Hanru Sazuki

Hanru Narrating: Life to me has been a series of random events and life-threatening scenarios but in the eyes of the average, this lifestyle is misunderstood. In truth, what is life? Is life defined by the analogy of time- Past situations of past mistakes which we live with and must overcome through personal trial, present issues which are forced upon us in a sudden moment, or should looking toward the future and manifesting ourselves into a unrealized thought of possibility be our philosophy? Growth can only begin when the imaginative thought of the impossible is produced within an individual’s mind. One individual’s mind can change many, many can change a culture, and a culture can change a society.

(Hanru is sitting on a bus looking around at all the people and the tiny details of the bus, such as the warning labels on the back door, the seats, and the lights hovering above everyone.)

(Holly’s home)

(Holly is sitting on the couch watching Baggage. Her older sister Tsuki walks in the front door wearing a dark-gray tank top and dark blue jeans with classic black Chucks and a black backpack on her back.)

Tsuki: Look at my little sister sitting on her pretty little butt watching reality game shows! Now that’s the real American dream; I’m proud of you.

Holly: (Turns off T.V.) It’s a lot harder than it looks. Sometimes I have to reach over to grab the remote and flip the channel and that’s a pretty tiring workout for my fingers.

Tsuki: (In the kitchen digging through her backpack) Instead of putting weight on your butt, you should go out and find a full-time job; I’ll help you.

Holly: Full-time job? Trying to find something good to watch on T.V. is a fulltime job.

Tsuki: (Chuckles) You’ve been hanging around me too long.

Holly: (Walks into the kitchen and stands beside Tsuki) Well I’ve always wanted to be one of the cool kids so why not act like one?

(Tsuki stares at Holly with a blank face and Holly stares back. The two of them smile at one another after 3 seconds, but Holly’s is significantly smaller compared to Tsuki’s. Tsuki looks away and continues searching her bag. She pulls out two small objects wrapped up in foil. She places them both on the counter.)

Tsuki: I’ve brought you some burritos.

Holly: Are you trying to fatten me up?

Tsuki: You’re doing a pretty good job of that all on your own.

(Holly and Tsuki both chuckle at one another and Holly gives Tsuki a friendly push on the shoulder.)

Tsuki: So, hey, have you thought about applying to colleges yet?

Holly: Not yet. I don’t know if I’m ready for all of that yet.

Tsuki: (Takes burrito and walks toward the microwave) I’m gonna be honest with you- you’re NOT ready for this.

Holly: (Sarcasm) W-well thank you for that support, big sister. You know, that’s just what I needed.

Tsuki: (Aggressive) Quit being a little girl and listen to me. For most people, school is not easy- especially college, but you can’t let intimidation stop you from pursuing what you want to achieve. Take a leap of faith and see where things take you and when you run into an obstacle, deal with it and move forward.

Holly: (Sighs) You make it sound so easy.

Tsuki: Cause it is easy once you have time to adapt to such a big change in your lifestyle, but life is about change and once change starts, it doesn’t stop. Just as an individual, you’ll need to take responsibility and balance out the chaos in your life. Now toss me your burrito so we can watch “Newly Weds” and get fat together.

(Apartment)

(Lee walks into the apartment that both he and Nicky share. Nicky is in the kitchen talking to a young innocent-looking woman with short black hair. The woman in black hair is Nicky's co-worker from the hospital Brandy. Brandy's face turns a bit sour once she sees Lee casually walking into the apartment. He walks pass Brandy without uttering a single word and walks straight into the kitchen to see how Nicky is doing.)

Lee: You look better. Has lemon-face here been keeping you company?

Brandy: (Bitter towards him) If you were man enough to stick around during this traumatic time in your girlfriend's life, you'd know the answer to that question!

Nicky: (Stressed) Brandy... Please... Just give us a minute.

Brandy: (Glances at Lee and then makes eye-contact with Nicky) Don't let him sweet talk you.

Nicky: Thank you, Brandy.

(Brandy gets up and leaves the apartment. Nicky crosses her arms and stares silently at Lee with a look of anger and sadness in her eyes. The emotional conflict within her disables her ability to speak the first words through her mouth and instead speak them through her eyes windowing her soul.)

Lee: Sorry I've been gone over a week. I was just- (Twirls his finger around in the air) Everywhere. (Chuckles)

Nicky: ... I don't know where you've been and I don't care anymore. I should never have gotten involved with you because I am in my late 30's and you're still in your 20's, but I did. And I can't stay mad at you because I made the decision to have sex with you and no one else is to blame but me. You will always be who you are and I either have to accept that, or leave you; I can't just choice to keep myself miserable.

Lee: Nicky...

Nicky: No, Lee. I am an adult and I make my own decisions and sometimes it's not easy when you're a woman slave to her emotions, but that's just how life goes sometimes.

Lee: So are we over? Are we going our separate ways?

Nicky: Brandy is my only real friend other than Peter and he doesn't understand what I'm going through cause he's a man, but Brandy continuously reminded me of why keeping you in my life is a mistake.

Lee: So what do you want to do then?

Nicky: (Pauses for a second) I want to have a baby with you.

Lee: You still wanna have a baby with me after being gone for almost a week with no contact?

Nicky: All I need is a yes or no from you. I don't know too many men who would be willing to do it and are trust worthy biologically. You and I are both clean and I know you're young, so raising a child is nowhere on your agenda right now, so all you need to do is have as much sex with me as you want until I'm pregnant, and I'll agree to leave you alone after you've done your job. I will take care of this baby myself and I will handle all of the responsibilities. So yes or no: Do you want to do this?

Lee: Let's get started right now.

Nicky: Not now. I don't know where you've been this past week and I don't wanna risk catching anything from you. It wouldn't be fair to the baby.

Lee: (Sighs) Whatever, I'll let you know when I get around to doing that.

(Lee reaches into the refrigerator to grab a can of soda and he leaves the apartment. As he walks past Brandy outside the door, he rudely burps in her face and continues to walk away from her. Nicky is left behind feeling a little less conflicted about her feelings but she knows she made the correct choice by confessing her true feelings. A lonely flower remains under the passing sky slowly withering as time quickly passes it by from light to darkness. Pressured by temptation, Lee sits in a car trapped within the constant struggle between the voices in his head telling him to either indulge or flee from his dark craving. He looks out of the passenger window and sees the bright neon lights shining in his face; inviting him into the world of a lustful domain. Feeling lost, rubbing his face and shaking his leg nervously, he cannot seem to get the image of Nicky's smile out of his mind. As much as he wants to return to her, he feels a stronger pull of dark hands wrapping around his chest whispering soft flashes of desired lust through his mind. Unable to withstand, he leaves the vehicle and walks through the parking lot of a strip club lighting up the blackness of the dark outside world around him. Lee sits below the stage and indulges in the soft strokes of naked female body parts rubbing against his body and his soul...)

(Jessica is woken up by the sound of the front door slamming shut. Tammy walks in holding an 8 year old child by the hand.)

Tammy: Mommy is really tired, okay, sweetie. Just put your stuff by the table and sleep on the couch next to Jessica, okay?

Charles: Okay, mommy.

Jessica: (Sits up on the couch she was sleeping on) Is this little Charles?

Tammy: Finally got my son back. It wasn't easy prying him out of his aunt's clingy hands, but she understood that I'm his mother and she let him go.

(Jessica looks over at the chairs beside her as Charles places his bag next to her feet.)

Jessica: Where did you expect him to sleep? We only have the one couch and the two big chairs. Your bed is cover in... (Glances at Charles and catches herself) dried up fluids... so no way is he sleeping there.

Tammy: Obviously; I'm not that terrible of a mother. Look, he's short; he can put the two chairs together and make a bed- problem solved. Help him out; I'm going to bed. (Walks toward her bed)

Charles: (A bit sad as he watches his mother walk away) Night, mommy...

(Tammy keeps walking and jumps straight into her bed. Not sure whether or not Tammy heard her son, Jessica quickly talks to Little Charles to comfort him.)

Jessica: hey, little man. (Makes eye-contact with him and smiles) My name's Jessica; it's nice to meet you. (Offers him a friendly smile and handshake)

(Charles just quietly stares at Jessica with a nervous look on his face.)

Jessica: (Lowers hand) It's okay; I'm one of the nice girls. You don't have to talk to me unless you feel like it, but whenever you need a friend, I'm right here for you.

Charles: Okay...

Jessica: (Giggle and smiles) Why don't you take the couch tonight, okay?

Charles: Okay.

Jessica: (Excited) Okay!

(LJ's home)

(Tsuki and Holly come home late; sitting in the kitchen is LJ having a shot of liquor on ice in a small glass.)

Tsuki: Uh-oh; someone's a little buzzed tonight. We better watch out, Holly.

LJ: I am a grown man. I can have a drink whenever I want. But you know who's not grown? (Turns around to face Tsuki and Holly) Holly.

Tsuki: She's over 18 already; you can't baby her. Plus she was with me all night.

LJ: It doesn't matter who she was with, Tsuki. You can't keep undermining my authority as her father. If you're gonna take her out and be home late, let me know.

Tsuki: She is my sister and I've been taking care of her, her entire life- giving her advice, hustling up food when our dad couldn't; giving her boy advice. If anything, she's better off with me than she is with you. So don't you talk about undermining authority because if anything, I have more authority and seniority than you. (Walks upstairs)

(Holly stares at LJ feeling terrible about being the source of conflict. LJ stares at her a few seconds, but then turns his back to her.)

LJ: Goodnight, Holly.

Holly: G-goodnight.

(Holly runs upstairs into her room and notices she left her cell phone on her dresser by mistake. She looks at it and sees 18 missed calls from LJ. Through the front door comes Janet dressed in "revealing" clothing as usual. LJ remains sitting in his little dark corner twirling his drink in his hand.)

Janet: Hey, sweetie. (Notices LJ's drink) You must have been drinking all night. Is there something on your mind you wanna talk to me about? (Stands behind LJ and gently rubs is back)

LJ: I only took a couple sips. As much as I'd like to down the entire bottle, I know I need to have a stable mind set right now. It's good to be in control of your faculties.

Janet: I know when something heavy's on your mind, LJ; what's up?

LJ: (Glares at Janet) Don't you have some stranger's penis to suck?

Janet: (Stops rubbing his back and scoffs) So uncalled for.

LJ: You and I both know you do it, Janet; don't play innocent when you know I'm speaking the truth.

Janet: You don't need to point out the obvious then. I come home to get away from that life and enjoy what I have here.

LJ: Pfft; I call your bluff on that one. If you can't stop lying to me, stop lying to yourself. You don't like it here; it's too much of a change from your old life.

Janet: I won't lie and say I always enjoy it here. This life is dull and boring, but I enjoy spending time with my daughter and she is the only thing keeping me from going back to my old ways completely.

LJ: You never changed your old ways.

Janet: Oh, yes I have, LJ. (Says passionately and in deep emotion) You have no idea what kind of gutter lifestyle I was forced to grow into. Do not think for even a second you know what it's like to live my life. Sure I'm known as a prostitute with a new family now, but what does anyone know about my personal experiences? Nothing! (Points at LJ) And you never even bothered to ask. If it were up to me, I'd leave this house and never come back, but I don't wanna miss out on anymore of my child's life, and being here watching her grow up is worth dealing with you and your ignorance. (Walks away)

(Stranger's apartment)

(It is now morning and Lee wakes up in a strange bed with spit all over the side of his face and on the pillow he was sleeping on. the sounds of loud blowing wind, honking cars, police sirens, and barking dogs lightly flood through the background as he tries to focus his vision on the alarm clock sitting under the breezy opened window to see what time it is. Things just look blurry but clear up after a few seconds. Lee flips on his back and takes a minute to gather his thoughts. A white brunette woman wearing a pink bath robe, and holding a heated skillet of scrambled eggs walks into the bedroom and Lee quickly looks over to see who she is.)

Woman: I made some eggs for breakfast; you wanna come get some?

(Lee sits at her 4 foot kitchen table fully clothed and takes in his surroundings as the woman scrapes a few eggs on a small plate for him. After serving Lee his food, she then sits is the chair next to him.)

Lee: So who are you?

Alex: Just call me Alex like everyone else down at the club, sugar.

Lee: What are you from Texas?

Alex: Nebraska actually, but I haven't been there in so long, it's hard to remember those simple times.

Lee: Yeah... (Grabs fork and begins eating eggs) Thank you for the eggs by the way. I'm not always an ungrateful pig.

Alex: Well you could've fooled me.

(Lee ignores her and continues to eat.)

Alex: When you're finished, I'm gonna need you to leave. My landlord is already riding me about the traffic my nosey neighbors complain about so I can't have you hangin' around here too late.

Lee: I should get back to my apartment anyway. My... girlfriend person or whatever wants me to get her pregnant and then leave her with all the responsibilities. I'm totally down for that.

Alex: Maybe you should just leave now.

Lee: (Annoyed) Whatever. (Grabs a handful of eggs with his hand and take an aggressive chomp of them as he leaves the apartment)

(Therapist’s office)

(Erika is seen from bird's eye view staring at the ceiling with a dissatisfied look on her face. She hardly blinks; she just stares at the ceiling. A female therapist sits in the chair next to the couch Erika lies on.)

Therapist: Let's talk more about this lashing out at a coworker in your work place.

Erika: (Scoffs) She was the who started that!

Therapist: We've been over this before, Erika; - (Erika sighs) A negative situation cannot escalate unless you allow it to. She did not physically force you to lash out at her. You've got to take responsibility for your own actions because in the real world, you will be the one held accountable for the consequences.

Erika: You and your straightforward talk.

Therapist: I'm you're therapist; not your friend. I am not here to show you sympathy; I am here to help you recognize the broken pieces of Erika and fix those broken pieces to recreate a healthy whole. (Clenches fingers together)

Erika: (Sits on the couch slouched over) I remember that quote you told me a while back. You said something about... Balance and growth something...

Therapist: Life is all about growth and evolution. The only way to grow in life is to balance the unsuspecting chaos which comes your way and learn to evolve with it.

Erika: Yeah that one. That quote actually got to me and it had me thinking about the unbalanced sections in my life. I know people dislike society for putting labels on groups of people and making others feel oppressed, but aside from the fact that we make society, it also helps us realize the issues we all suffer from as a nation. Our society isn't ruled by any specific laws we all are required to follow; our society is made up from the free thoughts of like-minded individuals. I've noticed that society is based on whatever we perceive in media and magazines. Women always worry about having the "perfect body" but whenever women are out in public, how many other girls do they actually see with those "perfect bodies"? If you do see women who look fit, uh, maybe it's because they work out and put in some dedication and hard work to look like that. Models is short for "role models" and they purposely flaunt their bodies for whatever reasons- sense of self security, money, a need for being desired; whatever! But they need to understand that the material they put out there in the world is affecting not only young girls, but grown women as well. The same goes for celebrities and pornstars. All of them play a role in how society is perceived on a self-esteem and sexual level. If anything, women are more affected by the lustful exploitation of the female body then men are! Music these days is nothing but sex and "love-making". Songs about love-making only fill our heads with expectation of what we think sex should be like but when it actually happens, it doesn't meet our expectations, and what was that other quote you said? The uh... (Snaps her fingers to help try and "snap" the thought into her head)

Therapist: Expectation is the doorway to disappointment.

Erika: Yes, that! And so with all of these things that are filled into our heads, sex, sex, sex, is all we hear, see, and for most, it becomes a desire! We don't go around looking through people’s houses and watching them have sex! Some people do, but other than them, sex is forced upon us through forms of media. Other than media and magazines, you also have religion and family traditions, but wait, no! Even the media portrays religion! Many people say they dislike God or the idea of him, but of course you would because of the ideal image of what god is supposed to be is forced on us. I'm not saying I believe, but I'm just saying that we rarely have control over or own thoughts anymore because we as a society have subconsciously put our faith in media and we judge each other and label our society by media standards; not by "the people's" standards. Sure media can bring a lot of good things, but if you think about it, does it really? No, it absolutely brings more harm than good. And I know this is a little off topic right here, but I just need to vent. Feminism is supposed to be a movement for equality for both men and women. Well men do play a big part in holding women back, but women play a much, much larger part in holding women back. My question is- why would women even want the same privileges as men? Why would women want to be shipped across the world to die for a country who only wants to use them to do their dirty work? Why would women want to even have jobs in the first place, when they have a pass by nature to literally sit at home all day and do whatever the heck they want to do and be taken care of by someone else? Why would women want to be put in high political positions just to be treated as a puppet just like men? I know what I'm saying g is selfish and I'm wrong on many parts, and I do recognize the good that feminism has done for this country and the world, but a small part of me feels as if woman should be limited to what they are allowed to do in our society, simply because we are obsessed with the idea of equality, that sometimes we lose sight of how equality would affect our society in the long run. In the past, women weren't allowed to show off their bodies and they had to dress a certain way. Women rebelled against this and began wearing revealing clothes out in the streets until it became legal for women to wear whatever they want. Sure that is a good thing that women are no longer bound by a dress code, but look what that desire of free wardrobe has done to us today. These days women can wear whatever they want and they choose to wear revealing clothing that makes men look at them like sex objects and have lack of respect for them. Women need to understand that men make the rules, but women make the society and with such power to influence entire nations, women need to be very selective and careful about how they use this power and they need to learn to make some self sacrifices in order to make the world a better place for themselves and for men.

Therapist: We've had about 69 sessions and not once have I ever heard you put yourself out there like you did just now. What's changed about you?

Erika: (Covers her face with her palms to try and keep herself mentally stable) I'm sorry, doctor, I just had so much built up. (Sighs)

Therapist: It's perfectly fine; that's what I'm here for.

Erika: (Lowers hands) Originally, I was going to mention that I've thought about finding some friends.

Therapist: Well, that's a shocker to hear you say that, Erika, but nonetheless exciting! This is a pretty big step, considering your trust issues and your ability to open up.

Erika: I'm tired of being stuck in the past. I want something more out of life and for most people that's really hard to do, but I have been given the opportunity to do something more with my life and influence other people and that's what I'm going to do- I'm going to take this opportunity.

Therapist: Very impressive. I hope I'm not going outside my boundaries here by saying I'm proud of you.

Erika: Why would that be outside your boundaries?

Therapist: Because of your unresolved parental issues of course.

Erika: (Mood suddenly drops and she lowers her head) N-no you're perfectly fine...

Therapist: Let' save this talk for our next session. We've covered a lot today, and I wish you good luck on your next step toward becoming whole.

Erika: Thank you. Before I begin this new journey, there's one more thing I need to do to officially move on from my past bondages. I don't know if this works for everyone but I feel as if this is something I personally need to do for myself.

(LJ’s home)

(As the morning light hits LJ’s face, he suddenly wakes to the absence of Janet’s presence. LJ puts on his white muscle shirt and makes his way downstairs to the smoke-filled kitchen. He sees a pan of burning food on the stove. He quickly reacts and with his bare hands, grabs the handle of the pan and runs it under some hot water underneath the sink. After turning the ceiling fan on in the living room, opening all windows and doors in the immediate area, he aggressively walk out into the garage area and sees Janet digging through a pile of garbage in the corner of the room.)

LJ: Janet!

(Janet cautiously stands up with a nervous shaky feeling around her.)

LJ: (Angry) Were you aware of the burning food over the stove?! I like my bacon crispy, but not that crispy!

Janet: (Highly emotional) I am doing my best, LJ. I’m still new to this.

LJ: (Aggressively walks closer to Janet) Why would you leave cooking food unattended over the stove?! You know you got real issues, Janet! (Aggressively pokes head) You got real issues up here!

Janet: Stop yelling at me! Okay, I’ve never had to cook for a family like this before, okay; it’s gonna take some getting used to!

LJ: Go take classes. Watch the cooking channel, do whatever it is you need to do to get better at cooking; just don’t do it at the risk of burning down my kitchen. (Walks away)

Janet: (Stop him) Your kitchen?

LJ: (Turns to her and explodes) Yes! MY KITCHEN! MY money paid for everything under this roof! You didn’t put in a dime on this place! Every square inch of this property is mine and you’re lucky I still give you the privilege to staying here even after you come trotting your saggy worn out vag through my front door at all hours of the night doped out and shot up with heroin and penis snot! You are a terrible example of how a mother should live her life and it is a good thing your daughter didn’t come into your life until she was around 19 because growing up with you would have made her just much a slut as you if not worse!

Janet: You know you... you’re a real dick you know that?!

LJ: No surprise there! Your life is full of dicks, just like you are every night! I don’t wanna hear your mouth anymore today. Go stuff it with some guy’s john and make sure you’re good at it cause I want you gone. (Walks away)

(LJ angrily bashes through the house. Janet looks over in the pile of junk she searched through earlier and sees the fire extinguisher. Janet walks through the house and consumed by blind emotional rage, she charges into the kitchen and smack LJ over the face with the fire extinguisher as he stands over the sink. He falls to the ground and she sprays him all over his body with the fire extinguisher for 10 seconds while he desperately tries to shield his face and yells out for her to stop. After she’s finished, Janet places the extinguisher on the counter and bends over to get up close and personal with LJ.)

Janet: You want me gone? Fine! Don’t you ever attempt to contact me ever again! You stay out of my life for good, do you understand!? GOOD!

(Janet steps over LJ’s body to prove to herself her mental superiority over him and to assure her courage of no longer being oppressed by his cruelty. She leaves out the front door without getting properly dressed.)

(Hanru’s home)

(Movers are seen carrying large brown boxes of furniture into a giant moving truck across the street. Ada and Hanru sit on the porch watching them move.)

Hanru: (Thinking) I should go over and help them. (Continues to watch them) Then again, I might just be in the way.

Ada: We should start thinking about what we wanna do as far as living arrangements. Do we wanna stay here, or should we stay in Chicago? I own both homes, but I’d like to rent one out. I’m going into an early retirement and I’d like to settle down somewhere.

Hanru: Which place to you think is most safe?

Ada: Miami is a beautiful place, but it’s very dangerous and the summers are killer. Chicago is very well-known for violence. I don’t know where I wanna move to. I’ve been thinking about my father recently. You know, maybe I should try looking him up again. No never mind. (Looks down at her dark reflection in her cup of tea)

Hanru: I would say Chicago. There are a lot of people out here that we know whom can be trusted to pay you rent when it’s due. Also, moving to Chicago could give us a new start.

Ada: Yeah…

Hanru: Let’s just take our sentimental values and pack ‘em up and sell the house as is with all furniture included.

Ada: (Turns around to look at the house) This house has a lot of memories inside.

Hanru: Yeah. A lot of blood was shed in this house, but no one’s actually died in it yet- which is really surprising.

Ada: (Chuckles) You always gotta ruin the moment, don’t you?

Hanru: Sorry… I didn’t mean to.

Ada: (Smiles) It’s okay. Let’s go see how much this house is worth.

(Cheap motel)

(Janet walks into the main office of a cheap motel and sits in front of a spazzy Italian man.)

Janet: (Talks in a sexy tone) I know it’s been a while, but the offer still “stands”… as long as the opportunity “rises”.

Jean: No, Janet; I will not let you stay in my motel for the price of one blowjob per day. My ex wife came back to me by some cosmic miracle and the fact that she wanted to remarry me after what I’ve done to her makes me want to believe there is a god! Look the point is- I’m not gonna do anything to mess this up with her. I am happy, I have my family back, I get to watch my daughters grow up and maybe get tossed around by some middle-aged men going through a mid-life crisis because my daughter’s are having daddy issues.; I don't know!. I’m really looking forward to the drama that comes with having two little girls.

Janet: (Sighs with annoyance) So you wanna do this or not?

Jean: Are you deaf?! What-what do you have cum in your ears or something?!

Janet: (Annoyed) Enough with the sex jokes already!

Jean: (Emphasizes) No, sweetheart. Underneath that dyed brunette hair of yours, I know you’re a natural blonde, but I know you’re not that stupid to not understand a one syllable word. Once again, I will say to you- NO! N-O! NO! I’ll even say it in Spanish- NO! How about Portuguese: NO!

Janet: (Defending her insecurity) I always knew you were gay!

Jean: You know something sweetie. The only reason why I let you go down on me in the first place is because I thought you were a man dressed in women’s clothing! Zing; I win; now get out before my wife pays me a surprise visit and sees you in here.

Janet: (Desperate) Jea- (Cuts herself off and tried to hold in her tears) Please, Jean, just let me stay here and I promise I’ll get the money to you somehow. (Sniffs and looks up at Jean as a tear falls from her eye) Please, jean.

Jean: (Remains quiet for a few seconds) You know what I don’t understand is if you’ve been doing this your life, how is it you’re still poor and have no money? I never understood that?

Janet: It’s complicated.

Jean: Come on; tell me what’s so complicated; I like complicated.

Janet: Jean, I just need someplace to stay. I just left my daughter’s father’s house and I need someplace to live.

Jean: (Thinks for a few seconds) I’m sorry, darling; I can’t help you. You gotta find someplace else. I’m sorry. (Shakes his head)

Janet: (Desperate) You owe me.

Jean: No, no; don’t start that!

Janet: You owe me for kicking me out and burning all of my clothes back in 2009 after the police accused me of being that “Prostitute Killer”! You burned what I worked for and paid for with my own hard earned money! YOU OWE ME!

Jean: Okay… Okay, I see you getting that crazy look in your eyes and I can already see where this conversation is going- nowhere. So either you can get out now- (Grabs phone and dials two numbers) or I call the police and have them deal with the situation.

Janet: (Chuckles a bit in insanity) This is so unfair.

Jean: Welcome to life, honey! The only fair that exists on this planet is what I need to pay for to park my car and the fun place with the rides and the cotton candy.

Janet: (Tears continue to roll down her face) Congratulations on your family and owning your own motel. I’m glad your life worked out for the best. Goodbye Jean. (Stands up and walks away)

Jean: Yeah, see ya. Take care of yourself!

(Hanru's home)

(Hanru and Ada sit beside each other in the living room on a laptop when suddenly the doorbell rings to their surprise.)

Ada: (Joking) What's that sound?

Hanru: (Playing along) Maybe it's a ghost.

(Hanru opens the door and it’s their friendly glasses-wearing, dirty blonde, Caucasian neighbor Stanly.)

Stan: Hey, Neighbor; how goes it?

Hanru: Hey; how've you been? Are you and your wife okay, or...

Stan: (Smiles) Actually the wife and I are doing great. She is retiring from the military soon and we are moving to North Carolina in a couple months- maybe around late or early August. A lot of work needs to be done in the meantime.

Ada: (Walks to the door) What a coincidence; Hanru and I were thinking about moving ourselves.

Stan: (Surprised) Nice! Where you thinking about moving to?! (Humorous) If you haven't decided on a location, you could always consider being our neighbors again.

Ada: (Chuckles) Actually, we're thinking about moving to Chicago. Hanru and I spent our Christmas up there last year and although it's not as fancy as this place, it was an old childhood home and I recently inherited it late last year.

Stan: (Excited) That's fantastic!

Ada: (Smiles and nods) Yeah...

Stan: Yeah, the wife and I were both raised in military-ran homes and we travelled a lot but me personally- I've never been to Chicago. I hear the Southside's pretty bad out there.

Ada: (Nervously defensive) Well...Yeah... well of course every state... has its bad sides...

Stan: (Notices something not right) I must have hit a sensitive topic there.

Ada: I recently conceived a child and I'm still a little... indecisive I guess... about the whole-

Stan: (Nostalgic) What?! Are you for real?!

Ada: (Chuckles) Yeah... so... (Giggles) I've got a little bun in the oven. (Chuckles)

Stan: Well Chicago is a pretty rough place to like but with the combination of a challenging upbringing, a cop as a mother and a smart older brother figure, I think your kid will be alright in Chicago, even on the Southside.

Ada: Thanks, Stan. And actually, I've decided to retire from being a detective. I have my reasons, but whether or not we move won't affect my decision in any way. I'm completely done with being a cop.

Stan: Well good for you.

Ada: Thanks.

Stan: I wish you the best of luck.

Hanru: So I have a question. Are you and the whole family moving to North Carolina?

Stan: No. Good news is my oldest son will be staying out here with his girlfriend so you'll still be able to hang out with him if you do decide to stay out here. The rest of the family will be moving on though.

Hanru: Wow... (Thinking) The way he chases his girlfriend, I might as well count him as a lost cause. I'm speaking of marriage of course.

Stan: But hey, at least the two of you will be close.

Hanru: Yeah, that's true.

Stan: So I originally came by to let you all know what's going on with the family and to let you know we'll be moving out soon.

Ada: Maybe this is a sign. What do you think, Hanru; should we take this as a hint from the universe and go ahead with the moving plans?

Hanru: I planned on going for a walk soon. I'll think about it while I walk.

(Tammy's Apartment)

(Jessica walks into her and Tammy's apartment and as she walks in, she's is startled by the collision of a tall tan timid man.)

Jessica: (Nervous) Excuse me...

Ray: Hey... Sorry; I'm a cluts. My mind was somewhere else when I bumped into you, and I'm just really sorry...

Jessica: Why are you here?

Ray: I understand the last time you and I saw each other, my lover and I did some things to you, but you understand why we had to do that, don't you?

Jessica: I do.

Ray: Well hey, she and I actually aren't together anymore. She's attempting to patch things up with her husband, but they're currently separated and I assume she needs a babysitter for her son since me or his father aren't around and she needs to work more to pay bills.

Jessica: She tried to kidnap me and kill me. And you expect me to be her babysitter?

Ray: Hey, it's a job. Plus, I know where you live so if either of us wanted to hurt you, we would've done it by now. So you're safe.

Jessica: You make an interesting point.

Tammy: Take the job so you can start paying me rent! You've been here for months and still haven't found a place to work so either you take this job offered to you or you're out of here.

Jessica: Well I have nowhere else to go, so tell Karen she has a babysitter.

Ray: She and I aren't in contact anymore. I know she struggles with Bobby though. I can- I can give you her address and you can talk to her yourself.

Jessica: Whatever it takes. I'll do whatever I need to.

(Hanru’s neighborhood)

(Hanru is seen walking alone around the block from his house. He suddenly stops behind a concrete wall.)

Hanru: (Thinking) I’ve walked down this path many times since I’ve lived in this neighborhood and there has always been this dog behind this wall who would bark at me none-stop every time I walked pass. The smaller dog never seemed to pay me any attention though. Maybe if I sneak past, the dog won’t hear me.

(Hanru cautiously, but quickly, tries rushing pass the fence. He peaks through the bars as he’s walking to see if he notices the dog, but there is a shock to his system when he see’s what’s in the yard. He thoroughly looks through the fence and notices…)

Hanru: (Thinking) The yard is completely empty. I used to walks this path almost every day and not once have I seen a moving truck of any kind here and these people had a lot of furniture back here. (Walks toward the front of the house) The trashcans are overfilled with broken down boxes and there are no cars in the driveway. Not once do I remember never seeing at least one car in the driveway.

(Hanru walks a flight of concrete stairs about a minute later and looks at the property of a two-story house beside him.)

Hanru: I went to school with someone who lived here; all of a sudden, they were just completely moved out after I’d only taken 3 days off from taking a walk. By the next week, a completely different family was fully moved in and not once have I seen a moving truck.

(Hanru walks on his block and notices 3 more houses across from his house with “FOR SALE” signs in the yards. As Hanru walks through his yard of dead grass, he is approached by a very attractive half Mexican; half white girl around his age.)

Girl: Hey, Hanru; how’s it going?

Hanru: It’s going pretty good, Cass; how are you?

Cass: I’m pretty good. I was about to come over actually and ask if you have any sugar we could use.

Hanru: Sure; how much do you need?

Cass: Just maybe a cup or 2 will do.

Hanru: Alright; I’ll be right back.

(Hanru runs into his home and sees Ada in the living room on the laptop.)

Ada: Hey, that was a short walk.

Hanru: Yeah, our neighbor next door needs to borrow some sugar.

Ada: Is she out there now?

Hanru: Yeah I told her I’d be right back.

Ada: Why didn’t you invite her in? Why are you so shy around her?

Hanru: (Defensive) It’s not about being shy. She asked for some sugar so I’m gonna get it for her and we can go our separate ways. Why waste time on talking when we can just get to business and move on?

Ada: You Capricorns and your uncontrollable urge to be “professional” and easygoing. Or maybe it’s your Social Anxiety Disorder.

Hanru: It’s probably my social anxiety.

Ada: You go get the sugar; I’ll invite her in.

Hanru: Alright.

(Ada invites Cass into the living room and Hanru walks in to hand Cass a huge over-sized bag of half eaten sugar.)

Cass: Thanks. How have you been, Hanru?

Hanru: I’ve been okay.

Cass: Have you gotten a job yet or are you going back to school?

Hanru: No. Not yet, but I’m getting there.

Cass: You should try that new McDonalds that just opened up outside the neighborhood, or maybe try SAVERS or Taco bell. I hear they’re always hiring.

Hanru: Thanks, I’ll definitely try those places out.

Ada: What about you? What have you been up to lately? We hardly see you.

Cass: Yeah, well… recently we lost my mother to cancer.

Ada: (Gasps) What?! Oh I am so sorry! How are you taking that?

Cass: I’m very numb right now actually. (Chuckles) We just lost her so things are just slowly catching up to me. We have a lot to pay for.

Ada: I am really sorry to hear about your mom dying. That is truly awful.

Cass: Yeah she recently beat her cancer actually and then all of a sudden it popped back up and this time she didn’t make it. But you know, (Shrugs) at least we had some additional time with her. And her having cancer helped prepare us for her death, so it softened the blow a little, but it’s still pretty devastating.

Ada: Yeah I bet.

Hanru: (Thinking) Last week, Ada and I were driving to the store and as we were backing out, her mother was also driving out of the driveway next door. I literally just saw her last week and just like that… she’s gone…?

Cass: We all can’t afford to stay in this house and with all the memories and stuff it’s just too hard… So we’re moving out soon- maybe in about a year or so. We’ve got a lot of work to do so we’ll be here a while.

Ada: We’re gonna miss you guys. You were all such good neighbors. I know we haven’t talked much but we really did enjoy the little interaction here and there.

Cass: Thanks. So did I. So I’ll get a couple cups of sugar and give this right back.

Ada: Actually you can go ahead and keep the whole bag.

Hanru: (Thinking) Darn it; I was planning to make tea with that sugar after she left. It’s been on my mind all day.

Cass: Seriously?

Ada: Yeah, we can always buy more. I actually have to go shopping for groceries tomorrow and I’ll buy some more then.

Cass: Well thank you so much. I really appreciate this.

Hanru Narrating: In case you’re wondering, which I’m sure you’re not, Ada bought sugar and groceries about 2 or 3 months later.

(Nicky’s Apartment)

(Nicky and Lee come walking into Nicky’s apartment silent. Lee comes in behind her and closes the door. Nicky walks toward the back room right away and tosses her coat on the couch. With a look of guilt, Lee slowly follows her to the bedroom room. She lies in the bed with a plain look on her face; Lee stands in the door way. 4 seconds of silence fills the room.)

Nicky: I tell you to get a test to make sure you don’t have anything that could harm my baby and you respond by going to a strip club, sleeping with some random stripper, and somehow getting lost in some city outside of Miami.

Lee: I’m sorry. I just felt like I had to be there.

Nicky: I know you did. So what do you wanna do? You wanna do this test, or not- Because if not, you’re leaving my apartment now and not coming back.

Lee: I called you to give me a ride back down here because this is something you need. I’ll get the test done for you.

Nicky: Thank you.

(Jessica thoroughly examines a large two-story house in front of her as she nervously stands in the yard biting her nails. She's been through a really difficult experience with this lady and she is afraid of the possibilities of what might happen if she approaches this woman. After about 10 seconds, she approaches the house and rings the doorbell. Blonde; stressful Karen answers almost instantly.)

Karen: (Dumbfounded) Hello?

Jessica: (Nervous) Hi... Uhm... I hear you're looking for a babysitter...?

Karen: I do need one but I didn't put up any flyers. How would you know that?

Jessica: Ray...

Karen: (Sighs) I didn't advertise any help wanted posts anywhere so I find it kinda creepy that you're here right now. Sorry, but I'm not looking to hire anyway. You have a good day now; bye. (Closes the door)

(Jessica is relieved that she didn't get hired and she turns around in relief. But she stops herself for a second and thinks- she knows she doesn't want this job because of the history she's had with this person, but she also realizes that she can't let rejection hold her back. Despite the odds going against her, she can't stop trying to move forward. She walks back to the door and rings the bell. Karen answers once again.)

Karen: (Confused by her presence) Uh... hi?

Jessica: I know the odds are against me, but I can't just pass this up without trying. This is a job I desperately need and I know you need me too. It can be hard as a child growing up with parents or a parent who's never around or always stressed from working. I'm a great babysitter and I know I'm qualified for doing this job and I'm willing to put aside all ill feelings between us to do what's best for both of us and for my job as a babysitter.

Karen: (Nods) Well... (Lightly scratches hair) I do give you credit for being the bigger person and putting sour feelings behind you to help you progress in whatever it is you wanna do. I do need a babysitter for little Bobby, but I can't afford to pay you right now, unfortunately. I'm still trying to find a cheaper place to move to but it's hard cause of so many hours I work.

Jessica: I'll make you deal: Pay me $3 an hour while I babysit... and I'll help you find a cheap place. How much do you pay here?

Karen: I was able to get my rent lowered to $1600 a month, but that's not counting utilities, personals, and food... and now you.

Jessica: So I'm hired?!

Karen: You are, but I can't afford any injuries or medical bills, so you better seriously watch him!

Jessica: (Holds her hands on her hips in excitement) No problem; I'm your girl! And I'll try my best to help you find a new apartment at a cheap prize.

Karen: Well alright. (Both shake hands)

(LJ's home)

(LJ walks into his daughter's room and sees Holly casually sitting on the bed with her arms crossed. He grabs her computer chair and sits on it in front of her in an attempt to have a heart-to-heart with Holly. He seems very distanced and confused, but he can't help but smile at his daughter as he leans in close to her to get more personal and locks his hands together.)

LJ: (Smiles) You're really something; you know that? Janet and I did good making you.

Holly: (Distant) Thanks...

LJ: ... You heard the discussion your mom and I had earlier, didn't you?

Holly: Yeah.

LJ: I'm sorry you heard me say all those mean things to her. She really didn't deserve that. (Sighs) I know it's hard walking in your mother's shoes and I was wrong.

Holly: You should tell her that. You can't be mad at her for failing when she's trying her hardest to be a better person.

LJ: She's not trying, Holly. She's making excuses for herself but really, she doesn't care about this slow-pace life. She loves you very much, but this lifestyle just isn't something she's used to.

Holly: Don't you love her?

LJ: (Leans back in his chair and takes a moment to honestly think about the question) I do love your mother, but I also know she has her own things going on.

Holly: You should go help her, dad. If you love her, why would you turn your back on her?

LJ: I haven't, Holly... (Sighs) It's just too complicated for me to explain.

Holly: Then don't. Just prove you still love her.

(LJ and Holly stare into one another's eyes silently as LJ's eyes explain his discouragement and heartbreak and Holly's eyes desire a satisfying response from her father. LJ's phone randomly rings. He picks it up after the third ring and breaks their tension.)

LJ: (Answers his phone in frustration) Who is this? (Other person talks for 5 seconds) What?! (Sighs and is silent for another 8 seconds) I'll be there, man; thanks for telling me. (Hangs up)

Holly: What happened?

LJ: I've got business.

(Dark parked car at night)

(It is night time and Erika is seen in her car staring at a small one-story house in a broken-down neighborhood. After collecting her thoughts and thinking of all the scenarios of what could happen after making her next move, she takes a deep breath and finally builds up the courage to leave her vehicle and walk toward the house. As she walks on the lawn, she is suddenly grabbed by the arm by a handsome-looking man with short dark hair and beautiful green eyes. She is startled at first but she quickly calms down once she recognizes who it is. He then releases her arm once she recognizes him.)

Erika: Ah, you scared me! What are you doing here?

Henry: I should be asking you that. (Casually puts hands in his pocket) I hope this isn't a relapse.

Erika: No, I'm fine. Lucky I was able to kick the stuff before it became a permanent addiction; the same goes for the booze. I'm here to say goodbye to my past and move on.

Henry: Alone?

Erika: Yes; alone! I'm a big girl now, dad!

Henry: I'm just looking out for you; you know how I am.

Erika: Now I do. You just go around stalking coworkers during your spare time I see!

Henry: (Joking) There's never anything good to watch on T.V. So... Why not make my own entertainment? (Smiles and chuckles)

Erika: I need to do this on my own, Henry. I appreciate you being here for me, but this is something I've gotta do myself.

Henry: I'm not gonna pretend to understand, but okay.

(The sound of a car door slamming behind them catches their attention. LJ is seen walking out of his black SUV and through the yard of the house. He makes eye-contact with both Erika and Henry, but a slight tension sparks between LJ and Henry. After 2 slow-motioned seconds, the two look away from each other and LJ continues to the house.)

Erika: I didn't even hear his car pull up; that's creepy.

Henry: Yes; very... (Continuing to stare at LJ at the door)

Erika: What is your deal with him?

Henry: A case I'm working; don't worry about it. You be careful now, Erika. (Walks away)

(LJ walks up a slightly skinny Black guy sitting on the couch watching a movie on low volume on the T.V. There are a bunch of drugged out girls laying all over the couches and living room floor.)

LJ: What's up?

Skinny: Let's be quick. I don't know if we got a rat in the crew or what, or someone snitched about that job and since then we've been seeing police all around the crib. The rest of the crew has identified their tails, but how's about you? You seen any suspicious fools hanging around your part of town?

LJ: I haven't.

Skinny: Until we identify this little problem, we ain't gettin' business done. So that job we planned is put on hold until we shake these birds.]

LJ: I got you.

Skinny: You sure you got me?

LJ: I got-chu, Otis.

(LJ looks over and randomly sees Janet faced down on the floor passed out and strung out on some kind of drug. He flips her over to get a good look at her face and sees a small dirty plastic tube going through her arm. He gently pulls on the tube and a small needle attached to the rubber tube comes out of her arm. LJ then struggles to carry her around his shoulders as he leaves through the front door and almost stumbles over. He barely misses Erika by an inch, as she was standing by the front door debating whether or not to go in.)

Erika: Whoa. Sorry. Uh...

(Erika wants to avoid this random situation but she uses this as an excuse not to go inside and risk being tempted by her former dealer, Otis.)

Erika: Do you need some help?

LJ: Uh... (Takes a good look at Erika's face) Yeah...

Erika: Have we met before?

LJ: I was just thinking that same thing.

Erika: We can figure that out later; let me help with her.

(About a minute later, Erika and LJ successfully fit the passed out Janet in the backseat of LJ's SUV. The two of them seem a tiny bit winded.)

LJ: Whoa. That girl sure did pick up some pounds.

Erika: So who is she; just some random hooker you're renting?

LJ: The fact you can say that with a straight face and no emotion helps put into perspective how common such things happen around here, and it's really sad.

Erika: It is. I'm sorry if I offended you-

LJ: No, no; you're ok. Thank you though. I really appreciate the assistance.

Erika: No problem... Enjoy. (Turns around and walks toward her car)

LJ: Wait.

(Erika stops and turns to face LJ 10 feet away.)

LJ: If you really wanna know who she is- she's my girlfriend.

Erika: (Nods) Oh...

LJ: She needs help. And I'm gonna do my best to give it to her.

Erika: (Crosses arms and takes a few steps closer to LJ) You know I've been through a minor addiction and let me tell you- it's not something easy to get over. I was one of the lucky ones to get pass mine so quickly.

LJ: How did you overcome your addiction; what program did you use?

Erika: It's a very long and complicated process; it's not something that can be explained.

LJ: I hate to hear that. I should get her home. It's late and I can't afford to be pulled over by the police. A drugged out prostitute in my backseat won't make a good defense for me.

Erika: Yeah, you should get going.

LJ: It was nice meeting you... again.

Erika: Likewise.

(Hanru walks into Ada's bedroom and sees her sitting on the bed on the opposite side of the lit lamp lighting the room. She is wearing a silk white night gown.)

Ada: Hey; can't sleep?

Hanru: Actually I came in here to tell you that I accept us moving away. Before, I was really upset at the idea of moving away from this place, but sometimes it's good to start over. I've lost most of my friends already, so maybe moving to Chicago will help me make some new ones.

(Ada smiles at Hanru.)

Hanru Narrating: Sometimes big changes happen in our lives; we can either choose to accept them, or reject them, but we also have to keep in mind that accepting change brings new growth to inner strength not only within us, but for those around us who may be subjected by influence of such a positive change.

(LJ places Janet on the couch of the dark living room. Holly flips on the dining room switch to shine some light in the darkness. She and LJ make eye-contact.)

Holly: You decided to go looking for her?

LJ: I found her passed out while I was discussing business.

Holly: (A bit disappointed) Oh. (Turns light off and stands in the darkness once again)

(LJ is left standing alone in the darkened room. Janet's faint moaning can be heard through the concerning ears of LJ. He kneels down to her and holds her hand. Janet emotionally breaks down and begins to silently cry.)

Janet: I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I'm a terrible mother.

LJ: (Sighs nervously) We're both bad parents, Jan. (Hugs her) This is something we're both new at and need some getting used to. But the only way we're gonna do this, is if we work together, okay?

(Janet just continues to cry her eyes out and bury her face in the couch cushion. After having conflicted feelings about how he should feel about Janet instantly passes out after 10 seconds. He just sits there and rubs her back.

Hanru Narrating: Sometimes the best way to move forward in life is to put ourselves to the side and accept the truth of a situation and by accepting a truth, you learn to grow from it and make decisions which not only benefit you or other people, but benefits the entire situation- no matter what it may be.

(Nicky and Lee are lying in bed together but Lee is awake with something heavy on his mind. He grabs his pants off the floor and reaches for his cell phone in his pocket and looks at a photo in his contacts of him and a blonde older woman in a track suit. Lee sends a text to the contact and she goes by the name of Staci.)

(It is around 3AM and there is a knock on Hanru's bedroom door. He wakes up and quickly walks to the door, thinking it's Ada. The closet slowly opens on its own in the background. He opens the bedroom door but doesn't see anyone. He quickly closes it. Hanru turns around and is stabbed in the neck with a syringe. Hanru falls to the ground unable to move his body and the man who stabbed him is the malicious Jack. His nephew Dalton stands in the doorway with spots of blood all over his clothes, hands, and arms.)

Dalton: We finally got him, Uncle Jack. So- what now?

Jack: (Examines Dalton's bloody clothes) Now we get down to business.

(Dalton and Jack walk out into the hall, and Jack carries Hanru over his shoulder. In his last moments of consciousness, Hanru's eyes are blinded by the sight of bright hall lights reflecting off the blood all over the floor and walls. A few feet away from him, he sees Ada lying face-down on the floor unconscious with her hand pressed against her blood-leaking stomach. Unable to scream her name or comprehend the situation properly, Hanru's eyes slowly close and is consciousness fades.)

TO BE CONTINUED...