2023.08 : Quackers. Uphill.

A Magical Place Circa 2021

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world.

— Albert Einstein

EXT. – CAR

ROBIN

You’ve never been out here?

TOM

Never. For those of us who live in the middle-no-where this is our middle-of-nowhere.

ROBIN

Whatcha ya do last night?

TOM

Watched Asia & BJ latest’s review.

ROBIN

Aren’t they the most adorable couple? Enviable even.

TOM

ROBIN, TOM

“I’m not a smart man. But I KNOW what love is.”

TOM

Gets me every single time. You know what makes it so tragic?

ROBIN

Watching Jenny crush Forrest.

TOM

Yes but it’s also Jenny being crushed. It’s so tragic seeing Jenny’s face contort with each wave of realization. Starts off with seeing Forrest filled with love standing up for them. Followed by her now know they are more than peas and carrots. Then the soul crushing knowing that she going to break his heart. And what tears my heart is when it dawns on her she’s going to break her own heart. The horror not being able to stop because of how badly broken she is. My tears really gush the moment she swallows the jagged pill and accepts the inevitable.

ROBIN

I’m driving! I can’t see through tears.

TOM

Oh, sorry. Not on this crazy road.

INT. – HOUSE

QUACKERS

Grandpa Sam we are ready to go.

SAM

Grab your things and meet me at the car.

TIMMY

Will we arrive on time?

SAM

Yes if we leave now.

TIMMY

Race to the car.

EXT. – SAM’S HOUSE

A small abode on Main Street. The only street in town. Quackers and Timmy are at the car door waiting for Grandpa Sam to open their doors. Sam stops his progress down the patio steps.

TIMMY

Grandpa you ok?

SAM becomes dizzy. Grabs the railing. Lands hard as he collapses to the ground.

TIMMY, QUACKERS

Grandpa?!

QUACKERS

TIMMY!

Stunned. They stand motionless for a moment. Just as they run to Grandpa.

TOM

(running to assist Grandpa Sam)

Don’t move oldtimer.

SAM

I’m fine.

ROBIN

Now, now. Let me a check you.

SAM

I’m…

TOM

She’s a doctor. Best you do as she says.

SAM

Glad to meet you doc.

ROBIN

Pleasure.

(after a brief check sits Sam on the steps)

You’ll be alright. What happened?

SAM

The balance isn’t what it use to be.

QUACKERS

Hi. My name is Quackers. This is Timmy. He’s Grandpa Sam. What’s your name?

ROBIN

Robin. And this is Tom.

TIMMY

Grandpa you said we have to leave now.

ROBIN

You’re Grandpa isn’t driving anywhere today.

TIMMY, QUACKERS

But we have too!

TOM

Where were they headed?

SAM

Their aunt’s train will stop tonight and they will join her.

ROBIN

That’s nearly three hours from here.

TOM

We can get them there.

SAM

That’s nice of you young man, but…

QUACKERS

Grandpa Sam. They are they ones.

SAM

Certain?

QUACKERS

I am.

SAM

Then it’s decided.

(pulling out an envelope from his jacket)

Doc and Tom. Here’s all you’ll need.

INT. – CAR – SOME TIME LATER

ROBIN driving. Quackers riding shotgun. Tom and Timmy in the back.

TIMMY

How can we be friends?

TOM

Just because I don’t like birthday cake?

TIMMY

Who doesn’t like birthday cake?

QUACKERS

They’ve still going at it. Too funny.

ROBIN

They’re fast becoming friends.

QUACKERS

Can I ask you a personal question?

ROBIN

Sure.

QUACKERS

How do you two remain close. You like cake but he likes pie.

ROBIN

Well… he and I share something more important. It’s a rare person who comes into our lives who, without asking, fills us with a strong desire to be better. You hang on to that person.

QUACKERS

Tom feels the same way?

TOM

(between the banter from the back)

I most certainly do.

The car booms.

ROBIN

Oh no.

EXT. – TRAIN STATION

TIMMY

Auntie! Auntie! It was incredible. The car blew up. A hunter took us to where the phones worked. Help came. We made it!

AUNT

Ah… Tell me all about it on the train. Sam…? And you two are?

QUACKERS

Auntie. Robin and Tom.

AUNT

So it’s deci… Nice to meet you both. Just call me Auntie.

ROBIN

They are special.

AUNT

Yes they are. I wish we had more time to talk but train is about to leave. Thank you for getting them here.

TOM, ROBIN

Bye!

TIMMY, QUACKERS

Bye bye! See you later.

Train pulls away.

ROBIN

What just happened?

TOM

I don’t know.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

For those who don’t know, Quackers was introduced here. Stay tuned because a fun little project based on that post is underway. Pie vs Cake referenced here.

 

And now … know the photograph.

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