CUT TO: JESSIEVILLE ARK.
EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
A WOMAN PULLS INTO THE PARKING LOT OF A MOTEL IN A BEAT UP MINIVAN. AS SHE GETS OUT OF HER VAN, SHE TAKES A COUPLE OF SECONDS TO LOOK BACK INTO THE DISTANCE AND SHUTTERS. GOING INTO THE LOBBY THE WOMAN TUCKS THE FLANNEL SHE'S WEARING AROUND HERSELF AND WAITS FOR THE CLERK TO COME OUT OF HIS OFFICE. WHEN THE CLERK SEES HER, HIS FACE LIGHTS UP AND HE SMILES FROM EAR TO EAR.
[Motel Clerk]
Well, now, welcome to Moonlit Motels. I suppose you'll be needing a room.
[Woman]
Yeah. How much is it for one night?
[Motel Clerk]
It's $55. And just to let you know, it's because I believe in giving people the best deal possible not because I'm cheap, you know? Most motels are filthy but even I help in cleaning them so whatever room you get should be in tip-top shape.
[Woman]
No, it's fine. I wouldn't think anything of it. Honestly, I'd camp outside if I didn't have to worry about... wild animals.
THE WOMAN YAWNS AND SHOWS SIGNS OF BEING FLUSTERED.
[Motel Clerk]
Are you okay? You seem like you've seen a ghost.
[Woman]
What? No, that would be crazy, right? I'm just headed... well, I've been on the road a long time and you tend to see things when you don't get enough sleep. I just need one good set of 8 hours and I should be good to go.
[Motel Clerk]
Must be great being young and being able to travel whenever you want. Is this business or for pleasure?
THE WOMAN LOOKS OUT THE LOBBY WINDOW AND INTO A CLEARING FIELD. THE MOON SHINES EXTRA BRIGHT IN THE SKY AND FOR A SECOND THE WOMAN BEGINS TO MAKE OUT SOMETHING IN THE FIELD. THE FIGURE LARGE AND HAVING WHITE EYES APPEARS HAZY BUT THE WOMAN'S IMAGINATION FILLS IN THE BLANKS ENOUGH FOR HER TO FEEL A SHIVER PASS DOWN HER SPINE. AS THE FIGURE CONTINUES TO MOVE CLOSER THE WOMAN IS SUDDENLY SNAPED OUT OF HER DAZE WHEN THE CLERK RINGS THE LOBBY BELL. THE WOMAN SNAPS TO ATTENTION LOOKING AT THE CLERK.
[Woman]
Oh, I'm sorry.
[Motel Clerk]
I've got everything ready for you. I just need you to pay and then you can have your key.
THE WOMAN LOOKS BACK OUTSIDE AND THE FIGURE SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS SEEING ISN'T THERE ANYMORE. THE MOTEL CLERK LOOKS AT THE WOMAN WITH A CONCERNED FACE.
[Motel Clerk]
Is there something going on? I'll call 911, I know the sheriff personally. He'll be here really quick if he needs to be.
[Woman]
No! Look, I...
THE WOMAN TAKES A SECOND TO CATCH HER BREATH THEN LOOKS AT THE MOTEL CLERK.
[Motel Clerk]
If you need to talk, I'm here to listen.
[Woman]
I'm not some sympathy case!
[Motel Clerk]
Okay, I'm sorry for any insinuations. I just wanted to help.
THE WOMAN TAKES A DEEP BREATH, LOOKS OUT THE WINDOW, THEN LOOKS BACK AT THE MOTEL CLERK.
YOU ARE READING
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