This Christmas Together Screenplay

by Tigrin

Jim's 7 years old and Christmas is coming soon... but when Jim's father is put out of work, the Hawkins family starts to fall apart. Will Jim get his one wish this Christmas? SCREENPLAY version

Author: K. Haggerty / Tigrin
Contact: / AIM: OPotterYouRotter
Date: Fall 2004
Rated: PG (For language and some thematic elements)
Genre: General/Drama
Summary: Set around the time Jim is 7 years old, the Christmas before Leland leaves. The story begins a few weeks before Christmas. Jim is still a relatively happy boy, but he's aware his family is starting to fall apart. Leland is rather short-sighted when it comes to his family. But when Leland falls ill and is put off work for two weeks before Christmas, things become especially strained for the Hawkins family, and Jim will try anything to help his father - which could be his last chance. Mostly a family drama that explores how Jim changes towards how he is in the movie as well as Leland's personality and why he takes off.
This is the screenplay version of the original story I wrote in 2002. It is formatted for the screen and several scenes and dialogue have been added or revamped.
Disclaimer: All characters, places, names, etc. are © Disney, and based on the movie as well as associated books (The Art of, Jim's Journal, etc.). Some events are based on research done of 18th century Industrial Revolution England. Only the original characters (The Rileys, Samson, Thomas, Bleacher, Kent, etc.) are of my own creation, but are based heavily on Disney's property all the same. I am making no sort of profit off of this fanfic; it is merely out of personal interest. The poem "Looking Forward" is by Robert Louis Stevenson from his book A Children's Garden of Verses.

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T H I S C H R I S T M A S T O G E T H E R

FADE IN:

EXT. MONTRESSOR – NIGHT

The last bit of sun sinks behind a horizon of plateau tops. Camera PULLS OUT wide to reveal entire town of BENBOW from high up. Slowly PULL IN to THE BENBOW INN sitting over a canyon.

On the steps of the inn, 7-year-old JIM Hawkins sits watching the sunset, waiting. Camera settles in front of him. Behind him the DOOR OPENS. We see a pair of feet. Jim twists around to look up at his mother SARAH Hawkins. ANGLE UPWARDS to her face.

SARAH
(concerned)
Jim, dear, it's time to comeinside… it's getting late, you'll
catch your death of cold out here.

ANGLE DOWNWARDS from Sarah's P.O.V. to Jim.

JIM
(pouting)
But Mom… Daddy's not home yet.

CLOSE UP of Sarah's face looking pensively out at the horizon. She looks back down to her son and then CLOSES THE DOOR. Camera FOLLOWS her as she settles down behind him, pulling him into her lap. Sarah sets her chin on Jim's head with a SIGH.

SARAH
Daddy should be home soon… we'll
wait for him together, okay?

JIM
(smiling)
'Kay.

Camera PULLS OUT wide.

FADE TO SCREEN BLACK

INT. BENBOW INN – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

From Jim's P.O.V., who is sleeping on a couch against the wall. Slowly FADE IN SOUNDS of FIRE CRACKLING, and the VOICES of SARAH and LELAND Hawkins.

SARAH (V.O.)
… He was up for hours waiting for
you, Leland, sitting outside in
the cold… where have you been?

LELAND (V.O.)
(exasperated)
We've been through this already.
I've had to stay overtime at work;
we need that extra money. There's
been cutbacks, they're closing off
a new level every day…

BLURRY FOCUS from Jim's P.O.V. from black to SILHOUETTES of Sarah and Leland standing against firelight. We see only the fuzzy figures of Leland pacing, Sarah standing.

SARAH
I understand that, but… we need you
here. You can't keep doing this…
think of how it's affecting your son…
how it affects us.

LELAND
(stopping his pacing)
But… please, Sarah, listen to me…
if I lose my job, all we've got is
the Inn… we won't be able to live
off of that, can't you see?

SARAH
Maybe we won't, but that's
something we'll face together
when it comes. For now you have to
think about what's most important…
you don't even notice your own son
anymore. He loves you so much, but
all he ever sees is your back.
You have to decide if these couple
extra credits are more important
than losing your family.

LELAND
(coldly, turning
towards Jim)
I am thinking about what's most
important.

SARAH
Most important to who, Leland?

Leland doesn't answer. HEAVY FOOTSTEPS as Leland approaches Jim. ANGLE UP to Leland, FILLING UP FRAME.

LELAND
(picking up Jim,
whispering)
Good morning, my solar flare.

JIM
(sleepily)
Daddy… you're home…

Jim smiles up at his father. Camera PULLS OUT to show Leland holding Jim, heading towards stairs.

JIM
(continuing)
I waited for you.

LELAND
Mommy told me you did… what did
you see in the stars?

Leland climbs stairs holding Jim, MOVING OUT OF FRAME. Jim's voice prattling about his day FADES OUT as they move upstairs.

PAN TO Sarah watching the two disappear. She sighs. FOLLOW as Sarah moves over to the couch and sinks down into it, holding an OLD BLANKET of Jim's that he had been sleeping under.

INT. JIM'S BEDROOM – NIGHT

WIDE SHOT of Leland tucking in Jim. PULL IN on Jim.

JIM
(gesturing wildly)
… and then, out of nowhere, this
BIG ship came swooping down, right
over my head! It was huge! It was
two – no – five times the size of
our house! I wanted to go after it
but Mommy said no, of course. She
said- she said- Daddy, are you
listening?

Pan to Leland, who is startled out of thought.

LELAND
Huh? Oh… yes, of course, Jim,
I'm listening.

JIM
She said, James Pleiades Hawkins,
You're not to go near those ships,
you hear me? There are very
important, rich people on those
ships, and they don't want a kid
around causing any trouble! I
promised I'd be good, I just
wanted to look, but she said no.
But aww, it was so cool, you
should have seen it!

LELAND
(distracted)
Yeah… I should have…

JIM
(haughtily)
One day, I'm going to have
one of those ships all to
myself! And I'll look at it
as much as I want! And fly it,
too! I'll fly it all over the
etherium! And all those important,
rich people will come to me and
my ship! Don't you think so,
Daddy? Don't you think I'll have
a ship like that?

LELAND
Jim…

JIM
Well, maybe not just like it,
mine will be much better…

LELAND
Jim, it's time to go to sleep now…

JIM
Aww, do I have to? I'm not sleepy!

LELAND
Yes, you do, and yes, you are.
Mommy says so.

JIM
(muttering)
One day, I'm going to sleep
whenever I want, too…

LELAND
But not today. Good night, Jim.
Leland bends towards Jim, hesitates, and pats the headboard instead.

JIM
(settling in)
'Night, Daddy.

Leland turns and walks to the door. FOCUS ON Leland from the front.

JIM
I love you!

Leland stops, hesitates.

LELAND
I love you, too.

He steps out of frame.

INT. JIM'S BEDROOM – MORNING

Outside the curtains of Jim's window the morning is dark and threatening rain. Pale light fills the room.

We see Jim sleeping soundly. Slowly he stirs, opens his eyes and looks at the empty doorway. He slides out of bed and begins to stumble towards his dresser. We see his floor littered with old, secondhand toys and storybooks. He narrowly avoids tripping on them in his drowsiness.

JIM
(thinking aloud
to himself)
I better clean this up later,
Before Mommy throws a fit…

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

We see the last section of stairs. Changed into his day clothes, Jim hops down into frame, pulling on his last sock. He loses balance and trips the last few steps, hitting the landing in a backwards sprawl. CUT TO the Inn's few guests sitting at round tables, all of whom are staring at Jim. PAUSE, CUT BACK to Jim.

JIM
(smiling sheepishly)
Good morning!

He quickly picks himself up and makes a short bow. The Inn guests mutter a return greeting and look away. FOLLOW as Jim skips over to the BAR in the top right corner.

Sarah stands behind the counter, arms full of cleaning rags and glasses. She sees Jim approaching and sighs in relief.

SARAH
Jim! Thank goodness.
A glass attempts to escape the pile and she fumbles for it. She scrambles to put the glasses all on the counter.

SARAH
(continuing)
Will you help Mommy out and take
these dishes to the kitchen?

Sarah jerks her head towards a pile of dishes in a BOX on the floor.

JIM
'Kay!

He hobbles over to the box. Pulling up the long sleeves of his shirt, he grabs each end of the box – not without difficulty, as it's almost the same size he is – and we FOLLOW as he carries it awkwardly past the swinging door into the kitchen.

INT. BENBOW INN – KITCHEN

Jim steps up onto a short stool, and dumps the dirty dishes into the industrial sink with a splash and a loud clatter. Jim winces and jumps down off the stool, dropping the box. He rubs his nose with the sleeve of his shirt as he STEPS OUT of the kitchen.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

We see Sarah serving an INN GUEST, a bulky old Benbonian woman with a toad-like face fixed into a scowl. The alien's eyes narrow as Jim comes up and TUGS on his mother's apron.

JIM
I'm done, Mom.

We see Jim from Sarah's P.O.V.; he is splotched with soapy water. Sarah ROLLS HER EYES.

SARAH
Thank you, Jim… now, will you
Help the other guests with break-
fast? And please, try not to
spill anything else on your
clothes!

Jim giggles and runs off. We see him saying good morning personally to the OTHER GUESTS: an alien with a trunk-like nose and spectacles pouring over thick books, and a Benbonian mother with twins, a boy and a girl.

Jim approaches the SCHOLAR alien.

JIM
Good morning, mister! Would you
like me to get you anything?

SCHOLAR
(without looking
up from his book)
No no no, that's quite alright,
young man. Now please, shoo!

Undaunted, Jim approaches the Benbonian TWINS.

TWIN BOY
Hallo!

TWIN GIRL
Hallo!

JIM
Good morning!

TWIN BOY
(holding a
toy drum)
Would you like to hear the songs
we learned?

TWIN GIRL
(clutching a
flute)
They're really quite good!

MOTHER
(warningly)
Now children…

TWIN BOY
Oh come on, Mum!

TWIN GIRL
We just want to play a little
while!

TWINS
Please?

MOTHER
(begrudgingly)
Oh, alright. But keep it down!

Jim stands back as the twins kick up the tune.

TWIN BOY
"When I am grown to man's estate
I shall be very proud and great
And tell the other girls and boys
Not to meddle with my toys"

They laugh and start to dance. Jim joins in, until the song ends.

TWIN BOY
(to Jim)
Hey, do you know any stories?

JIM
(hesitates)
Well…

TWIN GIRL
Oh please, tell us!

MOTHER
Children, he doesn't have to if
He doesn't want to…

TWINS
Aww…

JIM
Well… I do know one… it's my
favorite, ever since I was
really little.

TWIN BOY
What is it?

The OTHER GUESTS begin to PULL UP around Jim. Sarah stands back, surprised and amused. Jim climbs up to sit on the TABLE and clears his throat theatrically. We see him telling the story. Time passes.

JIM
(gesturing)
… And then, out of nowhere,
Flint and his band of blood-
thirsty pirates swooped in on
the unsuspecting galleon! Flint
looted the ship, gathered up
All the treasure, and poof!

Jim leaps to his feet and the audience flinches in rapt surprise.

JIM
Flint, his pirates, and all the
treasure disappeared! But it's
said that Flint hid his plunder
on Treasure Planet, where the
loot of a thousand worlds is
piled high, waiting for someone
to claim it.

He concludes with a smirk as the audience applauds. Sarah wraps her arms around Jim's shoulders, smiling.

SCHOLAR
(clearing his
throat)
Hrumph, a remarkable son you
have, Mrs. Hawkins, and a fine
Inn if I might add.

There is a general murmur of assent.

SCHOLAR
(continuing)
Will young master Hawkins be a
miner like his father? A fine
occupation for such a determined
and hard-working young lad.

JIM
(shaking his
head)
Nope! I'm gonna be a spacer!
I'm gonna have my own ship one
day, and I'll fly all over the
etherium with my crew… and one
day, I'm gonna find Treasure
Planet!

The guests laugh.

MOTHER
And quite an imagination, too!
If only all youth had dreams
That great…

TWIN BOY
I'm gonna be a pirate!

He swipes at his sister with an imaginary cutlass, one eye shut and hobbling as if on a peg leg.

MOTHER
(flabbergasted)
You most certainly will not!

The children laugh and get caught up in an imaginary game of pirates.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM – NOON

The morning passes and the guests are gone. We see Jim going around the tables stacking dishes. He gathers a dangerously large pile, and we FOLLOW as he carefully makes his way through the swinging door into the kitchen.

INT. BENBOW INN – KITCHEN

From Jim's P.O.V. we see Sarah washing dishes. She glances at Jim as he comes in.

SARAH
(slightly flustered)
Oh, here, let me get that-

She quickly takes the PILE OF DISHES from Jim's hands. He steadies himself, wiping his hands on his sides. She tips the dishes into the sink and speaks without looking at him.

SARAH
Really, I don't know where I'd be
without you, Jim. Thank you for
entertaining the guests this
morning.

JIM
Aww, it was nothin'. I liked them,
they were nice.

Jim uses the short stool to hoist himself up onto the counter beside the sink. He sits with his feet dangling off the edge, watching his mother wash the dishes.

JIM
(continuing)
I had lots of fun playing with
those kids… do think they could
be my friends?

Sarah glances at Jim, then turns her attention back to the dishes.

SARAH
(cautiously)
Well, honey… I don't know how
long they're going to be around…
you shouldn't get too attached
to them.

Jim bows his head, swinging his feet in rhythm.

JIM
(disappointed)
Oh… Mom?

SARAH
Yes?

JIM
Do you think I'll ever have
friends?

Sarah turns her head sharply to regard her son. Her mouth opens as if she's struggling to find a response. She sets the dish she is holding in the sink and turns towards him.

SARAH
What makes you say that?

JIM
Oh… I dunno… it's just… I don't
really have anyone to play with…
the kids at school are mean to me.

SARAH
(concerned)
They're mean to you? What do they
do?

Jim pulls at his shirt nervously and looks around, as if the children he is talking about might be listening.

JIM
They… they say things… bad things…
sometimes they push me. I can
hear them whispering when I'm
around them. They won't lemme
play with them, or talk to them…

Jim sniffs. Sarah stares for a moment, taking this in.

SARAH
They push you? Oh, honey… what
do they say? What kind of bad
things?

JIM
They call me names… they call me
a… a loser… and they say bad
things about Dad. They say I
should drop out of school and
go work in the mines with Dad.

SARAH
(upset)
Jim…

Sarah sweeps up Jim into a hug. He makes little reaction, except to hold on to her arms.

JIM
Mom, why are they so mean to me?
What's wrong with Dad?

Sarah lets go of Jim, studying him.

SARAH
Well… those kids just don't know
how wonderful you are… You're very
gifted, Jim… they just haven't seen
that about you yet.

JIM
But what about Dad?

SARAH
(biting her lip)
Your father…. Well… he's a
hard-working man just like
anyone else's dad. He's just
not as respected for what he
does is all… he…

VOICE(off-screen,
calling)
Hello? Anyone present?

SARAH
(looks up to
the door)
Oh… I'm sorry, Jim, someone is
here… yes, I'll be right there!

Sarah steps back, wiping her hands on a towel, and makes her way out of the kitchen. Jim watches her, swinging his legs. He jumps down and follows, and we FOLLOW him out into the DINING ROOM.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

From Jim's P.O.V. we see Sarah greeting two new guests. Jim steps closer but stays at a distance, by a table. Both guests, one tall and one short, are obscured by thick coats, which are soaked with rain.

SARAH
Here, let me help you with that.

Sarah reaches for the coats as the guests pull them off, hanging them on the coat rack by the door.

CARLITO
(with obvious Spanish
accent)
Gracías, my lady.

We get a better look of what the two guests actually look like. Both appear much like greyhounds standing on their hind legs; both are covered in very short, steel blue fur. Round, deeply blue eyes glance around the DINING ROOM. Their long muzzles are set into grins, and floppy ears poke through their white wigs. They are both rather well-dressed in 18th century period clothing. The taller figure is a man roughly middle-aged, and the shorter is a young boy about Jim's age.

SARAH
Please, you're welcome to sit
down.

As if cued, Jim pulls out two chairs and hurries forward to take the baggage from the aliens' hands. As Jim draws near, the boy, Poquito, smiles. Jim smiles back shyly. The father, Carlito, nods at Jim as he sits down.

CARLITO
We hope you not bothered we
stay a bit, señorita?

The son scrambles into the chair next to his father. Jim stands and stares, baggage in hand.

CARLITO
(continuing)
My son and I, we heard of the Inn
at the docks of the village and
we thought it a place nice to
stay while the shop is being
readied?

Sarah comes up beside Jim.

SARAH
Of course, sir, you and your son
are very welcome here.

CARLITO
(grinning)
Bueno! We will only stay a few
nights, yes? Ah, my name is
Carlito Riley, and I am opening
a… what would you call it?
Metalworking? Yes, a shop of
metalworking with my son, Poquito.
Carlito gestures to his son, who grins widely.

SARAH
Nice to meet you, Mr. Riley.
She holds out her hand, which Riley clasps and shakes gently.

SARAH
(continuing)
I'm Sarah Hawkins, and this
here is my son, Jim. Jim, can
you say hello to our guests?

JIM
Hello…

CARLITO
Well, hola, Jaime! You should
show Poquito around, he is
needing a friend here.

Jim perks up at the mention of a friend. He smiles and nods. Sarah looks down at Jim.

SARAH
Jim, will you take the luggage
up and show the Rileys to
their room?

JIM
(nodding)
'Kay.

Jim gets a better grip of the luggage and begins to haul it towards the stairs. Poquito and Carlito follow, Poquito right next to Jim. We FOLLOW from behind.

POQUITO
Hi! My name is Poquito! My dad
and I just moved here. He
doesn't speak Galactic nearly as
well as I do, but that's because
I speak it perfectly! Don't you
think so? But that's okay, Dad's
getting kinda old you know, you
can't blame him. You sure do have
a nice house. This is your house,
right? Does it always rain here?
It didn't rain much back home,
It was always hot there, it was
terrible in the summer, it was
so hot, is it hot here in the
summer? Hey, do you talk? Do you
like it here? Do you…

The sound of Poquito's voice FADES OUT as the camera stops at the bottom of the stairs, and the three climb up OUT OF FRAME.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM – EVENING

Jim sits with his chin on his knees in front of a heating stove, watching the flames inside. The OLD BLANKET is wrapped around his shoulders, and he toys absentmindedly with the fringes. His eyes begin to water and he buries his face in the blanket. In the background are the sounds of Carlito and Sarah conversing. We see Poquito's HAND settle on Jim's shoulder. Jim jerks his head up to look at Poquito.

POQUITO
(voice trembling)
Hey, Jimmy…

Poquito puts his hands behind his back and rocks back and forth on his heels.

POQUITO
(continuing)
Are you crying?

Jim opens his mouth to answer but is interrupted by a slamming noise. CAMERA JERKS over to door, where Leland is stepping in out of the rain. Leland quickly shuts the door. There is a momentary silence. We see that Leland is drenched with rain and his clothing and face are smudged with coal. He slouches from fatigue.

JIM
Daddy!

Jim scrambles off the floor and runs over to his father, arms upheld. Leland gives Jim a weak smile and looks up at Carlito, Poquito, and Sarah. Sarah stands above Carlito's table as if in shock. She snaps out of it and hurries over to Leland.

SARAH
Leland Hawkins, you're soaked!

Sarah tugs Leland's JACKET out of his hands and the CAP off of his head, throwing them both on the coat rack. She shoos at him.

SARAH
Go upstairs and change before you
catch pneumonia or some ungodly
disease! Good heavens…

LELAND
(flustered)
Yes, of course, Sarah, I was just
about…

He jerks away and begins to trudge up the stairs. We go back to Jim, who drops his arms to his sides as he watches Leland climb out of sight. He slumps back to his spot by the stove with a sigh.

Leland steps back down the stairs, now in dry clothes, hair slicked back. Sarah is setting supper around a table, crammed with a few extra chairs. Jim is slouched in a chair next to Poquito, who is chatting away about his previous hometown. Carlito is listening to his son, nodding.

POQUITO… And there were buildings, Jimmy,
tall skyscrapers that climbed high
into the etherium, and little
boxes with moving pictures in them,
we called that television, it was
so cool! I really miss it, you
guys don't get television out here,
huh? My favorite show was...

Carlito turns his head to regard Leland. Smiling, he rises to meet Leland, extending a hand.

CARLITO
Ah, Sr. Hawkins, at last! If I
may speak, you are looking much
more dry.

Leland smiles and shakes Carlito's hand, wincing at Carlito's strong grip.

LELAND
Why thank you, sir, and welcome
to Benbow. I see you've already
met my wife and son?

CARLITO
Yes, sir! Full of delight, the
both of them. Your Jaime has been
given us a look around the town,
we feel very welcome. Ah, forgive
me… I am Carlito Riley, and this
is my son, Poquito.

Carlito gestures over to Poquito, who is still talking to Jim. Jim is listening attentively to Poquito's mention of pirates.

POQUITO
Yeah! Big, nasty pirates, with
great ugly faces and missing
teeth… I saw one once, he came
to my dad's shop!

CARLITO
Poquito…

POQUITO
(looking up)
Huh? Oh, hello, mister.

LELAND
Hey, kid.

JIM
Hi, Dad!

Leland glances at Jim, then looks away to Sarah, who is carrying the last of the food over to the table. Leland and Carlito stand respectively as they wait for Sarah to sit, then sit down themselves. They begin to pass food around, until everyone has something on their plate.

CARLITO
(glancing around)
Someone would like to say grace?

Jim, who has food halfway to his mouth, quickly puts down his fork. There is an awkward pause as everyone looks around. Finally, Sarah raises a hand.

SARAH
If I may, Mr. Riley…

CARLITO
You are most welcome,
Sra. Hawkins.

Sarah puts her hands together timidly. Everyone follows suit; Carlito and Poquito bow their heads reverently.

SARAH
Uh… thank you for the, uh… food
we are about to eat… and for our
wonderful guests.

CARLITO AND POQUITO
Amen!

Everyone starts to eat, and Sarah breathes a sigh of relief. After a while, Carlito looks up at Leland.

CARLITO
So, Sr. Hawkins, your wife tells
me you work in the mines here…
how does it go?

LELAND
Well, to tell the truth, it's
debilitating. The rain water tends
to collect and floods the lower
levels, we've been using this
clunky sort of machine to pump out
the water… the industry's been
taking a hit lately, demand's not
high enough, and the mines are
being scraped raw with no one
buying…

CARLITO
And the mines are owned by this…
Doppler family, yes? Are not
they concerned?

LELAND
The Dopplers? Those fools don't
know a thing about mining, nor do
they care about the workforce…
meaning no offense, of course.
Now that Delbert, he's a good man,
he just needs to get his head out
of those books and look out the
window. Society gap, you see.
There are the haves and have-nots,
there's nothing in-between,
and ignorance either way. And
about the workforce… why, just
last week one of our men was
caught in a cave-in, and what did
they do? Booted him! No concern
of theirs that he was completely
crippled. And the working
conditions… the fever's spreading,
you can see it. Too much coal in
the air and no ventilation…

JIM
Daddy, are you going to be booted?

LELAND
(curtly)
Of course not, Jim. And don't
interrupt, this is an adult
conversation.

JIM
(quietly)
But Dad, I'm almost eight years
old… I'm old enough…

Carlito and Leland continue to talk, ignoring him. Jim hangs his head and pokes at his food with his fork. Poquito glances at Jim and looks away.

INT. BENBOW INN – JIM'S BEDROOM – MORNING

Jim wakes up. He shivers as sits up, pulling the blankets tight. He blinks sleepily over at his window. There is a white glow behind the curtains. Jim slides off the mattress, pulling the blankets with him, and goes over to the windowsill. He pulls aside the curtain with one hand and rubs the sleep out of his eyes with the other. Looking out the window, he suddenly squeaks and jumps back. He stumbles out of the room.

JIM
(shrieking)
Mom! Mom! It's snowing!

Jim leans over the railing to LOOK DOWN into the DINING ROOM. Sarah steps into view, wiping her hands on her apron as she looks up at Jim.

SARAH
It's what?

JIM
Snowing, Mom, it's snowing!

SARAH
Oh? … James Pleiades Hawkins, you
step back this instant before
you fall!

Jim sets his feet back on the floor.

JIM
Can I go out, can I?

SARAH
(hesitant)
Well…

Jim doesn't stay to listen. He turns and runs back into his room, flinging the door shut behind him. Camera SWITCHES to the bottom of the stairs. Jim comes barreling into frame, the long sleeves of his jacket flying out behind him as he skids to a stop at the end of the stairs, heading for the door, big grin on his face. He is stopped suddenly by a hand grabbing the collar of his jacket. His feet slide out from under him, and he hangs inside his jacket. He looks up to see Sarah holding onto his jacket.

JIM
What is it, Mom? Can't I go?
Please?

SARAH
You can go, but not in that.

EXT. BENBOW INN – FRONT DOOR

The door opens and Jim hobbles out. He is layered heavily in jackets, scarves, mittens, and galoshes. We see Poquito standing in the snow. Poquito is staring curiously at Jim. He breaks into laughter. Jim frowns and begins to tear off the extra layers.

JIM
Aww, shattup, you blue-furred
scrat.

POQUITO
I'm so sorry, Jimmy, it's just…
you look like a furry snowball
in that outfit. Reminds me of my
old pet Fluffy, always constipated.

JIM
Oh yeah? How's this for
constipated?

Jim scoops up a handful of snow and pelts it at Poquito. The snow hits Poquito straight on the nose. Poquito blinks for a moment in surprise, then breaks into laughter again.

POQUITO
Oh, Jimmy is gonna pay for that!

Poquito scoops up a handful of snow. Jim squeals and dives for cover just as a snowball whizzes past him and strikes the door of the Inn. The two begin to dig trenches on either side of the lawn, taking turns lobbing snow at each other.

We see Delbert Doppler coming up the walkway. Delbert is a rather gangly, dog-faced humanoid with floppy ears, oval spectacles, and a tiny ribbon in his hair. He trudges through the snow in a rather extravagant outfit, mutter aloud to himself when he almost trips. Jim peeks over the edge of his trench and sees Delbert coming.

JIM
(whispering)
Poquito! Someone's coming!

Jim is suddenly struck square in the middle of the face with a snowball. We see Poquito clasp his hands over his mouth.

POQUITO
Oh! Sorry, Jimmy!

JIM
(wiping the snow
off of his face)
SHH! Let's surprise him!

Poquito nods and the two shrink low into the trenches. We follow from Delbert's P.O.V. as he comes closer. Suddenly a rain of snowballs hits him, splattering his glasses.

DELBERT
(yelping)
Good gracious!

Poquito and Jim roll with laughter. Delbert desperately tries to clear his glasses, hands shaking.

DELBERT
You two, uh… delightful youths
should mind yourselves. I say,
what was that for?

POQUITO
(shrugging)
No reason.

JIM
And we're not children.

DELBERT
Of course not, Master Hawkins,
child. Is your mommy home?

JIM
She's in the kitchen, sir.

DELBERT
Ah. Spank you. I mean, thank you.

Delbert smiles and walks past them. Poquito muffles giggles behind his hand. We see that the back of Delbert's coat is weighted with snow.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

We see coals being stoked in the heating stove. PULL OUT to Sarah, who sets the poker against the wall and moves over to a chair, sinking into it. She holds her head with one hand, and clasps a cup of tea with the other. We hear the ticking of a clock on the wall, and the crackle of the small fire. Sarah lets out a long, peaceful sigh.

There is a sudden KNOCK at the door. Sarah jolts to attention, shaking the hand holding the tea. Droplets off tea sprinkle onto her hand, and she hisses in pain as she quickly sets the cup on the table and stifles her hand in her apron. She clutches it for a moment before hurrying to the door. On opening it she looks somewhat surprised, then smiles and leans against the doorframe.

SARAH
Oh, hello, Delbert.

DELBERT
Good morning, Sarah! Mind if I
come in?

Sarah shakes her head and steps aside.

SARAH
No, of course not! I was just
sitting down to tea, you can
join me if you'd like.

She helps him remove his coat, blinking curiously at the pile of snow. Delbert looks quite plain without the coat.

DELBERT
Certainly, that would be wonderful!
I should love a cup of tea…

Delbert catches the expression on Sarah's face and looks at his coat, blushing.

DELBERT
(stuttering)
Oh, uh, you see… the family is
over for the holidays at the
Manor, and uh, my aunt is in
fashion design…

Sarah holds up her hand to stop Delbert as she puts the coat on the coat rack.

SARAH
It's alright, Delbert, I
Understand perfectly.

DELBERT
(relieved)
Oh, thank goodness… I mean, it's
not that I don't like my aunt's
clothing. It's just, it really
isn't me, I don't dress like
that you see and I look quite
ridiculous as I don't even like
to wear those kinds of coats
they're so heavy and confining
and purple just really isn't
my color…

SARAH
(laughing)
Delbert, it's fine! Have a seat
And I'll bring you some tea.

DELBERT
(flabbergasted)
Ah… thank you, Sarah.

Sarah moves off to the stove and Delbert sits next to the chair that Sarah was previously in, muttering to himself. Sarah returns to her seat with another saucer and teacup, which she places in front of him before sitting down. She takes a sip of her tea.

SARAH
So, Delbert, how is the doctorate
coming?

DELBERT
Splendid! I'm expecting to receive
it any day now… just, uh… working
out the kinks…

Delbert attempts to figure out how to hold the small teacup with his paw-like hands. He finally resigns to holding it with both hands and lapping at it. Sarah ignores this.

SARAH
I see… so you have your thesis all
worked out?

Delbert almost drops his teacup.

DELBERT
(stuttering)
Th-thesis?

SARAH
You know, that paper on
your astrophysics theory you're
required to write for the
doctorate… you've only been
talking about it for months.

DELBERT
Oh, that thesis…

Delbert coughs and sets the teacup on the saucer with a clatter.

DELBERT
(continuing)
Coming along great, marvelous, just
having some trouble with
procrastination – pro – demonstration,
demonstrating my theory, you see.

Delbert forces a cough and Sarah raises an eyebrow in amused suspicion.

DELBERT
(continuing)
But by my word, Sarah, it will be a
Stunning thesis! Why, finally I will
Be able to able to procure myself
a place in the limelight of
astrophysics; the Academy will bow
at my feet, and finally I will
achieve the title I have toiled
for these past years: Doctor
Delbert Doppler.

Delbert finishes with a rather theatrical pose. Sarah just stares at him for a moment.

SARAH
Uh-huh. Well, no one deserves it
more than you do, Delbert. So,
what do you plan to do with that
title?

Delbert pauses and drops his arms.

DELBERT
You know, Sarah, I really do not
have the slightest inkling. I just
like the sound of "Doctor".

Sarah rolls her eyes.

DELBERT
(desperate to change
the subject)
So, uh, how have things been
Between you and… you know…

SARAH
Leland?

Sarah sits back in her chair, clutching the empty teacup.

SARAH
(continuing)
He's been getting distant lately…
more than usual, anyway…

Her gaze drifts to the window, which are depicting springtime scenery.

SARAH
(continuing)
He hardly ever talks to Jim,
just scolds him… I mean, I can
appreciate his diligence to his
job, but I have a feeling it's not
going to be long until…

Delbert shakes his head.

DELBERT
I wouldn't worry about Jim. He's
still young but he's a strong
boy, he'll make it through.

SARAH

I hope you're right, Delbert, I
really do. I just don't know how
he will take it if anything should
happen to his father, especially at
Christmas. He just adores Leland.
I only want him to be happy, that's
all.

DELBERT
Well, he seemed perfectly jovial
when he was pelting me with balls
of frozen hydrogen dioxide this
morning along with his blue
accomplice…

SARAH
He did what? Oh, I'm so sorry
about that, Delbert… that explains
the snow…

Sarah gets up and goes to the door.

SARAH
(continuing)
I'm going to have a talk with
him about…

She stops dead as she pulls open the door. A large bundle of maroon fur FILLS UP THE FRAME. Sarah gasps and clutches at her chest as Jim pokes his face out from under the creature, grinning.

JIM
Can I keep it, Mom? Please?

SARAH
(stuttering)
I… uh…

The bundle stirs and blinks two huge, golden eyes at Sarah, pupils wide.

SARAH
(continuing)Jim, what is that?

JIM
It's a kitty! Or at least, that's
what Dad told me it was… he showed
me one once that lived in the
mines, they eat scrats.

Jim hugs the kitten to his chest. The kitten lays like a ragdoll in Jim's arms, bemused. It starts to purr, making a sound like a motor.

JIM
(continuing)
Poquito and I found her all alone,
I think she's lost… can I keep her?
She needs a family, and I thought
she could share ours.

Sarah blinks speechlessly at Jim and the kitten. She sighs.

SARAH
Alright…

Jim gives a gleeful shout, and he and Poquito tumble into the Inn, tracking snow.

SARAH
(continuing)
But it better be house trained!
Jim, did you hear me? Jim? Jim!

INT. BENBOW INN – JIM'S BEDROOM – MORNING

POQUITO (V.O.)
(singing)
Up! Up! Wake up, Jimmy!

Jim is jostled awake to Poquito jumping up and down on his bed. He jumps up in surprise, loses his balance, and slips over the side of the bed and onto the floor.

JIM
(yelps)
Poquito! How did you get in here?

Poquito sits simpering on the bed.

POQUITO
Mrs. Hawkins! She told me to wake
you up for school. Dad left early
to set up shop. School, Jimmy!
My first day! I'm so excited…

Poquito squeals and claps his hands. Jim raises an eyebrow.

JIM
Couldn't you have done it a little
more gently?

Poquito just giggles in response. Jim rolls his eyes and sits up.

JIM
Come on, we'll be late for school.

EXT. BENBOW INN – FRONT DOOR

Jim stands outside the door, books tucked under his arm. At his feet the kitten sits bored, ears flickering and huge eyes half lidded. Jim shivers in his jacket next to Poquito, who still looks ecstatic.

The door opens and Jim looks up to see his parents embrace farewell. Leland is dressed for the mines. Sarah pulls away and looks at Leland's face with concern.

SARAH
Are you all-right? You look kind
of pale…

Leland rubs his eyes.

LELAND
I'm fine, Sarah, just a little
tired… don't worry, I'll be back
tonight.

She smiles.

SARAH
I'm holding you to that, you know.

Leland steps outside, shoulders slumped. He does not look at Poquito or Jim as he walks past, heading straight for the docks. Sarah glances at Jim's disappointed face and bites her lip.

SARAH
Leland!

Leland stops but does not turn around.

SARAH
(continuing)
Will you please take Jim and his
friend to school today?

Leland spins around and gapes at Sarah.

LELAND
But…

SARAH
Please, Leland.

Leland appears to struggle for a moment, then sighs and waves at them.

LELAND
Come on, then, I haven't got all
morning.

Jim smiles and clutches his schoolbooks, following after Leland. Poquito and the kitten tag along.

POQUITO
Ooo, a boat ride! I like boats.
Do you like sailing, Jimmy? I do.
I remember this one time with my
grandpa, Pedro…

EXT. DOCK

The four approach and climb into a LONGBOAT. Leland reaches over and unties the boat from the BOLLARD, and pushes the boat away from the dock. His movements are obviously sluggish. The boat floats in the air and we see Leland moving around the boat, powering up the thrusters and engine, and unfurling the solar sails. Jim is watching everything that Leland does carefully. We hear that Leland's breath is raspy. He pauses and places a hand on his chest.

JIM
(concerned)
Dad? Are you okay?

Leland jolts as if startled, and withdraws his hand. He coughs. His back is kept towards Jim.

LELAND
Of course, Jim, I'm fine. Just…
sit there and don't bother me,
all right? I'm trying to concentrate
here.

JIM
Sorry…

The thrusters kick in and the longboat starts to rise up above the dock. The thrusters die and the engine flares, sending the boat forward. Leland half sits, half collapses next to the tiller. Poquito and Jim look over the side of the boat.

POQUITO
(awed)
Aye…!

Far below we see the town of BENBOW, clinging to the edges of the ravine. Various small ships can be seen. The sky is overcast, and a morning fog obscures much of the landscape. The kitten peers up over the side of the longboat, blinks, and gives a cry, scurrying back down to the bottom of the boat.

Jim looks over and sees that Leland has fallen asleep. Carefully he climbs over and sits on the other side of the tiller, taking control of the boat. It begins to descend towards the SCHOOL.

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – BALL FIELD

The longboat finishes a smooth descent above the outskirts of the field. Leland stirs and looks around in surprise.

LELAND
(groggily)
Huh? When did we…

Jim and Poquito gather up their things.

JIM
You fell asleep, so I drove. That
okay, Dad?

LELAND
(confused)
You…

JIM
Well, 'bye, Dad! We gotta go to
school now.

Jim jumps out onto the grass. Poquito waves to Leland.

POQUITO
Thanks, Mr. Hawkins, sir! You have
a really nice boat! Almost as nice
as my grandpa's! 'Bye-'bye!

Leland waves back weakly as Poquito climbs out. The kitten mews and jumps out of the boat after Jim and Poquito. Leland stares at them for a moment and shakes his head. The longboat lifts off into the fog.

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – FRONT

As Jim, Poquito, and the kitten walk up, we see the SCHOOLTEACHER, a tall young woman with red hair. She smiles at them.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Good morning, James.

They stop. Jim blushes.

JIM
G'morning, ma'am.

She notices Poquito grinning next to Jim.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Oh, hello… are you new here?

Poquito nods fervently.

POQUITO
Yes ma'am! My name's Poquito Riley,
I just moved here with my dad. He's
a blacksmith you know. I think he's
really good at it but I'm his son,
you don't have to believe me if
you don't want to. This is a nice
school by the way, I'm very
excited about joining my friend
Jimmy here!

The smile on the schoolteacher's face looks fixed by this point, as she tries to take in what Poquito just said.

SCHOOLTEACHER
I see… well, it's nice to meet you,
Poquito!

The kitten MEOWS and the schoolteacher looks down at it.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Oh…! Is this your pet?

Jim shakes his head.

JIM
No, she's mine.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Ah…

She bends down to the look at the kitten.

SCHOOLTEACHER
(continuing)
She's, umm… adorable… what is
her name?

JIM
Patches.

SCHOOLTEACHER
"Patches"? Whyever did you name
her that?

JIM
'Cause that's what Poquito had
all over him after we gave her
a bath.

Jim smiles widely. Poquito scowls down at Patches. The schoolteacher laughs.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Well, remember, Jim, there are
no pets allowed in the school-
house, not after that incident
when Samson tried to bring a
mantabird to class…

Her face darkens a moment and she shudders.

SCHOOLTEACHER
(continuing)
No, you'll have to leave Patches
outside.

JIM
Yes, ma'am.

Jim and Poquito move off towards the back of the school, where the PLAYGROUND is.

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – PLAYGROUND

Students of various ages and races play in the back of the schoolhouse. Everything seems to be in a state of neglect. The play equipment is rusty an squeaks, and the paint is chipping. The older children are clustered around the wall, talking. The rest of the children are playing on the play structures and swing sets. When they see Jim and Poquito walk up, they start to make a fuss over Poquito. Poquito enjoys the attention.

The children begin to dart out of the way as a trio of boys come up. The fur on Patches begins to rise, and she growls. The three boys all appear to be about a year or so older than Jim. Two are human; Samson is heavy-set, Thomas is tall with freckles. The other is alien with tentacles for legs, a tuskrus. Jim steps back apprehensively as Samson steps up.

SAMSON
Hey, Hawkins. Who's the new kid?

Poquito smiles and holds out a hand to shake.

POQUITO
I'm Poquito Riley! Nice to meet
you! What's your name?

Samson recoils from Poquito's hand.

SAMSON
Riley, eh? What's your father?

Poquito looks thrown off.

POQUITO
My father…?

SAMSON
Yeah, densadron. You know… banker,
merchant, miner…?

POQUITO
Oh! You mean his job! My father's
a blacksmith. But…

Samson shrugs.

SAMSON
That's not too bad. At least your
father isn't a miner.

Samson shoots a sidelong glance at Jim, who blushes. Finally, he takes Poquito's hand and shakes it.

SAMSON
I'm Samson, by the way. Freckle-
Face here is my brother, Thomas.
Our father owns the bank in town.
A good, respectable job, don't
you think? Father says I'll
probably take charge of the bank
someday. Oh, and this is Bleacher.

Samson gestures over at Bleacher. Poquito blinks.

POQUITO
Bleacher? Why's he called that?

THOMAS
(with an obvious
lisp)
'Cause he pummeled some kid
into one last year.

Poquito looks at Bleacher uneasily. Patches hisses. Samson jumps back in surprise.

SAMSON
What is that?

JIM
She's my cat. We found her
yesterday.

SAMSON
You found it? You couldn't afford
to buy a pet so you took in the
ugly thing?

THOMAS
(laughing)
It looks like a burnt gill-rat!

SAMSON
It probably has all sorts of
diseases… hey, maybe if you're
lucky you'll catch one, Hawkins!

Jim sinks his head into his jacket and doesn't respond. Samson shakes his head.

SAMSON
We're wasting our time with these
scrats, guys. But listen, Riley;
I wouldn't hang out with a wimpy
loser like Hawkins, here. Unless
you're into charity.

Samson smirks and turns his back on them, Thomas and Bleacher following suit.

THOMAS
See you in class, Hawkins!

Jim, Poquito, and Patches stand in silence for a moment. Poquito looks bewildered.

POQUITO
I don't understand, Jimmy. Was it
something I said?

Jim shakes his head.

JIM
No… it's not you.

POQUITO
Oh… they don't seem to like you
very much. Is there, uh… some way
I can help? I can talk to them…

JIM
(muttering)
No, you can't help… don't bother.

Jim begins to trudge off towards the front of the schoolhouse. Poquito looks after him, and Patches mews. The school bell RINGS and the children hurry to the front of the building.

INT. DOPPLER SCHOOL

The children scurry into the schoolhouse, the floorboards creaking. Light filters through the dusty windowpanes. The room is dark and taken up mostly by rows of desk. There is one, long digital screen at the front of the room; the screen is broken in places. The children clamor into their seats. Poquito is trying to shake off the kitten at the door.

POQUITO
Stay! You have to stay out here,
Patches!

Patches look up at Poquito, perplexed.

POQUITO
Sorry, kitty! We'll be back soon!
See you later 'bye-'bye!

Poquito quickly shuts the door. Patches stares at the door and curls up with a sigh. Poquito skips up next to Jim, who is wiping his eyes. The two settle into adjacent seats. The younger children have begun a loud numbers game in the corner. Jim takes out a notebook with a tattered leather cover and flips to the middle. We see on the page an etching of a daring-looking young man, a sack of coins in one hand. Jim begins to read the story aloud, just loud enough for the audience to hear.

JIM
"Robin Hood lived long ago. He was
very brave. He was very smart, too.
All the poor people loved him. He
would sneak up on the rich people
and steal their treasure. He gave
the treasure to the poor people.
The sheriffs tried to catch him.
Robin was too quick for them. He
made the rich people very angry.
They could not catch him either.
Robin was too smart. He was a hero.
He married a beautiful lady and
lived happily ever after."

Jim takes out a pencil and starts to answer the questions at the bottom of the page. He suddenly stops and looks behind him. Samson sits in the desk directly behind Jim, grinning. He sets his pencil back down on his desk.

SAMSON
(whispering)
Hey, Hawkins, what's the answer to
number three?

Jim frowns.

JIM
That's cheating.

SAMSON
So what? The hag will never know.
Just tell me. Come on, pal.

Jim glares at Samson.

JIM
Why don't you use your daddy's
money and buy the answer?

Jim turns away from Samson's astonished face. Poquito shakes his head and leans over to Jim.

POQUITO
Jimmy, I don't understand. If he's
so smart, why did he give the
money away?

INT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – NOON

Jim wrings his hands nervously. His stomach GROWLS. He looks up to his teacher, who is writing battle dates on the digital board. The younger children are sleeping by the wall. Jim looks over at them and stifles a yawn. Poquito is still reading from his copy of the notebook. His ears perk up and he looks towards the door. Poquito nudges Jim earnestly, who almost falls out of his chair.

POQUITO
(whispering
excitedly)
Jimmy! Someone's coming!

JIM
Huh…?

Jim turns in his seat just as the door creaks open. The kids who are still awake turn to see the man – KENT - that walks in. Kent is dressed shabbily in clothing covered with coal dust. At the muttering that has risen up from the students, the schoolteacher turns to look at Kent in surprise. Kent takes off his cap quickly, rocking on his heels anxiously.

KENT
I'm sorry to disturb your class,
Miss, but…

He hesitates and his eyes flicker towards Jim. Kent walks to the front of the classroom and begins to talk to the schoolteacher. We can't make out what is being said. The children start to whisper to each other. Jim clutches the edge of his desk. The schoolteacher turns to look at Jim.

SCHOOLTEACHER
James Hawkins?

JIM
(shakily)
Yes, ma'am?

SCHOOLTEACHER
This young man has come to take you
home early. Gather your things.

Jim looks around as he puts together his books and stands up. All the children are staring at him; Samson, Thomas, and Bleacher are huddled together snickering. Poquito waves at Jim as he heads for the door.

POQUITO
See ya later, Jimmy!

Jim joins Kent at the door. Kent opens the door and steps outside. Jim looks over his shoulder at the class before stepping outside as well. The door groans shut.

EXT. ROAD FROM DOPPLER SCHOOL TO BENBOW

Jim walks next to Kent in silence. He seems to struggle for a moment, then tugs on Kent's hand.

JIM
Excuse me, mister, but what's the
matter? Why'd you take me out?

Kent looks anxious.

KENT
(stuttering)
Oh, well… you see, Jim…

Kent clears his throat.

KENT
(continuing)
I work with your dad, and he…
well… he asked me to come get you.

JIM
Why? Is something wrong? Is
something wrong with Mom? Does
she need me?

KENT
Well… yes and no… that's not
really… you see, your dad had to
come home early, too. Your…
your father is sick. Very sick.

Jim frowns, slightly distressed.

JIM
Is he okay? He's okay, isn't he?
He'll get better, right?

KENT
I'm not sure, Jim, I'm not sure…
I hope so…

Jim stumbles along next to Kent, looking at the ground in shock. His eyes begin to water. Kent watches Jim apprehensively. Jim begins to sniffle. Kent hesitates and picks up Jim with some strain. He continues to walk towards Benbow.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM – EVENING

Sarah stands by the window, watching the rain. The only sound is the clock on the wall. Sarah squints out the window, as if trying to focus on something. She hurries to the door and flings it open. Kent stands outside the door, clutching Jim. Both are soaked. Kent tries to smile.

KENT
Excuse me, my lady, but I believe
this belongs to you.

Sarah is visibly relieved. She reaches for Jim.

SARAH
Kent, thank goodness!

Kent hands over Jim, who Sarah can barely hold. She turns from the door and Kent follows her inside, shutting the door behind him.

SARAH
(continuing)
I was beginning to worry about you.
Was there any trouble?

KENT
Not particularly, no.

Kent slips off his jacket and puts it on the coat rack.

KENT
(continuing)
I think the schoolteacher might
have been a bit, uh… startled by
my appearance, but once I
explained the situation to her,
she was more than supportive.

SARAH
That's good, I was hoping she'd
understand… this hasn't happened
before, not like this… thank you
so much for everything, Kent, we
really appreciate you going out
of your way…

KENT
Oh, it's no problem, Mrs. H…
how is he, by the way…?

Sarah bites her lip.

SARAH
I'm not sure; the doctor's upstairs
with him now.

CU: Jim stares blankly into space. With a start his eyes suddenly widen, and he struggles to escape Sarah's arms.

SARAH
Jim? Jim, what is it? What's wrong?

JIM
(dismayed)
Patches! I left her at school!

Jim hurries to the door.

SARAH
Oh honey, not now, I'm sure Poquito
will take care of her…

Jim tugs on the doorknob and opens the door. Sitting on the doorstep, soaking wet, is Patches. She lets out a long, sobbing cry.

JIM
Patches! I'm so sorry!

The kitten pads into the room, shaking off its fur. It slinks dejectedly over to the heating stove. Jim shuts the door. The sound of a door opening and closing upstairs is heard. Everyone looks up to see the DOCTOR leaning cautiously over the rail.

DOCTOR
Mrs. Hawkins, may I speak with you
for a moment?

SARAH
Yes, of course, I'll be up there
in a second.

Sarah heads for the stairs. Jim moves to follow her, but is caught by the shoulder by Kent.

KENT
Hold on there, buddy.

Jim stands impatiently under Kent's hand, watching Sarah speak to the doctor. After a moment the two come down. The doctor takes his hat, nods to everyone, and leaves. Sarah turns to Kent and Jim. Kent clears his throat.

KENT
… Mrs. Hawkins?

Sarah dabs her eyes with her apron, hands shaking.

SARAH
He… he… the doctor says he'll
recover, in a few weeks…
respiratory infection… all that
dust from the mines, the weather;
he's been straining his lungs…

JIM
Is that bad, Mom? Is… is Dad
going to die?

SARAH
(alarmed)
No! No, oh Jim, of course not…

Sarah kneels down in front of Jim, who looks curiously at her.

SARAH
(continuing)
Daddy's just… going to be very
sick for a while, that's all,
but he will get better. He's going
to be fine, everything's going
to be fine. But…

Sarah glances at Kent.

SARAH
(continuing)
Your father won't… won't be
working anymore. At least, not
while he's sick.

Kent covers his face with his hand and Sarah clasps her mouth. Jim looks perplexed.

JIM
Oh… but that's good, right?
Daddy will get better here with
us, and he can go back when he's
all better, right?

SARAH
When he's better, he will… I hope
he will.

KENT
Uh, Mrs. Hawkins…? Perhaps it's
getting a bit late…

Sarah blinks at Kent, then sighs.

SARAH
Ah, Jim, why don't you go up to
bed? It's been a long day… and
Patches looks exhausted…

JIM
(whining)
But Mom… can't I see Dad? Please?

SARAH
No, Jim, I don't think it's a
good idea for you visit Daddy
tonight… now go on, I'll be up
in a few minutes to tuck you in.

Jim hangs his head. He trudges over and scoops up Patches, then heads up the stairs. We hear his boots thudding on the stairs, and the slam of his bedroom door.

KENT
Oh heavens, I'm so sorry…

Sarah looks around.

SARAH
This is all we have now…
Hopefully it will be good enough
for him. Hopefully it will last.

KENT
Christmas is coming in two weeks…

SARAH
For everyone else, perhaps,
but not for Jim.

KENT
Well… you can take the kid out of
Christmas but you can't take the
Christmas out of the kid, or so
they would say. Don't worry,
Mrs. Hawkins, we won't let you
miss out on the holidays.

SARAH
(smiling)
You are unweariedly kind.

KENT
Well, Leland's a great guy with
an extraordinary family…

He crosses the room and takes up his hat and jacket.

KENT
(continuing)
… and if he doesn't appreciate
that, then he doesn't deserve
you two.

SARAH
Take care of yourself, Kent.

Kent waves as he steps out the door.

KENT
I will! Good luck with everything…
and say goodnight to Jim for me!

Kent closes the door behind him.

INT. BENBOW INN – DOOR OF JIM'S BEDROOM

Sarah stands outside of Jim's bedroom. She places her hand on the doorknob, turning it slowly. She peeks into the room through the crack in the door.

INT. BENBOW INN – JIM'S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Jim sits cross-legged on his bed, tinkering with pieces of a broken toy. He is dry and in his pajamas. Patches sits curled at the foot of the bed. A lit candle sits on the nightstand. Jim looks up at Sarah, then goes back to his work. Sarah steps tentatively into the room, watching him for a moment.

SARAH
What are you up to…?

Jim answers without looking up.

JIM
Fixing it.

Sarah stares at him.

SARAH
Jim, it's broken, you can't fix it.
We can just throw it out…

JIM
(bluntly)
No. I can fix it.

She slowly sits down on the edge of his bed, still watching him. She puts her hand on top of his, and he stops.

SARAH
(coaxingly)
You can work tomorrow, okay…?

She slips the pieces out of his hands.

JIM
(yawning)
'Kay…

Jim turns and slips under the covers. Sarah sets the pieces on the nightstand and helps Jim settle in, tucking in the sides of the quilt. Jim smiles and Sarah smiles back.

SARAH
I love you.

JIM
I love you, too. And I love Dad.

SARAH

I know you do.

She leans over and kisses him on the cheek, then stands up. She blows out the candle. With one last look, she leaves and closes the door. Jim's eyes flutter open after a moment. He looks to the broken pieces of the toy.

JIM
(whispering)
I can fix it.

Jim closes his eyes and turns away.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM - MONTAGE

Sarah juggles the inn keeping with taking care of Leland and Jim. The strain is starting to take a toll on her; she drops things, there are rings under her eyes; she looks generally disheveled.

END MONTAGE

INT. BENBOW INN – LELAND'S ROOM - MORNING

Montage ends with Sarah sitting in a chair in Leland's room. Snow lines the window outside. Leland is sitting up against the headboard of the bed, staring off at the floor. He coughs, and sinks down with a sigh. His eyes start to close. Sarah is watching him. She starts to smile, then laughs softly. Leland's eyes flutter back open.

LELAND
What? What is it?

SARAH
Oh, it's nothing… it's just… do
you remember when we went to the
spring faire that one time, back
on Terra? Before we married?

LELAND
… Of course.

SARAH
That was the best night of my life.
You with your hair slicked back,
and that lopsided grin; and I in
that dress Mum made me… oh, my
parents were so upset about that!
You remember, don't you? Father
thought you were some dirty
scoundrel, out to break hearts…

LELAND
(faking a laugh)
Maybe I was.

SARAH
… but I still remember the scent
of the flowers, the people, the
music; and you and I, under those
stars…

EXT. TERRA – SPRING FAIRE – NIGHT

We see the stars. Pan down to a packed street. Flowers are strung in thick bands above the crowd. We see shots of the people enjoying the atmosphere and the booths lined up on the side of the street. A band is playing a country song behind a stage, where couples dance. Through the crowd we see 17-year-old Sarah, in a sundress with a flower tucked behind her ear. YOUNG SARAH is scanning the crowd, looking for someone. She seems about to give up when a hand settles on her shoulder. She spins around.

We see 19-year-old Leland. YOUNG LELAND is grinning, much as Sarah described. The two join arms and move through the crowd, talking and laughing inaudibly. The two stop at one booth and take up two sparkling glasses. Sarah takes a sip of one and laughs. They set the glasses back down and Leland leads Sarah onto the dance floor. He bows to her and she curtsies back. Leland takes her hand and they begin to spin and sway to the music. We follow with the spin to a close-up of their faces, as they lean in to kiss.

INT. BENBOW INN – LELAND'S ROOM

The music fades out. Sarah stares into space. Leland smiles.

LELAND
(quietly)
Seems like ages ago since we last
danced… we were so much younger
then.

Sarah sighs.

SARAH
Perhaps too young. But we were so
in love… things were so much
simpler then. Carefree. Everything
ahead of us. I was so naïve… we
both were… who would have…

She cuts herself off and bites her lip. Leland frowns.

LELAND
I'm sorry, Sarah. Heaven knows I
tried.

She takes his hand and smiles.

SARAH
Well… that's all in the past now,
right?

Leland stares into Sarah's eyes. We see Young Sarah from the faire briefly superimposed on Sarah.

LELAND
Yeah… yeah, I guess it is.

Sarah pulls her hand back and gets up. She stops at the door and looks back, then leaves. Leland watches her, then closes his eyes. We hear echoes of the music and laughter of the faire as the scene fades out.

INT. LELAND'S ROOM – NOON

We see Jim pad into the room. The floorboards creak as he walks in. We see at his feet are papers and old letters. His eyes trail to the nightstand, where stack of dirty mugs and glasses sit next to torn medicine packets and old photos in frames. There are a few hand-made "get well soon" cards. Jim climbs carefully onto the bed. Leland smiles.

LELAND
Hey, kid.

Jim smiles and begins to talk, though we don't hear what he's saying. Fade to several shots of Jim sitting on the bed at different times. Each new shot, Leland seems to pay less and less attention. In the last evening shot, Leland does not look at Jim at all. Jim frowns sadly, then slides off the bed, leaving the room.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM – AFTERNOON

There are candles in the windows. Sarah is stringing garlands of evergreens while Jim sits by the stove, making Christmas decorations out of paper and yarn. We hear a knock at the door. Sarah and Jim look up. Sarah sets down the garland and moves over to the door, opening it. Jim runs up, then quickly stands back as Delbert pulls a large CHRISTMAS TREE into the room, sprinkling pine needles everywhere.

SARAH
Uh, Delbert… why is there a tree
in my house?

DELBERT
Hmm? Oh! Ah… well, it's not just
a tree. This is the tree!

Jim giggles and Sarah looks skeptical.

SARAH
Is this something else of your
Aunt's?

DELBERT
Why yes, actually, now that you
mention it. It's… rather a new
tradition of the family. My uncle
calls it a "Christmas tree". I
thought it might help you with
your, uh- Christmas cheer.

Jim steps around the tree.

JIM
What does it do? Where do you plug
it in? Does it use a solar crystal?

DELBERT
Uh… well, it doesn't do anything,
exactly. And it doesn't plug in,
per se… you just stick it by the
fireplace and put decorations on
it.

JIM
Oh. Sounds boring.

SARAH
Shh, Jim! It's lovely, Delbert,
thank you.

DELBERT
No problem, Sarah! How is
Mr. Hawkins coming along, pray
tell?

Delbert starts to drag the tree over by the stove. Jim glances at the needles and starts to pick them up one-by-one.

SARAH
Better, I suppose. He hardly talks
to me now, though I know he can.

DELBERT
Well that's a shame. That he isn't
talking, I mean. Any thoughts on
if he'll be better in time for the
Christmas party?

SARAH
I'm not sure if there will be a
Christmas party this year…

DELBERT
What? But you have one every year!

SARAH
(exasperated)
I just don't think we can afford
it this year! Not unless everyone
else brought Christmas dinner…

DELBERT
That could be arranged.

SARAH
Well…

In a flash both Jim and Delbert are hanging off her arms.

DELBERT
Please?

JIM
Please, Mom, please?

DELBERT
Don't make me spend dinner with
Grandma May! She's always teasing
me about my clothes, and my hair,
and…

SARAH
All right, all right!

Jim and Doppler cheer.

SARAH
(continuing)
But you're cleaning up this mess
first!

INT. LELAND'S ROOM – NIGHT

Jim climbs up onto Leland's bed. It is dark in the room except for a pale light coming from the window. Leland is sitting up, lost in thought. Jim watches him for a while.

JIM
(whispering)
Daddy?

Leland's head tilts slightly. Jim holds out his clenched hands. His fingers uncurl, revealing a few pine needles.

JIM
(softly)
Mr. Doppler came by today. He
brought a Christmas tree. It's
downstairs. It's really pretty,
now that we've put decorations on
it. Mom thinks it's really pretty,
too. She wishes you could see it.

He pauses.

JIM
I brought you some. Do you like
it?

Steady camera on Leland. For a long moment Leland just stares at Jim's hands. Finally, he looks away to the window. Jim drops his hands, the needles scattering on the quilt. We hear echoes of voices from earlier, blending into each other:

SCHOLAR
Will young master Hawkins be a
Miner, like his father?

SARAH
Your father won't be working
anymore…

SAMSON
I wouldn't hang out with a
wimpy loser like Hawkins, here.

SARAH
Jim, it's broken, you can't fix it.

JIM
No, I can fix it. I can fix it…

The voices fade out. Jim is looking at his hands next to his father's. Something dawns on Jim. He looks up to Leland's face, still gazing out the window.

JIM
Don't worry, Dad. I'll set things
right.

He slips off the bed and totters out the door, casting Leland one long look before leaving the room. Leland sighs and picks the needles up off the quilt, holding them in his hand.

INT. COAL MINES – LIFT SHAFT

We see Jim standing on the floor of the lift, surrounded by pant legs. He looks up and we see a square of sunlight gradually shrinking as the lift moves down. He looks at the stoic, tired faces of the men standing around him. The lift suddenly comes to a halt and he is thrown to his knees by the jolt. The men start to file out around him. He picks himself up, steps out, and looks around.

INT. COAL MINES – LEVEL FIVE

Camera pans across mine level. The area is just barely lit by lanterns. Men and children bustle around. We hear men shouting, coughing, pickaxes striking rock. Jim looks around and spots a tall alien in a uniform, looking through a clipboard and yelling at the miners. Jim approaches him.

JIM
Excuse me, sir…

Jim is ignored.

JIM
Um, excuse me?

The alien continues not to notice him. Jim tugs on the end of the clipboard.

OVERSEER
What do you want?

JIM
Uh, my name is Jim Hawkins, and
I'd like to fill in for my dad.

The alien rolls his eyes.

OVERSEER
Name?

JIM
Uh… Leland.

The overseer rifles through the pages of the clipboard.

OVERSEER
He's on sick leave. You taking
his shift?

JIM
Yes, sir.

OVERSEER
All right, John, get out of my face
and get to work. You're on level
nine with the other children,
tunnel on your right, one break
at noon, half wages, whine and
you're out. Clear?

JIM
Er… yes, sir. And it's Jim, sir.

OVERSEER
Scram, Jack.

INT. COAL MINES – LEVEL NINE

Jim shuffles through a crowd of children of various ages. He looks at the children around him, and sees that they are all pale and bruised. Their clothing is torn. Some have scars around their backs. They all murmur quietly. Jim is ignored.

The crowd starts to move as the children press forward. We hear chains clinking and wood scraping against rock. Jim is pushed and elbowed to the front. A large box of coal sits attached to a series of ropes. Jim looks over and sees a small tunnel, just large enough for the box. Children are pulling boxes down into the tunnel. Camera stays focused on Jim as a rope is fastened around his chest, and he is pushed towards the tunnel. The box moves behind him. He's shoved to his knees, and he starts to crawl into the tunnel. Everything goes dark, and Jim concentrates on memories of his father. The tunnel ends and Jim is pulled out. We only see the hands of the children pulling him out. Adults take the boxes and ropes away, and Jim is shuffled with the children, to repeat the process.

INT. COAL MINES – LEVEL NINE – NOON

Jim sits against a wall with some other children, looking half-awake. His clothing is torn and his skin is scraped on his hands and knees. We see Kent start to walk by. He does a double take, staring at Jim. He kneels down in front of Jim.

KENT
Jim! Heavens, is that you?

Jim blinks at Kent, who fades in and out of focus.

JIM
(groggily)
Mr. Kent?

KENT
Geezus… Jim, what are you doing
here? Why aren't you at home?
Does your mother know you're
here?

JIM
I'm… helping Dad. He can't work.
I can.

KENT
Oh… Jim, you wouldn't help your
dad any by getting killed, you're
not cut out for this…

Kent bites his lip and looks around.

KENT
Listen, you just wait until my
shift is over, okay? Come up to
level three and I'll take you home.

Jim nods, and Kent's face fades out.

EXT. BENBOW – PATH TO BENBOW INN – EVENING

A pebble skitters off the path. We see Kent and Jim stepping into frame, walking beside each other. We see the path winding up towards the Benbow Inn, the window a square of firelight in the distance, growing larger as the two move closer. Jim stops on the bridge connecting the path and the Benbow. He looks back to Kent, smiling.

JIM
We're home!

Kent hovers in the shadows back on the path. Jim waits for Kent to move.

JIM
Aren't you going to come inside
with me?

Kent leans awkwardly on his feet. We can't see his eyes.

KENT
I can't.

JIM
Why not?

KENT
Well… come here, I need to tell
you something.

Jim looks at the door of the Inn, then walks back to Kent. Kent kneels down to look Jim eye to eye. He takes Jim by the shoulders.

KENT
Jim, what you did today… well, it
was the most thoughtful thing you
could have done. Stupid, yes, but…
it came from your heart. You're
still a kid, and you're going to
make a lot of mistakes in your
life that will hurt you… and you're
going to have to face the
consequences alone. No one can face
them for you. Only you are
responsible for your actions.

JIM
I was only trying to help…

KENT
I know. No matter what, don't let
anyone make you regret what you
did. But… Jim, your father doesn't
want your help. He's a good man,
and a good friend, but he would
never be able to appreciate what you
did today. He couldn't understand
your feelings.

Jim casts his eyes down.

JIM
What if… what if I could make him
understand?

KENT
Then I've underestimated you… but
Perhaps even the most callous
Hearts can be healed. Who knows?

Kent hugs Jim.

KENT
You take care of yourself now,
okay? I don't ever want to see
you back there again.

Jim nods and pulls away. He runs back across the bridge, stops, and waves back to Kent. Kent stands and waves back, then walks off back down the path. Jim watches until Kent disappears into the darkness.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

Patches lays curled by the heating stove. One eye cracks open, and she sighs. Her ears twitch towards the sound of Sarah and Leland talking.

SARAH
(anxiously)
It's been hours and we haven't
heard anything… I can't believe he
would just… take off. He's never
done anything like this before.

Sarah is pacing. Leland is sitting in a chair, watching her. He sighs.

LELAND
Sarah, this is the hundredth time
we've been over this… I'm sure
he's fine. He's probably just
with the Rileys. Will you relax?

SARAH
No… I know my son, he wouldn't
just leave.

LELAND
Maybe he would.

Sarah stops pacing and stares at him, hands on her hips.

SARAH.
… How could you know?

Patches' ears twitch. She brings her head up, blinking over at the door. The doorknob jiggles, and the door opens. Jim steps in, shutting the door silently behind him. Patches prances over, bell jingling. Jim smiles weakly at her and scoops her up in his arms. Patches sniffs at the scrapes on his knuckles and starts to lick the dry blood off. Sarah turns her head and catches her breath; Leland flips his hand.

LELAND
See, what did I tell you.

Sarah hurries across the room and sweeps Jim into a tight hug.

SARAH
Jim, thank goodness! I've been so
worried! Where were you? Why
didn't you tell me? Why are you
so late? Why- Lord! James Pleiades
Hawkins, what happened to you?

JIM
Mom, I'm fine! I'm okay!

Jim struggles to get away as Sarah looks him over, picking out his wounds. Leland starts to walk over, arms crossed. Jim looks up at him and smiles.

JIM
Daddy, you're up… are you better?

LELAND
Yeah, a lot better… I'm going back
to work tomorrow, in fact.

Jim slumps.

JIM
That's good… 'cause… I really don't
want to go back. I love you, Dad,
but… I'm tired.

There is a moment of silence.

LELAND
(slowly)
Jim, where were you today?

JIM
At the mines… I thought… since you
couldn't work… that I'd work for
you… please don't be mad at me.

SARAH
And they actually let you?

Jim nods.

LELAND
Jim… why did you do that?

JIM
I… I just wanted to help. Christmas
is coming, and we don't have a
lot of money, and you were sick…
I thought, I thought maybe if I
helped, I could fix it, and you
would be… proud of me.

SARAH
My god, Jim, we could have lost you…

Leland has his face in his hands. He shakes slightly, as if barely holding back anger.

LELAND
Of all the stupid things you could
have done…

SARAH
Leland, hush. We'll discuss it
later. I think Jim has had a long
day as it is. Besides, I think
you owe him something.

LELAND
What? Oh… thank you, Jim.

Sarah starts to carry Jim up the stairs. Patches squeezes out and jumps down to the floor. We follow her back to Leland. Patches starts to intertwine between Leland's legs, crying. Leland looks down and nudges the kitten away with his foot. Patches stumbles and is immediately silent, slinking away. Leland collapses back in his chair.

INT. COAL MINES – LEVEL THREE

A pickaxe strikes a wall. Camera pulls back to Kent, who wipes sweat out of his eyes and leans on the handle of the axe, catching his breath.

LELAND
Slacking off on the job?

Kent jerks to look at Leland, and smiles.

KENT
Hey, Leland… you haven't changed
one bit.

Leland laughs.

LELAND
I wouldn't be so sure. Near-death
experiences change a man.

KENT
Wouldn't know. But… heck, it's
great to see you back.

Kent pats Leland on the shoulder, hard. Leland pushes Kent away.

LELAND
Didn't miss me too terribly while
I was gone?

Kent rubs his hands together and attempts to pry the pickaxe out of the wall.

KENT
Nope. In fact, the guys and I have
been downright envious of you.

LELAND
Is that so?

Leland grabs a pickaxe and slings it over his shoulder. He reaches over to help steady Kent, who almost flies backward when the pickaxe comes out of the wall.

KENT
Yep. So tell me, we just have to
know: what's it like to actually
sleep?

LELAND
Pretty nice, actually.

KENT
I think I'd like one of these
"terminal illnesses".

LELAND
Wouldn't we all.

The two start to work.

KENT
So… I saw your son yesterday.

Leland freezes.

LELAND
Don't call him that.

KENT
What? Your son?

LELAND
Yeah. Don't. He is not my son.

KENT
What? Why not?

Leland begins to hack at the wall again.

LELAND
I don't deserve to be that kid's father.

KENT
You could at least try to be.

LELAND
Kind of late now.

KENT
I get it. You've given up. You
gave up on all of us.

MANAGER
Leland James Hawkins?

Leland turns to come face-to-face with a scrupulous looking alien: the level manager.

LELAND
Yes?

MANAGER
"Sir". I should like a word
with you, Mr. Hawkins. Bring
whatever you have with you, if
you'd please.

LELAND
Oh… sir, yes, sir.

The manager turns on his heel and begins to walk away. Leland drops the pickaxe and sweeps up his knapsack, slinging it over his shoulder. He follows the manager.

INT. COAL MINES – MANAGER'S OFFICE

Leland watches the manager rummage through a file drawer. The manager snaps up, clutching a file.

MANAGER
(grumbling)
Here we are, then.

The manager brings the file down on his desk with a snap and flips it open.

MANAGER
Now, Mr. Hawkins, you are aware
you have been on sick leave for
two weeks?

LELAND
(quickly)
Of course, sir.

MANAGER
Don't get smart. Now, I understand
you are currently entitled to the
ownership of a property you've
renovated into an inn, am I not
mistaken?

LELAND
No, that's perfectly correct, sir.

MANAGER
And how profitable would you say
that has been for you?

LELAND
Profitable enough, sir.

MANAGER
Enough to sustain during your sick
leave?

LELAND
Again, just enough, sir.

MANAGER
I see. Tell me, do you have any
family you are currently supporting?

LELAND
My wife and son, sir.

The manager nodded and began to scribble in the files.

LELAND
Sir, may I ask what this
is all about?

The manager looks up and puts his hand on the file.

MANAGER
I'm releasing you, Mr. Hawkins.
You need not return.

LELAND
I… I'm what?

MANAGER
Released. Expunged. Fired.
Need I continue?

LELAND
I… you can't… why?

MANAGER
Well if you want it sugar-coated,
Mr. Hawkins, you are not needed
here anymore. Your level is to be
closed off by noon tomorrow, and
we honestly do not have a place
for you.

LELAND
But sir… Christmas is in a couple
days… what am I supposed to do?

MANAGER
That is your problem, Mr. Hawkins.
Not mine.

Leland stares off at the floor for a moment.

LELAND
Sir… what about my wages?

MANAGER
Wages? For what, pray tell? You
haven't been here in a fortnight.

LELAND
Well, actually, Jim… my son…
came here yesterday and filled
my shift.

The manager pauses, grimacing.

MANAGER
Oh, very well.

He pulls open a drawer, counts some coins into a pouch, and flings it at Leland.

LELAND
Thank you, sir.

MANAGER
Good day, Mr. Hawkins.

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – PLAYGROUND

POQUITO
Good morning, Jimmy!

Jim looks up at Poquito's smiling face.

JIM
(muttering)
Morning, Poquito.

Poquito catches sight of a bruise on Jim's cheek.

POQUITO
Jimmy! What happened? Are you
okay? Oh… did your plan work?

JIM
I'm alright. Nothing happened.
Nothing at all.

Jim sits down on the edge of the sandbox, touching his cheek gingerly. Poquito sits next to him.

JIM
Nothing's changed… Mom's even
more worried 'bout me, and Dad
just hates me more. I've just
messed everything up.

POQUITO
I wish I coulda been with you.
I hate to say it, but it's not
as if my dad didn't warn you.

JIM
I know… I'm so confused…

Jim toes the ground, watching the other kids run around.

JIM
(continuing)
I've tried everything, and I
just can't fix it. And now that
I've been to the mines… Poquito,
I can't go back. I never want
to go through that again. I
can't. I won't.

POQUITO
Sorry I'm not of much help,
Jimmy, but perhaps you don't
have to. You're always welcome
to come work with me and my dad.

Jim smiles weakly.

JIM
Thanks… you just can't imagine
what it was like. It was dark,
and cold, and cramped, and-

SAMSON
- Perfect for a scab like you.

Poquito and Jim look up see Samson, flanked by Thomas and Bleacher. Jim frowns.

JIM
What do you want, Samson?

SAMSON
Oh, I couldn't help overhearing.
So is that why you were gone
yesterday? Taking up the trade
and following in Daddy's footsteps?
How touching.

Thomas laughs; Bleacher snorts.

JIM
Leave me alone, you guys.

Samson frowns.

SAMSON
You can't tell me what to do. Why
can't you just take a hint,
Hawkins? You belong at the mines,
along with your wash-up of an old
man. I'm surprised you've lasted
this long.

Jim grits his teeth.

JIM
Shut up about my dad.

SAMSON
What'd you say?

JIM
I said…

Jim jumps to his feet, so he and Samson are looking eye-to-eye.

JIM
(continuing)
Shut up about my dad. Just
shut up.

Jim gives Samson a violent shove in the chest. Samson stumbles backwards, eyes wide. The playground activity slows as the children begin to notice Samson and Jim. Samson starts to laugh.

SAMSON
Woah! You want a fight, Hawkins?

Samson taps Jim on the shoulder. Jim hesitates. Samson shakes his head and makes to turn his back on Jim.

SAMSON
No matter what, you'll always be
a worthless cur with no future.

Jim swings his fist, colliding with the side of Samson's face. Samson tumbles to the ground, Jim falling next to him. Jim continues to swing at Samson. The children start to shout and run over. Poquito gets lost in the crowd. Samson's surprise wears off and he throws Jim off, pinning him to the ground. He starts to pummel Jim. Samson swings his fist back and his arm is caught by a hand. Samson is pulled back; his lip is split, and blood is pouring from Jim's nose. Samson struggles against the hands holding him back. Jim looks up to see Leland holding Samson's arms. The schoolteacher comes running over. The children disperse.

SCHOOLTEACHER
(wailing)
James, what is the meaning of this?

SAMSON
I didn't do nothing, Miss!
Hawkins just swung at me, honest!

LELAND
(growling)
And what, your fist just found its
way to his face?

JIM
He's lying! You should have heard
what he said!

Jim wipes the blood off his face with the back of his hand.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Now boys, enough of this! Honestly,
I'm ashamed of you both. Never
would I have expected something
like this from you, James.

Samson and Jim glare at each other; Jim looks away.

SCHOOLTEACHER
(continuing)
I can't imagine what would have
happened if your father hadn't
shown up.

Samson's eyes grow wide and he struggles out of Leland's grip, shuffling away. Jim sneers. The schoolteacher sighs and glances at Samson.

SCHOOLTEACHER
I am going to have to talk to
your father about this, Samson.
Regardless of whoever started
this… this nonsense, I want you
both to apologize.

SAMSON AND JIM
Sorry.

SCHOOLTEACHER
Mr. Hawkins, may I have a word
with you?

LELAND
Of course.

He looks at Jim, who quickly looks down at the ground.

LELAND
Stay put, Jim, I'll be right back.

JIM
(mumbling)
Yessir.

Jim and Samson are left standing alone, watching Leland and the schoolteacher walk off. Samson grins.

SAMSON
Great going, Hawkins. Never knew
you had it in you.

JIM
I'm not a coward. And my dad is
not a… a wash-up.

Samson folds his arms.

SAMSON
Alright, okay. You know… if you
ever need someone to help with
that hook of yours… well, you're
welcome to join us.

Jim looks at Samson skeptically.

JIM
You serious? I thought you
hated me.

SAMSON
Well… maybe I did, but that was
before you almost socked me out.
I think you could be really great,
just like one of us. Whaddya say,
Hawkins? You in?

Samson holds out his hand. Jim stares at Samson's hand, then shakes his head.

JIM
No thanks, Samson. I'm not like
you guys.

Samson smirks.

SAMSON
Not yet.

EXT. MONTRESSOR – BENBOW – SUNSET

Jim's tunic flaps in the wind as the longboat heads back towards the Benbow Inn. Jim shivers against the side of the boat. He looks out over the edge at the sun setting below the horizon, casting everything a firey hue. Jim glances sidelong at Leland, who is sitting by the tiller with his chin propped up on his knuckle, looking pensively at the sky. It is silent with the exception of the crackle of the solar sail in the wind.

EXT. BENBOW INN – DOCK

The engines die and the sails slacken as the longboat pulls up next to the dock. Leland jumps out and ties the longboat to a bollard. He hesitates, then starts to walk off. Jim is still sitting in the longboat. He looks around and sees that Leland has left his pack in the boat. He reaches for it, but shrinks back. Grabbing his books, Jim runs after Leland.

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

The inside of the inn is just as fiery as the outside with the stoves and the candles lit. Sarah is standing at the cooking stove. She turns away and brushes hair from her eyes as Jim and Leland enter. She stares at them for a moment, then turns back to the stove.

SARAH
Mrs. Hemming dropped by an hour
ago. She brought some of her
Zerellian stew… if you're hungry,
it should be ready in about
twenty minutes.

Leland stares at her back, then heads up the stairs. We hear a door slam shut somewhere upstairs. Jim watches this for a moment, then goes over to Sarah. He sets his books on a table near her and climbs into a chair. He swings his legs and traces his finger along the grain on the table.

JIM
Mom? Momma?

SARAH
Hmm?

JIM
If… if you knew something about
me, something bad… would you be
mad at me?

Sarah looks at Jim.

SARAH
Why? What did you do?

JIM
You have to promise not to get
mad.

SARAH
Why? Tell me, Jim.

JIM
Promise first!

SARAH
All right, I promise! Now, what
is it?

Jim hesitates.

JIM
You promise?

SARAH
I promise.

JIM
… I hit Samson at school today.

SARAH
You what?

JIM
It wasn't my fault, I swear! You
should have heard what he said!
It was horrible!

SARAH
So you hit him? Jim…

JIM
He hit me back!

SARAH
That doesn't make it right! You
don't hit people, Jim, no matter
what. I thought you knew better
than that!

JIM
But I hate him, Mom! He says
mean things. It hurts! I want
him to hurt, too.

SARAH
Jim!

JIM
(shouting)
You said you wouldn't get mad!
You promised! You promised!

Sarah stares at him.

SARAH
That's right, I promised. I'm
sorry… Jim, I'm so sorry… I'm
just disappointed. That's all.
I never expected to feel that
way about you.

JIM
I know, Mom, I'm sorry… I tried.

Sarah looks away and notices the stew is boiling over. She quickly shuts off the stove.

SARAH
Are you hungry?

JIM
Yeah! … Please.

Sarah ladles some stew into a bowl. Jim slips out of his chair and hurries over.

SARAH
Now, you'll need to be very
careful with this.

Sarah hands the bowl and spoon to Jim.

SARAH
(continuing)
You should let
it cool for a moment, it's still
pretty hot.

JIM
'Kay.

Jim gingerly takes the bowl and spoon over to the table. He sits and watches it, swinging his legs again. Sarah smiles. Her smile fades when we hear footsteps coming down the stairs. She looks over and we see Leland pulling on a coat. He grabs his hat and heads for the door.

SARAH
Leland? Where are you going?

LELAND
Out.

SARAH
Out? Out where?

LELAND
Can't say for certain.

SARAH
Well, when will you be back?

LELAND
I don't know.

JIM
Mom…

SARAH
Jim, take your soup to your room,
your father and I need to talk.

JIM
But…

SARAH
Now, Jim.

Surprised, Jim grabs his bowl and runs for the stairs. We hear his footsteps going up the stairs and a door click shut upstairs.

SARAH
Leland, what is going on? First
Jim and now you? I don't know what
to think anymore.

Upstairs, the door to Jim's room creaks open. We see him poke his head out, then crawl to the railing. He wraps his hands around the bars and looks down at Sarah and Leland.

LELAND
I'm sorry, Sarah. It's just out
of my hands.

SARAH
What is? If this is your choice,
then it is clearly all in your
hands…

LELAND
Oh, that's not what I mean…
Sarah, I was released today.
I was told not to come back.

SARAH
… What does that mean?

LELAND
(snaps)
It means I'm out of a job.
Permanently. It's done.

SARAH
What? Why?

LELAND
I don't know, Sarah, but as
far as I see it, I'm not needed
here anymore.

SARAH
There must be some mistake…

LELAND
There's no mistake. I have the
paperwork.

SARAH
So it's over for good, then.

LELAND
I guess.

SARAH
So you're leaving? Why?

LELAND
Just like I said, I'm not
needed anymore. By anyone.

JIM
(whispering)
No… no… I need you, Daddy…

SARAH
That's not true and you know it,
Leland. This inn needs you. Your
family needs you!

LELAND
Oh really, it does? I'm what it
needs? Funny, because I've
gotten the complete opposite
impression. The only reason
we're starving and this 'family'
is falling apart is because of
me.

SARAH
Leland…!

LELAND
No, don't patronize me! Don't
even! Ever since we met I've
been nothing but your problem.
Your father saw that, but I
certainly didn't. No. I had
everything under control then.
I had plans; I was going to get
somewhere. And then you had
Jim…

SARAH
(hissing)
Don't you bring him into this…

LELAND
What in God's name was I
supposed to do, Sarah? I was 19
and all of a sudden I had this
kid to support…

SARAH
You're not the only one who had
to go through that, Leland! I
was 17, remember? I gave birth
to him! He's my son, and yours!
He has nothing to do with this…

LELAND
He has everything to do with this!
Because of me your son has to live
with a father like I am! Because
of me he has no food, no future,
and no friends. It was because of
me he went to the mines, and I
was the reason he was fighting at
school.

SARAH
And you're leaving because of him?

LELAND
Damn it, Sarah, I'm leaving for him!
You'll be better off anyway!

SARAH
Just shut up, Leland! You're
horrible! I can't believe this…

LELAND
Don't tell me to shut up! If you
think for one minute…

JIM
(shouting)
Stop! Stop it! Stop fighting!

LELAND
(screaming)
Shut up, Jim! Stay out of this!

The inn falls silent, Sarah and Leland staring up at Jim. Sarah's face is flushed. Leland's expression fades from rage to surprise.

LELAND
Jim… I…

Jim flinches. With a sob he turns and runs back to his room, slamming the door. We hear the shatter of the soup bowl being knocked over and the muffled sound of Jim crying.

SARAH
(muttering)
… Heavens, what are you doing,
Leland?

LELAND
Look, I didn't know he was
there, all right? I just got
carried away, that's all. I
didn't… I mean…

SARAH
You know what, Leland… if this
is what you want, then get out.
Just get out.

Leland stares into her eyes for a moment, then looks away.

LELAND
All right. All right, I will.

INT. JIM'S BEDROOM

Jim has his face buried in his pillow. We hear Leland's footsteps as he walks out the door and towards the dock. Jim scrambles to his feet and runs to the window. We see outside the window the flare of the longboat's engines. Jim watches as the longboat lifts into the sky. He peers closer and sees Leland look back just as the longboat catches the wind and disappears.

INT. JIM'S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Jim stirs and pushes himself off the bed. He is still in his day clothes. He glances around the room to the door, which is cracked open slightly. We hear the faint sound of whimpering sobs coming from outside the door. Jim slides off his bed and heads out the door.

Jim stands outside Sarah's room. The door is also cracked open. We see the silhouette of Sarah on her bed and hear her crying. Jim pushes the door open more and looks in.

JIM
Mommy?

We see Sarah with her head pressed into the pillow. She barely moves at the sound of Jim's voice. Jim walks over to the bed and climbs on top.

JIM
Mom… Mommy, please don't cry…
please…

Sarah doesn't stop crying. In despair, Jim curls up next to her and hugs her.

JIM
(whispering)
Please don't cry… please don't
cry…

Sarah stops crying. She turns and looks at him. Jim falls off her shoulders and sits on his knees. Sarah hugs him, setting her cheek on top of his head.

INT. KENT'S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

With a wide yawn, Kent stumbles to the door. We hear someone knocking on the door.

KENT
(hollering)
Yeah, hold on, I'm coming!

Kent throws the lock, finds the doorknob, and pulls open the door. We see a man hovering in the shadows, buried in a thick coat with a pack slung over one shoulder.

KENT
(groggily)
Can I help you?

The man hesitates, then steps forward a bit into the light.

LELAND
Kent?

Kent sighs.

KENT
Leland? Good God, it's 3 in
the morning.

LELAND
I know.

KENT
What happened? Wh-what are you
doing here? You should be home
at this hour…

LELAND
I'll tell you in a second… do
you mind if I come in? I've
been walking for hours…

Kent steps aside.

KENT
No… uh, I mean… sure, go ahead.

Leland steps into the room, swinging his pack down by the hearth. Kent closes the door and flicks on a lantern, flooding the room with light. Leland collapses into an old armchair, stretching out his legs and tilting his head back. Kent leans against a short bookcase, arms crossed.

KENT
So? Are you going to tell me?

LELAND
Hmm? Oh…

Leland sits forward with a sigh.

LELAND
I don't know what to say. It's
gone. I've lost everything now.
My job, my wife, my son… just,
gone.

KENT
Why? What happened with Sarah
and Jim?

LELAND
(snaps)
Nothing! I did nothing! I mean…
no… no, it was all my fault…
I tried to take off and Sarah
caught me. Told her everything,
said they'd be better off
without me. Jim heard the whole
thing. Sarah and I started to
raise our voices, and Jim, he…
tried to stop us. I couldn't
help it, Kent, I just couldn't.
You've heard me, I get so caught up,
I was so torn… I yelled at him.
Screamed at him. I shouldn't have
said it, he shouldn't have been
there… well, Sarah kicked me out.
So I left.

Leland looks up at Kent.

LELAND
Kent, I may never see them again.

KENT
Isn't that what you wanted?

LELAND
Yes. Of course… well, maybe… no.
No.

KENT
Why'd you change your mind?
After all that, everything you
told me before?

Leland buries his face in his hands.

LELAND
I don't know, I… it's different
now. All those feelings are gone
in me, but… it's still there. In
them. I blew it, I can't believe
I didn't see…

KENT
What are you going to do about it?
You're my friend, Leland, but you
can't live here…

LELAND
No, no… Kent, I can't go back, I
just can't… I'll go to Crescentia,
find somewhere else to go… but I
can't go back, not now, not after
all this…

KENT
Why not?

LELAND
I can't face her. I can't. Not her,
not Jim. What good would it do,
anyway?

KENT
A whole lot of good, if you ask me.
Your own son handles his faults
better than you do. He makes
mistakes, but at least he can put
them in the past. If you can't
accept your mistakes, all you'll
ever do is lose everything over
and over again until you run
yourself into the dust. It's
Christmas, I'm sure they'll want
you home. Even if you can't stay.

LELAND
(muttering)
I've missed so many Christmases…
I didn't even notice.

Leland pulls something gold out of his pocket. We see a large oval locket in his hand. He stares at it.

LELAND
I bought this ages ago, before I
got sick… that's why I was working
overtime every night, to pay it
off. She'll never know…

KENT
She doesn't need to. Just give it
to her.

Leland sighs and leans back into the chair.

LELAND
Easier said.

INT. BENBOW INN – LIVING ROOM – MORNING

DELBERT
Sarah! You look terr-… ific today.

Sarah glares darkly.

SARAH
Thank you, Delbert.

She closes the door behind him.

DELBERT
Err, I mean, you always look
lovely… not that I'm looking…
but… wait, let me try that again…

Sarah smiles.

SARAH
Just say what you mean. I look
terrible, don't I?

DELBERT
Well, perhaps you look, uh… a
little more strained than usual.
Might I pry?

Delbert folds his coat over a chair and sits down. Sarah stands above the table.

SARAH
Oh, I just had trouble sleeping,
that's all… no, not like that.

Delbert grins.

DELBERT
Of course. But honestly, what is
bothering you? I haven't seen
you this upset since Leland fell
ill… is it him?

SARAH
I know you've never liked him,
but…

Sarah sits down in a chair opposite Delbert. She folds her hands and gazes down at them.

SARAH
Leland was released from his
job yesterday. And… well, I guess
he's gone.

DELBERT
What, he just left?

SARAH
Well, maybe he might have wanted
to at first… maybe he has all
along… but I told him to go. I
just hope he's happy now.

DELBERT
Oh… Sarah, I'm so sorry… that is
just absurd, at Christmas! Why,
if I saw him, I would certainly
give him a piece of my mind…

SARAH
No, Delbert, don't… it's fine,
really. We'll be all right.
Though… as much as I hate to
admit it, I'm sorry to see him
go. Now, when we need each other
the most…

DELBERT
How's Jim taking it, speaking of
which?

SARAH
Hard… he doesn't really understand.
He thinks Leland's coming back.

DELBERT
Poor boy…

SARAH
Leland is everything to him…
Jim's just so used to doing
everything right, winning over
Leland's affection was just
another challenge for him… if
Leland doesn't come back, he's
failed. How is a child supposed
to take that? I just wish…
for once… we could spend this
Christmas together.

For a moment the two sit in silence. Delbert suddenly stands up, gathering his coat. Sarah looks up at him in surprise.

SARAH
Where are you going?

DELBERT
Oh, well, you see… I just realized…
I really should be getting back to
the Manor. Christmas Eve, you know,
Grandma's waiting for me…

Sarah smiles.

SARAH
I thought you wanted to get away
from all them.

DELBERT
Yes, that… I'm afraid something
has come to my attention… yes…

Delbert clears his throat.

DELBERT
(continuing)
I should be home for Christmas.
With my family, a bother as they
may be, Heavens, they're all I
have. So… Sarah, I bid you good
evening, and I hope to see you
tomorrow.

SARAH
Merry Christmas, Delbert.

Delbert waves.

DELBERT
And a Merry Christmas to you!

Delbert leaves humming the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".

INT. BENBOW INN – LIVING ROOM

We see a montage of a Christmas Eve celebration amongst the Inn guests, Sarah, and Jim. As the montage fades towards night, we see Jim sitting in the big window, turning an empty mug around in his hands. Patches is curled up near Jim, purring. Sarah is picking up mugs and plates. She glances over at Jim, who is gazing pensively out the window. Jim puts his hand on the window and looks up at the stars.

JIM
(thinking)
I don't know if anyone can hear
me… I know I wasn't gonna ask for
anything this Christmas… but…
there's something I'd like. For my
dad to come home. So I can see him.
And tell him… I still need him. I'd
like… I wish… Dad would come home.
For Christmas. Please, that's all
I want…

SARAH
Jim? Are you all right?

JIM
Huh?

He looks away from the window.

JIM
Oh… yeah, Mom, I'm fine.

Sarah wraps her arms around Jim's shoulder and smiles.

SARAH
Are you excited for Christmas
tomorrow?

JIM
Yeah.

SARAH
What'd you wish for?

JIM
Oh… nothing.

Sarah's smile fades and she looks out the window, where snowflakes are starting to fall. Patches raises her head and looks at the two inquisitively. Sarah hugs Jim and Jim holds onto Sarah's hand.

JIM
Merry Christmas, Mom.

SARAH
Merry Christmas, solar flare.

INT. BENBOW INN – LIVING ROOM – MORNING

Jim steps down the stairs, pulling on the ends of his shirt. The guests are already up, standing or sitting around, talking and laughing. Jim glances at the Christmas tree, under which are a variety of wrapped packages. Patches is under the tree, chewing on the ribbon of one of the packages. Sarah is talking with a few of the guests, wearing dressier clothes. Her eyes wander and she catches sight of Jim. She excuses herself and goes over to him.

SARAH
Merry Christmas, Jim.

She kneels and kisses him on the forehead. Jim sticks his tongue out and smiles.

JIM
Who are all these presents for,
Mom?

SARAH
Well, I don't know! I suppose
they must belong to someone…

JIM
They sure do look nice. Whoever
gets them will be real lucky.

SARAH
They sure will. In fact… why,
I don't believe it!

Jim hops on his toes.

JIM
What? What is it?

SARAH
I think there might be one for
you here!

JIM
A present? For me?

SARAH
Uh-huh!

Jim begins to look wildly around the tree, inspecting the packages.

JIM
Which one is it, Mom? Which one?
I don't see it.

SARAH
Keep looking!

Sarah pulls out what looks like a video camera. We see from the screen Jim looking past the camera at Sarah, holding up a big purple plush toy.

JIM
Is this it, Mom? Is this it?

Sarah laughs.

SARAH
Yes, that's it! Delbert brought
it over for you last night. Do
you like it?

JIM
Yeah!

Jim sits by the tree, looking over his new toy.

We see a montage of the rest of the morning passing. The presents start to disappear and the guests trickle away. Finally there is just Sarah picking up the room. Jim helps, picking up bits of ribbon and paper. His hand falls on a few pine needles. He draws back, staring at the pine needles. We see a quick FLASHBACK of Jim giving Leland pine needles. Jim runs to the kitchen and stuffs the paper and ribbon into a trash can. He stands and breathes for a moment, then walks back out into the living room.

Jim glances over at the door, where Sarah is talking to someone. Jim slinks back over to tree and his toy, face darkening. Patches looks up at Jim, ribbon clenched in her mouth. The sound of the conversation at the door starts to fade in.

SARAH
… Well I'm rather surprised to
see you here so early, Kent. The
party's not for another two hours.

KENT
I hope I'm not bothering you,
Mrs. H.

Jim glances over, curious. We see Kent dressed rather nicely, turning a cap around in his hands.

KENT
(continuing)
I just thought I'd come and wish
you a merry Christmas! How are you
doing?

Kent peers past the door and smiles at Jim. Jim smiles back.

SARAH
We're all right, thank you.

KENT
Just all right? But it's Christmas!
Family, presents, mistletoe, and
all that! You know, love and
fellowship and…

LELAND
For God's sake, Kent, are you
trying to sell her a wreath?

Kent scowls as he's shoved aside by Leland.

KENT
Yeah, yeah, I was getting to that…!

Leland steps into view beside Kent and he locks eyes with Sarah. There is a stunned silence. Leland stands awkwardly, pack in his hands.

LELAND
I don't expect for you to forgive
me, Sarah. And I don't expect
anything from Jim, either. I've
done nothing that I might be
considered a father in his heart or
your eyes, and I don't expect that
I ever will. For all the best, you
could just close the door on my
face.

Leland pauses, as if expecting her to do so. Her grip tightens on the door, but otherwise she just stares at him.

LELAND
(continuing)
I know I've messed things up… I'm
sorry it took all these years, an
illness, a job, and all that ever
mattered in my life to realize.
I don't know if I can change, but
I know that… it's Christmas. And
what I want… is to spend it with
you.

Sarah stands for a moment, then drops her arms to her sides. She smiles.

SARAH
You're late.

Leland sighs in relief and takes her hand.

LELAND
I'm sorry.

Kent laughs.

KENT
Mrs. Hawkins, you got to stop
losing your boys! I can't be
returning them all the time, you
know.

Jim scrambles off the floor and runs for Leland.

JIM
Daddy! Dad!

Leland grins down at Jim and lifts him up.

LELAND
Hey, solar flare! So what did
you see in the stars last night?

Jim shakes his head.

JIM
Doesn't matter.

Jim starts to cry happily. They all go inside and we see the shut door of the inn, snow falling in front of it.

INT. BENBOW INN – JIM'S BEDROOM - SIX MONTHS LATER

We hear a door slam. Jim sits up abruptly and looks out the window. We see Leland heading towards the docks. Jim flies out of bed and scrambles down the stairs. He runs after Leland. We see Leland boarding a ship just before it casts off. Jim reaches the end of the dock just as the ship pulls away. He reaches out but the ship disappears into the sun. The screen fills with white.

END.