Nostalgia Chelsea Bliefernicht
INT. AUDREY’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - MORNING AUDREY (22) sits on the edge of a diploma in her hands. The room is sparsely decorated guest bedroom. rests against the bed at Audrey’s
twin bed, a college a neutral-colored, A small, rolling suitcase feet.
Audrey continues to look down at her diploma, handling it gingerly. She stands up and sets it down on the bed. She grabs the suitcase and makes her way to the closet. She unzips it, taking out a blouse. As she reaches for a hanger, she notices something on the top shelf of the closet. Using the desk chair as a stool, she pulls down a dusty box. Audrey takes a moment to examine it, brushing her hands over the top. She slides her thumb under one of the flaps and hesitates. WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.) Audrey!? Audrey pulls her hand back from the box. AUDREY Yeah, Mom!? WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.) We’re leaving! AUDREY I’ll be down in a sec! Audrey stares at the box a moment longer before placing it back on the top shelf of the closet. INT. ENTRYWAY - MORNING Suitcases rest against the front door. GREG (early 50s) reads over a checklist. GREG Directions? SUE (48) digs through her over-sized purse. SUE Check.
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GREG Cell phone chargers? SUE Check. Audrey races down the stairs and gives each of her parents a hug. AUDREY Have a great time. Greg begins coughing dramatically. GREG I think I’m coming down with that aviator flu. AUDREY (Whispering to Greg) Avian Flu, Dad. GREG That’s what I said. SUE Oh no, there is no way you’re getting out of this high school reunion. GREG (Grumbling) They’re not even my friends. SUE No, but I want to show off what a hot stud I married. Greg drapes his arm over Audrey’s shoulders. GREG Can’t you show off what a beautiful daughter you have instead? SUE (To Greg) Nice try. (To Audrey) Call us if you need anything. AUDREY I will. Say ’hi’ to Grandma for me.
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Sue kisses the top of Audrey’s head before checking her watch. SUE (CONT’D) We’re going to be late, as usual. (To Audrey) Promise you’ll send out a few more applications this weekend? AUDREY Mom... Sue gives Audrey a silencing look. AUDREY (CONT’D) (glum) I promise. SUE That’s my girl. Audrey gives each of her parents one more hug before they grab their suitcases and head toward the car. INT. AUDREY’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - AFTERNOON Audrey unpacks her suitcase, the few articles of clothing looking pathetic in her closet. Her eyes drift up, back to the box. She drags the desk chair in front of the closet. Audrey places the box on the end of her bed, taking a steadying breath before opening it.