EXT. TOWN STREET – CONTINUOUS
Charlie bursts out of the code enforcement office, coat flapping like a cape.
She marches down the sidewalk: all heels and wounded pride.
Jared limps after her on his crutches. Bunny trots faithfully beside him, tail twirling.
CHARLIE
The farm has thousands of dollars in fines. Thousands. Thanks a lot, Great-Aunt Charlotte.
She spins around to face Jared.
CHARLIE
I’m selling this place!
I’m not some barnyard influencer
with sourdough and a ring light.
JARED
(sympathetic)
Charlotte tried to fix things.
Then she got sick.
Jared looks away, into the past.
JARED
I wish she’d have told me.
Told anyone.
Charlie turns, stomps away.
She stops abruptly in front of a HARDWARE STORE.
She squirms. Shoves a hand under her coat — then under her top. Her face contorts. Fingers search. She yanks a stiff piece of hay from under her bra.
CHARLIE
What the –
Jared reaches behind her ear. Plucks a bit of hay from her hair.
JARED
This, too.
CHARLIE
What hell is this place?!
She flicks away the hay like it’s radioactive.
An ELDERLY FARMER watches through the window from inside the hardware store, amused.
Charlie sees him. Mortified. She stalks off.
Jared follows, bemused.
Bunny waddles from behind.
JARED
(on crutches)
I’ll help. As much as I can.
CHARLIE
(snaps)
Aren’t there sick animals
in this town? Go help them!
Jared flinches, stops.
JARED
(snaps)
Yes, there are. And I’d rather be
with them right now. Definitely not here.
He moves away. Limps harder now.
JARED
(mutters)
Just like your dad.
Charlie freezes. Stung.
CHARLIE
(hustling after)
I’m not like my father.
But she avoids his eyes. She’s not so sure. She pulls her coat tighter.
CHARLIE
How do you know my dad?
JARED
(slaps his leg)
Come on, Bunny.
CHARLIE
I just need a buyer.
Not a barn, not a pig, not … you.
Hope Storyworks 