by Frankie Haney

Created on: September 07, 2010

The scene:  New Orleans.  The parkway running along the eastern bank of the  Mississippi river.  The scene opens with a focus on the fairy loading people and cars for its next trek across the wide river.  The camera pans around to  the recognizable sites of the French Market with musicians and street entertainers trying to make a little coin and bring a smile to the masses.  The camera stops and comes in close to a man sitting on a park bench with his head down and his shoulders slumped.

Jason (Answering the ring of his cellphone):  "Hello Sue...yeah, I'll be home in a little bit.  I'm just taking a little time to do some thinking.  How is everything there?  The kids home from school yet?" 

Sue (her voice from the phone)  "We're fine Jason, It's you that I'm worried about."

Jason:  "I'm fine!  Stop your worrying.  I know I'll find another job real soon...even better than the old one.  Yeah, I know...I'll be home for dinner.  Love you too.  Bye"

(Jason stands while rubbing his temples and stares out across the river.  He turns to walk away, when he sees another man a few feet away sitting on a bench nearly obscured by a statue.  The other man seems to be sobbing as he has his eyes covered in his hands.)

Jason:  "Excuse me, but I was just wondering if there was anything I could do for you?  You seem to be really upset and I couldn't just walk by without asking." 

Brandon (the man that is crying):  "What?  Oh...oh no...I'm sorry."  (Brandon wipes his eyes to cover up his obvious embarrassment of being caught crying)  "I was just having a moment...(heavy sigh).  "I just lost my wife a few days ago.  Can't seem to control myself anymore." (try a poor excuse of a chuckle).

Jason:  (Sits down next to Brandon)  "Oh man...that is rough.  I'm really sorry to hear that.  I can't even imagine losing my wife. (sarcastic little chuckle as he continues..) Lost my job this morning.  Here I was wondering how I was going to make it and feeling sorry for myself.  Shit man...that makes my troubles seem like nothing."

Brandon:  "Hey, no problem.  We all have our troubles I guess.   We had our days Sherry and I, but now...well...I'd give about anything to get back just one of those days."  (His face looks like it is about to crush into a million pieces again, but he finds the strength to turn to his new friend and offer a smile)

Jason:  "How about we go down and grab some coffee?  I think I might be able to even afford a donut, or beignet, as they call it here.  How about it?"

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