“THE NEW JOURNEY”

FADE IN:

“THE NEW JOURNEY”

INT. STUDY ROOM – NIGHT

Rhythmic CLATTER sounds on a plastic keyboard. A figure sitting behind a computer in a dimply lit room is hunched while typing. The room is modernistic with expensive furnishings. The only ancient thing inside the room is the OLD LECTURER BUZIMBA (60’s) clanking and scribbling his notes.

The rest of the room is dark except for the light coming from the computer screen that illuminates his face and hands on the keyboard. The light also illuminates glimpses of books on a shelf behind him and a smoldering cigarette sitting in an ashtray on his left.

He adjusts his glasses and squints momentarily to get a better look at the computer screen before scribbling some notes on a notepad with the BAOBAB UNIVERSITY logo. He does this periodically before going back to typing.

The wall clock chimes at the top of the hour. BUZIMBA glances at his

SILVER WRISTWATCH and it reads 1am. He takes a puff of the cigarette as he prompts his computer to shut down. He takes off his glasses and places them on the table. There is a hint of weariness in his eyes. Evidence of many years of this nightly routine.

He grunts and heaves as he leaves the room.

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

BUZIMBA walks into the bedroom and sits heavily on the bed from fatigue. He then switches on the bedside lamp.

BUZIMBA

Lazy nincompoops!

MARY

(HUSKILY AND DROWSILY) Now what is it again?

She asks as she scoots over to let BUZIMBA into bed. He grunts again as he edges towards his wife. A beautiful brunette in her mid-40s whose eyes are puffy after being startled from deep sleep.

BUZIMBA

More than half of the 4th year students got below average grades.

All they do is go out and do TikTok the whole day and night.

Imbeciles can’t take time to study!!

MARY

You need to take is easy with your work my darling. What does it benefit you to get yourself worked up? You never learn yourself! Take pride in the half that passed. The rest have their parents’ money to waste to the university.

BUZIMBA

Goodnight. You will never understand.

MARY

Yes, I am just a housewife who sits pretty in the house doing my podcast smiling at my clients and talk about different topics about life. What would I know about your young students’ dedication? I am not even a mother!

BUZIMBA

I did not mean that, and you know it. Goodnight.

He stretches to the bedside lamp and switches it off.

STUDENT(VO)

I don’t think I will able to graduate this semester Sir. I cannot afford to settle my fees balance. Only by a miracle will I be given the power to read, so to speak.

EXT. BAOBAB UNIVERSITY – OUTDOOR DINING SPACE – DAY

The lecturer’s arm is resting on a wooden park-style bench next to his lunch with his Silver watch’s hands showing 20 minutes to 2pm.

He listens carefully to the STUDENT (30’s). HARRY is an African with dark low fresh cut hair and brown eyes, sitting across from him. Searches for words to answer the young man.

Within the outdoor dining space several of the same benches filled with STUDENTS and UNIVERSITY STAFF. Young ARTSTUDENTS walk through the dining space with their painting boards and painting tools propped over their shoulders as they walk towards the car park chatting about their projects.

The lecturer glimpses at his watch then adjusts his neck tie. A crimson blue ascot tie with a neat fold below his sagging neck skin.

BUZIMBA

I’m sorry. You are a very dedicated student and visionary young man.

It kills me to see you in this predicament. (pause)

No one is replying to my emails.

With that, HARRY drops his expectant eyes. Digesting the information and trying to understand.

He then looks back up at the lecturer. A bare, discontented face full of emotions. He is balancing tears on his eyes.

HARRY

We shall wait then. As we pray. Thank you, Sir.

The lecturer offers his best compassionate smile. Then wraps his disposable lunch box into a plastic bag.

BUZIMBA

Alright.

The old lecturer takes a look at his watch. Ten minutes to 2pm. He props his elbows on the bench as he prepares himself to stand up and leave.

Harry nods and takes the wrapped lunch box from the lecturer and proceeds to the garbage bin.

BUZIMBA

I hope to see you in class on Friday. I am running late; I have to go.

The lecturer says as he gestures to his wristwatch.

The student stretches out his hand and the lecturer offers his in return. They give each other art handshake.

HARRY

Thank you once again, Sir. The worst is behind me, all shall be well. See you at 10.30 on Friday.

(smiles)

The lecturer nods with a smile as he starts to walk away clutching his backpack.

INT.HOME OFFICE ROOM – DAY

The lecturer’s study room. It looks much spacious in the sunlight. With brilliant white walls adorned with a collage of paintings around the room. The clock on the wall is ticking audibly. It reads ten minutes past 11 am.

A leather-bound folder with the Baobab University logo and name insignia embossed in golden sits in front of him. The lecturer opens it and there are several sheets of paper with lists of names printed on them. He looks through the lists and then takes some notes on a note pad. Stops. Flips through a page. Reads.

His wife walks in holding a tray with a kettle and two tea glasses.

MARY

It is that time again. When is the big day for this semester? I am expecting your gown from the drycleaners tomorrow. You have to be spick and span this being your last graduation.

The lecturer INHALES deeply. He picks up a cigarette and lights it. He stands up and moves towards the window. A large portrait painting of himself in an academic robe and donning a graduation cap hangs above his head. He is much younger in the painting, perhaps in his early 20s.

BUZIMBA

It is next week on Wednesday. I have finished compiling the list. I am proud of half the class that will graduate this semester. It will be very special occasion for not just me.

He glances at the papers sitting on his desk as his wife pours some tea into the glasses and he takes a seat next to her.

INT. BAOBAB UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY HALL – GRADUATION – DAY

Random chattering and laughs. A hoard of GRADUATING STUDENTS clad in caps and gowns spread out in the auditorium. Most are taking photos with friends and family. Groups of friends pose for cameras. The graduation ceremony just ended.

BUZIMBA (VO)

I am very proud of all of you today. It is great to see you looking so stunning and happy in the company of your friends and family on this

special occasion. For most of you this journey…(voice fading)

INT. GEORGIA UNIVERSITY - STALIN GRAND AUDITORIUM – GRADUATION – DAY

The newly graduated, FRANK (20’s), takes a box of MEATPIE from his MOTHER (40s), a woman whose face looks 20 years older than her actual age. She has a chiffon headwrap with ornamental decorations. She has a huge grin on her face. Cleopatra is evidently very proud of her son’s achievement on this day.

CLEOPATRA

These were the most expensive ones they had. Your uncle took his goat to the butcher as a gift for your graduation. He is very proud of you. I wish your father was here to see you in these “educated” gowns and hat.

FRANK

He is too kind. He has sold almost everything so far to keep me in school. His wife must be thinking he should be the one wearing these graduation gown and the hat.

He kiddingly says with a naughty tone to his voice.

Cleopatra digs into her beaded purse and fishes out an old DIAMOND GOLDEN WRIST

WATCH. She hands it over to FRANK with hands that are visibly trembling.

CLEOPATRA

Your father did not leave much behind. But I am sure he would have loved to see you have this on this special day my son.

Frank carefully takes the watch and carefully inspects the watch. It looks expensive. He runs his thumb across its face.

Interjecting the moment...

STUDENT(OS)

Hey, Your Majesty!

Offendedly, Frank turns towards the source of the comment.

The STUDENT (20’s), with a face never bothered by the sweat of real work, smiles sheepishly. He gives a quick bow to Cleopatra and then looks around at his FRIENDS (20’s) for approval.

STUDENT

wouldn’t have left Georgia if they didn’t send someone to come take you back.

I hope to see you in the future my friend. The student and his friends LAUGH. Keep moving.

Annoyed by the stereotypical comments though not responding, frank

turns back towards his mother.

CLEOPATRA

Why don’t you say something?

Frank looks back at the watch in his palm, the only thing left from his father and then looks back at his mother.

FRANK

I have learnt not to fight in other people’s lands. If he (gestures to the watch) had not gone to fight the Ukraine war for the United Nations, he would have been here to give me this today.

CLEOPATRA

Don’t say that son. Your father was a hero and a brave man who went to fight for those that he did not even know. It was compassion, humanity. I see him in you today.

FRANK

I do not want to be a hero Mummy.

Frank hugs his mother tightly and softly whispers his gratitude in her ear.

INT. ROOM – DAY

The old lecturer is sitting in his office in the university. It is a small crumped up space reeking of cigarettes. Bookshelves line up the walls and the desk is cluttered with papers.

BUZIMBA (VO)

I am not a hero. I am not a father. I am not a soldier and I am brave. I am just an old lecturer about to retire.

Still, I am a fighter. An old fighter. A general. In a war in which I am a prisoner. A prisoner of war. I must fight one more battle to set myself free.

The old lecturer brings his wrinkled hands to his face and closes his eyes momentarily..

Blackness.

The BANG and an echo of something heavy hitting wood within the emptiness.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ OFFICE MANAGER (VO) Harry,

stop!

INT. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ MANAGER’S OFFICE – DAY

Repeated bangs of someone slapping against a table.

Harry is frenetic, his eyes are popped out and he is banging the table as if in a trance, tears rolling down his cheeks.

The INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ OFFICE MANAGER (50’s), is visibly

shaken and she stands back clutching at her coat at her chest.

The SECRETARY (30’s) stands behind the safety of the office door. Her face showing from behind the door’s edge.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ OFFICE MANAGER

Don’t do it, boy. You are worsening your situation!

Before she can finish, Harry turns takes two steps towards her.

HARRY

I am in deep trouble Ma’am, I am a dead man, I desperately need help. You are the only one who can help me. Today, now!

The Manager, VELMA is attractive and well dressed. Fear can be seen through her expensive eye glasses and she is shaking. She takes a cautious step back.

Hatred mixed with fear shows in Harry’s eyes. Someone or something has caused him to break.

VELMA

(softer) Harry, please.

Huffing with adrenaline, Harry hesitates for just an instant. Just enough time for...

From nowhere, two SECURITY GUARDS (30’s) rush towards Harry. Catch him off guard and force him to the floor.

Harry struggles violently. SCREAMS, again. A continuous SCREAM this time.

The Manager edges closer to the security guards and Harry. She goes down on one knee and bends towards Harry’s face.

VELMA:

You are now in very big trouble my boy. I do not know how I can help you out of this.

Michael struggles to lift up his eyes toward Velma. He stares at her defiantly. Then, spits on the floor. Causes her to gasp.

HARRY

I was already in deeper trouble. Please call the police already.

With that, the guards pull him towards the door.

The Manager pulls a handkerchief from her pocket. Dabs her flushed face.

The secretary, from behind the safety of the office door, moves to allow room for the wailing boy and the guards to exit.

Students, officers and workers look murmur amongst themselves. Then, go back to their businesses.

VELMA

(to secretary)

Call the security manager and ask them not to take him to the police. We need to find out what made such a well-mannered boy snap so viciously.

The secretary nods as she slowly but obediently moves towards the landline phone.

The security guards lead Michael down the stairs and outside the building. He does not try to struggle; his head is heaved forward with tears dropping to the floor leaving a trail of anguish behind.

INT.LIVING ROOM – DAY

Office phone ringing. The lecturer picks it up halfway into its second ring.

BUZIMBA:

Hello!

VELMA (VO)

Sir, good afternoon! Velma here

BUZIMBA

Yes, to what do I owe the pleasure Ma’am.

VELMA (VO)

I do not know if it’s come to your attention but unfortunately one of your students who caused a commotion at the office earlier today attempted to commit suicide while under the custody of our security officers. I thought you should know as the head of department.

BUZIMBA

What are you talking about? Who is that? What commotion?

VELMA (VO)

His name is Harry Nwapa. He is in his final semester.

The lecturer grunts. His face frowns. With a tight grip on the telephone headset, he shouts

BUZIMBA

How unfortunate! He tries to commit suicide in your custody! And now you guys can afford me a phone call after weeks of not replying to my emails about his plight!

VELMA (VO)

Unfortunately, Sir I have been on maternity leave. I just came back yesterday. I will definitely get back to you on it.

There is a long pause. The lecturer takes a deep breath trying to control himself.

BUZIMBA

Thanks for informing me. I guess what you want is someone to come clean up after your mess, right?

VELMA (VO)

Do not be so judgmental Sir. I do not know what is bothering the boy. I wanted your advice because I presume you know him better. So that we know how to help him Sir.

BUZIMBA

Read the email. You will know and understand him better too. And you will be able to help him!

The lecturer returns the headset on the office telephone. Then he rises up and looks out the window from his desk.

After a moment, the lecturer takes a folder from his desk.

He takes his coat that’s hanging from his chair. And slowly walks out of the office banging the door behind him.

EXT. LVIV CITY – TRAIN STATION – DAY

A young man (20s) wearing a black trench coat and a brown winter hat pensively paces on the far corner of the platform smoking his cigarette. Time and again he looks to his left, then to his right then glances at his wristwatch that’s on his left hand. On his right hand he is holding a large wooden box. His hands are trembling. He is nervous and cold. He keeps looking up towards the upper pavilion. THREE MEN (40s) in dark suits and sunglasses eye him keenly. Their black coats are bulging at the waist betraying their concealed pistol strapped on their waist holsters.

There are people walking about their businesses holding their luggage and some are standing some meters from him awaiting the train.

The train horn sounds from a distance. The young man walks from the spot that he was standing towards the public phone booth.

Shortly the train screeches to a stop and a hoard of passengers disembark heading in various files into different directions.

A middle aged man (40s) with dark glasses and short thick beards walks towards the telephone booth. He has a Cowboy hat on that matches his gloves. He is carrying a backpack in his hands and his military boots thud on the concrete pavement as he approaches the young man.

The young man is holding the telephone handset when the man gets to the phone booth.

MAN

Are you done with that? I need to call the Andriy

FRANK

I am also trying to reach Angelina Boryslav

The man looks at Frank pensively for a few seconds. Then looks at the wooden box that he is holding.

MAN

I didn’t know they were going to send a child amateur. You guys think this is backgammon?

FRANK

They sent the best they have. He is watching you right now.

Frank looks up towards the first level of the train station and sweeps the floor with his eyes.

Give me the bag. My job is finished when he receives it.

MAN

(Grumbling)

Whatever. Open it! You better pray I find what I want in the box otherwise you will all watch as I kill each one of you in turns Frank puts the wooden box on the floor and takes the bag that the man has pushed against his chest. He opens the backpack bag and examines the content hurriedly. He gives the man a wink and brushes against him as he quickly leaves towards the stairs leading to the upper floor of the station. He leaves the wooden box on the floor and the man steps into the booth.

INT. AGHA KHAN HOSPITAL – RECOVERY ROOM – DAY

Machines beeping. A television is playing in the background. A young man is lying on the bed his eyes fixed on a spot on the ceiling his hands resting on his chest.

A nurse walks in pushing a trolley with an assortment of medication. He has a big smile on her face and when he looks at the young man, he turns his gaze towards the window. His eyes are teary and tired.

NURSE

Good morning Harry, it’s a beautiful day outside. Are you excited to be leaving this boring room today after these two weeks?

HARRY

It’s not any better outside. There is nothing for me there.

NURSE

There is someone outside waiting to see you. He will be with you as soon as I finish administering your last dose of medicine.

(SITTING UP)

HARRY

Who is that? I am not expecting anyone. Is it the police?

NURSE

No, it is not the police. It is someone who cares for you and wants to walk out of here with you today.

The nurse takes Harry’s palm and folds it into a fist in her hands. Then looks at his eyes with reassurance.

(SOFTLY)

NURSE

You are a fighter Harry. You have won many battles and I witnessed you fighting for your life and I am happy to see you overcome. The worst is behind you. It shall be well.

HARRY

Thank you so much. I did not want to fight. I did not want to live.

You fought for me. Thank you.

She takes a syringe and a vial and administers an Intravenous injection at the back of his hand. Then rubs the hand and pats him on the cheek. She winks at him and takes her trolley to leave the room.

NURSE

I will let him in. All the best. Take care of yourself Harry. Bye.

Harry smiles back at her and nods. His eyes remain on the door awaiting anxiously for the visitor to show up.

A moment later, the lecturer walks in. Behind him is the International Students Office Manager. The lecturer scans the room without looking at Harry. The manager goes straight away to the bed and stands next to Harry.

VELMA

How are you feeling now Harry?

The boy tries to sit up by propping himself on his hands against the mattress. The manager helps him by adjusting his pillow.

HARRY:

Thank you. I am okay. I am sorry Ma’am. I did not…

(INTERJECTING)

VELMA

No son. No need to apologize. Everyone understands your predicament at that moment. We are very sorry it went that way.

You were in a tight spot and needed the money desperately…

She says as she lays a hand on his shoulder and looking towards the lecturer for confirmation.

BUZIMBA

The past is like smoke son. When it goes, it can’t be brought back.

I am happy to see you recovering so well Harry. When I came here a week ago, I was worried for you. All I could see were tubes and these infuriating machines beeping nonstop.

The Manager nods in agreement. Then smiles as she rubs his shoulder.

VELMA

I owe you an apology and explanation. We should have listened and responded to your plight in earnest. But that is not exactly why we are here today. Like Sir said, let’s let the past go.

Harry is confused. He looks at the lecturer trying to get a clue of what the manager is talking about. But the lecturer’s face is unreadable as usual. He then looks back to the Manager inquisitively.

BUZIMBA

Stop torturing the boy Ma’am. He has been through enough turmoil already. Go ahead, give him the news.

The manager rubs her hands and takes in a deep breath. Then relaxes and smiles at Harry.

VELMA

I am happy to inform you that on behalf of the university management, we have considered your request as explained by Professor Buzimba and we have come to a unanimous decision.

Michael now sits up properly. His heart racing.

(CONTINUING)

VELMA

The University management has waived your school fees arrears in full. You will graduate this semester my boy!

Michael is now in tears. He is dumbfounded.

(SOBBING)

HARRY

I do not know what to say. I thought you were coming to take me to the police station. I did not expect this. I had given up.

BUZIMBA

You should never give up son. The best lies ahead and the future is bright for you Harry.

VELMA

That is not all. A well-wisher has also offered to fly in your mother from Nigeria for your graduation. She has been worried sick about the incident and the good Samaritan who wishes to remain anonymous thought it would be good for her and you to be reunited on the special day.

BUZIMBA

Not to mention that you are the Valedictorian! You will graduate at the top of your class. You and I know you have fought bravely to be in that position against all odds.

VELMA

The police were also able to arrest the people involved in money laundering that had blackmailed you into trafficking drugs for them to Arusha

Tanzania. They have since been imprisoned and they will be deported as soon as they finish their prison sentences.

Harry cannot utter a word. He is sobbing uncontrollably. The Manager tries to comfort him.

The lecturer murmurs something and walks out. When he is outside the room, he takes a handkerchief and daps his teary eyes.

FADE.

INT. LVIV PRISON – COURTYARD – DAY

INMATES are sitting, walking, conversing.

A young man walks with his hands in his pockets. As he passes a group of INMATES, a heavily tattooed burly middle aged INMATE shouts at him.

(BECKONING WITH HIS INDEX FINGER)

INMATE: Yoh! Soon you will stop running and tell me where did you hide Boris’s money.

The young inmate looks at the burly inmate blankly. He tries to walk away but two of the other INMATES grab him and through him to the ground.

The burly inmate approaches him and pulls a pocket knife from his sock. He pulls him by the collar towards his face. His teeth are browned and his breath smells of vodka and cigarette smoking.

INMATE:

Boris has paid for your head. But you can choose to save it by telling me where you hid the money. That way, you will get out of here alive and go back to your country in one piece.

The young inmate tries to utter a word but the burly inmate spits on his face and shoves him back to the ground.

Wiping his face with the back of his hand, the young inmate sits up. The rest of the inmates move away from him.

FRANK

I swear by the father’s grave, I do not have the money. I have told you so many times. The seized me outside the train station and took the bag with the money. Then they planted the drugs on me and charged me with possession of narcotics. I swear to you.

(EYEING HIM WITH CONTEMPT)

INMATE

No cares about your swears and father’s grave. All I care about is the money and I do not believe your story for a second

FRANK

Then why would I be here? If I had the money, I would have paid for my escape or release.

INMATE

You think you are too smart. That’s why you are here. But you will not come out of here alive. You will rot in your grave as the money rots wherever you buried it.

The group of inmates leave together leaving the young inmate shaken. He looks around him.

The rest of the inmates throw him a glance then go back to their chatters.

The prison siren wails. The inmates start walking towards their cell blocks. Chattering. Bracing the cold.

The young inmate follows suit. He walks with his head bowed and his hands in his pockets.

INT – LVIV - PRISON WARDEN’S OFFICE - DAY

A panel of PRISON WARDERS, A MAGISTRATE and STATE JUDICIAL

OFFICIALS are seated round a table arranged in a U-shape.

In the middle, a young inmate is seated dressed in orange prison overalls. He is pensive. Nervously playing with his nails. Nibbling them occasionally.

Seated next to the magistrate is the PRINCIPAL PRISON WARDEN (50s). He is grey haired with a plump face. His official uniform looks a size smaller than his big frame. He is a towering figure with a bellowing voice.

WARDEN

(CALLING ATTENTION BY CLEARING HIS THROAT)

You honor, let us proceed to the next parole hearing.

The warden passes sheets of paper to members of the panel. Once everyone has their sheet he proceeds.

WARDEN

Your Honor, we have Frank Williams. Sentenced to 25 years in prison for money laundering and drugs trafficking. He has served two years in this prison. He is now 23 years old.

(FLIPS THE PAGE)

The rest the panel members follow suit

WARDEN

Frank has shown considerable good behavior and has been diligent in his duties throughout the 2 years he has been here.

The warden looks at the judge and then to his officers for affirmation. They all nod in agreement.

The magistrate peeps at Williams from the top of spectacles that are hanging from the tip of his nose. His eyes rocking back and forth between Williams and the papers he is holding.

MAGISTRATE

Mr. Williams, I remember you. I have never forgotten your face. Today, I am here to vindicate you. Your case has been canvassed and the state appointed defense attorney has managed to poke holes into

the prosecution evidence and claims.

Kemal is visibly jolted by the news. He is expecting bad news that his parole request has been denied.

MR.WILLIAMS

Yes your honor. I never did the things they said I did. I was just an errand boy trying to…

(INTERRUPTING)

MAGISTRATE

No need to start explaining. I do not want to hear it. Like I said, this is now a closed case. You are a free man now.

Williams is stunned. He looks at the magistrate. Then at the panel. Especially the warden. Everyone looks unperturbed.

The warden gestures at his officer who is standing next to Williams. The officer taps Williams on the shoulder.

(WHISPERING)

OFFICER

Time to go buddy. You are now a free man.

Williams stands up and murmurs a thank you as the officer leads him out of the room.

WARDEN (OS)

Next!

INT. BAOBAB UNIVERSITY ART EXHIBITION HALL – GRADUATION – DAY

Random chattering and laughs. A hoard of GRADUATING STUDENTS clad in caps and gowns spread out in the auditorium. Most are taking photos with friends and family. Groups of friends pose for cameras. The graduation ceremony just ended.

BUZIMBA (VO)

…to some of you this journey has been to hell and back.

(JOKINGLY)

At least you made it back here by today to graduate!

(LAUGHS AND CHEERS)

Harry is hugging his mother. She is tall and slender. She is adorned in an African print dress.

Both have tears rolling down their cheeks. Looking at each other in disbelief.

He is holding A BANQUET OF FLOWERS. The lecturer approaches them.

Harry readies to greet the lecturer by extending his hand towards him. The mother turns to face the lecturer and bends one knee while holding her elbow with the other hand, extending her right hand to the lecturer.

HARRY

Sir. Meet my mother, sir.

The lecturer extends his hand to greet the mother. He manages a smile. The mother bursts out in her native and hugs the lecturer.

HARRY

She says she is eternally grateful, Sir, for what you have done for me and for us as a family.

The mother lets go of the lecturer and steps back.

BUZIMBA

I did not do anything. I just did my job as your teacher and head of department. You did everything. She should be very proud of you.

HARRY

Sorry sir, I do not agree. I told her that you pleaded my case to the university management for the scholarship and when the unfortunate happened and I was hospitalized, you tirelessly campaigned for my treatment. You even got a good Samaritan to pay for my mother’s flight from Nigeria to be here today.

BUZIMBA

(QUIPPING)

Do not be silly! I thought being a valedictorian meant you are very smart. Do not embarrass me now Harry. We are all happy to see her and especially seeing you donning these gown and hat. You now have the power to read!

They both laugh. The mother smiles as she admires her son. The lecture walks away waving his hand to some students who are busy taking pictures with their friends and families.

INT. STUDY ROOM – NIGHT

The room is quiet save for the wall clock’s hand ticking away. It reads 9.20 PM. The lecturer is seated at his desk holding gift box in his hand. It is wrapped with a blue ribbon.

Next to the gift box lies an unmarked envelope.

He is signing off on a letter. After signing off, he reads it.

BUZIMBA (VO)

HARRY, I HOPE THIS WRISTWATCH REMINDS YOU OF THE CYCLE OF LIFE AND THE SAVING GRACE OF SECOND CHANCES. NEVER QUIT. NEVER GIVE UP. LIFE DOES NOT ALWAYS DEAL US FAIRLY, BUT IT NEVER STOPS US FROM FINDING A WAY THROUGH IT. JUST LIKE THIS WATCH THAT I HAVE CARRIED ALMOST MY ENTIRE LIFE ON MY WRIST HAS NEVER STOPPED, MAY YOU NEVER STOP SEARCHING, FIGHTING, ACHIEVING, SUCCEEDING. I HAVE WORN IT WITH PRIDE AND HOPE. TO REMIND ME OF MY STRUGGLES AND LOSS. OF BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE. OF FIGHTING AND WINNING. OF LOSING AND TRYING. YOU ARE A FIGHTER AND I AM VERY PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS. I SEE MYSELF IN YOU. YOUR STORY AND MINE ARE WRITTEN

FROM THE SAME INK. PERHAPS YOU ARE THE SON I NEVER HAD. PERHAPS GOD SENT MY SON TO AFRICA INSTEAD OF TURKEY. BE GOOD TO YOUR MOTHER, NEVER LET HER CRY ALONE.

GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE, SAFE TRAVELS.

The lecturer smiles with a huge grin.. He puts the letter inside the envelope and seals it.

He stands up and leaves for the door. As he exits the room, he switches off the lights.

FADE OUT.

***END***

Original Screenplay By

JESCA LUCAS