Anniversary Blues

2011, written at London Film Academy..

FADE IN:

1. INT, BEDROOM - DAY.

The bedroom is a bland box-room containing a wardrobe, a single-sized bed and a bedside table. Above the headboard is a montage of memento pictures containing a mixture of friends during different times in different surroundings. Several of the pictures contain KATRINA (25).

ZAIN (24) sits on the edge of his bed, leaning forward, with his fingers interlinked and his elbows placed on his knees. He has a mournful expression on his face as he thinks deeply. His hair is in disarray and his eyes are tired.

He continues to stare into his thoughts for a brief moment before lethargically standing up and taking a step towards the bedside table. He opens the top drawer and carefully picks up a velvet blue ring box, amicably sized to house a ring.

He takes a step back and sits on the floor leaning against the frame of the bed. He plays with the box, analysing its dimensions, before firmly clutching the base of the box in his left hand. He gently opens the box with his right hand. Its hinges CREAK.

Fastened inside the box is an expensive looking ring. CLOSE ON the ring.

CUT TO:

2. EXT, HIGH STREET - DAY - FLASHBACK

It is a chilled winter's day.

The high street is busy with many shoppers and bystanders.

Katrina is standing outside a jewellery store, staring searchingly through the glass at the showcased jewellery. Her eyes fixate on one ring in particular and she places her finger on the glass to guide her eyes to the correct price. CLOSE ON the ring.

ZAIN

Bonjour!

Zain is leaning casually against the glass with his hands in his pockets. Katrina continues to stare at the ring with a casual expression.

KATRINA

You're late. Again.

Zain has a playful smile on his face.

ZAIN

Better late than never.

Katrina folds her arms in annoyance.

KATRINA

HA! Funny.

Zain walks closer towards Katrina and kisses her on the cheek. She remains motionless.

ZAIN

C'mon, beautiful. I may not be the most punctual, but you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

(He places his hands around her waist and forces her body to turn and face him. Katrina keeps her arms folded to maintain a small amount of distance between them. Zain's hands remain firmly placed around her hips.)

KATRINA

You know, one of these days you'll be late and I won't be here waiting for you.

Zain glides his hands to her lower back and gently guides her body closer to his. Katrina's arms unfold and she places them on his shoulders, her hands linked behind his neck. Zain kisses her briefly on her lips.

ZAIN

I'm sorry, truly. As always, I should've left earlier.

Katrina smiles playfully.

KATRINA

Lunch is on you today.

Katrina pecks him and takes his hand to lead them onwards from the jewellery store.

CUT TO:

3. INT, BEDROOM - DAY - PRESENT DAY.

The white-noise coming from the crowd of shoppers and bystanders drowns out.

Zain is sitting motionless, examining the ring.

(O.S.) Doorbell RINGS.

(O.S.) FOOTSTEPS.

(O.S.) FRONT DOOR OPENS.

WOMAN (O.S.)

Hello, young man. Come in. Zain is in his room.

FLORENT (O.S.)

Thank you, Mrs Khan. My mum sent this for you.

WOMAN (O.S.)

Aw, thank you, darling. You make sure you tell her I said thank you.

FLORENT (O.S.)

I will.

(O.S.) FOOT STEPS UP THE STAIRS.

Zain looks up in acknowledgement of his friend. FLORENT (25), stands in the doorway.

FLORENT

Hey, man. How... How are you?

ZAIN

I'm alright. It could always be worse, right?

FLORENT

Coming out with us tonight?

ZAIN

Not tonight. Don't really feel like being around anyone right now.

Florent nods his head in realisation. He focuses his attention on the ring box.

FLORENT

Nice ring.

ZAIN

Thanks. One carat diamond solitaire. 18ct white gold. I was going to propose on our third year.

Zain looks back down to the ring. Florent looks awkwardly around the room, focusing on the pictures. He looks at Zain with a sympathetic expression.

FLORENT

Still miss her?

Zain looks up with an irate expression.

ZAIN

Do I STILL miss her?

Florent apologetically extends out one arm so as to signal his regret in not phrasing the question correctly.

FLORENT

I didn't mean it like that. I just meant, it's been a eight months, Zain. Maybe...

(He takes a precautionary breath.)

...maybe it's time to move on.

Zain springs up in fury. Florent takes a step back and, again, extends out one arm so as to signal his regret in offering advice.

ZAIN

I was about to go see her, actually.

Florent looks down in defeat. Zain asks in annoyance.

ZAIN

What?

FLORENT

I just don't like seeing you like this, Zain. I'm your friend. Let me help you. Let me come with you.

ZAIN

No.

FLORENT

Look, last time her family were there and they...

Zain interrupts him.

ZAIN

They won't be there now.

Florent adamantly stares at Zain for a moment. He sighs before nodding his head in acceptance and stepping out of the doorway.

FADE TO:

BLACK

FADE IN:

4. EXT, GRAVEYARD - DAY.

It is a brisk autumn's day. A sea of red leaves covers the ground.

Zain is standing upright, soldier-like, facing a single tombstone in a row of many.

Engraving on tombstone reads "Katrina Dawson 1986-2011".

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the ring box. He walks forward towards the tombstone and sits comfortably. He carefully opens the box and places it in front of the tombstone.

A tear streams down his cheek. He wipes the tear away with his hand and clears his throat.

ZAIN

Happy three years, beautiful.

He pauses for a moment running his fingers through the engraving on the tombstone.

ZAIN

I just keep thinking, if I'd got there on time, and wasn't late, as usual...

(He looks down in discomfort.)

...but then again, Dr. Monroe says, if she was doing 30 instead of 50 you'd also still be...

He looks around teary-eyed.

ZAIN

Your father still blames me though. He'll never forgive me.

After a moment of thought he stands upright again.

ZAIN

Maybe he's right. Dr. Monroe I mean, not your father.

He laughs forcefully.

He kisses his fingertips and places them on the tombstone.

ZAIN

I miss you, Kat. Hope you like the ring.

He turns and begins to walk away.

FADE OUT.