Water

Water

By Max Trow-Shaw

Characters: Ben Physical Description: Ben is in his early thirties, standing at about 6 feet tall with a lean, athletic build. He has short, tousled brown hair and piercing blue eyes. His face is rugged, marked by a few scars from past adventures, and his jawline is strong with a hint of stubble. Attributes: Ben is resourceful and cautious, traits honed from years of dealing with unexpected challenges. He is driven by a strong sense of loyalty to his friends and a desire to survive. His quick thinking and adaptability make him a natural leader, though he often grapples with self-doubt. Jack Physical Description: Jack is slightly shorter than Ben at 5’10” but has a more muscular build. He has sandy blonde hair that he keeps neatly trimmed and green eyes that sparkle with enthusiasm. His face is rounder, giving him a more approachable appearance, and he has a perpetual tan from spending time outdoors. Attributes: Jack is protective and quick to take action, embodying a natural charisma that draws people to him. His enthusiasm and optimism are contagious, though sometimes he acts impulsively. He has a strong moral compass and a deep sense of responsibility for his friends’ well-being. Gerald Physical Description: Gerald is the tallest of the trio at 6’2” with a lanky but fit physique. He has dark curly hair that’s often unruly and deep brown eyes that seem to always be analyzing his surroundings. His angular face is softened by a gentle smile and a light beard. Attributes: Gerald is practical and supportive, often providing sound advice. He is a problem-solver with a knack for thinking outside the box. His calm demeanor and patience make him a stabilizing presence in stressful situations. He’s also a bit of a tech geek, fascinated by new gadgets and innovations. Gonzalez Physical Description: Gonzalez is in her late thirties, with a sharp, athletic build and stands at 5’7”. She has short, straight black hair that frames her face and dark, intense eyes that convey her determination. Her skin is a warm olive tone, and her face is often set in a serious expression. Attributes: Gonzalez is sharp and assertive, with a no-nonsense attitude. She’s incredibly competent and driven by a strong sense of justice. Her skepticism makes her a keen observer, often catching details others miss. She has a personal vendetta against systemic corruption, motivating her relentless pursuit of truth. Store Clerk Physical Description: The store clerk is a middle-aged man with thinning gray hair and a paunchy build. He has tired blue eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses and a weathered face that suggests he’s seen better days. His posture is slightly hunched from long hours behind the counter. Attributes: The store clerk is somewhat detached and indifferent, shaped by years of dealing with a monotonous routine. He is pragmatic and efficient in his transactions, though he lacks empathy. His demeanor highlights the impersonal nature of the society he lives in. Young Woman with Petition Physical Description: She is in her mid-twenties, with a slender build and stands at 5’5”. She has long, wavy auburn hair that cascades down her back and bright hazel eyes that shine with determination. Her face is heart-shaped, with freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks. Attributes: The young woman is passionate and persistent, driven by a strong sense of justice and compassion. She is resilient in the face of opposition and has a knack for engaging with people. Her dedication to her cause is unwavering, making her an inspiring figure for those around her. Billionaire (???) Physical Description: The billionaire is in his fifties, with a tall, lanky frame and stands at 6’3”. He has silver hair slicked back neatly and cold, calculating gray eyes. His face is gaunt, with high cheekbones and a permanent smirk. He wears tailored suits that scream wealth and power. Attributes: The billionaire is detached and aloof, embodying the arrogance that comes with immense wealth. He is highly intelligent and strategic, always looking for ways to maintain and expand his influence. Despite his charm, there’s a ruthless side to him that surfaces when his interests are threatened. Mysterious Woman in Black Dress Physical Description: She is in her early forties, with a statuesque figure standing at 5’8”. She has long, sleek black hair that falls to her waist and sharp, striking features. Her eyes are a piercing blue, often hidden behind her futuristic sunglasses that float on her face without visible support. Attributes: The mysterious woman is charismatic and strategic, a natural leader within the resistance movement. Her eloquence and personal story make her an inspiring figure. She exudes confidence and authority, with a strong ability to rally and organize people for a cause. Locations in the Story The Road Description: A long, empty street that appears aged and smooth, resembling dusty obsidian. The road stretches endlessly with no cars in sight, surrounded by a barren landscape. It’s illuminated by a blood-orange sun obscured by a cloud, casting an eerie glow over the scene. The Skyscraper City Description: A futuristic cityscape dominated by towering skyscrapers, twice as tall as those from Ben’s memories. The buildings have clear windows revealing business-dressed figures performing jerky, robotic movements. The streets are wide and deserted, with a black, glossy surface that reflects the light from the buildings. The Convenience Store Description: An oddly bright and modern convenience store, standing out against the backdrop of metal-barred buildings and closed garage doors. The store’s interior is clean and well-lit, with shelves stocked with various futuristic snacks and beverages. High-tech display cases feature comically expensive items, including small plastic water bottles priced exorbitantly. The Intersection Description: A huge intersection with ten lanes of smooth, dark road. Cars appear to hover just off the ground, zipping by at high speeds. The stoplights are unique, featuring red squares, yellow triangles, and green circles, sometimes illuminating two lights at once. Pedestrians cross with jerky, robotic movements, guided by digital signs. The Alley Description: A narrow, dingy alley between tall buildings, marked by rust and decay. The ground is littered with debris and the walls are stained with grime. It’s a hidden, shadowy place that offers a brief respite from the bustling city streets, yet feels oppressive and unwelcoming. The Hospital Description: A high-tech medical facility with sleek, modern architecture. The interior is sterile and minimalist, with glossy white surfaces and advanced medical equipment. The hospital rooms are small but comfortable, featuring advanced beds and digital health monitoring systems. The hallways are lined with patients and staff, all moving with purpose. The Park Description: A futuristic park with fluorescent-colored, fake leaves and grassless grounds. The park is vibrant but artificial, with bright, unnatural hues. There are modern kiosks selling expensive water bottles, and scattered benches where people sit, often in jerky, robotic movements. The Jail Cell Description: A small, cramped cell with silver concrete walls that glow faintly, creating an illusion of more space. The cell contains only a hard chair and a bed, with a narrow window set high in one wall. The environment is cold and sterile, designed to disorient and isolate its occupants. The Billionaire’s Limo Description: A long, luxurious limousine with dark-tinted windows and plush black seats. The floor features a high-tech, immersive display of the ocean, giving the illusion of a bottomless boat. The interior is opulent, with built-in bars and high-tech amenities, exuding wealth and power. The Resistance Headquarters Description: An underground, hidden space that serves as the base for the resistance movement. The room is dimly lit with an industrial feel, featuring exposed pipes and concrete walls. Chairs and tables are arranged in a semi-circle, creating a makeshift meeting area. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of urgency and determination. Key Visual Images (Shots) from Each Scene Scene 1: The Crash Blood-Orange Sun in Rearview Mirror Shot: A close-up of the rearview mirror showing a blood-orange sun partially obscured by a cloud, casting a soft glow on the road behind. Aged and Smooth Road Shot: A wide shot of the long, empty road, resembling dusty obsidian, stretching endlessly with no cars in sight. Jerky Dancers in Skyscraper Windows Shot: A medium shot of the towering skyscrapers with clear windows, revealing figures dressed in business attire, performing jerky, robotic movements. Blur Crossing the Road Shot: A fast-moving blur crossing the street perpendicularly, startling Ben, who swerves the car to avoid it. Car Spinning Out of Control Shot: An overhead shot of Ben’s car spinning in a slow circle, tires losing traction, and finally crashing into an imitation tree. Scene 2: Ben Alone Ben Waking Up in the Car Shot: A close-up of Ben’s face, eyes shooting open, surrounded by the wreckage of the car with the inflated airbag. Deserted Area Beyond the Tree Shot: A wide shot of the open dirt area beyond the imitation tree, with distant figures near deserted-looking buildings. Convenience Store on the Block Shot: A medium shot of the brightly lit convenience store standing out amidst metal-barred buildings and closed garage doors. Walking Towards the Store Shot: A long shot of Ben power-walking and then lightly jogging towards the store, with shadowy figures slowly inching closer to him. Scene 3: The Petition Woman at Petition Booth Shot: A medium shot of the young woman at her booth, passionately engaging with passersby, holding a digital notebook and flyers. Heated Debate with Fast Walker Shot: A medium close-up of the woman and the fast-walking man engaged in a heated debate, emphasizing their intense expressions. Ben Signing the Petition Shot: A close-up of Ben’s hand as he signs the digital pad, with the background filled with previous signatures and information. Scene 4: Bad Water Ben Drinking Only Clear Water Shot: A close-up of Ben twisting the cap off the Only Clear water bottle and taking a sip, the faint glossy tint of the water visible. Ben Vomiting in the Alley Shot: A medium shot of Ben in the alley, bent over and vomiting against the wall, with the aftermath dripping down. Stranger Offering Help Shot: A medium close-up of the kind stranger standing at the entrance of the alley, his face turned away, offering to call for help. Scene 5: Hospital Ben on the Hospital Bed Shot: A medium shot of Ben lying on a high-tech hospital bed, the advanced medical equipment surrounding him. Doctor Measuring Hydration Level Shot: A close-up of the doctor’s device pricking Ben’s forearm, displaying a hydration level of 62. Ben’s Flashback Shot: A quick montage of Ben’s flashbacks, including moments with his friends and memories of his father, overlayed with a dreamy filter. Scene 6: A Quick $5K Ben Approached by Stranger Shot: A medium shot of a stranger approaching Ben on the street, holding out five $1,000 bills. Ben Attacked Shot: A series of rapid, close-up shots of Ben being attacked, the needle jabbing, and his legs failing him. Ben Lying on the Ground Shot: A high-angle shot of Ben lying on the ground, looking up at the sky, with a defeated expression. Scene 7: Jail Ben in the Jail Cell Shot: A wide shot of the small, cramped cell with silver concrete walls glowing faintly, Ben sitting on the hard chair. Gonzalez Bailing Out Ben Shot: A medium shot of Gonzalez walking in with a confident stride, her sharp features and intense eyes focused on Ben. Ben and Gonzalez in the Alley Shot: A medium close-up of Ben and Gonzalez talking in the recording deadzone alley, the dim light casting shadows on their faces. Scene 8: Parallel Experiences (Jack and Gerald) Jack Running to the Store Shot: A medium shot of Jack sprinting towards the convenience store, his face full of urgency and determination. Gerald on the Gurney Shot: A medium shot of Gerald being lifted onto a high-tech gurney, his face contorted with pain. Billionaire’s Limo Shot: A wide shot of the luxurious limo interior, with black seats, dark-tinted windows, and a high-tech ocean display on the floor. Scene 9: Ben and the Resisters Mysterious Woman Entering the Room Shot: A medium shot of the mysterious woman in a flowing black dress walking to the center of the room, everyone turning to face her. Ben Standing Up Shot: A medium close-up of Ben standing up in the center of the room, surrounded by attentive resisters, his face a mix of determination and uncertainty.

Story Content

Blur Crossing the Road Shot: A fast-moving blur crossing the street perpendicularly, startling Ben, who swerves the car to avoid it. Car Spinning Out of Control Shot: An overhead shot of Ben’s car spinning in a slow circle, tires losing traction, and finally crashing into an imitation tree. Heated Debate with Fast Walker Shot: A medium close-up of the woman and the fast-walking man engaged in a heated debate, emphasizing their intense expressions. Ben Signing the Petition Shot: A close-up of Ben’s hand as he signs the digital pad, with the background filled with previous signatures and information. Scene 4: Bad Water Ben Drinking Only Clear Water Shot: A close-up of Ben twisting the cap off the Only Clear water bottle and taking a sip, the faint glossy tint of the water visible. Scene 2: Ben Alone Ben Waking Up in the Car Shot: A close-up of Ben’s face, eyes shooting open, surrounded by the wreckage of the car with the inflated airbag. Deserted Area Beyond the Tree Shot: A wide shot of the open dirt area beyond the imitation tree, with distant figures near deserted-looking buildings. Convenience Store on the Block Shot: A medium shot of the brightly lit convenience store standing out amidst metal-barred buildings and closed garage doors. Walking Towards the Store Shot: A long shot of Ben power-walking and then lightly jogging towards the store, with shadowy figures slowly inching closer to him. Scene 3: The Petition Woman at Petition Booth Shot: A medium shot of the young woman at her booth, passionately engaging with passersby, holding a digital notebook and flyers. Ben Vomiting in the Alley Shot: A medium shot of Ben in the alley, bent over and vomiting against the wall, with the aftermath dripping down. Stranger Offering Help Shot: A medium close-up of the kind stranger standing at the entrance of the alley, his face turned away, offering to call for help. Scene 5: Hospital Ben on the Hospital Bed Shot: A medium shot of Ben lying on a high-tech hospital bed, the advanced medical equipment surrounding him. Doctor Measuring Hydration Level Shot: A close-up of the doctor’s device pricking Ben’s forearm, displaying a hydration level of 62. Ben’s Flashback Shot: A quick montage of Ben’s flashbacks, including moments with his friends and memories of his father, overlayed with a dreamy filter. Scene 6: A Quick $5K Ben Approached by Stranger Shot: A medium shot of a stranger approaching Ben on the street, holding out five $1,000 bills. Ben Attacked Shot: A series of rapid, close-up shots of Ben being attacked, the needle jabbing, and his legs failing him. Ben Lying on the Ground Shot: A high-angle shot of Ben lying on the ground, looking up at the sky, with a defeated expression. Scene 7: Jail Ben in the Jail Cell Shot: A wide shot of the small, cramped cell with silver concrete walls glowing faintly, Ben sitting on the hard chair. Gonzalez Bailing Out Ben Shot: A medium shot of Gonzalez walking in with a confident stride, her sharp features and intense eyes focused on Ben. Ben and Gonzalez in the Alley Shot: A medium close-up of Ben and Gonzalez talking in the recording deadzone alley, the dim light casting shadows on their faces. Scene 8: Parallel Experiences (Jack and Gerald) Jack Running to the Store Shot: A medium shot of Jack sprinting towards the convenience store, his face full of urgency and determination. Gerald on the Gurney Shot: A medium shot of Gerald being lifted onto a high-tech gurney, his face contorted with pain. Billionaire’s Limo Shot: A wide shot of the luxurious limo interior, with black seats, dark-tinted windows, and a high-tech ocean display on the floor. Scene 9: Ben and the Resisters Mysterious Woman Entering the Room Shot: A medium shot of the mysterious woman in a flowing black dress walking to the center of the room, everyone turning to face her. Ben Standing Up Shot: A medium close-up of Ben standing up in the center of the room, surrounded by attentive resisters, his face a mix of determination and uncertainty.

Water

Max Trow-Shaw

Heated Debate with Fast Walker Shot: A medium close-up of the woman and the fast-walking man engaged in a heated debate, emphasizing their intense expressions. Ben Signing the Petition Shot: A close-up of Ben’s hand as he signs the digital pad, with the background filled with previous signatures and information. Scene 4: Bad Water Ben Drinking Only Clear Water Shot: A close-up of Ben twisting the cap off the Only Clear water bottle and taking a sip, the faint glossy tint of the water visible.

Scene 2: Ben Alone Ben Waking Up in the Car Shot: A close-up of Ben’s face, eyes shooting open, surrounded by the wreckage of the car with the inflated airbag. Deserted Area Beyond the Tree Shot: A wide shot of the open dirt area beyond the imitation tree, with distant figures near deserted-looking buildings. Convenience Store on the Block Shot: A medium shot of the brightly lit convenience store standing out amidst metal-barred buildings and closed garage doors. Walking Towards the Store Shot: A long shot of Ben power-walking and then lightly jogging towards the store, with shadowy figures slowly inching closer to him. Scene 3: The Petition Woman at Petition Booth Shot: A medium shot of the young woman at her booth, passionately engaging with passersby, holding a digital notebook and flyers.

Ben Vomiting in the Alley Shot: A medium shot of Ben in the alley, bent over and vomiting against the wall, with the aftermath dripping down. Stranger Offering Help Shot: A medium close-up of the kind stranger standing at the entrance of the alley, his face turned away, offering to call for help.

Scene 5: Hospital Ben on the Hospital Bed Shot: A medium shot of Ben lying on a high-tech hospital bed, the advanced medical equipment surrounding him. Doctor Measuring Hydration Level Shot: A close-up of the doctor’s device pricking Ben’s forearm, displaying a hydration level of 62. Ben’s Flashback Shot: A quick montage of Ben’s flashbacks, including moments with his friends and memories of his father, overlayed with a dreamy filter.

Scene 6: A Quick $5K Ben Approached by Stranger Shot: A medium shot of a stranger approaching Ben on the street, holding out five $1,000 bills. Ben Attacked Shot: A series of rapid, close-up shots of Ben being attacked, the needle jabbing, and his legs failing him. Ben Lying on the Ground Shot: A high-angle shot of Ben lying on the ground, looking up at the sky, with a defeated expression.

Scene 7: Jail Ben in the Jail Cell Shot: A wide shot of the small, cramped cell with silver concrete walls glowing faintly, Ben sitting on the hard chair. Gonzalez Bailing Out Ben Shot: A medium shot of Gonzalez walking in with a confident stride, her sharp features and intense eyes focused on Ben. Ben and Gonzalez in the Alley Shot: A medium close-up of Ben and Gonzalez talking in the recording deadzone alley, the dim light casting shadows on their faces.

Scene 8: Parallel Experiences (Jack and Gerald) Jack Running to the Store Shot: A medium shot of Jack sprinting towards the convenience store, his face full of urgency and determination. Gerald on the Gurney Shot: A medium shot of Gerald being lifted onto a high-tech gurney, his face contorted with pain. Billionaire’s Limo Shot: A wide shot of the luxurious limo interior, with black seats, dark-tinted windows, and a high-tech ocean display on the floor. Scene 9: Ben and the Resisters Mysterious Woman Entering the Room Shot: A medium shot of the mysterious woman in a flowing black dress walking to the center of the room, everyone turning to face her.

Ben Standing Up Shot: A medium close-up of Ben standing up in the center of the room, surrounded by attentive resisters, his face a mix of determination and uncertainty.