Alex and Phobe, two strangers, find themselves in
Alex and Phobe, two strangers, find themselves in a mental health ward during the darkest moments of their lives. As they begin to connect, their emotional barriers start to crumble, paving the way for a deep friendship that ultimately contributes to their healing journey.
Alex and Phobe have finished the program and are now completely healed, prepared to rejoin society. They promise to keep in touch as they start their individual paths. For a few months, they manage to stay connected, but as life takes its course, they slowly grow apart. This culminates in Alex’s regrettable choice to stop communicating, a decision that was forced upon him.
Although Alex’s sudden exit brought sadness, four years later, Casey has remarkably reshaped her life. She has embraced a rewarding new career that brings her joy and has married Michael, a thriving businessman. From an outside perspective, her life appears to be nothing short of wonderful.
One evening, while exploring her neighborhood, Casey decided to pop into her favorite café for a coffee and was pleasantly surprised to run into Alex, a familiar face from four years ago. Their joy at the reunion was palpable as they settled in for a quick conversation. Alex shared a bit about his life and mentioned he was on the job hunt. Eager to assist, Casey suggested he apply for the maintenance groundskeeper position at her family’s property, handing him the contact number. After a warm farewell, she expressed her hope to see him again soon before heading out.
The following morning, Alex picks up the phone to inquire about the job, and the voice on the other end invites him to visit the property. Eager to learn more, Alex agrees and makes his way there. Upon arrival, he is struck by the stunning beauty of the house. As he approaches, a man greets him with a handshake, introducing himself as Michael. They chat briefly, and without hesitation, Michael offers Alex the position, which he happily accepts. After saying his goodbyes, Michael heads back inside. As Alex walks to his car, another vehicle pulls up beside him, revealing Casey. Taken aback by her presence, she asks if he got the job, to which Alex nods with a smile. Curious, he inquires about her being there, and Casey responds that she lives there, as Michael is her husband. With a smile, she drives away, leaving Alex momentarily bewildered.
On Monday morning, Alex arrives with enthusiasm to start his new job, and Michael shows him around the facility before he begins his tasks. Respecting Casey’s marriage, Alex keeps a polite distance, only engaging when she initiates contact. He throws himself into his work, deliberately steering clear of any unnecessary contact. As time passes, he observes the increasing tension between Casey and Michael but chooses to remain uninvolved. However, as Michael’s job demands more of his time away, Alex and Casey start to converse more frequently, slowly reviving the friendship they had in the past.
Michael came home one afternoon from a work trip to see Alex and Casey laughing together outside, stirring feelings of discomfort within him. He decided to keep his thoughts to himself and not bring it up with Casey. As time passed, his jealousy and doubts grew, prompting him to confront Casey about her connection with Alex. She reassured him that he was overreacting and that their relationship was purely platonic. However, Michael couldn’t shake the nagging thought of how Alex had learned about the job opportunity when he hadn’t even advertised it.
Michael struggled to hide his emotions when he inquired about how Alex learned of the job opening and obtained his number. To shield Casey, Alex concocted a tale, saying he had run into her at a coffee shop, where she might have overheard him discussing his job search. Michael managed a smile before departing, but later that day, he confronted Casey, who candidly confessed that she had urged Alex to reach out since he was seeking employment. Outside, Alex could hear Michael shouting at Casey, followed by the sound of glass shattering, and then he watched as Michael sped away in his car.
Alex, typically reserved and distant, is overwhelmed with worry for Casey and makes his way into the house. As he steps into the kitchen, he finds Ashley on the floor, tears cascading down her cheeks, next to a broken glass that reflects her vulnerability. He hesitantly asks if her distress stems from his mention of meeting Michael at the coffee shop, offering an apology. Casey reassures him that he has no reason to feel guilty, declaring that Michael is simply an awful person. Michael return home with guilt after he acted the way he did that day.
He yearns to reconcile with Casey, but her icy silence cuts deep. As he surveys the kitchen, a footprint catches his eye, prompting him to ask Casey who has intruded into their home. She nonchalantly replies that Alex stopped by to help her clean up the shattered glass. A surge of annoyance floods Michael at the thought of Alex invading his space, yet he chooses to suppress his anger, feigning appreciation for Alex’s assistance. While away for work, Michael receives information from an acquaintance that sheds light on Alex’s background, deepening his disdain for him even further.
Returning home from his work trip, Michael spots Alex hard at work and calls him over. With a heavy heart, Michael informs Alex that his services are no longer required, delivering the news with a finality that stings. Confused and hurt, Alex confronts Michael, seeking answers for his abrupt dismissal. Meanwhile, Casey watches from inside the house, sensing the tension between them. Michael responds to Alex’s inquiry, revealing that he cannot have a convicted felon on his property, and in that moment, Alex realizes that Michael has been prying into his past. Casey watches Alex drive off, curious to know why she confronts Michael when he enters inside the house. Micheal explains that he fired him and he wont be returning.
The Gardener and the Wife
Logline: A chance reunion in a coffee shop rekindles a friendship forged in a mental health ward, but the secrets of the past and the complexities of the present threaten to shatter a fragile new beginning.
Scene 1:
INT. MENTAL HEALTH WARD – DAY
ALEX (30s, gaunt, withdrawn) sits alone, staring blankly. PHOEBE (30s, vibrant but fragile) approaches hesitantly.
PHOEBE
(softly)
Mind if I sit here?
Alex nods minimally. A silence hangs heavy between them.
PHOEBE (CONT’D)
This place… it’s… a lot.
ALEX
(muttering)
Understatement.
They share a small, understanding smile. Over the following weeks, their conversations blossom, revealing their shared struggles and a burgeoning friendship.
Scene 2:
INT. CAFE – DAY (FOUR YEARS LATER)
CASEY (Phoebe’s new name) is enjoying a coffee. Alex walks in, their eyes meet. They embrace, surprised and delighted. Their brief conversation reveals a life of healing and growth for Casey, while Alex is still finding his footing.
Scene 3:
EXT. CASEY’S FAMILY ESTATE – DAY
Alex is shown the sprawling grounds by MICHAEL (40s, successful, slightly aloof), Casey’s husband. Casey pulls up in her car, catching Alex and Michael mid-conversation. The revelation of Casey’s marriage stuns Alex.
Scene 4:
EXT/INT. CASEY’S FAMILY ESTATE – VARIOUS
Alex works diligently, avoiding Casey. Their interactions are brief, polite. Tension between Michael and Casey grows subtly, evident in their silences and strained interactions. Alex notices, but maintains a respectful distance.
Scene 5:
INT. CASEY’S KITCHEN – DAY
Michael confronts Casey about her connection with Alex. Casey denies anything romantic, but Michael’s suspicions remain. He presses about the job; Alex’s fabricated story fails to fully satisfy him. Michael’s anger erupts, culminating in a broken glass and a heated argument. Alex, hearing the commotion, enters to find Casey in tears.
Scene 6:
INT. CASEY’S KITCHEN – VARIOUS
Michael’s jealousy festers. He questions Casey about Alex’s visit to clean the broken glass, highlighting his resentment and his subtle investigation of Alex’s background (through a casual acquaintance).
Scene 7:
EXT/INT. CASEY’S FAMILY ESTATE – DAY
Michael fires Alex, revealing he knows about Alex’s past conviction. Alex, hurt and confused, confronts him. Casey witnesses the exchange, torn between her husband and her friend.
Scene 8:
INT. CASEY’S KITCHEN – NIGHT
Casey confronts Michael. The argument is fierce, filled with accusations and revelations. Casey is both devastated by Michael’s actions and his disbelief, but also understanding of his insecurities and the trust issues brought by Alex’s past, and eventually the conflict leads to Michael leaving the house.
Scene 9:
INT. CASEY’S KITCHEN – NIGHT
Casey sits alone, reflecting on her choices and the complexities of her life. She picks up the phone to call Alex, leaving the audience with the uncertainty of their future and the potential for reconciliation. The final shot lingers on the broken glass, symbolizing the fractured trust and the uncertain path ahead.