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"APPALACHIA"
by
Jonathan Terry
Based on events in the novel "One Foot In Eden"
By: Ron Rash
FADE IN:
EXT. APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS - DAWN
The orange rays of the sun erupts over the peak of dark, gray
mountains as it rises into the sky. The green landscape
below is painted in a golden haze.
Beautiful farmland lies down below, spreading for what seems
like an eternity.
EXT. FARM - DAY
The outskirts of a hundred acre farm. A quaint FARMHOUSE
sits in one corner, overlooking the entire field.
A PLOW, still dug deep into the soil from a previous day's
work, gleams in the sun. Rust has already began to form on
its metal surface.
A herd of CATTLE silently graze nearby.
Everything seems peaceful, tranquil, normal.
EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY
SAM JENKINS(30) steps through the front door and onto the
front porch. He finishes sliding the strap of his overalls
onto a muscular shoulder.
Sam steps off the porch. The brown, dead grass crunches
under the weight of his boots.
As the sunlight hits his face, Sam puts a hand to his brow
and shades his eyes. A sudden chill runs up his body. His
jaw stretches open in a huge YAWN, making his BREATH VISIBLE
as he exhales.
Then it hits him. A look of confusion crosses over Sam's
face as his gaze moves towards the blue sky.
IT IS FREEZING COLD.
INT. FARMHOUSE
Sam quickly steps back into the house, latching the old
wooden door shut behind him. He leans against the door and
blows warm air into his hands.
ANNABELLE JENKINS is on her knees feeding fresh wood into a
large black stove. She turns to see the bewildered look on
Sam's face.
ANNABELLE
What's that look for?
SAM
It's freezing outside. Feels like
the coldest its been all year, if
my mind serves me right.
Annabelle stands and picks a black kettle off the kitchen
table. She places it on the warm stove top.
ANNABELLE
If its one thing I've learned over
the years its that you can't
control Mother Nature.
SAM
It's August but feels like
February.
ANNABELLE
Mother Nature will do whatever she
pleases and won't take mind to us
simple farmers.
Sam moves toward a window. He looks at the barren field
looming outside. Annabelle watches him.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
And you best not worry about why
the day is the way it is.
SAM
When you depend on the land to
provide and crops aren't growing,
well, then worrying is about the
only thing useful I can do right
now.
ANNABELLE
You wake up to one cold morning and
already expect the worse. The
day's early. The sun will thaw
things out in a few hours.
Annabelle checks the kettle on the stove, seems pleased by
it, and places it on the kitchen table.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
Now just sit yourself down a
minute. A cup of coffee will do
you a lot of good right about now.
Sam turns and walks towards the hallway.
SAM
I have to get back to the fields.
I best get my coat.
BEDROOM
Sam steps through the doorway and makes his way towards a
tiny closet located in one corner. He opens it, the worn
hinges creek from the motion.
He reaches in and pulls out a tattered brown coat. In doing
so, exposing the black surface of a SHOTGUN. Sam eyes it a
moment before closing the closet door. The hinges creek once
more.
EXT. FARM - DAY
Sam stands on the back of his plow, trying to stir a horse
who is pulling it. Sam's body shakes violently as the plow
bounces on the frozen earth.
He halts the horse and steps from the plow. He turns,
examining the soil he has already plowed. The plow is barely
breaking the surface.
SAM
(to horse)
Doesn't look like the soil's
getting any looser.
Sam turns and looks over the entire field. They aren't even
halfway done. He then looks to the sky. The sun is starting
to set.
SAM (cont'd)
(to horse)
I think that's enough for the day.
INT. BARN
Sam walks down a line of stalls placing hay in feeders
located at each stall. As he does, the cows inside "MOO" in
thanks.
He reaches the last stall and stops. Sam then reaches into
his coat pocket and pulls out TWO RED APPLES.
SAM
I brought something special for you
today, Betsy.
Sam peaks over the stall door. Betsy -- a cow -- lies in a
back corner.
SAM (cont'd)
Betsy?
He glances at her feeder. It is already filled with hay.
SAM (cont'd)
Have you not been eating?
He opens the stall door.
BETSY'S STALL
Sam walks over and kneels beside Betsy. He gently rubs her
forehead.
SAM (cont'd)
Your burning up. Seem to have
yourself a cold. I don't doubt it
with the weather we've been having.
Betsy lefts her head, looking to be in a great deal of pain.
Sam stands.
SAM (cont'd)
Your the best cow I got, Betsy.
You deserve a break anyway. Get
yourself some rest.
He turns and exits the stall.
INT. FARMHOUSE
Sam and Annabelle sit across from each other at the kitchen
table, plates full of steaming food in front of them. Sam
hastily scoops bits of food into his mouth, chewing it
furiously. The hunger of a hard day's work.
Annabelle watches him quietly. She draws little circles in
her food with her fork.
Sam feels the burning from her gaze. He looks up. A moment
of silence passes.
SAM
The food's good.
Annabelle cracks a smile.
ANNABELLE
I can tell.
That's when Sam realizes how fast he is eating. He takes
another bite, slower this time, and lays his fork down beside
his plate.
SAM
I'm sorry. I seem to be burning a
lot of extra energy these days.
ANNABELLE
So the sun never showed up after
all?
SAM
(shaking his head)
I don't know what to do. With the
drought and winter showing up early-
ANNABELLE
Now, I've already told you I don't
want to hear about such nonsense.
Annabelle rises, grabs both plates from the table, and begins
washing them in the sink.
SAM
I thought we always decided to be
honest with each other and talk
when we had a problem.
She glances out of the window, seeing the damage for herself.
She turns the faucet off.
ANNABELLE
And if the cold doesn't leave?
Will we have any crops?
SAM
No.
ANNABELLE
What about the land? We've only
paid off half of it.
SAM
I don't know right now.
Annabelle's emotions start to take the best of her. A sob
rises into her throat, tears quickly following.
Sam walks to her, hugging her from behind. He slowly rubs
her hips.
SAM (cont'd)
I forbid you to think about this
matter any more. You know that I
would never let us lose this land.
Sam gently kisses her on the back of the neck, then steps
back. He moves towards the door.
ANNABELLE
Where are you going?
SAM
Betsy wasn't looking to good
earlier. I better go check on her.
ANNABELLE
She's sick?
SAM
Looks that way. Hasn't touched her
food all day. I'm thinking of
calling Doctor Myers if nothing
changes.
Annabelle parts her lips as if she is going to say something,
but stops herself.
SAM (cont'd)
I'll be back in a minute.
Sam is half way out the door...
ANNABELLE
Wait.
He looks back.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
I'm sure she's fine. She just
needs her rest. Won't you come to
bed early tonight? With me I mean.
Sam steps back into the house, closing the door.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Soft lips glide over smooth skin...
PULL BACK to see Sam on top of Annabelle. Both entwined
under the warm sheets of their bed. Annabelle leans her head
back, eyes closed tight. Sam leans in again, kisses her down
her jaw line.
The beauty of their love making. Rhythmic. Passionate. An
action that can only be preformed by two truly in love.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE - DAY
Sunlight seeps through the shudders producing jagged light
against Sam's sleeping face. He stirs, eye blinking open. A
grin tilts over his lips as he turns toward Annabelle...but
her side of the bed is empty.
Sam slides out from under the covers. He finds his pants on
the floor and pulls them on.
INT. JONATHAN'S ROOM, FARMHOUSE
Sam quietly comes around the corner and peeks into the
doorway of an adjacent bedroom. A small table and chair sit
around as furniture. A large wooden chest sits open,
overflowing with stuffed animals and other toys. Annabelle
stands over a beautiful oak crib.
She stares into the empty crib. In her arms is a small
STUFFED BEAR. Annabelle softly sobs.
ANNABELLE
I miss you Jonathan. I miss you
now as much as when you left us.
But I'm sure your having fun up in
heaven, playing with the angels and
other little boys who have passed
on.
A Sam watches a single tear makes its way down his cheek. He
wipes it away and moves out of the doorway, disappearing
without disturbing Annabelle.
Annabelle places the stuffed bear back in the crib. She
glances around the rest of the room.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
I don't know why I keep the room
this way. Maybe I hope I'll wake
up one morning and still find you
sleeping, hoping your death was
some horrible nightmare I'll wake
up from.
TILT AROUND the doorway to see Sam, leaning against the wall.
He is crying profusely, his hands at his mouth to muffle the
cries.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY
Annabelle exits the house. A basket full of empty milk
bottles hang from her arms.
She looks up to the field where Sam is still trying to plow
the frozen ground. He is getting about as much progress as
the day before.
INT. MILKING STALL, BARN
TING! TING! TING!
Small streams of milk hit the bottom of a tin bucket. PULL
BACK to see Annabelle squeezing the utters of a cow.
She finishes, takes the bucket up milk, and pours it into an
empty milk bottle. She places the filled bottle back into
the basket, where other freshly filled bottle are stacked
neatly.
Annabelle smacks the cow's rear end.
ANNABELLE
That's all.
She picks up the basket of milk bottles and leaves the stall,
making her way to the barn door. She is almost out when a
low-gargled "MOO" startles her.
Annabelle turns and follows the sound -- its coming from the
last stall.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
Betsy? You alright in there?
After walking to the last stall, she slowly creeps over the
stall door. Annabelle steps back with a GASP. The basket
slipping from her grasp. Glass shatters and the white liquid
leaks onto the barn's dirt floor.
CLOSE-UP: BETSY
The cow's face lies in a pile of its own vomit. Feces seeps
from its rectum uncontrollably, already forming a puddle of
its own at the opposite end.
If not for the cow's heavy breathing it would appear dead.
And for its sake, it probably should be.
INT. BARN - LATER
DOCTOR MYERS, a wrinkle faced man with a hint of silver
throughout his slicked-back black hair, stands over Betsy.
He turns towards Sam and Annabelle, who safely stand a few
feet away. Dr. Myers gives them a worried look.
Dr. Myers pulls a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and
place it over his nose and mouth. He leans in towards
Betsy's rear-end. His eyes start to water from the
unbearable stench.
He reaches in and pulls out a thermometer. Using the plastic
glove, he whips the feces away and eyes the thermometer's
reading.
Sam and Annabelle watch intently, both trying to read Dr.
Myers' expression.
DR. MYERS
It's temperature is extremely high.
Ten degrees above normal to be
exact.
SAM
What does that mean?
DR. MYERS
Well, in all honesty, this cow
should be dead.
SAM
But its alive.
Dr. Myers glances towards Betsy. Her body is still except
for the rise of her stomach as she breathes.
DR. MYERS
Barely...
Dr. Myers leans towards Betsy again, this time looking at her
face and eyes. He grabs her mouth and uses both hands to pry
her jaws open. He reaches to his jacket pocket and fumbles
to get his pen light out. He finally succeeds, shining it
into Betsy's mouth.
The sight is unbearable: Maggots feed off her tongue and
gums. Her teeth are in deep decay and look ready to fall out
at any moment.
Dr. Myers jerks his hands away from Betsy's mouth, losing his
balance and falling to the ground in the process.
ANNABELLE
Doctor?
Sam leaps forward.
SAM
Are you alright?
Dr. Myers clenches his stomach. He turns and begins to
VOMIT.
INT. FARMHOUSE
Dr. Myers sits at the kitchen table, his face ghastly pale.
Sam stands behind him and watch Annabelle, who is doing
something at the sink. Annabelle turns with a damp rag in
her hand. She places it on Dr. Myers forehead.
Annabelle swivels to grab the steaming kettle off the stove.
She pours a cup of hot tea and slides it to Dr. Myers.
DR. MYERS
Thank you, miss Jenkins.
He takes a quick sip from the cup. The warm, soothing liquid
takes effect as the color in his cheeks returns.
DR. MYERS (cont'd)
I'm sorry for getting sick. It was
very unprofessional of me.
Sam nods to Annabelle. She promptly leaves the room. Sam
waits until she is gone before stepping beside Dr. Myers.
SAM
Now don't you worry a thing about
it. Just tell me how to make my
cow better.
DR. MYERS
I must admit, I've never seen
anything like that before. My best
guess would be some type of virus.
SAM
A virus?
DR. MYERS
Yes, I'd say so.
SAM
What medicines will I need to get
rid of this...virus?
DR. MYERS
I'm afraid that none of the
medicine I have will help her out.
Your going to have to take her into
the city for that.
SAM
There's no way we can afford to do
that.
DR. MYERS
This may be true, but you have to
understand, I'm a people doctor
SAM
But you've helped my animals for
years.
DR. MYERS
In the small town we live in, I've
learned to doctor on just about
ever kind of living being. Yet,
somethings are better left to more
qualified people.
Dr. Myers gets up from the table. Sam leads him towards the
door.
DR. MYERS (cont'd)
I read about a man in Georgia who
caught a virus from one of his
hogs. Nearly ate him alive.
Somehow those filthy things are
immune but sure as hell can pass
it.
Sam opens the door for Dr. Myers, who is sliding his coat on.
SAM
A virus is that dangerous?
DR. MYERS
I'm afraid so. These type of
things eat everything in their path
until they can't eat anymore.
Dr. Myers walks out of the door. Sam follows him.
EXT. FARMHOUSE
Dr. Myers immediately bundles up as the cold air hits him.
DR. MYERS
How bout this weather we've been
having? Billy Savanna swore to me
the other night he saw a snow
flake. Can you believe that? A
damn snow flake in the middle of
August.
SAM
(under his breath)
Yeah. How about that?
Dr. Myers steps off the porch, making his way towards his
PARKED CAR.
DR. MYERS
Be sure to tell your wife how
thankful I am for the tea.
Sam watches as the car drives off, kicking a cloud of dust
behind it. He turns to see Annabelle standing in the
doorway.
ANNABELLE
Why the sad face?
Sam looks out over the field. Something seems to be running
through his mind. A moment passes.
SAM
We need to separate the cattle from
Betsy. Nothing permanent, just for
the time being.
ANNABELLE
Is she going to be alright?
SAM
Hard to tell. It's going to take a
little longer to get the medicine.
Sam moves towards the barn. Annabelle watches him leave.
The look of concern washes over her face: She knows something
is wrong.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FARM - AFTERNOON
The relocated cows stand around the fence in groups.
Sam is atop a tractor which is pulling a trailer behind it.
The trailer is stacked high with barrels of hay. He slows to
a stop as he reaches a FEEDING TROUGH. He jumps down, grabs
a barrel of hay, and begins dragging it. Sam stops dead in
his tracks when he reaches the trough.
The previous bundle of hay hasn't been touched. Sam raises
his brow in confusion. He looks to the cows standing nearby.
EXT. FARM - NIGHT
PITCH BLACK.
SCRATCHING...PANTING...A COW SCREAMS IN PROTEST...
PULL BACK as the light from a LANTERN illuminates the weary
face of Sam. A mixture of sweat and dirt drips off his face.
He pauses to catch his breath for a moment. With a deep
breath he clutches a ROPE in his hands and pulls with all his
strength.
The other end of the rope is tied around the mid-section of a
cow. He is dragging it towards the trough. After another
few feet of pulling he finally reaches his destination.
SAM
Eat.
The cow turns its head away.
SAM (cont'd)
Eat!
The cow takes a step back and lies down on the ground, right
there in front of the feeding trough.
Sam's legs give out and he falls to the ground. He wipes the
sweat from his eyes and runs a hand through his wet hair. He
slowly opens his eyes to survey the scene.
The area around the trough is surrounded by cows. All of
them are laying down. All of them refusing to eat. All of
them sick.
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Sam slowly creeps into the doorway. He watches Annabelle as
she sleeps in the darkness. She is simply beautiful and Sam
can't help but smile just looking at her.
He moves across the room to the small closet and opens it.
He reaches in and pulls out the SHOTGUN.
INT. BARN
Sam walks through the dark, and empty, barn. He slows as he
reaches Betsy's stall. He pulls the shotgun close to his
face and checks the chamber.
One bullet. But that's all he needs.
He takes a quick breath and enters the stall. A beat.
Sam bursts back out of the stall. A hand over his mouth.
His eyes clenched tight, yet tears still stream from them.
CLOSE-UP: Betsy
She is already dead. Maggots and other insects now feeding
on the flesh all over her body. Betsy's eyes already chewed
out.
EXT. FARM - NIGHT
The tractor now cuts across the field, a much heavier load in
its trailer.
The farmhouse now merely a speck in the distance.
EXT. WOODED AREA - LATER
CRUNCH!
Sam drives the metal shovel deep into the group and scoops
the dirt away. He is digging a hole.
CUT TO:
Sam uses a rope to drag Betsy's dead corpse into the hole.
The corpse falls in at an odd angle. Sam uses his foot to
push her in properly.
CUT TO:
Sam dumps the last few piles of dirt onto the now filled
hole. He uses the butt of his shovel to pack it down.
He pauses a moment to look up at the sky. The sun is rising,
making the heavens above a glowing orange.
FADE TO:
EXT. OLD TOWN ROAD - DAY
An old pick-up truck trudges up the rough terrain.
INT. TRUCK
Sam is driving. Annabelle sits in the passenger's seat
checking items off a list.
ANNABELLE
I know we need butter and soap.
Oh, and I noticed you needed more
razor blades...
She scribbles a quick note down.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
I think I have everything. Can you
think of anything else?
Sam shakes his head. His mind is obviously somewhere else.
EXT. TOWN STORE
The pick-up truck glides to a stop. A MOTHER, FATHER, and
their SON are passing by. Each give a small wave to Sam and
Annabelle.
INT. TRUCK
Sam and Annabelle both return a wave.
ANNABELLE
(through her teeth)
Sarah Adkins has a lot of nerve
coming here today after the way her
son disrupted church last week.
SAM
Annabelle, please-
ANNABELLE
The good book says 'spare the rod
and spoil the child,' plain as day.
I think we know which is practiced
in that house hold.
Annabelle reaches over and opens the door. She looks to Sam.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
Are you coming?
SAM
Do you mind doing the shopping
alone today? I have something I
need to take care of.
ANNABELLE
Well, I suppose so. Suit yourself.
She steps from the truck and slams the door shut. Sam pulls
off.
EXT. DR. MYERS' OFFICE
An old cottage style house that doubles as the doctor's
practice.
Sam gets out of the truck and marches to the front door. He
knocks.
A few moments later Dr. Myers cracks the door open. He is in
a robe and slippers, his hair messed up.
DR. MYERS
We're closed.
Dr. Myers goes to close the door. Sam puts out his hand and
stops the door.
SAM
Excuse me, Dr. Myers. I'm sorry to
bother you at such an early hour.
Dr. Myers eases the door back open.
DR. MYERS
Mr. Jenkins? You just surprised
me, that's all. Everyone knows
that the office is closed on
Fridays.
SAM
I know, sir. Its just that I have
an emergency.
DR. MYERS
Wait...does this have to do with
the heifer of yours? What's her
name-
SAM
Betsy.
DR. MYERS
Yes, that's it. I take it she
isn't doing any better?
SAM
I'm actually wanted to ask you
about what you told me the other
day. Is it true that if Betsy had
a virus she could infect the entire
herd.
DR. MYERS
Oh yes. That's very true. Is any
other of your cows sick?
SAM
No. No sir. I just really wanted
to know if you had received any
medicines from the city that could
slow down the virus. Ya know, if
Betsy did have one.
DR. MYERS
No, I'm afraid not. What's it been
since I came to your house?
SAM
A little over a week, sir.
Dr. Myers puts a hand to his chin as he thinks.
DR. MYERS
Hum...
Sam looks on with eager eyes.
DR. MYERS (cont'd)
If it has been this long and she
isn't better then I doubt there's
much you can do at this point.
SAM
What do you suggest I do?
DR. MYERS
If it were me I'd just put her out
of her misery. I know it isn't
what you wanted to hear, but she
has lived a long and productive
life. I mean, you've got to think
about the rest of your farm as
well.
SAM
Yes. I imagine so. Thank you,
doctor.
Sam turns and walks back to his truck. Dr. Myers stays at
the door, watching, thinking.
INT. TRUCK
Sam and Annabelle are riding.
ANNABELLE
So then Jamie Freeman told me that
she had found a dead rat in her
stove. Do believe that? There's
no telling what disease they've
been cooking into their food. What
a filthy house they must live in.
You know, Jamie was always one to
get into messes. I remember one
summer when we were young she found
the mud hole where the boys played
and plum jumped into it with her
dress on and all.
Sam grips the steering wheel tight. He isn't paying to least
bit of attention to Annabelle's gossip.
EXT. FARMHOUSE
The truck pull up and screeches to a halt. Sam and Annabelle
jump from the truck, both staring out at the field...
Where all the cows stand huddled together.
ANNABELLE
What's going on?
Sam takes off running into the field.
SAM
Go into the house.
Annabelle gathers her groceries and walks towards the house,
making sure to keep a watchful eye on the
FIELD
Sam pushes through the group of cows. In the center, two
cows lie dead on the ground. Maggots and other parasites
feeding on their flesh and eyes.
EXT. FARM - NIGHT
The illuminating light of a fire dances off Sam's face. He
holds a handkerchief tightly over his nose and mouth.
PULL BACK to see the burning cow carcasses. Once flesh and
blood, now a heap of fiery black ash.
EXT. FARMHOUSE - LATER
Sam is walking back to the farmhouse, using his sleeve to dab
the beads of sweat off his forehead. He looks up to see
Annabelle waiting for him on the front porch.
SAM
It's late. Why are you still up?
ANNABELLE
I think I'm the one who needs to be
asking the questions?
SAM
I don't see the need for questions.
I've told you everything you need
to know.
ANNABELLE
Don't you start that tone with me.
I know something is wrong.
SAM
I've told you already. I have
everything under control.
ANNABELLE
You come to bed in the middle of
the night, sometimes not even at
all. Then, at dinner, you keep
glancing out to this field as if
you're scared death itself is gonna
come knock on the door.
Sam walks past her and up onto the porch.
SAM
You know how bad the crops are
doing. I'm having to work twice as
long to-
ANNABELLE
I don't think so.
Sam shrugs it off and reaches for the door handle.
SAM
I'm very tired, Annabelle. Please
let this fuss wait for another
time.
ANNABELLE
When I agreed to marry you I agreed
to a partnership. We both stated
vows that made us equals. I don't
care if this house is going to be
swallowed up into the ground...I
want to know what is going to
happen no matter what.
Sam stops and turns back. A beat passes.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
Sam. I think I'm pregnant.
He shoots her a quick look. Tears well up in Annabelle's
eyes.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
I know that isn't what we asked for
but it's what the good Lord saw fit
to give us. If we are going to
have another mouth to feed then we
best start working problems out
together.
Sam steps forward.
SAM
The cows are sick.
ANNABELLE
What can we do?
SAM
I thought we could separate the
herds but the sickness is
spreading. I'm sorry.
Sam turns to enter the house.
ANNABELLE
Aren't you even going to ask about
your child?
SAM
How long have you known?
ANNABELLE
I've suspected for a few weeks but
I'm still not positive about it.
Sam nods.
ANNABELLE (cont'd)
Are you happy?
SAM
Yes. Of course.
Annabelle's face shows that she thinks otherwise.
SAM (cont'd)
Aren't you a little scared? With
what happened to Jonathan and all.
ANNABELLE
We had no control over Jonathan's
death and we can't be bitter about
that. It was just his time to go.
Sam steps forward, grabs Annabelle in a huge hug. He kisses
her cheek.
SAM
I'm sorry. I love you so much.
ANNABELLE
I know. I know.
EXT. FARM - CONTINUOUS
CLOSE ON the virus infected ashes of the two burned cow
carcasses. A gentle breeze begins to blow, picking up some
of the ashes, sweeping them towards the distant farmhouse.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
BONG! BONG! BONG!
As the large church bell rings out. Families, dressed in
their best attire, exit the church. Their words reflecting
the minister's teaching for the day.
Sam and Annabelle exit the church, smiles stretched across
both their faces. They are holding hands.
Within seconds three OLDER LADIES (MARY, ALICE, JOY) converge
on the couple.
MARY
Look at her face, Alice. She is
beaming.
ALICE
Then it is true? Are you with
child, Annabelle?
Annabelle and Sam lock eyes for a brief moment.
ANNABELLE
Yes. It's true.
The ladies "Oh" to themselves.
JOY
Have you thought of name yet?
ANNABELLE
Actually, we are going to name him
Joseph.
JOY
What a beautiful name. I know the
boy will bring you both so much
happiness.
SUDDENLY, a cough rises into Annabelle's throat. She clears
her throat into her WHITE GLOVED HAND.
MARY
That's a nasty cough you have
there.
ANNABELLE
I've had it about a week. Must be
the beginning of my morning
sickness.
SAM
It's cold out here. Maybe we
should move towards the truck.
Annabelle coughs again. This time she can't stop and it
turns into a horrible HACKING COUGH. Sam grabs a hold of her
arm just as it goes limp. Annabelle passes out in Sam's
arms.
The three ladies begin to panic, all of them screaming for
help.
SAM (cont'd)
Honey, are you alright?! Can you
hear me?!
Then he notices the trickle of blood on her lips. He pulls
up the gloved hand she coughed into. It is covered in blood.
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Annabelle lays still in bed. Dr. Myers leans in, stabbing a
needle into her arm and injecting some medicine.
Sam stands in doorway watching.
After finishing, Dr. Myers packs his bag and stands up.
DR. MYERS
She will sleep good tonight.
SAM
Is she going to be alright?
DR. MYERS
It's hard to tell until the tests
come back. The only thing we can
do know is worry about keeping her
fever down.
EXT. FARMHOUSE
Sam is walking Dr. Myers to his car.
DR. MYERS
How is your cow doing? Any better?
SAM
No sir. She passed last week.
DR. MYERS
Oh. Sorry to hear that.
Dr. Myers looks out into the field. Only two sickly cows are
grazing. He furrows his brow.
DR. MYERS (cont'd)
Where are the rest of your cows?
SAM
Excuse me?
DR. MYERS
There is only two cows out there
grazing. Where are the others?
SAM
They must be in the barn.
DR. MYERS
Is everything going good on the
farm? I mean, are any other of
your animals sick?
SAM
No sir. Just Betsy.
Dr. Myers takes one last gander at the two sickly cows before
lowering himself in his car.
EXT. FARM - NIGHT
Sam watches his plow horse burn. It has also died from the
disease.
SAM
(to horse)
I'm so sorry, girl. You were the
best horse I ever owned.
EXT. DIRT ROAD, FARM - NIGHT
A car with its lights off slows to a stop beside the fence.
The window is rolled down to expose Dr. Myers. He watches
the burning carcass and Sam very suspiciously.
He rolls the window back up and pulls off.
EXT. WOODED AREA
Sam is shoveling the ashes off of the trailer and adding it
to the pile of other ashes. The pile is massive.
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Sam walks into the room with a tray of food(Grits, toast,
orange juice). He strolls over to the bed and sets the tray
on a nearby table.
Sam leans over and brushes the hair out of Annabelle's face.
She looks horrible. Her eyes are sunken, surrounded by dark
bags. Her feeble frame shows how much weight she has lost.
Annabelle's eyes blink a few times, then open. She looks
over at Sam. He smiles at her.
SAM
It's good to see you up.
She opens her mouth like she is going to talk. Sam puts
gentle fingers over her mouth.
SAM (cont'd)
Don't talk
(grabs the tray of food)
You need to eat.
He tries to give her a spoonful of grits. She turns her head
away.
SAM (cont'd)
You haven't eaten in three days.
Just one bite.
(Annabelle turns away)
Please...
Sam gives up, puts the spoon away. He pulls a wet rag from
the tray and lays it on Annabelle's forehead.
Annabelle looks at Sam again. She begins to move her mouth
again, gargling out the word:
ANNABELLE
Baby?
Sam slowly pulls back the bed sheet to expose Annabelle's
PLUMP BELLY. He rubs it softly.
SAM
Joseph is doing just perfect. He
is going to make it. Both of you
will.
Annabelle seems content and closes her eyes to rest.
Sam glances up to see a POLICE MAN snooping around in the
field outside their window. With a look of concern, Sam
rises and exits the room.
EXT. FARMHOUSE
The police man(SHERIFF JONES) is bent over examining
something on the ground. A shadow falls over him.
SAM (O.S.)
May I help you?
Jones looks up a Sam, stands.
SHERIFF JONES
Not meaning any harm, sir. I just
received a tip that their might be
some funny business going on, on
your land.
SAM
I can assure you that nothing is
going on.
Jones looks out over the field. One sickly cow is grazing.
SHERIFF JONES
I see one cow. Where are the
others?
SAM
I sold them.
SHERIFF JONES
Sold them?
SAM
Yes, sir. Is there a problem?
SHERIFF JONES
Does that not sound a little funny
to you? A man selling all his
cattle but one sick one?
SAM
You can search the entire farm if
you want too. That there's the
only heifer I have left.
SHERIFF JONES
Now, I'm not here to put on an
investigation. May I just ask why
you sold your cows.
SAM
You've felt how cold it has been.
With no crops that leaves us with
now money. We're doing everything
we can to make ends meet.
Jones tips his hat, letting the sun hit his face.
SHERIFF JONES
I suppose your right. Have a good
day, Mister Jenkins.
The police office takes one last gander around before
strolling back towards his car.
INT. POLICE CAR
Jones slides in and shuts the door.
SHERIFF JONES
He says he sold the cows.
Jones looks over at DOCTOR MYERS, who is in the passenger
seat.
DR. MYERS
Sam Jenkins didn't sale his cows.
If he did it would be clear across
town by now.
Dr. Myers watches out of the windshield as Sam disappears
into the house.
SHERIFF JONES
Well, I don't have a warrant so I
can search the place. What do you
suggest we do?
DR. MYERS
If what I think is really going
on...we do what is necessary.
Jones reaches over and turns on the ignition. The engine of
the police car roars in protest. They pull off.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT
Sam sits on the front porch, an AFGHAN wrapped around his
shoulders. He trembles from the cold. His breath showing
each time he breaths.
Annabelle's painful moans can be heard from inside.
A tears slides down Sam's cheek. He wipes it away.
INT. FARMHOUSE - DAY
Sam steps through the door, dropping the afghan on the floor.
He has been outside all night.
He begins to shrug his coat off but his frozen arms don't
seem to be cooperating. A COUGH builds up in his throat. He
muffles it with his hand.
Then he hears it. A "gargle" in the bedroom. He drops his
coat on the floor and takes off running.
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Sam bursts into the room.
Annabelle is convulsing under the sheets. Her face in a pile
of her own vomit. Weary hands grasped on her stomach.
SAM
No!
EXT. FARM - DAY
A police car pulls into the drive way and slows to a stop.
Jones and his DEPUTY step out.
SHERIFF JONES
(motioning)
You check the barn and anything
else. I'll look inside.
DEPUTY
Yes, sir.
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Sam jerks back the sheets. The entire bed is covered in
BLOOD. ANNABELLE HAS LOST THE BABY.
Sam gently moves Annabelle's face out of the vomit and pulls
it close to his. He puts a finger under her nose. She is
breathing, but barely.
SAM
Stay with me. Don't go.
Annabelle forces her eyes open and meet his, then they roll
back into her head, alive and dead within seconds.
EXT. FARMHOUSE
Jones steps onto the porch, knocks on the door. No answer.
SHERIFF JONES
Mr. Jenkins, I need to ask you a
few more questions.
He tries the door handle, its unlocked. He steps inside.
SHERIFF JONES (cont'd)
Mr. Jenkins?
INT. BEDROOM, FARMHOUSE
Sam's face twists into a weep. He collapses on to the floor,
letting Annabelle's head fall limp against the bed.
This is horrid sight to behold. Annabelle laying dead in her
own blood and vomit. Sam weeping in a puddle of his own
tears.
SHERIFF JONES (O.S.)
Oh my God...
SWIVEL to see Jones standing in the door way. A look of
disbelief over his face.
Sam doesn't even look up. He just continues to cry.
FADE TO:
EXT. APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS
The sky covered in thick, black clouds. Rain falls and
lightening flashes from the sky. Thunder crashes overhead.
EXT. CHURCH
Annabelle's casket is lowered into the damp ground.
MOURNERS, dressed black, file past. Sam stands in the rain.
The rain soaking his face and clothes but he doesn't seem to
notice.
He looks up as a police car pulls up. Sheriff Jones and his
deputy step out. The deputy opens the back door, helping THE
MAYOR out of the back.
Sam watches as they walk closer.
THE MAYOR
Sam Jenkins?
Sam nods.
THE MAYOR (cont'd)
I'm very sorry about your wife and
I'm sorry I have to do this today
but it is out of my hands now.
The mayor reaches into his overcoat pocket and pulls out a
folded LETTER.
THE MAYOR (cont'd)
Upon further inspection of your
property and by the testimony of
James Myers, your land has been
determined unsafe by city council.
We have no choice but to reclaim
it.
Sam takes the letter from the mayor's hands. He opens it,
seeing a petition signed by every council member. Sam
CRUMBLES the letter in his hands.
THE MAYOR (cont'd)
You have forty-eight hours to pack
your things and leave.
SAM
I'm not leaving my home.
THE MAYOR
If you don't then you will die like
she did.
SAM
If that is what has to be done then
I will die.
THE MAYOR
You are also putting the rest of
the city in danger. There is no
telling home much the virus has
spread already.
SAM
Can't you see that I don't care
about the goddamn virus?!
The mayor is getting frustrated. He points a finger in Sam's
face.
THE MAYOR
Forty-eight hours, Mr. Jenkins. If
you're not out then we take you out
by force.
Without warning, Sam starts to cough. He doubles over,
trying to subdue it.
The mayor and the police officers take a step back.
SHERIFF JONES
You better get that cough looked
about.
The coughing fit finally subsides. Sam pulls his hand from
his mouth. It is covered in blood.
He gasps as he realizes...
FLASH CUT TO:
INTERCUT/FLASHBACK:
-Betsy lays in a pile of her own vomit.
-Annabelle lays in a pile of her own vomit. The bed covered
in blood.
-Sam watches a cow carcass burn. Its ashes are blown around
in the wind.
-Annabelle coughs up blood into her hand.
END INTERCUT/FLASHBACK:
FLASH CUT TO:
Sam continues to stare at his hand.
The mayor and the police officers begin to walk back to the
car.
THE MAYOR
Two days, Mr. Jenkins.
Sam turns his hand over. The blood drips from his palm to
the ground, where it mixes with the rain water.
SAM
I killed her...
INT. BANK
The tiny bank is buzzing with activity. Sam patiently waits
in line. His time comes and he steps forward.
BANK CLERK
How may I help you today?
Sam drops a bag onto the counter.
SAM
I need to withdraw all of my funds.
The bank clerk looks at him like he is crazy.
EXT. TRUCK
Sam is driving down a dirt road. Large barrels of GASOLINE
sit in the bed of his truck.
EXT. FARMHOUSE
Sam pours gasoline around the exterior of the house and all
over the grass.
INT. FARMHOUSE
Sam drags one of the barrels into the middle of the living
room. He turns it over, letting the liquid spill over and
cover the floor.
INT. FARMHOUSE - LATER
Sam enters the room carrying a WOODEN CHAIR in one hand and
an unknown item in his other hand. He sets the chair in the
middle of the living room and sits down in it. He pulls the
unknown item close to his face. It is a picture: Sam,
Annabelle, and Jonathan.
SAM
I'm sorry Annabelle. Don't worry,
I'm coming to join you.
He pulls out a match and lights it. He drops it onto the
floor.
Fire ERUPTS all around him. It quickly covers the floor,
then begins spreading up the walls.
Sam screams in agony as the fire licks up the wooden chair,
soon consuming him.
EXT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT
The fury of the fire illuminates the night.
FADE TO:
EXT. FARMHOUSE RUINS - DAY
The house is nothing more than ashes lying on burnt grass. A
few police men scrounge through the remains.
A car pulls up and slows. Dr. Myers gets out.
Jones, who is chatting with a uniform, sees him and walks
over.
SHERIFF JONES
By the time the fire department got
here early this morning, the place
was already gone.
DR. MYERS
How did this happen?
SHERIFF
The thought of leaving his farm
must of been too much. He burned
himself alive.
DR. MYERS
Son of a bitch...
The sheriff leads Dr. Myers through the ashes. They both
look around.
Something catches Dr. Myers' eye. He bends down, digging
through the rubble. It is Jonathan's STUFFED BEAR.
Remarkably, it is barely singed.
DR. MYERS (cont'd)
Sam Jenkins made a horrible
mistake. He kept a secret that
ended up killing his farm, his
family, and himself.
Dr. Myers stands up, hands the bear to the Jones.
SHERIFF JONES
What about the virus?
DR. MYERS
Hopefully it burned with the house.
We shouldn't have to worry about it
any more.
The ash under their feet CRUNCH as they move off to inspect
different parts of the farm.
As they do a gentle breeze passes through, picking up some of
the ashes and blowing them into the sky.
FADE OUT:
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