Farewell

FADE IN:

EXT. FIELD - NIGHT

A trepidatious fog pirouette across a barren horizon, snow covered crops writhing below an unconcious woman, ZOLA.

Zola comes to, shivers, stands, steps, curses.

An ankle rolled. A feral limp.

Zola stops, bends over. A coin scorched. Zola flips it over.

A latin phrase etched upon it: Momento Mori.

Zola mouths the phrase, searches the horizon, and stuffs the coin into her pocket.

EXT. FIELD - NIGHT

Zola limps, trips, falls.

Blood splatters virgin soil. Zola spits, curses.

Below Zola, betwixt grass and weeds, lies a rusted pair of tracks, overgrown and forgotten.

Zola struggles to her feet, looks forward, back, and follows the tracks.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Zola stops, pauses, at the precipice of an untamed wilderness, moonlight piercing not even the weakest of shadows.

Zola looks back to the tracks, stretching far in the distance, back to the forest, the tracks one with the wilderness.

A heavy sigh. Zola continues on into the forest.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Amongst howls, growls, feral screams, Zola follows the tracks, fumbling over weeds.

A rustle, a snap, a crack. Zola jumps, turns.

No one. Nothing.

Zola hesitates, clutches a broken branch, scans the forest.

A whimper, a moan, just beyond the shadows. Zola approaches.

Closer. Closer. Closer.

Zola prods the shadows.

A wild yelp. Zola jumps back, trips, slips, falls, drops her weapon.

The creature howls, roars. Zola cowers.

A little girl, AUDREY, steps out of the shadows, terror strewn across minature features.

Audrey approaches Zola, holds out her hand. Zola hesitates, grabs it, stands.

Audrey points to a set of lights far in the distance.

Zola hesitates, sighs, nods. The two wander off into the wilderness.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

The two pause before a roaring river.

Clumps of ice crash against jutting stone, thin lines of track running over the river.

A long pause.

Audrey drops Zola's hand. Zola lurches, grabs, misses. Audrey runs out onto thin metal tracks, balancing upon rust, standing over rushing waters.

Zola runs up to the tracks, stops, hesitates.

Audrey smiles, cackles, beckons her forward.

Zola looks to the roaring waters, the long fall, steps back.

The little girl sighs, scurries back over, slips, trips, falls, hands gripping iron.

Zola tumbles into the forest. Audrey left alone, crying, screaming.

Zola returns, a branch in hand.

Closer. Closer. At the edge of the cliff.

Audrey reaches out, grabs, clutches.

The branch snaps, falls into tumultous waters.

Audrey's grip weakens.

Zola closes her eyes, falls to all fours, crosses herself, prays, and crawls onto the tracks.

Audrey whimpers, moans. Zola crawls as fast as she can.

Closer. Closer. Closer.

Zola reaches, grabs, misses. Audrey dissapears into the river.

Zola gawks, gapes, stares. No sign of Audrey.

Zola swallows hard, closes her eyes, opens them wide, holds back tears, and inches her way across the river.

Zola looks to flickering lights, back to the river, and follows the harsh waters, searching for Audrey.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Further, farther. Nothing.

Zola looks down the unending river, to the lights ever farther in the distance.

Zola steps towards the lights, back, hesitates.

Zola looks back to the waters, to the river which flows ever farther, shakes her head, sighs, and heads towards the light.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

Before Zola rots a dilapidated platform, floorboards stolen and missing and creaking, relentless.

Zola climbs up the steps and to a door.

Push. Pull. Locked.

Zola knocks. Again. Again.

No answer.

Zola climbs off the platform and around the station.

No window. No door. Nothing.

Zola rounds the bend and steps back up the platform, knocks again.

Nothing.

Zola looks out into the impenetrable darkness, the night which never ends, the raveous howls of creatures which threaten.

Zola tunrs back to the door, a glass window pane gleams under false luminsence.

Zola looks in through the window.

INT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

No one. Nothing.

Dust gathers.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

Zola sighs, steps to the door, kicks. Harder. Harder. Harder.

The door hardly budges.

Zola slams her body against the door. Still nothing.

Zola stops, exhausted, rubs her bruised shoulder.

Zola steps off the platform and into the darkness.

Zola returns, a rock in hand, and hurls it through the window.

Glass shatters. Zola clears precarious fragments. A final look into the darkness.

A long sigh. Zola climbs in through the window.

INT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

Zola stands amongst dirt, dust, a flickering lamp. A middle aged man, BARTLEBY, stands behind a counter, neither smiling nor frowning.

BARTLEBY

Tickets?

ZOLA

Didn't you hear me knocking?

BARTLEBY

Yes.

ZOLA

And you didn't think to do anything about it?

BARTLEBY

No.

ZOLA

What if I was dying?

BARTLEBY

Were you?

ZOLA

Well no. Not at the moment. But I could've been.

BARTLEBY

Yes. You could.

ZOLA

And you just thought to stand there and do absolutely nothing?

BARTLEBY

No.

ZOLA

What then?

BARTLEBY

Something.

ZOLA

Like what?

BARTLEBY

This.

ZOLA

You're not doing anything!

BARTLEBY

I'm afraid, miss, you are entirely mistaken, for I am doing many things at this very moment.

ZOLA

Like what?

BARTLEBY

Blinking. Breathing. Talking. Thinking.

ZOLA

That doesn't count.

BARTLEBY

What does?

ZOLA

You shoulda just answered.

BARTLEBY

Noted.

ZOLA

And another thing, also

BARTLEBY

Yes?

ZOLA

Well, I mean, all this broken glass, thats on you. And if I get cut up and infected and all that, well, you can expect that'll weigh pretty heavily on you, and thats not even considering the impending law suit.

BARTLEBY

A burden I must bury.

ZOLA

No. That misses the point entirely.

BARTLEBY

Oh?

ZOLA

Don't you feel at least a little bit guilty? Some sort of call to basic humanity?

BARTLEBY

No.

ZOLA

What about bothered then, fed up, disgusted, me just throwing you around like you're absolutely nothing?

BARTLEBY

No.

ZOLA

Well you should. It's called human decency.

BARTLEBY

Certainly.

Zola sighs, rolls her eyes, looks out the window.

ZOLA

That train gonna be here soon?

BARTLEBY

Shortly.

ZOLA

And how much is that gonna cost me?

BARTLEBY

Pardon?

ZOLA

For one of them tickets.

BARTLEBY

Whatever you have on you.

ZOLA

Trying to gouge me, are you?

BARTLEBY

Company policy.

Zola glares. Bartleby smiles.

Zola sighs, reaches into her pocket, withdraws the only thing on her: the scorched coin.

ZOLA

How about this?

Bartleby's eyes go wide with terror. One step back with every step forward.

BARTLEBY

Back! Back I say! Back!

ZOLA

It's just a coin.

Bartleby grabs an iron stoker and swings it furiously.

ZOLA

Okay. Okay. I'll put it away. What do you want then, my soul or something?

Bartleby heaves a ticket at her.

BARTLEBY

Just take it! Go on! Begone demon!

The ticket falls to the floor. Zola moves to speak, stops, sighs, retrieves the fallen ticket, and approaches the door.

Locked.

Zola looks back to Bartleby. Bartleby shakes his head slowly. Zola scoffs, sits on a bench.

Bartleby walks around the counter, stoker in hand, aproaches. Closer. Closer. Bartleby pokes her.

ZOLA

What the hell!

BARTLEBY

You mustn't stay.

ZOLA

Unlock the door and I won't.

BARTLEBY

No. It can't be done.

ZOLA

Lose the key or something?

BARTLEBY

There is no key.

ZOLA

Oh yea? And I suppose it just magically opens for whoever believes hard enough, huh?

BARTLEBY

No.

ZOLA

What then? What? Am I not good enough or something?

BARTLEBY

No.

ZOLA

No I'm not good enough or no something else?

BARTLEBY

Neither.

ZOLA

It can't be neither.

BARTLEBY

It is.

ZOLA

How?

BARTLEBY

It just is.

ZOLA

Well how am I supposed to

The door opens, closes. A middle aged man, RABBI, stumbles into the room. Bartleby turns on his heels and feigns a false smile.

BARTLEBY

Tickets?

The rabbi rummages through his pocekts, mumbles, grumbles.

RABBI

Yes...no...I must've misplaced them.

BARTLEBY

A price yet paid.

RABBI

Yes, yes. Of course. Of course. Lets see here.

The rabbi withdraws a tooth, a rusted nail, three marbles.

BARTLEBY

Rabbi...

RABBI

Yes?

BARTLEBY

Company policy.

The rabbi sighs.

RABBI

Yes, yes, well, have at it then.

The rabbi irritably shoves a pebble into Bartleby's hand. The rabbi smiles, nods, and steps behind the counter, withdrawing a set of tickets.

RABBI

Just one, this evening, thank you.

BARTLEBY

Oh?

RABBI

Just a rather unfortunate misunderstanding.

BARTLEBY

A strange omend.

ZOLA

I think it's all a bunch of fooey.

RABBI

And who, pray tell, strange girl, are you?

ZOLA

Me? I'm nobody, thats who.

RABBI

Bartleby?

Bartleby shrugs, sits on a stool. The rabbi studies the young woman, sighs.

RABBI

Forgive me, won't you? The eyes of God can be rather misgiving.

ZOLA

Are his eyes yours?

The rabbi smiles sadly.

RABBI

Hardly.

ZOLA

Then mistrust, father, is entirely unnecessary.

RABBI

I'm no man's father.

ZOLA

I'm no man.

RABBI

I'm no father.

ZOLA

Father of the lord.

RABBI

A son, at best.

ZOLA

Jesus?

RABBI

One of us.

ZOLA

A virgin?

RABBI

A jew.

ZOLA

And you?

RABBI

A follower.

ZOLA

And how's that working out for you?

RABBI

God works in mysterious ways.

ZOLA

Mysterious, is it? Is that what this is? Slaughtering little girls, that's mysterious to you?

RABBI

What little girl?

ZOLA

Like you would care to know.

RABBI

Please. I implore you...please.

Zola sighs.

ZOLA

On my way here, there was this girl, and she, well, she found me, I guess. I don't know where she was going or what she was doing, but, well, somehow, someway, she found me.

A long pause.

RABBI

Go on.

ZOLA

Well, one way or another, she seemed to know where she was going, so I followed for a while.

RABBI

And?

ZOLA

Well, not too far back, we came across this river. Near-frozen, almost. And there were these tracks, you see, like train tracks or something, running right over the river. And she, well, she jumped right on them. Just two pieces of metal jutting over the water.

RABBI

I know them well.

ZOLA

Well, being just a kid and all that, and not knowing any better, she didn't think much of it. And it was cold, you know, really cold, and wet too. But she was just fine, without a care in the world, wanted me to do just the same too.

RABBI

But?

ZOLA

I wasn't fast enough.

Zola trails off. The rabbi looks away, holding back tears.

RABBI

Blue?

ZOLA

What?

RABBI

Her eyes. Were they blue?

ZOLA

Does it matter?

RABBI

It does

ZOLA

Why? Why? Why does any of this matter? If we're all just gonna end up dead for no good reason why does it matter if her eyes were green or blue or brown or purple for that matter!

The rabbi sighs, shakes his head.

RABBI

You misunderstand me. If she is who you say she is, I know her well. Or, rather, I did.

ZOLA

Oh.

RABBI

Oh indeed.

A door opens, closes. An old woman, BEATRICE, hobbles into the station.

BEATRICE

Ticket, please.

The clerk nods and prepares a ticket. Baeatrice shuffles to the counter.

The old woman stumbles, tumbles, falls. The old woman lays upon the ground, sprawled. Blood trickles from a swollen skull.

Zola drops to her knees, cradles the old woman's head.

ZOLA

Somebody do something!

BARTLEBY

Theres nothing to be done.

RABBI

May God rest her soul.

Zola lurches, pushes, clutches a telephone circa 1931 and holds it close.

ZOLA

Hello? Hello? Operator? We have an emergency! Hello? Hello? Can anyone hear me!

Silence.

Zola grabs Bratleby by the collar.

ZOLA

Whats wrong with this thing?

BARTLEBY

Company use only.

ZOLA

This is an emergency!

BARTLEBY

Company policy.

ZOLA

She's dying!

BARTLEBY

She's dead already.

Zola moves to speak, stops, looks at the old woman.

ZOLA

So thats it then? All this for nothing.

RABBI

May God rest her soul.

ZOLA

And what if he can't? What if he won't?

RABBI

God can and he will. It is his burden.

ZOLA

And what if it isn't? What if you're wrong? What if all there is is this and this is nothing at all.

BARTLEBY

Then she'll still be dead.

Zola glares, stomps out of the station.

The rabbi and Bartleby look to eachother, sigh, and drag the old woman out of the station.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

The two hesitate at a set of steps rotting, look to each other, and set down the dead body.

The rabbi gestures to the stairs, insisting Bartleby lead. Bartleby does just the same. Both deny, shaking their heads.

The two sigh, drag the old woman to the edge of the platform, and kick her over.

Blood splatters. The old woman's head cracked open. The two men climb down the steps and to the rotting carcass.

The two pick up the cadevar and carry her into darkness.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

The two men heave, haw, drop the old woman.

BARTLEBY

Shovels?

RABBI

I thought you had em.

BARTLEBY

I was carrying the old woman.

RABBI

What do you think I was doing?

BARTLEBY

Well I'm not going back there just because you forgot a couple of shovels.

RABBI

And you think I will?

BARTLEBY

Someone has to.

RABBI

Well what about that young woman?

BARTLEBY

What about her?

RABBI

Can't she go get them?

BARTLEBY

Do you see her?

RABBI

Call out to her.

BARTLEBY

You think she's just gonna follow us like a lost little puppy?

The rabbi nods to the woods across the river.

BARTLEBY

Why would she go back there?

RABBI

In search for Audrey.

BARTLEBY

She won't be there.

RABBI

I know that.

BARTLEBY

We must hurry.

RABBI

Yes. We must.

BARTLEBY

The shovels.

RABBI

They're needed.

BARTLEBY

So?

RABBI

What about the young woman?

BARTLEBY

Call out to her, if so tormented.

RABBI

We must find her.

BARTLEBY

Not before we bury her.

RABBI

But the shovels.

BARTLEBY

Yes, much needed.

RABBI

So redeem them, and I'll find the young woman.

BARTLEBY

We can't leave her here abandoned.

RABBI

Lives are at stake.

BARTLEBY

More than one.

RABBI

And what about Audrey?

BARTLEBY

One thing at a time.

RABBI

Your superstitions are suffocating.

BARTLEBY

You're no better.

RABBI

God is hardly a superstition.

BARTLEBY

Only in the eyes of the beholder.

RABBI

Pray.

BARTLEBY

Pardon?

RABBI

Pray, and I will fetch the shovels.

Bartleby sighs, glares.

BARTLEBY

This is a joke to you.

RABBI

Hardly.

Bartleby presses his hands together, closes his eyes.

RABBI

On your knees.

Bartleby grunts, groans, falls to his knees, prays quietly.

BARTLEBY

Happy?

RABBI

Never.

BARTLEBY

But the shovels?

RABBI

What is a man without his word?

BARTLEBY

God.

RABBI

Or a godless man?

BARTLEBY

One and the same.

RABBI

God will smite you for that.

BARTLEBY

And the shovels?

The rabbi huffs, glares, and stomps into darkness.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

The rabbi grumbles, mumbles, moans, stumbles up the steps, to the door. Push, pull, locked.

The rabbi groans, sulks to the window, looks through shattered glass, pauses, sighs.

A snap. A crack. The rabbi turns on his toes.

Before the rabbi stands a middle aged woman, OPHELIA, tired, wrinkled, a shotgun aimed at him. The rabbi smirks.

Wood shatters. The rabbi screams. A hole punched through the wall.

OPHELIA

Next time I don't plan on much missin.

RABBI

Yes, well, thats certainly out of the question.

OPHELIA

You the one with them tickets?

RABBI

No. Thats Bartleby.

OPHELIA

Who's he?

RABBI

An associate.

OPHELIA

Know him?

RABBI

So said.

OPHELIA

You playin me?

RABBI

Of course not.

OPHELIA

Well you go on and get em and come right on back now, ya hear?

RABBI

Yes, rather, I do, um, how you say, hear. But you see, the crux of the dilemma is, well, this door, you see. Bartleby, well, he's trapped in there.

OPHELIA

Is he now? How'd he go and do that?

RABBI

Well it's all rather silly, really

OPHELIA

I ain't none care for none of that tom foolery. Just tell me how to get in there and I'll go and find him.

RABBI

Yes. Yes. Of course. Well, you see, the window there, the one broken into, well that window there leads directly to where we need to. If you could simply crawl in, avoiding glass as best you can, then I could lead you to where you need to.

OPHELIA

That so?

RABBI

Upon my mothers grave.

Ophelia cackles, scoffs.

OPHELIA

Might as well be swearing on water.

RABBI

What then?

Ophelia considers the offer.

OPHELIA

On that fancy button of yours.

RABBI

My cufflings?

OPHELIA

Less you be lying.

The rabbi hesitates, fingers his cufflings.

RABBI

No. No. Certainly not. I swear on my prized cufflings.

OPHELIA

Good. Cus I best be holding ya to em.

Ophelia climbs up the steps, to the window, clears glass, and climbs through.

Metal thunders. Flesh upon wood. The door opens.

OPHELIA

There ain't not a single person nowhere in there.

Ophelia clutches the Rabbi with callused knuckles.

RABBI

Okay. Okay. Yes. Yes. That's true. That's true. But

Ophelia's grip tightens. The rabbi winces.

RABBI

But...he may not be in there, but what you need is.

OPHELIA

You be trickin!

RABBI

No. No. No tricks, none, I swear to you. If we could simply acquire a couple of shovels

OPHELIA

Shovels?

RABBI

Yes, shovels.

OPHELIA

What we go and need shovels for?

RABBI

Bartleby.

OPHELIA

Who?

RABBI

The clerk.

OPHELIA

The what?

RABBI

The man who sells tickets.

OPHELIA

Well why didn't you just done say so!

Ophelia tosses the Rabbi aside.

RABBI

Yes. Yes. My mistake, certainly.

OPHELIA

Well. Where they be at?

The rabbi climbs to his feet, tries to step past, held back.

OPHELIA

You ain't goin nowhere but here, father.

RABBI

Rabbi.

OPHELIA

Father Rabbi, then.

RABBI

Well we can't leave without them.

OPHELIA

And who done said so? I'll go get em. You just sit right there and don't do nothin.

The rabbi sighs, obliges. Ophelia steps back into the station.

Rustling, ruffling, objects breaking. The rabbi winces.

Thrown back. Down. The rabbi groans, rubs his aching skull; two shovels at his side.

OPHELIA

Thats all them that I saw.

RABBI

Thats all there is.

OPHELIA

Well ain't no much for a thank you.

The rabbi moans, groans, climbs to his feet, and gathers the shovels.

RABBI

Thanks.

OPHELIA

Ain't none needed. Now I'll be takin them cufflings of yours.

RABBI

Pardon?

OPHELIA

Had a deal, member? The shovels for them cufflings.

RABBI

That wasn't the deal.

Ophelia cocks her shotgun.

OPHELIA

Best be reconsiderin.

RABBI

This is robbery!

OPHELIA

No, father Rabbi, this is capitalism.

Ophelia holds out her hand. The rabbi glares, drops the shovels, and hands over the cufflings.

OPHELIA

Now go on then. Get to it. Lets go find this ticket fellow.

A long pause. Ophelia steps forward.

OPHELIA

I said, get goin.

The rabbi snatches the shovels and stomps off into darkness. Ophelia chuckles, follows.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Bartleby swings weary limbs over rushing waters, searching the woods with forlorn madness.

Footsteps. Dead leaves. Bartleby jumps to his feet, threatens the stoker once strapped to his back.

The rabbi withdraws from the shadows, holding the shovels.

BARTLEBY

I thought you were somebody else.

Bartleby lowers his weapon

RABBI

I'm not...But she is.

Ophelia steps out of the shadows, aiming her weapon. Bartleby's hand taut upon the stoker.

RABBI

Don't.

BARTLEBY

I got the shot.

Ophelia scoffs.

OPHELIA

With that old thing? Go for it. See if I care. Your good friend over there will be dead long before it.

Bartleby looks at her oddly, smirks.

BARTLEBY

You don't know where we are, do you?

RABBI

Bartleby...

OPHELIA

Whats he talkin about?

RABBI

Don't.

BARTLEBY

Are you not a man of God?

OPHELIA

I ain't no man.

BARTLEBY

Not you.

RABBI

You don't know what its like.

BARTLEBY

Neither do you.

OPHELIA

What you two done talking about?!

RABBI

A coincidence, only.

BARTLEBY

Once, maybe.

RABBI

Twice is hardly true

OPHELIA

Now you two just go on and shut up now! Go on! Stop it.

RABBI

He's not gonna do that.

OPHELIA

Sure he is, when I go and blow your head off.

BARTLEBY

That's no way to bargain.

OPHELIA

No? How about you then?

Ophelia pivots, turns, shots fired.

Ophelia falls to the ground, a stoker in the head, dead. Bartleby brushes dirt off calm shoulders.

The rabbi glares.

BARTLEBY

What else could I do?

RABBI

Just give her what she wanted.

BARTLEBY

I can't do that.

RABBI

Whats a couple of tickets to you?

BARTLEBY

The company doesn't negotiate with terrorists.

RABBI

She had money! Jewls!

BARTLEBY

What jewls?

RABBI

Diamond studded silver cufflings.

BARTLEBY

Your cufflings?

The rabbi glares.

BARTLEBY

The company doesn't deal in stolen property.

RABBI

Lets just bury her and get this over with.

BARTLEBY

Who?

RABBI

The old lady, thats who.

BARTLEBY

And the young woman too.

RABBI

Are you stupid?

BARTLEBY

God would want us to.

RABBI

God doesn't want men playing God.

BARTLEBY

Then why let us?

The rabbi curses under his breath, tosses one of the shovels, and stomps to the old woman, digging just beside her.

RABBI

If you wanna bury her, that's your perogative. But don't think I'm gonna have anything to do with a motivated suicide.

BARTLEBY

Who could blame you?

EXT. ROAD - NIGHT

Exhausted, Zola makes her way down a dirt road, paralell with tracks perpetually rusting.

Zola trips, falls, curses, groans, sits, reaches into her pocket.

Panic. Despair. Desperation. One pocket. Another. Another.

Lurching, leaping, searching, not finding. Zola grows frantic, wild.

A shimmer in the darkness. Zola leaps, growls, looks all around, calms, studies the dropped coin. A false light flickers in its scorched reflection.

Zola looks up, a light in the distance.

Zola looks back towards unending darkness, sighs, and heads towards the light.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

Zola climbs up weathered steps, lethargic, head down, pauses, stops. Broken glass astrewn across a rotting platform. A door swaying, closed, open.

Zola screams, punches her hand into the wall, wails, cradles injured knuckles, looks around, sighs, and steps into the station.

INT. STATION - NIGHT

An oil lamp flickers, soft, stubborn. A brutal wind. The door slams shut. The light goes out.

Push. Pull. Locked.

Zola groans.

Zola cautiously steps over glass, to the broken window. Shadows moving in the distance.

Zola ducks, curses, crawls around the counter and reaches for the stoker: gone.

Zola searches the drawers, a box of matches.

Footsteps. Creaking wood. Flesh upon metal.

Zola kicks, smashes, pulls loose plywood, lights a match, then the wood.

The door flies open. Zola jumps to her feet, a knife thrown at her.

Splinter, pierce. A wall caught afire. Zola uninjured. Ophelia steps out of the shadows.

OPHELIA

I would go and get going if I were you.

Zola winces at the growing heat behind her, refuses to leave the cover of the counter.

ZOLA

Who are you?

OPHELIA

A friend.

ZOLA

Some friend you are.

OPHELIA

Rather suffer?

ZOLA

No different.

OPHELIA

Believe me, buddy, it's a hell of a lot worse.

Zola shakes her head, doesn't move.

Ophelia lunges, lurches, a knife at Zola's throat.

OPHELIA

Lets go have a talk now, shall we?

Zola swallows hard, nods. Ophelia throws her over the counter. Zola gorans, hesitates.

OPHELIA

Try it. See what happens.

Zola lurches, grabs, drags. Ophelia thrown to the ground, Zola on top.

Struggling, strangling. Ophelia reaches, a hand smashed, broken. Screams of misery.

Coughing. Choking. Not breathing. Ophelia goes limp.

Zola sighs, lets go.

Zola climbs to her feet, smoke spiraling, suffocating. Zola hesitates, shakes her head, and limps towards the door.

Push. Pull. Locked.

Zola scrams, kicks, slams, stumbles towards the window.

A feral howl. Zola falls to the floor. A knife struck through her foot, lodged in the wood.

Ophelia coughs, gags, limps, just out of reach.

OPHELIA

Like I done said, you just shoulda got.

Ophelia crawls out the window and into the darkness.

Zola reaches, grabs, winces, pulls. Harder, harder, harder. The knife won't budge.

A feral flame gathers.

Zola clutches the telephone, yelps, sooths burned palms, clenches her teeth, and wrenches the phone out of the wall.

Zola slams the phone into the knife. Again. Again. Again.

The knife loosens. Zola free.

Zola lurches, leaps, jumps out the window.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

The sky afire. Zola limps off the platform and to the dewd grass, falling to her knees, catching her breath.

A shadow nears. Zola tries to stand, can't.

Closer. Closer. Just beyond the shadows.

Zola falls to the ground, unconcious.

Shadows lift Zola and carry her into the wild.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Cursing, grumbling, groaning. Zola moans, comes to.

Bartleby and the rabbi whisper, argue. Zola sits up.

ZOLA

What happened?

The two jump, turn.

RABBI

I told you she was breathing.

BARTLEBY

Caution corrupts few.

RABBI

Except her body buried alive.

BARTLEBY

An honest mistake.

ZOLA

Buried?

BARTLEBY

We thought you were dead.

RABBI

We didn't. He did.

ZOLA

You thought I was dead?

BARTLEBY

A logical conclusion.

ZOLA

You didn't even check to see if I was breathing?

BARTLEBY

Oh how our efforts were thwarted!

ZOLA

Thwarted?

RABBI

A dangerous woman will soon be upon us.

ZOLA

You too?

BARTLEBY

And you called me a kook!

RABBI

You may be mistaken.

BARTLEBY

Twice?

RABBI

Hardly.

BARTLEBY

Almost a third.

RABBI

Just a fluke.

BARTLEBY

What do you know?

RABBI

But little. This proof, however, seems much more telling.

The rabbi points to Zola.

BARTLEBY

Hardly. Let me ask you something.

ZOLA

Okay.

BARTLEBY

Did you see any injuries about her?

ZOLA

Injuries?

BARTLEBY

You know, a limp, blood, a wound.

ZOLA

I don't recall any.

BARTLEBY

See! There you have it. What more do you need?

RABBI

Are you sure? Are you absolutely certain? You didn't see any sort of defect, whatsoever?

ZOLA

Well, I don't think so, but

RABBI

But?

ZOLA

Well it all happened so quickly. I guess maybe I could be mistaken.

RABBI

In all liklihood, yes, unfortunately. Stress so often corrupts our memory. My apologies, Bartleby, but this witness is nothing.

BARTLEBY

Now you're just grasping at false feathers!

RABBI

Possibly. But as far as I can tell, the old lady is no different.

Bartleby frowns.

BARTLEBY

Yes. They certainly seem to be taking ages with her.

ZOLA

What are you talking about?

RABBI

The girl.

ZOLA

Pardon?

RABBI

Have you seen her?

ZOLA

No. I don't think so.

BARTLEBY

The diner, perhaps.

RABBI

I'm afraid so.

The two shoulder shovels and lumber off into darkness.

Zola struggles to her feet, limps, follows.

EXT. DINER - NIGHT

The three pause at the sight of lights.

ZOLA

I've been up and down these banks a thousand times and I've never once seen this place before.

BARTLEBY

Imagination, dear, is the difference between searching and finding.

RABBI

When the lights are out, you could walk right by and not even notice. It just so happens the diner just opened.

ZOLA

But the little girl. You said she was here. How could she be when

RABBI

Better to see.

The rabbi nods to Bartleby. Bartleby smirks, smiles, and swaggers to the front.

A syncopated knock. Push. Pull. Locked.

BARTLEBY

Strange.

ZOLA

Is it?

RABBI

Rather odd.

ZOLA

Maybe I should try.

The two cackle.

BARTLEBY

A door locked for me is just as locked for you.

Zola steps to the door, hesitates, steps back, further, farther, gathers breath, charges.

Bone shatters. Wood splinters. Zola screams, clutches her shoulder.

BARTLEBY

You're rather tenacious, aren't you?

RABBI

Force, Zola, will do little good.

ZOLA

Oh ya?

Clutching her shoulder, Zola turns back to the door and kicks. The door falls in, empty within.

Bartleby smiles, nods his gratitude, and steps in. Zola looks to the Rabbi.

The rabbi sighs, walks past Zola, and steps into the diner. Zola hesitates, follows.

INT. DINER - NIGHT

Bartleby sits at a booth, studying a menu.

BARTLEBY

Close the door behind you.

ZOLA

How?

BARTLEBY

There's a toolbox under the counter. Hammer. Nails. That sort of thing.

ZOLA

What? Why?

BARTLEBY

The hour draws near.

ZOLA

What's that supposed to mean?

RABBI

Better to act now and ask questions later.

The rabbi drops the toolbox onto the counter.

ZOLA

Alone?

BARTLEBY

A mess of your making.

RABBI

May God be with you.

Zola glares, snatches the toolbox, and stomps towards the gaping hole where the door once was.

A horrific scream.

ZOLA

What was that?

BARTLEBY

The hour we feared.

RABBI

You better hurry.

ZOLA

Why don't you help me?

BARTLEBY

Your burden only.

ZOLA

Not if we're all killed by whatever's out there.

Bartleby shrugs.

ZOLA

And you?

RABBI

God's craftman only.

ZOLA

Well I think God would really appreciate it if you at least tried to helped me.

BARTLEBY

What good is this? Squabbling like toddlers. If you were not so selfish, the door would be back already.

ZOLA

Screw you!

Zola heaves the toolbox and stomps out of the diner.

RABBI

Look what you've done.

BARTLEBY

What did I do?

RABBI

Whats a few nails to you?

BARTLEBY

And you?

RABBI

You know what happened last time.

BARTLEBY

So I had faith.

RABBI

If she goes out there she's gonna get killed.

BARTLEBY

Probably.

RABBI

And?

BARTLEBY

I'll bury her.

RABBI

Is death nothing to you?

BARTLEBY

How can it be, when theres so much hereafter?

The rabbi scoffs, shakes his head, and stomps out of the diner.

EXT. DINER - NIGHT

Zola limps off into the wilderness. The rabbi runs after.

RABBI

Now just wait! Stop.

ZOLA

I don't know why I keep with you two. All you ever do is belittle and abuse.

RABBI

You must understand.

ZOLA

Whats to understand?

RABBI

The company, you see. As employees

ZOLA

What? They'll kill you?

The rabbi hesitates.

ZOLA

You're not serious, are you?

RABBI

He didn't want to tell you.

ZOLA

And you?

RABBI

Slave labor.

ZOLA

You're kidding.

RABBI

The cost of treason.

Zola scoffs.

RABBI

If you don't fix that we'll all be in trouble.

ZOLA

Not my problem.

RABBI

But it is, Zola. You're no different.

ZOLA

According to who?

RABBI

The company.

ZOLA

See if they can find me.

RABBI

They will.

ZOLA

Whats it to you?

RABBI

I was once no different.

ZOLA

I'm sure.

RABBI

It's true. I once saw myself as a hero too.

ZOLA

And now?

RABBI

A villain, just like you.

Zola scoffs. The rabbi looks back to the diner, hesitates, and chases after.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Zola limps along the river bank, the rabbi close behind.

RABBI

I'm afraid this is all in vain.

ZOLA

You and what army?

RABBI

Confidence can be rather deceiving.

ZOLA

Not confidence. Assuredness.

RABBI

Of what?

ZOLA

If they come after me they'll come after you too.

RABBI

Your faith, dear Zola, is dearly misplaced.

ZOLA

Wasn't God all about forgiveness and all that?

RABBI

The company isn't God.

ZOLA

Then what are you so afraid of?

RABBI

There are things far worse than death.

ZOLA

And who are they to threaten God?

RABBI

Ignorance is bliss.

ZOLA

More like a burden.

RABBI

Not when you meet the company.

ZOLA

You all keep talking about them as if they're some big scary monster but all I've seen is you and Bartleby and that dead old woman.

RABBI

A blessing if there ever was.

ZOLA

But I will?

RABBI

Every ticket has its price.

ZOLA

Nothing so far has.

RABBI

Sunk costs.

ZOLA

What is?

RABBI

You are.

ZOLA

Because of the door?

RABBI

Because you won't listen.

ZOLA

Maybe I want to work for the company. I hear they offer great benifits.

RABBI

Your jest is a hoax, I know, but naive nonetheless.

ZOLA

Why don't you just quit? If this company is so awful, why don't you just leave?

RABBI

There's nowhere to go.

ZOLA

There's a whole world out there that would beg to differ.

RABBI

I'm afraid you're mistaken.

ZOLA

How could I possibly be misraken?

RABBI

The woods. The station. The diner. That's all there is.

ZOLA

Don't you have a family? A home?

RABBI

Long ago.

ZOLA

Well I do, and I'm going home.

RABBI

You don't have a home.

ZOLA

Just as much as anyone else.

RABBI

Where?

ZOLA

Well I...I...

RABBI

You don't remember.

ZOLA

Well maybe not at this moment, no, but

RABBI

You won't.

ZOLA

I'm sorry?

RABBI

You won't.

ZOLA

How do you know?

RABBI

No one does. Not me or Bartleby or the little girl either. All there is is this.

ZOLA

That can't be true.

RABBI

Why not?

ZOLA

Where would you sleep?

RABBI

We don't.

ZOLA

Everyone sleeps.

RABBI

Everyone who's someone. But here, we're no one.

ZOLA

Sounds like a man called crazy got to you a little early.

RABBI

Tell me, Zola, what do you remember?

Zola stops, hesitates.

ZOLA

Whats it to you?

RABBI

You can't remember, can you? Not last night or last week or twenty years ago since. All you know is this, just like everyone else.

ZOLA

So my memory is a little foggy. So what? That doesn't mean anything.

RABBI

There is no escaping this Zola. The company will find you. They always do.

ZOLA

So I should just give up then? Like you and Bartleby?

RABBI

Concessions must be made, yes, but hardly a sacrifice. The company asks for little, participation, only.

ZOLA

You mean slavery.

RABBI

How's this any different?

ZOLA

I'm free.

RABBI

Are you? Constantly looking over your shoulder. What freedom is that?

ZOLA

Better than this.

RABBI

You're delusional.

ZOLA

What do you care? Whats it to you? Why does it matter what I do?

RABBI

This is about more than just me and you. Don't think of yourself, nor Bartleby neither, nor the dead old woman for that matter, or even the woman who tried to have you killed. Think of the little girl. Have you thought about her?

ZOLA

What good will that do?

RABBI

She works for the company too.

ZOLA

Worked for the company. She's gone.

RABBI

But you never found her.

ZOLA

I didn't have to.

RABBI

I'm afraid you are still mislead by a past forgotten.

ZOLA

Indulge me, then, why don't you?

RABBI

Bartleby killed her.

ZOLA

Who?

RABBI

The woman who tried to kill you.

Zola scoffs.

ZOLA

Sure he did.

RABBI

I saw so myself.

ZOLA

And who's to say there's not more than one. Its not like people are all that uncommon.

RABBI

No. But that was her.

ZOLA

Now who's delusional?

RABBI

You don't understand. We buried her.

ZOLA

What? You think she's some sort of zombie or something?

RABBI

Or something.

ZOLA

And how does God feel about that? Resurrecting the dead?

RABBI

He and the company feel rather the same.

ZOLA

How's that?

RABBI

Rather indifferent.

Zola scoffs, shakes her head.

ZOLA

Whatever gets you out of bed, I guess.

Zola walks off.

RABBI

I know where she is. The girl. I can find her.

Zola stops.

ZOLA

Where?

RABBI

Where she always is.

ZOLA

And if you can't?

RABBI

All the same.

Zola hesitates, stares at the rushing waters.

ZOLA

Where?

RABBI

Back at the diner.

ZOLA

You're kidding.

RABBI

I rarely jest.

ZOLA

We were just there.

RABBI

Not in the kitchen.

Zola heaves a heavy sigh.

ZOLA

If she's not there I want you to drop this whole thing. Leave me alone, don't bother me anymore.

RABBI

I would expect nothing less.

ZOLA

And another thing, also. If she is there, by some god forsaken miracle, I'm taking her with me, wherever that is.

RABBI

That, I'm afraid, isn't up to you.

ZOLA

Then no deal.

RABBI

See her or not, it makes no difference to me.

ZOLA

Why does it?

RABBI

Pardon?

ZOLA

Why do you care what happens to me? If the girl is back at the diner, just like you said, then why the hell do you still need me?

RABBI

God is the absence of none.

ZOLA

You're in love.

RABBI

With human kind, yes.

ZOLA

And the company...When they find us, what will they do?

RABBI

God only knows.

ZOLA

I'm pretty sure you have a pretty good idea of what they'll do.

RABBI

Speculation only.

ZOLA

Then whats the use?

RABBI

Regret, Zola, is no easy burden.

ZOLA

Nothing is ever worth all that.

RABBI

Not even the little girl, when the company finds her?

ZOLA

You said they already had her.

RABBI

Not like this.

Zola studies the rabbi.

ZOLA

Don't expect anything else after this.

RABBI

When this night ends, I'll never speak again.

EXT. DINER - NIGHT

Zola limps along beside the rabbi as they make they're way towards the diner, pausing at the precipice, staring within.

Beyond the gaping hole where the door once was lies Bartleby, on the floor, bleeding.

The two quicken their pace into the diner.

INT. DINER - NIGHT

Zola kneels next to Bartleby, the rabbi searches the diner.

ZOLA

What happened?

RABBI

The company.

A whoosh. A bang. A feral whistle.

RABBI

We have to go.

ZOLA

Theres nowhere to go

RABBI

The kitchen.

The rabbi clutches, pulls, drags Zola into the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Behinds pots, pans, counters, stoves, the two hide, crouching low.

Squealing. Squawking. Footsteps heavy.

ZOLA

What the hell is that?

Zola turns to look; the rabbi squeezes her arm.

RABBI

I wouldn't.

Zola shrugs him off and peaks through the window.

There, above Brtleby, stands the figure of a man. A man not of flesh, but crawling, scurrying rats. Up and down, back and forth, feigning the shape of human form.

The figure turns towards them. Zola ducks, hides, terrified.

ZOLA

What the hell is that thing?

RABBI

An employee.

ZOLA

Is it, I mean, human?

RABBI

A long time since.

ZOLA

What happened to him?

RABBI

Treason is a dangerous offence.

Footsteps linger, approach.

Closer. Closer. Closer.

The figure looks in through the window, the two just below.

The figure studies the kitchen. A long, trepidatious pause. Zola holds her breath.

Footsteps fade.

Zola peeks over the counter. The figure gone.

RABBI

She'll be back.

ZOLA

When?

RABBI

Soon.

ZOLA

And the little girl?

RABBI

Safe. Considering.

ZOLA

You said she'd be here.

RABBI

I said she might.

ZOLA

What if he got her?

RABBI

She didn't.

ZOLA

How do you know?

RABBI

Because she'd be there with Bartleby.

Zola turns back to Bartleby, grimaces.

RABBI

We have to go.

ZOLA

Where?

RABBI

To the station.

ZOLA

Burned down, remember?

RABBI

No matter.

The rabbi stands, holds out his hand.

ZOLA

And him?

RABBI

Comes with us.

ZOLA

A dead man?

RABBI

Even the dead deserve a proper burial.

ZOLA

He won't know any different.

RABBI

I assure you, he just might.

Zola sighs and follows the rabbi into the diner.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Coguhing, gasping, heaving, hacking. The two drop the bloated body.

ZOLA

I don't see why we couldn't just bury him back at the diner.

RABBI

Superstition.

ZOLA

What about it?

The rabbi sighs.

RABBI

He thought the only way back was through this soil.

ZOLA

You're insane.

RABBI

I didn't say I agreed.

ZOLA

Then whats with all this?

RABBI

It's what he wanted.

ZOLA

I don't think he's gonna have much of a say in the matter.

RABBI

Is tradition nothing?

ZOLA

What tradition is this, dragging a dead body halfway across this barren wasteland? What good will it do?

RABBI

Better than none

ZOLA

You believe him, don't you?

RABBI

The odds are ever in his favor.

ZOLA

Probably just washed up by the river.

RABBI

And the woman who tried to kill you?

ZOLA

Just buried a little too early.

RABBI

There was no coming back from that misery.

ZOLA

So you think its more likely Bartleby is the great lord almighty, resurrecting the dead or whatever, than just some sort of grave robbery?

RABBI

Where's the soil?

ZOLA

What?

RABBI

That's where we buried her. Just over there. If she was washed up, or stolen, as you have ir, there would be significant erosion.

ZOLA

Easily hidden.

RABBI

Your skepticism baffles me.

ZOLA

Faith is no luxury.

RABBI

Your faith is stronger than my own.

ZOLA

What faith?

RABBI

Your atheism.

ZOLA

That's not faith. It's fact.

RABBI

Do you know God doesn't exist?

ZOLA

Yes.

RABBI

What proof do you have?

ZOLA

How about the world? Science? Evolution?

RABBI

Is that not proof of God?

ZOLA

That's no proof at all.

RABBI

Then what proof do you have?

ZOLA

It's entirely illogical.

RABBI

Any more than this?

ZOLA

The burden of proof doesn't lie on the accused.

RABBI

Is it not God who is accused, if you are to argue he is not true?

ZOLA

It makes no sense. Some man in the sky deciding everything we do.

RABBI

But qauntam physics. Simulataneously being and not being, that, dear Zola, is you're so-called science.

ZOLA

That can be proven.

RABBI

Shrodinger's cat can't be proven. Thats the paradox.

ZOLA

That doesn't have anything to do with anything.

RABBI

You have your faith, and I have mine. Who's to say who's right and who's wrong? Faith is all I have, and thats enough. But you, what good does it do, believing in nothing at all? What joy will that bring you?

ZOLA

The joy of knowing I'm right.

RABBI

But you don't know, do you?

ZOLA

I don't have to.

RABBI

Yes. Yes. Of course. Because you have faith.

ZOLA

Don't you have to bury somebody.

RABBI

Ah yes, Bartleby. The shovels, please?

ZOLA

I was the one carrying the body.

RABBI

And what, pray tell, do you think I was doing?

ZOLA

Well if you want to go back there again then go ahead and have at it. I already did my part, lugging him all the way out here.

The rabbi sighs, nods, turns to go. Zola grabs him by the arm.

ZOLA

Aren't you forgetting something?

RABBI

Hardly.

ZOLA

The gun, dummy. That thing might come back for you.

The rabbi shakes his head.

RABBI

It is not me they are missing.

Zola searches the premises.

ZOLA

What do they want me for?

RABBI

They already have me.

ZOLA

What does that mean?

RABBI

It means they won't hurt me.

ZOLA

Like they didn't hurt Bartleby.

RABBI

He refused to cooperate.

ZOLA

But you won't?

RABBI

It's not about cooperation. It's about the illusion of it.

ZOLA

You're gonna lie? You? Father rabbi. Isn't that like a sin or something?

RABBI

God is ever forgiving.

ZOLA

And if they kill you?

RABBI

Zion awaits.

ZOLA

And if I bury you?

RABBI

Zion will wait.

ZOLA

You shouldn't go alone.

RABBI

Who would watch the body?

ZOLA

No need.

RABBI

I was told there were grave robbers.

ZOLA

Theres nothing to rob.

RABBI

There is still much yet stolen.

ZOLA

What? Like his soul or something?

The rabbi smiles halfheartedly.

RABBI

Not everything is so esoteric.

ZOLA

What then?

RABBI

If they take his body, how will we bury him?

ZOLA

They would've done so already.

RABBI

Not the company.

ZOLA

Who then?

The rabbi shakes his head.

RABBI

A body left dead always goes missing.

ZOLA

Then you stay here and I'll go get the shovels.

RABBI

The company is no danger for people like me.

ZOLA

Bartleby would vehmently disagree.

RABBI

He was always fickle when it came to the company.

ZOLA

But you, on the other hand.

RABBI

I do what I have to.

ZOLA

Is that what happened to your friend? You did what you had to.

The rabbi winces, goes sour.

RABBI

You will abstain from mentioning her again.

ZOLA

Yea? Why's that? You turn her into a rat king too?

The rabbi pounces, clutches, fingers tight around Zola's neck.

Tighter. Tighter. Coughing. Choking. Gagging. Suffocating.

Zola flails, bashes, grows weaker, weaker, sweeps the rabbi's legs. The two fall to the ground.

Lurch, grab, clutch. Zola aims the shotgun. The rabbi leans into the barrel.

RABBI

Do what I never could.

Zola hesitates, finger taut upon the trigger.

RABBI

Go on. Do it. Shoot me. Kill me. Free me from this misery.

Zola twiches. Shivers.

Two shots fired.

A long, impenetrable silence.

Zola trembles, drops the weapon, crawls back towards the river. The rabbi sighs, stands, searches Bartleby's pockets, withdraws a set of bullets, loads the gun, and hands it over.

RABBI

I suggest, when it comes to the woman in question, we speak no more of her, yes?

Zola nods.

RABBI

I may be wrong. I may be a kook. But there is no harm in hope.

The rabbi walks off into darkness.

EXT. DINER - NIGHT

False luminescence flickers with an ominous toll, buzzing with dozens of electric volts.

Cautiously, hesitantly, the rabbi steps up to the diner, the gaping hole replaced by a door.

The rabbi scans the perimeter, approaches the door.

Push. Pull. Locked. The rabbi sighs. Footsteps behind.

The rabbi turns to find the monstrous figure of scurrying rats.

RABBI

You didn't have to kill him.

The figure hisses.

RABBI

I know. I know. You had an agreement. But what good will it do? Killing me too?

Again the figure hisses.

RABBI

Well if its all come to that you might as well just get it over with.

The figure doesn't move.

RABBI

No? Then open the door. Theres a couple of shovels I require

The figure slithers past the rabbi, to the door, pushes, shoves, opens.

RABBI

Was that so hard?

The figure turns towards the rabbi, staring with three dozen eyes.

RABBI

I didn't know, you know. About all this. The company said it'd all work out...in the end.

A forlorned moan.

RABBI

I suppose it did.

The rabbi walks into the station. The horrid figure follows, closing the door behind it.

INT. DINER - NIGHT

The rabbi lumbers towards a booth, recieves forgotten shovels, and steps back towards the door, stops. The figure stands before him.

RABBI

I don't want to do this.

The figure groans.

RABBI

Please...don't.

The figure moans.

RABBI

I...I...I can't. You know that.

The figure takes a step closer, inches from him.

RABBI

If I could, I would. But I can't, so I can't.

The figure grabs the rabbi's arm, shovelvs in hand, and presses its face against the metal.

RABBI

I won't do it. I won't. If it comes to all that, to me or you, it has to be you. It has to be you. You have to understand, this was the only way. Kill you. Murder you. Slaughter you. That's what they wanted. Cold blood. Metal and flesh. Just like that. Without a second thought. A broken contract, thats what they said. And me. Me. I had to do it. That or everything else. Everything we know. Everyone we love. You included. So I made the decision. I made the bargain. It was me. Don't you see? I was supposed to be you. I'm supposed to be you. But your goddamn stupid pride! You ruined me, you know that. Not a moment goes by when I don't think about you. And when I look at you, when I look at this. I can't. I can't. I'm sorry. I just...I can't.

The figure slinks to the side.

The rabbi shoulders his shovel, wipes tears from his eyes, and steps out of the diner.

EXT. DINER - NIGHT

The rabbi looks back to the horrid figure, hardens, and slips into darkness. The figure follows.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Zola sits, perched next to the dead body, drawing figures in the dirt, soil.

Rustling. Shuffling. Zola aims, cocks her weapon.

ZOLA

Rabbi?

From the shadows withdraws Ophelia. Zola jumps to her feet.

ZOLA

Don't you dare move!

Ophelia slows, doesn't stop.

A shot fired. Dirt scattered. Ophelia freezes.

ZOLA

Next one won't be so generous.

OPHELIA

And you?

ZOLA

Something tells me the rabbi might reconsider burying you.

OPHELIA

Believe all that, do ya?

ZOLA

You're one for skepticism.

OPHELIA

Dig her up then. Prove me wrong. If I'm her and she's me, there's nothing much worth finding.

Zola hesitates. Ophelia steps closer, closer. Zola's finger tight upon the trigger.

OPHELIA

You won't kill me. You can't. You know just as well as I do that all this ain't worth nothin.

A shot fired. Ophelia screams, drops to her knees.

OPHELIA

You bitch!

Ophelia clutches a gaping hole where muscle once was, part of her leg gone.

Zola cocks her weapon.

ZOLA

I told you what would happen.

Ophelia smirks, struggles, strains, climbs to her feet, approaches.

Closer. Closer. Closer.

Zola cocks her gun, threatens, pulls the trigger.

Click. Clack. No ammunition.

Ophelia clutches, grabs, smashes the weapon into Zola.

Zola falls back, down, bruised, beaten, bleeding.

Ophelia chucks the weapon into the river, straddles Zola, and holds a knife to her throat.

OPHELIA

This one, I promise you, is loaded, and I don't much plan on missin.

ZOLA

What good will it do? Killing me too. What good will that do?

OPHELIA

It'll sure as hell make me feel a whole lot better.

ZOLA

You and the company, right?

Ophelia smashes the butt end of the knife into Zola.

Zola groans, moans, spits blood.

OPHELIA

Don't you ever none mention them again.

ZOLA

I'm sure you'll make sure of that.

OPHELIA

Ain't you even know nothin?

ZOLA

About what?

OPHELIA

Bout them. Those people.

ZOLA

The company?

Ophelia glares. Zola smirks.

OPHELIA

That rabbi been good and lyin to you. He ain't none care nothin bout you. Nor me neither. All this bout some religious sect, some holy spirit or whatever. That ain't what this is. That ain't nothin.

ZOLA

Then please, enlighten me.

Ophelia sighs, lowers her weapon.

OPHELIA

Ain't not a word that'll do much of nothin.

ZOLA

Then why don't you just go on and kill me already.

OPHELIA

You get on that train and I'll show you how it is.

ZOLA

Train? You mean

OPHELIA

Them tickets ain't just for lookin. Come get going and before you know it

Ophelia falls to the ground. The rabbi drops his bloodied shovel.

ZOLA

What are you doing?!

RABBI

Me? She had a knife pointed at you!

ZOLA

She wasn't gonna use it!

RABBI

Don't be stupid.

The rabbi hands over the bloodied shovel.

RABBI

Lets get to it.

Zola hesitates, shakes her head.

ZOLA

No.

RABBI

Don't be difficult.

ZOLA

I wanna know whats going on.

RABBI

She tried to kill you. There's no more to it.

ZOLA

Then why didn't she?

RABBI

She's stupid.

ZOLA

A knife in hand and she didn't even use it.

RABBI

Neither did you.

ZOLA

Thats different.

RABBI

Different how?

ZOLA

Out of ammunition.

RABBI

Two shots fired at that distance? No one misses. Not even you.

ZOLA

I didn't.

RABBI

Just made her angry.

ZOLA

If she wanted me dead she would've killed me already.

The rabbi scoffs.

RABBI

You're a fool, Zola. You think she cares about you?

ZOLA

I think you're not telling me the truth.

RABBI

And what truth is that?

ZOLA

About these bodies, these tickets, that train.

The rabbi sighs.

RABBI

Paranoia is all. Now help me bury this body.

ZOLA

No.

RABBI

What?

ZOLA

I won't. I'll bury her, but not him.

RABBI

I wouldn't do that.

ZOLA

Why? Terrified I might actually know something.

RABBI

No.

ZOLA

Of course not. Why would you? Probably have this whole town under your thumb!

RABBI

Zola.

ZOLA

What?!

RABBI

She's still breathing.

Zola looks to Ophelia faintly breathing.

RABBI

Unless you'd rather...

Zola glares.

RABBI

Your idea, not mine.

ZOLA

I'd rather wait.

The rabbi scoffs.

RABBI

So she can try and kill you again?

ZOLA

We'll tie her up.

RABBI

With what?

Zola looks away.

RABBI

Look, I'll drag her out, far away, where she's safe, and then I'll come back for you. No harm, no foul. And when she wakes, if she feels so disposed, she can find us

Zola sighs.

ZOLA

How do I know you won't just kill her.

RABBI

Do it yourself if you don't believe me.

ZOLA

How do I know you won't just leave me?

RABBI

Why would I do that, after all this?

Zola sighs.

ZOLA

If I do this...if we do this...you'll take me to the train?

RABBI

If you wish.

Zola studies the rabbi, nods, and drags Ophelia away.

EXT. FIELD - NIGHT

Zola gasps, heaves, drops the torpid body. Gathering breath, Zola turns back towards the river, and walks away.

Stop. Pause. Hesitate.

Zola grumbles, groans, steps back to Ophelia, drops to her knees.

Zola searches her pockets, withdraws a knife, tucks it away.

Zola searches again, finds little, nothing. A final pocket. Zola hesitates.

A coin. Memento Mori. Zola reaches into her own pocket.

A pristine replica of a scorched coin.

A crack. A snap. Zola whips around, hand tight upon a stolen weapon

A small animal darts across the field.

Zola sighs, returns the coin, and walks away.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Zola approaches a six foot hole, a small mound of dirt.

ZOLA

Rabbi?

No response. Zola looks all around, approaches.

Closer. Closer. Closer.

Zola leans over the precipice, looks into the grave.

A blunt weapon. A dull toll. Zola falls into the hole.

Above Zola stands that monstrous figure, that rat of rats, holding a shovel, leering over the fallen woman.

Zola groans, moans.

Darkness.

INT. ROOM - NIGHT

The toll of a whistle. Zola comes to, tied to a chair, gagged. An empty room.

Zola reaches for a pocket, a knife, cuts, slashes.

Rope thins.

Cut. Slash. Blood. Zola winces, drops the knife.

Zola grunts, groans, reaches, lurches, heaves, inches the chair towards the weapon.

Closer. Closer. Zola crashes to the floor.

Zola groans, moans. The monstrous figure steps into the room.

Zola flails.

The figure reaches, grabs, clutches, pulls, rights the chair, removes the gag. Zola spits.

ZOLA

What are you? Some kind of sycophant or something?

The figure withdraws into darkness.

ZOLA

Alright then. Go. Leave. See if I care. Coward.

The figure returns points.

ZOLA

A window. Yea. I get it.

Still the figure points. Zola sighs, turns her head, looks out the window.

The landscape moves.

ZOLA

The train.

The figure nods.

ZOLA

Why?

The figure groans, moans, hisses. Zola shakes her head.

The figure stands, approaches, glowering, menacing.

Closer. Closer. A terrible swing.

Glass shatters. Wind howls. The figure obtains a broken piece.

The figure approaches

ZOLA

Now wait a minute. Just wait. You think I give a shit about them? Not a bit. I'll do whatever you say. You want me to shut up? I'll shut up. I'll do it right now. You just tell me what to do and I'll do it right now. Really. Honestly. I will. Just tell me what you want. Go on. Tell me. Truly. Honestly. You think I give a shit about anyone else? I'll throw them under just as quick. Just tell me what you want. Tell me what you want. You do that and I'll do just that.

The figure hisses, moans, falls to the floor. The figure carves into wood.

ZOLA

What are you

The figure holds a faux finger to its false lips. Zola nods. The figure carves.

Zola mouths the words: PLAY ALONG.

Zola squints, confused.

A door opens, closes. The figure jumps to its feet, salutes.

The little girl, Audrey, steps into the room.

ZOLA

Kid?

Audrey smirks.

AUDREY

Left me for dead, did ya?

ZOLA

I...I...

AUDREY

What? Gave up without a second thought?

ZOLA

I didn't know.

AUDREY

No. You didn't. You don't.

ZOLA

Whats going on?

AUDREY

Thats for you to find out.

Audrey nods. The horrid figure grabs Zola's chair and drags her away.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

White. Bright. Pristine. Eerily clean. Zola dragged into the middle of the room. Audrey follows.

AUDREY

Leave us.

The figure hesitates.

AUDREY

Now.

The figure scurries out of the room.

ZOLA

What happened to you?

AUDREY

I fell into the river if you don't much remember.

ZOLA

But you're here. You're alive. You're okay.

Audrey shakes her head.

AUDREY

I'm not me.

ZOLA

Who else would you be?

AUDREY

Nobody.

ZOLA

What do you mean?

Audrey sighs.

AUDREY

The company.

ZOLA

What do they have to do with anything?

AUDREY

The burials. The graves. Who did you think that was, God?

ZOLA

You don't know what you're saying.

AUDREY

Well I mean nobody knows anything, really. It's all just a guess for the most part really.

ZOLA

This is a joke. You're kidding. You're lying. You don't know what you're saying

Audrey shrugs.

AUDREY

I wish that were true.

ZOLA

Why would anyone do this?

AUDREY

I don't know. They won't just go out and tell me. But just think for a minute, really. I mean, no memories. No hunger. No sleep. No day. No sun. What else could it be?

Zola cackles, scoffs.

ZOLA

How stupid do you think I am? Really?

AUDREY

Rabbi?

A door opens, closes. The rabbi steps into the room, followed closely by the rat like figure.

ZOLA

No. No. You're lying. You're lying. You're making this up. You don't know what you're saying!

RABBI

Zola. Calm down.

ZOLA

Calm? Calm? How can I just be calm? You tie me up and gag me too and just expect me to just be calm?

RABBI

I went through the same thing too.

AUDREY

It's for your own good.

ZOLA

Good? Good? Thats what this is? Kidnapping. Murder. Thats all good?

AUDREY

Murder?

ZOLA

The clerk goddamn't!

AUDREY

Oh yea, I almost forgot. Bartleby?

Bartleby steps into the room.

ZOLA

No. No. You can't do this. This isn't right. This is wrong! You can't do this! You can't do this!

The rabbi sighs, nods to the little girl. The little girl glares. The rabbi nods. The little girl sighs, grabs Bartleby's arm, and steps out of the room.

The rabbi withdraws a knife.

ZOLA

Just do it quick.

Cut. Slice. Snap.

Zola opens her eyes: free.

RABBI

An honest precaution.

ZOLA

Fraid I might kill somebody?

RABBI

Not somebody, someone.

ZOLA

Who?

RABBI

You.

Zola scoffs.

ZOLA

Happen often?

RABBI

Wouldn't be the first.

Zola rubs her wrists.

ZOLA

How do you know any of this?

RABBI

Clues. Legacy. Eachother.

ZOLA

Why wait till now?

RABBI

Didn't know myself.

ZOLA

But why didn't they, them, her?

RABBI

This train, this engine, use to be their's.

ZOLA

But not anymore?

The rabbi shakes his head.

RABBI

A fluke in the system. Something about velocities and vectors. The short of the long of it is, at some point in some time, someone rigged it. A sort of blind eye.

ZOLA

But how do you know they aren't just working for them?

RABBI

Faith, dear Zola, is certainly required.

ZOLA

But why bury the bodies?

RABBI

Only way.

ZOLA

Why?

RABBI

No one knows.

Audrey steps back into the room.

AUDREY

Settled?

ZOLA

What does she know?

RABBI

More than us all.

ZOLA

How?

RABBI

She just does.

ZOLA

But how do you know?

AUDREY

I just do.

ZOLA

And if it was always this way? If this was always here? How would you know any different?

AUDREY

I wouldn't.

ZOLA

So whats to say this isn't just some sort of mass conspiracy? Assuming there even is a company, which, to be honest, I'm not really so sure about anymore honestly. I mean, have any of you ever even met any one from the company? Had any interaction with them whatsoever?

RABBI

And her, Zola? What about her? Is she just nothing too?

The rabbi points to Eve standing off in a corner.

ZOLA

I don't know. Maybe. I mean, how do you know that thing even is anything.

The rabbi scoffs, spits.

RABBI

You'd be better to shut your trap.

Zola cackles.

ZOLA

What threat is death?

The rabbi smiles menacingly.

RABBI

Who said anything about that?

The two glare. The little girl pricks Zola's arm: a syringe. Zola yelps.

ZOLA

What the hell?

AUDREY

Sometimes they chip us sometimes. This makes us better.

ZOLA

So whats the plan then, with all this? Some kind of cous de tas or something?

AUDREY

Somethin like that.

ZOLA

What?

RABBI

Well, supposedly, it's all in your head.

ZOLA

I'm sorry?

AUDREY

The plan was all yours.

ZOLA

Was. Exactly. Not anymore.

AUDREY

But what if it still is?

ZOLA

How could it be?

RABBI

We think part of you, part of us, well, for lack of a better word, lingers. I don't know how or why, but somehow, someway, something stays.

ZOLA

Paranoia is all.

RABBI

Possibly. Yes.

AUDREY

But maybe not.

ZOLA

Well I don't remember anything, so you might as well just forget about it.

RABBI

Recall requires more than reluctance.

ZOLA

Like what?

RABBI

Stress hormones, cortisol and the like. Something about it releases fractions, moments, scattered memories.

ZOLA

So solve a quadratic.

AUDREY

It's not that easy.

ZOLA

Why the hell not?

RABBI

It must be life threatening.

ZOLA

Put a gun to your head.

RABBI

You have to believe it.

ZOLA

Then do it.

AUDREY

Don't be stupid.

ZOLA

If none of this matters, why does any of it matter? Why not just kill yourself and get it all over with?

AUDREY

And start all over?!

ZOLA

Whats it matter? If we're just born again anyways.

AUDREY

What about the graves?

ZOLA

What about em?

AUDREY

Someones gotta dig em.

ZOLA

Leave that to...

Zola hesitates. The rabbi glares.

ZOLA

To her, kid.

AUDREY

Can't.

ZOLA

Why not?

RABBI

Suicide.

ZOLA

You just said

RABBI

Your body, yes. But everything else...

ZOLA

Well what do you want me to do about it?

RABBI

It's not what we want

ZOLA

But?

RABBI

I'm sorry.

The rabbi stabs Zola in the stomach.

EXT. FIELD - NIGHT

A dense, impenetrable fog.

Zola gasps, coughs, heaves, reaches for a wound: gone.

A feral wail. Zola hesitates, stands, approaches.

EXT. DINER - NIGHT

Screams clamor, vulgar, sordid. Zola stands before the flame of false luminesence.

Betwixt glass and spruce and faux leather dance shadows, assailing each other.

Zola approaches the door, clutches the handle, hesitates, turns. The door opens.

Zola enters.

INT. DINER - NIGHT

A young woman, EVE, argues with another, the other's back to Zola.

EVE

I'm telling you it's not gonna work. I know you think it will, but it won't. It won't.

YOUNG WOMAN

What choice do we have?

EVE

How is it a choice if we have no other?

YOUNG WOMAN

It's the only way out.

EVE

You don't know that.

YOUNG WOMAN

Got a better idea?

EVE

Not yet.

YOUNG WOMAN

We don't have time.

EVE

That's all we have.

A thunderous boom. A knock upon wood. The two look back to the door. Zola gawks, gapes. Her mirror image looks through her.

YOUNG WOMAN

We have to go.

EVE

Theres nowhere to go.

YOUNG WOMAN

Nowhere but up.

EVE

They'll find us.

YOUNG WOMAN

They already have.

EVE

They'll torture us.

YOUNG WOMAN

They already do.

EVE

They'll do more than ever before.

YOUNG WOMAN

Our only hope.

The door thrown open. A monstrous figure, all shadows, stands in the doorway. The two run into the kitchen. Zola follows.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Past stoves, ovens, pots, pans, the two turn over whatever they can.

Zola weaves in and out of man made obstacles, following the two as fast as she can.

A back door. Push. Pull. Locked. The young woman slams her body against oak.

Again. Again. Again.

EVE

Hurry up!

Hinges fail. Wood splinters. The door tumbles.

The young woman looks back to Eve.

YOUNG WOMAN

Eve?

EVE

I'll hold him off.

YOUNG WOMAN

Like hell you will!

EVE

I'll be back before you know it.

YOUNG WOMAN

Eve...

EVE

Bury me tomorrow.

The young woman clenches her teeth.

YOUNG WOMAN

No.

EVE

I mean it.

YOUNG WOMAN

No.

EVE

I'm not arguing with you. Go.

The young woman refuses. Eve grabs hold.

EVE

If you're gone and I'm gone too, who will look out for me and you?

YOUNG WOMAN

Your father

EVE

Has been on that train for twenty long years and isn't coming back anytime soon. Its just me and you. You have to go. Don't you get it? Or this is it for us both.

The young woman hesitates.

YOUNG WOMAN

I'm sorry.

EVE

It'll all be worth it in the end.

The young woman runs out the door. The ominous figure draws near. Zola throws herself against a wall. Eve withdraws a knife.

The figure approaches. Closer. Closer. Closer.

Eve lunges, lurches. Grabbed, clutched, pulled, arm twisted, knife dropped. Eve falls to her knees.

A horrible, awful wail. Zola looks away, horrified, terrified.

Where Eve once was stands a tribe of rats. The rats reconfigure into human form. Eve gawks at her new fangled figure, hisses, growls, charges the shadowed beast, stops.

A rotting hand, little more than bone. The figure points past the door, into the wilderness, and the ravaged figure, once Eve, obeys, and scurries into the shadows.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Gasping, coughing, gagging, heaving. Zola comes to, howls, clutches a stitched wound.

The rabbi runs into the room, calms, sooths.

RABBI

Anything?

Zola shakes her head. The rabbi sighs.

RABBI

I'm sorry.

ZOLA

Eve. Where is she?

The rabbi smiles sadly.

RABBI

You remember.

ZOLA

A name, only.

RABBI

A good start.

ZOLA

Not enough.

RABBI

We'll try again.

ZOLA

What's to say it'll be any different?

RABBI

We have to try.

ZOLA

Whats the point?

RABBI

We can't just do nothing!

ZOLA

Look what good that's done you.

RABBI

Plenty.

ZOLA

And your daughter?

The rabbi looks away.

RABBI

It's easy for you to say. To just stay on this train. To just never do anything ever again. But for her, everlasting pain. Imagine a dozen scurrying feet scampering through your veins. Thats how she feels. That's everyday. And a slave, too, outside this train.

ZOLA

Let her go. Let her pass away.

The rabbi shakes his head.

RABBI

A death sentence.

ZOLA

You don't know that.

RABBI

Neither do you.

ZOLA

How come you remember her? After all this?

RABBI

Some things you just never forget.

Bartleby steps into the room.

BARTLEBY

Audrey wants to talk to you.

The rabbi nods, steps out of the room.

BARTLEBY

Well? How are you?

ZOLA

Miserable.

BARTLEBY

Stab wounds will do that to you.

ZOLA

Is he really gonna...I mean...are they really gonna

BARTLEBY

Try again?

Zola nods. Bartleby shakes his head.

BARTLEBY

No use. If it didn't work before it won't work again.

ZOLA

How do you know?

Bartleby nods to a camera in the corner.

BARTLEBY

Internal system. Keeps us honest.

ZOLA

And what if I wasn't?

BARTLEBY

What good would it do?

Zola pulls Bartleby close.

ZOLA

(Whispers)

It was me.

BARTLEBY

(Whispers)

What?

ZOLA

(Whispers)

I'm the reason Eve's...Eve.

Bartleby stumbles back, eyes wide, terrified.

ZOLA

Wait. Bartleby.

Bartleby struggles with the door.

ZOLA

I didn't know. If I had any idea, I would have

Bartleby throws the door open and scrambles out of the room.

Zola sighs, sits up, looks to the camera, and struggles to her feet.

One step. Another. Another. Wincing. Gritting teeth.

Zola stands before the camera, grabs a wooden box, and places it before her.

A long sigh. A deep breath. Zola steps onto the box.

Zola reaches for the camera, just out of reach. Zola stretches, rips, tears stitches. Blood spews, seeps.

Closer. Closer. Zola screams.

A door opens, closes. Zola grabbed, held, dragged back to the table.

Eve stands before her.

ZOLA

(Whispers)

I'm sorry.

Zola breaks down into bitter tears. Eve sits on a box and soothes Zola's trembling frame.

INT. SECURITY ROOM - NIGHT

Bartleby, Audrey, and the rabbi sit before grainy screens, watching.

AUDREY

What did you do?

BARTLEBY

Me? Nothing.

AUDREY

That's not nothing.

BARTLEBY

The anestesia is merely wearing off.

AUDREY

And Eve?

RABBI

A false memory. A name, only.

AUDREY

That's not enough.

The rabbi stands in a fury.

RABBI

Then you do something!

Audry sighs. The rabbi glares. Bartleby looks away. The rabbi scoffs, stomps out of the room.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

The rabbi storms into the room, grabs Eve by the arm, and drags her to the corner. The two whisper vehmently.

Eve shakes her head, gesticulates wildly, crosses her arms, fuming. The rabbi glares at Zola.

RABBI

What are you not telling me?

ZOLA

Me? Nothing.

The rabbi feigns a false smile.

RABBI

Right. Of course. Leave me the fool. Confined in purgatory is nothing to you.

ZOLA

Thats not true.

RABBI

Then tell the truth!

Zola swallows hard.

ZOLA

I don't know. Okay? Thats the truth. Whatever her plan was...I don't know.

The rabbi lifts Zola by a fraying collar.

RABBI

What aren't you telling?

ZOLA

Nothin worth nothin.

Audrey and Bartleby step into the room.

The rabbi throws Zola down, stomps to a window, breathes deeply, calms.

AUDREY

It's time.

RABBI

What's the use?

BARTLEBY

If it worked before it'll work again.

RABBI

Only if she tells us.

AUDREY

She will.

RABBI

Zola?

ZOLA

Where's the old lady in all this? And the one who tried to kill me?

AUDREY

What does it matter?

ZOLA

You buried them, didn't you?

RABBI

You already saw one of the two.

ZOLA

But the older?

RABBI

What's it to you?

ZOLA

Why aren't they here too?

AUDREY

The old lady's a clutz and the other, well, like you said, she wants to kill us.

ZOLA

Why?

BARTLEBY

Uninaugurated.

ZOLA

Kidnapped, you mean.

RABBI

Semantics.

ZOLA

My life is hardly proper grammar.

RABBI

Hardly more.

ZOLA

Then get to it then. Stab me. Go on. Kill me. See if that does you any good.

AUDREY

Bartleby?

BARTLEBY

I sell tickets.

AUDREY

Eve?

Eve hisses, growls.

AUDREY

Rabbi?

The rabbi shakes his head.

AUDREY

Alright then. If none of you will, I will.

Audrey hesitates, gathers meager breath, approaches.

Closer. Closer. Closer.

Audrey before Zola. Zola smirks. Audrey lifts the knife, brings it down.

Push, pull, twisted, thrown. The knife at the little girl's throat.

Bartleby and the rabbi reach for their own.

ZOLA

Don't.

Zola draws blood.

ZOLA

Out.

RABBI

Now Zola, you have to understand

ZOLA

Now!

The rabbi swallows hard, obliges. Bartleby follows.

ZOLA

Eve, you too.

Eve doesn't move.

ZOLA

I mean it Eve. Now.

Eve slinks out of the room.

AUDREY

They'll just bury me you know. And kill you too. And my bet is they won't even bury you.

Zola smirks, climbs to her feet.

ZOLA

They'd have to find you first.

Zola pushes Audrey forward. Audrey grunts, groans. The two stumble out of the room.

INT. TRAIN CAR - NIGHT

Encompassed by faux leather and false luminesence, Zola shoves the little girl down a narrow aisle.

AUDREY

If you're just gonna kill me, why don't you just do it already?

ZOLA

You're no good to me dead.

AUDREY

Then why even try?

ZOLA

Because eventually you will be.

AUDREY

And what about the company? Huh? Don't you think this what hey wanted? Us just bickering over nothing.

ZOLA

If this is all just some big experiment, what do they get out of all this, treating us like shit?

AUDREY

Don't you get it? We're trying to end this!

ZOLA

And who's to say you're not one of them?

The two reach the end of the cabin. Another door.

ZOLA

Go on. Open it.

AUDREY

I can't.

ZOLA

Can't, or won't?

AUDREY

If I could I would, don't you think?

ZOLA

Try it.

AUDREY

It'll just be locked. It always is.

ZOLA

What? Why?

Audrey shrugs.

AUDREY

How should I know? It's always been.

Zola flips Audrey around, face to face.

ZOLA

You don't run this train?

AUDREY

No one does.

ZOLA

You said we were safe!

AUDREY

We are.

ZOLA

You don't even know who runs this damn thing!

Audrey shurgs.

AUDREY

So?

A bash, a crash. A door opens.

Ophelia stands opposite the two, aiming a lost shotgun. Zola pulls Audrey close.

OPHELIA

Think I care a bit about her?

ZOLA

Where'd you get it?

OPHELIA

Get what?

ZOLA

The coin goddamn't! Where'd you get it?

Ophelia smirks, reaches into her pocket.

OPHELIA

You mean this old thing?

Zola threatens. Ophelia cackles, studies the burned momento.

OPHELIA

Came in with the damn thing, if you can believe it.

Zola grips the girl tighter. The little girl screams.

OPHELIA

Okay. Okay. I stole it off of somebody. Okay? Whats the big deal?

ZOLA

Who?

OPHELIA

Zola...

ZOLA

Who goddamn't?!

Ophelia swallows hard.

ZOLA

Who?!?

OPHELIA

You.

ZOLA

What'd you just say?

OPHELIA

You. Okay? I stole it off of you.

A long pause.

ZOLA

Then why do I have one too?

Ophelia shakes her head.

OPHELIA

I don't know, Zola. Really. You have to believe me. Whatevers going on here, it's more than just me and you.

ZOLA

Who else?

OPHELIA

I don't know.

ZOLA

Did the company give it to you?

OPHELIA

What? No. Zola. Honestly. I stole it from you. You were lying on the ground, dead, I thought, and I just

Bartleby charges into the room. Ophelia pivots, turns, too slow. A knife at Ophelia'a throat.

Bartleby whispers. Ophelia grunts, groans. Bartleby threatens. Ophelia drops her gun.

Bartleby kicks a door open. A tumultous howl. A bitter scream. Wind shrieks.

BARTLEBY

Give up, Zola. It's over.

ZOLA

Why should I care about her?

BARTLEBY

We won't bury her.

ZOLA

Don't then.

BARTLEBY

Death for death. That's your bet?

ZOLA

You wouldn't dare.

Bartleby draws blood.

BARTLEBY

Try me.

Zola hesitates.

ZOLA

You'll just kill me and bury me and start all over again.

BARTLEBY

Don't be trite.

ZOLA

It's true! Isn't it? Whenever anybody steps out of line! You just kill them and bury them and start all over.

BARTLEBY

We would never do that to you.

ZOLA

But you already did, didn't you?

Bartleby hesitates.

ZOLA

Didn't you?!

The rabbi sets a soothing hand upon the clerk's shoulder. Bartleby growls, groans, pushes, throws. Ophelia tumbles out onto frozen soil.

Zola screams. Bartleby smirks. The rabbi grabs, clutches, throws. Bartleby falls, tumbles, rolls.

Zola gawks, gapes. The rabbi closes the door, raises his hands. A long silence.

RABBI

We've all been through this Zola. It's a process, you have to understand.

The rabbi steps closer with each soothing word.

RABBI

We want to help you Zola. Thats all we want. To end this whole thing.

Zola loosens her grip.

RABBI

And if it comes to all that, we'll try again. But not like this. Not without you. She's just a little girl, Zola. What more could she possibly do?

The rabbi sets a hand upon Zola. Zola trembles, shakes, hesitates. The rabbi smiles.

Zola drops her weapon. Audrey darts out of the room.

ZOLA

What's in the room?

RABBI

Only God knows.

ZOLA

I need a minute, alone.

The rabbi searches her face, her eyes, nods, and steps out of the room. Zola watches him go.

Zola turns back to the door.

Zola reaches into her pocket, withdraws the momento, falls to her knees, and slides it under the door.

A long pause. Zola climbs to her feet.

The door opens.

Across from Zola stares her mirror image.

FADE OUT