Pieces of You (Screenplay)

Ryan and Maggie

TAYLOR sits at a table, across from RYAN. The cafeteria buzzes with noise, but their conversation feels intimate.

TAYLOR
Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing.

RYAN leans in, a playful glint in his eyes.

RYAN
I know your birthday is tomorrow, so I made you something.

TAYLOR

(Surprised.)

You didn't have to do that.

RYAN
I know. (He takes out a mixtape and hands it to TAYLOR.)
Here.

TAYLOR

(Curious, holding the tape.)

What's this?

RYAN
It's a mixtape.

TAYLOR

(Smiling, touched.)

Thank you.

INT. TAYLOR'S ROOM - NIGHT (COLOR)

The scene shifts to TAYLOR writing in her journal, the warmth of her room contrasting with the earlier cafeteria.

TAYLOR (V.O.)
Dear Ryan,

I decided to move out of the countryside and go back to the city. Maybe I will pay your old house a visit.

(She pauses, her pen hovering over the page.)

The reason for my change in location is simple: I got attacked by a wolf yesterday.

EXT. SNOWY FOREST - DAY (FLASHBACK)

SNOW falls gently around TAYLOR as she walks cautiously through the woods. Suddenly, a WOLF appears, growling menacingly.

TAYLOR (V.O.)

(Nervously, remembering.)

Bit me on the shoulder.

The wolf lunges at her, and she instinctively reaches for something in her jacket pocket.

TAYLOR (V.O.)
Thankfully, I had a weapon.

(With determination, she pulls out a GUN and shoots the wolf, which collapses.)

EXT. TAYLOR'S NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT (COLOR)

TAYLOR stands outside at night, snow swirling around her. She looks up, lost in thought.

TAYLOR (V.O.)

Anyways, it snowed today.

I remember how much you loved the snow.

(The scene transitions to her walking around the neighborhood, gazing at the beauty around her.)

TAYLOR (V.O.)

Dear Maggie,

I walked around the neighborhood last night. I saw the most beautiful thing—shooting stars!

The stars twinkle, reflected in TAYLOR's wide eyes.

TAYLOR (V.O.)

Have you ever touched the stars? It's a feeling unlike any other.

(She reaches out toward the stars, a smile on her face.)

INT. TAYLOR'S ROOM - DAY (COLOR)

Back in her room, TAYLOR rummages through her belongings until she finds the old MIXTAPE that RYAN made for her.

TAYLOR (V.O.)

Dear Ryan,

I found that old mixtape you made me.

(She places the tape in a RECORDER, puts on HEADPHONES, and presses play. Her eyes close as she listens.)

RYAN (V.O.)

Hey, Taylor. This is Ryan. I sit next to you in math class.
You probably don't know who I am, but I have had the biggest crush on you since middle school, so I decided to shoot my shot by creating you a mixtape.
I know you like those. Anyways, here goes nothing.

A SONG plays softly, filling the room with warmth and nostalgia. After it ends, TAYLOR removes the headphones, and a single TEAR rolls down her cheek.