Liz
Does your dad still keep a shotgun in the house?
Liz
You said your dad kept a shotgun around for scaring off bears.
Liz
There’s something in my backyard by the woods.
Rich
Are you sure it’s not a deer?
Liz
Definitely not. I think it might be a bear.
Liz
It’s sort of in the shadows.
Liz
I can’t see it that well.
Liz
But it’s definitely not human.
Liz
Just standing there watching the house.
Liz
It’s been a long cold winter, Rich.
Rich
Where are you in the house?
Liz
I’m in the bedroom, looking out the window.
Rich
Just stay there – and you’ll be safe.
Rich
It can’t get inside, right?
Liz
Yeah - but what about my parents?
Liz
They’re about to come home!
Liz
What if the bear attacks them when they’re walking up to the house?!
Rich
Can’t you call and warn them?
Liz
I keep trying, but they won’t pick up.
Liz
And they’re not answering my texts.
Rich
What’s it doing now?
Liz
Hang on, let me check.
Liz
It’s closer to the house!
Rich
Are you sure it’s a bear?
Liz
I’m not 100 percent positive.
Liz
I can’t find my glasses.
Liz
So I can’t get a clear look at it.
Liz
But I’m pretty sure it’s a bear.
Liz
Bring the gun over before it gets closer.
Rich
I’m not bringing the gun. You’ll be fine.
Liz
Rich? I just realized something.
Liz
I think I might have left the back door open.
Liz
It doesn’t close automatically.
Liz
You have to push it really hard.
Liz
I think I forgot to do that.
Rich
Well, that’s not good.
Rich
Whatever you do, don’t go down and check it.
Rich
Good. Will you calm down now?
Liz
No that means it could be anywhere.
Liz
It could even be in the house!
Rich
Do you still want me to come over?
Liz
I thought you would be on your way!
Rich
Okay, but I’m not bringing the gun.
Liz
Something just moved by the window!
Liz
Yeah, it’s still this…thing.
Liz
Now I’m not so sure it’s a bear.
Liz
There’s something really wrong about the way this thing moves.
Liz
I wish I could find my glasses.
Rich
Do you think it’s hurt?
Liz
It’s heading for the back door.
Liz
I’m almost sure that the door is open.
Liz
Rich? I just remembered.
Liz
There’s a bow and arrow in my parents’ closet.
Liz
I need to protect myself.
Liz
It’s coming closer!!!
Liz
WITH THE BOW AND ARROW!
Liz
I…I’m pretty sure I killed it.
Liz moves closer to the body.
The body on the floor is Rich.
He is wearing a thick brown coat.
By his side is a bouquet of two-dozen roses.
Rich looks at Liz and speaks weakly.
Rich
We've been dating for six months…
Liz pushes Rich's thick dark hair out of his eyes.
She runs her palm along his bearded cheek.
Rich
I wanted to make it special.
Rich
I wanted to tell you that…
Rich passes out, before telling her what he wanted to say.
Then she collapses on top of Rick, sobbing.
Her tears dampen the fur of his coat.
Not when the ambulances arrive…
Not when the doctor calls to say the arrow missed Rich's vital organs…
And reports that Rich will live.
Not when he wakes up and looks into her eyes…
And mouths the words he wanted to say all along:
