Camera Angel cuts to the streets as Mark exits the Building, stepping down the three staired flight and pausing at the end.

MARK-

His lonliness...got the better of him.

Now it's my job to heal. Bring his life to what's real.

Share in my lonliness...with Roger...poor Roger.

MARK- Whispering in a musical tone. "Poor soul." Turning and walking down Avenue A, eyes scanning every turn, nook, ninny and corner that he can see.

RANDOM GIRL (Later known as Maureen.)- Pulling an unlit cigarette from her mouth and stretching out her leg provocatively as she leans back on the wall "Hey, baby. You free tonight? "

MARK- Laughing softly. "Darling, I don't have the time."

GIRL- Sighing. "Your loss, baby." Tossing cigarette into her bag and pushing herself off the wall, walking past Mark across the street, giving her ass a slight jiggle as if to show Mark what he is missing.

MARK- Eyes slowly following the girl, settling on her ass, and then quickly glancing away. "Women." (Said in a huff.) Tucking his hands into his coat pocket.

MARK- Walking again, nearly tripping over a needle which lie in the middle of the sidewalk, which was empty of pedestrians, save for the occasional prostitute.

MARK- Reaching down to pick up the needle, growling low in his throat. Hearing shuffling behind him, he turns abruptly to find Roger standing behind him rocking on his heels

(A deafening silence remains for a minute or two before either of them speaks.)

ROGER- "I need help, Mark." (Said with wide, withdrawn eyes.)

MARK- Opening up his arms and taking Roger into them, running his hand through the taller man's hair "I know a place. A clinic."

ROGER- Pulling back and shaking his head furiously

MARK- "It's the only way. You can't withdraw without clinical aide."

ROGER- Rolling his eyes. "And how would you know?"

MARK- Scoffing. "I know, okay? You have to survive this. You need help. The clinic is just uptown."

ROGER- Opening his mouth, but not speaking.

MARK- "I'll show you a way." (Beginning to walk, turning to find Roger following in slow motion)

Camera angle switches to Mark's point of view

MARK-

Even he is walking in slow motion.

Even he is bound to pass me by.

Camera cuts to Mark holding the door to a small building open for Roger. It is now the next day. Change of clothing required.

(A voice is heard from behind the front desk.) "Yes?"

MARK- Leaning over counter." "Hey, Lauren."

(A brunette's head appears above the counter as she stands.)

LAUREN- "Mark! So good to see you! How's things?"

MARK- Notioning to Roger, who is stalling at the door, eyes to the floor.

LAUREN- (Whispering.) "New patient, dearie?"

MARK- Nodding. Turning to Roger and walking over towards him, linking arms with him and pulling him towards the desk

LAUREN- "He's cute, Markie." Winking.

MARK- Eyes widening. "No, Lauren." Blushing.

LAUREN- Smirking. "I know, doll, your secret is safe with me."

ROGER- Chuckling in spite of himself. "There's a secret to tell, Markie?"

MARK- Glaring at Roger. "Just tell the woman your problems. (Said in a snappy tone.)

ROGER- Looking to his feet again "Smack."

LAUREN- "Addiction?"

ROGER- "Why else would I be here, old lady?"

LAUREN- "Markie, lead your..." Glinting. "'Friend' to room 17. I'll buzz Dr. Martin and tell him we have a visitor." Picking up the desk phone and punching in a few numbers.

MARK- Pushing Roger to the Clinic door and through it, leading him down a long white hall to the last room on the right and pushing him into that.Turning to walk out, looking back at Roger.

ROGER- "Please stay. (Said in so low, Mark has to struggle to hear him.)

MARK - Leaning against door frame sharing a moment with Roger.

MARK & ROGER-

Dignity lost. Lost to a needle.

Found again with a friend such as you.

I've needed you for a long time. I found you in a time I thought was too late.

Too late, too little. Right on time. Not knowing my secret. Not knowing the truth.

(MARK & Roger share a glance and then quickly glance away)

MARK & ROGER-

Be there for me, my friend.

A friend for life. A friend forever.

Be there for me, my friend. Until the end.

Be there until my end...which may come far too soon.

We just met, but the feeling is mutual.

It seems that we've known each other for quite some time.

Until the end, be with me...my friend.

Camera circles around Roger and becomes an over the shoulder shot, zooming in on Mark, who walks back into the room and goes to sit on the extra chair, crossing his legs at the knee.