THE LAST LETTER
Based on a true story.
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND – DAY
CINDY(15) and AUSTIN(15) are slowly walking along the playground, shoulders close to touching. Both are smiling slightly.
CINDY
It’s so nice to finally see you again.
AUSTIN
I can speak the same for you. It was so long.
CINDY
Will you be attending the graduation ceremony?
AUSTIN
Probably. Mrs. Campbell doesn’t bully us anymore now that we’re near graduates, right?
CINDY
Yeah. You’d think she is actually a nice person now.
Both grin.
AUSTIN
I’ll attend the graduation if I can. Not that I care too much for this school.
CINDY
You know…
Stops. AUSTIN also stops.
When you said your inferiority complex meant you would never find a girlfriend?
AUSTIN quietly nods.
Well… I… have a crush on you.
AUSTIN
Smiles nervously. Purses lips and looks at the ground.
I…
INT. AUSTIN’S HOME – NIGHT
AUSTIN’S MOM (48) is sitting at the table reading. There is an empty couch. AUSTIN enters with heavy schoolbag.
AUSTIN
I’m home!
Throws schoolbag on couch, then collapses on the couch.
AUSTIN’S MOM
Puts the book down and looks at AUSTIN.
Tired?
AUSTIN
Yeah.
Sighs.
Cindy confessed that she had a crush on me.
AUSTIN’S MOM
That’s great news! You’re so lucky! Not every boy can have their crush confess to them!
AUSTIN
(extremely gloomy)
I told her I couldn’t return her feelings.
AUSTIN’S MOM
Oh… Honey…
Goes to sit down beside AUSTIN and hugs him.
INT. CINDY’S BEDROOM – DAY
CINDY is lying in bed, a gloomy look on her face.
CINDY’S DAD comes to her bedside and bends down.
CINDY’S DAD
Are you feeling better today?
CINDY
No.
CINDY’S DAD
Do you want some breakfast?
CINDY
No.
CINDY’S DAD
(evidently worried)
Honey, at least try to eat something. It will give you strength and help you get better.
CINDY
I don’t have any appetite. Just go, please.
CINDY’S DAD
What about the fried fish burger you’ve always wanted to eat? Would that help?
CINDY
Dad, just leave me alone, please.
INT. – CINDY’S ROOM
Cindy is sitting at the desk, taking a letter out of its envelope.
She unfolds it and stares at it, vividly shaken.
CINDY
“Dear Cindy,
I am deeply sorry. I had to do what I did.
What you didn’t know is that
(slowly)
I do love you back.”
AUSTIN (voice-over)
“You’re beautiful, intelligent, and very kind and understanding. I’m so thankful for your blessed presence during my years in junior school.
You deserve much better than me.
More importantly, I’m leaving the city for school. I’ve been accepted by a school called UWC, and I’ve decided to go. I did not want to tell you before, so as to not distract you from your studies. The pressure is very high for me – my family is spending almost all of their savings to pay for my education at UWC. Everything is on the line.
I broke your heart. I know that now, and I’m extremely sorry for doing that.
Please be happy. My heart shatters to know what pain I’ve inflicted on you. To be honest, I’ve been crying in my room for days after I did that to you.
You’ll find the one for you. Please be happy.
Your friend forever,
Austin”
CINDY
(quietly)
You fool.
