—LOG LINE:

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On Christmas Eve, three months after September 11, an FDNY firefighter working the Ground Zero recovery site confronts grief, guilt, and the ghosts of those left behind as he searches for meaning amid the ruins.

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EXCERPT 1 — REVEREND MCDONALD + FIREFIGHTER LEO CAMP

 

LEO

(defensive) Don't be sorry - I don't need ya' pity. And I didn't lose him. He was murdered.

MITTIES

Have you prayed for him?

LEO

I don't believe in praya'.

MITTIES

It's not for everyone. (pause) Would you like ME to pray for him?

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LEO

No, it's a little late for that. Nuttin' God can do for him now.

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MITTIES

You're angry.

LEO

Yer' God-damn right I'm angry!

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MITTIES

No need to take the Lord's name in vain.

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LEO

What do I care? What's he done for me? Look, I probably ain't the best person for you to be talkin' to.'

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MITTIES

I'm simply here to be a good listener.

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LEO

Well, I ain't a good talker and I like to take the Lord's name in vain so you and me — we ain't exactly gonna' be the dynamic duo.

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MITTIES

Perhaps September 11th has made you question your faith?

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LEO

(annoyed) Yes, it has. I have no faith. Look, you don't belong down here, okay? It's not your fault. Chief Henry's an asshole for sending a female Chaplain down here. No offense, but you wouldn't understand; couldn't understand - or comprehend the horrors - the indignities that I see down in this hole every day. As a woman, you ain't cut out for 'dis sorta' thing, trust me. Sorry.

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MITTIES

I see.

 

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EXCERPT 2 — LEO CAMP + JOHNNY / LEO CAMP + VIOLET CAMP

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LEO

(loud) I said no!

JOHNNY

(screams loud) I SAID STOP!

[LEO freezes, hunched over dirt, head lowered in defeat. Hard blackout. A single spotlight rises on LEO—still frozen—

and VIOLET CAMP, seated on a porch

rocking chair knitting quietly]

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VIOLET CAMP

Do you remember what I told you boys growing up? Everything has a beginning—

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LEO

(looks to his mother) —and everything has an end.

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VIOLET CAMP

That's right. It applies to everything. He loved you, you know, your father, hard for you to see that, I know. He was actually quite proud having a firefighter and a police officer as sons. We all have demons, Leo, everybody. His was the bottle. His father beat him daily as a boy, I never told you, but it's true, that's where he learned it, abusin', and I know that don't make it any none the better what he did to you boys. That's why I left him, and then one day - just like that - he was gone. We always assume people are forever, but they ain't. Here on Monday, gone on Tuesday.

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LEO

Everything has a beginning, and everything has an end.

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VIOLET CAMP

(she nods) That's right. Make sure on Mondays, you appreciate everyone, Leo. (He nods) Now, how's about you go

gettin' an old lady a bacon and swiss quiche from the bakery.

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LEO

Okay, Ма.

VIOLET CAMP

...and Leo, you always looked out for him — bring him home.

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[Blackout. Lights rise back up

on LEO and JOHNNY in same position]

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