Echoes

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1

Well...

we love the characters.

- But?

- It's a terrific story.

- And?

- And the...

- The dialogue is great.

- Paul.

I just wanna make sure

you give them your best.

Oh, my God.

Look, don't get me wrong.

We do think it has

a lot of potential.

Did you even read it?

Of course I read it, Anna.

Calm down.

I am calm, but this is the third time

you're telling me to rewrite my draft.

I mean, how am I even supposed

to meet the deadline, Paul?

Just take a look at the notes.

I'm sure it's an easy fix for

you.

Yeah, that's what you said

last time.

Why not let the studio decide

if they like it or not?

Because you only get

one shot at this.

Listen, Anna.

This is me managing you.

I'm not trying to piss you off,

but it's not like one of your blogs

where people can look at photographs

when they get bored

of the writing.

Well, that got your attention,

didn't it?

I just don't want you to be one

of those writers who screws up

before anybody's even read

their script.

I've got you this chance,

now use it.

I've been experiencing

sleep paralysis

since I was a little kid.

Like my mind is awake.

I can see and hear and feel,

but I can't move

any part of my body.

It's terrifying.

It's me.

I don't like flowers.

You should know that.

Yeah, well, it's the effort

that counts, though, isn't it?

Do you have any idea

what time it is?

It's never too late

for an apology, is it?

I just wanted to say sorry

for this afternoon.

I think I was

a bit rough on you.

I just don't want you to waste your

first opportunity, that's all.

No, thanks.

Really?

It's not like you to turn down

a glass of wine.

I just had an Ambien.

Still popping the pills, then?

- I thought you came for an apology.

- I did, but...

Well, then stop talking and come

to bed before I fall asleep.

Oh, I meant

to tell you that I, um...

I managed to buy you

a little bit of extra time.

They agreed to postpone

the deadline on the script.

So I was thinking maybe we should

get out of the city for a few days.

You know, just relax.

Get some good sleep.

Forget about the draft.

You know,

take the heat off a little bit.

It'll be inspiring.

Remember I told you I have that

little hideaway out in Joshua Tree?

So around me is utter

devastation with dead bodies

floating down the street

and buildings collapsing.

And I have nothing better to do

but to go downstairs

and underwear shop with Prince

at what has turned into a Black

Friday sales event at Wal-Mart.

Yeah.

Yeah, I started writing down

my dreams again.

A better dream memory is supposed

to help against nightmares.

Wow.

My therapist would make

a fortune out of you.

Found some croutons

in the cupboard.

I hope they're not expired.

- Man, this place is gorgeous.

- Yeah.

How come you've never

taken me here before?

It's been rented for the past

year and a half or so.

Do you think you're gonna be

able to relax while you're here?

I don't know,

but I think that's up to you.

- I'll do my best.

- Mmm.

Ugh.

Oh, f***!

Oh, sh*t.

Got you, you little f***er.

Come on, boy.

Huh.

So I leave you for five minutes

and you've destroyed my kitchen.

I just, uh, fixed

the garbage disposal.

Yeah, you don't wanna

touch that thing.

It's a f***ing death trap.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Listen, I, uh...

I got a call from the office.

You get reception?

Yeah, about a mile down

there's a hillside.

You get a few bars up there.

Yeah, anyway, they called

and said they've had to put

an emergency meeting together

about one of my clients.

Apparently I'm the only guy

who can...

Who can talk to him, so...

Well, just tell them

you're already with a client.

Anna, I...

So we have to go?

When?

Kinda now.

Look, I'm really sorry.

I wouldn't do this

if it wasn't an emergency,

but I've tried him

and he's not picking up.

- And there's no...

- No, it's... it's fine. I understand.

Oh, come on, baby.

Come on.

I'll make it up to you.

We can come back again

in a few days if you'd like.

Well, if that's the case,

why don't I just stay here?

Well, 'cause I'm taking the car.

- And you'd be here by yourself.

- Yeah, but it's fine.

I mean, didn't we just buy

enough food for a week?

Well, yeah, but...

And maybe if I'm left alone,

I can get a little writing done.

I'm not a little girl, Paul.

All right.

I'll just do a little checklist

of things you need to know

about the house and I'll

leave him for protection.

Protection from what?

- You never know.

- Oh.

No, he's good company.

Sure, why not?

Well, it's just me and you now,

Shadow.

And my laptop.

All right, f*** it.

Hey, buddy.

Ready to go for a hike?

Yeah?

All right, let's do this.

Hey, buddy.

How you doing?

Come on, Shadow.

Shadow, come on!

Shadow, come!

- Hey!

- Oh!

I'm sorry.

- What are you doing here?

- I was just out on a hike.

You're out on a hike, huh?

Look, are you some sort

of park ranger?

No, I'm not a park ranger,

but this is my home.

I live here.

I stay right over there.

Did you come

from the glass house?

Yeah.

Is there something wrong?

No. No, there's nothing

wrong at all.

I just used to, uh...

I worked for the owner.

- Paul.

- Mm-hmm.

What did you say your name was?

Anna.

I guess we're neighbors, then.

Yeah.

Well, um, it's nice to meet you.

Let's go, Shadow.

Come on.

Shadow, come on.

Oh, God.

Oh, finally!

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