THE VISITOR
Written by
Tom McCarthy
INT. HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
WALTER VALE, sixty-two, is standing by the window of his
modestly furnished Colonial house. He is holding a glass of
wine and peering out through the drapes.
After a few moments an OLD CAR pulls up. A slightly
overweight WOMAN gets out of the car. She starts to walk up
to the house.
Walter steps back from the window and waits. The doorbell
rings. Walter takes a last sip of wine and sets the glass
down on the end table. And then he goes to the door and opens
it.
WOMAN
Mr. Vale?
WALTER
Yes.
WOMAN
Hello. I'm Barbra Watson. Nice to
meet you.
WALTER
Yes. Come in.
BARBARA
Thank you.
She steps into the house and Walter shuts the door. They both
stand there awkwardly. Barbara is tightly wound and
overcompensates with a forced pleasantness.
WALTER
Can I take your coat?
BARBARA
No, thank you.
WALTER
OK. Would you like anything to
drink?
BARBARA
No.
(Beat)
Shall we get started?
WALTER
OK.
2
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, PIANO ROOM - LATER
Walter and Barbara sit side by side in a very close
proximity.
BARBARA
Let's try it again.
WALTER
The same thing?
BARBARA
Yes. Remember, fingers curved. Like
a tunnel.
WALTER
OK.
Walter starts to play the piano. It's a lesson in progress.
They are sitting at a beautiful GRAND PIANO but Walter is
only a beginner. And not a very good beginner.
BARBARA
Don't flatten.
Walter keeps playing.
BARBARA (CONT'D)
Make room for the train.
Walter stops.
WALTER
What?
BARBARA
I said "make room for the train."
It's something that I tell my kids.
If you curve your fingers like
this...
(She demonstrates)
Then the train can pass through the
tunnel.
She passes her pencil through her curved fingers. Walter
looks at her for a long moment.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE - DAY
Walter walks Barbara to the front door. He opens it and then
hands Barbara some money.
3
WALTER
Here.
BARBARA
Thank you. Next Tuesday at the same
time?
WALTER
No. I don't think I'm going to
continue with our lessons.
BARBARA
Oh, no. Are you giving up?
WALTER
No.
Barbara gets the point. He is stopping with her, not the
lessons.
BARBARA
Oh. OK. Goodbye.
WALTER
Goodbye.
Barbara walks out the door and then turns before Walter shuts
it.
BARBARA
Mr. Vale? If I may ask, how many
teachers have you had before me?
WALTER
Four.
BARBARA
Well, for what it's worth, it's
difficult to learn an instrument at
your age. Especially if you don't
possess a natural gift for it. I'm
not saying this to be mean. But if
you do decide to give up then I
would really like to buy your
piano. It's a beautiful instrument.
Walter nods, not quite sure how to receive the comment.
BARBARA (CONT'D)
Goodbye.
Barbara turns and leaves. Walter shuts the door.
4
INT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, LECTURE HALL - DAY
Walter stands before a half-empty class. He is wrapping up a
lecture on economic theory. There is nothing inspiring about
it.
WALTER
East Asia's experience is really
the exception to the rule, because
the conditions there that made
trade liberalization for the Middle
East successful weren't present in
the developing countries in sub-
Saharan Africa, and in Central and
South America.
EXT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, CAMPUS - DAY
Walter walks across the campus.
INT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, CONFERENCE ROOM - LATER
Walter sits in a meeting with seven other COLLEAGUES.
INT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, WALTER'S OFFICE - LATER
Walter is staring out the window in his simple but very lived-
in office. Classical music plays softly in the background. A
knock at the door.
WALTER
Come in.
A STUDENT opens the door and enters.
STUDENT
Hi.
He sits down and sets a paper on the desk.
STUDENT (CONT'D)
Sorry it's late.
WALTER
Why is it late?
STUDENT
I had some personal things to deal
with.
5
Walter hands back the paper.
WALTER
I'm sorry. I can't accept it now.
STUDENT
But...
WALTER
I'm sorry.
Walter goes back to work. The Student sits stunned for a
moment and then gets up and picks up his paper. He opens the
door and then stops.
STUDENT
You know you still haven't given us
a syllabus.
WALTER
(Lying)
I know.
The Student shakes his head and leaves without another word.
EXT. WALTER'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Walter pulls into the driveway of his house. He gets out,
grabs his belongings out of the back seat and walks inside.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DUSK
Walter is making dinner. Classical music plays from the other
room. He adjusts the flame and covers a sauce pot. He leans
against the counter and picks up a half empty bottle of wine
and pours some into his glass. He catches sight of A SMALL
FRAMED PICTURE of him and HIS WIFE, smiling.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter sits at the piano and practices. It is still going
badly. The wine glass sits on top of the piano. He lifts his
hand and inspects his "tunnel".
INT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, WALTER'S OFFICE - DAY
Walter is at his computer. He pulls up his YEAR SYLLABUS on
the computer and carefully changes 2005 to 2006. He saves it.
His work is done. There is a knock at the door.
6
WALTER
Yes.
The door opens and Walter's colleague, CHARLES VAN HORN steps
in.
CHARLES
Hello Walter.
WALTER
Charles.
CHARLES
I'm sorry to interrupt.
WALTER
That's OK.
CHARLES
Walter, Shelley can't make it down
to the NYU conference to present
your paper. I'm going to need you
to cover for her.
WALTER
Why can't she go?
CHARLES
She's been put on bed rest until
she has the baby.
Walter is caught off guard.
WALTER
When?
CHARLES
Next week. We'll cover your class
and make the arrangements.
WALTER
I wish I could, but now is not a
very good time, Charles.
CHARLES
I understand but you co-authored
the paper and the Dean wants it
presented. He wants to keep Shelley
on track for tenure.
WALTER
I just don't think I can with the
start of classes and my book.
7
CHARLES
You're only teaching one class,
Walter.
WALTER
So I can stay focused on my
writing. I'd really rather not go
right now.
CHARLES
I'm sorry but there really isn't
another option at this point.
Walter is trapped. He comes clean.
WALTER
Charles, the truth is this is
really Shelley's paper. I just
agreed to co-author it because she
asked me to. I'm not really
prepared to present it.
CHARLES
That may be the case but you are
the co-author and she can't go.
Look Walter, you can take it up
with the Dean if you want, but, as
your friend, I wouldn't advise it.
Not with that argument.
Walter just stares him.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
Good bye.
And Charles is gone, shutting the door behind him.
INT. NEW LONDON, THE BLIND TIGER BAR - NIGHT
Walter sits at the end of a bar at a local pub. He is reading
the newspaper. KAREN, a 44-year-old bartender, is talking to
a BlONDE HAIRED WOMAN at other end of the bar.
The wall is covered with HAND DRAWN CARICATURES OF REGULAR
PATRONS. A WAITER hands a plate of food to Karen. She walks
down the bar and sets it in front of Walter.
KAREN
Here you go, cutey.
WALTER
Thanks.
8
KAREN
So I thought you forgot about me.
Where've you been hiding?
Karen automatically refills his wine glass.
WALTER
Just busy with work.
KAREN
Well you're never gonna make it on
the wall with that excuse. I'm glad
your back. Give a holler if you
need anything. I'm just gabbing
with one of my girlfriends.
WALTER
OK.
She walks back down the bar. Walter starts to eat.
EXT. WALTER'S HOUSE - MORNING
Two cars are parked in Walter's driveway.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - SAME
Walter is packing, laying out his shirts on the bed. After a
moment, Karen walks in, drying her hair with a towel.
KAREN
When are you going?
WALTER
Today after class.
She takes her earrings of the night stand and puts them in.
KAREN
Sounds like fun. I'm gonna go have
a cigarette. You want some coffee?
WALTER
Yeah. Thanks.
Karen leaves. Walter keeps packing.
EXT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, CAFFETERIA - DAY
Walter sits at a table and eats lunch alone.
9
EXT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, PARKING LOT - LATER
Walter walks across the parking lot and gets into his car.
INT. WALTER'S CAR - LATE AFTERNOON
Walter drives along the highway. He notices a SIGN which
reads "Support Our Troops!"
EXT. NEW YORK CITY, F.D.R. DRIVE - SUNSET
Walter's car drives down the F.D.R Highway.
INT. WALTER'S CAR - DUSK.
Walter drives through the small busy streets of the East
Village.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY, EAST VILLAGE, PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT
Walter pulls into a parking garage. He gets out and takes a
ticket from the attendant. He grabs his bag and briefcase
from the back seat.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET, EAST VILLAGE - NIGHT
He walks down the street, taking in the sights and sounds of
the city.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - LATER
Walter walks out of a liquor store with a SMALL BROWN BAG.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - SAME
Walter arrives at a classic tenement building. He looks up at
the building as if inspecting it.
He takes out his keys. He opens the door and walks in.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - SAME
Walter walks into the well-lit but dingy foyer. A YOUNG MAN
brushes by him.
10
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR - CONTINUOUS
He arrives at the second floor and stops in front of a door.
He unlocks the door and walks in.
INT. APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Walter steps into the apartment and drops his bags. He
immediately notices that the kitchen light is on. Something
is not right.
WALTER
Hello?
He turns on the living room light and crosses to the kitchen
table and sets the brown bag down. It's then that he notices
some fresh flowers on the kitchen table. He looks slightly
confused. He looks around the apartment. There is an UPRIGHT
PIANO along one wall.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Hello?
There is no answer. He walks down a LONG HALLWAY and looks in
the kitchen. Nothing. He walks over to the FIRST BEDROOM and
looks inside. There are signs of someone living there. He
looks in the SECOND BEDROOM. He sees nothing.
Suddenly he hears the sound of running water from the
bathroom. He notices a light under the door. He walks to the
bathroom and listens. A faucet is turned and the water stops
running. He opens the door and looks in.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, BATHROOM - SAME
A YOUNG BLACK WOMAN is soaking in the bath tub. She see's
Walter and screams.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, HALLWAY - SAME
Walter screams too and then slams the door, stepping back
into the hallway.
YOUNG BLACK WOMAN
Stay away from me!
She has a West African accent.
11
WALTER
It's OK. I'm not going...
AFRICAN WOMAN
Leave me alone! My boyfriend is
coming home!
WALTER
I'm not going to hurt you.
AFRICAN WOMAN
Who are you? What are you doing in
here!?
WALTER
This is my apartment.
AFRICAN WOMAN
What do you mean? This apartment
does not belong to you. How did you
get in?
WALTER
My name is Walter Vale. I have
keys. It's my...
Suddenly Walter is pushed up against the wall. Hard.
MAN'S VOICE
What the fuck?!
A very angry, YOUNG MIDDLE EASTERN MAN is in Walter's face.
He grabs Walter violently by the collar and shakes him.
YOUNG MIDDLE EASTERN MAN
Who are you?! Zainab?!
ZAINAB
I'm in here! He is crazy!
WALTER
Stop it! I am not...
The Young Middle Eastern Man slams him against the wall. It's
more of a warning shot then a violent act. Walter is
terrified.
YOUNG MIDDLE EASTERN MAN
Shut up!
WALTER
OK. OK.
12
ZAINAB (O.S.)
(In French)
Tarek. What is happening?
TAREK
(In French)
Are you OK?
ZAINAB
(In French)
I'm fine.
TAREK
(In French)
Who is this?
ZAINAB
(In French)
I have no idea! I was in the bath
and he was just standing there.
TAREK
(Shaking Walter)
Did you touch her?! Did you touch
her?!
WALTER
No! No!
Zainab opens the door.
ZAINAB
(In French)
He didn't touch me! But how did he
get in? He said he has keys.
TAREK
Do you have keys?
WALTER
Yes! Yes! I have keys. It's my
apartment.
Tarek stares at Walter, trying to make sense of it.
ZAINAB
(in French)
What does he mean it's his
apartment?
TAREK
I don't know! Show me your keys!
13
Walter reaches into his pocket and holds up his keys.
WALTER
This is my apartment. I've owned it
for twenty-five years.
TAREK
So why haven't you been here!?
WALTER
I live in Connecticut. I haven't
used it in a long time.
Walter is starting to get through.
TAREK
Are you friends with Ivan?
WALTER
Ivan? Who is Ivan?
Tarek is getting nervous.
ZAINAB
(In French)
I knew this would happen! He
probably called the police.
This catches Tarek's attention.
TAREK
(to Walter)
Did you call the police?
Walter hesitates.
WALTER
No.
TAREK
You didn't call the police?
WALTER
No.
Tarek looks like he might belt Walter. Instead, he lets him
go and quickly backs up. He paces while trying to gather his
thoughts. Walter doesn't move. Zainab runs into the bedroom.
TAREK
And you don't know Ivan?
14
WALTER
I don't know Ivan. Who is he?
TAREK
He rented us this place. He said it
belonged to his friend who was out
of town.
WALTER
I don't know who he is but this is
my apartment. I assure you.
Tarek looks at Walter for a long moment. It's clear that he's
telling the truth.
TAREK
Shit!
ZAINAB (O.S.)
(In French)
I told you not to trust anyone. You
never saw a contract.
TAREK
Enough! OK. Look. We don't want any
trouble. We will get out of your
apartment. This is all a mistake.
I'm sorry.
WALTER
OK.
TAREK
We will leave, OK?
WALTER
Yes. OK.
Zainab emerges from the bedroom. She is dressed.
ZAINAB
(In French)
Where are we going to go?
TAREK
(In French)
I don't know but we have to go.
ZAINAB
(In French)
I know we have to go. I am not
stupid!
15
TAREK
Are you OK?
WALTER
Yes. I'm just going to sit down.
TAREK
Of course. Please.
Walter nods and then slowly walks down the hallway and sits
down. He is clearly shaken. Tarek shuts the front door.
TAREK (CONT'D)
I'm sorry if I hurt you. Are you
sure that you're OK?
WALTER
Yeah. I'm OK.
TAREK
OK. Well, we'll pack up and get
out.
Tarek walks back toward the bedroom. Walter tries to catch
his breath.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, HALLWAY - LATER
Walter is sitting on the couch with a glass of wine. Tarek
enters and sets down a bag. He picks up TWO AFRICAN DRUMS
next to the piano and places them by the front door.
Zainab enters from the bedroom mumbling something in an
African dialect. She drops a bag and crosses back to the
bedroom.
TAREK
I know I'm in trouble when she
starts speaking Wolof.
WALTER
How long have you lived here?
TAREK
Two months. We will pay you if you
want.
Walter doesn't respond. Zainab emerges from the bedroom again
with the last bag.
16
TAREK (CONT'D)
(To Zainab)
Is that everything?
ZAINAB
I think so. Do you want to check!?
He hands her a SMALL PLASTIC BAG from a local grocery.
TAREK
Here is the coffee you wanted.
She snatches it without a word.
TAREK (CONT'D)
(To Walter)
OK. So we'll go. I am sorry again.
Thank you for your understanding.
Good bye.
WALTER
Good bye.
They turn and exit. Walter gets up and walks over to the
front door and locks it.
He stands by the front door trying to process the events.
Then something catches his attention.
WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Walter walks to the window and picks up a handcrafted,
decorative FRAME off of the sill. It is a PHOTOGRAPH of Tarek
and Zainab. They are hugging each other and smiling. Walter
looks down onto the street.
He sees Zainab and Tarek exit the building and cross the
street. Zainab's cart tips on the curb and the contents spill
out onto the sidewalk. Tarek quickly moves to help her.
Zainab yells at him.
Walter watches as they finally collect their belongings and
move down the street.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - LATER
Tarek has set his bags down in front of a closed store. He is
talking in a very agitated tone on his cell phone. Zainab
stands by silently.
17
TAREK
(In Arabic)
Look I know. Come on man, it'll
just be for a night or two until we
figure something out. OK.
ZAINAB
Tarek?
TAREK
(In Arabic)
Can you check and call me back?
OK. Thanks.
ZAINAB
Tarek?
TAREK
What!?
Zainab points. Walter is standing there holding the framed
photograph.
WALTER
You left this at the apartment.
Tarek walks over and takes it.
TAREK
Thanks.
Walter nods.
WALTER
Do you know where you're going to
stay tonight?
TAREK
Yeah.
The lie is obvious. They are stuck. Walter just nods again.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter takes some books out of his briefcase. He crosses to
the bookshelf and sets them down. He notices a small stack of
CD's sitting on a shelf. He picks one of them up and stares
at the CD for a long moment.
TAREK
You like classical music, huh?
18
WALTER
Yes.
Walter sets down the CD.
TAREK
Me too. Do you play piano?
WALTER
No.
(Beat)
Do you?
TAREK
Me? No. I play the djembe. Well,
thanks again for letting us stay.
You saved me a lot of trouble.
Walter nods.
TAREK (CONT'D)
See you in the morning.
WALTER
OK. Good night.
Tarek goes to bed. Walter resumes his work.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Walter is lying in bed, unable to sleep. He can hear Tarek
and Zainab whispering and laughing.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, TAREK AND ZAINAB'S ROOM - SAME
Tarek and Zainab are lying in bed together.
ZAINAB
Stop it, Tarek. He'll hear us.
TAREK
Trust me. He's asleep.
ZAINAB
You don't know that.
TAREK
So let him hear. The guy probably
needs some excitement.
19
ZAINAB
I think he's probably had enough
for one night.
Tarek nuzzles her. Zainab laughs but pushes him away.
ZAINAB (CONT'D)
Tarek. No!
Zainab sits up in the bed. Tarek relents and rolls onto his
back.
ZAINAB (CONT'D)
What are we going to do, Tarek?
TAREK
I don't know. We'll figure it out
tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe he'll
let us stay. He's not really using
the place.
ZAINAB
I don't want to be his roommate!
TAREK
OK. OK. So we'll figure it out in
the morning. I promise, habibti.
Zainab shakes her head.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Do you still love me?
Zainab looks at him.
ZAINAB
No.
TAREK
Really?
Zainab rolls over and straddles Tarek.
ZAINAB
No. I don't love you.
She kisses Tarek.
TAREK
Not even a little?
ZAINAB
No.
20
She kisses him again.
TAREK
So what is this?
She gets very close to his face.
ZAINAB
It's your punishment.
TAREK
But what about our roommate?
ZAINAB
Shhh.
She kisses him long and hard. They start to make love.
EXT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING - MORNING
Jacob walks outside with Sprinkles.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - MORNING
Walter is tying his tie in the mirror.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, HALLWAY - LATER
Walter walks out of his bedroom and runs into Zainab who is
leaving her bedroom at the same time. It's obvious that she
was trying to avoid Walter.
WALTER
Good morning.
ZAINAB
Morning.
WALTER
I made some coffee.
ZAINAB
Thank you.
WALTER
Have a good day.
ZAINAB
Goodbye.
21
Walter leaves.
EXT. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY - DAY
The Kimmel Center towers over Washington Square Park.
INT. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY - DAY
Walter is listening to the speaker.
SPEAKER
That will be on the last day of
conference. I hope you can all
attend. And now I'd like to welcome
my distinguished colleague and
the winner of John Bates Clark
Award, Stephen Kriegman.
STEPHEN KRIEGMAN strides to the podium. He is a good deal
younger then Walter.
STEPHEN KRIEGMAN
Thank you, Shiva. Good morning.
It's a pleasure to be here.
INT. NYU BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
Walter mingles at a reception. He is listening to another
COLLEAGUE tell a story.
COLLEAGUE #1
And so I just stood up and walked
out!
The group laughs. Stephen Kriegman approaches and talks to
the COLLEAGUE.
STEPHEN KRIEGMAN
Jamie!
JAMIE
Stephen, how are you?
Walter walks off.
INT. NYU BANQUET HALL - LATER
Walter eats dinner in a large, well appointed banquet room.
Walter listens as a CHATTY MAN talks.
22
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING - LATER
Walter is walking up the stairs carrying a briefcase. He
passes a MIDDLE-AGED MAN who is walking down the stairs with
a SMALL DOG on a leash.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN (O.S.)
Excuse me.
Walter stops and turns.
WALTER
Yes.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Are you Mr. Vale?
WALTER
Yes.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
I thought so. How are you? It's me,
Jacob Konigsberg. Do you remember
me?
Walter doesn't.
JACOB
I used to live here with my mother.
Your wife used to give me piano
lessons.
WALTER
Oh. Right.
JACOB
It has been a long time. I thought
that maybe you sold the place. Oh.
This is Sprinkles.
(To the dog)
Say "hi", Sprinkles. Is your wife
here with you?
WALTER
No. She passed away.
JACOB
What?! No! I had no idea. I'm so
sorry. She was such a nice lady.
And I just loved listening to her
play.
23
WALTER
How's your mother?
JACOB
She moved to Florida. Now I live
here. It's nice. There are a lot of
new faces. I hardly know anyone
anymore. But I have Sprinkles so...
WALTER
Nice to see you, Jacob.
JACOB
You too, Mr. Vale. Goodbye. Welcome
back.
Walter nods and keeps walking.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - LATER
Walter walks into the apartment. No one else is there.
He sets down his case and walks toward his bedroom but stops
at Tarek and Zainab's door, which is closed. He listens.
Nothing.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - LATER
Walter is reading over and "rehearsing" the paper that he has
to present.
WALTER
(Sotto)
It is important to distinguish
between both our current political
assessment and our...It is
important to distinguish between
our current political assessment...
He stops and crosses out the world "both". He continues
reading.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter is practicing the piano. He continues to struggle. He
sits back and takes a break. He notices the drum next to the
piano. He looks at it for long moment and then continues
playing.
24
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, WALTER'S BEDROOM - LATER
Walter is lying in bed awake. He listens as Tarek and Zainab
come home.
EXT. NEWSSTAND - MORNING
Walter buys a newspaper.
INT. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Walter is back at the conference. He is listening to a
presentation by a GERMAN ECONOMIST.
GERMAN ECONOMIST
However, we do find that financial
globalization can be beneficial
under the right circumstances.
Empirically, good institutions and
quality of governance are crucial
in helping developing countries
derive the benefits of
globalization.
Walter checks his watch. He is obviously bored.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK - LATER
Walter is sitting in the park and eating some Indian food
from a local cart vendor. He finishes and drops it into the
garbage can. He checks his watch and starts to head back
toward the conference when a SOUND catches his attention.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK - LATER
Walter watches two young AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN drumming on
BUCKETS with reckless abandon.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
We should have them come play
inside.
Walter turns. THREE COLLEAGUES from the conference are
standing next to him.
COLLEAGUE #1
Coming in?
25
WALTER
Yes. In a minute.
(Holding up his cell
phone)
I have to make a call.
COLLEAGUE #1
See you inside.
Walter nods as the guys walk off. Walter watches them go. He
turns and watches the drumming again.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
Walter arrives on the top floor. He can hear the drum being
played. He stops in front of his apartment. He listens for a
moment and then slowly opens the door.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - LATER
Tarek is playing his drum in his T-shirt and underwear. He
sees Walter and finishes with a flourish.
TAREK
Hey Walter. Welcome home.
WALTER
Hi.
Tarek casually gets up and puts on his pants.
TAREK
You're home early.
WALTER
It was a half day.
TAREK
How was the conference?
WALTER
Fine.
Tarek buttons his pants.
TAREK
Sorry about the pants. I've been
playing like this since I was a
kid.
Walter nods.
26
TAREK (CONT'D)
Hey. I think I might have a lead on
a place in Brooklyn.
WALTER
That's good.
You can keep practicing if you
like.
TAREK
Really? It won't bother you?
WALTER
No. It's fine.
TAREK
Great. Thanks. I'll keep my pants
on.
Tarek laughs. Walter smiles.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Hey, Zainab's going to make dinner
if you want to eat with us later.
WALTER
OK. Thank you.
Walter walks into his bedroom. Tarek watches him go and then
starts playing again.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - LATER
Walter is lying down on his bed reading through his paper.
His foot is tapping to the rhythm of the drum.
INT. APARTMENT - LATER
Walter and Zainab are sitting at the dinner table finishing
their meal. Tarek is on the phone in the living room speaking
in Arabic. He hangs up and rejoins the table.
TAREK
I'm sorry. That was my mother. If I
don't call her every day she thinks
something happened to me.
Walter pours himself some wine. He offers some to Tarek.
27
TAREK (CONT'D)
Yeah. I'll have a bit. Thanks.
Zainab shoots Tarek a glance. Walter misreads it.
WALTER
Are you sure that you wouldn't like
some?
ZAINAB
I don't drink.
TAREK
(Jokingly)
She is a good Muslim. I'm a bad
one.
Walter nods. Zainab gets up and starts to clear the table.
ZAINAB
Are you finished?
WALTER
Yes. Thank you. Here, let me...
ZAINAB
It's the least I can do.
Her comment is more of an indictment than a pleasantry.
WALTER
Well, thank you for the dinner. It
was very good.
ZAINAB
You're welcome.
She leaves the room.
TAREK
So what's the conference about?
WALTER
Economic Growth in Developing
Nations.
TAREK
That's us.
(Pointing)
Syria. Senegal.
28
TAREK (CONT'D)
So have you written some books?
WALTER
Three. I'm working on my fourth.
TAREK
Four books?! Great. My father was
a writer. A journalist.
WALTER
Is he still writing?
TAREK
No. He died. Before we left Syria.
WALTER
I'm sorry.
TAREK
So am I.
Zainab enters.
ZAINAB
Tarek. It's eight-thirty.
TAREK
Oh. We have to go.
(To Walter)
I have a gig tonight.
Zainab starts to put on her coat. Tarek picks up his drum.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Walter, you can come if you want.
Zainab shoots Tarek a glance.
WALTER
I have to get some work done but
thank you.
TAREK
OK. Well maybe another time
WALTER
OK.
TAREK
Bye.
29
Tarek and Zainab leave. Walter watches them go and then looks
around the empty apartment.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING, STAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Tarek and Zainab are walking down the stairs.
ZAINAB
(In French)
Why did you invite him?
TAREK
(In French)
We're staying in his apartment.
What could I do?
ZAINAB
(In French)
Well I would have been the one
stuck sitting with him while you
played your drum.
Tarek turns and looks at her very seriously.
TAREK
You know you are very sexy when
you're mad at me.
Zainab can't help but smile. Tarek starts to wrap his arms
around her.
WALTER (O.S.)
Hello.
Tarek and Zainab stop in their tracks, already three flights
down. They both look up the stairwell. Walter is looking down
on them.
WALTER (CONT'D)
If you don't mind, I think I will
come.
Tarek and Zainab share a quick look.
TAREK
Cool.
Walter disappears back into the apartment. Zainab looks at
Tarek. He shrugs.
30
INT. SMALL RESTAURANT - LATER.
Tarek's Jazz Trio is playing. Walter and Zainab sit at a
small table in the back. Walter is rapt. Zainab is sketching.
She looks up from her pad and watches him before returning to
her drawing.
EXT. SMALL RESTAURANT - LATER
Walter and Zainab are standing outside on the empty street.
There's an awkward silence.
WALTER
He's very good.
ZAINAB
Yes.
WALTER
The whole band is very good.
ZAINAB
Yes.
And then nothing. Finally Tarek emerges.
TAREK
Sorry guys. Let's go.
They walk down the street.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK - DAY
Walter is sitting in the park and eating PIZZA. This time he
is sitting directly across from the two African American
drummers.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Walter walks into the apartment and sets down his briefcase.
He notices Tarek's drum sitting in the middle of the room.
WALTER
Tarek?
No one answers. Walter walks down the hallway a bit.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Tarek?
31
Walter walks back into the living room and takes off his
coat. He removes some papers from his briefcase and then he
notices the drum again.
He sits down in the chair next to Tarek's drum. He takes the
drum between his legs and he hits it a few times.
Then he starts to play. He stops and then he plays again.
This time he is slightly more successful at finding a rhythm.
He closes his eyes and bobs his head. He's really getting
into it.
He opens his eye's open and Tarek is standing in front of
him. He has headphones around his neck. Walter jumps.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Oh. Hi.
TAREK
It sounded good Walter.
Walter immediately stands.
WALTER
Yeah. Well. I was just...I'm sorry
if I...
Tarek walks over and grabs another chair from the kitchen
table.
TAREK
Don't be sorry. That's what it's
there for.
Tarek sets the chair down and grabs the other drum from
beside the piano.
TAREK (CONT'D)
I was lying on my bed listening to
my music and then I was like
"what's the crazy rhythm I'm
hearing?".
Tarek sits down with the other drum facing Walter.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Sit. Come on. I'll show you.
Walter hesitates and then sits down.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Just put your feet flat on the
ground.
32
Walter adjusts his feet.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Now take the drum between your
legs. Like this.
Tarek grabs the drums with his knees. Walter follows.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Now you want to lift the inside
edge off the ground with your
ankles. Like this.
Walter watches Tarek and follows suit.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Great. Feel OK?
WALTER
Yes.
TAREK
OK. Now Walter, I know you're a
very smart man but with the drum
you have to remember not to think.
Thinking just screws it up. OK?
WALTER
OK.
TAREK
Now just give it a couple of bangs.
Walter gives it a couple of hard bangs.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Not so hard. You're not angry at
it.
WALTER
Oh. Right. Sorry.
He bangs it a few more times.
TAREK
Better. Did you think?
WALTER
No.
33
TAREK
Good. Now one more thing, Walter.
You listen to classical music so
you think in fours. One. Two.
Three. Four. Da. Da. Da. Da. This
is an African drum. So we are gonna
play in three's. Tat. Tat. Tat. You
have to forget your classical.
Leave it behind. Tat. Tat. Tat.
One. Two. Three. Come on. Follow
me.
Tarek bangs out a simple bass beat. Walter joins in.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Good. Good ear. Now keep going.
Walter loses the beat. Tarek keeps playing.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Don't worry. Start again.
Walter tries again. And again. And then finally he gets it.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Yeah! There it is. OK. Good. Now
keep it going and I will do this.
Tarek riffs off of Walter's bass beat.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Yeah. That's it. Keep it going.
EXT. STREET FAIR - DAY
Zainab is closing up her booth. Another VENDOR walks by and
says good bye. Zainab smiles and nods good bye.
EXT. NEW YORK - STREET
Zainab is walking home with her supplies. Two NEW YORK POLICE
OFFICERS are talking to THREE YOUNG HISPANIC KIDS. Zainab
hesitates for the slightest moment before lowering her head
and walking past.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - LATER
Zainab enters the apartment and sees Walter drumming. His
shirt is unbuttoned exposing his white undershirt. He stops.
He is breathing very hard and sweating.
34
WALTER
Hello.
ZAINAB
Hello. Where is Tarek?
She places her items down on the kitchen table and takes off
her coat. She looks around the apartment.
WALTER
He went out. To look at another
apartment.
She just looks at him with the drum. Walter is still out of
breath.
ZAINAB
Are you OK?
WALTER
Yeah. Tarek is teaching me the
drum. I'm practicing. Don't worry,
I'll keep my pants on.
Zainab looks shocked. Walter's attempt at levity has fallen
short.
ZAINAB
What?
WALTER
Nothing. I was just...nothing.
Zainab nods and walks into the kitchen.
INT. JAZZ CLUB - LATER
Tarek is playing with his band. Walter is at the bar
watching. He is unconsciously tapping along on the bar.
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT - SAME
Tarek, Walter, and Darren - the saxophone player - sit at a
table by the window, eating.
TAREK
Hey Walter, what time are you done
tomorrow?
35
WALTER
I have to present a paper at
eleven. I should be done by twelve-
thirty.
TAREK
Cool.
DARREN
(To the waiter)
Hey man, could we get another order
of this?
(To Walter and Tarek)
I love this food.
TAREK
That's good. Because the Chinese
are taking over the world.
DARREN
That's not gonna happen.
TAREK
It's already happening. One day our
kids will be going to China for
jobs. Ask Walter.
Darren and Tarek look at Walter.
DARREN
You think that's true?
Walter is put on the spot.
WALTER
Well...if China continues to
threaten the wage earners in the
first-world economies by keeping
wages down, then it's really just a
matter of time. What they buy they
inflate. What they sell they
deflate. But then you have to ask
the question `who's paying the
cost?'. And the answer is the
Chinese people.
Beat.
TAREK
You see?
Tarek continues eating.
36
INT. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Walter is presenting his paper.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - LATER
Walter is walks out of the building talking to a FEMALE
COLLEAGUE.
TAREK (O.S.)
Hey, Walter!
Walter and the Female Colleague turn. Tarek is standing a few
feet away holding both drums.
Walter nods and says good bye to the Colleague who looks a
bit confused. Walter walks over to Tarek.
TAREK (CONT'D)
How did the presentation go?
WALTER
Fine. Thanks.
TAREK
Cool. Guess what? I found an
apartment in Brooklyn. We can move
in on Monday.
WALTER
That's good.
TAREK
Yeah. It's small but it's a nice
building. I just hope Zainab likes
it.
WALTER
I think she will as long as no else
lives there.
Tarek laughs.
TAREK
I think you're right. Come on,
let's go. You should take off the
name tag.
WALTER
Oh. Yeah. Thanks.
37
Walter takes off his name tag and they start to walk.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Are you hungry?
TAREK
Yeah. I'm starving. Do you like
shwarmas?
WALTER
Uh...yeah. I like sharmas.
TAREK
Shwarmas.
WALTER
Yeah.
They walk across the park.
INT. FALAFEL STAND - LATER
Walter and Tarek are finishing lunch. Tarek reaches into his
bag and takes out a SMALL BAG.
TAREK
Here. This is for you. For letting
us stay.
WALTER
Thank you.
Walter takes it and opens it. It's a CD.
TAREK
It's Fela Kuti. You know him?
WALTER
No.
TAREK
You don't know Fela? Oh, man!
Walter, you are in for a treat. He
started the whole Afro-Beat
movement. And his drummer Tony
Allen was just scary, man. You want
to play drums, you have to listen
to this.
WALTER
OK. I will.
38
A HANDSOME ARAB MAN walks past with a PRETTY BLONDE WOMAN.
Tarek sees him and waves.
OMAR
(In Arabic)
Hey Tarek. How's it going?
TAREK
(in Arabic)
Good, Omar. How are you?
OMAR
(In Arabic)
Not bad. It's fall in New York, you
know? How's the band?
TAREK
(In Arabic)
Good. Playing a lot. New
girlfriend?
OMAR
(In Arabic)
New friend.
TAREK
(In Arabic)
You have a lot friends
OMAR
(In Arabic)
I'm a very nice guy. Au revoir.
TAREK
Au revoir.
Omar walks off. Tarek shakes his head.
TAREK (CONT'D)
The Lebanese. Bunch of playboys.
You ready?
WALTER
Yeah.
They pick up their drums and leave.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET FAIR - LATER
Zainab is talking to two UPPER EAST SIDE WOMEN who have
stopped at her stall.
39
ZAINAB
Yes. I made it.
UPPER EAST SIDE WOMAN
How much?
ZAINAB
Thirty-five dollars.
UPPER EAST SIDE WOMAN
Will you take thirty?
ZAINAB
No. thiry-five.
UPPER EAST SIDE WOMAN
OK. I know my daughter will think
it's "cool". Here.
She hands her the money. Zainab takes it and drops it into a
small pouch.
UPPER EAST SIDE WOMAN (CONT'D)
Where are you from?
ZAINAB
Senegal.
UPPER EAST SIDE WOMAN
Oh. I was in Cape Town two winters
ago. It was just beautiful.
ZAINAB
(Handing her the bag)
Thank you very much.
UPPER EAST SIDE WOMAN
Thank you.
The Woman walks away. A young Israeli man, ZEV is sitting at
a nearby stall selling T-shirts.
ZEV
How far is Senegal from Cape Town?
ZAINAB
Far.
ZEV
I told a guy I was from Israel
yesterday and he asked if I had
ever visited the Holy Land.
40
Zainab smiles. Zev sees someone over Zainab's shoulder.
ZEV (CONT'D)
Hey, look who it is. What's up
Tarek?
Tarek and Walter are approaching.
TAREK
Zev! How are you?
ZEV
Good man.
TAREK
Hey honey.
He kisses Zainab.
ZAINAB
Hello. Hi, Walter.
WALTER
Hi.
TAREK
How's business?
ZEV
Ahh. You know.
Walter looks at the Zainab's jewelry.
TAREK
Her stuff is great, right? She made
me this?
Tarek holds up his wrist, revealing a bracelet.
TAREK (CONT'D)
You should make one for Walter.
Zainab nods noncommittally.
TAREK (CONT'D)
So Walter and I are going up to the
park to play for a little bit. OK?
ZAINAB
Tarek, I told you we have to pick
up my new table today. He said he
would only hold it for today.
41
TAREK
I know. I know. No problem.
ZAINAB
Tarek. You always say "no problem"
and then you are late or you
forget.
Tarek smiles.
TAREK
I know. I will not be long. We'll
go up and play and then we'll come
back to help you. I promise,
habibti.
He kisses her and starts to walk away.
ZAINAB
Yes. It's always "habibti" when you
want your way. It closes at five
p.m. Not Arab time, Tarek.
TAREK
No. Not Arab time. Real time,
habibti.
ZAINAB
Don't "habibti" me.
They turn and start to leave.
WALTER
What does habibti mean?
TAREK
Habibti? It means "beloved one".
WALTER
Does she know that?
Tarek laughs.
INT. SUBWAY - LATER
Tarek and Walter are waiting for the subway. A CHINESE
MUSICIAN is playing on the opposite platform.
TAREK
He's been playing here for a long
time.
42
WALTER
Is he good?
TAREK
I have no idea but it's cool.
I always wanted to play down here.
It's supposed to be good money.
WALTER
So why haven't you?
Tarek shrugs.
TAREK
Maybe some day we can do it
together. Split the profits.
Walter watches the Chinese Musician.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - LATER.
Walter and Tarek stand in front of the DRUM CIRCLE in
Central Park.
TAREK
What do you think?
Walter sizes it up and makes his assessment.
WALTER
I think I'll just watch.
TAREK
Come on, Walter.
TAREK (CONT'D)
It's easy. You just wait until you
feel it. Let's go.
Tarek joins the drum circle. Walter lingers.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - LATER.
Walter is on the edge of the Drum Circle, waiting to "feel
it". Tarek is next to him playing away.
Tarek looks at Walter and nods. Finally Walter starts to
play. Slowly at first, but then he starts to really commit.
Tarek encourages him with a smile.
43
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - LATER
Tarek and Walter are leaving the park. Tarek checks his
watch.
TAREK
Shit, we have to get home. Zainab
is gonna kill me. I'm on Arab time
again.
WALTER
What is Arab time?
TAREK
It means I'm late by an hour. All
Arabs are late by an hour. It's
genetic. We can't help it.
EXT. 72ND STREET SUBWAY STATION - LATER
Tarek and Walter hurry down the stairs of the subway station.
INT. 72ND STREET SUBWAY STATION - CONTINUOUS
Walter and Tarek approach the turnstile. They can hear the
train arriving.
TAREK
That's our train!
They pick up the pace. Walter puts down his drum to take out
his METROCARD. Tarek quickly picks it up.
TAREK (CONT'D)
I got your drum. My card is empty.
Can you swipe me?
Walter swipes his card for Tarek to pass through and then he
swipes his own turnstile.
Walter passes through. Tarek struggles a bit with both
drums. He gets halfway through when the turnstile bar locks.
He's stuck.
TAREK (CONT'D)
(Laughing)
Hey. You paid for the drum and not
me. Here take this.
44
Walter takes Tarek's drum and Tarek quickly ducks under the
turn style that Walter just paid for.
TAREK (CONT'D)
(Re: the train)
I think we missed it. Zainab is not
going to be happy if...
Suddenly a MAN takes Tarek by the arm.
MAN
Excuse me, sir. Could you please
step over here.
Tarek reacts by pulling his arm away.
TAREK
What are you doing?
MAN
NYPD. Could you please step over
here?
He reaches for Tarek again who instinctively moves his arm
again which agitates the Cop. Another COP enters into the
action.
COP #2
Just step over here, pal.
TAREK
Please, what do you want...
COP #1
You jumped the turnstile.
TAREK
I did not jump it! I paid. I paid!
It just didn't work.
Walter steps up.
WALTER
Sir, I did pay his fare.
COP #2
Could you step back please?
WALTER
But I paid this man's...
COP #2
Sir, stand over there.
45
COP #1
(To Tarek)
Can I see some ID.
Tarek takes out his wallet. He shows them an ID CARD. Walter
steps back to the wall and sets the two drums down. Cop #2
stands between him and the action. Walter can barely make out
what is being said.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
You got anything else, Tarek.
TAREK
No.
COP #1
Where are you from?
TAREK
Syria. Why?
Tarek is starting to panic. The two Cops share a look.
Another train passes. Cop #1 asks Tarek a few more questions
which Walter cannot hear.
Suddenly Cop #1 starts to handcuff Tarek.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Why? I'm sorry. What did I do?
Walter steps forward to intervene.
WALTER
I don't think that's necessary.
COP #2
Well we do. You can come down to
the station and make a statement.
WALTER
But he didn't mean...
COP #2
Sir, that's all I'm saying. Now
step back or we are gonna take you
in too.
WALTER
Where are you taking him?
COP #2
Ninth Precinct.
46
TAREK
Walter take the drum. Tell Zainab
what happened but don't let her
come for me. I will call you.
The two Cops lead Tarek away. Walter watches helplessly.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Don't let her come! I will call
her!
Walter watches him go.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - LATER
Walter enters and shuts the door and Zainab is sitting on the
couch working on her jewelry.
She stops when she sees Walter standing alone, holding the
two drums.
ZAINAB
Where is Tarek?
WALTER
He was arrested.
ZAINAB
What?!
WALTER
Yes. In the subway.
Zainab immediately starts to panic.
ZAINAB
Arrested?!
WALTER
Yes. It was just a
misunderstanding. They said he
would be released later tonight.
Zainab really starts to lose it. Her reaction is more than
Walter was prepared for.
47
ZAINAB
How could this happen? He knows
better! He would not do anything
wrong.
WALTER
He didn't. I'm sure we it will be
OK.
She begins to pack up her work.
ZAINAB
No. It won't be OK.
WALTER
Yes it will. I went down to the
precinct and made a statement.
ZAINAB
(Snapping at Walter)
That doesn't matter! He is
illegal! As am I! We are not
citizens. Do you know what that
means? Do you?! Of course you
don't. How could you?
She picks up her things and walks down the hall to her room.
Walter sits, stunned.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter is talking on his cell phone and pacing.
WALTER
Yes. His name is Tarek Khalil.
Khalil. K. H. A. L. I. L. That's
right. Yes. I came down and made a
statement. They said he would be
released. That was six hours ago.
Well when should we know? Tomorrow?
Why? But he...OK. OK. Thank you.
Walter hangs up.
EXT. POLICE STATION - MORNING
Walter walks out of the police station. He crosses the
street. Zainab is standing there.
ZAINAB
Well?
48
WALTER
They've moved him.
ZAINAB
To where?
WALTER
To a detention center in Queens. He
was turned over to immigration.
They said we can see him during
visiting hours tomorrow night from
five to ten.
Zainab shakes her head.
ZAINAB
I can't visit him or I will end up
in that place too.
Zainab fights to restrain her emotions. She turns and walks
away. Walter watches her go.
EXT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Zainab's bedroom light is on.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, TAREK'S & ZAINAB'S ROOM - SAME
Zainab is sitting on her bed and talking on her phone.
ZAINAB
Yes. We are going tomorrow. The
appointment is at eleven. I don't
know, he found him. What? No. I
don't want to. I just don't, Tarek.
Yes. I've already called him. I
know. I know. I just want you to be
here with me, Tarek.
EXT. NEW YORK, DOWNTOWN - DAY
A sea of skyscrapers near One Center Street.
INT. DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING, ELEVATOR BANK - DAY
Zainab and Walter exit an elevator and walk down the hall.
49
INT. LAW OFFICE - LATER
Walter and Zainab talk to an, MR. SHAH, an INDIAN IMMIGRATION
LAWYER who is jotting down notes. He is clinical, almost cold
in his approach.
MR. SHAH
Zainab, you're also undocumented,
right?
ZAINAB
Yes.
MR. SHAH
You know you can't visit Tarek at
the detention center, right?
ZAINAB
Yes. I know.
MR. SHAH
How long have you known Tarek?
ZAINAB
Almost a year.
MR. SHAH
Mr. Vale?
WALTER
A week.
MR. SHAH
A week?
Walter nods.
MR. SHAH (CONT'D)
Does Tarek have any family living
here?
Walter looks to Zainab.
ZAINAB
His mother lives in Michigan.
This is news to Walter.
MR. SHAH
She's also undocumented, correct?
Zainab hesitates.
50
MR. SHAH (CONT'D)
It's OK. This is all confidential.
ZAINAB
Yes, she is.
MR. SHAH
Does she know that Tarek is in
custody?
ZAINAB
No. Tarek told me not to tell her.
He doesn't want to worry her.
MR. SHAH
Has he ever been convicted of a
crime?
ZAINAB
No. He has had no trouble. He is a
good person.
MR. SHAH
Do you know if they ever applied
for asylum?
Walter looks at Zainab. She is very uncomfortable.
ZAINAB
Yes. When he first arrived from
Syria. But he didn't get it.
MR. SHAH
When was that?
ZAINAB
Seven years ago.
MR. SHAH
And did they appeal it?
ZAINAB
I don't know.
Mr. Shah jots something down.
WALTER
Why wouldn't they appeal it?
51
MR. SHAH
Fear of being deported. It used to
be that when your asylum case was
denied, they let you go until your
appeal. A lot of people didn't
bother with it. Getting denied once
was enough to spook them.
WALTER
So what happens if that's the case?
MR. SHAH
Then there may be a final order of
deportation on him which means he
won't even go before a judge this
time. He'll just be deported.
ZAINAB
They had to leave Syria! They had
no choice!
This is also news to Walter.
MR. SHAH
Look, one step at a time. Let me
talk to him then we'll have a
better idea of his status and what
our options are.
WALTER
Is there anything I can do?
MR. SHAH
Visit him.
The lawyer slides a card across the table. Walter takes it.
INT. SUBWAY CAR - DAY
Walter rides the subway. He looks down at the lawyer's card.
EXT. QUEENS - LATER
Walter emerges from the subway into a very industrial
neighborhood. Factories and fences. He checks his piece of
paper and starts walking.
52
EXT. QUEENS - LATER
Walter is still walking. The area is very deserted. He stops
and tries to locate a street address amongst the anonymous
factories. He checks his sheet of paper and continues
walking.
EXT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER - LATER
Walter is standing in front of the DETENTION CENTER. It looks
like most of the other factories around it but perhaps with a
bit more barbed wire.
He presses a button and the automated door slowly opens. He
walks inside.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER
Walter walks into a small brightly lit waiting room. A few
SODA MACHINES and TWELVE BLUE PLASTIC CHAIRS. In one corner
is a guard booth with THREE GUARDS. One FEMALE GUARD is
wearing a Muslim headdress. Walter approaches the window and
waits in line. The other people waiting comprise a mix of
nationalities: African, Latin American, Chinese, Indian.
The Guard talks to a MAN in front of Walter. The Man has a
Slavic accent.
GUARD
That detainee has been moved.
SLAVIC MAN
To where?
GUARD
I don't know.
SLAVIC MAN
He was here yesterday.
GUARD
But now he's not. That's all I
know. You can call ICE. The number
is on the wall. Next. Sir, step
aside please.
The Slavic Man reluctantly steps aside, staring at a piece of
paper. Walter steps up to the window. He sets a piece of
paper on the window sill.
53
WALTER
Hi. I'm here to see Tarek Khalil.
The Guard takes it.
GUARD
You been here before?
WALTER
No.
GUARD
Can I see your license please?
Walter takes out his wallet.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER - LATER
Walter is let through a large metal door. There is an X-RAY
MACHINE immediately in front of him.
Walter empties his pockets and steps through.
Walter waits for the sliding metal door to open. It does and
he steps into a small room. The door slides shut and he is
alone in the small white room until a door on the other side
slides open.
He steps through and walks down a small hallway. On the left
side of the hallway are small, glassed in, meeting rooms for
lawyer consultations.
Walter enters into a large bright room. It resembles a prison
visitation room. Along the perimeter of the room is a clear
fiberglass wall with twenty-five small cubicles. Each cubicle
has one seat and a phone. On the other side of the fiberglass
is another seat and a phone.
Walter looks around the room at the VISITORS and DETAINEES.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER, VISITING ROOM - LATER
Walter is still waiting. After a moment a door opens and
Tarek walks out wearing a blue jump suit. He sees Walter and
smiles.
They each move toward the other and settle into a vacant
seat. They both pick up the phone as they sit down.
TAREK
Walter. Thank you for coming.
54
WALTER
Of course.
TAREK
How is Zainab?
WALTER
She's upset. I have a letter from
her.
TAREK
You can't give it to me. It has to
be sent to me by mail. But you can
put it up to the glass.
Walter hesitates.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Go ahead. Open it and place it up
to the glass so I can read it. It's
OK. It's allowed.
Walter complies. He sets down the phone so that he can press
the letter up against the glass. Tarek reads the letter.
Walter looks around the room, trying to give Tarek some
privacy. He watches the various immigrant families speaking
to one another. Tarek taps the glass and points to Walter's
phone. Walter picks it up.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Thank you, Walter.
Walter nods as he folds up the envelope and places it back
into his coat.
WALTER
How are they treating you?
TAREK
OK. The place is very depressing.
There is no privacy. The lights are
always on.
WALTER
Do you need anything?
TAREK
No. I just want to get out of here.
WALTER
Zainab and I met with a lawyer
today.
55
TAREK
Yes. What did he say?
WALTER
He is going to stop by to see you
tomorrow.
They both sit for a moment. Unsure what to say next. Finally
Walter's curiosity gets the best of him.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Tarek, Zainab said you were denied
asylum.
TAREK
You mean when we came here? Yeah.
WALTER
Did you go to your deportation
hearing?
TAREK
Yeah.
WALTER
You did?
TAREK
Yeah. We did everything they told
us to.
Walter can only nod, unsure of what else to say.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Hey, could you tell Darren? I
didn't call him.
A GUARD walks past and taps Tarek on the shoulder and speaks
to him. We can't hear what is being said.
TAREK (CONT'D)
(To Walter)
I have to go. They have to do a bed
count. Usually, I can visit for one
hour. Can you come tomorrow?
WALTER
Yes.
TAREK
Good. And tell Zainab I will call
her as soon as I can.
56
Walter nods. Tarek gets up.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Goodbye, my friend.
WALTER
Goodbye.
Tarek walks away. Walter watches him go.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM/ KITCHEN
Walter and Zainab are sitting at the kitchen table. Zainab is
holding her letter.
ZAINAB
Did you ask him if he went to his
hearing?
WALTER
Yes. He said that he did.
Zainab stands up.
ZAINAB
Walter, I'm going to leave now. I
have a cousin in the Bronx. I will
stay with him for now.
WALTER
You don't have to leave. You can
stay here.
ZAINAB
I think it's best if I leave. When
Tarek calls me then I will tell
him. You know how to reach me if
you need to. Is it OK if I leave
Tarek's things here for now? My
cousin's place is not very big.
WALTER
Yes.
EXT. WALTER'S BUILDING - LATER
Zainab walks away from the apartment.
57
INT. SMALL BAR - NIGHT
Walter drinks at the bar and watches Tarek's band play
without Tarek.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - MORNING
Walter practices the drum.
EXT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
Jacob walks Sprinkles in front of the apartment building.
Walter walks outside and waves hello as he walks past.
INT. QUEEN'S DETENTION CENTER, VISITORS ROOM - LATER
Darren and Tarek are talking. Walter sits and listens.
INT. CAFE - NIGHT
Walter eats alone.
EXT. STREET CORNER - MORNING
Walter buys the morning paper from a kiosk. He walks to the
corner and waits to cross the street. A large group of
CHINESE TOURISTS led by a TOUR GUIDE step up next to him. He
is surrounded by them.
INT. QUEEN'S DETENTION CENTER, VISITOR'S ROOM - SAME
Tarek talks to Mr. Shah.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - DAY
Walter is playing the drum. He finishes with an "end beat".
He looks around the quiet apartment.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER, VISITING ROOM - DAY
Walter is waiting for Tarek. The visiting room is empty.
Suddenly the door opens on the detainee side of the glass and
a VERY YOUNG LATIN WOMAN walks out tentatively. She almost
looks absurd in the oversized blue jumpsuit.
58
She looks at Walter, unsure if she is supposed to approach
the glass and talk to him. Walter just stares back, also
unsure of what to do. They are caught in awkward moment.
Finally Walter manages a nod. She nods back and smiles. It is
the innocent smile of a child.
Suddenly a female guard appears in the doorway and beckons
the Young Girl back inside. The Young Girl looks at Walter
one last moment before disappearing behind the door.
INT. QUEEN'S DETENTION CENTER, VISITING ROOM - LATER
Walter is talking to Tarek.
WALTER
But I thought you said you went to
the hearing.
TAREK
We did. I remember it.
WALTER
So why is there a final order on
you? Did he say?
TAREK
No. He didn't know yet. He just
said that unless he can find a way
to reopen the case quickly they're
going to deport me.
WALTER
Maybe you should call your mother.
She might have...
TAREK
No. I don't want her to worry. I
can handle this.
Tarek shakes his head.
WALTER
Did he say anything else?
TAREK
Yeah. Three years ago I was working
for some guy who said he was going
to sponsor me for my green card but
then he turned out to be jerk. But
the lawyer said that might allow us
to reopen the case. I don't even
understand it.
59
Walter nods.
TAREK (CONT'D)
Walter, there are guys who have
been in here for years! I can't do
that Walter. I'll go crazy.
WALTER
He's trying to deal with the case
as quickly as possible.
Tarek goes silent.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Tarek. I have to go back to
Connecticut. I'll be reachable by
phone if you need me for anything.
Tarek's mind is racing. He shakes his head.
TAREK
OK. Just please...don't forget
about me in here.
WALTER
I won't.
TAREK
Are you still practicing?
WALTER
Yes.
TAREK
You should go back to the drum
circle.
WALTER
(Quickly)
No.
Tarek laughs.
TAREK
OK. But listen to that Fela CD.
That will help you, I promise.
WALTER
I will.
TAREK
So show me what you've been working
on.
60
WALTER
What?
TAREK
Show me. On that. Come on. I need
some music, man.
Tarek points to the shelf in front of Walter.
WALTER
Now?
TAREK
Don't worry. They can't arrest you.
At least not yet.
WALTER
OK.
Walter looks around and then cradles the phone in his
shoulder and starts to bang a simple beat on his counter top.
Tarek watches and listens for a moment.
TAREK
Ah. There it is. Good. Good. You
are getting better.
And then he joins in. The two men continue to play together.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - MORNING
Walter is packing his suitcase. Suddenly there is a knock at
his door. He exits the room.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Walter opens the door. Standing there is a strikingly
attractive forty-five year-old ARAB WOMAN. She seems startled
to see Walter.
WALTER
Hello.
ARAB WOMAN
I'm sorry. I must have the wrong
apartment.
She starts to walk down the hall.
WALTER
Can I help you?
61
ARAB WOMAN
I'm looking for my son.
WALTER
Are you Tarek's mother?
ARAB WOMAN
Yes.
WALTER
Oh. This is Tarek's apartment.
I...share the apartment with him.
The Arab Woman is cautious.
ARAB WOMAN
He did not mention that he lived
with someone.
WALTER
I'm not here very often. I live in
Connecticut.
ARAB WOMAN
Is Tarek here?
WALTER
No. He's...uh...he's not here. But
please come in.
Mouna hesitates.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Please.
ARAB WOMAN
Thank you.
Mouna walks into the apartment. She stands by the door.
WALTER
I'm Walter. Walter Vale.
ARAB WOMAN
I'm Mouna Khalil. I'm sorry to
show up unannounced but my son
calls me everyday. He has not
called me now for five days. I have
tried his cell phone but he does
not answer.
WALTER
Would you like to sit down?
62
MOUNA
Thank you.
Mouna sits.
WALTER
Would you like something to drink?
Coffee or water?
MOUNA
No. Is my son alright, Mr. Vale?
WALTER
Tarek was arrested. He's being held
in a detention center in Queens.
They are trying to deport him.
MOUNA
Where is Queens?
WALTER
It's not far from here. Twenty
minutes.
MOUNA
You have been there?
WALTER
Yes. I saw him yesterday. He's OK.
MOUNA
How did this happen?
WALTER
He was stopped in the subway
station. He didn't do anything
wrong.
MOUNA
I would like to go there. To
Queens.
WALTER
OK. But Mrs. Khalil. The lawyer
mentioned that...I don't think that
you can...
MOUNA
I know I can't visit Tarek, Mr.
Vale. I just want to see where they
are holding him.
63
WALTER
OK. I can take you if you'd like.
MOUNA
Thank you.
WALTER
Let me get my coat.
Mouna nods. Walter leaves. Mouna breathes deeply in an
attempt to control her emotions. She looks around the
apartment and spots Tarek's drum. The sight of it is almost
enough to push her over the edge.
INT. SUBWAY - LATER
The Chinese Musician is playing on the platform. Mouna and
Walter are watching him.
INT. SUBWAY CAR - LATER
Walter and Mouna are sitting side by side on the subway.
EXT. SUBWAY STATION, QUEENS - LATER
Walter and Mouna exit the subway station and walk down the
empty street.
WALTER
Have you been to New York before,
Mrs. Khalil?
MOUNA
No. Tarek wanted to come to New
York to play music. I did not want
him to go but...do you have
children, Mr. Vale?
WALTER
I have a son. He lives in London.
MOUNA
And your wife?
WALTER
My wife passed away.
MOUNA
I'm sorry.
64
EXT. QUEENS STREET - LATER
Walter and Mouna stop across the street from the detention
Center.
WALTER
That's it.
MOUNA
This is where the prison is?
WALTER
Yes. That's it.
Walter points to the Detention Center.
MOUNA
It does not look like a prison.
WALTER
I think that's the point.
MOUNA
How many people are in there?
WALTER
Tarek said about three hundred.
WALTER (CONT'D)
There is a coffee shop on that
corner. It's not very nice but...
MOUNA
I'll wait there. Here.
She takes a letter out of her bag and hands it to Walter.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Thank you.
Walter turns and walks into the facility. Mouna lingers,
taking in the building.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER, VISITATION ROOM - LATER
Walter is waiting for Tarek. He is watching as a LATIN WOMAN
holds her BABY up to the glass as her HUSBAND taps on it from
the other side.
Finally a door opens and Tarek walks out. He waves and
smiles. Walter picks up his phone. Tarek picks up his.
65
TAREK
Walter, I thought you were leaving.
WALTER
I was. Tarek, your mother is here.
This stops Tarek cold.
TAREK
What? My mother?! Where?
WALTER
She is waiting outside.
TAREK
When did she arrive?
WALTER
Today.
TAREK
Oh man. Why did she come? She can
do nothing for me.
WALTER
She said she hadn't heard from you.
TAREK
Walter. Listen to me. She can not
stay here. She doesn't know anyone
in New York. I'm sorry but you must
get her to go back to Michigan.
WALTER
OK. OK. Here. I have a letter from
her.
Walter takes it out and puts it up to the glass.
INT. QUEENS, DINER - LATER
It's a dingy place occupied by truck drivers and factory
workers. Mouna sitting in a booth clutching a cup of tea. She
looks very out of place.
Two DETENTION CENTER GUARDS enter and sit down in a booth.
Mouna watches them. An Arab Waiter is cleaning the counter.
He keeps looking at Mouna.
WAITER
Do you need anything else?
66
MOUNA
No.
WAITER
(In Arabic)
Where are you from?
MOUNA
(In Arabic)
I am Palestinian from Damascus.
WAITER
(In Arabic)
Ah. I knew it. I am from Egypt.
Alexandria. I'm Nasim. Why are you
here?
MOUNA
(In Arabic)
I am visiting my son.
NASIM
(In Arabic)
He is in detention.
MOUNA
(In Arabic)
Yes.
The Waiter shakes his head.
NASIM
(In Arabic)
It's a bad place. I'm lucky. I have
a green card.
He nods to the Guards.
NASIM (CONT'D)
(In Arabic)
They're the ones taking care of
your son. They come here everyday.
They don't tip.
Mouna is uncomfortable.
NASIM (CONT'D)
(In Arab)
Don't worry. They can't understand
us.
Walter enters and walks over to Mouna's booth.
67
NASIM (CONT'D)
Hello, sir.
Walter nods and sits down. He hands Mouna her letter.
MOUNA
How is he?
WALTER
He's good but he's concerned about
you being here.
MOUNA
I will not leave.
WALTER
Mrs. Khalil, I'm not sure that your
being in New York will do any good.
We have a very good lawyer working
on Tarek's case...
MOUNA
(Politely but forceful)
Mr. Vale, I cannot go back to
Michigan knowing that my son is in
that building. Even if I can't see
him, I will stay.
She stands up, ready to leave.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Shall we go?
Walter stands. Mouna digs in her purse.
NASIM
(In Arabic)
The tea is on me.
MOUNA
(In Arabic)
Thank you.
NASIM
(In Arabic)
Is that your lawyer? Or your
husband?
MOUNA
(In Arabic)
Goodbye.
68
NASIM
(In Arabic)
See you next time.
Walter follows Mouna out.
EXT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING - LATER.
Walter and Mouna arrive back at Walter's apartment building.
Jacob emerges from the front door with Sprinkles.
JACOB
Oh. Hello, Mr. Vale.
WALTER
Hello, Jacob.
He sees Mouna.
JACOB
Oh, hello again. Did you find your
son?
MOUNA
Yes. Thank you.
JACOB
(To Walter)
I let her in earlier.
(To Mouna)
I'm Jacob, by the way. I live on
the third floor. And this is
Sprinkles.
MOUNA
Nice to meet you, Jacob. I'm Mouna.
JACOB
So you two know each other?
There is an awkward pause.
MOUNA
Yes. Mr. Vale knows my son.
JACOB
Oh. Who is that?
MOUNA
Tarek.
69
JACOB
Oh. Tarek. He is very nice. And so
is his girlfriend. They are both so
polite.
MOUNA
Thank you.
JACOB
My mother and I are planning a trip
to go to Israel next summer. She's
always wanted to go.
MOUNA
I hope you enjoy it. Now if you'll
excuse me.
Mouna nods and heads into the building.
JACOB
Oh sure. We need to go on our walk
and do our business. Very nice to
meet you, Mouna.
MOUNA
You too, Jacob.
Mouna continues up the stairs. Walter follows her.
JACOB
Goodbye, Mr. Vale.
WALTER
Goodbye.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, KITCHEN - LATER
Walter and Mouna enter the apartment. Mouna picks up her
suitcase.
MOUNA
Thank you, Mr. Vale.
Walter turns.
WALTER
Where are you going?
MOUNA
I will find a hotel.
70
WALTER
You can stay here. You can use
Tarek's room.
MOUNA
Thank you for your offer but I
cannot accept this. I don't want to
impose on you.
WALTER
You're not imposing. Please. I
would like you to stay.
MOUNA
Again, thank you. But I will
manage. Goodbye.
Walter finally steps aside and opens the door.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Goodbye.
She leaves.
EXT. WALTER'S APARTMENT BUILDING, HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Mouna walks down the stairs.
WALTER
Mrs. Khalil?
She turns. Walter is standing at the top of the stairway.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Please. I was with Tarek when he
was arrested. He was in the subway
in the first place because of me.
Please. Stay. Even if it's just for
the night.
Walter's plea is heartfelt. Mouna looks at him and then she
looks down the stairs for a long moment, considering her
options.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, TAREK'S ROOM - LATER
Walter enters the room and sets down Mouna's suitcase. She
follows him into the cramped bedroom.
71
WALTER
The bathroom is just across the
hall.
MOUNA
Thank you, Mr. Vale.
WALTER
You can call me Walter.
MOUNA
And I am Mouna.
Walter nods.
WALTER
Do you need anything else?
MOUNA
No. Thank you. Good night.
WALTER
Good night.
Walter leaves, shutting the door behind him. Mouna sits on
the bed and looks around the room.
EXT. DETENTION CENTER - NIGHT
Desolate streets. The sound of an airplane taking off breaks
the night quiet.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, HALLWAY - MORNING
Walter walks out of his bedroom. He hears talking from the
living room. He walks down the hall and sees Mouna sitting on
the couch in the living room, talking on her cell phone in
Arabic. He turns and walks back down the hallway.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, KITCHEN
Walter pours a cup of coffee. He notices two newspaper's on
the counter. One is the Financial Times and the other is Al
Hayat, an Arabic newspaper. He picks up the Financial Times
and reads the front page. Mouna enters.
MOUNA
Good morning.
72
WALTER
Good morning.
MOUNA
Tarek said hello.
WALTER
How is he?
MOUNA
I can't really tell. He wants me to
leave. But I am not leaving.
WALTER
Well, you can stay here as long as
you need to.
MOUNA
Thank you. That is very generous of
you.
WALTER
Thank you for the newspaper.
Mouna nods and pours some more coffee for herself.
MOUNA
Walter? Did Tarek and his
girlfriend, Zainab, live here
together?
WALTER
Uhm...Yes. They did.
MOUNA
And where is she now?
WALTER
She's staying with her cousin in
the Bronx.
MOUNA
I would like to meet her.
WALTER
We can go by her stall.
MOUNA
Her what?
WALTER
Her stall. She sells jewelry in a
stall.
73
MOUNA
Oh. OK.
EXT. DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING - LATER
A large office building in downtown Manhattan.
INT. ELEVATOR - SAME
Walter and Mouna are standing in silence.
MOUNA
Do you spend a lot of time in the
city?
WALTER
No. Not really. I just came down to
present a paper at a conference.
MOUNA
You wrote it?
WALTER
Yes. Well I coauthored it.
MOUNA
Congratulations.
Walter shrugs.
INT. MR. SHAH'S OFFICE - DAY
Walter and Mouna are talking to the Mr. Shah.
MR. SHAH
And what happened after the
hearing?
MOUNA
We appealed. It took two years.
MR. SHAH
And your appeal was denied?
MOUNA
Yes.
74
MR. SHAH
Then they should have sent you a
bag-and-baggage letter which
basically tells you where to show
up and be deported.
Mouna nods.
MR. SHAH (CONT'D)
But you didn't receive it?
MOUNA
No.
MR. SHAH
You sure?
MOUNA
Yes. I would remember this.
MR. SHAH
Did you move?
MOUNA
Yes. Eventually we had to. But we
had our mail advanced.
Mr. Shah is satisfied.
MR. SHAH
Well, it wouldn't be the first time
that happened. And pre 9/11 it
wasn't much of a priority tracking
people down.
Mouna bristles at the implied connection.
WALTER
So if they didn't get the letter
then does this help us?
MR. SHAH
It keeps our chances alive. If they
got it and just ignored it then we
couldn't push to reopen the case.
MOUNA
So you can help him?
MR. SHAH
It's still a long shot. Like I
said, the Government's approach has
changed radically.
(MORE)
75
MR. SHAH (CONT'D)
It's very black and white now.
Either you belong or you don't.
Which means a lot of people who
have been living here for years are
suddenly being swept up and thrown
into detention.
(He starts writing)
Tarek's lucky. Most of them don't
even have lawyers.
Mouna blanches.
MOUNA
Lucky?
MR. SHAH
(Without looking up)
Relatively speaking. We just have
to move quickly to get an emergency
stay from the board of immigration.
Then, we'll stick with the motion
to reopen pending his green card
application.
Mouna and Walter share a look. They're lost.
MOUNA
Can you explain what that means?
MR. SHAH
Actually, I don't have the time
right now. I have to be in court
very shortly
MOUNA
How long will he be in detention?
MR. SHAH
(Without looking up)
I can't predict that. I'm sorry but
I am gonna have to wrap this up.
Walter looks at Mouna. Mouna stares at the Mr. Shah.
MOUNA
Do you have children, Mr. Shah?
MR. SHAH
Yeah. Two kids. And for what it's
worth my uncle was deported after
raising a family here for twenty-
three years. If I can get Tarek
out, I will.
76
Mouna softens.
MOUNA
Thank you. Where are you from?
MR. SHAH
Queens.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET FAIR - LATER
Walter and Mouna are standing at the fair.
MOUNA
Which one is she?
WALTER
There. In the middle.
MOUNA
(surprised)
The black woman? That is Zainab?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
She is very black.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET FAIR - LATER
Zainab is sitting at her table when Walter approaches. Zainab
smiles. She is genuinely surprised and happy to see him.
ZAINAB
Walter?
WALTER
Hi Zainab. This is Mouna Khalil.
Tarek's mother.
Zainab blanches.
ZAINAB
Oh.
She quickly stands up.
MOUNA
Hello, Zainab.
77
ZAINAB
It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.
Khalil.
MOUNA
Please. Call me Mouna.
ZAINAB
OK. I'm sorry. I did not know you
were coming.
MOUNA
Neither did I.
Mouna looks at her for a long moment. Then she inspects her
jewelry. Zainab is uncharacteristically nervous.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Your jewelry is very beautiful.
ZAINAB
Thank you.
MOUNA
Do you have time for coffee or a
walk?
Zainab looks around at her table.
ZAINAB
Yes. I would like that. But I have
to watch my table.
Mouna and Zainab both turn to look at Walter.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET FAIR, - LATER
Walter is sitting behind Zainab's table in the fair. It's a
long way from the classroom. A FEW YOUNG WOMEN walk past and
browse Zainab's jewelry. They look at Walter who just nods.
INT. CAFE - SAME
Mouna and Zainab sit and talk.
ZAINAB
I'm living with my cousin. He has
two kids. And his mother. I mean
his wife...I'm sorry, I am very
nervous.
78
MOUNA
Why?
ZAINAB
I don't know. Have you spoken with
Tarek?
MOUNA
Yes. He called me this morning. He
is doing all right.
ZAINAB
I wish that I could see him. Just
for a minute.
MOUNA
Me too. How long have you been
here?
ZAINAB
Two years. I was in detention when
I first arrived. Three months. It
was horrible. I would probably
still be there but they closed the
facility for poor conditions. They
released some of the women on
parole because we were...low risk.
I met Tarek one year later.
(Beat)
I am sorry for what happened with
Tarek. I hope you do not blame me.
MOUNA
Blame you? No. I do not blame you.
Zainab starts to break.
ZAINAB
Tarek was doing nothing wrong. I
miss him so much. I don't know what
I am going to do without him.
MOUNA
He said the same thing about you.
ZAINAB
He did?
MOUNA
Yes.
Zainab smiles.
79
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Zainab, I would like you to do
something for me.
ZAINAB
What?
MOUNA
I would like you to show me
something that you and Tarek liked
to do. Some place that you like to
go.
ZAINAB
Like what?
MOUNA
Anything. Whatever you want.
ZAINAB
OK. But maybe we should get Walter
first.
They both smile at the thought of Walter still at Zainab's
table.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - LATER
Walter and Mouna walk down the street listening to Zainab who
is wheeling her jewelry supplies behind her.
EXT. STATEN ISLAND FERRY - LATER
Walter, Mouna and Zainab are standing at the railing of the
Ferry which is making its way across the harbor.
The STATUE OF LIBERTY looms large; the ferry route providing
a perfect vantage point.
MOUNA
So what is in Staten Island?
ZAINAB
I don't know. We never got off. We
just would go to the other side and
then come back.
WALTER
Why?
80
ZAINAB
It's free. And it felt like we were
going somewhere.
Mouna smiles.
ZAINAB (CONT'D)
That is where the towers were. I
never saw them but Tarek did.
Zainab crosses to the other railing and points.
ZAINAB (CONT'D)
And over there is the Statue. And
behind that is Ellis Island.
Zainab smiles.
ZAINAB (CONT'D)
Sometimes Tarek would point at the
statue and jump up and down like we
were arriving to New York for the
first time. It was very funny.
MOUNA
Can you go up in the Statue?
WALTER
Yes. I think so.
MOUNA
You haven't been?
WALTER
No.
MOUNA
Oh.
Walter's cell phone rings. He looks at it.
WALTER
Excuse me.
(Into the phone)
Hello? Oh. Hi Charles.
He walks away from the Mouna and Zainab.
WALTER (CONT'D)
What's that? Yes. I'm still in New
York actually. I stayed down here
to do some research. What's that?
Oh. I'm on a boat. Yes, a boat.
(MORE)
81
WALTER (CONT'D)
Listen Charles, I'll explain when I
see you but I have to go right now.
I'll call you back. Goodbye.
Walter hangs up the phone and rejoins Mouna and Zainab.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER - LATER
Walter is visiting with Tarek. Another detainee walks behind
Tarek and taps him on the shoulder. Tarek nods hello and then
keeps talking to Walter.
TAREK
You went on the ferry?
WALTER
Yes.
TAREK
My mother too?
WALTER
Yes. She liked it.
TAREK
Did Zainab tell you how we used
pretend we arriving in New York for
the first time?
WALTER
Yeah. She told us.
TAREK
You know they don't even let us
outside here. They just cut a hole
in the roof in one place.
WALTER
Really?
TAREK
Yeah. It's crazy stuff.
Tarek looks around the room.
TAREK (CONT'D)
And they seemed to get along?
Zainab and my mother?
WALTER
Yes. I think your mother likes her
very much.
82
Tarek smiles. Then it fades.
TAREK
My mother's not going home, is she?
WALTER
I don't think so.
TAREK
I know she's thinking about my
father. He spent seven years in
jail in Syria for something he
wrote in the newspaper. By the time
they released him he was very sick.
He died two months later. That's
when we came here.
WALTER
I'm sorry.
TAREK
She thinks the same thing is gonna
happen to me.
Tarek thinks for a long moment. He shakes his head.
TAREK (CONT'D)
You know I have never seen them
together. Zainab and my mother.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET, NIGHT
Walter and Mouna are walking home.
WALTER
Are you hungry, Mouna? We can stop
for dinner.
MOUNA
I would prefer to cook if you don't
mind?
WALTER
OK.
MOUNA
Should we stop at a market?
WALTER
Yeah. That's probably a good idea.
83
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, KITCHEN - LATER
Mouna is preparing dinner. Walter comes in and takes a bottle
of wine out of the refrigerator.
WALTER
Would you like a glass of wine?
MOUNA
No thank you.
Walter pours his glass.
WALTER
Mouna? I need to go back to
Connecticut tomorrow. For work. I
told Tarek.
MOUNA
How long will you be gone?
WALTER
I don't know yet. I'll try to make
it back to visit Tarek as soon as I
can.
MOUNA
You don't have keep visiting him,
Walter. I'm sure you are busy.
WALTER
I'll see what I can do.
MOUNA
OK. Dinner will be ready soon.
Walter walks out of the kitchen.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Mouna and Walter are eating in silence.
MOUNA
Do you go to Broadway, Walter?
WALTER
Broadway? Uhm. No. I haven't been
in a long time.
84
MOUNA
Tarek sent me the CD for "Phantom
of the Opera" for my birthday. The
music is lovely. Have you seen it?
WALTER
No. I haven't.
MOUNA
I haven't either but I think I know
every word.
Walter smiles. Silence.
WALTER
Tarek is teaching me the drum.
MOUNA
Really? How is it going?
WALTER
Well, I sound a lot better when
he's playing with me.
Mouna laughs.
MOUNA
How is your teaching going, Walter?
Walter seems caught off guard by the question.
WALTER
My teaching?
MOUNA
Yes.
WALTER
Well...I have a lighter schedule so
I can work on my book.
MOUNA
Your book? What is it about?
WALTER
Well, it covers quite a bit, so
it's hard to explain.
Walter drinks his glass of wine.
MOUNA
Are you almost finished?
85
WALTER
I'm close.
MOUNA
You don't like to talk about your
work?
WALTER
No. It's just a bit complicated.
MOUNA
Why is that?
Walter is agitated.
WALTER
It just is. It's just not a process
that's easy to talk about with
someone who's not a writer.
Walter's cheap shot lands. Mouna is stung.
MOUNA
I didn't mean to pry.
There is an awkward silence.
WALTER
I shouldn't have spoken to you like
that.
MOUNA
It's OK.
Walter picks up the wine bottle and fills his glass.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Walter is sitting on the edge of his bed and takes off his
shoes. He pauses.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - MORNING
An empty New York street. Mouna and Walter round the corner
walking together. She is holding his briefcase. Walter is
carrying the drum and his duffle bag.
They arrive at the Parking Garage. Walter hands a ticket to
the GARAGE ATTENDANT. He takes his briefcase from Mouna.
86
WALTER
Thank you. You have my number if
you need anything.
MOUNA
I'll be fine. Thank you. Have a
safe trip.
WALTER
Well good bye.
MOUNA
Goodbye.
Mouna turns and walks down the street. Walter's car arrives.
EXT. WALTER'S HOUSE - LATER
Walter pulls into his driveway. He gets out of the car. He
opens the trunk and takes out his bag and then his drum.
INT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, CLASSROOM - LATER
Walter walks into the lecture hall. He sets his briefcase
down.
WALTER
Good afternoon.
He takes out some papers and opens them.
EXT. NEW LONDON - LATER
Walter is stopped at a traffic light in town.
INT. WALTER'S CAR - SAME
Walter sees Karen walking toward him. She is talking on her
cell phone and does not notice him. Walter just watches her
pass without saying a word.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, OFFICE - NIGHT
Walter sits in his office working. He stops and listens to
the silence.
87
INT. WALTER'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter pours himself a drink and wanders around the empty
house.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, FRONT HALL - CONTINUOUS
Walter opens the front door and walks outside.
EXT. WALTER'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Walter walks onto the front lawn and looks around the sleepy
neighborhood. He listens to the quiet. It's a stark contrast
from New York.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter roots through his briefcase and pulls out the FELA
KUTI CD. He slips the CD into the stereo. He presses play.
FELA KUTI's, "DON'T GAG ME" blares over the speakers.
INT. WALTER'S HOUSE, PIANO ROOM - LATER
Walter is sitting in a chair and playing the drum along with
the Fela song. He is only wearing a T-shirt and boxers.
INT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Charles talks to Walter. They stand up and shake hands.
EXT. WALTER'S HOUSE - DAY
Three MOVERS are carefully removing the piano from Walter's
house as Walter and Barbara Watson look on.
INT. WALTER'S CAR - DAY
Walter drives back down the highway. The Fela Kuti music is
playing. He is tapping on the steering wheel.
INT. WALTER'S BUILDING, STAIRWELL - LATER
Walter walks quickly up the stairs to the fourth floor. He
seems to be moving with a little more pep.
88
As he approaches his door, he hears music emanating from his
apartment. It's a PIANO SONATA. The music stops him in his
tracks. He listens for a couple of moments. Finally he walks
inside.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - LATER
Walter enters to find Mouna mopping the floor. Fresh flowers
are on the table. She sees Walter and smiles.
MOUNA
Walter.
She turns down the music.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
I did not expect you so soon. I
was just cleaning a bit. I hope you
don't mind.
WALTER
No. Thank you.
MOUNA
I like this CD very much. The
music is lovely.
She picks up the CD.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Is it your wife?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
She was beautiful.
WALTER
Thank you.
Mouna sets down the CD. She notices Walter's glasses.
MOUNA
These are different glasses?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
Are they new?
89
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
They're nice.
WALTER
Thank you.
MOUNA
I was going to make some lunch. Are
you hungry?
WALTER
Yes. Thank you.
Walter leaves. Then he returns.
WALTER (CONT'D)
Mouna?
MOUNA
Yes.
WALTER
I was wondering if...Thursday night
... Do you have plans?
Mouna laughs.
MOUNA
No, Walter, I have no plans.
WALTER
Well, I thought that...we might do
something.
MOUNA
OK.
WALTER
OK.
Walter nods and walks toward his room. Mouna watches him go
and smiles.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER, VISITATION ROOM - LATER
Walter and Tarek are talking. Tarek is very anxious.
90
TAREK
They keep moving people.
WALTER
To where?
TAREK
I don't know. I think to other
detention centers. Two Moroccan
guys were just moved. They had no
idea. Suddenly they were just gone.
WALTER
Has anyone said anything to you?
TAREK
No one in here knows anything. I'm
not a criminal. I have committed no
crime. What do they think? I'm a
terrorist? There are no terrorists
in here. The terrorists have money.
They have support. This is not
fair!
WALTER
I know.
TAREK
(Angrily)
How do you know?! You're out there!
Tarek's question stops Walter in his tracks. Tarek tries to
regain his composure.
WALTER
I'm sorry.
TAREK
It's just... I'm starting to wonder
if I'm ever going to get out of
here. I sit in here at night and I
keep thinking about Zainab.
TAREK (CONT'D)
I just want to play my music and
live my life. What's so wrong about
that?
EXT. NEW YORK CAFE - DAY
Walter, Mouna and Zainab are sitting at a cafe. Walter is on
his cell phone.
91
WALTER
(Into the phone)
OK. OK. Please do. Thank you. Bye.
He hangs up.
MOUNA
What did he say?
WALTER
He would make some calls but they
can move him to another facility at
their discretion.
ZAINAB
What facility? Where?
WALTER
He said it could be anywhere.
Upstate. Pennsylvania. There is
even one in Louisiana.
ZAINAB
Louisiana? Where they had the
floods?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
That's so far.
WALTER
Yeah.
MOUNA
Did the lawyer say anything else?
WALTER
No. No he didn't know anything
else.
MOUNA
No one seems to know anything. It
feels like Syria.
INT. JAZZ CLUB - NIGHT
Darren and the Bass player are playing. They have a new
drummer. Mouna and Zainab sit at a back table talking.
92
Mouna notices Zainab's necklace. Zainab takes it off and
gives it to her.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET, KIOSK - DAY
Walter buys two newspapers. One in English and one in Arabic.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Mouna walks along the street. She stops at a small CLOTHING
STORE and looks into the window. She walks into the store.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Mouna is sitting on her bed, speaking in Arabic. Walter,
dressed in a jacket and tie, is sitting in his bedroom.
Suddenly Mouna appears in the doorway.
MOUNA
Sorry to keep you waiting.
WALTER
That's alright. How is he?
MOUNA
He says hello. He wants to make
sure that you are practicing your
drum.
Walter smiles.
WALTER
I am. You look very nice.
MOUNA
You too. Should we go?
WALTER
Yes.
They leave.
INT. NEW YORK CAB - LATER
Walter and Mouna ride in the cab. Mouna looks out the window.
MOUNA
This city is just so huge! It never
ends.
93
The cab pulls over. Walter and Mouna climb out.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - CONTINUOUS
Walter pays the Cab Driver and turns to Mouna.
WALTER
Ready?
MOUNA
For what?
Walter points to the "Phantom of the Opera" marquee behind
her.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Really? The Phantom? Are we seeing
it?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
Now?
WALTER
Yes. Is that OK?
MOUNA
That's wonderful. Thank you. I am
so excited.
Walter smiles as he and Mouna walk toward the theatre.
EXT. TIMES SQUARE - NIGHT
The lights and sounds of Times Square. Walter and Mouna walk
through the throngs of tourists after the play. Walter hails
a cab and they jump in.
INT. NEW YORK RESTAURANT - LATER
Walter and Mouna both sit in a French restaurant finishing
their salad.
MOUNA
I have to say that show was really
kind of scary.
94
WALTER
Yeah. It was kind of scary.
The both smile. A WAITER approaches and picks up their
plates.
WAITER
Are you finished?
MOUNA
Yes.
WAITER
How is everything?
MOUNA
Very good. But I think I would like
a glass of wine.
WALTER
I'm sorry. I didn't even think to
ask.
MOUNA
It's OK. It's not every night that
you see The Phantom.
(To the Waiter)
I'll have a cabernet.
WALTER
Two please.
WAITER
Certainly.
The Waiter leaves.
WALTER
I haven't been to theatre in a long
time.
MOUNA
Me neither. There is a place in
Syria called Maaloula. It is a huge
outdoor theater. It's beautiful.
We used to take Tarek there to see
concerts.
The Waiter sets down the two GLASSES of wine.
WALTER
Cheers.
95
MOUNA
(In Arabic)
Cheers.
They clink glasses and drink.
WALTER
Mouna, I've taken a leave of
absence for the rest of the
semester.
MOUNA
Really? Why?
Walter is suddenly self-conscious.
Walter is suddenly self-conscious.
WALTER
I just thought I might spend some
more time in New York.
MOUNA
Walter, you do not have to do this
for Tarek.
WALTER
I want to.
MOUNA
But you have to be in Connecticut.
You have your teaching. And your
book.
WALTER
It's fine really.
MOUNA
This is not your problem, Walter.
It's OK that you are busy.
Her simple words strike a chord with Walter.
WALTER
I'm not busy. Not at all.
(Beat)
Mouna, the truth is I haven't been
doing any work for a long time.
MOUNA
You just presented your paper at
the conference.
96
He is beginning to unravel.
WALTER
I didn't even write it. I just read
it. I've been teaching the same
course for twenty years. It doesn't
mean anything to me. None of it
does. I pretend. I pretend that I'm
busy. That I'm writing. Working.
But I'm not doing anything.
Walter trails off.
WALTER (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
MOUNA
Don't be. I appreciate you telling
me this.
The Waiter returns and pours some more water.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Walter, what would you do if you
didn't teach?
WALTER
I don't know.
MOUNA
I think that is exciting. Not to
know.
Walter considers this as if for the first time. He smiles.
WALTER
Mouna, what do you do?
MOUNA
Do you mean for work?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
I work in a car dealership. I take
care of the accounting.
WALTER
Really?
MOUNA
Yes. It's very exciting.
97
Walter smiles.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - LATER
Mouna and Walter walk into the apartment. Mouna takes off her
coat.
MOUNA
What time is it?
WALTER.
Twelve thirty.
MOUNA
No?! Is it?
WALTER
Yes.
MOUNA
My God. Twelve-thirty! I have not
been up this late in a long time.
WALTER
I think that happens a lot in New
York.
MOUNA
Thank you, Walter. That was a very
nice evening. It's the most fun
I've had in a long time.
WALTER
I told Tarek I was going to take
you. He was very happy about it.
Mouna is touched by the comment. Her mood shifts.
MOUNA
Good night, Walter.
WALTER
Good night.
And with that she turns and walks into her bedroom.
INT. WALTER'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Walter wakes up. He checks his watch. He notices that his
phone is blinking. A message. He picks it up and listens to
it.
98
WALTER
Damn it!
He throws open the door and hurries into the...
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mouna is sitting at the table.
WALTER
There's a message from Tarek.
Something's wrong.
MOUNA
What did he say?
WALTER
Just that they were moving him. He
didn't know what it meant.
Without another word, Mouna is up and putting on her coat.
INT. NEW YORK TAXI - LATER
Walter and Mouna ride in the cab. Walter is on the phone.
WALTER
Well when do you expect him back?
Can you have him call me the minute
he is? It's an emergency. Thank
you.
(He hangs up.)
He's still in court.
(To the CAB DRIVER)
Can you hurry please?
MOUNA
I hate this feeling.
EXT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER - LATER
Walter and Mouna get out of the cab. Walter rushes in. Mouna
waits outside.
INT. QUEENS DETENTION CENTER - LATER
Walter walks up to the guard booth.
99
WALTER
Hello. I'm here for bed 38. Tarek
Khalil.
The MALE GUARD checks the computer screen. Walter waits.
MALE GUARD
He is no longer with us.
WALTER
What does that mean?
MALE GUARD
I'm not sure.
WALTER
You're not sure? Was he moved to
another facility? Another state?
What?
MALE GUARD
I don't know. I just know that this
detainee is no longer in the
facility.
WALTER
Well can you ask someone who does
know?!
MALE GUARD
Hold on.
The Guard picks up the phone and dials. He has a long
conversation that Walter cannot hear.
There are a few other visitors in the waiting room. They
watch Walter.
MALE GUARD (CONT'D)
Sir?
WALTER
Yes. Did you find him?
GUARD
He's been removed.
WALTER
Removed? To where?
GUARD
Deported.
100
WALTER
What? When?
GUARD
He was deported this morning.
WALTER
He...how can that be? Is there any
way to contact him?
GUARD
I don't know. I don't think so.
WALTER
You don't think so? What kind of
answer is that?!
GUARD
I'm sorry, sir. That's all the
information that I have. Now please
step away from the window. You can
call the ICE if you have any
further questions. The number is on
the wall.
Walter's wheels are spinning. He is helpless. He looks around
the room at all of the other immigrants visiting friends and
family members. They are watching him with blank faces.
GUARD (CONT'D)
Sir. Please step away from my
window.
Walter doesn't move. He checks his watch.
GUARD (CONT'D)
Sir. For the last time, step away
from my window.
Finally, Walter turns and starts to walk out of the detention
center.
He reaches the exit and then spins around and storms back
toward the guard booth. He completely loses control.
WALTER
(Angrily shouting)
You can't just take people away
like that! Do you hear me?! He was
a good man. A good person! He had a
life here! You can't just take
away whoever you want!
(MORE)
101
WALTER (CONT'D)
It's not fair! We are not just
helpless children! Do you hear me?!
The Guard just stares back blankly. The other visitors watch
in disbelief. They are unaccustomed to this type of outburst
as is Walter who now stands trembling in the middle of the
room.
It's as if something inside him snapped. Something that he
has been holding on to for a long time. He is suddenly
adrift. Unsure of what to do next.
MOUNA (O.S.)
(Gently)
Walter.
Walter turns. Mouna is standing there. He looks at her.
Helpless.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Walter. Let's go. There is nothing
we can do. Let's go.
Walter looks a bit lost. He looks back at the Guard who just
stares back at him.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Come on, Walter.
She reaches out and takes Walter's hand. And then she leads
him out.
INT. NEW YORK TAXI - LATER
Walter and Mouna ride in a taxi. They are both depleted.
Mouna shakes her head.
MOUNA
He did nothing wrong.
She is overwhelmed by the events. She breaks down and starts
to cry. Walter puts his arm around her.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET FAIR - DAY
Walter watches as Mouna tells Zainab. Zainab buckles and hugs
Mouna.
102
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Walter is looking out the window. Mouna walks out of the
kitchen and turns out the light. She walks over and stands
next to Walter.
MOUNA
Walter, I need to go back to Syria.
I should to be there for Tarek.
WALTER
When are you going to leave?
MOUNA
Tomorrow. I already bought a
ticket. It's best for me to be
there as soon as possible.
Walter just looks at her. The news is piercing.
WALTER
You won't be able to come back
here.
MOUNA
I know.
Beat.
WALTER
Mouna. I'm sorry.
Mouna smiles warmly.
MOUNA
Good night, Walter.
Mouna leans in and kisses him gently on the cheek. She turns
and walks toward her room. Walter watches her go and then
looks back onto the street.
INT. WALTER'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - LATER
Walter is lying awake in bed. There is a knock at the door.
He sits up.
WALTER
Yes.
The door opens and a shaft of light cuts across the room.
Mouna stands in the doorway.
103
Walter stares at her for a moment and then turns down the bed
sheets. Mouna walks over and lies down next time. Walter
pulls the sheets back over her.
They sit in silence for a long moment holding each other.
MOUNA
It's my fault. What happened to
Tarek. I did receive the letter
telling us to leave. I threw it
away. I never told him.
Walter can only listen.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
We were here for three years by the
time the letter arrived. I had
found a job. Tarek was in school.
Everyone told me not to worry. That
the government did not care. And it
appeared to be true. And then,
after time, you forget. You think
that you really belong.
Walter gently touches her.
WALTER
It's not your fault.
He puts his arm around her and she collapses into him.
WALTER (CONT'D)
It's not your fault.
They lie together.
INT. KENNEDY AIRPORT - LATE AFTERNOON
Mouna and Walter are sitting in the airport.
MOUNA
Have you visited your son in
London?
WALTER
No. Not yet.
MOUNA
You should visit him.
Mouna takes a small decorative pouch out of her purse.
104
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Here.
Walter takes it and opens it. It's a WRIST BAND from Zainab's
collection.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
Zainab and I picked it out
especially for you.
WALTER
Thank you. It's very nice.
MOUNA
Let me see.
Mouna puts it on Walter's wrist.
WALTER
I like it.
MOUNA
So do I. You look cool.
WALTER
Cool?
MOUNA
Yes. You are very cool, Walter.
Walter smiles. Mouna checks her watch.
MOUNA (CONT'D)
I should go.
The both stand up.
INT. KENNEDY AIRPORT, SECURITY CHECKPOINT - LATER
Walter and Mouna arrive at the security check point. Mouna
sets down her bag.
MOUNA
Thank you, Walter. For everything.
She leans in and they hug long and hard.
WALTER
I don't want you to go.
Mouna kisses him.
105
MOUNA
(She whispers)
I don't want to go, habibi.
Then she picks up her bag and walks off. Walter watches her
go. She turns and waves. Walter waves back and then she
disappears into the security check point.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAY
Walter walks quickly along the street with his drum.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - CONTINUOUS
Walter approaches the subway and enters.
INT. SUBWAY STATION - CONTINUOUS
Walter swipes his card and walks down into the subway.
INT. SUBWAY PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS
Walter walks along the subway platform. He stops about midway
and sits down on a bench.
The uptown subway train enters and obscures our view of him.
Finally the train pulls away. Walter is still sitting but now
he is playing his drum.
He is fully committed.
Another train wipes frame.
EXT. STREET FAIR - DAY
Zainab sits behind her table, staring straight ahead. We hold
on her for a long moment and then...
CUT TO BLACK
Black Card:
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning
to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp
beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus
Printed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty
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