds asked me to stop by...
maude
Tom? You mean that old nincompoop that calls
himself a sheriff?
Sandy grins.
sandy
Yes, the County Sheriff.
Maude sticks the shovel in the ground and
turns toward the house.
maude
Comm’on, I’ll get us some cookies and tea
and you can see some pictures of Sandy.
ext. car on road-day
Car slows as it nears Maude’s driveway.
It continues past slowly and pulls to a stop
out of sight of the house.
int. car-day
LEO in passenger seat is a thin young man with
stringy hair and beard.
His foot taps and his knee bounces. His hands
tap on the dashboard.
Gary, in casual dress, sits behind the wheel.
He grimaces and turns to Leo.
gary
Leo!
Leo stops drumming but continues to tap his
foot.
Leo
Hey Bro!
Gary grimaces again.
gary
Don’t call me Bro!
leo
Okay, okay Gee.
Gary glances around. No cars in sight.
Leo begins to drum the dashboard again.
gary
Leo!
Leo quits drumming and glances toward Gary.
leo
Hey, don’t blame me man. I thought you just
wanted me to put the gadgets in. Didn’t know I had to spy on the old gash.
gary
I need results now, not a year from now. No
results, no money.
Gary hands Leo a small plastic bag.
Leo grabs it and opens the car door. He grabs
duffle, backpack and bedroll from back.
leo
I’m your man Gee!
gary
Now Leo.
int. living room-day
Maude sits and removes her boots. Sandy stands
a few feet away.
Sandy
Tom asked me to help arrange for a doctor to
find out about your hearing.
Maude looks up.
maude
Did you say something about finding my
earring?
Sandy chuckles and shakes her head.
Maude leads Sandy to the shelves full of
photographs. Points to the little girl.
maude
That’s my Sandy. Beautiful, isn’t she?
Sandy examines the pictures.
sandy
Yes she was a lovely child.
Maude goes to kitchen.
maude
I’ll just be a minute. Make yourself at
home.
Ext. Barn-day
Leo slips through the disjointed barn door
without having to open it further.
int. barn-day
Leo plops in dark corner.
He opens the plastic bag.
int. kitchen-day
The kitchen looks old. Marred linoleum covers
the floor and paint is stained.
A large photograph hangs next to a door to
back yard; Charles on a tractor, little Sandy on his lap. A large corn field is
background.
Maude sets tea and cookies on the table.
Sandy stands near the door gazing at the
picture.
maude
Sit down dear. Have a cookie.
Sandy and Maude sit.
sandy
Thank you. That’s a nice picture there by
the door. Your husband?
Sandy nibbles a cookie.
maude
Yes, that’s Charles. Sandy used to love to
sit on his lap and drive the tractor. We grew corn here. The fields were alive
then.
Maude refills Sandy’s cup and pushes the
cookies toward her.
maude
Have another dear.
sandy
So, how come you don’t farm the land any
more? Couldn’t you hire people?
Maude chuckles.
maude
Oh dear no! With the price of gas and
fertilizer and even seed these days? The corn belonged to Charles, and all but
a little of it died with him.
Sandy looks from the photograph to Maude.
sandy
All but a little of it? I didn’t see any
corn or even planted fields on the way in.
Maude looks away to focus on the picture.
maude
That last year he planted but that’s as far
as he got. I just let it stand there until the stalks turned brown and died, as
if leaving it there would somehow bring him back to harvest it.
Maude sips her tea. Sandy looks back to
picture as Maude continues:
maude
By then the corn wasn’t good for much but
cattle feed, and seed. Salvaged enough of the seed to plant a small patch the
next year, and I’ve done the same ever since.
Sandy’s eyes are watery.
Maude smiles at her.
sandy
Oh Maude. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to
pry.
Maude pats Sandy’s hand.
maude
It’s alright dear. It’s been a long time.
Now, about that earring you mentioned.
Sandy leans toward Maude.
sandy
I didn’t say earring, I said HEARING! I’d
like to get you some help with your hearing.
maude
Hearing! That sheriff! He’s always nagging
me. Doctor! He’s just lazy.
Maude fidgets, goes to the outside door.
Sandy follows.
sandy
Maybe a doctor could help you hear better;
it wouldn’t hurt to get checked would it?
Maude turns back and looks down.
maude
Alright Sandy; Maybe you’re right. I know I
don’t hear as well as I used to.
ext. porch-day
maude
I’m glad you came.
sandy
I enjoyed our visit too. I’ll stop by next
week. We can talk more then.
Sandy gets in car and drives away.
Maude watches from the porch until her
attention settles on the field.
A shadow falls across the soil and moves
toward some brush near the road.
maude
Hello! Is someone there?
Maude looks and listens. Nothing. Goes back
into house.
ext. near road-day
Leo watches from bushes as Sandy drives away.
He pulls a remote device from his pocket,
points it at house, and pushes button.
int. tom’s office-day
Tom and Sandy stand.
sandy
She seems wonderful, like my gramma. She
might be a little lonely out there but I don’t think she needs a psychiatrist.
She’s just hard of hearing.
Sandy leaves office. Tom is still talking.
tom
Sure won’t listen ta me and I’m gettin’
tired a runnin’ out there every time she hears a noise.
Sandy stops, smiles, turns back to face Tom.
sandy
She might just be right about a few things.
Sandy walks away.
ext. city street-day
Leo bounces around on street corner.
Gary’s car pulls to curb in front of him and
he gets in.
int. car-day
Gary pulls back into traffic.
leo
Hey Bro!
Gary scowls toward Leo and accelerates.
gary
I told you not to call me Bro! What’re you
doing in town?
Leo is tapping his foot.
leo
Nice ride, Gee.
gary
Glad you like it, I’m on my way to Baker
County. Now, what do you want Leo?
leo
Money. I’m broke man an that little bag
didn’t last long. You said this was a payin job.
ext. city street-day
Gary pulls onto freeway.
int. car-day
Gary
No, I said no results, no money. And Leo,
time is not your friend.
int. maude’s house-day
Maude dozes in a recliner. Her feet soak in a
basin of water. The radio plays soft music.
Maude sits forward eyes open wide. She quickly
dries her feet.
Static and a low hum have begun to compete
with the music. The noise slowly grows louder until the music is nearly drowned
out.
Maude turns radio off. The hum continues. She
goes out back door.
ext. barn-day
Leo watches through opening in barn door as
Maude exits the house.
He reaches through door, remote pointing
toward the house and pushes the button.
int. county courthouse-day
Gary sits at a table reading from a file marked
BAKER. He smiles and closes the file.
gary
Bingo.
In front of him are more files.
Gary stands, takes files to a CLERK at the
property tax desk.
gary
Thanks sweetheart. You’ve been very helpful.
Where would I find the birth and death records?
ext. maude’s house-day
Maude is in back yard at a bird feeder
attached to the top of a tall pole. She stands on a step-ladder pouring
bird-seeds from bucket.
Sandy approaches.
sandy
Maude! You shouldn’t be getting up on
ladders!
Maude turns to see Sandy and backs off ladder.
maude
And who would feed the birds? A squirrel got
up here this morning and ate all the bird seeds.
Sandy steps close to Maude and speaks loudly.
sandy
I’ve made an appointment for you. It is a
week from Wednesday at two in the afternoon. Will that work for you?
They begin toward house, Maude carrying the
bucket.
maude
Yes, I suppose so. Guess I’m a little...
Maude pauses, glances back at feeder.
maude
You know, I had that feeder put up high on
that pole so the squirrels couldn’t get in.
Maude fidgets.
sandy
Maude, there’s nothing to be nervous about.
I’ll go with you.
maude
That’s nice dear.
Maude pauses, looks back at feeder again.
maude
I think there’ve been prowlers around here.
I’ve seen some strange things, and I know squirrels can’t jump that high.
int. office-day
Large office has a view of city from above. It
is modern and well furnished.
Gary sits at a desk looking at a computer
screen and punching keyboard. JORDAN sits facing him, every detail impeccable.
jordan
Well? Time is running out. Are we going to
make this happen or not?
Gary looks up from the computer.
gary
Yeah. You worry too much. I met with the
sheriff a while back.
jordan
What’s the hang-up?
gary
Hang-up? I also did some homework and filed
some papers at the courthouse.
Gary dawns his most charming smile.
gary
You can’t just throw her out. How about
dinner tonight?
Jordan picks up her briefcase and glares.
jordan
No! This is business, big business.
Gary ignores her glare and moves to her side,
close.
gary
Consider it done. Sure you won’t reconsider
that dinner?
ext. Maude’s porch-night
Static is coming from Maude’s house. The open
door is closed from inside, the lock clicks.
ext. back door-night
Leo in shadows wears backpack, picks up duffle
as he runs out back door. Screen slams behind him.
int. gary’s car-night
Gary drives car past Maude’s driveway, pulls
to side and stops.
Leo throws stuff in back seat. Gets in front.
ext. Gary’s car-night
The car pulls back onto the road and speeds
away.
ext. country road-night
Gary’s car pulls to side of road and stops.
Nothing but fields in sight and no lights but his headlights.
int. car-night
Gary turns to Leo who is tapping his foot in
the passenger seat. He reaches over the seat and grabs a package.
gary
Okay Leo. This is it.
Leo stops tapping and turns to Gary.
leo
Hey man! This is the middle of nowhere!
Gary hands Leo the package. He reaches back
again and retrieves the duffel, then the backpack. Tosses them at Leo.
gary
There’s your money and your stuff. Now get
out and disappear, permanently. Understand?
leo
Damn Gee! You just gonna leave me here?
Leo gets out, stuff dropped at his feet.
Gary pulls door shut.
ext. car-night
Leo doesn’t move. Car speeds away spraying
gravel on him.
ext. country road-night
Leo stands on dark roadside as headlights
approach.
ext. Maude’s porch-day
Sandy knocks. There is no response. Tries
door. It’s locked.
She looks around the yard and field. No sign
of Maude.
She walks toward back of house.
ext. kitchen door-day
Sandy finds back door open and shouts through
closed screen.
sandy
Maude? Maude, are you in there? It’s Sandy.
I’m here to take you to your appointment. Maude?
No response. Sandy tries screen door. It’s
unlocked and she enters.
int. kitchen-day
Sandy passes through empty kitchen.
sandy
Maude! It’s Sandy! Did you forget...
int. living room-day
Sandy sees Maude on floor near shelving,
unconscious. There is loud static coming from the old radio.
Sandy quickly finds and pulls the plug and it
goes silent.
She rushes to Maude.
sandy
Maude!
Sandy turns Maude. She sees blood massed in
hair.
Sandy dials phone.
int. sheriff’s office-day
Sandy sits across from Tom at his desk. He
opens a file.
sandy
You finished the investigation?
tom
Yeah, all but questionin her. Doc said
they’d let us know. We found just what I said we’d find at her place... nothin.
sandy
So how do you explain the bump on her head?
And what about prowlers?
tom
Doc says she had a stroke. Probly hit her
head on somethin when she fell. As fer prowlers, she’s old. She was hearin and seein
things, that’s all.
Sandy goes to door.
sandy
Just doesn’t seem right. Maybe she can tell
us more.
INT. HOSPITAL-DAY
Maude is lying in hospital bed, eyes open and
head bandaged. There are IV’s attached to one wrist, an oxygen mask covers her
mouth and nose.
A few feet from bed a young DOCTOR and Sandy
stand.
doctor
She’s lucky, the bump on her head did more
damage than the stroke.
sandy
So she’ll be okay?
doctor
Should be. The concussion is healing nicely
and there shouldn’t be any permanent damage from the stroke.
Doctor moves toward door.
sandy
How soon can I talk with her?
Doctor
You can talk to her now but she probably
won’t answer. Hasn’t said a word since she came in.
sandy
Because of the stroke?
doctor
Frankly, we’re not sure. Can’t find anything
physical. Like I said, it was mild.
sandy
I can take her home then?
doctor
In a couple days yeah, long as there’s
somebody there to keep an eye on her.
sandy
There isn’t.
doctor
Then she shouldn’t go home. How about the
skilled care?
sandy
I can arrange that. Thanks Doctor.
The doctor exits. Sandy stands near bed. She
takes Maude’s hand.
Sandy
Do you think we could talk Maude? I need to
ask you a few questions about what happened.
Maude
Ayyyyy! Nyy, nnnn.
sandy
Maude! What is it? Are you in pain?
maude
N...
Maude can’t speak but continues to make noise.
sandy
Take it easy. It’s okay, we can talk later.
Maude flails and grunts. Sandy finds buzzer
and pushes button for nurse.
int. nursing-home-day
Sandy walks with ADMINISTRATOR through hallway.
It is quiet except for the occasional grunt or squeal.
The hallway is lined with doors. It is clean,
bare, sterile.
sandy
So, I hear we get new facilities next year.
administrator
Yeah, part of the agreement.
sandy
Sweet deal huh?
The administrator continues through doorway
into empty room.
Sandy follows.
administrator
It’s small, but has a private bath and a
nice view.
Sandy goes to the window.
sandy
Yes, it has a nice view.
ext. porch-day
Maude sits in rocker facing cornfield. Two
patches of corn grow in long rows of various heights.
She reaches for her boots, puts them on, picks
up a hoe, and walks toward the field.
INT. MAUDE’S HOUSE NIGHT
JOSHUA and MARY, older couple, sit across from
Maude with tea cups and cookies. A felt hat sits on the table.
Their clothing is dark and heavy. It looks
like they came from another century.
Maude’s speaks clearly and responds to them in
spite of the softness of their voices.
maude
You told me in the hospital that you could
help me. Are you selling something?
Maude sips her tea and eyes the couple.
joshua
We are not. Mary and I are but two of many.
We visit those who wish companions.
Joshua looks at Mary and she nods in
agreement.
maude
Why me? You gave me my voice back and that’s
all I really needed. I don’t know why you took it in the first place.
mary
Maude, neither did we take your voice nor
did we give it back to you. That which is yours is not...
Joshua stops her with a look and quick shake
of his head.
Maude picks up the cups and tea sloshes out of
one.
She rinses them at the sink with her back to
the table.
maude
Anyway, you sound like that Sheriff and
Sandy. They say I should move to some home. Companions. Are you from one of
those places?
mary
No Maude. We wish only to help.
Maude turns back to the couple with new
vigour.
maude
Help who?! Do you have somethin to do with
those people who want me to sell? Maybe it’s been you all along, sneakin around
my house, puttin squirrels in the bird feeder and makin those noises!
Joshua and Mary stand. Joshua puts a cape over
his coat. He picks up the hat from the table.
joshua
We do not wish to distress you. We will take
our leave.
Maude faces them with clenched fists and
squinted eyes.
maude
I see! You’re not telling! Well you can just
tell them all, Tom and Sandy and those people you’re working for that I’m not
going anywhere!
Maude opens the outside door, holding the
screen open and glares as they leave.
maude
And don’t bother to come back!
INT. COURTHOUSE-DAY
Jordan and Gary enter hallway from an office.
Gary
How about a cup of coffee to celebrate?
Jordan smiles for the first time.
jordan
That’s your idea of a celebration? No
thanks. Anyway, I have a date with the Sheriff and a couple of commissioners.
gary
Well, at least that’s something. You said
thanks this time. How about dinner?
Jordan
No. Our business is finished. You’re sloppy
Gary.
gary
Like I told you, you just worry too much.
jordan
And you don’t worry enough.
gary
Got the job done didn’t I?
jordan
If you don’t count loose ends. Loose ends
are dangerous. They always come back to bite you.
gary
Yeah. You definitely worry too much.
jordan
No, I just don’t like being bitten. You
should thank me for tying up your loose ends.
Gary stops in his tracks. Jordan continues
forward.
gary
You mean...?
Gary hurries ahead to catch up. Jordan glances
back and smiles and continues to walk away.
ext. porch-day
Maude sits in rocker facing the corn field. It
is much larger than what she planted.
She smiles and becomes a younger woman as she
stands. She smooths her summer dress and slips on a pair of matching shoes.
She looks up and sees Joshua and Mary standing
near the door.
maude
Oh, I didn’t see you coming. Would you like
some tea and cookies?
Maude picks up her shovel and hoe, walks past
the couple. She stops, turns back.
maude
I just need to put these away. My planting
is done now. Isn’t it beautiful?
ext. barn-day
Maude pulls on the broken barn door and steps
through.
int. barn-day
As Maude enters she is an even younger woman.
She leans the shovel and hoe against the wall
and looks up.
The interior of the barn looks new. The wood
beams are clean and straight and there is glass in the windows.
The tractor from the photograph is parked
there and clean tools hang along one wall. She sees movement near the tractor.
maude
Charles?
Maude starts toward tractor and sees Joshua
and Mary standing there.
maude
Oh, it’s just you.
Maude turns and exits barn.
ext. porch-day
CHARLES stands on the porch, waving.
ext. barn-day
It is raining and Maude is wearing a hooded
slicker and rubber boots. She runs for the porch.
maude
Charles! I’m coming!
ext. porch-day
Maude removes the slicker and is old. Charles
is not there. Maude doesn’t notice.
She sits in the rocker and removes her boots.
She looks up and sees Joshua and Mary standing near the door.
maude
Oh dear. I was going to get some tea and
cookies, wasn’t I? Look! It’s stopped raining. I’ll bring them out!
Maude hurries past Joshua and Mary to the door
and enters.
int. kitchen-day
Maude busies herself preparing tea.
She opens a cupboard door.
Sees the plastic corn-seed containers. Most of
them are still full of seed. She closes the door.
Gets cookies and napkins and shouts to Joshua
and Mary.
maude
You two’ve been awfull quiet since you came
back. I guess I owe you an apology. I was upset that first night. You
understand don’t you?
ext. porch-day
Maude sips her tea as she, Joshua, and Mary
sit on chairs around a small table, none of which were there before.
maude
I’ve been so happy the past few...how long’s
it been anyway? Oh well, that doesn’t really matter, does it? There haven’t
been any prowlers and I haven’t heard that noise at all. Say, did you two fix
that noise...
Maude stops talking suddenly. Her eyes widen.
Mary takes Maude’s hand gently in hers.
mary
Maude.
Mary is silent, holding Maude’s hand. Maude
hears Sandy’s voice.
Sandy’s voice
It’s Sandy. I’m here. Sandy’s here. Where
are you? Where have you gone?
Maude looks up at Joshua and Mary.
Maude
Did you hear that? It was Sandy! You heard
her didn’t you?
Maude hurries into house.
Int. bedroom-day
Maude comes through door directly into a
child’s bedroom. There is a bed with matching canopy and bedspread.
Dolls sit on shelves and a photograph of
Maude, Charles, and Sandy hangs on the wall.
Maude is in her mid-twenties.
maude
Sandy? Mommy’s here. I’ve missed you dear.
As Maude sits down on the bed Sandy is sitting
beside her, holding a picture book.
sandy
Mommy! Would you read my book to me?
Maude hugs her and takes the book. She opens
it and holds it up for Sandy.
maude
You can read this one. What do the pictures
say? You read it to Mommy this time.
Maude looks up and sees Joshua and Mary
standing near the bedroom door.
ext. porch-day
Maude, Joshua, and Mary are again seated at
the small table with tea and cookies. Mary releases Maude’s hand.
sandy’s voice
I will read to you for a while. How would
that be? Okay. Maybe a love story.
Maude’s eyes close.
maude
Yes dear. I think those pictures tell a love
story.
int. nursing home-day
Sandy is in Maude’s room. The photograph of
Charles and Sandra Lynne on the tractor hangs on one wall.
A few pictures from Maude’s house sit on a
table.
Maude is strapped into a sitting position in a
wheelchair. She wears a hospital gown and has a throw across her lap. The
bandage, IV tubes, and oxygen mask are gone. Her eyes are open.
Sandy pulls a chair close to Maude and takes
her hand.
sandy
Maude.
Maude’s eyes open wider. Sandy continues:
sandy
It’s Sandy. I’m here. Sandy’s here. Where
are you? Where have you gone?
There is no response.
Sandy releases Maude’s hand.
Maude’s eyes close.
sandy
I will read to you for a while. How would
that be? Okay. Maybe a love story.
FADE TO BLACK