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The Struggle Between Life and Death - Pilot
by Heidi Wimmer (heidiwimmer@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Drama   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

Medical Drama- Series


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

INT. HOSPITAL - OFFICE - MORNING
                                                            
Two doctors sit in a modest office in Bay County Hospital.
Bay County is a small independent hospital in the mid-west.
It serves, not only Bay County but the numerous rural
communities that surround it. Bay County has a level one
trauma unit and about 200 beds. The two doctors are
complaining about one thing or the other as the third doctor
stares out the window.
DR. DAVE BRADFIELD (40's, head of surgery, compassionate,
driven), DR. STEVE PRATT (middle 30's, head of emergency
services, head-strong), and DR. JOHN DOBINSON (60's head of
Bay County Hospital, patient, over-extended, tired).
                                                            
Dave nudges Steve and they both stop talking as the realize
John is starring off into space.
                                                            
                       DAVE
John, what's wrong?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Have I ever told you guys about my
wife? I've been thinking a lot
about her and about the past.
                                                            
Dave and Steve shoot each other a quick clueless look.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Go ahead John, we're listening.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I've lived here, actually in
Silver Bird all my life. I
remember when these two towns were
mostly farm land. As I went
through school, helping people and
animals had just become natural.
I attended the local college and
took the Emergency Medical
Technician course after that I
joined the fire department. Back
then, you were a firefighter first
then an EMT. I worked along side
my best friend Chris Bates. Chris
and I were like you two, we
would've done anything for each
other.
I suppose in every story like
this, there is a girl, in this
case the girl ended up being my
            (MORE)

2.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
wife Alexandria.
                                                            
                       STEVE
A juicy love story!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Not exactly. I loved Alex the
moment I saw her, but at the time,
she only had eyes for Chris. So I
did not let my intentions be
known, and did not stand in their
way.
Anyway, they were married, and you
guessed it -- I was their best
man. Shortly, after Chris came
back from his honeymoon, Station
8, which was our station, was
dispatched to a small aircraft
that crashed short of the air
strip south of town.
When Station 8 and our ambulance
arrived on scene, it was horrific!
                                                            
FLASHBACK - EXT. FIELD - DAY
                                                            
Airplane wreckage lies scattered. Survivors wander around
dazed and confused.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
Parts of the plane were scattered,
some were burning, while others
were ripped apart. The first thing
we did was round up all the
walking wounded and start treating
them. Our captain radioed in for
reinforcements. The tail part of
the plane, which was on fire was
right up against the section where
passengers were trapped.
                                                            
Firefighters with hoses trying to put the fires out on the
pieces of plane scattered in the field.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
Despite every effort from the
firefighters they couldn't get the
fire under control.
                                                            
CHRIS BATES (middle 30's, firefighter/paramedic, energetic,
eager) and John putting on their firefighter gear and
venturing into the section of plane and evacuating the
passengers one by one.
                                                            
 

3.

EXT. CRASHED PLANE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
John comes out of the flaming wreckage with a passenger in
his arms.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
It was taking a long time to free
each passenger and it was getting
hotter in that section despite the
firefighters efforts.
I had just freed another passenger
when the ground started to shake.
                                                            
A large fiery explosion occurs -- KABOOM! -- and the tail
section and the passenger section are now fully engulfed in
flames.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
I looked behind me -- no Chris. I
came to a horrible realization.
Chris was still in there.
                                                            
Getting up after the blast, which has knocked John off of
his feet, he hands the patient to another firefighter and
has two other firefighters follow him into the burning
section with their hoses on full.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
I went into the section. Even with
the water on me, it was almost
unbearably hot. I wasn't sure what
I would find, but I knew I needed
to get Chris out of that fire.
                                                            
John came out of the flaming part of the plane with Chris
over his shoulder. He carries him to the triage area.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
I laid Chris down. I took off my
fire gear. What stared back at me
wasn't my partner but something
from a horror movie.
                                                            
 
EXT. TRIAGE AREA - DAY
                                                            
John kneels down beside Chris and he hesitantly feels for a
pulse.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
Against all odds, Chris had a
pulse. The blast knocked his mask
and helmet off his face and head.
He had extensive burns to his face
            (MORE)

4.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
and head. He was unrecognizable.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
                                                            
A sign on the wall reads "BURN UNIT".
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
Back then Bay County had no trauma
unit, but did have a few beds
dedicated to burn victims. The
only thing the doctors could do
was to make him comfortable... he
would not survive his injuries.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE E.R. - AFTERNOON
                                                            
ALEX BATES (middle 30's, wife of Chris, emotional, loving)
anxiously waiting for Chris to be wheeled in.
                                                            
As John brings in the gurney with Chris he steps in front of
Alex blocking her from the gurney and Chris's burnt face and
body.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You don't want to see him this
way, Alex. At least wait until we
can get him a bed in the Burn
Unit.
                                                            
Alex is led away from the gurney by a nurse.
                                                            
                                         DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE E.R. - EVENING
                                                            
John is stopped by an older white coat clad doctor, who
quickly takes him in a nearby treatment room and treats his
superficial burns.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE BURN UNIT - EVENING
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
When I returned to the Burn Unit,
Dr. Howard was coming out of the
room. I asked cautiously -- how is
Chris?
                                                            

5.

John meets Dr. LES HOWARD (50's, head of Bay County
Hospital, mature, down to earth) outside the Burn Unit.
                                                            
                       LES
I'm sorry John, but he doesn't
have long. All I can do is make
him comfortable.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Does his wife know?
                                                            
                       LES
No. You were the first person that
I ran into. I'm on my way to her
now.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dr. Howard, will you let me tell
her?
                                                            
                       LES
That would be okay, but are you
able?
                                                            
John takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yes.
                                                            
Les looks down the hallway.
                                                            
                       LES
She is in the quiet room two doors
down. She's in with a nurse.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE BURN UNIT - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
John walks toward the quiet room. He stops just outside the
doorway, collects himself, taking a deep breath in, and
exhales as he opens the door.
                                                            
 
INT. BURN UNIT - NIGHT
                                                            
Alex walks slowly up to Chris's bedside. She gasps when she
sees how badly he's burnt.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
I let the door close and I stayed
outside, so she could say goodbye
in private.
                                                            

6.

                                         DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE BURN UNIT - LATER
                                                            
John with his head on the wall just outside the Burn Unit,
crying out loud, but not loud.
                                                            
Alex stands in the doorway of the Burn Unit and with a tear-
streaked face motions for John to enter the room.
                                                            
 
INT. BURN UNIT - NIGHT
                                                            
Both Alex and John approach Chris's bedside. John bends over
and Chris whispers something in John's ear.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
I will always remember those words
that Chris spoke to me on his
deathbed. He wanted me to promise
him that I would take care of his
family. I managed to tell him that
it would get done.
                                                            
John stands up and moves away from Chris's bedside. Chris's
heart monitor starts making one long machine BEEEP. Dr.
Howard comes into the unit and turns the machine off. Alex
sobs at Chris's bedside.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
As I walked out of the burn unit,
I realized that Chris said
"family". That could only mean one
thing -- Alex was expecting.
                                                            
 
INT. IN JOHN'S OFFICE (BACK TO PRESENT) - LATER
                                                            
ACT II
                                                            
Steve and Dave still listing intently to John.
                                                            
                       JOHN
That changed everything. I didn't
press her for anymore information.
The funeral was planned and it was
like ripping a band-aid off of a
healed sore.
Shortly after Chris's funeral,
Alex miscarried. I was her crutch
through all those difficult times.
We spent a lot of time together...
during which we became very close.
            (MORE)

7.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
We both had long conversations
about our situation. We waited
almost two years before we quietly
married. During that time, Bay
County was changing. The town was
growing and the farms were
shrinking.
My parents died shortly after Alex
and I were married. I sold the
family farm and all the land and
applied to medical school. I got
accepted and we moved to Chicago.
Alex worked at a local diner and I
went to school full-time.
The money from the farm took me
through medical school but after
that money was gone, our love took
us through the tough times.
The same day that I got my
acceptance letter to Cedars-Sinai
was the same day that Alex lost
her life in the grocery store
robbery. My world came crashing
down around me. Nothing mattered
anymore. One night, I almost ended
my life... something stopped me
and it was the thought of Bay
County. So the next day I called
Dr. Les Howard and briefly told
him what had happened and he
welcomed me with open arms, and
here I sit today.
                                                            
All three men, John, Dave, and Steve all stand.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thanks for sharing John. That was
a powerful story.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE JOHN'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Steve stop and face each other.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Oh my gosh! I can't believe that
John went through all that trauma
and he's relatively sane.
                                                            
                       DAVE
It makes you think. I know one
thing: The new page operator the
one you've been trying to go out
            (MORE)

8.

                       DAVE (cont'd)
with all week, I'm not waiting any
longer I'm going to ask her out.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Wow! John's story really had an
impact on you. You of all people,
letting your feelings out, I'm
impressed. She seems nice, she
turned me down very politely. Good
luck.
                                                            
Steve heads back to the E.R. via the stairs and Dave heads
to his office and checks to see what his schedule looks like
for the rest of the day. Then after checking his schedule he
heads to the Call Center, which is located on the second
floor.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE CALL CENTER - DAY
                                                            
Dave takes a deep breath and straightens up his appearance
and enters the Call Center.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE CALL CENTER - CUBICLE - DAY
                                                            
KELLY RICHARDSON (middle 30's, page operator, independent
and head strong)looks up from her keyboard and sees Dave,
the doctor that she's been admiring since she started this
job, standing in front of her. She can't hardly believe it.
                                                            
Dave extends his hand.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hi. My name is Dr. Dave Bradfield,
I want to welcome you to Bay
County Hospital. What brings you
to our small town and Hospital?
                                                            
Kelly shakes Dave's hand.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Hi. My name is Kelly Richardson. I
moved from L.A. to Bay County. I
saw a job opening for this job and
thought I had had enough of big
city living and wanted to try
small town living. I've been here
now for a few months and can't
imagine living anywhere else.
                                                            

9.

                       DAVE
I believe that you've already met
my best friend, Dr. Steve Pratt.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Yes. He seems to be a wonderful
doctor, very persistent.
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's Steve. I can't believe you
had the resolve to keep turning
him down.
                                                            
                       KELLY
It wasn't easy, he is very
charming. Steve really not my
type.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay. How about dinner tonight?
Nothing fancy, we both have to
eat, so how about Charlies.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Yes, I would like to have dinner
with you. What time? I know where
it is.
                                                            
                       DAVE
How about seven.
                                                            
                       KELLY
That sounds great. I'll look
forward to this evening.
                                                            
Dave start to walk away from Kelly's cubicle, with a huge
smile on his face. Kelly continues to sit in her cubicle,
dumbfounded that the man of her dreams just asked her to
dinner. She puts her headset back on and tries to continue
to work.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - EVENING
                                                            
Both Dave and Kelly were both anxious to get out of the
hospital and home.
                                                            
 
INT. KELLY'S APARTMENT - EVENING
                                                            
Kelly shares the apartment with a friend -- currently
sleeping on the couch. She showers and gets dressed for
dinner.
                                                            

10.

                       KELLY
If I play my cards right, I'm
going to dinner with my future
husband.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S HOME - EVENING
                                                            
Dave showers and gets dressed. He then grabs a beer from the
fridge and sits down.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHARLIES RESTAURANT - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
Kelly and Dave arrive at Charlies and they park and get out
of their vehicles. They walk up and into Charlies.
                                                            
                                         DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CHARLIES RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                                                            
Charlies is dimly lit and has dark wood furniture with white
tablecloths and a huge fish tank that takes up one whole
wall of the restaurant. They took their seats in a prime
location, a back booth quite and private.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You look wonderful!
                                                            
                       KELLY
You clean up very well yourself.
                                                            
A WAITRESS (40's reddish brown hair, a long-time
employee)stands in front of their booth with a note pad in
hand. Both Kelly and Dave order beers.
                                                            
The waitress writes down the order and walks off toward the
bar area.
                                                            
The waitress comes back to their table with their beers.
Kelly and Dave CLINK their beer glasses in a toast to each
other.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I love your small town. What I
really think is wonderful is how
Bay County Hospital is like the
center or focal point of the whole
area. It seems to have a life of
its own. People come from miles
around for the services that it
provides. I'm still in awe over
that. How about you? Why Bay
            (MORE)

11.

                       KELLY (cont'd)
County?
                                                            
The waitress comes back to the table with note pad in hand.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Are you both ready to order?
                                                            
Dave pointed to Kelly and Kelly looks up at the waitress.
Kelly orders her dinner and then so does Dave.
                                                            
The waitress writes everything down on her pad and walks
toward the kitchen.
                                                            
                       DAVE
It's really straightforward. I'm
originally from Missouri. I went
to college in Chicago, and I also
attended medical school there. I
graduated top of my class and got
to pick the hospital -- and I
picked Bay County. I wanted to
work with Dr. Dobinson. I've been
here for seven years now.
                                                            
                       KELLY
That is pretty straightforward. So
I take it that you and Dr. Pratt
are pretty good friends.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Steve came to Bay County, because
he heard me give a speech at his
college, he wasn't even going into
medicine at that time. After he
heard my speech he changed his
major and headed toward medical
school. He also graduated top of
his class and came to work at Bay
County. We are closer then most
brothers are.
                                                            
The waitress comes back to their booth with their food. She
sets the food down in front of Kelly and Dave.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Can I get you both anything else?
                                                            
They both look at their food and both shake their heads no.
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            

12.

Dave and Kelly eat and talk about their lost loves and more
about each other.

They finish their dinner and Dave pays the check.

Both Kelly and Dave walk to the front of the restaurant.
                                                            
                                         DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CHARLIES RESTAURANT - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave walks Kelly over to where she parked her car.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You sure this will get you home?
                                                            
                       KELLY
I know it looks like a piece of
crap, but it will get me home. I'm
saving for something better.
                                                            
Dave was facing Kelly. Dave leans over towards Kelly and
kisses her. Kelly is surprised, but manages to kiss him
back.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Can I call you sometime? I had a
really great evening.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I had a nice time. Feel free to
call me anytime. Thanks for a
great dinner.
                                                            
Dave holds the door for Kelly as she gets into her car. She
starts it and the car makes a really bad metal grinding
sound. She waves as she drives off. Dave watches her leave
the parking lot. He walks to his car with a warm and fuzzy
feeling that he hasn't felt in a long time.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DAVE
I think she's the one!
                                                            
 
INT. KELLY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       KELLY
Dave, you are going to be my
husband one day.
                                                            
 

13.

INT. DAVE'S OFFICE - MORNING
                                                            
Steve comes bursting into Dave's office.
                                                            
                       STEVE
So, tell me, tell me, how did last
night go?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Promise me that this stays just
between you and me.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Yes, I promise. Tell me, already.
                                                            
                       DAVE
The night went really well. We had
a great dinner, we talked about
each other and about the hospital.
She might be the one.
                                                            
                       STEVE
This isn't because of what John
told us, is it? Is this real?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No. This doesn't have anything to
do with what John told us. I
honestly feel like Kelly is the
woman for me.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Wow! You really mean it.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I do. Now don't you have anything
better to do than to bother me.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE DAVE'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Steve walks into the hallway from Dave's office. He shakes
his head and laughs as he walks down the hallway toward the
elevators.
                                                            
ACT III
                                                            
 
INT. EMERGENCY WAITING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
A nurse calling patients and seeing them back to exam and
treatment rooms. Before Steve takes the patient chart from
the nurse he calls John and asks him for help. He's about to

14.

get two ambulances from the same rescue.
John comes down to the E.R. and takes the chart from Steve
and enters treatment room three and Steve goes toward the
ambulance bay.
                                                            
 
INT. TREATMENT ROOM 3 - DAY
                                                            
An older couple, JAY JOHNSON(70's, well-dressed,
well-weathered)and his wife, are waiting as John enters the
treatment room with chart in hand.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, what seems
to be the problem this afternoon?
                                                            
                       JAY
We are both going to die.
                                                            
John has to work hard not to crack a smile in front of Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yes, I assume that we all are
going to die, someday.
                                                            
                       JAY
No! Let me restate myself -- we
are both going to die today.
                                                            
Once again John has to try hard not to crack a smile in
front of the Johnson's.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What makes you think you both are
going to die today?
Tell me what your symptoms are and
maybe I can do something to help.
                                                            
                       JAY
No, I don't think you can help.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Why don't you let me be the judge
of that. Can I call you Jay?
                                                            
                       JAY
Yes. Two days ago, we both almost
got hit by a bus. Then yesterday,
our television blows up and we
just walked into the room. As far
as I can figure we are both down
to our third strike. So we both
thought -- where better to have
            (MORE)

15.

                       JAY (cont'd)
our third strike then at the
hospital?
                                                            
John continues to hold back the smiles and continues to be
professional, even though he wants to laugh and tell them
both how silly all this sounds.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Can I at least take your vitals
and see how you both are?
                                                            
                       JAY
Sure. I don't see any harm in
that.
                                                            
John gets off the rolling stool, and takes a set of vitals
on each of the Johnson's. He writes all the information
down.
                                                            
                       JOHN
If I told you straight to your
face, that I have medical evidence
that proves that you and your wife
are not going to die today or in
the foreseeable future, would you
believe me?
                                                            
                       JAY
I want to know what your evidence
is before I draw any conclusions.
                                                            
John hears the ambulances in the background and also hears
the page for Dave and TITUS to come to the ER. John knows
that his services could be used out there, but he's just as
needed where he is.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You both seem very bright and
level-headed. Both your hearts and
lungs sound good. Your blood
pressure is better than mine on my
best day. Medically, you both are
great. It does sound like you both
are extremely lucky, and you live
your lives well. The close calls
you spoke of, shouldn't be thought
of as strikes against you --
instead think of them as good
luck. From all indications you
should live for a long time to
come.
                                                            

16.

The Johnson's both look at each other.
                                                            
                       JAY
Only if your sure. I was raised
with the third strike rule and
more occasions than I'd care to
remember, it held true.
                                                            
                       JOHN
But this time the third strike
rule doesn't apply, I'm positive.
                                                            
John helps Jay with his wife, getting her off the exam
table.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE TREATMENT ROOM 3 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
They all walked out of the treatment room. John hears a
commotion going on in the exam room down the hall, but John
takes the extra time to walk both of them to the entrance of
the E.R.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You both have a wonderful day!
                                                            
 
EXT. EMERGENCY PARKING AREA - AFTERNOON
                                                            
John watches the two walk hand in hand through the parking
lot to their car. For a fleeting moment, John has a feeling
of happiness -- shattered by the page for security to exam
room two. John turns and runs towards exam room two.
                                                            
 
INT. EXAM ROOM 2 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
John slowly enters the exam room, not sure what he will
find. He sees a YOUNG GIRL(teens, malnourished, unkempt)
with a scalpel in her hand, shaking badly. John also sees
Steve in one corner of the room cradling his forearm. The
young girl seems to be under the influence of some type of
drug. John's first impulse is to immediately go to Steve,
but instead he needs to make sure the girl isn't going to
attack him as well. John moves slowly into the room and the
door closes behind him.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Can I help you with something?
                                                            
The young girl is fixated on Steve and the blood coming from
the large gash in his forearm.
                                                            

17.

                       YOUNG GIRL
I killed the doctor!
                                                            
                       JOHN
No, you didn't kill him, he's
still alive. Are you okay, Steve?
                                                            
                       STEVE
Yeah, I'm still here.
                                                            
                       YOUNG GIRL
I just need my medicine, then I
can leave.
                                                            
                       JOHN
From the looks of you, it's been
some time since you had your
medicine.
                                                            
                       YOUNG GIRL
I couldn't come up with enough
money, and Barney wouldn't take it
out in trade. He told me that I
was gross and ugly.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You are not gross or ugly.
                                                            
The young girl has such bad withdrawal symptoms that it's
hard for her to keep holding the scalpel in her badly
shaking hand.
John knew if he can stall a little bit longer the young girl
will more than likely pass out.
                                                            
John steps toward her.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Will you trust me enough to let me
fix you your medicine. You can
tell me what and how much and even
where to shoot it.
                                                            
The young girl's voice trembles. She's having a hard time
focusing on John or anything else in the room. Before she
can answer John, she collapses in a heap on the floor. As
she goes to the floor, the scalpel comes out of her hand and
slides across the floor. John goes to her, feels for a
pulse. She has none. An orderly and a nurse come running
into the exam room.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Help me get this girl on the exam
table.
                                                            

18.

John the orderly and the nurse help get the young girl onto
the exam table. Both the orderly and the nurse notice Steve
still sitting in the same spot, trying to get up from the
floor.
                                                            
                       NURSE
What about Dr. Pratt?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Right now this girl needs our
attention more. She's in cardiac
arrest. Get the crash cart, stat!
                                                            
The orderly runs from the room.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE EXAM ROOM 2 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The orderly grabs the crash cart from across the hallway and
quickly wheels it back to exam room two.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE EXAM ROOM 2 - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
John works quickly to hook the girl up to the defibrillator
and turns on the machine. The young girl's heart rate shows
flat-line.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Set the defibrillator at 200.
Clear!
                                                            
The young girl's body moves as the defibrillator jolts her
body. The heart monitor still shows flat-line.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Set the defibrillator at 300.
Clear!
                                                            
Again the young girl's body moves as the defibrillator jolts
her body. The heart monitor still showed flat-line. John
looks at the clock on the wall.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Time of death, 1330
                                                            
John pulls off his gloves and re-gloves. He goes over and
kneels down in front of Steve, who is still in the same spot
and in his own small pool of blood. Steve slowly uncoils his
arm away from his body, grimacing in pain as he does so.
John examines Steve's arm.
                                                            

19.

                       JOHN
What happened in here, Steve?
                                                            
Steve looks down at the floor.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Sorry John, this was a rookie
mistake. The patient came in
unconscious. The EMT's thought it
to be an overdose. I set up a cut
down tray, because it was next to
impossible to find a vein that
would support an IV. I turned
around to get a couple 4 x 4 pads
from the counter and when I turned
back around, she had the scalpel
and sliced me good across the
forearm.
                                                            
                       JOHN
This wound is going to need more
than what I can do for you. This
is going to need a surgeon. I'm
going to put on a heavy dressing
to slow the bleeding. Can you try
and stand?
                                                            
With John and the orderly help, Steve made it to a wobbly
but standing position.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE EXAM ROOM 2 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
They put Steve into a wheelchair. John gives orders to the
orderly.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Will you please wheel Dr. Pratt up
to the OR? I will join you in a
minute.
                                                            
John picks up the phone on the wall and he calls the morgue
to come get the young girl's body. Then John looks for Dave.
He opens a few doors nearby and peers in. Then he finds Dave
in exam room one.
                                                            
 
INT. EXAM ROOM 1 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
John watches Dave do compressions on a lifeless young man.
His heart monitor sings out one long, loud constant BEEEP.
                                                            

20.

                       JOHN
How long has he been down?
                                                            
                       NURSE
Almost twenty-three minutes.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dr. Bradfield, you need to call
time of death.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hands off the patient!
                                                            
Dave sweats and breathes hard. The code team all look at the
monitor. The monitor shows flat-line. Dave looks up at the
clock on the wall.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Time of death, 1350
                                                            
The nurse writes down the time of death. Dave wipes the
sweat from his forehead and walks out of the exam room.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE EXAM ROOM 1 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
John joins Dave.
                                                            
                       JOHN
The female patient that was
brought in with your male patient
surprised Steve and cut his
forearm with a scalpel. He's on
his way up to the O.R., the female
patient coded in the exam room.
                                                            
                       DAVE
How could Steve let some drugged
out girl get hold of a scalpel?
                                                            
                       JOHN
He told me that he thought she was
unconscious, my guess is she's
done something like this before.
I've never seen so many needle
marks on somebody her age.
                                                            
Dave and John are in the hallway talking when Kelly comes
rushing up.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I heard that a doctor in emergency
got wounded by a patient!
                                                            

21.

Dave looks surprise to see Kelly, but appreciates her
concern.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Steve got careless and is being
sewn up in the O.R. John thought
it needed more than just simple
suturing.
                                                            
                       JOHN
If I know Steve, he most likely
told the surgeon give him a local
so that he could be back in the ER
before his shift was over. Who is
the lovely young lady?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm sorry, where are my manners?
Dr. John Dobinson this is Kelly
Richardson, she is a recent hire
in the communication system. She
is a page operator.
                                                            
John shakes her hand.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Welcome to Bay County.
I'll cover the E.R. -- you go up
to the O.R. and see how Steve is.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thanks, John. Kelly, do you have
time to go up with me?
                                                            
                       KELLY
Sure.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dave, don't be so hard on Steve. I
have already voiced my opinion on
how things were handled. He
doesn't need you on his case also.
Steve will beat himself up over
this enough for both of us.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You're right.
                                                            
 

22.

INT. ELEVATOR - EVENING
                                                            
Kelly is trying to keep her excitement to a minimum because
she is spending a few minutes with Dave. The doors open onto
the surgical waiting room.
                                                            
                       KELLY
It's been one of those days?
                                                            
                       DAVE
It sure has!
                                                            
 
INT. SURGICAL WAITING ROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Steve meets them as they get off the elevator. He physically
looks bad. His arm is heavily bandaged and in a sling.
                                                            
                       STEVE
The surgeon told me to go home and
go to bed. I have twenty-three
stitches. That is a new personal
best.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Only you would comment on that.
                                                            
 
INT. ELEVATOR - EVENING
                                                            
The elevator is on it's way back down to the E.R. All three
have glum faces. Steve's face also shows pain. Steve reaches
over and stops the elevator and it makes a terrible ringing
noise. Kelly wishes that she wasn't in the elevator.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Look Dave, I screwed up. This will
not be the first time, nor will it
be the last. The only thing I can
say in my defense is that I needed
to get to a vein and the only way
that was going to happen was if I
used a cut-down tray. I thought
she was unconscious.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Look Steve, I don't know why you
are apologizing to me. I wasn't
even in the room. I was working on
the girl's boyfriend and he didn't
survive.
                                                            

23.

                       STEVE
Then if you didn't pull me out of
the exam room, then--
                                                            
                       DAVE
John did, and he also took over
the care of the girl, whom
arrested and died in the exam
room.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Where is John now?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I believe he's holding down the
E.R. He assumed you'd be back. You
are very predictable.
                                                            
Steve reaches over and restarts the elevator. The elevator
goes all the way down to the first floor in silence. When
the doors opened Steve trudges off looking for John, as
Kelly and Dave stand watching.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE AN E.R. EXAM ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Steve is pale, and his arm and head throb every time he
takes a step. He should be home in bed instead of looking
for John. Steve finds John coming out of an exam room.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Can I talk to you for a minute?
                                                            
John motions for Steve to come follow him.
                                                            
 
INT. E.R. WAITING AREA - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JOHN
Please sit down before you fall
down. How is your arm?
                                                            
                       STEVE
Dr. Ransen sewed me up.
Twenty-three stitches... that is a
new personal best. I want to thank
you for pulling me out of that
room. I can't imagine that I let
that young girl get the drop on
me.
                                                            

24.

                       JOHN
It happens. You need to let it go.
The most important thing is that
you're going to be okay. I want
you to go home and take care of
that arm. I also want you to take
the next couple of days off.
                                                            
Both John and Steve stand up -- Steve wobbles and John grabs
Steve and quickly steadies him. Steve walks toward his
office and John goes back to seeing patients.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE THE ELEVATORS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       KELLY
Dave, are you done?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah. Why?
                                                            
                       KELLY
It's just that, my car is in the
shop and I rode in with Steve this
morning. I was wondering if you
could give me a ride home?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sure. Where to?
                                                            
                       KELLY
I live at the West Way Apartments
near Crestway and Bonn Streets.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I know where that is. Give me
about ten minutes to grab my stuff
and I'll meet you in the staff
parking lot.
                                                            
Kelly smiles at Dave as he walks away. She quickly goes and
gets her stuff and meets him in the staff parking lot.
                                                            
 
EXT. STAFF PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
Both Kelly and Dave are walking toward Dave's car in the
parking lot.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Thanks again for the ride home.
Can you bring me in tomorrow?
                                                            

25.

                       DAVE
Sure, no problem. I'll be in front
of your building honking at seven.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Great. That will be just fine.
                                                            
Both Kelly and Dave get into his car.
                                                            
 
EXT. KELLY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
Kelly gets out of Dave's car, turns and waves as she walks
up to the apartment building and enters.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE KELLY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
Kelly shuts the door and screams at herself.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Why didn't I make some sort of
gesture of affection towards Dave.
Even just a quick peck on the
cheek.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Driving away from Kelly's apartment. He slaps the steering
wheel and cusses at himself for not showing any affection.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Damn it! Why didn't I make some
sort of romantic gesture towards
Kelly! Even just a simple kiss on
the cheek?
                                                            
 
EXT. KELLY'S APARTMENT - MORNING
                                                            
Dave honks once. Kelly rushes out of her apartment building
towards Dave's car. She gets into his car and puts her stuff
down by her feet.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S CAR - MORNING
                                                            
Dave leans across and kisses Kelly. Kelly, surprised, and
reacts by kissing him back. They both part.
                                                            

26.

                       KELLY
That's a great way to start the
morning!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Who needs coffee and donuts.
                                                            
Both Kelly and Dave laugh. Dave puts the car into drive and
they drive to the hospital in silence, both deep in thought.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL PARKING LOT - DAVE'S CAR - MORNING
                                                            
                       DAVE
Would you like to have dinner with
me tonight?
                                                            
                       KELLY
No. I can't tonight, I have those
stupid continuing education
classes that I have to attend. How
about tomorrow?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay. That would be great. I'll
pick you up at seven.
                                                            
Dave gives Kelly another quick peck on the cheek and Kelly
smiles.
                                                            
 
INT. ELEVATOR - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Dave and Kelly are standing side by side with two other
nurses. After the nurses get off the elevator, they are
alone.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Thank you for the ride this
morning. My car should be ready
today, I'll let you know if I need
a ride later.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay. Are we still on for dinner
tomorrow?
                                                            
                       KELLY
You bet, can't hardly wait!
                                                            
They both move closer to each other and Dave leans over and
gives Kelly a quick peck on the cheek before the elevator
doors open.
                                                            

27.

The elevator doors open and they both go their separate
ways.
                                                            
MULTIPLE SCENES
                                                            
In the weeks that followed Kelly and Dave are becoming the
talk of the hospital. Spending every lunch time together,
before work and after. Steve has been helping fuel the talk
around the hospital and he's loving every minute.
Dave gets wind of what Steve is doing and he approaches him.
                                                            
 
INT. E.R. HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey Steve, wait up!
                                                            
Steve stops walking and turns towards Dave.
                                                            
                       STEVE
What's up?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I appreciate you helping me out
with Kelly, but I think I got it
under control.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Sorry. Got a little carried away.
I'm glad that you and Kelly are
together, you make a great couple.
                                                            
                       DAVE
So far, so good.
                                                            
 
INT. E.R. HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
John comes up to where Dave and Steve are standing. He has a
patient's file in his hand.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Excuse me boys, can I barrow Dave.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Sure, I need to go anyway.
                                                            
Steve walks away from John and Dave.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What's up, John?
                                                            

28.

                       JOHN
Can I see you for a moment, in
private.
                                                            
Dave is worried, but has an idea of what John wants.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sure, there is a quiet room down
the hall.
                                                            
Both doctors walk down the hall and enter the quiet room.
                                                            
 
INT. QUIET ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Dave and John walk in and both sit down.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm not your father, so, I'm not
going to tell you what you can and
can't do, but I'm your boss and
I've seen workplace romances
before and most of the time they
don't end well.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I understand, but this is
different. Kelly doesn't even work
for the hospital. She works for a
company called ComTech. So there
is no fraternization policy that
affects us.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm impressed. You've done your
homework. Just how serious is this
relationship?
                                                            
                       DAVE
We've only been seeing each other
seriously for about a month. It
seems like thus far we are very
compatible. Her likes are my likes
and so on. Thus far, it hasn't
effect my work and I don't see
that happening. Kelly knows that
there isn't anything more
important to me then Bay County
and right now that includes her.
                                                            
John smiles and stands up from the table.
                                                            

29.

                       JOHN
I know that Steve is partially to
blame for the gossip, I also know
that nothing travels faster in a
small hospital like juicy gossip.
So I just want to tell you to try
and go slow.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I understand. I've already put the
clamp on Steve and his part in the
gossip mill. He's just trying to
help me out.
                                                            
John opens the door to the quiet room and looks back in at
Dave.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm glad that you've found
somebody, but just be careful.
                                                            
Dave forces a smile and John leaves the quiet room.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave is fixing dinner for Kelly and she will be there soon.
Dave is in the kitchen when the doorbell rings. Dave goes to
the door and opens it.
                                                            
 
EXT. DAVE'S PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Kelly is standing there with a killer dress and heels on and
her hair is up in a sexy style. Dave is speechless.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Wow! You did understand that we
were eating here tonight?
                                                            
Kelly smiles.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Yes. I understood. Is there
something wrong with me getting
dressed up?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No, not at all, in fact, you look
wonderful. Come in.
                                                            
 

30.

INT. DAVE'S HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
Both Kelly and Dave enter and Kelly looks around.
                                                            
                       KELLY
You have a beautiful home.
                                                            
She hands Dave a bottle of wine.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thanks. Thanks for the wine. I
hope you are hungry, because I
think I made enough pasta for an
army.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
They both laugh and they both go into the kitchen. Dave puts
the bottle of wine down on the counter.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Is there something I can help you
with?
                                                            
Dave who is stirring a pot on the stove top.
                                                            
                       STEVE
No. I think I got it under
control. Why don't you have a
seat.
                                                            
Dave finishes up and brings the dinner to the table and he
also sits down.
                                                            
                       KELLY
This looks really good. I didn't
know you could cook.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I can do a few things well, but I
wouldn't go as far as saying that
I can cook.
                                                            
They ate and drank the wine that Kelly brought. During
dinner Dave seems preoccupied and Kelly asks him about it.
                                                            
                       KELLY
That was a wonderful meal. Is
there something bothering you?
                                                            
Dave doesn't want to answer her, but thinks better and does.
                                                            

31.

                       DAVE
How about we go into the living
room, we can talk there.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Kelly worries that she has done something wrong. They both
go into the living room and sit next to each other on the
couch. Dave leans in a kisses her. Kelly doesn't return the
kiss.
                                                            
                       KELLY
So, tell me what's bothering you.
                                                            
Dave holds Kelly's hand and takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       DAVE
John talked to me about us today.
                                                            
                       KELLY
What does that mean exactly?
                                                            
                       DAVE
He has heard the rumors around the
hospital and was concerned about
our relationship.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Are the rumors bad? Because all
I've heard is that we are dating.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No, there not bad. I think he is
just concerned about work place
romances and in most cases they
end badly and it makes the work
place unworkable for the couple
who's romance ends.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Do you think our seeing each other
is getting in the way of our work?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No. I don't think John does
either. He just wants us to be
careful.
                                                            
Dave keeps hold of Kelly's hand.
                                                            

32.

                       KELLY
Is there something that I did
wrong?
                                                            
Dave shifts from holding her hand to holding Kelly.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No. In fact, Steve is to blame for
some of the gossip. He was just so
glad that we finally started to
date that he couldn't control
himself. John know that I put the
clamps on Steve. John only wants
the best for us, that's why he's
concerned.
                                                            
Kelly snuggles next to Dave.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I love and hate that Bay County is
such a small hospital. I love it
because all of you act like family
and since I had basically none,
that makes me part of that family.
But the rumors and the gossip
travels fast.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm sorry about your family, can
you talk about it?
                                                            
They continue to snuggle.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I never knew my father and my
mother sent me to my grandmother
to live when I was eight. My
grandmother died when I was ten. I
tried to find my mother, but with
no success. I lived with a series
of friends during high, before I
went off to college.
                                                            
Dave hugs her tightly.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm sorry you didn't have a home
life. I'm glad that Bay County and
I can be your family.
                                                            
                       KELLY
So am I.
                                                            

33.

Kelly kisses Dave passionately. From there, their emotions
carry them upstairs to Dave's bed.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S BEDROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Kelly wakes before Dave, she gently rolls over towards him
and she thinks to herself.
                                                            
                       KELLY (OS)
I could get use to this. This
feels right!
                                                            
She reaches over and gently strokes Dave's hair, then she
strokes his chest. Dave smiles even before he opens his
eyes.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Um! That feels really good!
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - LUNCH ROOM - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Several months have passed. Both Dave and Kelly are still
together, still going strong, but most of the rumors have
died down. They are not the talk of the hospital.
                                                            
Dave and Kelly sitting a small table in the faculty lunch
room, having a quiet, intimate conversation.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Kelly, I think that you should
stop paying rent and move in with
me. We're at my place all the time
anyway. What do you think?
                                                            
                       KELLY
Yes. I would like that very much.
This will make my dollar stretch
even further. How soon would you
like to do this?
                                                            
                       DAVE
How about this weekend?
                                                            
                       KELLY
Great. This is exciting.
                                                            
They both smile at each other and share a quick kiss. Dave
hears his name being paged to the E.R.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Duty calls.
                                                            

34.

Dave gets up and leaves the table. Kelly remains seated with
a large smile plastered on her face.
                                                            
 
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
As Dave enters the E.R., he sees many patients with wedding
attire, all with basins in front of them. Dave rolls his
eyes as a nurse is passing by and Dave stops her.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What's going on? Where is Dr.
Pratt?
                                                            
                       NURSE
Bridal party, during the rehearsal
dinner, most, if not all the party
became sick. Most of the symptoms
are consistent with food
poisoning. Dr. Pratt is in a
treatment room starting I.V.'s on
some of the more severe cases. If
you could start any I.V.'s that
are required and I've started
administering Compazine.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No problem, thanks for the update.
                                                            
As Dave wades into the wedding party, he starts
administrating the medication, slowly the party starts to
calm down and some patients stop throwing up.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE A TREATMENT ROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Between Steve and Dave and many nurses, the wedding party
slowly starts to feel better. Steve comes out of the
treatment room and comes up to Dave.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Thanks for helping out
                                                            
                       DAVE
You look as bad as some of these
wedding party patients.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Long night, I pulled a double
shift, because Dr. Baker was sick
again.
                                                            

35.

                       DAVE
How much time do you have left?
                                                            
Steve looks at his watch.
                                                            
                       STEVE
No worries Dave, Dr. Simon will be
here within the hour.
                                                            
                       DAVE
If for some reason Dr. Simon
doesn't show up, please let me
know, you shouldn't work anymore.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Will do. Thanks again for the
help, sorry it was so messy.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Who said that medicine was a nice
clean job.
                                                            
Both doctors laugh.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You got a minute?
                                                            
                       STEVE
Sure. What's up?
                                                            
Dave reaches into his lab coat pocket and takes out a ring
box. He opens it in front of Steve. Steve smiles widely.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Wow! That's beautiful. So, you're
really going to pop the question?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah. I'm really nervous about it.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Don't be. You both belong
together.
                                                            
 
EXT. DAVE HOME - DAY
                                                            
Several workers from Bay County have shown up to help Kelly
move her stuff into Dave's house.
                                                            
It takes most of the day to move Kelly in.
                                                            

36.

                       DAVE
Thank you all for helping with
this move.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Yes. Thank you all for all your
hard work. We both really
appreciate it.
                                                            
When everybody was gone, both Kelly and Dave were exhausted.
                                                            
A couple months later, Dave and Kelly have reservations at a
fancy restaurant in Silver Bird. Kelly maybe thought
something was up, but didn't want to let on that she knew
something was up.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - SILVER BIRD - NIGHT
                                                            
During dinner, they talk about work, and news topics. After
dinner Dave gets up out of the booth and kneels down on one
knee, he pulls a ring box from his pocket.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Kelly Richardson, will you be my
wife?
                                                            
Dave opens the box and in the box is a beautiful diamond
engagement ring. Kelly's tears start to immediately steam
from her eyes.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Oh, yes!
                                                            
Dave stands up and puts the ring on her finger. They embrace
and kiss each other passionately.
                                                            
                       KELLY
This is a dream come through. I'm
not dreaming am I?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No. This is for real.
                                                            
They both sit back down and have dessert. Kelly gets a
worried look on her face.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What's wrong?
                                                            

37.

                       KELLY
We have to plan a wedding, there
is so much to do. When do you
think you want to get married?
                                                            
Dave reached across the table and grabs both of Kelly's
hands and folds them together.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I need you to settle down. Do me a
favor, enjoy tonight, enjoy the
fact that you are wearing my
mother's wedding ring. There will
be plenty of time to discuss
everything about the wedding.
                                                            
Kelly looks closely at the ring on her finger.
                                                            
                       KELLY
It's beautiful. This whole evening
has been wonderful. Thank you for
making me the luckiest girl on the
planet.
                                                            
Dave is touched by her words and they kiss.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Kelly is on cloud nine as they enter Dave's house. That
feeling is concentrated by the champagne at dinner. The rest
of the night they enjoy each other's company.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
Kelly is telling and showing everybody that she comes into
contact with her ring.
                                                            
The hospital is a buzz with the talk of Kelly and Dave's
engagement.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY NEAR THE E.R. - DAY
                                                            
Steve and Kelly stop in the middle of the hallway.
                                                            
                       STEVE
So, let me see your ring!
                                                            

38.

Kelly proudly sticks her hand out and displays the ring.
Steve takes her hand and looks at the ring.
                                                            
                       STEVE
It's beautiful. Congratulations.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S OFFICE - LATER
                                                            
Steve walks into Dave's office.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Congratulations Dave. I saw the
ring and it looks wonderful on
Kelly's hand.
                                                            
Dave stands up and walks from behind his desk around in
front and they hug.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Will you be my best man?
                                                            
                       STEVE
I'd be honored. So how hard was it
proposing?
                                                            
Dave sits back behind his desk and Steve sits in front of
his desk.
                                                            
                       DAVE
All the planning that went into it
was way more stressful than
actually asking her. She got
pretty emotional. I actually had
to ask her to calm down.
                                                            
                       STEVE
I'm really glad for you. Have you
set a date yet?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No. We're going to talk about it
soon. You'll be the first to know.
                                                            
Steve stands and they fist bump and Steve leaves Dave's
office.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S HOUSE - EVENING
                                                            
Both Kelly and Dave sit down and both are armed with paper
and pen.
                                                            

39.

                       DAVE
Okay, let's get this wedding thing
started. When do you want to get
married?
                                                            
                       KELLY
I don't know, how about July?
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's fine with me, but you
realize that July is barely two
months away. Is that going to give
you enough time to get everything
done the way you want it?
                                                            
                       KELLY
It'll have to be. I want to be
Mrs. Dave Bradfield as soon as
possible. I love you.
                                                            
They kiss.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I love you so much. If you don't
have any objections, my mother's
birthday was the twenty-third of
July. I've checked the calendar
and this year it's on a Saturday.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I guess I'm getting married on
July twenty-third, to the man of
my dreams.
                                                            
Dave leans over and kisses Kelly and Kelly kisses him.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What about time and place?
                                                            
                       KELLY
That's a no-brainer. Early
afternoon, and I can think of no
better place then the chapel at
the hospital.
                                                            
                       DAVE
My thoughts exactly. I've got the
perfect place for the reception.
The small flower garden downtown.
                                                            
Kelly is overjoyed at the prospect of the small flower
garden downtown.
                                                            

40.

                       KELLY
This is going to be perfect. I
know that your Best Man is Steve,
my Maid of Honor is going to be
Sarah Green, my co-worker and best
pal since I began working at Bay
County. Since I have no father, do
you think John would walk me down
the aisle and give me away?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I know that he would be honored to
do so. We'll ask him tomorrow at
lunch.
                                                            
Neither Kelly nor Dave got much sleep. They both were too
excited about all the plans being made.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - E.R. - MORNING
                                                            
Dave and Kelly see Steve in the hallway and they gather
together.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Hey you two, what are the newly
engaged couple up to?
                                                            
                       DAVE
We've set a date and location for
the wedding.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Tell me, already!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Saturday, July twenty-third. We
haven't nailed the time down yet,
but it will be here in the chapel
and then after the wedding, the
reception will be in the flower
garden downtown.
                                                            
                       STEVE
To be honest with you. I'm just a
little jealous of you both. You
both found somebody that you'll
spend the rest of your life
together.
                                                            
Kelly embraces Steve and they hug for a short time.
                                                            
 

41.

INT. JOHN'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Kelly and Dave knock on John's office door.
                                                            
                       JOHN (OS)
Come in.
                                                            
Kelly and Dave enter his office and all three stand in the
middle of his office.
                                                            
                       DAVE
John, we have some exciting news.
We're getting married.
                                                            
John is excited at the good news.
                                                            
                       KELLY
John, since my own father isn't
around, I was wondering, could you
give me away?
                                                            
John becomes very emotional and with tears in his eyes, he
turns to Kelly.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I would be honored to give you
away.
                                                            
John kisses Kelly and shakes Dave's hand.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE JOHN'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
They both take John's emotional reaction to their news as a
good sign.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - CHAPEL - DAY
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
This is the day that Kelly has both feared and wished for
since she first saw Dave.
                                                            
Kelly is pacing in her small room at the front of the
chapel.
                                                            
Dave is also very nervous. Steve tries to calm him, but to
no avail. The minister sticks his head into the groom's
room.
                                                            

42.

                       MINISTER
Okay boys, it's time. Places
please!
                                                            
The minister does the same to the room that Kelly is in.
                                                            
The wedding party take their places and the music begins to
play.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE THE CHAPEL - DAY
                                                            
John and Kelly stand in the foyer of the chapel.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You look so beautiful, I want to
wish you all the happiness in the
world.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Thank you, John. You mean a lot to
Dave and I.
                                                            
The doors to the chapel open and the wedding march begins
and all the guests stand.
                                                            
 
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
Kelly looks radiant in her traditional white ball gown. The
gown has lots of lace and bead work from the bodice on down.
                                                            
Some guests even gasp as she and John continue down the
aisle.
                                                            
Dave stands at the alter, awe struck at her beauty.
                                                            
John kisses Kelly and hands her off to Dave.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Love and cherish her everyday.
                                                            
Dave shakes John's hand and he goes and sits down in the
front row.
                                                            
The music stops and the minister stands up in front of Dave
and Kelly.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
We are gathered here today to join
this man and woman in holy
matrimony. If you both would face
            (MORE)

43.

                       MINISTER (cont'd)
each other.
                                                            
Kelly and Dave turn and face each other. Then the minister
continues.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
Do you David Lee Bradfield, take
Kelly Rene Richardson, to be your
lawfully wedded wife, in sickness,
in health, for richer or poorer?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I do.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
Do you Kelly Rene Richardson, take
David Lee Bradfield, to be your
lawfully wedded husband, in
sickness, in health , for richer
or poorer?
                                                            
                       KELLY
I do.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
Dr. Pratt, may I have the rings.
                                                            
The minister takes the rings from Steve and says a blessing
over them, then he hands Kelly's ring to Dave.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
Repeat after me David. With this
ring, I thee wed.
                                                            
                       DAVE
With this ring, I thee wed.
                                                            
Dave puts the ring on Kelly's finger.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
Repeat after me, Kelly. With this
ring, I thee wed.
                                                            
                       KELLY
With this ring, I thee wed.
                                                            
Kelly puts the ring on Dave's finger.
                                                            

44.

                       MINISTER
By the power vested in me by God
and this great state, I now
pronounce you husband and wife.
David you may kiss your bride.
                                                            
They embrace and kiss.
                                                            
                       MINISTER
Will you both face your guests.
Let me be the first to introduce
to you Dr. and Mrs. David
Bradfield!
                                                            
The guests at the wedding all clap and Dave and Kelly walk
back down the aisle and out into the foyer.
                                                            
 
INT. THE CHAPEL FOYER - AFTERNOON
                                                            
All the guests congratulate the bride and groom.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARKING LOT-OUTSIDE THE CHAPEL - LATER
                                                            
A white limo pulls up and the wedding party enters the limo
and the limo drives off.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE GARDENS DOWNTOWN - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The wedding party exits the limo and the reception starts.
The guests start arriving. The guests mingle and talk with
the bride and groom.
                                                            
MARISSA GREEN(50's, Dave's older sister,typical protective
older sister) approaches Kelly.
                                                            
                       MARISSA
Kelly, why don't we sit for a
moment.
                                                            
They both sit at a nearby table.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I'm so glad that you and your
husband could make it, I know this
means the world to Dave.
                                                            
                       MARISSA
I just wanted to fill you in on
Dave, and why he stuffs his
emotions.
                                                            

45.

                       KELLY
I just thought it was a guy thing.
                                                            
                       MARISSA
To a certain extent that is true,
but Dave carries some added
baggage that you should know
about. Our mother died when Dave
was fourteen. He shut his emotions
down, he kept his emotions tucked
away, thinking that if he didn't
show emotion he wouldn't get hurt.
All it did was isolate him
emotionally from everyone and
anyone that tried to get close. So
I just want to thank you for being
patient with Dave and for loving
him unconditionally. Honestly, I
never thought this day would come
for him. I'm really glad it did,
and I'm very glad to have you in
our family.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Thanks for the information, and
just know that I love your brother
with all my heart!
                                                            
                       MARISSA
I know.
                                                            
As Marissa and Kelly are finishing up their conversation, a
loud scream rang out from a small gathering of people. Both
Marissa and Kelly get up and go immediately to the gathering
of people. They both watch Dave and Steve quickly converge
on the group of people. Kelly is shocked to see her Maid of
Honor on the grass.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Did anybody see what happened?
                                                            
A voice from the group speaks.
                                                            
                       VOICE FROM THE CROWD
She was flagging something away
from her.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Does anybody know if she's
allergic to bees or wasps?
                                                            

46.

                       KELLY
She carries an Epi-pen with her,
but she never mentioned what she's
allergic to.
                                                            
Sarah starts to go into respiratory arrest. Steve begins
rescue breathing, but to no avail her airway is constricted
so tight that no air is getting through.
                                                            
Steve pulls out his pocket knife, he pours somebody's drink
over the knife, so the alcohol would sterilize it some what.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Does anybody have a straw or a
plastic ball point pen?
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
Three people from the crowd hands him pens and straws. He
quickly sorts through them until he finds the one he wants
to use.
                                                            
Dave holds Sarah's head still while Steve makes the incision
of the make-shift tracheotomy.
                                                            
The crowd gasps as Steve makes the cut into Sarah's neck.
Dave quickly pushes the tube into the incision.
                                                            
Steve then blows air into the tube and the crowd is
completely silent. Then Sarah makes a gasping sound through
the tube. Everybody cheers.
                                                            
The ambulance comes and takes Sarah to Bay County Hospital.
                                                            
Dave goes to Kelly and they embrace, then they part.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Steve is going to go with Sarah to
the hospital.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Even at our wedding, there is no
escaping the power of medicine. I
really did marry Dave and Bay
County.
                                                            
The reception goers around them laughed, but deep down Kelly
wasn't laughing, but also knew that loving a doctor had
strings.
                                                            
They kiss and embrace.
                                                            
 

47.

INT. CRUISE SHIP - EVENING
                                                            
Looking off the balcony of their cruise ship as the sun is
setting.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I'm so happy. I've got everything
I've ever wanted.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       KELLY
Ever since I set eyes on you, I
wanted to be Mrs. Kelly Bradfield.
Now, I am!
                                                            
They kiss passionately. They part and in each other's arms
they watch the sun set.
                                                            
The rest of their honeymoon went fast. Before either of them
realize it, their honeymoon is over and they are both back
at work.
                                                            
 
INT. COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS - MORNING
                                                            
Kelly settles back into her routine of her job.
                                                            
 
INT. DAVE'S OFFICE - MORNING
                                                            
Dave is catching up on seeing patients and also completing
patient's charts.
                                                            
 
INT. RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT - MORNING
                                                            
Dave is down in radiology waiting for a series of x-rays to
be processed. He is talking with DR. SAM NEAL (40's, sports
nut, long-time doctor of radiology). They both are in the
processing room, which is small room with just a couple of
machines and light boards. They are talking sports as usual
this morning.
Dave smells something, but before he an ask about it, the
machine explodes. The explosion is felt throughout the
entire hospital. The fire alarm sounds and the sprinkler
system goes off in that part of the building, the basement.
                                                            
 

48.

INT. EMERGENCY ROOM HALLWAY - MORNING
                                                            
Steve and CONNIE(30's, professional, Dr. Pratt's head nurse)
feel the explosion.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Move all patients out of the
hallways and into rooms, send
anybody that can travel home.
                                                            
                       CONNIE
Okay.
                                                            
                       STEVE
I'm going to go downstairs to see
what happened.
                                                            
                       CONNIE
Be careful. The fire trucks are on
their way.
                                                            
Sirens are heard coming closer.
                                                            
 
INT. RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Steve flies down the stairs only to see the x-ray processing
room completely blown apart. Then as Steve is looking around
he notices bodies underneath the rubble. He is very careful
to avoid live wires, considering the sprinklers have gone
off and everything is wet. Steve steps lightly, and
continues towards the bodies under the rubble.
He clears slowly some of the bigger pieces of debris that is
in his way.
                                                            
Steve goes to the first body and using head/neck protocol
turns the body over. The body is Dr. Sam Neal. Steve quickly
feels for a pulse. Sam was dead. It looks like he took the
brunt of the explosion to the face and head. Steve is sad,
but continues towards the next body, cleaning debris as he
goes.
                                                            
Steve hears many footsteps coming down the stairs and he
assumes it's firefighters.
Steve finally clears away enough debris to have clear access
to the last body. Again, using head/neck protocol he turns
the body over. To his horror it's Dave. Steve hesitates then
feels for a pulse. Dave has a pulse and the firefighters
approach.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Here. I have an injured man. I
need a C-collar and a gurney stat.
                                                            

49.

A firefighter/paramedic responds to his shouts. He comes to
Steve's side and give him a C-collar, which both put the
collar on Dave and carry him upstairs onto an awaiting
gurney.
Another firefighter puts Dr. Sam Neal in a body bag.
                                                            
 
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - TRAUMA ROOM 1 - MORNING
                                                            
Steve rolls Dave into the trauma room, Connie comes in
directly behind him. Steve does a quick assessment of Dave's
overall condition.
                                                            
                       STEVE
From the look of him, his head,
neck, and face took the brunt of
the force.
                                                            
                       CONNIE
We still have access to mobile
x-rays. What do you want?
                                                            
                       STEVE
He has some major lacerations on
his face, also maybe some facial
fractures, his left clavicle is
broken. Let's do a full head and
neck series and chest series. I
want the C-collar to stay until I
clear his C-spine.
                                                            
Steve starts an I.V. and continues to examine him. Steve
pages Titus, because Dave is going to need an orthopedic
surgeon. Steve also picks up the hospital phone and dials
Kelly's extension.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Kelly, I need you to come down to
the ER, trauma room 1, Dave's been
hurt in the explosion in
radiology.
                                                            
                       KELLY (O.S.)
I'll be right there. How is he?
                                                            
                       STEVE
Just come to trauma room 1.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL COMMUNICATION AREA - MORNING
                                                            
Kelly drops her head-set and runs out of the communications
area.
                                                            
 

50.

INT. HOSPITAL STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Kelly takes the stairs as fast as she can, almost falling a
couple of times. She is out of breath as she runs down the
last flight and into the ER hallways.
                                                            
 
INT. TRAUMA ROOM 1 - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Kelly enters the room completely out of breath and sees and
unconscious Dave on the exam table. She approaches the exam
table.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Steve, he looks really bad!
                                                            
Steve physically moves her back slightly from the exam
table.
                                                            
                       STEVE
He took the glancing blow to the
head, neck, and face. He'll need
an orthopedic surgeon and a
plastic surgeon for some of the
deeper lacerations on his face and
neck.
                                                            
Dave starts to breath heavy, then gasps for air. Steve
quickly inserts an NG tube and hooks up the vent and he Dave
then slows his breathing down.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Titus is coming in to see what he
can do, he is going to be okay.
Dr. Neal took the brunt of the
explosion and is dead.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Oh,my gosh!
                                                            
She both hands to her face.
                                                            
 
INT. TRAUMA ROOM 1 - DAY
                                                            
DR. TITUS(50's. Ego driven, Head of Orthopedics) enters the
room and goes up to Steve and looks at Dave laying on the
exam table.
                                                            
                       TITUS
I've seen his x-rays. I've already
booked an OR. Other than fractures
is he medically okay?
                                                            

51.

                       STEVE
Possible air-way obstruction,
maybe chemical, or burns. Need to
scope him, but for now, you need
to fix his fractures and lacs
first. Keep on the vent for now.
                                                            
                       TITUS
Okay, can you have him brought up
in ten.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Yeah.
                                                            
Steve physically brings Kelly back closer to Dave. Crying,
she goes up to the exam table and gently holds his hand.
                                                            
                       KELLY
You better be okay. We have our
whole lives together.
                                                            
Steve puts his arms around Kelly and comforts her.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Kelly, he's in the best hands with
Titus. Let the orderlies take him
to surgery.
                                                            
Both Kelly and Steve step back and watch the orderlies take
Dave and wheel him out of the Trauma Room. Kelly completely
breaks down and cries into Steve's chest. Steve holds her
and comforts her.
                                                            
                       STEVE
I'll take you up to the OR waiting
area, he will be in surgery for
several hours.
                                                            
Kelly can't manage any words, but nods her head and they
both leave the Trauma Room.
                                                            
 
INT. O.R. WAITING AREA - DAY
                                                            
Kelly and Steve both sit down next to each other with Steve
still embracing Kelly. Through her crying she asks Steve.
                                                            
                       KELLY
How bad is he?
                                                            
                       STEVE
I'm not going to lie to you, this
is bad. Let's let Titus do his
thing and then we can go from
            (MORE)

52.

                       STEVE (cont'd)
there.
                                                            
Kelly starts to collect herself somewhat. About four hours
later, Titus come out of the O.R. and approaches then and
sits next to them.
                                                            
                       STEVE
So, how did everything go?
                                                            
                       TITUS
He's critical, but stable. His
right orbit was fractured. I
stabilized it with wire. His right
jaw is also broken, but not severe
enough for me to wire it shut. His
clavicle is broken in two places.
I had to put a plate and some
screws to stabilize the bone. He
has three broken ribs all on the
right side. I'm still not sure
about his respiratory condition.
He did fine on the vent during the
surgery. I stitched carefully his
lacerations and I believe he'll
only have a small scare close to
his right jaw line.
                                                            
                       KELLY
So, does all that mean he'll be
okay?
                                                            
                       TITUS
What all that means is that he
will recover from all of his
injuries, but it will be a lengthy
processes. But for now he will be
in recover for a while longer,
then I'm taking him to ICU until
we can clear his current
respiratory situation.
                                                            
Titus stands and goes back into the O.R.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Okay, I need to go back to the ER.
I'll meet you in the ICU later.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Thanks for being here, Steve.
Sorry I'm such an emotional wreak.
I just don't want to lose him so
soon after I just got him.
                                                            

53.

                       STEVE
No worries. I don't want to lose
him either.
                                                            
 
INT. ICU BED 2 - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Steve comes into Dave's ICU room and Kelly is sitting by his
bedside. Steve looks at the monitor and his vitals all seem
good. He starts to come around. Kelly immediately stands up
and Steve is right next to her.
                                                            
                       STEVE
That's it Dave, fight through it.
                                                            
Dave becomes conscious and is immediately agitated, he
reaches for the tube and Steve quickly stops him.
                                                            
                       STEVE
You're tubed. You're airway was
compromise and I put an airway
down. Titus operated on you and
you're going to be okay.
                                                            
Dave slowly shakes his head and a tear rolls down his cheek.
Kelly squeezes his hand and Dave squeezes her hand back.
                                                            
                       STEVE
This is against my better
judgment, I'll pull your tube.
                                                            
Steve unhooks the vent and pulls the tube from his throat.
Dave coughs and gags. Steve quickly puts on an oxygen mask
and turns it up to 10 liters. Dave breaths deeply then
removes the mask. His voice is barely a whisper.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I can't see! I can't see!
                                                            
Steve quickly examines his eyes. He is going to have to call
in an ophthalmologist.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Dave, I'm right here. Steve's
calling an eye doctor.
                                                            
Steve quickly makes the call.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Do you have any pain?
                                                            

54.

                       DAVE
My whole body hurts, but my eyes
don't hurt, I just can't see
anything.
                                                            
                       STEVE
I've called DR. SANDS(40's tall,
thin, surgeon of opthalmology),
he'll be here soon.
                                                            
Steve puts a hand on his left shoulder and comforts Dave.
                                                            
 
INT. ICU ROOM 2 - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Dr. Sands comes into the room and examines Dave.
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
Dave, I want an MRI and CT of your
frontal region. I think that you
may have a hematoma pressing on
the optic nerve. That is causing
your temporary blindness.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY TO RADIOLOGY - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Dr. Sands and the orderlies take Dave to be scanned. When
Dave returns to the ICU room Steve and Kelly are there. Dr.
Sands came in with Dave.
                                                            
                       STEVE
So, what are the results of the
scans?
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
The scan confirms my thoughts.
Dave you have a hematoma pressing
on your optic nerve.
                                                            
Dave continues to have troubles breathing, but refuses to be
tubed. Steve puts the mask back on his face and he breaths
deeply, but his breathing is labored at best.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Do you mind sharing the OR with me
Dr. Sands. I want to do a little
exploratory to see if a rib has
nicked a lung?
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
Sure, no problem.
                                                            

55.

Dr. Sands leaves.
                                                            
                       KELLY
You hang in there Dave. I love
you.
                                                            
Kelly leans in gently and kisses him.
                                                            
                       STEVE
You'll be in the sane OR waiting
room as earlier today. Sorry, I
won't be able to be with you. I
want to see what's causing his
breathing problems.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Sure. Steve. I understand. I know
that he is in good hands.
                                                            
Steve leaves the room and Kelly is in the ICU room alone.
Kelly starts to cry and softly talks to herself.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Please God, Please let Dave be
okay. Please let him see again.
I'm not sure he could survive
without practicing medicine.
                                                            
Kelly wipes her tears away and leaves the ICU.
                                                            
 
INT. O.R. WAITING ROOM - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Kelly paces some, then sits some, then paces some more.
Finally, after two long hours both Dr. Sands and Steve come
out of the O.R.
Kelly anxious stands as Dr. Sands and Steve approach.
                                                            
                       KELLY
So, tell me, how is he?
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
I removed the hematoma and there
was no injury to the optic nerve,
so he should have his sight back.
                                                            
                       STEVE
A rib did nick the lung,
compromising his breathing. I
repaired it and his breathing
should be better.
                                                            

56.

Kelly is relieved and sits down and takes a long deep
breath.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I was so anxious and so worried
about him not seeing again. Thank
you both for all that you've done
for him.
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
He'll be in recovery for another
30 to 40 minutes. Then he'll be in
a regular room. I'll come out soon
and tell you the room number. Hang
in there Kelly. Dave's a fighter.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Thanks.
                                                            
The rest of the afternoon and into the night Dave was
unconscious.
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 341 - NIGHT
                                                            
Steve and Kelly talk while Dave is still unconscious. Dave
is on oxygen by nasal cannula and has a patch on his
forehead where Dr. Sands operated. Dave starts to come
around. Both Steve and Kelly go to his bedside.
Dave blinks hard twice, then three times, he is agitated.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Can you see?
                                                            
Dave's voice cracks.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No, nothing. Am I going to be
blind permanently?
                                                            
Steve and Kelly were both shock, because Dr. Sands was so
sure about his prognosis, which wasn't what Dave is
currently experiencing.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Okay Dave. I want you to settle
down. Dr. Sands is coming!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Please Steve, don't let me be
blind! Please Steve!
                                                            

57.

Kelly was crying next to his bed and Steve was barely
functioning he was so shocked. Steve finally has to sedate
him so he wouldn't tear his many stitches out. Steve calls
Dr. Sands and tells him of Dave's condition.
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 341 - NIGHT
                                                            
Dr. Sands comes into Dave's room and quickly examines him.
                                                            
                       STEVE
You told us that his vision would
b fine. I had to sedate him so he
wouldn't rip his stitches. What's
going on?
                                                            
Kelly is sitting with her head in her hands and looks up at
Dr. Sands.
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
It could be a piece of the
original hematoma that broke off.
I'll need another MRI to see if
that's really what is causing his
continued blindness.
                                                            
Steve is upset with Dr. Sands, but tries to remain
professional. Dave gets another MRI and comes back to his
room.
                                                            
 
INT. RADIOLOGY - NIGHT
                                                            
They perform the MRI and together Steve and Dr. Sands look
at the scans.
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 341 - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave comes back to his room and Dr. Sands and Steve continue
to look at the scan on the light board in Dave's room.
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
There is a small piece of hematoma
that had come away from the
original mass during the first
operation. So, now I need to go
back in and remove that last small
piece and that should clear up
your vision once and for all. I'm
going to give you something so
that you'll sleep tonight and in
the morning I'll take you back to
surgery. Remember, Dave there is
            (MORE)

58.

                       DR. SANDS (cont'd)
no guarantees.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I understand. Kelly, I want you to
go home, there is nothing you can
do here tonight.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I would like to stay with you
tonight.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Dr. Sands is going to give me
something to sleep so I'm not
going to be much company.
                                                            
Steve reaches out and touches Kelly's arm and squeezes it
and Steve nods to her. Kelly looks at Steve and again Steve
nods to her.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Okay, Dave I'll go home and I'll
be back before you go into surgery
in the morning.
                                                            
Dave forces a smile and Kelly gets up from her chair and
goes up to Dave's bedside and kisses him lightly on the
lips. Dave returns the kiss and with his left hand caresses
her face.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I love you so much!
                                                            
                       KELLY
I love you too.
                                                            
Kelly's fighting back tears as she leaves his bedside.
                                                            
                       STEVE
Dave, I'll be right back. I'm
going to walk Kelly out.
                                                            
A nurse comes into Dave's room and gives him some medication
to help him sleep.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE ROOM 341 - NIGHT
                                                            
Both Kelly and Steve steps into the hallway and Kelly cries
into Steve's chest.
                                                            

59.

                       KELLY
Steve, what happens, if he can't
ever see again?
                                                            
                       STEVE
Now, we need to think positive.
Dr. Sands seems very positive, so
we should be too. Thank you for
giving in. I really just wanted to
be alone with him tonight.
                                                            
                       KELLY
Take good care of him Steve. I
can't afford to lose him now!
                                                            
                       STEVE
No way. Try and get some sleep
I'll see you in the morning.
                                                            
Kelly with her head down walks away from Steve towards the
elevator. Steve watches her slowly walk away.
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 341 - NIGHT
                                                            
Steve goes back inside Dave's room. Dave is starting to fade
due to the medication that was given to him a few minutes
earlier.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Steve, what am I going to do if
Dr. Sands can't get the remaining
clot?
                                                            
                       STEVE
Now, it's going to do you no good
to think about what it's. You know
as well as I that second guessing
is no good.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I know, but I have to at least
think about the possibility. I'm
40. Who will hire a blind doctor?
I need to take care of my new
wife, how do I provide for her? I
want to have a family, I couldn't
bare not even knowing what my
children look like.
                                                            
Dave sobs uncontrollably and Steve comforts him.
                                                            

60.

                       STEVE
Again, until it's reality, you
shouldn't worry. Why don't you
stop fighting the drugs and give
into them and sleep.
                                                            
Dave getting control of himself again.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll try.
                                                            
Dave moves around and tries to get comfortable. Very soon
after that he drifts into sleep.
Steve sits down in the rocker-recliner and all of Dave's
concerns keep his mind occupied. He isn't sure if Dave could
survive if Dr. Sands doesn't correct the problem and his
vision doesn't return.
                                                            
Steve closes his eyes tight and prays that Dr. Sands can
restore his vision. The night lasts a long time and Steve
couldn't shake the words that Dave is so afraid of. Finally,
the sun starts to rise.
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 341 - MORNING
                                                            
The morning charge nurse came in and took a set of vitals
and Dave and Steve both wake up. Then shortly after that the
surgery prep team comes in. Kelly comes in then Dr. Sands
enters Dave's room.
The prep team continues their work while Dr. Sands examines
Dave again. Kelly is at his bedside holding his hand.
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
This time, Dave, we'll get it
right.
                                                            
Dave doesn't reply.
                                                            
                       DR. SANDS
I'm going to get scrubbed. I'll
see you in ten and hopefully after
you'll see me.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I hope so, Dr. Sands.
                                                            
Dr. Sands leaves Dave's room. Steve gets up and puts a hand
on his left shoulder.
                                                            
                       STEVE
You will see me after surgery!
                                                            

61.

                       DAVE
I hope you're right. I really want
to see your ugly mug again!
                                                            
Steve then leaves Dave's room. Kelly is still next to his
bedside holding his hand. A tear rolls off her face and onto
Dave's arm.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Kelly, don't cry. Dr. Sands is
going to fix things. I'll be as
good as new.
                                                            
Kelly cries and gently kisses Dave. Dave forces a smile and
the orderlies come in and get Dave for surgery.
                                                            
                       KELLY
I love you so much! I'll be right
here when you come out of surgery.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I love you, Kelly.
                                                            
The orderlies unlock his bed and roll him out of the room.
Kelly is alone in the empty room, she puts her head in her
hands and sobs.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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