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Looking forward to reading your stories!

We got our latest episode. A lot of food, less driving. Here’s the link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u7UDRfxqBom5fqvm0debC?si=101581960e384a09

Hope you enjoy it.

Marc

A Barbeque rib place puts Giselle in the mood for ribs, so they stop there and the Texas flavor can be felt in Joey’s ordering a brisket while Giselle gets the prime rib. Samantha is too stuffed so she gets a “moist brisket” to go for later. Samantha is anxious that she’ll miss a chance to get her phone. So she drives them crazy, while their eating and relishing the food drives her crazy, but they make it to an AT&T store on time and while she may not get a top of the line replacement for her phone, it still is a newer model than the one she lost. Then, after driving out of Albuquerque and on the road a while, they get on to finding a motel. The first place is sold out because it’s the only place in town for miles but the young lady at the desk tells them there are a whole bunch down the road in Moriarty, which is in the direction they’re going. Sure enough, they find a Motel 6 right at the exit. Samantha texts Amanda in the middle of the night while her parents are sleeping. It’s clear she just wants to text her but has little to say. She shares her anxiety about the unknown place they’re going to. Amanda says not to get ahead of herself and suggests putting on a movie to help her fall asleep.

The next morning, Samantha drives and they’re off again. After driving a while, set off by a sign that says “Fill up your food tank”, they can’t find any eating places so they get back on the highway. A while later, they see a Subway sign and this time it’s reliable. Rain starts coming down a few miles before the exit and her parents assure her as she panics, telling her to go easy on the brake. She’s able to get them off the road and to the Subway. The parents make a run for it while Samantha stays back and has her brisket. Dr. Morfield calls at just that moment, another stroke of luck for Samantha, who can now open up to him being alone. He assures her saying coming through this fire situation is a big thing and she held up well so as long as she nurtures that independent, strong self, she’ll be okay.

FADE IN

EXT./INT. THE CAR DRIVING ON ROUTE I-40 THROUGH ALBUQUERQUE

There is a moderate to heavy amount of traffic for the afternoon-evening rush hour through Albuquerque.

GISELLE

You guys hungry? I figure we can stop

here if you want for dinner and then

find a place up the road to stay.

Sorry, Joey. Mama’s still a long way

off to try to make it in one pop.

Nobody says anything. They drive awhile on the highway past the constant exits and entrances and stuff along the side.

GISELLE

We could just take it as we see it.

I don’t feel like going off the road

to look for a place. If one appears,

great. Otherwise, we can get it after

town.

JOEY

I think between the Big Ass Burgers

and the ice cream, we’re pretty

filled up.

There is a lot of traffic, slowing them down.

GISELLE

We’re hitting rush hour traffic.

The city goes on for a while as the lanes widen and traffic is evenly dispersed, making for faster passage, as various things (not eating places) appear on the sides.

SAMANTHA

There’s a Walmart here.

GISELLE

Oh, that’s right we promised. You

sure you want to get your phone here?

SAMANTHA

Hey, wait a minute. If we’re in a

city, there should be a good phone

store. Let’s find it.

GISELLE

What’s wrong with Walmart?

SAMANTHA

That’s only a repair store.

GISELLE

Oh, I’m sure they sell new ones.

SAMANTHA

I’d rather go to the one that says

they do.

GISELLE

There are a bunch of places to eat

at this exit.

She takes it, “Exit 160, Carlisle Blvd”.

SAMANTHA

You’re kidding. After all that food?

They go down the ramp.

GISELLE

We have a better chance of getting

what we like around here.

They come to an intersection. There is a Burger King off to the right side.

GISELLE

No. We’re not gonna do Burger King.

She makes a left on Carlisle Boulevard over the highway and then makes a left followed by a second left into a little outdoor area with shops. Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q appears on the right while Lotaburger appears on the left.

GISELLE

So, what’s it to be? BBQ or burgers?

I feel like ribs.

JOEY

Yeah, we had enough burger with those

Big Ass Burgers.

They head into Rudy’s. It’s got the dark atmosphere of a bar.

JOEY

I’m ready to settle into one of their

brews.

INT. RUDY’S BAR-BQ – DAY

But though from the outside, it seems like a bar, it’s really got the feel of an eatery with relaxed, informal red-on-white elastic and easy-to-wash tablecloths. They find a place to sit. They sit awhile as various people seem to be milling about, some sitting and eating, others ordering stuff, others serving stuff.

GISELLE

I think we’re supposed to get our

stuff and bring it back to the table.

SAMANTHA

Yeah, it does seem like that kind

of place.

They go up to the counter. As they get there, a SERVER sees them and goes up to them.

SERVER

Oh, I was just coming for ya’.

JOEY

Oh, that’s alright. You can get us

on the rebound.

SERVER

On the what?

GISELLE

You’ll have to excuse him. He’s not

from around here. He means we’ll

order and you can come by and check

on us.

SERVER

I can take your orders right here

and bring it to you.

GISELLE

Okay. Do we all know what we want?

JOEY

(eyeing wall menu)

I think I’d like the brisket.

GISELLE

And I’d like the prime rib.

SERVER

Oh, those are our best items. Everybody

likes them.

(to Samantha)

And for you, sweetheart?

SAMANTHA

Hang on, sorry.

SERVER

No, that’s alright. You want me to

come back? I can come to the table.

SAMANTHA

No, that’s alright.

Samantha checks out the menu.

SERVER

May I make a suggestion? The moist

brisket is really good.

SAMANTHA

Alright let me have that. But to

tell you the truth, I’m not really

hungry.

GISELLE

Get it to go then. I don’t know what

we'll find up ahead.

SAMANTHA

Okay, that’s a good idea.

SERVER

Okay, I’ll have all your food brought

to your table, and yours...

(looking at Samantha)

...is to go.

INT. RUDY’S BAR-BQ – DAY

The Stivics are back sitting at the table.

SAMANTHA

I don’t mean to spoil your fun but

wouldn’t it have made a lot more

sense to get the phone first since

we don’t need food that desperately

and the phone stores will close soon?

GISELLE

Relax, it’s only five o’clock.

SAMANTHA

I’m getting really nervous we’re

gonna miss closing time. Stores close

around six or seven around here. We

should’a gone there first.

GISELLE

This place was here.

SAMANTHA

It’s not going anywhere.

JOEY

Neither are we.

Samantha sits sulking. The server brings the food.

SERVER

Alright, here you go. One brisket...

She puts it before Joey.

SERVER

And the prime rib...

She puts it before Giselle.

SERVER

And, to go, the moist brisket...

She puts a bag before Samantha.

SAMANTHA

(not enthusiastic

but thankful)

Thank you.

SERVER

And you each wanted a large Coke.

Coming up.

She goes away. Joey and Giselle start eating.

JOEY

Wow, this brisket is so good.

GISELLE

So’s the prime rib.

SAMANTHA

So’s the phone ringing off the hook.

GISELLE

Come on, don’t ruin our dinner and

make me send you outside.

SAMANTHA

Oh my God. Can I borrow your phone

then?

GISELLE

Why can’t you just relax? We’ll go

to the phone store, okay? You done

so well up to this point. What

happened?

JOEY

She can’t drive the car so she’s

gonna drive us crazy.

GISELLE

I think we’re all going stir crazy

from all that driving. Well, it’s

only one more day after today. Boy,

this is good.

INT. AT&T PHONE STORE - DAY

The Stivics are with an assistant.

ASSISTANT

What can I do for you?

SAMANTHA

You could give me a really good deal

on a really good phone so I don’t

have to settle.

GISELLE

Our house burned down and there was

only enough time for her to get out.

She didn’t have time to grab her

phone.

SAMANTHA

Only cause it was like four in the

morning and I was asleep.

ASSISTANT

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. Well,

the main thing is you got out alive.

What kind of phone were you using?

Samantha hesitates.

SAMANTHA

iPhone Fifteen.

ASSISTANT

Oh, really? I’ve got a couple of

great deals. We’ve got an iPhone

Eighteen for only two-seventy-eight

a month.

She looks hopeful but also unsure.

ASSISTANT

And we’ve got an iPhone Seventeen

for zero a month. Oh, but those

require a trade-in and you don’t

have yours.

SAMANTHA

And once again, I’m screwed.

ASSISTANT

Oh, but wait, we have some specials

that don’t require a trade-in. We

have a Seventeen Pro at Nine-ninety-

nine, and if you really want to be

adventuresome, the Pro Max goes for

Fourteen-ninety-nine a month.

GISELLE

What else do you have?

SAMANTHA

I knew she was gonna say that.

ASSISTANT

Well, hang on a second. We’ve got

an iPhone Air that goes for Five-

ninety-nine a month, and an iPhone

Seventeen-e going for ninety-nine

cents a month.

EXT. FRONT OF THE AT&T STORE – DAY

The Stivics are headed back to the car.

SAMANTHA

Thanks, guys, for the phone.

GISELLE

Well, you gotta have a phone.

JOEY

I guess I’ll drive.

GISELLE

Yeah, Joey, why don’t you go for it?

EXT./INT. THE HIGHWAY EASTBOUND, ALBUQUERQUE – LATE DAY

They are driving through the city, buildings appearing on the left side. Samantha is engrossed in her new phone, though not always smiling about it.

After a lot of exits, the signs of the city drop off although it does not seem like it did before they approached Albuquerque, this time still with fences and darker brown landscape and more traffic.

EXT./INT. HIGHWAY I-40 EASTBOUND – LATE DAY

JOEY

Ah, finally seventy-five again.

The car speeds up a little.

JOEY

Now, we can really sail.

SAMANTHA

(into phone, soft,

audible to her only

with car speed)

Hi. I’m calling you from my new phone.

(pause)

Oh, that’s right, you see the number.

(pause)

How was your day?

(pause)

Oh, that’s right. Well, now we get

to talk, not just text.

EXT./INT. HIGHWAY I-40 EASTBOUND – LATE DAY

GISELLE

Joey, there’s a Comfort Inn and

Suites in Edgewood up ahead. Let’s

stop there. We’ll make good time

tomorrow.

INT. LOBBY OF COMFORT INN AND SUITES – NIGHT

The Stivics are at the front desk.

YOUNG LADY AT DESK

Hi. How can I help you?

JOEY

We’re looking for a room. Something

simple for just the night, two beds.

YOUNG LADY

Oh, I’m sorry, we’re all sold out

for the night.

JOEY

Well, that’s a first. We been on

the road three days and never had a

problem like this.

YOUNG LADY

Oh, well no problem. There’s a whole

bunch of places just down the road a

few miles in Moriarty. You can’t miss

them. Get off at the next exit. There

are some there and some further down

the road. You should have no problem.

JOEY

Well, how bout that? And yet they

all come up the street to you.

The young lady smiles.

YOUNG LADY

Yous have a good night.

JOEY

(smiling)

How do you like that? Yous. A girl

after my own ilk.

She looks at him not understanding his remark as the Stivics leave.

INT./EXT. THE CAR BACK ON THE HIGHWAY – NIGHT

JOEY

Do me a favor honey. Check on the

places up ahead so we don’t miss

them.

INT./EXT. THE CAR FURTHER ON THE HIGHWAY – NIGHT

GISELLE

Let’s see... There’s a Quality Inn,

a Best Western...a Rodeway Inn...

There’s a whole bunch more.

JOEY

Find the cheapest.

SAMANTHA

It’ll probably be another dive.

JOEY

Fine. You pay for it then.

SAMANTHA

Not for a dive.

JOEY

It’s a place to sleep. You just

close your eyes and dream about

wherever you want to be. Then you

wake up, have some coffee, maybe

some breakfast and we’re off.

INT./EXT. THE CAR FURTHER ON THE HIGHWAY – NIGHT, LITTLE LATER

JOEY

This is good that we’re driving

extra. The further we get, the better.

SAMANTHA

Oh my God, another fireworks sign.

That sign has been appearing every

mile for the past ten miles, it seems.

JOEY

We ain’t shooting off no fireworks.

SAMANTHA

I don’t want fireworks. I’m just

saying. So many signs.

JOEY

Their economy runs on them. They got

nothing better to do.

GISELLE

Except open a whole bunch of motels.

JOEY

For all those who couldn’t get a room

up the street.

INT./EXT. THE CAR FURTHER ON THE HIGHWAY, AT AN EXIT – NIGHT, LITTLE LATER

JOEY

Quality Inn. Here we go.

Joey pulls off at the exit. There’s a Motel 6 on the left. He pulls in.

JOEY

Perfect. Nice and cheap. Two floors.

There’ll definitely be rooms.

INT. MOTEL 6, ROOM – NIGHT

It is dark and still, except for a tiny light from one of the two beds. Samantha is on her phone.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): I’m sorry, we’ll have to text. Mom and dad are in the next bed sleeping. We stopped at a Motel 6, a real dive. But it’s not really a dive, I’m just saying that coz it’s bare essentials. TV, Wifi, blablabla

Samantha switches her screen to something else while waiting for an answer, which comes shortly.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): Wow. So where are you now? Still in NM?

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Yeah, that’s weird. We zipped through AZ in one day but for some reason we did a lot of stopping and eating today. Oh, which reminds me...

INTERSPERSE (simultaneous) – TEXT (Amanda): Must’ve been hungry.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): ...I got a cool brisket. I should probably put it in the microwave.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): You still hungry?

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): No. Just we were at this place and I don’t know how my folks are packing it in but I couldn’t eat a thing.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): Well they must a been hungry. So you’re hungry now.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): No I’m not hungry. No was just saying I got that brisket they packed me in the place in case I do get hungry which I’m not. I don’t know how my parents can eat. They’re gonna turn into a couple of fatsos. Did I spell that right?

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): I don’t know. Probably.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): You sure? Not fatsoes? With an E?

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): I think this road trip is making you lose it. Who cares how it’s spelled?

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Wow. Am I driving you that crazy? It’s just you’re the only person I know I can chat with in the middle of the night. So what are you up to?

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): Nothing much. The usual. Same old.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Aw, that’s sad.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): No, not really.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): We really have nothing to say I guess. But I’d rather talk to you than just veg out.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): I think most people have nothing to say so they just fill up the screen with words just to keep the conversation going.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Yeah, I’d much rather talk to you than veg out with a movie.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): A movie might put you to sleep.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Yeah, I don’t want a movie so boring it’ll put me to sleep.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): No I meant just put it on so you could fall asleep.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Maybe I’m just nervous about everything.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): Yeah, that sounds more like it. This whole thing has got to be sussin' you.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): What do you mean?

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): You know. Like doing a number on you. Messing you up.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Oh. Yeah. This whole trip seemed really cool at first but I think it’s getting boring again. I mean at first I didn’t like it. Then I was driving and I liked it. But now I don’t know. Maybe the thought that we’re gonna arrive at this strange place where everything’s different is the thing.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): Well don’t stress it. Put on something you like on the phone. Or maybe just meditate. Just quiet your mind and tell yourself this is gonna happen but it’s not that bad. I think you’re making yourself more upset by thinking those thoughts. Maybe it’ll be a good place.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Maybe I should read up about Oklahoma and what it’s really like.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): I say put on a movie or some music that’ll lull you to sleep.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): You think? Alright I’ll try that. Are you still the options officer or whatever that was that you were doing?

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): No things are kind of normalizing now. school started back up. And I’m at the hotel since it’s Friday.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): That’s probably why we didn’t get a place at that first hotel. It’s Friday. Get this. They had one hotel in the area where we were. And now there’s like ten hotels in this town where we are. It doesn’t make any sense.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): It never does.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): Alright, see you later honey. Oh I miss you.

IMAGE – TEXT (Amanda): I miss you too. Take care of yourself.

IMAGE – TEXT being typed (Samantha): I will Thanks

EXT./INT. THE CAR IN FRONT OF MOTEL 6 – DAY

They are walking out and starting to get in the car.

GISELLE

I think you guys are in love with

this car. I guess you want to drive,

Samantha.

Samantha smiles and takes her place at the wheel. She adjusts the seat so it’s a little higher and more forward than it was.

SAMANTHA

Okay, everybody set?

GISELLE

Let me know when you get hungry.

SAMANTHA

Oh, I want to drive a little while.

JOEY

I have to say those beds were more

comfortable than the other ones.

GISELLE

Yeah, that’s true, they were.

And they are on the road, making the curve back onto I-40 eastbound.

EXT./INT. THE CAR ON I-40 EAST – DAY

The suburban feel of driving through Moriarty, with signs, places and roads has been replaced by land that is barren, all yellow, maybe farmland.

SAMANTHA

Oh, there go the fireworks again.

A sign that says “FIREWORKS, EXIT 234” appears on the right.

SAMANTHA

It says “Fill up your food tank” up

there. Anybody hungry?

GISELLE

I wouldn’t mind stopping.

Samantha takes the exit. The sun is shining directly ahead of them. She drives on the small roads around the highway. It seems like empty road, similar to their other stops.

SAMANTHA

It did say food, didn’t it?

GISELLE

Oh, I wasn’t really paying attention.

Just get back on the road. We’ll

have to find a place further up.

So back on the highway they go. They go for a while.

EXT./INT. ON THE HIGHWAY EAST – DAY

SAMANTHA

Looks like we should have stopped

in Moriarty. I don’t think we’re

gonna see a place to eat for a while.

I didn’t think it was gonna be that

bad.

GISELLE

It’s alright, we’re stuffed from

yesterday. And I think you have that

sandwich you got yesterday to go.

SAMANTHA

Oh that’s right, the moist brisket.

I wonder if it’s still good.

GISELLE

It probably is. It’s just that you

have to wait till the next exit to

switch.

SAMANTHA

Naah, I can wait. I was just remarking.

EXT./INT. ON THE HIGHWAY EAST FURTHER DOWN – DAY

SAMANTHA

There’s a Subway sign. Let’s get off

there.

GISELLE

Good idea.

JOEY

What if it’s a mirage again?

SAMANTHA

Well, this time, there’s a second

sign. It doesn’t just say food as a

small item.

A little further down, a T-Shirts sign appears.

JOEY

Hey, we can get T-shirts.

GISELLE

After all that shopping, you want

a T-shirt?

JOEY

I wouldn’t mind checking’em out at

least. Something tells me they’re a

lot more interesting than Walmart.

A sign saying “Jelly Belly” appears a little down further.

JOEY

Hey, jelly beans! Now we got it made.

A sign appears soon saying “[US]285 Gateway To Southeast New Mexico – Roswell – Bottomless Lakes - Artesia – Brantley Lake – Carlsbad – Carlsbad Caverns”.

Further down:

SAMANTHA

(reacting to a sign)

Ooh look! There’s fudge! We definitely

gotta get that.

GISELLE

Let’s take care of the Subway first.

All of a sudden, drops of rain are seen and the skies gradually darken. The rain PICKS UP TO A HEAVIER RAIN and Samantha instinctively slows down.

JOEY

Remember, don’t break too hard.

SAMANTHA

Oh my God, I hope this town comes

soon.

GISELLE

Just take it easy and you’ll be fine.

This car handles well.

JOEY

That’s right, you took it through

snow.

GISELLE

Oh yeah, I remember that.

SAMANTHA

Oh, thank goodness, there’s a sign

for the exit. Yay!

After a short while, tense for Samantha, the exit appears and she takes the car slowly down it as the RAIN comes down FURIOUSLY.

She comes to a fork for left turn and right turn.

SAMANTHA

Which way do I go?

A car behind her is HONKING.

SAMANTHA

What’s that guy’s problem?

The car comes up on her left, giving her a SWIFT BUT NOT SO SWIFT HONK, and passes her.

GISELLE

You were looking for the Subway,

right?

SAMANTHA

We can stay in the car and split the

moist brisket.

JOEY

That’s not gonna be enough.

GISELLE

Wait a minute.

(checking on her phone)

Turn left. It’s gonna be on the other

side of the highway.

They come to a sign that says “I-40 West, Albuquerque”.

GISELLE

Cross over here. Keep going up this

road.

Samantha does so in the POURING RAIN WHICH WON’T LET UP.

SAMANTHA

I can’t believe this rain.

GISELLE

Okay. Now you want to make your first

left coming up so go real slow. It’s

called Yacht Club Drive.

JOEY

Yacht club. This must be a fancy area.

GISELLE

Any place with RV’s you know is gonna

be fancy.

GISELLE

Just take it slow, honey. It’s off

this road on the right a little down.

JOEY

My God, it’s all trailer parks here.

Far as the eye can see.

The turnoff finally appears on the right. It says “Clines Corners” on top and underneath is the “Subway”.

SAMANTHA

We made it! I’m so happy.

GISELLE

Okay honey. Just park next to that

car. Go in straight. And we’re good.

She pulls the car into the spot. It is the third from the handicapped spots near the entrance. She turns off the motor.

SAMANTHA

Should we just wait until the rain

stops and then go in?

JOEY

I’m hungry. Let’s just take the

umbrellas and make a run for it.

The WINDS are kind of FIERCE SOUNDING.

JOEY

Looks like we really hit a nor’easter.

GISELLE

Except it’s the wrong part of the

country for that. I think it’s part

of that crazy El Niño system they

been talking about.

JOEY

Well, I’m getting out.

SAMANTHA

I’m gonna have that brisket. It’s

not gonna last much longer. I’m just

gonna stay in the car.

Joey already gets out. Giselle starts to stir too, grabbing a scarf to wear over her head while carrying an umbrella.

GISELLE

Something tells me this rain’ll break

this umbrella. Let me run for it.

She leaves the umbrella in the car and runs toward the entrance with her scarf on her head, Joey already ahead with his big umbrella seeming to get attacked and twisted backwards but strong enough to hold up in the storm. Samantha watches them and then rummages through the stuff in back and finds the bag with the food. She opens it and finds the brisket. She takes a taste of the meat.

SAMANTHA

Hmmmm. Not bad. Wish they had a

microwave. I mean wish we had a

microwave.

Her phone RINGS. She sees Dr. Morfield’s ID in it.

SAMANTHA

(excitedly)

Dr. Morfield! Finally! I’m so sorry

about the other day.

DR. MORFIELD (v.o.)

(filtered)

Don’t worry about it. I know you’ve

been under a lot of stress and plans

were uncertain. Can you talk?

SAMANTHA

Yeah, you called at a perfect time.

In fact the first time on this trip

I’m alone. Was with my parents the

whole time. But they’re in a Subway

now while I’m having a leftover meal

from last night. It’s coming down

in buckets this rain.

DR. MORFIELD (v.o.)

(filtered)

Where are you?

SAMANTHA

Clines Corners, New Mexico. This

just started, I mean, it was like

all of a sudden it really started

coming down like crazy. There’s some

kind of system. I hope it dies down.

We still got some mileage to cover.

DR. MORFIELD (v.o.)

(filtered)

You mentioned in your message that

you feel really bad about losing

your friends.

SAMANTHA

Oh, yeah, that’s been rough. I don’t

have high hopes for where we’re going.

DR. MORFIELD (v.o.)

(filtered)

Where exactly are you going?

SAMANTHA

Stillwater, Oklahoma, to live with

mom's mom.

DR. MORFIELD (v.o.)

(filtered)

A new place is always an adjustment.

Of course, if you’re feeling like

you’re really having trouble, please

call. But this is also the chance

for you to tap into that inner source

of strength that you’ve always needed.

You actually sound pretty good

considering everything you’ve been

through.

SAMANTHA

Well, my folks are treating me good

on this trip. They’re more relaxed

since the only thing to worry about

is finding food and a place to stay

at night. And I been driving a lot.

I really like it.

DR. MORFIELD (v.o.)

(filtered)

That’s great. This is your time to

tap into yourself and nurture your

independence and self-sufficiency.

To not get affected how someone else

acts or something they say. Work on

loving yourself every day. You’ve

just come through something that

would break a lot of people.

SAMANTHA

Okay, thank you, Dr. Morfield.

FADE OUT

If you've ever wondered how a superintelligence might deal with humanity, you might be interested in checking out my speculative sc-fi, Substrate. The first two episodes are on YouTube, filmed with real actors! I'd love to hear what people think.

https://youtube.com/@substrate.show

OVERVIEW:

Guardians of Humanity follows two ordinary people from different continents who discover extraordinary powers and unite to protect our world.

Jack Hunter is a patrol officer who has always lived to serve others — kind, brave, and always ready to stand up for anyone in need. Isajob is from Nigeria, connected to the deep strength and beauty of his homeland, gifted with powers tied to water and light.

They did not ask for these powers. But when darkness rises to cover the world, they find they are stronger together — one from the West, one from Africa, proving that true heroism belongs to every nation, every people, every one of us.

This is not just a story about superpowers. It is a story about unity — that we are stronger when we stand side by side, that hope comes from every corner of the earth, and that you do not need to be perfect to be a hero. You just need to care.

STATUS:

Complete story arc — fully written and original. Ready for screenplay development, animation, or feature film adaptation.

ABOUT THE CREATOR:

Created by Isiuwa Isaac — a storyteller from Nigeria with a vision: to show the world that heroes live everywhere. This story comes from my heart — authentic, fresh, and built to inspire audiences everywhere.

Post:

Hi everyone! Following up on the feedback for my opening pages, I’d love to get your thoughts on the logline and synopsis for my feature screenplay, THE QUIET LIST.

LOGLINE

A determined detective races to prove a psychopath’s chilling confession to 42 active missing-person cases—crimes that, due to a complete lack of forensic evidence and erased memories, logistically never seem to have occurred.

SYNOPSIS

The Unbelievable Confession

Panic erupts at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office when Thomas Kellerman, an 80-year-old frail, retired quantum physics teacher, walks into the station on his own. In his hands is a faded red folder containing the typed names, addresses, and dates of 42 girls who vanished between 1971 and 1974. Lead Detective Maria Santos—who is still grieving the mysterious disappearance of her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, five years ago—interrogates Kellerman alongside her partner, James Rodriguez. Kellerman coldly confesses to the details of three murders and claims he peacefully killed and disposed of all 42 girls.

The Dead End & The Diary

The police launch an investigation and successfully verify the missing status of every single girl on the "Quiet List". However, the entire department is shocked when no skeletons, blood, physical evidence, or DNA are found at any of the alleged crime scenes. Things take an even stranger turn when the forensic crime lab report comes back: not a single fingerprint belonging to Kellerman is found on the red folder he held with his own hands.

Executing a search warrant, the police raid Kellerman’s old house in Sabine National Forest. Instead of finding any bodies, they discover an old leather diary in a hidden basement room. The diary contains no standard confession; instead, it is filled with complex scientific equations, machine blueprints, and formulas based on Quantum Erasure Theory.

Courtroom & The Quantum Eraser technology

Hearing for Case 402 begins in court. In front of the judge and to psychiatric ward doctor Dr. Adrian Voss, Kellerman claims his crimes were far from ordinary. He asserts that he built an advanced device based on Quantum Erasure Theory capable of erasing an event's 'Which-Path Information' at a subatomic level. This implies that despite the murders occurring in the timeline, the events never physically existed in tangible reality—causing the victims' bodies, blood, and even his own fingerprints to vanish completely.

Defense Lawyer Alan Price attempts to dismiss the case by arguing that Kellerman suffers from severe mental delusions. Expert physicist Dr. Elena Reyes testifies in court, stating that erasing human beings or physical evidence from reality outside a lab environment is scientifically impossible. Citing a lack of physical evidence and the psychiatric diagnosis of delusion, Judge Louis dismisses the physical murder charges and orders Kellerman to be committed to a mental asylum.

The Trap & The Ending

While being transferred to the psychiatric facility, Kellerman leans in and whispers an address into Maria’s ear: 742 Willow Creek Road, Blackwood, Texas. He tells her that a woman named Elena Marquez lives there—a woman who knows the truth about her missing daughter, Emily.

Maria and Rodriguez rush to the address. Elena reveals that five years ago, Kellerman arrived at her doorstep accompanied by a terrified eight-year-old girl named Emily. But just as Maria believes she is finally on the verge of uncovering the truth about her daughter, Kellerman escapes from the psychiatric facility. Now, an impending revelation is about to alter Detective Santos's life forever.