Dead Town Page #4

KHALED:

(softly)

Why are you hugging me? I told you my love is precious.

Jenny lifts her gaze to find Khaled wearing his signature cold smile. Frustrated, she pushes him away with force, but he remains standing.

JENNY:

My beautiful moment has passed...

Khaled grins, teasingly.

KHALED:

I told you, we're not meant for each other.

Jenny, both angry and playful, retorts.

JENNY:

Go f*** yourself.

Joe, still struggling to stand, lets out a laugh as he speaks.

JOE:

The old Khaled is back, huh?

EXT. THE TOWN - THE NEXT DAY

The camera opens on a small town just outside the bustling big city. The atmosphere is calm and serene, a stark contrast to the chaos of urban life. Simple, single-story houses with faded paint and weathered rooftops line the narrow streets. Most of the homes have small, well-kept gardens, showing the care and love of the residents.

A few ordinary cars pass by, their engines humming softly as they navigate the winding roads. There's a sense of routine as people go about their day.

EXT. THE SIDEWALK - THE TOWN - DAY.

A WOMAN in her mid-40s carries a shopping bag, stopping to chat with an ELDERLY MAN sitting on a bench. He adjusts his hat as they exchange pleasantries.

WOMAN:

(smiling)

Morning, Mr. Roberts, How's your garden this week?

ROBERTS:

(grinning)

Oh, you know, the tomatoes are finally coming in. Can't wait to make some sauce.

EXT. PARKED CAR - THE TOWN - CONTINUOUS.

Inside a parked car, a YOUNG COUPLE argue playfully, the windows rolled down. The GIRL laughs, swatting at her BOYFRIEND, who chuckles as he tries to defend himself.

GIRL:

(teasing)

You really think you can get out of taking me to dinner that easily?

BOYFRIEND:

(defeated)

Alright, alright! You win. Italian tonight?

EXT. THE MAIN STREET - THE TOWN - CONTINUOUS.

Two TEENAGERS ride their bicycles, swerving around parked cars, laughing and shouting at each other. The camera follows them for a moment before shifting to a small, local grocery store.

INT. GROCERY STORE – CONTINUOUS

An ELDERLY WOMAN chats with the STORE CLERK, who's restocking the shelves.

ELDERLY WOMAN:

Do you have any fresh milk today, dear?

STORE CLERK:

(nodding)

Just came in this morning, Mrs. Green. I'll get you a bottle.

EXT.OUTSIDE - GROCERY STORE – CONTINUOUS

A man walks his DOG along the sidewalk, waving to a NEIGHBOR who's sweeping the front porch. They exchange a quick smile and wave as life continues to move at a comfortable, unhurried pace.

The camera pans out, capturing the overall sense of warmth, simplicity, and community that defines this small town, just a stone's throw away from the big city.

INT. SMALL DINER - AFTERNOON

A small diner offers light meals and coffee, featuring simple wooden tables and comfortable chairs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.

We see the waitress, SARAH, in her twenties, dressed in a simple uniform as she moves between the tables. She carries a tray with coffee cups, smiling at customers as she serves them.

SARAH:

(smiling)

Anything else you need?

CUSTOMER:

Yes, another cup of coffee, please.

Sarah moves gracefully through the diner, passing by customers who are eating their light meals and sipping their coffee, the sound of spoons and coffee cups tapping on tables audible in the background.

ANGLE ON THE LAST TABLE

JOE and JENNY sit together, looking tense. Joe is devouring a hamburger with appetite, while Jenny sips her cappuccino, staring into her cup as if something heavy weighs on her heart.

JENNY:

(hesitant)

I've been thinking a lot about Khaled... and his relationship with Marsha. How dare that woman threaten us with cursing this town?

JOE:

(chewing hard, then swallowing)

It's not just threats, Jenny. Marsha isn't normal. That woman... she has powers you can't even begin to understand.

JENNY:

(narrowing her eyes, pointing her finger)

Just like you, Joe? When you tried to kill me?

JOE:

(with a heavy sigh)

That was in the past, Jenny. I've already paid the price. Khaled didn't leave a single bone unbroken... my ribs are still cracked.

A moment of silence, before Jenny speaks in a soft, conflicted tone.

JENNY:

(whispering)

Sometimes, I wonder... maybe I'm wrong about Khaled. What if... what if I wanted to ask him out? What if...

JOE:

(cutting her off)

It's too late, Jenny. If you want to be by his side, you have to do it now. Marsha coming, and the curse isn't a joke. At least... if something bad is coming, you could die in his arms.

JENNY:

(sarcastically, mocking his words)

Thank you so much for the encouraging words, a**hole.

Joe doesn't respond but simply grins stupidly, resuming his eating like an animal.

Suddenly, Khaled enters the diner. The other customers react with fear, avoiding eye contact with him, but those who don't know his true nature speak to him casually, and he responds with polite but distant words.

CUSTOMER #1

Hey Khaled, haven't seen you in a while. How’ve you been?

KHALED:

(slight smile)

Just passing through. You know how life is. Busy as always.

CUSTOMER #2

You still working at that old factory? Heard they're planning to shut it down.

KHALED:

No, I left that place a while ago. It's all in the past now, I'm working with Joe

Khaled approaches the counter where Sarah, the waitress, is wiping the surface. She gives him a flirtatious smile, leaning forward.

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