Struck by Lightning

[Carson] i always thought

death would be different.

I expected a

great wave of realization

to sweep over me.

Suddenly, the meaning of life

would be answered along with

every other question

i ever had.

But there was

nothing to realize.

- I was dead.

- [Doorbell rings]

- What?!

- Are you sheryl phillips?

What, did i forget to put my

trash bins away or something?

No, ma'am.

Your son has died.

His body was found

in the school parking lot

this morning.

[Student reporter]

A few days ago,

right here where i'm standing,

clover high school senior

carson phillips

lost his life when he was

struck by lightning.

A service

will be held this sunday

at clover community chapel.

He will be missed.

AT it's so hard

to say goodbye

to yesterday

and... my funeral sucks.

Goodbye, carson.

You've seen my end.

But where do i begin?

I remember when

i realized i was different

from everyone else.

My name is carson.

My mom says i was named carson

because that's what was on tv

when i was conceived.

When something

takes away something else,

what do we call that?

- Not addition, but...

- homicide.

I was advanced at a young age.

Most of the founding fathers

were closeted homosexuals

and slave owners.

My reports were always

more thorough than my peers.

I'm serious.

I remember when i discovered

the power of words

and how easy it was

to escape into a world

of my own by using them.

[Neal]

It was a pleasant environment.

Three sheets to the wind, too.

You're already.

At least leave me one beer.

Carson, this is

the last time you'll ever

see your grandfather!

- I know what he looks like!

- Stop fighting me!

Stand up.

- Boo!

- Ahh!

What the hell

is wrong with you?!

It was lame.

I know, i know.

The kid's a puss.

I remember the day

grandma came to live with us.

Grandma!

[Neal]

It's the fifth time

you found her

wondering around town.

Oh, mom.

And now

she's in the linen closet.

Your bedroom is the next door.

And the day

that grandma got sick.

- I wrote you a story, grandma.

- Oh, let's see.

"Once upon a time,

there was a boy."

Well, it could use

a little development,

but it's a great beginning.

The whole neighborhood

remembers the night

that dad left.

We just started

going back to counseling.

You can't just do this.

Yeah, well, i'm leaving.

I can't take this.

- Where are you going?!

- Anywhere but here.

- That's mine!

- That is not yours.

I... thank you.

You can't come back!

No!

I hate you!

[Sobbing]

I hate you!

Screw it.

If anyone asks,

we're jewish.

It's been me and mom

ever since.

Mom, wake up.

You passed out again.

- Wake up, mom.

- Oh, jesus!

Congratulations.

You survived the night.

Oh, jesus.

If you were descent,

you would just let me sleep.

If i was descent,

i'd just put you to sleep.

My god.

My head.

You know, the morning

isn't supposed to hurt.

I don't have to go to school.

Why do i have to get up?

Here.

Are you sure

you're supposed to be drinking

with all those pills

dr. Diehler's giving you?

Dr. Wheeler. Why don't you just

leave that to the professionals?

Can i have my other glass

back, please?

It's in the sink.

Get it yourself.

You know, you make me wish i'd

had that abortion in the '90s.

- That makes two of us.

- Go to school already!

Go! Go! Go!

And if i am still sleeping

when you get home,

don't you dare put my hand

in a bowl of water again.

- [Laughs]

- Shut up.

Bye. Love you, too.

Would you bring me

my pillow back?!

Close the shades.

- [Door closes]

- I hate you.

High school.

Society's bright idea

Rate this script:4.7 / 3 votes