SCENE 2
Once inside the driver whips the rope and the carriage moves forth on top that hill where the reduction in trees signaled the view size of that massive red brick building.
EXT. BIRD EYE VIEW_THE STEPS OF THE LUNAR ASYLUM. DAY.
From the massive clock tower all the way down to the stairs points to a man at the bottom. Across from where he stands the carriage moves into park near the vanishing point.
CUT-TO.
EXT. GROUND LEVEL_THE STEPS OF THE LUNAR ASYLUM. DAY.
A golden pocket watch is being held. The watch is then lowered to show Andrew walking forward.
SUPERINTENDENT
Ah...Dr. Andrew. You made it. And might I add that another 2 minutes more you would have been on the dot. I'm sure you'll fix that problem after a week here. I'm the superintendent of this establishment.
[Note: This man is known only as the Superintendent. He doesn't have a name because he is his job.]
He shakes Andrew's hand as a formality.
ANDREW (Nervously smiles.)
Ah...It's a pleasure to meet you finally, too.
Afterwards, they move up the stairs while engaging in small talk.
SUPERINTENDENT
I hope the trip was a smooth.
ANDREW
Oh.... Definitely. I had no issues with the ride.
SUPERINTENDENT
Good. Good. In that case I think we should start things off with a tour before you settle into your room.
ANDREW
Of course.
EXT.-INT. FROM THE DOOR TO INSIDE THE ASYLUM. DAY.
CUT-TO.
SUPERINTENDENT
Now a few ground rules.
CUT-TO.
INT. A MASSIVE ROOM FULL OF BEDS WITH DIRTY SHEETS IN PERFECT ROWS. DAY.
SUPERINTENDENT (CONT'D.)
Firstly, their minds have gone so monitoring and maintaining physical well being is critical.
CUT-TO.
INT. A MASSIVE DINING ROOM WITH LONG WOODEN TABLES AND BENCHES IN PERFECT ROWS. ALONG WITH A FEW CRACKS IN THE WALLS CAUSED BY RODENTS. DAY.
SUPERINTENDENT (CONT'D.)
They must be given the required food they will have to eat.
CUT-TO.
EXT. THE OUTSIDE QUAD FULL OF PERFECTLY LINED HEDGES. DAY.
SUPERINTENDENT (CONT'D.)
In addition to preform basic chores and work they are assigned to.
CUT-TO.
INT. HALLWAY. DAY.
SUPERINTENDENT (CONT'D.)
Secondly, you will obviously be living on the property with the other doctors to ensure the best work.
Andrew slowed his paced and stood still. Beads of sweat rolled down from his furrowed brow to his small closed smile. Its pans to reveal that Andrew is looking at the red goo letters on the wall that's spelled out "Hell on Earth." Without changing his cadence of voice or his motion in speed, the Superintendent responded.
SUPERINTENDENT (CONT'D.)
-Please ignore that. That's not real blood it was just an art n crafts incident.- But that doesn't mean you can't go outside the premises. You just have to let me know when you do so.
CUT-TO.
INT. DIFFERENT SECTION HALLWAY THIS TIME WITH NUMBERED. DAY.
SUPERINTENDENT(CONT'D.)
Thirdly, you absolutely must keep in mind of time here. We run on a very tight schedule. Which is very important with recent influx of unwanted, mentally unsound patients. I swear I think it contagious to the weak minded with numbers such as these. But don't worry we doctors are of stronger minds so we're safe. Finally, and most importantly make sure they are able to perform their proper roles. We want them acting like proper gentlemen and ladies before they leave. Now, as you are new here.
CUT-TO.
INT. OUTSIDE OF A NUMBERED DOOR. DAY.
For the first time since he's been talking. The Superintendent stops and turns towards Andrew to talk with him directly.
SUPERINTENDENT(CONT'D.)
You'll be watching over a single patient over the next 27 days to get the idea of how things are run here and how we take care of our patients.
ANDREW
O..ah where do I....
SUPERINTENDENT
He's beyond the door from your right.
A shoot of Andrew before the shoot of the 13th door.
ANDREW (Looks to his right.)
Oh..i-it's a.. single...
A shoot of the door before it goes but to the Superintendent.
SUPERINTENDENT
A single cell ward. Good eye. Beyond that door is a recently added patient by the name of Henry. He's in this ward because of chronic night terrors that causes him to thrash around and scream. Which is such a bother to the others who are trying to sleep.
A shoot of the Superintendent.
SUPERINTENDENT (CONT'D.)
You'll start here at 9 tomorrow morning, once you settle in of course. Afterwards documentation is in order.
CUT-TO. NEXT DAY.
EXT. HALLWAY. OUTSIDE OF WARD 13. DAY.
The superintendent leans on the wall next to the 13th door. Mesmerizing himself with the tics of his pocket clock as it inches closer towards ten. Once the hour hand hits ten it followed by ten loud rings coming form the outside tower. Andrew walks out of the ward with a perplex look. The Superintendent doesn't look at him, instead just slides the metal lock on the door. Then again at his watch.
SUPERINTENDENT
So how did it go?
ANDREW
G-good, I tr..did all of the right procedures and ask the recommended questions.
SUPERINTENDENT
Good good very good.
ANDREW
But I must ask. Is there something..... off about Henry?
SUPERINTENDENT
Yes. They are all off.
ANDREW
Well y-yes, but....is there something else wrong with Henry. B-besides his night terrors and night screams.
SUPERINTENDENT
No, not really. Listen I have to go. I must keep up with the schedule.
The Superintendent leaves a confused Andrew alone.
YOU ARE READING
Vol 1.1 Hidden but Always Close:(WIP) (Beta Readers Needed.)
Paranormal[Hidden But Always Close is a large scale narrative that will one day be a graphic novel series but for now it's still in it's pre-pre-pre production phase. Until then I'm still trying to hammer out any plot threads or story beats. So be prepared...
