EXT. MISTY DARKNESS
Daniel floats, naked, amongst a thick, smoky, coal black mist. His hair waves back and forth lightly, as if tossed by a gentle breeze. Nothing else can be seen, but a faint red hue seeps through the darkness ahead. Daniel travels towards it, his passage controlled by some other force.
Out of the mist ahead appears a massive column, trunk-like. Daniel can see neither its base nor its top. All that he can see is what is in front of him, the thick black chord before him. Adorning it are countless red eyes that layer its surface in horizontal rings. They all watch Daniel as he approaches, the pink-red eyes occasionally blinking, all in unison.
Daniel's course continues forward, and the eyes all blink again, yet remain shut. When they open they are no longer eyes. Now Daniel sees them as something like red light bulbs that all dimmed and then were raised at the same time. The elongated bulbs stick out from the black tower, casting the deep pink glow that drew him forward.
As the bulbs become even clearer, a look of horror crosses Daniel's face. He sees, frighteningly, impossibly, that the pink bulbs all house a human within them. Hundreds of men and women, thousands even, lie within the pods latched onto whatever the black tower is. Daniel floats towards them, and his body begins to rotate, still by the unseen hand that brings him closer, so that he faces downwards, moving headfirst.
His pace slows as he coasts towards one of the pods. Daniel looks down into the pod and sees a man below, naked. He lies in a pink muck that keeps him stationary, floating. Daniel floats as well, downwards, slowly, until he is face to face with the man within the pod below. Daniel sees himself in the pod, gaunt and pale. He examines his own face as if looking into a strange circus funhouse mirror. He is both amazed and horrified.
The encased Daniel opens his eyes suddenly.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Daniel, lying in bed beside his wife, opens his eyes suddenly. His head remains on the pillow, but he breathes through his nose quickly, sharply. His jaws are clenched as adrenaline pumps through his veins, brought on from the fading dream. His eyes travel the ceiling above, darting quickly from one corner to the other. Daniel slowly cranes his neck to face his wife. She remains absolutely still. His head turns back to the ceiling, and Daniel swallows thickly, completely uneasy in the bed he sleeps in.
INT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
Daniel's car pulls into his space. The car turns off, and Daniel opens the door and exits. His eyes dart about quickly. He runs his fingers through his hair. He seems nervous. Daniel walks towards the elevator door, turning on the car alarm in mid-stride. The car beeps.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Daniel hits the button for the twenty-fourth floor. As the elevator rises, Daniel remains edgy. He shifts his weight back and forth as he waits for his floor.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
The elevator doors open and Daniel steps out into the office lobby. He heads towards his office, walking quickly. The Receptionist looks up from her computer and smiles.
RECEPTIONIST
Good morning.
Daniel gives a slight nod of recognition and a wave, and continues on his way. He passes coworkers as he walks towards his office, but pays them little notice. He reaches the door, opens it, and steps inside his office.
INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY
Daniel closes the door behind him and leans against it, brow furrowed. He takes in a deep breath and then exhales. Daniel looks over his office. Everything seems in order, normal. Desk, chair, phone, computer, and clock: all are in their proper places.
Daniel takes a tentative step towards the desk, a second, a third, until he is behind his chair. He places his briefcase on the desk, pauses for a moment, and then opens it. He takes out his files and places them beside the briefcase. Next he takes out the day-timer and opens it.
INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY
Daniel sits at his desk, working silently, and then looks up at the clock. It says 12:32. He closes up what he's working on with the computer and tidies up his desk.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Daniel walks towards the elevators and goes past the Receptionist.
Daniel
Just grabbing a bite.
A small grin appears on the Receptionist's face as Daniel goes by.
RECEPTIONIST
I know.
INT. CAFÉ -DAY
Daniel walks into the small café and finds Lily behind the counter. No one is ahead of Daniel. Lily spots him, smiles, and holds up the usual wrapped sandwich as he approaches.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET - DAY
Daniel walks amongst the churning mass of people on the busy lunchtime sidewalks. The sounds of footsteps, conversations, car horns and engines flood Daniel's ears. He keeps a brisk pace as he heads back to his office building.
The light begins to dim. Daniel doesn't notice at first, but as the world around him is enveloped in shadow, he looks to the sky. No clouds cover the sun. Nothing blocks it. Instead, it is as if the sun's brightness has been turned down, and continues to do so. No one seems to notice but him.
The people around him begin to slow down, offering Daniel a slower pace to take in the changes. The world around him begins to dim as well. The cars, streets, buildings, sky, all disappear, dimming, but also stretching away into nothingness.
Daniel is left alone in the new darkness, standing with the other people that, moments before, had been walking along side him on the city street. As they continue to slow, something truly bizarre begins to happen. All of the clothes they wear, business suits, jeans, leather jackets, t-shirts, all begin to tear away from their bodies, streaming in an otherwise unnoticed wind. The bodies before Daniel are slowly revealed, naked, as their clothes rip away.
The rags don't disappear completely, however, as they all darken and remain attached to the bodies they once covered, black tendrils snaking away from pale flesh. Hair pulls back from everyone's forehead and masses at the back of their skull in a final chord.
Finally, everyone stops. Daniel, the only clothed person left, takes in the scene, awestruck. The hundreds, if not thousands, of people that filled the downtown street now stand motionless, all naked. They are covered, entwined, in dark metal tubes attached to their bodies by inserts in their flesh in their arms, their backs, their heads. The people all stand hairless, eyes closed, heads bowed. Daniel cranes his neck all around him, looking at the mass of people. He turns back and forth, standing in the same spot, as he surveys the bodies. The only sound Daniel hears is his own breathing.
Without warning, everything snaps back to reality, all at the same time. Hair and clothes return from the black chords, melding back into the various attires that covered the people. The buildings rush back into their normal locations, along with the cars that littered the streets. The sun shines brightly, and Daniel is once again bombarded by the full aural assault of downtown at lunchtime.
Daniel remains still as the crowd jumps back to their quick pace. A BUSINESS MAN behind Daniel bumps into him, startling Daniel.
BUSINESS MAN
Watch it, man.
Daniel looks around, eyes wide, face pale. He remains motionless, forcing the other moving people to swerve around him, some giving him dirty looks in the process.
Across the street, a man steps out from the shadows of a side alley. He wears a dark suit and sunglasses, which hide his eyes as he watches Daniel, emotionless. The man in the suit is AGENT SMITH. He places his right hand to his ear, where a secret service-like earpiece is fitted, and receives information. He listens to whatever form of voice is on the other end.
INT. FOYER - NIGHT
The front door opens and Daniel walks into his house. He seems preoccupied, and he looks to the ground, not focusing on his actions. He closes the door slowly, leaning on the door handle as he does so. He walks towards the back of the house, and drops his briefcase by the stairs as he passes them.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Daniel walks into the kitchen while Evelyn chops carrots on the counter- top. He sits down at one of the kitchen chairs and leans on the table.
EVELYN
How was your day, sweetie?
Daniel chews his thumbnail, his mind still elsewhere.
EVELYN
Daniel?
Daniel looks up briefly.
DANIEL
Fine.
EVELYN
That's good.
Daniel rubs his eyes wearily with the balls of his hands.
DANIEL
Evelyn?
EVELYN
Hmm?
Daniel's focus finally comes back to the present. His eyes seem clear, intelligent, and afraid. He faces Evelyn, her back to him.
DANIEL
Something's wrong with me. I ... I think I may be going mad.
Evelyn chuckles. Daniel's eyes remain on her, watching and waiting. He says nothing. Evelyn turns to Daniel, smiling, and sees the look on his face. Her smile fades quickly. She puts down the knife she chops the carrots with and then takes a few steps towards Daniel. Their eyes lock, studying each other.
EVELYN
What? Are you serious?
DANIEL
Maybe. I've been seeing things lately. I don't know what to make of
them. I do know that they're not ... normal, not healthy. They're
scaring the hell out of me.
Evelyn stands still, processing the information, before replying.
EVELYN
What have you seen?
DANIEL
I'm not sure. I didn't really see anything the first time. Everything
was normal, in a way, it was just like I was spaced-out or something.
But the second time ... the second time was like ...
Evelyn takes another tentative step.
EVELYN
Your dreams?
Daniel laughs at this remark.
DANIEL
Let's be honest here, Evelyn. When your husband wakes up every night,
sweating and horrified, he's not just dreaming. Those are nightmares
babe, all the way, full out.
EVELYN
Then are they like your nightmares?
Daniel leans back in his chair and looks out the kitchen window. In the dark of night, all he can see is his own reflection.
DANIEL
(nods)
Yeah, I think so. I wish I could say for sure. What I see in my sleep
fades so fast. I couldn't tell you if they really were similar. But
they feel the same, if that's worth anything. And, whatever's been
happening to me during the day, when I come out of it, it feels like
I'm waking up.
Daniel thinks over his last statement, searching for the words to express what comes to mind.
DANIEL
But the weirdest part is that, though it does feel like I'm waking up,
what I'm leaving seems more real than what I wake up to. More real
than this.
Daniel knocks on the wood table he sits at. Evelyn looks at her husband, now worried.
DANIEL
I know how this sounds, Evelyn, but I also know how I feel. Nothing
fits. Nothing feels like it should. I don't know how to explain it.
It's just that something doesn't seem ... right. Nothing seems right.
Evelyn steps back for a moment and scans the kitchen as she thinks before facing Daniel again.
EVELYN
I don't know how to take this, Daniel.
DANIEL
I know. I know. I'm sorry that I can't make more sense of it, and I'm
sorry if you're worried. I am.
Evelyn turns back to the countertop and examines the food before her.
EVELYN
Here, let's have dinner. It's ready. It'll take your mind off things.
Daniel nods, reluctantly.
DANIEL
All right.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Daniel sags into a plush leather sofa. He holds his hands in his lap, shoulders slumped, as he stares at nothing in particular. His face shows a mixture of confusion, exhaustion, and fear.
Evelyn appears at the entrance to the living room, and leans against the wall. She looks at her husband for a moment before speaking.
EVELYN
I'm going to bed now, Daniel. Come up soon, okay?
Daniel gives her a weary smile.
DANIEL
I will.
By the looks on their faces, they both know this is a lie. Regardless of this, Evelyn nods and leaves Daniel alone to his thoughts.
INT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
Daniel's car pulls into his spot. The car door opens and Daniel steps out, briefcase in tow yet again. This morning, however, Daniel no longer has his normal energy. As he walks towards the exit, it is obvious that Daniel is tired and at his wit's end.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Daniel enters the elevator and stands in the center. He looks at the floor buttons, yet remains motionless. His arm slowly rises to the buttons, and he holds his finger out to the one for the twenty-fourth floor, but he doesn't push it. He closes his eyes and frowns slightly, his hand still up. Clearly, pushing the button is the last thing Daniel wants to do. However, Daniel opens his eyes, stares at the button for a little longer, and then finally pushes it. He presses the button and holds his finger down for a second or two, and then releases it reluctantly. Daniel looks up and watches the floor number rise with displeasure.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Daniel emerges from the elevator and heads for his office. The Receptionist looks up from her computer, smiling.
RECEPTIONIST
Good morning, Mr.-
The Receptionist sees Daniel, dark bags under his eyes, slightly dishevelled, and the smile disappears.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Hazelton, are you all right?
Daniel continues to walk towards his office.
DANIEL
I'm fine, Rose. I just didn't sleep much last night.
Daniel walks past her.
DANIEL
I'll be in my office.
The Receptionist turns in her chair, watching Daniel's back as he continues towards his door.
INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY
Daniel enters his office and tosses his briefcase down on his desk. He doesn't touch his computer. Instead, he walks over to the window, leans against it, and loosens his tie. Daniel looks down at the hoards of people moving along the downtown streets and sidewalks. His eyes roam as they are caught by the complicated flow of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. Watching these people calms him.
Daniel looks up and heads back to his door.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Daniel heads to the elevator and walks past the Receptionist.
DANIEL
I'm going to lunch, Rose. Be back in a bit.
The Receptionist looks up from her computer, and looks at Daniel, confused, as he taps the call button for the elevator.
RECEPTIONIST
Lunch? Mr. Hazelton, it's just past nine-o-clock in the morning. You
can't be going to lunch yet.
Daniel stands with his back to her.
DANIEL
Fine then, call it brunch, I don't care.
The elevator door opens and Daniel steps into it. He hits the button for the lobby.
RECEPTIONIST
But Mr. Hazelton, you have a meeting in fifteen minutes.
Daniel looks up from the buttons and stares at the Receptionist. The doors begin to close.
DANIEL
Cancel it.
INT. CAFÉ - DAY
Daniel enters his usual spot for lunch and takes a look around. Things almost seem different at this time of day. The people, the atmosphere, the lighting even. It makes Daniel smile. He walks to the counter, where he is greeted by a surprised Lily.
LILY
Good morning, Mr. Hazelton. I didn't expect to see you here so early.
DANIEL
I'm just taking a break.
Lily raises her eyebrows.
LILY
I didn't know you took breaks.
DANIEL
(grinning)
There's a first time for everything.
LILY
Quite true. Do you want the same as usual? I haven't had a chance to
make it yet, but it won't take long at all.
DANIEL
No, I think I'll just have a coffee.
LILY
Okay.
Lily turns to grab a coffee cup.
DANIEL
And a muffin too. Blueberry.
Lily smiles.
LILY
Sure thing.
EXT. CAFÉ - DAY
Daniel steps out onto the small patio of the café. Half of the seats are filled. Daniel walks over to one by the patio railing, closest to the sidewalk and the people walking by, and takes a seat. He puts his coffee and muffin on the table in front of him. Daniel takes a sip of his coffee and sits back. He smiles, enjoying himself in the sunlight, content. The feeling doesn't last long.
Daniel furrows his brows and narrows his eyes ever so slightly. Something is amiss. He looks up to the torrent of people walking by. A man on his left catches his attention. The man's arms are full as he struggles to carry a pile of rolls of paper, blueprints or advertisement mock-ups perhaps. Daniel watches the man walk towards him, and then his attention is drawn to a young woman on his right, who walks towards the other man on the sidewalk.
Daniel's attention flips between the two people, his head turning left and right, back and forth, as the two come closer together. Daniel raises his hand and opens his mouth as if to give them a heads up, but it is too late. The young woman, careless, walks right into the man with the paper, causing him to spill the rolls all over the sidewalk, right in front of Daniel. The two bend down to pick them up. Daniel watches, perplexed.
His attention switches to a flashy businessman in an expensive suit walking along, and then to a group of attractive women. They walk towards each other.
DANIEL
(whispering)
He'll smile-
The businessman smiles at the women.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-then they'll giggle-
The women smile back and giggle.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-and turn to look as he keeps going.
As the businessman continues down the street, the women all turn to look at him go, one craning her head to check out his butt. They giggle again and then turn back down the sidewalk, walking to Daniel's right.
The first man and woman have since collected the rolls of paper and continued on their way.
Daniel keeps his head turned to the right, in the direction of the parting women, but he casually points to his left.
DANIEL
(whispering)
A bike messenger will turn the corner-
Daniel turns his head to the left and watches as a bike messenger in a red spandex top comes around the corner and pedals along the street towards him.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-and will almost get hit by ... that cab.
A yellow cab in the middle lane cuts sharply to the right and almost hits the bike messenger. The bike messenger clamps down on the brakes to avoid being hit, and then swears at the cabbie, who drives off, oblivious. The messenger raises his middle fingers to the cabbie in the process. He then shakes his head in frustration and begins to pedal again. Daniel watches him go for a moment before looking back to the other people.
DANIEL
(whispering)
That man will look at his watch.
A man in a suit pulls his shirt cuff back to take a look at the time.
DANIEL
(whispering)
He'll cough.
Another man walking down the street covers his mouth as he coughs.
DANIEL
(whispering)
She'll catch her heel on the sidewalk.
A woman in high heels stumbles a bit as one of her heels gets stuck in a crack in the sidewalk, but she manages to recover and continue down the street.
DANIEL
(whispering)
A bird will come down and land-
A brown bird flies down towards Daniel and lands on the awning of a shop next door. Daniel is already looking at the bird's perch before the bird arrives.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-right there.
Daniel turns to a fellow COFFEE DRINKER sitting on the patio with him, a young woman. She talks to one of her friends. Daniel looks at the bag on the ground beside her.
DANIEL
(whispering)
Ring ring.
A cell phone begins to ring in the coffee drinker's bag.
DANIEL
(whispering)
Oh, that's me, hold on a sec.
The coffee drinker notices that her phone is ringing and picks up her bag.
COFFEE DRINKER
(to friend)
Oh, that's me, hold on a sec.
The coffee drinker goes through her bag looking for her phone.
DANIEL
(whispering)
Hello? Hi! How are you? I'm good, thanks.
The coffee drinker finds her phone and hits a button to answer it.
COFFEE DRINKER
Hello? Hi! How are you? I'm good, thanks.
Daniel continues to watch the woman on the phone.
DANIEL
(whispering)
I'm just with Dana. We're having a cup of coffee before we-
Daniel's head snaps to a man walking down the sidewalk towards him. The man wears a dark suit and matching dark glasses. Unbeknownst to Daniel, it is Agent Smith. Daniel follows Smith's progress. The look on Daniel's face suggests that he has know idea why he's looking at Smith, only that he must.
COFFEE DRINKER
(muted)
I'm just with Dana. We're having a cup of coffee before we go out to
Kayle's place. Yeah!
Daniel continues to stare at Smith as Smith comes ever closer. As Smith comes within five or six feet of Daniel, he turns his head to look directly at him. Smith continues to walk past Daniel, staring him down the entire time. Daniel stares back, wide eyed. As soon as Smith passes Daniel, however, he turns his gaze forward and walks down the street. Daniel watches the man in the dark suit as he disappears into the crowd.
COFFEE DRINKER
I'll give you a call then. Bye.
Daniel snaps back in his chair as if he's been slapped. He looks at his surroundings, confused, as if he's just woken from a dream. Everything seems normal. The prophetic moment is over.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
The elevator doors open, and Daniel steps into the office lobby. The Receptionist looks up from her computer, sees Daniel, and quickly walks over to him. He is a hard man to keep up with, however, as he heads towards his office at a vigorous pace. The Receptionist walks with him as fast as she can.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Hazelton, I had to rearrange your schedule for today, to fit in
your break, but everything should work out without much trouble. If
you just want to take a look-
DANIEL
I'm taking the day off, Rose - going home. I'm only here to pick up my
things.
Daniel reaches his door and opens it, going inside his office. The Receptionist is left alone at the door, speechless. She looks at the new schedule for a moment, and then back to Daniel. She seems completely bewildered.
As quickly as he entered, Daniel leaves his office, briefcase in hand, and closes the door behind him before heading back to the elevator. The Receptionist chases after him. Daniel reaches the elevator and presses the call button.
RECEPTIONIST
But Mr. Hazelton-
DANIEL
Don't worry, Rose, I'll probably be back for tomorrow.
The elevator doors open and Daniel gets in. He presses the button for the parking garage. He smiles at the Receptionist and the doors close. The Receptionist is left alone in the lobby.
RECEPTIONIST
Probably?
Daniel floats, naked, amongst a thick, smoky, coal black mist. His hair waves back and forth lightly, as if tossed by a gentle breeze. Nothing else can be seen, but a faint red hue seeps through the darkness ahead. Daniel travels towards it, his passage controlled by some other force.
Out of the mist ahead appears a massive column, trunk-like. Daniel can see neither its base nor its top. All that he can see is what is in front of him, the thick black chord before him. Adorning it are countless red eyes that layer its surface in horizontal rings. They all watch Daniel as he approaches, the pink-red eyes occasionally blinking, all in unison.
Daniel's course continues forward, and the eyes all blink again, yet remain shut. When they open they are no longer eyes. Now Daniel sees them as something like red light bulbs that all dimmed and then were raised at the same time. The elongated bulbs stick out from the black tower, casting the deep pink glow that drew him forward.
As the bulbs become even clearer, a look of horror crosses Daniel's face. He sees, frighteningly, impossibly, that the pink bulbs all house a human within them. Hundreds of men and women, thousands even, lie within the pods latched onto whatever the black tower is. Daniel floats towards them, and his body begins to rotate, still by the unseen hand that brings him closer, so that he faces downwards, moving headfirst.
His pace slows as he coasts towards one of the pods. Daniel looks down into the pod and sees a man below, naked. He lies in a pink muck that keeps him stationary, floating. Daniel floats as well, downwards, slowly, until he is face to face with the man within the pod below. Daniel sees himself in the pod, gaunt and pale. He examines his own face as if looking into a strange circus funhouse mirror. He is both amazed and horrified.
The encased Daniel opens his eyes suddenly.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Daniel, lying in bed beside his wife, opens his eyes suddenly. His head remains on the pillow, but he breathes through his nose quickly, sharply. His jaws are clenched as adrenaline pumps through his veins, brought on from the fading dream. His eyes travel the ceiling above, darting quickly from one corner to the other. Daniel slowly cranes his neck to face his wife. She remains absolutely still. His head turns back to the ceiling, and Daniel swallows thickly, completely uneasy in the bed he sleeps in.
INT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
Daniel's car pulls into his space. The car turns off, and Daniel opens the door and exits. His eyes dart about quickly. He runs his fingers through his hair. He seems nervous. Daniel walks towards the elevator door, turning on the car alarm in mid-stride. The car beeps.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Daniel hits the button for the twenty-fourth floor. As the elevator rises, Daniel remains edgy. He shifts his weight back and forth as he waits for his floor.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
The elevator doors open and Daniel steps out into the office lobby. He heads towards his office, walking quickly. The Receptionist looks up from her computer and smiles.
RECEPTIONIST
Good morning.
Daniel gives a slight nod of recognition and a wave, and continues on his way. He passes coworkers as he walks towards his office, but pays them little notice. He reaches the door, opens it, and steps inside his office.
INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY
Daniel closes the door behind him and leans against it, brow furrowed. He takes in a deep breath and then exhales. Daniel looks over his office. Everything seems in order, normal. Desk, chair, phone, computer, and clock: all are in their proper places.
Daniel takes a tentative step towards the desk, a second, a third, until he is behind his chair. He places his briefcase on the desk, pauses for a moment, and then opens it. He takes out his files and places them beside the briefcase. Next he takes out the day-timer and opens it.
INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY
Daniel sits at his desk, working silently, and then looks up at the clock. It says 12:32. He closes up what he's working on with the computer and tidies up his desk.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Daniel walks towards the elevators and goes past the Receptionist.
Daniel
Just grabbing a bite.
A small grin appears on the Receptionist's face as Daniel goes by.
RECEPTIONIST
I know.
INT. CAFÉ -DAY
Daniel walks into the small café and finds Lily behind the counter. No one is ahead of Daniel. Lily spots him, smiles, and holds up the usual wrapped sandwich as he approaches.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET - DAY
Daniel walks amongst the churning mass of people on the busy lunchtime sidewalks. The sounds of footsteps, conversations, car horns and engines flood Daniel's ears. He keeps a brisk pace as he heads back to his office building.
The light begins to dim. Daniel doesn't notice at first, but as the world around him is enveloped in shadow, he looks to the sky. No clouds cover the sun. Nothing blocks it. Instead, it is as if the sun's brightness has been turned down, and continues to do so. No one seems to notice but him.
The people around him begin to slow down, offering Daniel a slower pace to take in the changes. The world around him begins to dim as well. The cars, streets, buildings, sky, all disappear, dimming, but also stretching away into nothingness.
Daniel is left alone in the new darkness, standing with the other people that, moments before, had been walking along side him on the city street. As they continue to slow, something truly bizarre begins to happen. All of the clothes they wear, business suits, jeans, leather jackets, t-shirts, all begin to tear away from their bodies, streaming in an otherwise unnoticed wind. The bodies before Daniel are slowly revealed, naked, as their clothes rip away.
The rags don't disappear completely, however, as they all darken and remain attached to the bodies they once covered, black tendrils snaking away from pale flesh. Hair pulls back from everyone's forehead and masses at the back of their skull in a final chord.
Finally, everyone stops. Daniel, the only clothed person left, takes in the scene, awestruck. The hundreds, if not thousands, of people that filled the downtown street now stand motionless, all naked. They are covered, entwined, in dark metal tubes attached to their bodies by inserts in their flesh in their arms, their backs, their heads. The people all stand hairless, eyes closed, heads bowed. Daniel cranes his neck all around him, looking at the mass of people. He turns back and forth, standing in the same spot, as he surveys the bodies. The only sound Daniel hears is his own breathing.
Without warning, everything snaps back to reality, all at the same time. Hair and clothes return from the black chords, melding back into the various attires that covered the people. The buildings rush back into their normal locations, along with the cars that littered the streets. The sun shines brightly, and Daniel is once again bombarded by the full aural assault of downtown at lunchtime.
Daniel remains still as the crowd jumps back to their quick pace. A BUSINESS MAN behind Daniel bumps into him, startling Daniel.
BUSINESS MAN
Watch it, man.
Daniel looks around, eyes wide, face pale. He remains motionless, forcing the other moving people to swerve around him, some giving him dirty looks in the process.
Across the street, a man steps out from the shadows of a side alley. He wears a dark suit and sunglasses, which hide his eyes as he watches Daniel, emotionless. The man in the suit is AGENT SMITH. He places his right hand to his ear, where a secret service-like earpiece is fitted, and receives information. He listens to whatever form of voice is on the other end.
INT. FOYER - NIGHT
The front door opens and Daniel walks into his house. He seems preoccupied, and he looks to the ground, not focusing on his actions. He closes the door slowly, leaning on the door handle as he does so. He walks towards the back of the house, and drops his briefcase by the stairs as he passes them.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Daniel walks into the kitchen while Evelyn chops carrots on the counter- top. He sits down at one of the kitchen chairs and leans on the table.
EVELYN
How was your day, sweetie?
Daniel chews his thumbnail, his mind still elsewhere.
EVELYN
Daniel?
Daniel looks up briefly.
DANIEL
Fine.
EVELYN
That's good.
Daniel rubs his eyes wearily with the balls of his hands.
DANIEL
Evelyn?
EVELYN
Hmm?
Daniel's focus finally comes back to the present. His eyes seem clear, intelligent, and afraid. He faces Evelyn, her back to him.
DANIEL
Something's wrong with me. I ... I think I may be going mad.
Evelyn chuckles. Daniel's eyes remain on her, watching and waiting. He says nothing. Evelyn turns to Daniel, smiling, and sees the look on his face. Her smile fades quickly. She puts down the knife she chops the carrots with and then takes a few steps towards Daniel. Their eyes lock, studying each other.
EVELYN
What? Are you serious?
DANIEL
Maybe. I've been seeing things lately. I don't know what to make of
them. I do know that they're not ... normal, not healthy. They're
scaring the hell out of me.
Evelyn stands still, processing the information, before replying.
EVELYN
What have you seen?
DANIEL
I'm not sure. I didn't really see anything the first time. Everything
was normal, in a way, it was just like I was spaced-out or something.
But the second time ... the second time was like ...
Evelyn takes another tentative step.
EVELYN
Your dreams?
Daniel laughs at this remark.
DANIEL
Let's be honest here, Evelyn. When your husband wakes up every night,
sweating and horrified, he's not just dreaming. Those are nightmares
babe, all the way, full out.
EVELYN
Then are they like your nightmares?
Daniel leans back in his chair and looks out the kitchen window. In the dark of night, all he can see is his own reflection.
DANIEL
(nods)
Yeah, I think so. I wish I could say for sure. What I see in my sleep
fades so fast. I couldn't tell you if they really were similar. But
they feel the same, if that's worth anything. And, whatever's been
happening to me during the day, when I come out of it, it feels like
I'm waking up.
Daniel thinks over his last statement, searching for the words to express what comes to mind.
DANIEL
But the weirdest part is that, though it does feel like I'm waking up,
what I'm leaving seems more real than what I wake up to. More real
than this.
Daniel knocks on the wood table he sits at. Evelyn looks at her husband, now worried.
DANIEL
I know how this sounds, Evelyn, but I also know how I feel. Nothing
fits. Nothing feels like it should. I don't know how to explain it.
It's just that something doesn't seem ... right. Nothing seems right.
Evelyn steps back for a moment and scans the kitchen as she thinks before facing Daniel again.
EVELYN
I don't know how to take this, Daniel.
DANIEL
I know. I know. I'm sorry that I can't make more sense of it, and I'm
sorry if you're worried. I am.
Evelyn turns back to the countertop and examines the food before her.
EVELYN
Here, let's have dinner. It's ready. It'll take your mind off things.
Daniel nods, reluctantly.
DANIEL
All right.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Daniel sags into a plush leather sofa. He holds his hands in his lap, shoulders slumped, as he stares at nothing in particular. His face shows a mixture of confusion, exhaustion, and fear.
Evelyn appears at the entrance to the living room, and leans against the wall. She looks at her husband for a moment before speaking.
EVELYN
I'm going to bed now, Daniel. Come up soon, okay?
Daniel gives her a weary smile.
DANIEL
I will.
By the looks on their faces, they both know this is a lie. Regardless of this, Evelyn nods and leaves Daniel alone to his thoughts.
INT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
Daniel's car pulls into his spot. The car door opens and Daniel steps out, briefcase in tow yet again. This morning, however, Daniel no longer has his normal energy. As he walks towards the exit, it is obvious that Daniel is tired and at his wit's end.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Daniel enters the elevator and stands in the center. He looks at the floor buttons, yet remains motionless. His arm slowly rises to the buttons, and he holds his finger out to the one for the twenty-fourth floor, but he doesn't push it. He closes his eyes and frowns slightly, his hand still up. Clearly, pushing the button is the last thing Daniel wants to do. However, Daniel opens his eyes, stares at the button for a little longer, and then finally pushes it. He presses the button and holds his finger down for a second or two, and then releases it reluctantly. Daniel looks up and watches the floor number rise with displeasure.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Daniel emerges from the elevator and heads for his office. The Receptionist looks up from her computer, smiling.
RECEPTIONIST
Good morning, Mr.-
The Receptionist sees Daniel, dark bags under his eyes, slightly dishevelled, and the smile disappears.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Hazelton, are you all right?
Daniel continues to walk towards his office.
DANIEL
I'm fine, Rose. I just didn't sleep much last night.
Daniel walks past her.
DANIEL
I'll be in my office.
The Receptionist turns in her chair, watching Daniel's back as he continues towards his door.
INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY
Daniel enters his office and tosses his briefcase down on his desk. He doesn't touch his computer. Instead, he walks over to the window, leans against it, and loosens his tie. Daniel looks down at the hoards of people moving along the downtown streets and sidewalks. His eyes roam as they are caught by the complicated flow of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. Watching these people calms him.
Daniel looks up and heads back to his door.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Daniel heads to the elevator and walks past the Receptionist.
DANIEL
I'm going to lunch, Rose. Be back in a bit.
The Receptionist looks up from her computer, and looks at Daniel, confused, as he taps the call button for the elevator.
RECEPTIONIST
Lunch? Mr. Hazelton, it's just past nine-o-clock in the morning. You
can't be going to lunch yet.
Daniel stands with his back to her.
DANIEL
Fine then, call it brunch, I don't care.
The elevator door opens and Daniel steps into it. He hits the button for the lobby.
RECEPTIONIST
But Mr. Hazelton, you have a meeting in fifteen minutes.
Daniel looks up from the buttons and stares at the Receptionist. The doors begin to close.
DANIEL
Cancel it.
INT. CAFÉ - DAY
Daniel enters his usual spot for lunch and takes a look around. Things almost seem different at this time of day. The people, the atmosphere, the lighting even. It makes Daniel smile. He walks to the counter, where he is greeted by a surprised Lily.
LILY
Good morning, Mr. Hazelton. I didn't expect to see you here so early.
DANIEL
I'm just taking a break.
Lily raises her eyebrows.
LILY
I didn't know you took breaks.
DANIEL
(grinning)
There's a first time for everything.
LILY
Quite true. Do you want the same as usual? I haven't had a chance to
make it yet, but it won't take long at all.
DANIEL
No, I think I'll just have a coffee.
LILY
Okay.
Lily turns to grab a coffee cup.
DANIEL
And a muffin too. Blueberry.
Lily smiles.
LILY
Sure thing.
EXT. CAFÉ - DAY
Daniel steps out onto the small patio of the café. Half of the seats are filled. Daniel walks over to one by the patio railing, closest to the sidewalk and the people walking by, and takes a seat. He puts his coffee and muffin on the table in front of him. Daniel takes a sip of his coffee and sits back. He smiles, enjoying himself in the sunlight, content. The feeling doesn't last long.
Daniel furrows his brows and narrows his eyes ever so slightly. Something is amiss. He looks up to the torrent of people walking by. A man on his left catches his attention. The man's arms are full as he struggles to carry a pile of rolls of paper, blueprints or advertisement mock-ups perhaps. Daniel watches the man walk towards him, and then his attention is drawn to a young woman on his right, who walks towards the other man on the sidewalk.
Daniel's attention flips between the two people, his head turning left and right, back and forth, as the two come closer together. Daniel raises his hand and opens his mouth as if to give them a heads up, but it is too late. The young woman, careless, walks right into the man with the paper, causing him to spill the rolls all over the sidewalk, right in front of Daniel. The two bend down to pick them up. Daniel watches, perplexed.
His attention switches to a flashy businessman in an expensive suit walking along, and then to a group of attractive women. They walk towards each other.
DANIEL
(whispering)
He'll smile-
The businessman smiles at the women.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-then they'll giggle-
The women smile back and giggle.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-and turn to look as he keeps going.
As the businessman continues down the street, the women all turn to look at him go, one craning her head to check out his butt. They giggle again and then turn back down the sidewalk, walking to Daniel's right.
The first man and woman have since collected the rolls of paper and continued on their way.
Daniel keeps his head turned to the right, in the direction of the parting women, but he casually points to his left.
DANIEL
(whispering)
A bike messenger will turn the corner-
Daniel turns his head to the left and watches as a bike messenger in a red spandex top comes around the corner and pedals along the street towards him.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-and will almost get hit by ... that cab.
A yellow cab in the middle lane cuts sharply to the right and almost hits the bike messenger. The bike messenger clamps down on the brakes to avoid being hit, and then swears at the cabbie, who drives off, oblivious. The messenger raises his middle fingers to the cabbie in the process. He then shakes his head in frustration and begins to pedal again. Daniel watches him go for a moment before looking back to the other people.
DANIEL
(whispering)
That man will look at his watch.
A man in a suit pulls his shirt cuff back to take a look at the time.
DANIEL
(whispering)
He'll cough.
Another man walking down the street covers his mouth as he coughs.
DANIEL
(whispering)
She'll catch her heel on the sidewalk.
A woman in high heels stumbles a bit as one of her heels gets stuck in a crack in the sidewalk, but she manages to recover and continue down the street.
DANIEL
(whispering)
A bird will come down and land-
A brown bird flies down towards Daniel and lands on the awning of a shop next door. Daniel is already looking at the bird's perch before the bird arrives.
DANIEL
(whispering)
-right there.
Daniel turns to a fellow COFFEE DRINKER sitting on the patio with him, a young woman. She talks to one of her friends. Daniel looks at the bag on the ground beside her.
DANIEL
(whispering)
Ring ring.
A cell phone begins to ring in the coffee drinker's bag.
DANIEL
(whispering)
Oh, that's me, hold on a sec.
The coffee drinker notices that her phone is ringing and picks up her bag.
COFFEE DRINKER
(to friend)
Oh, that's me, hold on a sec.
The coffee drinker goes through her bag looking for her phone.
DANIEL
(whispering)
Hello? Hi! How are you? I'm good, thanks.
The coffee drinker finds her phone and hits a button to answer it.
COFFEE DRINKER
Hello? Hi! How are you? I'm good, thanks.
Daniel continues to watch the woman on the phone.
DANIEL
(whispering)
I'm just with Dana. We're having a cup of coffee before we-
Daniel's head snaps to a man walking down the sidewalk towards him. The man wears a dark suit and matching dark glasses. Unbeknownst to Daniel, it is Agent Smith. Daniel follows Smith's progress. The look on Daniel's face suggests that he has know idea why he's looking at Smith, only that he must.
COFFEE DRINKER
(muted)
I'm just with Dana. We're having a cup of coffee before we go out to
Kayle's place. Yeah!
Daniel continues to stare at Smith as Smith comes ever closer. As Smith comes within five or six feet of Daniel, he turns his head to look directly at him. Smith continues to walk past Daniel, staring him down the entire time. Daniel stares back, wide eyed. As soon as Smith passes Daniel, however, he turns his gaze forward and walks down the street. Daniel watches the man in the dark suit as he disappears into the crowd.
COFFEE DRINKER
I'll give you a call then. Bye.
Daniel snaps back in his chair as if he's been slapped. He looks at his surroundings, confused, as if he's just woken from a dream. Everything seems normal. The prophetic moment is over.
INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
The elevator doors open, and Daniel steps into the office lobby. The Receptionist looks up from her computer, sees Daniel, and quickly walks over to him. He is a hard man to keep up with, however, as he heads towards his office at a vigorous pace. The Receptionist walks with him as fast as she can.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Hazelton, I had to rearrange your schedule for today, to fit in
your break, but everything should work out without much trouble. If
you just want to take a look-
DANIEL
I'm taking the day off, Rose - going home. I'm only here to pick up my
things.
Daniel reaches his door and opens it, going inside his office. The Receptionist is left alone at the door, speechless. She looks at the new schedule for a moment, and then back to Daniel. She seems completely bewildered.
As quickly as he entered, Daniel leaves his office, briefcase in hand, and closes the door behind him before heading back to the elevator. The Receptionist chases after him. Daniel reaches the elevator and presses the call button.
RECEPTIONIST
But Mr. Hazelton-
DANIEL
Don't worry, Rose, I'll probably be back for tomorrow.
The elevator doors open and Daniel gets in. He presses the button for the parking garage. He smiles at the Receptionist and the doors close. The Receptionist is left alone in the lobby.
RECEPTIONIST
Probably?