EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
A woman, MEL, tall, brunette, in her late 20s early 30s walks across the bridge. She stops and looks over the railing at the running river far below her.
CU ON MEL
Mel looks conflicted, depressed, sad. She seems to struggle with a thought for a moment, then climbs over the railing of the bridge, and stands on a narrow ledge, which is the only thing separating her from a certain watery death.
Mel inches closer to oblivion, but that's when she hears quick, panicked breathing, no more than 5 feet to her left.
She backs up, so that her back is touching the railing, then sneaks a peak. In the darkness, she could see an older man, BEN, 40s or 50s, sitting on the ledge, feet dangling, obviously been crying.
MEL
I thought I would be the only one tonight.
BEN is startled by her. He was so zoned out in his thoughts that he didn't notice her presence.
He gets up in a hurry, almost tips over the ledge but grabs hold of the railing to steady himself.
BEN
Don't come any closer. I'll jump. I'll do it.
MEL
Whoa, buddy. Trust me, I'm not here to stop you.
Ben looks confused.
MEL
So, is this your first time? Ending it all?
Ben looks down at the river.
BEN
It'll be better this way, for everyone. And Yeah, first time. Last time.
MEL
(distant in thought)
...
Last ...
time. ...
Sounds nice.
...
CU OF MEL'S EYES AS SHE REMEMBERS
MONTAGE.
Mel tries to shoot herself in the head
Mel steps in front of an on coming train.
Mel drinks poison.
EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
BEN
Why? Why are you here?
Mel is back from her trance.
MEL
I have no purpose.
BEN
You don't seem nervous.
Mel shrugs.
MEL
But you do. Why jump off a bridge? Why not just...
Mel makes a gun with her hand and points to her head.
MEL
Boom. You know get it over with. Much faster this way.
BEN
I thought about it.
MEL
Ah, but you're worried about what someone will think? The kids? The wife?
BEN
I just don't want them to see their father with a hole in his head.
MEL
Good point.
BEN
At least this way I simply disappear. No trace. No one will miss me.
Mel drifts off with her thoughts.
MEL
(to no one in particular)
I miss my dad.
Ben looks at her.
MEL
I miss a lot of people. It's hard seeing the people you love wither away and die. Sometimes, I think it's better if I was never born.
BEN
I remember the first time I saw my daughter; a tiny bundle of joy. Big blue eyes. Beautiful sight. Wish I could see her one last time.
A tear rolls down his eyes.
BEN
I was never a good father.
Ben takes out his phone and looks at a picture. The expression on his face twits into regret.
MEL
(sneaks a look)
Your wife?
BEN
My mistake.
Ben throws the phone down. It tumbles for a few seconds and disappears with a splash in the river.
BEN
Whoa, that's a long way down.
Mel moves closer to him.
MEL
Let's do it. Both of us. At the same time. At least we won't be alone the last moments of our life.
Mel reaches out for his hand.
Ben looks at her in hesitation.
MEL
Come on. It's end game for us. Why should we keep suffering?
Ben reaches and holds her steady hand with his shaky one.
MEL
Ready?
She steps closer to the edge.
BEN
Wait. Wait. If I do this, there is no chance that I'll ever see my kids again.
MEL
Why does it matter?
Ben is obviously conflicted.
MEL
You're taking too long.
Mel strengthens her grip on his hand and jumps off, dragging him with her.
BEN
No. Wait. Noooo.
They fall and splash into the water.
FADE TO BLACK.:
INT. BED ROOM - DAY
It's a bright day. All the colors are bright.
Ben wakes up on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His kids, a boy and a girl, run into the room and jump on him.
GIRL
Dad, the park. You promised. Come on let's go.
Ben is disoriented. He looks around and sees his WIFE sitting on her wheelchair, frail and pale. She has an oxygen tube around her nose.
WIFE
It's okay. I'll be ok for an hour. Go take them. It's a nice day outside.
Ben gets up and gives his wife a long kiss on her forehead.
BEN
(still in unbelief)
I missed you.
EXT. PARK - DAY
It's a bright day. Bright colors.
Ben's kids are playing in the park. He watches them intently. A smile dances on his lips. He still can't believe he is here.
MEL comes and sits beside him.
MEL
Beautiful kids you have there.
Ben does a double take.
BEN
You? Are you an angel? Was any of this real?
MEL
(chuckles)
I'm no angel. But I found my purpose.
They share a moment just looking at each other.
MEL
(prods him with her finger)
Second chance.
(beat)
Don't mess it up.
Mel smiles and walks away.
Ben's phone rings. He pulls it out surprised to find it there after seeing it splash into the river. On the screen is displayed a picture of the woman he dubbed "His Mistake". His finger plays over the answer button, but then hangs up.
FADE TO BLACK.: