Context: The following script was created for Dramatic Writing class with Mrs. Shiver. The assignment asked students to write a scene involving a flashback, set in a noir, mystery, or comedy genre.
INT. LIBRARY – EVENING
OLIVIA, DREW, and EDEN are lurking around an old library. They’re searching for clues that could help them crack this case.
EDEN
Are you sure there’s anything here?
OLIVIA
I called the number on the card I found in my parent’s old stuff. The voicemail led me here.
EDEN
This place has been abandoned for years. How do you know they haven’t cleaned everything out?
OLIVIA
They’re gone, Eden. This is all I have left.
DREW
Let’s just keep looking. I’ll check the bookshelves; you guys check the filing cabinets.
OLIVIA
(to herself) Mom, Dad, what are you trying to tell me?
FLASHBACK TO:
INT. LIBRARY – EVENING (11 YEARS AGO)
OLIVIA’S MOM and OLIVIA’S DAD stand over a table scattered with old documents, maps, and pictures.
OLIVIA’S MOM
The safe is all set. Hidden behind the bookshelf, like we agreed.
OLIVIA’S DAD
What’d you decide on? For the code?
OLIVIA’S MOM
654842. (pause) Olivia on a keypad. (looks down at the table) One day this will all be hers.
OLIVIA’S DAD
(laughs) If she’s smart enough to follow all of our clues to this point.
OLIVIA’S MOM
She will be! She’s already doing multiplication tables at 5.
OLIVIA’S DAD
You’re right. She’s smart, just like her mom.
[END FLASHBACK]
INT. LIBRARY – EVENING (PRESENT)
DREW
Man, this place really is old. The bookshelves are coming off the walls.
Drew nudges the bookshelf and it swings away from the wall, revealing a safe behind it.
DREW
(raising his voice) Uhhh… guys? You’re gonna want to see this.
Olivia and Eden run over to meet Drew. Their jaws drop.
EDEN
Whoa!
OLIVIA
I knew it! Drew, you’re a genius!
Olivia hugs Drew.
EDEN
Sooo.. how do we open it?
DREW
Looks like there’s a 6-digit code. (looks at Olivia) Any guesses?
OLIVIA
Oh, I didn’t think about that.
EDEN
We came all this way, and you haven’t thought about it? Did you think you’d just waltz in and take this valuable information without any verification that it’s you?
OLIVIA
It wasn’t exactly on the forefront! Ok, let me think. Their anniversary, maybe? Drew, try 020897.
DREW
Nope.
OLIVIA
Ok… maybe my birthday. Try 080202.
DREW
Didn’t work.
EDEN
Think, Olivia. Your parents didn’t seem like the type to make a safe code something as obvious as an anniversary or a birthday.
OLIVIA
You’re right.
DREW
What did they love most?
EDEN
(turns to Olivia) You.
OLIVIA
What?
EDEN
You’re what they loved most. 6 digits, they wanted you to find this… it makes sense. The code is your name. Drew, pull up a keypad.
DREW
Give me a second.
Drew is silent for a few seconds, piecing together the letters with the numbers.
DREW
Try 654842.
Olivia punches in the code and the door swings open.