EXT. DRIVEWAY – AFTERNOON
BILLY (18) carries an arm full of boxes with labels that read
dorm supplies, video games/Blu Ray’s, and clothes. Billy
approaches a beat up Toyota Corolla, where MADISON, Billy’s
mother, cries to herself as she puts snacks (sandwich, chips,
bottled water) into the front seat.
Billy struggles to fit the last box into the overstuffed car
so he moves to the other side of the corolla.
STEVE, Billy’s father, approaches the car wearing a Winston
University sweatshirt. A matching sweatshirt is slung over
his shoulder.
STEVE
Here let me do it.
Before billy can open the car door Steve yanks the box from
his sons hands, effortlessly fitting it into the Corolla.
BILLY
Thank you dad.
Steve tosses the matching Winston University sweatshirt over
Billy’s shoulder.
STEVE
Put it on.
BILLY
Dad, I’m not even going to Winston
University.
STEVE
Just put it on. I bought it so you
don’t forget us.
Madison moves around the car and stands next to Steve.
BILLY
Sure…Okay…I’ll
just put it over
what I’m wearing now.
The parents watch as Billy puts on the sweatshirt, which is
comically too large for him. Steve and Madison don’t seem to
notice the humor and smile as they look at their son. Steve
pats Billy (a little too aggressively) on the arm and heads
for the garage.
MADISON
You look so handsome. I can’t
believe how much you’ve grown, even
in the last year. You just won’t
stop growing. You’re like a weed.
My handsome weed that’s moving out.
Come here.
Madison starts to cry again and pulls Billy back into her
hysterical grasp.
BILLY
Sometimes our sons go to college
and it’s important to remember that
it’s a good thing.
EXT. DRIVEWAY – AFTERNOON
3
3
Billy is still stuck in his mothers grasp.
BILLY
How long do these mom hugs last
because I have to finish packing.
You’re like a face
hugger…but
for
my whole body.
She kisses him.
BILLY (CONT’D)
…and also my face.
MADISON
Yes. I’m okay…I’m fine. I’m
definitely okay. You’re going to
go to college and it’s going to
great and I’m going to be fine.
BILLY
Okay. I’m
gonna
go.
Madison pulls him in for another hug. Billy sighs.
STEVE
(O.S.)
Billy, come here.
BILLY
(To himself)
Oh man, I’m never going to finish
packing.
Billy and Madison follow the sound of Steve’s voice.
2.
INT. GARAGE – AFTERNOON
4
4
Though Billy laughs along with the joke it is clear he is not
enjoying himself. The score is adjusted to 2-0.
The ball hits the table again and Steve makes a third goal.
He looks up at Billy and shakes his head. Though a smile
appears on Billy’s lips, his eyes tell a story of great
sadness. Oblivious to this, Steve walks to the other side of
the table and gives Billy some pointers. Billy moves aside
and nods along passively to his fathers suggestions.
STEVE
It’s all about the wrist flick,
remember? Stand slightly to the
left of the rod, and away from the
table. Only concentrate on your
WRIST. “Throw” your wrist as hard
as you can straight down towards
the floor, resulting in your wrist
snapping downward!
BILLY
Cool, thanks dad. Thanks for the
reminding me of the wrist flick.
STEVE
Happy to help.
Madison enters the garage with a kind smile and a tray of
fresh lemonade.
INT. GARAGE – AFTERNOON
5
5
Father and son take their positions on either side of the
table.
STEVE
Ready to cut loose?
BILLY
Try me.
STEVE
Okay then.
The music returns to its fast tempo and the game resumes.
INT. GARAGE – AFTERNOON
Billy, Steve, and Madison are motionless as they watch the
foosball table. Suddenly Steve shoots.
3.
Billy, putting all his strength behind it, deflects. The
ball sails down the field, passing all of Steve’s players,
and into the goal.
Billy and Steve looks on in disbelief. Madison gasps, but
covers her mouth to muffle the sound. Billy’s eyes find the
old scoreboard on the wall and he runs to it. He wipes away
his old tally and adds a new “1”. This time there is no
asterisk; this victory is real. Billy throws the chalk to
the ground in celebration. Madison silently cheers for her
son. Billy, too excited to notice, knocks down the
scoreboard as he hoots in delight. After a moment of triumph
Billy locks eyes with his dad.
The smile disappears from Billy’s face as Steve approaches
him. Steve picks the scoreboard up off the floor and
investigates it closely. He then looks at his son. After a
beat Billy reluctantly extends his hand for his father to
shake. Steve looks at his son’s hand.
STEVE
(Steve’s eyes well with
tears)
I’m really proud of you.
Steve takes Billy’s hand and they start to shake. Steve
starts to cry. Madison smiles, and starts to cry too.
Billy, a little unsure, extends his free arm to pull Steve in
for a hug. Steve hugs Billy with force, surprising his son.
STEVE (CONT’D)
I’m really going to miss you.
BILLY
Thanks dad. I’m going to miss you
too.
4.