The Tipping Point

EXT. PROSPECT PARK - LATE AFTERNOON

A park bench overlooks the duck pond. Next to it, Billy
sits in his wheelchair--his legs covered with a blanket and
scarf tied around his neck. A short distance in the
background, Jeremy is purchasing a hot pretzel from a vendor
to feed the ducks.

Billy stares out at the pond. A small boy races by, almost
careening into Billy's wheelchair. He stops and stumbles
and starts to apologize but is taken aback by Billy's
appearance.

He stutters and stalls and finally just runs off. Billy
stares after him.

BILLY
Oh God. I now frighten small
children.

Jeremy starts back towards the bench.

A young girl is cautiously approaching Billy. She is
hesitant, but not fearful. Billy notices her and tries to
shrink down to be less threatening.

BILLY (CONT'D)
Hello.

YOUNG GIRL
Hello.

She looks at Billy curiously.

YOUNG GIRL (CONT'D)
Why are you in a wheelchair? Were
you in an accident?

BILLY
No. I'm just very sick. It's hard
for me to walk.

YOUNG GIRL
I'm sorry. My grandma was in a
wheelchair. She fell down and broke
her hip. Now she lives with me and
Mommy.

BILLY
Ah. And what's your name?

YOUNG GIRL
Elisa.

Jeremy has returned with pretzel in hand.

BILLY
Elisa. That's a very pretty name.

Elisa looks down at her feet, blushing.

BILLY (CONT'D)
And you're a very pretty girl.

ELISA
Thank you.

Elisa's MOM comes into view. She is not thrilled to see her
young daughter conversing with two strange men.

ELISA'S MOM
Elisa! Come here now--we have to be
going.
ELISA

(to Billy)
I have to go. Bye!

She runs off in the direction of her mother. Billy stares
after her.

BILLY
Bye!

He sighs.

BILLY (CONT'D)
I used to be pretty once...

Jeremy reaches out and gives Billy's shoulder a squeeze.