When I Was 8, I Heard the First Storm

Script Excerpt

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT

Wrapped in her blanket and holding a little stuffed dog, Jade
nervously walks across the hallway, careful not to wake her
parents. She approaches a door at the end of the hallway and
hesitantly knocks.

After a few moments, the door creaks open and a tired YOUNG
LAINEY peeks out. She’s about 5 years old, a bit tiny for her
age.

                  YOUNG LAINEY
          What?

                  YOUNG JADE
          I’m scared.

Lainey hugs her sister.

                  YOUNG LAINEY
          Do you want to have a sleepover?

Jade nods. Lainey holds her sister’s hand as they walk over
to Lainey’s bed. Lainey crawls back into bed and gives Jade
one of her pillows, setting it beside her. Jade crawls into
bed next to her sister and snuggles into the blanket she’d
brought with her.

Jade and Lainey lay side by side, looking up at the ceiling.
The storm continues outside, but now it’s quieter.

                  YOUNG LAINEY (CONT’D)
          Let’s play the Food Game.

                  YOUNG JADE
          Ok, you go first.

                  YOUNG LAINEY
          (pantomiming while she
           talks)
          Today I am going to make a
          delicious chocolate cake with
          chocolate frosting and chocolate
          sprinkles.

                  YOUNG JADE

          Can you put some strawberries on
          it?

Lainey flops her arms down and looks at Jade.

                  YOUNG LAINEY

          Ok fine. Chocolate, chocolate,
          chocolate and then strawberries.

Jade smiles.

                  YOUNG LAINEY (CONT’D)
              (pantomiming)
          First, I put flour and some baking
          soda together. Next, I put lots and
          lots of sugar. And then I think I
          need an egg.

Jade laughs at Lainey pretending to crack an egg.

                  YOUNG LAINEY (CONT’D)
          Then you put it in the oven!

Jade quietly cheers.

                  YOUNG JADE
          Ok pretend it’s done cooking and
          now you have to present it.

Lainey clears her throat, preparing for her big moment.

                  YOUNG LAINEY
          Today I have for you a delicious
          chocolate cake which has chocolate
          icing and some strawberries. It’s
          10 feet tall and can feed a million
          people!

                  YOUNG JADE
          It’s my turn now, I want to make
          something.

                  YOUNG LAINEY
          Ok!

                  YOUNG JADE
          Today I am going to make some soup,
          but not just any soup it will have -

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