Tuesday, March 24, 2026

scene 27

scene 26

INT. ROVER - DAY

Hunter driving U.S, Hwy 70 northeast through the woods of the Mescalero Apache reservation, Sierra Blanca Peak framed in the windshield.

TOM: When's the last time you were on a horse?

CHLOE: Does a mule count?

TOM: Sure it counts. 

CHLOE: Then two years ago at the Grand Canyon. 

* Add John/Jan/Barb/Chloe mule ride Grand Canyon framed photo to Chloe's desk.

TOM: Good time?

Chloe nods.

TOM (CONT.) Before that?

CHLOE: Pony ride at the state fair when I was a kid. When's the last time you were on a horse?

TOM: Few months ago. We got friends with land and horses up near Sheridan. We'll get up for some ridin' a couple times a year. How 'bout you, Hunter?

HUNTER: Last time on a horse?

TOM: Yessir.

HUNTER: It'll be twenty years in November.

TOM: Where were ya, if ya don't mind me askin'?

HUNTER: Costa Rica. My honeymoon. A sunset ride on the beach.

TOM: Me and Wanda are thinkin' about doin' that on the northern part of the island.

CHLOE: Are you doing a luau?

TOM: We are. Wanda don't believe it but I'm takin' a surfin' lesson at Waikiki.

CHLOE: That's cool.  And it's a great place to learn.

TOM: You been? 

CHLOE: That's where my mom taught me.

TOM: Well how 'bout that? How old were ya?

CHLOE: Ten.

TOM: Well you must be Pretty good by now.

Chloe shrugs.

CHLOE: I think it's great you're doing it.

TOM: Figure I'll be fallin' all over the plae but the landin's gotta be softer than comin' off a horse.

CHLOE: And it's warm water.

TOM: Where do ya surf outta San Luis Obispo?

CHLOE: Different places but usually Pismo. 

TOM: I reckon the water's a little colder than Hawaii.

CHLOE: Always a wetsuit. Have you ever been to California?

TOM: I have. San Diego.

CHLOE: What were you doing there?

TOM: Boot camp United States Marine Corps.

Pause.

CHLOE: Did you join?

TOM: I did not.

Pause.

CHLOE: Drafted and on the way to Vietnam?

TOM: Yes ma'am.

Pause.

CHLOE: Is that something you'd be willing to talk about sometime.

TOM: We can do that.

Silence but for hum of wheels on road.

No comments:

Post a Comment