Pieces of You (Screenplay)

Butterflies

The camera reveals a desolate forest, devoid of color. TAYLOR stands alone, surrounded by tall trees and overgrown bushes. Butterflies flit around her, their delicate movements a stark contrast to the somber setting.

TAYLOR
(Taking a deep breath, her voice echoing softly.)

I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart.

(Pauses, contemplating.)

I am. I am. I am.

(She gazes into the distance, lost in thought.)

One day I woke up, and everyone was gone. They left. They left me behind. Where they went, who knows? Maybe they all moved to the city, less wildlife. I live out in the country.

(Her expression turns somber as she continues.)

A series of strange and mysterious electrical blackouts caused all this. No one knows how it happened.

Suddenly, she looks up at the sky. The screen shifts to COLOR, the clouds swirling ominously. The sky darkens, and meteors streak across, illuminating her face with flashes of light.

TAYLOR
Maybe it was a meteor shower. I think it was aliens.

(Sighs.)

Nonetheless, it is just me now. One day people started disappearing; children went missing.

CUT TO: A series of MILK CARTONS lined up on a kitchen counter, each adorned with the face of a missing child. The stark contrast between the bright labels and their dark implication hits hard.

TAYLOR (V.O.)

Where did they all go? I still don't know. I hope to find them, someone, anyone.

(Pauses, her voice trembling.)

Life can get pretty lonely out here.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD - DAY

TAYLOR is now shown riding her bike, dressed in a different outfit—a vibrant tank top and shorts that seem to embrace the color of life. She pedals with determination, the forest whizzing past her.

TAYLOR (V.O.)
I still travel from time to time. Where do I go? Who knows?

(Smirks softly.)

I just like a change in scenery occasionally.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH - DAY

TAYLOR walks along the beach, the sun shining brightly, waves crashing rhythmically in the background. The world is awash in vivid colors, the golden sand warm beneath her feet.

TAYLOR
A walk on the beach, sand on my feet.

(She raises her arms toward the sky, a sense of freedom enveloping her.)

I never felt more... free.

(She closes her eyes, savoring the sunlight that bathes her face.)

The feeling of warm sunlight on my skin is the only thing that keeps me going because what else do I have?

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST - DAY (BLACK AND WHITE)

Back in the forest, the scene has shifted. The trees are bare, bushes are gone, and the butterflies have vanished. TAYLOR takes another deep breath, her face a mask of reflection.

TAYLOR
(Whispers, a hint of despair in her voice.)

I have the choice of being constantly active and happy or introspectively passive and sad

(Pauses, exhaling slowly.)

Or I can go mad by ricocheting in between.

(TAYLOR stares directly into the camera, her breath visible in the cold air, as her expression reveals the depth of her struggle.)