Untitled Teleplay page 1

INTERIOR, HOSPITAL ROOM, DAY
AN I.V. BAG DRIPS INTO AN ARM BELONGING TO OUR MAIN CHARACTER, JIMI, WHO IS LAYING IN A HOSPITAL BED, BACKSIDE-DOWN. AN OLDER WOMAN, JIMI'S MOTHER, WANDA, STANDS NEXT TO THE BED THAT JIMI IS LAYING IN. SHE IS HOLDING A STUFFED GIRAFFE, PRESUMABLY AS A GIFT TO JIMI.

WANDA: So, how are you feeling?

JIMI: Not bad, considering I'm laying in a hospital bed right now.

WANDA: Well, I know this stuffed giraffe can't or won't replace your leg, or whatever, but, hopefully, it brightens your day a little.

JIMI: Yes, it brightens my day a little, Mother. Very little.

WANDA: Hey, listen...

JIMI: No, Mother! You listen!

WANDA: Jimi! Is that the way I raised you to speak to me? By yelling?

JIMI: No, it's not. But, maybe losing one of my legs taught me a lesson that you couldn't.

WANDA: Like what? How to get around by hopping? I'm sorry. That wasn't funny.

JIMI: No, Mother, it wasn't funny. It was cruel. And you didn't let me finish.

WANDA: Yes, I know. Go ahead.

JIMI: Losing this leg put everything in perspective for me.

WANDA: I hear you.

JIMI: I just wanna say to you, Mother--I mean Mom.

WANDA: Listening...

JIMI: (frustrated) Oh, I just can't!