1.16
EXT. FRONT STEPS - SUNSET #16#
The sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the quiet street. Low sun on the steps; warm on Hannah. She has her knees drawn up, arms resting loosely on them. Will walks up, concerned. She looks at him for a moment, then gets distracted when she hears a distant car horn. He walks up the steps, then leans back slightly, gaze thoughtful.
Trying to wrap your mind around it?
He was with someone else. It makes no sense. You told me it was the first time I ever travelled. So why were things already different?
We must have changed something. Something small. Butterfly effect.
But without knowing what it is, how do we fix it?
We don't. That original timeline is lost forever. But it doesn't have to mean you've lost Josh.
What are you saying?
Why?
(reflecting)
I used to. Kismet, karma, fate. Whatever you call it. That there's a reason why things happen. But when you've seen the things I've seen...
(to Hannah)
You get to make your own story. If we can't change that meeting at the park, we can change something else. Even make you guys meet earlier. Become childhood sweethearts.
You're scaring me.
It's comforting to live with the illusion that the universe has some grand design for you. That you're a character in a story. And it's scary when you realise you're actually, finally in control. Don't throw that gift away.
Hannah thinks for a moment.
I saw you.
What?
Right before I met Josh. I ran into you. Earlier you.
That's impossible. We've never met.
Or maybe you just don't remember.
(sighs)
We're not as in control as we like to think we are. We're people with mushy brains taking on the space time continuum.
Maybe. But for a shot at happiness... isn't that worth it?
Hannah looks out into the street.
Funny. I'm back where I belong, I guess. In the grand scheme of things, nothing's changed. And yet...
And yet.
Alright. I'm going to try again. But you're going to have to teach me how to travel.
I'm not sure I have to anymore.
Hannah looks at him, confused.
I didn't pull you back here. You did.
Hannah goes still. The words don’t land all at once. Her breath catches, her fingers press lightly against the step beneath her. Grounding herself. A flicker of something unsettled in her eyes, but she doesn’t speak.
Wind stirs the street, rustling the leaves. A car passes in the distance. Everything feels too normal. Too real. But she feels it now — the weight of it, the impossibility. And for the first time, she doesn’t know what to say.
I was just trying to save you. I'm sorry.
Why? All you've done is try and help.
Maybe I could've done more.
What's less or more if we can do it all over again?
Will looks at her, seemingly warmed by this new partnership.
She stands up and walks down the stairs, veering off into the street.
You off?
Yeah, I'm off. I'll call you in the morning.
What? Just like that?
Just like that.
Hannah, where are you going? You don't even know where you're supposed to sleep.
Who knows? Some nice hotel.
And if it's too expensive, I can always stop myself tomorrow.
(she walks, then turns for a moment)
I'm glad I met you, Will. Thanks for today.
Will's expression is hard to read.
Alright. 8 o'clock, same cafe. Don't be late.
Very funny. Be careful crossing around here, will you?
Two-way street. Got it.
The two exchange a grin and he watches her walk off. When she turns the corner, he grabs his notebook.
We intercut between these two final scenes: