The Spud

Beyond Reasoning

CUTS TO

INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Detective Harris steps inside the house, joining the rest of his team. The weight of the situation is evident in their expressions as they provide him with an update.

OFFICER JONES
Detective Harris, we've accounted for John's wife, son, and the older man found in the cabin who was a family friend. 3 dead upon arrival. Only survivor is the other son.

Detective Harris nods, relieved to hear that at least one of the family members survived. However, his curiosity is piqued when Officer Johnson adds an important detail.

OFFICER JOHNSON
We found something strange in the master bedroom. A Japanese box with a potato inside. It was hidden under the bed.

Detective Harris furrows his brow, the mention of the box triggering conflicting emotions within him. He hesitates for a moment, torn between skepticism and the potential reality of something supernatural. However, one of the team members speaks up, suggesting a course of action.

OFFICER THOMPSON
Maybe we should take the box to someone spiritual, someone who can shed light on its true nature. It could help us understand what we're dealing with here.

Detective Harris considers the suggestion, his gaze fixed on the floor. He wants to believe that the box is just a hoax, that its presence is coincidental. He wants to prove that it does not possess the power to harm people.

DETECTIVE HARRIS
(slightly hesitant)
I... I want to explore all possible angles, but let's hold off on involving someone spiritual for now. I want to approach this investigation with a clear, rational mindset. Let's gather all the evidence we can, speak to witnesses, and see if there's a tangible connection between the box and what's happening here.

The team members look at each other, understanding the detective's reluctance but also recognizing the gravity of the situation. They nod, realizing the importance of the thorough investigation ahead.

OFFICER JONES
Understood, Detective. We'll continue the investigation, gathering all the evidence we can. We'll leave no stone unturned.

Determined, Detective Harris takes a deep breath, preparing himself for the challenging task ahead. He still hopes to disprove the supernatural influence of the box, but he understands that the truth may lie in unexpected places. The investigation to uncover the dark mysteries surrounding the possession and its connection to the box has only just begun.

FADES OUT
INT. WAFFLE HOUSE - DAY

Alex and Mark sit in a corner booth of the Waffle House, trying to find solace and distractions from the terrifying events of that night involving Emma and the tragic outcome. As they sip their coffee, the calm ambiance is disrupted by the news report on the television.

NEWS REPORTER (ON TV)
Breaking news from the residence of John Roberts, where a horrifying incident occurred last night. John is reported to have murdered two members of his family and a family friend. The authorities are still investigating the motive behind this shocking tragedy.

Alex and Mark look at each other, their faces filled with shock and disbelief. The weight of the situation settles heavily upon them as they realize the true extent of the Japanese box's power. They exchange grim expressions, understanding that they can not afford to ignore the danger any longer.

MARK
(sternly)
We can't just sit here, Alex. The longer we wait, the more lives will be affected. We need to confront this head-on.

Alex, lost in his thoughts, runs his hand through his hair, anxiety etched on his face as he struggles to find a solution.

ALEX
(uncertain)
I don't know what to do, Mark. This... this is beyond anything I've ever experienced. It feels like we're spiraling into a nightmare.

Mark places a hand on Alex's shoulder, offering a comforting yet determined gaze.

MARK
We've got to start somewhere, right? We need to dig into the history behind that box and find out if there's any information that can help us understand its power, how to counteract it, or neutralize it somehow.

Alex looks up at Mark, hope flickering in his eyes as he realizes the importance of unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Japanese box.

ALEX
(nodding)
You're right. We can't turn back now.
Let's start researching, gathering as much information as we can. Maybe there's a way to break this curse or find someone who knows how to deal with it.

Determined, Alex and Mark finish their coffee, the weight of their new mission settling heavily upon their shoulders. They know that the path ahead is treacherous, but they are ready to face it and uncover the truth behind the cursed Japanese box, hoping to put an end to its destructive influence once and for all.

CUTS TO
INT. PUBLIC LIBRARY - DAY

Alex and Mark enter the public library, their determination palpable as they approach the checkout desk. They quickly sign in and find an available computer, ready to uncover the dark history behind the cursed Japanese box with the hot potato.

They sit side by side, their eyes fixated on the screen as they initiate a simple Google search. The first few results make their blood run cold. An archived news article from 1997 appears, detailing another murder that was connected to the very same Japanese box.

MARK
(whispering, shocked)
Look at this shit, Alex. It's... it's not the first time this box has caused such tragedy. There was an incident back in 1997, eerily similar to what we're experiencing now.

Alex leans closer, his heart pounding in his chest as he reads the article, taking in the chilling details of the past tragedy.

ALEX
(disbelieving)
This can't be a coincidence. The Japanese box is linked to these murders, and it's been happening for years.

Mark continues his search, clicking on another website where discussions surrounding supernatural folklore are taking place. They scroll through the page, their eyes widening at what they find.

MARK
(breathlessly)
Listen to this, Alex. There's a folk tale surrounding this box. Those who play the game, passing the hot potato, eventually meet their end at the hands of the person who last held the potato.

Alex and Mark exchange a horrified glance, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

ALEX
(realizing)
This is so fucked, Mark. We have to find a way to stop this shit.

The library's silence seems suffocating as they sit there, grappling with the weight of what they've discovered. Time is ticking, and they know they must act swiftly to try and put an end to this haunting cycle before it claims more victims.

With newfound determination, Alex and Mark continue their research, delving deeper into the dark history of the Japanese box with the hot potato, hoping to uncover the key to breaking the curse and preventing further tragedy. They eventually find out that the only way to stop the curse is to cleanse the soul of the person who last held the potato with the creator of the game. Unfortunately, it seemed like all information was deleted about the whereabouts of the creator.

FADES OUT