A Main Character

RANDOM NOTES START HERE in no particular order, need to be organised!

Talk about GIRLs ex: is it Ian or RAy? Its Ray. I hate Ian. -  I hate him too.

A couple SCENES could be about GIRL, talking to the camera breaking 4th wall. High fidelity, Deadpools. Could talk to a friend. Friend could be SIS, newly found.

SIS use the same app. Scene 4-7 phone call.

in Scenes with DAD, GIRL can bee seen in background. Since both are unaware of the others looks, they unknowingly cross paths.

in Scenes with DAD, GIRL can be seen in background. Since both are unaware of the others looks, they unknowingly cross paths.

Dad confession right after dog story F3 let someone the same age as her..

FINAL CHARACTERS description.

DAD: M40, widowed, 4 kids. Blames himself for MOMs death at childbirth, giving him a boy he wanted. Responds to “tough love”. Since the 6 months MOM passed: on antidepressants, visiting SHRINK, ignoring some responsibilities as a father, can’t work. No income, living off savings. Birthday between MOMs death and Xmas

WANT: MOM NEED: new soulmate

GIRL: F22, love interest of DAD. Recovering from radical facial and vocal surgery. She can only text when they match on APP. When her vocal cords are healed they can talk. In the progress of a lengthy divorce. Using a socializing/dating app, first contact with DAD. Music editor at a radio station. Knows a lot of songs and lyrics, using them is her way to express her thoughts and feelings. Has a wide and relatable vocabulary from songs. After divorce and surgery, feels unwanted, discarded, low self worth. Divorce is because she cant have kids. Mysterious figure. During the story, we only see about her as much as DAD knows about her. Always dresses in red and white. Birthday same as F13

WANT: safety in life NEED: being loved

F16: 16 year old girl. just got a drivers licence. Since mom passed: has BF (byfriend, replacement father figure, stability, mature), with SIS they take over most of MOMs responsibilities. Birthday between new years and Valentines

WANT: DAD to move on NEED: more attention from DAD

F13: 13 year old girl, just hit puberty. Has a crush. Since mom passed: dresses herself in crazy outfits. Tries to “fix” DADs life. Her idea is the APP. Birthday between MOMs death and Xmas

WANT: DAD to move on NEED: more attention from adults

F3: 3 years old girl. Super cute, innocent, clueless, bundle of joy. Since mom passed: most of DADs attention is focused on her. Early waker, cannot sleep. Talks rarely. Clingy, likes to be carried around. Birthday between MOMs death and Xmas.

M0: youngest kid, 6 months old boy (Death of MOM) Since mom passed: most of DADs attention is focused on him and F3.

SIS: DADs sister, comes over a lot, helps care for the kids and run the house. Looking after DAD. Has her own kids and a happy family. She is the social glue in the big family. Openly lesbian, but not vocal about it. F13s Godmother. Strongest support to DAD until GIRL.

BOSS: runs a publishing company, kind of the boss of the DAD. Tough love daddy figure. His motives are as professional as caring. He gave an ultimatum demanding that DAD can stay with the company until he starts to write again, on the condition that he starts to visit a shrink. Pushing people’s buttons, trying to help, fair, just, but raw. Single. stylish.

SHRINK: helps express DADs character development in dialogues, and shows healing progress.

APP: the dating app is not a person but can serve as a mcguffin to nudge the story forward.

DOG: was bought by the family during the F3 pregnancy, because of the age difference with the other kids, and they didn’t planned another child.

BF: F16s boyfriend, M19, supportive and very fond of her. Know his way around babies, makes her happy. From a big Irish catholic family, dreamy boyfriend. Almost as responsible as an adult

Missing events:

M0 growing up stuff.

Halloween

GIRL make her more lovable, how?

Setup:

1 DAD is a widower with four kids, struggling with depression and anxiety.

2 GIRL is a radio DJ recovering from a vocal cord injury and going through a divorce.

3 DAD and GIRL start texting through an app.

4 They make a deal: providing each other with emotional support anonymously, until DAD finishes the book and GIRL recovers.

Middle Build:

1 DAD and GIRL continue texting and form a strong bond.

2 They accidentally discover they live in the same district in New York.

4 GIRL and DAD organize anonymous meetings, to divert the other during really bad times.

5 GIRL's vocal cords heal, and she gets a job at the radio station.

6 DAD starts working as a consultant again and helps his kids more.

7 DAD and GIRL's relationship deepens, with intimate conversations and rituals.

8 DAD faces his feelings about MOM's death and starts taking responsibility for the family.

9 GIRL's divorce ends, and DAD organizes a treasure hunt in New York to distract her.

Ending Payoff:

1 DAD has a sexy dream about GIRL, and his feelings intensify.

2 DAD finishes his book, meeting the deadline of their agreement.

3 On New Year's Eve, DAD breaks off the relationship with GIRL to protect himself and his family.

5 On Valentine's Day, GIRL broadcasts a love confession over the radio.

6 DAD and his kids rush to the park, and GIRL speeds through the city on a power bike.

7 They finally meet face-to-face, hug, and kiss, bringing the story to a romantic and satisfying conclusion.

Amelie, Love Actually, Sleepless, pretty woman,

Insight To My Soul, Sunrise, Moonlight

Parallels between MOM and Alex life - meetcute, chaos and order

Subplot: how the kids are dealing with MOMs death.

That is the first  and only lie to Alex, and to save/stretch their friendship. Alex has artsy, great vocabulary (lyrics).

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DAD: Depression - Loneliness - Connection - In Love

GIRL: Depressed - Lonely - Connected - Loved

DAD called SIS when he had suicidal thoughts, once, in the past. FLASHBACK SCENE/NIGHTMARE

Chapter 1 -

SCENE

HOSPITAL

Closeup Mans Hand, wedding ring rotating, fidgeting it nerviously.

Father in waiting room at the end of a corridor. He is the one with the ring. Nursery, waiting room, he is holding balloons that say “it is boy!”, a bouquet of flowers next t o him on an empty chair

A doctor opens a door from the side, walking up to him. - you son is delivered and he is perfectly healthy. (scouting the docs face for a smile so he can be relieved. After a beat)- You didnt say congratulations!? (A bit awkwardly)

(camera stays in position, we start to zoom in on the DADs head, (holmes forest) while slowly locking it center screen. The conversation and the background starts to go quieter, he sinks into shock as he is hearing more and more)

- why wont we sit down for a moment (confused, a bit worried): -ok (doctor, taking 3 beats to collect his thoughts) - There were complications during the delivery. - Is ;MOMs name > she ok? - Your wife had a blood spike and had a stroke(check) - Is she… (swallows) is she dead? - no. no she is alive. Im afraid at this point we can only make her comfortable.

It is the time, if you want to say goodbye. (expand, rewrite)

(a this point we cannot hear anything just a high pitched beep, and no matter how he moves his head, it is perfectly locked in an extreme closeup, mapking him impossible to escape the frame (and this hellish reality))

CUT

Car, rain, DAD is driving MOMs car home, boy is in front baby seat, looking glancing (?) to his son. (already blaming him subconsciously) All the kids are in the car as well as MOMs bag from a hospital, but no MOM. We hear or see K1, and the expression on DADs face as he looks at him

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Dean Martin - Everybody Loves Somebody song start, their wedding song, dad listens to it as watching their wedding video, drinking (a little offscreen), it is late night, 11ish. We go through the home, showing significant parts from the past, her picture is still everywhere in the house, Reality Check book promotion design plans for cover, 1(!) over due bill.

Could start with the kids commando sneaking around, little bit of goonies going around, they use a 2nd WW clicker to sign if the ninja needs to hide from dad. They take dads phone and set up the app. They set up some interests they quickly see, one asks pointing at a buble which says Just wanna get laid. - what is that mean? - i dont know, just click everything. The microwave dings (dads food is ready), so they have the phone pulled away from them by the ninja. They make it perfectly, but drop the ball at the end (K2?), and K4 to DAD it can get laid.

Sees the markings in little girls arm, Glass of water, Pancakes, Spider. - what you are John McClane now? - who? - Thats it, go to your room, you are all grounded for life.(jokingly) Girls laugh at the joke and march upstairs.

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DADs kids “borrow” his phone and set him up on a dating app, to help him find his way back to the world. (It is a goofy plan fit for the “Goonies”, the children serve as a comic relief in the story.)

The “Kids commando” - they are appearing in a group idressed up as ninjas and such, and while the pink panther theme is playing, they can stir up the action with some sneaking around at night changing things around

KID2 is the bait: dad, I had a bad dream. We see her from behind, her fingers crossed..Im thirsty. Her role is stalling dad, until the K3 ninjas the phone and passes it up to the balcony to the KID4 who quickly sets up the app.

After DAD and GIRL match on app.

(softly speaking the words as he is typing)

I'm sorry about this, but my KIDs, who are all … (leaning back and shouting inside the house so everyone can hear it) - grounded for life! (from 3 rooms upstairs: - Da-ad! and all the girls are giggling) -  …set up an account behind my back. They want me to‘mingle.

- Mingle? That is not a word kids use :)

- I believe they used the term “At least get laid”

After a short text chat in the APP he explains what the kids did

- I promise I wont bother you again.  - I do not mind, I have plenty of free time, just lying in my bed all day. - That lazy, huh? :)  - I had surgery. - Shit, Im so sorry - It is alright dont worry ^-^ - You must think i'm a huge idiot. - of course not. (beat) I think you are a perfectly average idiot :)

He laughs out loud, then realises the kids are asleep so he quiets down. This is the first time we see him smile in the story. - :D I guess I am. Anyway, sorry to disturb you.

- Hakuna Matata :)

She must have text something funny in the first text, so  he can respond with a :), the first he ever writes not just to GIRL, but to anyone in ages, before that, we do not see him smile at all, that is the first time in the whole story. She is also reminds DAD to MOM (“my wife loves that”)

<GIRL is the only person who pokes DAD with sarcastic joke, that is what their relationships are different and unique. Everyone else is kind and understanding, but he needs some 1 negative in the 10 positive interactions.>

and later goes back on the app and apologises for feeling rude (he wasn't really), that is how they pick up the conversation, talking a little about themselves before saying goodbye.

After they end texting 1st time, DAD goes in his room, but we only see his shoulders shaking as he sobbing quietly. Then he starts to work, and writes the first page since the death of her wife.

Then he goes back apologising,

He doesn't really hurt her, but she fake pretends as an obvious joke so he still talks ti her a little,

They talk more, 3 more LOLs, 3 more pages.

Divorce - we couldn’t have children. - Wow you are brutally honest Because I can block you anytime ;) - Fair enough :) LOL

F: divorce. you? - I’m a (2 beats as ha pauses) widower. - It must be a hard transition. - DAD: Transition - (Thinks for a beat)

M: You are unlike any other woman I have ever met.

3 beats.

Your wife was really lucky having such an honest and open man in her life like you. <honest positive reinforcement>

GIRL: - What does an image consultant do? In less then a tweet! :) -  I help people manage their own expectations, so they do not overreach too much and fail because of that. We all have an image, how we want others to see us. That is how I help people, shape others' perceptions about them. - Like dating? - More like people tell me what they what, and I ask them targeted questions about that, so they reevaluate how they perceive their reality.(beat) but yes, mostly it narrows down to relationships. Woman want high value men, men want high value jobs. To get women :)

So, it’s dating but in a byzantine way. :) Any good at it? :p

(he smiles, mumbles cheeky) - Queens and Kings seek my council :)

- So how come you are single? - Im a widower.

When she first hears the name “Emily”  she says what a beautiful name it is.

- She was as unique as common her name was.

You are really something different , well, I'm on meds, so I guess i have to be :)

Because I’m still deeply, madly, desperately in love with MOM. (my Emily or whateves)

SISTER: the doctor tells me that I am on a great curve out, good, because all I got is slap you in the face, and tht never helped even when were jids.

What is wrong with you? I will tell that only to iprah who is opraj

(next day)

morning they talk at the kitchen table

DAD: -thank you for seeing me on such a short notice. It was not a problem, I had a cancellation (it is christmas/sarcasm), I have 15 minutes before my next patient, Im sorry that we could not make it a full session. Your voice sounded very exited over the phone.

They sit down in her office.

SHRINK (encouraging smile) : Tell me what can I do for you? (eyes opening wide as he takes out his notes, thick as a book): Did you finish the book since last week?

DAD to SHRINK: - Hm? - (Looks at thick stack of paper in his hand, then realises.) -  No, nonono! (shakes his head) Remember, when you told me to write down everything that comes to my mind to help process my feelings? And I said this is a load of bullcrap, but then I did it anyway? (he nods) .

These are my notes from the last 6 months of therapy. (SHRINKs eyes open even wider) And this… - DAD hands over 4 pages to SHRINK. She leans forward to take it. - Did you continue the book?

- No, it is not the book, forget the book. This. I wrote this. I was turning my notes into this.

- Transition period. (holding up the pages reading it out loud ) DAD: - No it is just: Transition. That dot is a typo.

you took a huge step forward, broke the cycle!

You think? SHRINK putting down the pages on the table, leaning forward. - You were making great progress in the past few months, and we already talked about taking you completely off of antidepressants in two weeks. - Yeah, I m already down to 5mgs. - (SHRINK nods) (beat) What do you say if we do not wait until end of the month?

Do you think this

After the 1st pages, SHRINK: DAD, We have been reducing your antidepressants for sime time now..

You were showing steady improvement in the lash half year, but this is an unexpectedly huge leap. Any idea where it is coming from?

They talk about yesterdays happenings, texting twice

You have returned to the conversation even when she said it is fine.

Do you think if you look back to that part of the conversation, what could cause that?

DAD  look back and see the first smiley, and when he reads it back he smiles again, remembering the joke.

I sent a smiley to that, because i thought that was really funny.

SHRINK leans forward:: DAD, in six months this is the first time I see you smiling.

That cant be true, I smile all the time.

Can you remember when was the last time, when you actually laughed at something?

Hes face becomes serious as he searches his thoughts, then looks at the conversation again witha a sudden realisation on his face, the smylie fills out almost the entire screen, (tilted camera). - Yesterday.- He said awestruck. - And why did you laugh? - GIRL made me laugh. - he shows up the phone shakes it a little.

SHRINK Iis siting quietly, saying nothing. A couple seconds pass by, then a sudden realisation on DADs face as he says: - Shit. (looking at shrink) what should I do? What do you want to do? - I want to write again. I want this! ( pick up the pages from the table and shakes them with emotion.) And what lead to that? (pointing at pages) that she made me laugh? (2 beats)- Do you do smileys a lot? - No but iIf something is really funny, yes.

SHHRINK Iis siting quietly, saying nothing. - He looks at the conversation again, scrolls down, and see 4 smileys altogether. - 4 smileys -  looks at other hand - 4 pages. I cannot believe this. (to her) - I have to keep texting her if I want to write?  (huff and puff) Oh my god, GIRL is never gonna go for this. (face in palms) What am I thinking? She will never talk to me again. Aaand BOSS would have to go for it, and he never will.

BOSS: (struggling with seeing the letters but has no glasses (=he is vain)):

- Transition! HAH! I love it! - You really think it is a great title? - Shittiest title I have ever seen… - (DAD mumbling) it is a work title… - but you wrote 4 pages since Sylvia died 6 months ago. (DADs grimaces lightly) - he lifts the papers up - This - is - great! (with veiled pride)  - I love it! When are my next pages coming?  - Therapist said to write back, because …- Deal! (Ron interrupts) - it is a deal, you keep texting and writing.

I lost someone too. (husband and herself)

Chapter 2 - Rules -

Kitchen, F3 eating, watching cartoons, having fun, making a mess headset on so she wont hear a thing. F3 has loads of dresses, as she inherited everything from her sisters, and she picks her clothes every day herself.

DAD and F3 has been up earlier than the rest of the family.

DOG is in the kitchen, interacting with DAD and F3, bringing joy to the scene but not disturbing it too much.

KID4 telling DAD that KID3 got her first period. - What? Really? When? - Today, duh. Talk to her a little when she comes down. You must talk to her and tell her that she can talk to you about this. - (awkwardly, realizing that they never had the “Talk”) so, how about … eh … you .. ? (sighs) We both dodged a bullet there, I’m not a virgin. - DAD: comically holding hands over ears - Lalala, I do not need to hear that! - yes you do, because mom is not around anymore.

- KID4 picks up bag as she sees the bus is coming <she doesnt use the car to save on gas> kisses him on the cheek kindly. - because MOM is not around anymore. - (beat) fathers reaction is zoning out a little. - Im meeting with Sean after school!/ Im going to Sean after school.

(vertigo dolly into forehead, see spinning wheel with possible reactions, like: you are grounded, who is Sean, absolutely not, Im proud of you. Finish your homework first, aww, daddys little princess, You're not leaving the house dressed like that,.when I was your age…, Don't make me come up there! Be home by 10. Did you brush your teeth? “Emily (MOMs name) , I'm not paying for that!, I love you too , You are way too young for that , who wants pizza and ice scream (emergencies only) , I’m taking away your phone charger! (last resort) , Were you raised in a barn?, I don't care who started it., That's it, I'm turning this car around!  , If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you? , Random dad Joke (write one) Now I have a machine gun, too. HO-HO-HO ). <Next where it stops goes the funniest of the list.>

DAD: Be home by 10!

After the door slams, we hear another click and we know the wheel is in the next position now.

DAD (from himself)

Who is Sean? - He wonders, staring out the window to the christmas snow and decorations of the houses.

(F13, storming  down the stairs, dressed like cyndy lauper)

her boyfriend.

DAD Hes got a boyfriend? (pause for a beat) I should have built a dungeon in the basement, lock her up until she is 21.

DAD turns to F13

F13 convo DAD awkwardly - I know about the (first period). If you wanna talk about it. (more and more awkward sentences)

F13  (interrupting to the fathers great relief) - Not that I do not enjoy this a lot (pointing at DADs awkwardness). But  MOM already told me everything, and we have this new invention called the internet, accessible 24/7 on the portable computer in my pocket!

(shakes phone in DADs face, emphasizing how much the world changed since the awkward “first talk”, and that DAD is not much of a tech savvy when it comes to trends).

DAD isnt 13 too late for this?

F13: (bit surprised that DAD shows her more attention today morning than usual)

Well, I dont know if it is TOO late (emphasizing to pointing out the silliness), but yes, we all started late, even MOM.

They talk a little more DAD assures (F13) that she can talk to him about anything.

F13 (casually)

I hope at least the sex will be better.

DAD sprays his tea comically from mouth, almost chokes on his drink, spills on himself some. F13 and F3 bursts out in laughter, F3 only seeing the comical scene of DAD spitting/spilling his drink.

F13

DAD you are such an easy mark! (joking, bonding)

DAD

I should have built a dungeon.

DAD scolds F13 a little about last nights phone snatching “heist”. F13 tells him that he just tried to help him in her own way.

F3 Takes off headphones:- Dad, what is a virgin?

DADs eyes widen as he picks up the headphones comically scared, testing the noise cancellation level. After he is sure that the word ‘virgin’ was not heard just now, he quickly saves by making up something ridiculously silly about olive oil.)

SISTER arrives Faerie gotmother! She runs to her and hugs her, she hugs back, showing how much the kids miss those little things that are hard to notice.

SIS picks F3 up and takes her to kindergarten/away, brings groceries. They chat a little, they already talked last night.

DAD finds the 4 pages, SISTER points it out - what are those, were you writing? - no (sudden comical realisatzion that he did write, just to tired/drunk toi remember. It is a surprise for himself as well. )

DAD to SISTER: - by the way, do you what your 3 year old goddaughter told me this morning: CUT to flashback, girl to camera.- KID2 Little girl: - We sound get a pet DOG is a pet.

I was undergoing surgery, I feel much better now. Still can’t speak. Hangs his head down, then another message. But I can text :)

I’m on sick leave at the moment.

I don’t want to lead you on. I’m looking for a penpal, just someone to text while in the hospital. (she is post op).

(sigh of relief, mouthing words to himself as he tries to reply as quickly as he can) - that is GREAT! (send, pauses) shit

I mean, it is great for me, not for you (tries to correct himself, starts to panic, when a new message pops up.)

I could be a 200 pound dude in his moms basement. - /Crack fingers. Thy is wery unlikely my Dear watson, you see, we matched, meaning my profile says Im looking for a woman, and

His pic is blurry/glitchy, because of the upload interruption, only his hair can be seen partially, then colorful pixels.

I do not mind.  I'm lying in bed all day -  you must be lazier than I am. - Usually it might be the case :D.

( starts to type anyway I  have to say goodbye now, whe hhe sees next message) - I had surgery.

Shit (To himself) I am so sorry-  why are you- Because of the joke I made. -  you didn't know. and the joke was funny.

Are you in a lot of pain or discomfort right now? Sends, then instant regrets it

Only when I laugh. :)

:D (1st JOKE)

Do not try to look each other up.

Truth? Always. I like to talk to you. (beat)  Do you like to talk to me? So far ¯\\_(ツ)\_/¯

So lets keep it that way. You can keep yourself entertained by making jokes about me, and I can finish my book, getting myself back on thack.

And no more personal details. Stick with what we already know about each other. Wait! You know my job already. Tell me yours so we can be on  even grounds. - That is fair. I am a music editor at a radio station.

they continue texting after agreeing in a “no relationship” policy. Only until the book is finished, then they break it off.

When they agree to keep texting: - just keep it social.I do not want to lead you on or something. (Her profile picture is from amelie the stomach with the question mark. Already a subcult reference.)

Until DAD finishes the book, that’s  how long they agree at first to talk to each other.

That is a hard border which triggers DADs proposal for a meeting, and the actual falling out.

They make a list, together, back and forth recommending RULES for the CONVO:

- Just until the book is finished? (3 beats) - Keep it anonymous. No personal questions.- Honest - OFC. No deleting back messages ever, not even typos. You type it, you send it, both of us. - Unfiltered. -EXXACTLY!

(this is the 3rd time they use Truth in a convo, the 3rd time to make the RULES. )

And one more.. When we type truth we say things which we would Lie about to others.

- What did she say? - Basically, that you have to make me laugh 140 times for a 140 page book, so I hope you are a part time standup comedian. - No JOKE

am a music editor for a radio show - which one - WASD - no way, that is my favourite radio station!

So you live in NY? That is how dating apps work ;) You have to go over there, unless you have a huuuge <break> bank account to travel anywhere in the world.

I work graveyard. - shit (correct herself) I mean 10-6 shift. Do not play goofy tunes if there was an emergency in the news a minute ago, stuff like that.

TRUTH: they start a habit, when they are being brutally honest with each other without the other taking a jab at that topic (so it is  ashield to protect the friendship, but you must be preemptively open about it.).

Truth? - Always! - Truth: XY.

first truth, it must be sensitive but honesty must trump criticism. Later they use TRUTH to share thoughts in writing that they do not want the other to take it as an insult, is it more about sharing everything and staying honest, even with their thoughts. Like annie hall, but instead of the subs, but want to say it out loud to keep the conversation going.

Just write “Truth:”. I will know you are only honest about this with me, so its always a privilege, never an insult.

- We couldn’t have children. (beat) I couldn’t have children. (3 beats) \*cant (sic!)

- What was her name? (he dont like it, zoom on the was, but lets it go) - Emily. - It is quite a beautiful name. - How come you are Sam? - My dad was expecting a son :) It is Samantha, but everybody I know calls me Sam (true!)

When she first hears the name “Emily”  she says what is a beautiful name.

- She was as unique as common her name was.

DAD: “I could never change radio stations, not if my JOKE would work there” (important later)

Truth: I was taken off meds today. In 2 weeks

Truth: you are my kind of weirdo :)

Chapter 3 - Dark thoughts - 1st Date

DAD and GIRL keep chatting, talking about each others lives, lot of honest questions and answers, they take advantage that they can be honest.

At this stage, they mostly talk about their past, life AFTER passing of MOM.

How come GIRL has noone else to talk to?

GIRL:I never really “dated”. We grew up on the same cul-de-sac, we were practically neighbours. We went to school together we went to high school together, fell in love together, we went to university together and we got married to each other. We were always meant to be.

DAD feels that it is too deep a wound to talk about so he leaves it alone.

They find out they both live in New York by accident when they witness the same event

They are in the same New York District. both at the same time write: - you are in new york? Both of the all caps

By accident they reveal to each other that they both live in the same district in New York, or live really closeby.

DAD

Her clothes… they are starting to lose her smell. I was thinking about wrapping them in plastic, so they preserved longer. - You know you shouldn’t do that. - I know. - You absolutely shouldn’t do that. - (beat) I know. - Give the to charity, so he can move on easier, and they do some good. Charity address,

Dark thoughts (TBFC they ignore me)

GIRL invites him to a 1st “mystery date”, more of a meeting with a funny comedic series of events but still a success. (Valentines)

It s a treasure hunt in the neighbourhood, and when he gets there, and steps on the circle, she ask if he want to not meet again? - I guess??

Park is closed for the night - live a little ;) (secu guards)

Figure, stride, smell, these things are 1st date

His not knowing has its charms

Secu throws him out, as they walk away, one of them explains like he is super important that is how you do it, you have to project authority, before things get out of hand, they have to respect the badge (prez Walken)

(she makes it clear that she is not cheating to take a look at him. TRUST)

Hot and cold game in New York, yes please! She directs him to the mark  (you will see when you are near) it is a breathtaking art milky glass wall installation, cannot see through, but can be activated, like when they step on a platform, a waterfall starts and they are standing next to each other within ars reach ig they both reach out to touch hands. Could be just a palms over the glass (bit cliche), or they can touch over a waterfall. They can see how others are doing it, it is like a hug from a stranger, scaled down to a touch.

Yinyang the first art installation, you have to step on your circle to complete the other side. Simbolising their instant connection.

Hello stranger nice not meeting you again :)

Text: - JOKE about he looks blury/out of focus/visibility

First time she hears him laugh.

He ids the perfume, she seems scared away, then run text

They can text and maybe touch hands over a milky glass art installation wall, but in a way that they cannot see each other, as GIRL planned.

Chapter 4 - Talk - First Song

GIRL can talk now as her vocal cords healed enough. (could be “100 days anniversary”?)

Some other text before, lastly: And my voice healed. You can call me if you want ;) (numbers already hidden in the message) - Give me your number :) - Already have ^-^ - ? - Matthew 7:7 ;) -"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Matthew 7:7, KJV) (This verse encourages readers to ask for what they need, seek understanding, and be persistent in their efforts, promising that their actions will be rewarded.)

First call: M, looking at the screen for 2 beats:- please have a cute voice. - (pick up, quiet). Hello? (Beat) - Hello Stranger (emma stone sexiest voice, you can almost see her smiling at you)

Truth: I hoped your voice is nice. I don’t really know why. (he likes her already)

Their calls become longer and more frequent. She is returning to work around this time.

I would be less confused if I could hear the soundtrack of my life :)

What do you look in a man? - When Im with him, make me feel like a woman. - Like opening doors and buying flowers? - more like bring out my “maximum femininity”.

Support: GIRL calls before a job interview (or in the middle of the night) when she is in real pain and having a panic attack, and she is in work, she cannot tell others so cannot call ambulances. Left her meds at home? Doesnt really need them, just needs someone to talk to (she do not want to ask for help from others)

DAD helps him relax and regain control, as he knows all the techniques (5 4 3 2 1) (he is 6 months ahead in those). Great bonding moment he is the only one he can call.

She is at work, she does not want anyone to know about her condition.

NExt day, she calles and thanks him, she got the job, starts tonight, she is already inside, preparing tonights show.

He says something about Her late wife, which he thinks is really special to them, (but in reality a lot of couples do the same, so many can relate!!).

Christian a little - we go to church on sunday, try to raise them right. - to respect women? - to respect everybody. No discrimination is tolerated in this house, no Ma'am. (playful)

First song as a “thank you”, even the radio host is announcing that this is a special song for a special someone: Alex started  to work with us today with a sore throat but a special song in her heart,  to prove her everlasting love to all of you my friends Announcer is a black fat dude, he looks fine as he dresses, but his voice is like Barry White. (he is exaggerating, just for showmanship for the listeners)

Madonna - Vogue: “you’re a superstar, yes that’s what you are, you know it”

Chapter 5 - 10pm song - nice voice

GIRL starts a habit, first song of her shift at 10pm, every day is a secret song shared by them, it’s from her to DAD. GIRL is recovering well, DAD is back to writing at a growing tempo. Starts to consult again, in those parts we can hear him giving sage advices to real world problems briefly, so the weivers can learn something. One of them is a suicidal young woman, he tells her, Im giving you the number of a therapist, and we are going to call her now together, to set you up for the first session, ok? It is the smart thing to ask for help, no shame in it. just stay in line, we will sort you out.

My radio DJ he is so full of energy, like an an 8 year old on a sugar rush. (Barry White)

We meet every day, he goes home when my shift starts, and he always takes a huge dump before he leaves :D (setup for ending)

CONVO: How do you know so many great words? - my father gave me a buck every time I read a book. I read them because it was easy money, I jus thad to tell hat was it all about. I thought I was being smart making 120 bucks a yer jus treadin, my dad was just sitting there smiling  as I got all As in english lit.

Some domestic issues with the kids, mostly with changes in their lives, and about missing their mother.

GIRL: I can make you a playlist for the whole night, you have great taste in music. - I do not! And I love all the music there, so it would be moot spend so much time on that every day, when I go to sleep before it ends. how about the first song? Make it count. :)

She comes up with jokes about places or situations, and sends DAD on a short trip to get a :D. It is like treasure hunt in new york for jokes insead of pokemon

Your voice hasnt changed lately. - Yeah, it seem it will stay this “raspy”. I can start to hate it now (laughs) C'est La Vie, am i right? - are you kidding with me? You sound like that actres (snaps fingers) Emmaa.. Emmaaa… Emma Whatsherface from the thing! (after a beat) - Stone? - Stone! Emma Stone, yes! - not in my head. (laughs again) (he suggest recording herself and play it back) waits for the result, she plays it back ,hears herself- I do totally sound like Emma Stone! (cheerful joy.)  DAD - That is life.

Robbie Nevil - C'est La Vie song at night.

You see 2 dates kisses who the guy calls? You are saying I should kiss a guy on the first date? No, I am asking you what do you think who the guy calls the next day, the woman whos eemed interested, or the dismissive one? You see, it is not so  easy to answer it, because you know the correct answer, but somehow the other seems to be the right one. Why? Is it because of something you believe, or something you are afraid to be judged by others? And it is the latest, why do you let others' opinions of you stand in the way of your own happiness? They don’t matter. They wont help you they just drag you down. Fuck them. Focus on the next goal in your life.

BOSS face in a montage, when he gets two pages, narrow eyes, not happy, same cut with 10 pages, happy as a baby.

Chapter 6 - 2nd date - Hug - SHRINK breakthrough

I heard that! - Yeah, I understand how loudspeakers work. (sarcasm)

DADS shares: ”We wanted 3 kids but I really wanted a boy. (Opening up revealing that he blames himself for her death. This is his breakthrough ) - I mean, if I only wanted 3 kids, she still would be alive. - Tearing up as he is barely holding himself together.

DADS BREAKTHROUGH: I wanted 4 kids. She wanted 3. (Opening up revealing that he blames himself for her death. This is his breakthrough.) I mean, if I would only want 3 kids, she still would be alive. Tears as he is barely holding himself together.

Dad confession right after dog story F3 legyen valaki egykorú vele.

2nd date. Later he shares this convo with his therapist, who points out that he is not responsible for the death of her wife. She didn took a risk other than the previous pregnancies. That is the turning point, when he lets go of MOM.

CONVO: We have 3 girls. I really wanted a son, so we had another baby. (saddens and closes  quotes as he relives blaming himself.) (in the story it is also the reason why the 3 older KIDS are girls)

DADS is opening up over a phone call, and reveals that he subconsciously blames himself for MOMs death. This is DADs mentally lowest point during the story.Same night she sets up a  2nd “mystery date” quickly and talks him into going. They still cannot see each other, but can talk in person for the first time. The date have some comedic hiccups as usual and help DAD relax a little. Showing their growing friendship and support for each other.

2nd date, He is feeling down, so she offers this time wanna be nearby again and do not meet?

Are we friends?  - I would like to believe that we are. - Can I ask you a favor as a friend?

I want to give you something, but you have to stand up. (no need to over explain, this will just happen perfectly)

She ask him to stand up and she hugs her from behind, wrapping her hands around his chest, laying her head on his back. It is not romantic, it is humane, but there is a romantic layer lying under. It must be from the back, so he cannot see her, and she does not trust him enough to not open his eyes at this point. She is also afraid of revealing herself. Then he hugs back her hands, and lowers his head and releases a huge sigh of relief, almost on the verge of crying., we can see the pressure being released from his chest, deep emotions on his face, he really needed a human touch

Inside the restaurant, we can see the setup how they are sat down, back to back, but as the conversation unfolds and he opens op, the cuts make it look like they are almost having a face to face dialogue, like a shrink/patient on the couch.

DAD: 2nd date: More dark thoughts maybe it was to early to get off medication, she ask him to stand up and hugs him.

Fade black from hug, showing them from the outside. It could be a family holiday, liek Thanksgiving or such, when people are more likely to commit suicide, but it also looks really nice. We can emphasize the moment shared by them, that they seem to be alone in that moment, and we see them from the outside from a distance.

Everybody needs a human touch

CUT

DAD with shining face : and then we  just went on our way after a minute, I stayed there for a minute  got a text that I can   walk out of my life again, it .

CUT ot BOSSs face, no expression (3 beats): - Sooo, do you have more pages for me? - why am I telling you this? - why do you telling me this? - My SHRINK is on vacation. - More good news for me. - dont you get it? I have never felt so… right about something in…. I cant remember since how long. (He turns his head around) - I’m looking for something heavy to hurl at you. (DAD holds up the new pages, his frow flattens as he take them, childish joy on his face.) 5 pages he looks up to DAD, sighes - 1 minute DAD looks at his watch as he realizes the other is walking so he catches up with a couple longer, faster steps. It was so personal on a human level, you know what I mean? He looks up at BOSS who has a resting uninterested face. (beat): - no. (DAD walks away) -eh keep your minute - write more pages

Later he shares this convo with his therapist, who points out that he is not responsible for the death of her wife. She didn't took a risk other than the previous pregnancies. That is the turning point, when he lets go of MOM. DAD talks to SHRINK about that call, and they make a breakthrough.

Chapter 7 - K3 confession, Turning point, BBQ

DAD tels GIRL about their wedding ring, how they rotate and match, and click like a small ratchet wrench

Pizza rat

KID3 telling DAD that KID4 is practically a second mom to the KIDs, working at 16 in an internship to take care of them. Dad realises that since MOMs death until now, he only protected the KIDs and provided for them, but did not listen and support   them as a parent should, sinking too deep into his own misery and losing sight of the things that brings him joy in life, like his family.

When KID4 comes home, they have a heart to heart in the kitchen, talking through the night

next day they are all going on a family ron swBBQ. Turning point

DAD has a short stubble, which he shaves before the BBQ

SISTER: - you look great (softly pulls her hand over DADs clean shaven face)

At  the BBQ: - wanna beer? - uh, just ice tea for me, thanks  (he refuses to drink alcohol, and her SISTER exchanges a significant look with her wife, suggesting he might have an issue with that)

BF turns out to be cool, they share some cross generation hobby, like Pokemons. something less general they are both passionate about, and at one time in the afternoon the totally geek out, and the girls just stand there and stare at the men all gathering around BF cheering him as he catches a legendary rare pokemon, without the guys even noticing  they are being watched. They know all the names of the basic pokemons.

BF to DAD: (friendly smile) with all due respect, wasn’t your generation also (air quotes) “listened to Bob Marley” as much as us?

After the BBQ, they go home, dad goes to sleep, topdown camera he lays back on the bed practically collapsing so tired. 3 beats after he close his eyes, KID2: daddy? Climbs in bed, opens DADs eyelids with her fingers to see his eye.- Are you awake? - I’m in a coma. - He mumbles without opening eyes - Can I sleep with you? - Sure you can honey. Come over here. She climbs over him and lays across on him, that is hos she falls asleep, hugging DADs neck.

BBQ is a big family event, SISTER organises everything in 2 minutes like she usually does SISTER brings her wife as well.

Texas - Let me hear, how you feel. :) (send me the song tonight) (it can become a phrase to THIS)

The Chicks - Cowboy Take Me Away

Chapter 8 - Cemetery - 3rd date

KID4 after BBQ she wakes up DAD before dawn K2 is already in her own bed, DAD: where is K2? I took her to her bed, K3 is with her. - I am tireeeed. (into the pillow) Come ooon (she pulls her out of the bed, he looks out the window.). It is still dark out there - I know, I have packed us some energy drink? - what energy drink? (still groggy but shifting halfway into “DAD mode”) - Da-ad! (rolling eyes) - ok ok, I shut up before you say something again about your … olive oil. (point finger around her genital area) - smart choice.

(K4 takes K1 every month to MOMs grave to talk to MOM, maintain the grave, and to show MOM how K1)

K4 takes him to the cemetery, so they can visit MOM together (cleansing ritual, new dawn, etc), which she picked up during GRIEVING. DAD, she visited the grave every  month. - Hi mom, I know it hasn’t been a month, but I got someone with me today.

DAD: - looks at himself, dressed like that. - I'm a mess (inside too). (K4 walks a with K1 giving room to DAD and MOM to catch up)

I miss you so much - breaks down in tears. - I love you so much.  I'm sorry that I haven't been a better father to our children. (look over his shoulder to see if no one's watching) Tissue,  Sniveling bitch, slap in the face in the morning, that is why he woke up early, part of the routine. Red nose. I never told you that. I know that you would have tried to solve it, but there was nothing to solve.  It was perfect. Every morning 5-6 am, like clockwork. Those small hours were the best, giving a kiss on your forehead, whispering I love you in your ears even when I knew you cannot hear it.

But I will work on it.

(K4 gets back with the gardening tools clearing the grave together)

GIRL goes ahead and directs DAD for turns,  so he will realise she is ahead a couple blocks, but she goes in zigzags to make sure he cannot get ahead of her.

Family yoga is a comical source in this scene, 1 napos borosta, out of shape, older - now you are make me do thinks I could’t do before. - It is called reverse warrior, dad. - it hurts everywhere. (face expresses a bearable amount of pain comically)  - they can do it next to us - those are lizard people wearing human skin.

After the cemetery in the sunrise, they go home, and KID4 shows DAD the box of papers, death certificate, hospital papers, unpaid bills, neatly organised by her, showing that in the last few months she has been the mother of this family. She doesnt mind, but since DAD is finally better, it is time for him to take on his full responsibilities again..

- I understand your pain and that you need time,  but we need you too.

- Help me organise the papers?

They go through the papers, and organise them together, timelapse cuts from fixed camera position, as the day goes forward and they work together as a team to fix the mess.

In the box, they find all the missing paperwork she took care of so far, including the form she signed

they pass out after the late night talk and sleep face down on the counter, dads face is resting on a slice of cold pizza, and when he wakes up, it still sticks to his face, making the scene even more comical. Kids, Who want to ditch school today? KID2 Its red day - pointing on the calendar Sunday - even better .)

Im not a husband but still a father  Im sorry, - its all right dad, you were i a bad place. I am sorry about (detailed apology, so she really see that he understand what she is saying, to prove that he is finally LISTENS and pays ATTENTION) - I get the box with the papers - What I m trying to say is, that I am really proud of you. (dirty single)

I'm trying to  thank you. I'm trying to say I couldn't do without you. MOM would be proud of you. (beat) I am proud of you.

CUT TO

BOSS: - do you have more pages for me? - DAD at the firm to BOSS: I would like to ask for an advance. BOSS: waaay wrong answer. a reaches in the desk while they talk, and

3rd date: long distance, He call sjer to a date, but still she organises it. over a beautiful vista, seeing each other through telescopes from afar in a park divided by a river, having a picnic, and playing a game of finding interesting things to look at, classic american couples and scenes, they both can see, and guessing what they might have talk about. KIDs try to spy on them during the date to see who she is, but they fail very comically.

KIDS: like the are spying with a dron, and the callsign is “Chair Force 1” They take on a boat or something, Puddle Pirates. During the 3rd date , we can see them in the background, disguised as someone else, 3 man in a trenchcoat style ridiculous disguises, bushes similar from Fortnite.

I can get out and run faster than this. (=she drives like a grandma.)

When he returns to consulting, the session are more about the common people and everyday problems, like a construction worker, nurse, cop, abandoned teens, etc, so it feels more like social work rather than a job.

3rd date: KIDS arriving in the park, BF: can i say one more time how silly all this? - K4 you already have many times. (BF stays with KID1, we can see that even when he is not looking, he rests his palm on KID1s chest, so he feels when he tries to roll over from the table, clearly he has some experience, and K4 trusts him, one reason they are together, because they share a skillset, taking care of kids while they are still kids themselves)

KID2 gets separated, and have to find her, and she cannot read, so she describes the letters on a sign like only a 3 year old can. BF instructs K3 to draw what she hears over the walkie, so they have a general idea about the letters ( A - icecream cone upside down, C - moon, O - the, other moon, H - bridge, and there is a naked man here!) KIDS go pale, BF smiles and ask K4 to take out the drone while he is checking the statues and finds the statue of the name of the person based on the “letter code” above.

BF time to shine, the girls panic, but he stays calm and asks K2 about where she is, to describe it. She confirms that she is still in the park. When asked about it, K2 tells the KIDS, that mom told her: If you ever get lost, stay where I am and she will always come back to find me. (Smart way to tell kids what to do in this case) (She cares about them from over the grave)

K4 how were you were so collected\*? BF shown playing competitive video games a couple second intense montage from a tactical video game squad has perfect communication. (showing useful skills gained from games.) BF, to her while hugging her with one arm and give her a kiss on the lips: - You know, you inspire me :) - As their lips separate, we see K2 in the background, making a disgusted face reacting to the kiss. (kids at weddings)

BF to KID2 after they secured her, on half knee: - You did great, doing what your mother told you to do, you even helped us, so we can help you. That was really smart. I am proud of you. KID4 - Why did you say that?  - Honest positive reinforcement. She did something that should be rewarded with words or actions. (looks at KID2) or icecream?

KID2 - (very loudly) Ice creeeeam!!! (its so fluffy Im going to die!) - Yes you do - he smiled they stood up and go for an icecream, taking off, CUT TO.

During Talk a lot with everyday people, DAD shifts his focus from making a lot of money to helping everyday people, which is more relatable for him, makes it easier to start working again. Catalyst could be park date, where he sees a lot of everyday couple.

Dont quit your job if you do not like it, first figure out what do you want to do to put bread on the table for the rest of your life. That is step one, Start living your life with a purpose! (consulting)

Next week november 19th, international mans day, buy him a rose, make him a bath, cook his favourite food. No need to wait for an occasion

Dad gives his car to daughter, as she uses it every day, and he can just take the bike during the summer. After K4 leaves, he sits in the car, soaking in the faliliara feeling, sounds, sights, smell, feeling the presence of MOM. - I miss you so much. (confession, he has not visited the grave, but now he can confess what is in his heart. (after he founds another mcguffin, from K4, showing that life goes on, this is K4s car now)) (he still wont drive it, but )

Chapter 9 - cemetery anniversary - ring

Montage they are becoming a bit addicted, texting  with each other all the time, during meetings, during sports, etc

Tie off lose ends in family, getting back on track montage, kids issues and their resolutions.

DATE is a bisexual: SISTER, who set up the date: all right, she cheers for both teams, then what? She likes you, she is hot and down to some kinky freaky circus sex. - Jesus. -

anniversary of the funeral, a heartwarming moment when the famili visits the grave, just not long after  After that, dad takes off the ring in an emotional scene, taking a chain from MOMs jewelry box and using that to carry the ring on his neck, that is how he can let go for now. Later a falling of ring could be a sign for something.

WOMAN: - Im abroad  :/ - surprise me with local art, something crazy :) - It is all crazy, I do not speak the language :D I like the music in this: popular foreign song ZENEVONAT? Triggers a montage, KID2 starts to shake herself to the rhythm (like kids do), then dad is happily dancing to the song, later with KID2 as well.

K3 to DAD: remember when you told me in the kitchen that I can talk to you about anything? - Oh-oh - I need dating advice. - Someone asked you out? - He… (looks at her) sheee… (eyes narrow) -theyyyy/themmm? - Not that this is not hilarious beyond description, but before you start to sweat blood or excuse yourself to google more pronouns next room, he is a boy.

- No I wanna ask out someone. Oh ok lets google how to do that. I already asked ChatGPT.  Well let's have a look, maybe we can narrow down the question. (sighs) (under nose mumbling:)  I should have built a dungeon.

SISTER notices that they are talking aaaall the time, then others as well and it starts to spread around in the family as more people recognises that. They just let things unfold.

Chapter 10 - 4th date

by now they are so comfortable talking to each other, they decide to talk over headsets all day where the kids are avay somewher for the weekend, and are both (separately) shopping, cooking and watching the movie (Titanic) at the same time while constantly talking over headsets. Practically spending the whole day together, like a 4th “date” they are not even aware of. KIDs are not around.

They wake up at the same time, for a church bell ringing, or a n event that is loud. They call each other (did you hear that?), so they spent the day on the phone for the whole day without noticing, they say goodnight and fall asleep .

We can show her as  much as she wants to show to people.see through big hat, so we can see them talk to each other on the phone, and she is on the market, shopping for the cooking. He is there as well, but they do not know that.

Cooking “together apart”, having  along conversation about relationships. One is teaching the other the recipe, and at the end we show the 2 plates next to each other onne is  a perfect plate, the other is meh

Pinapple on pizza disharmony

Titanic deep analisys, they both watched it a dozen times.

DAD couldnt watch it with MOM, because she didnt like it, afraid of swimming, something quirky and sweet. In this way, DAD and GIRL is even a better match.

CONVO: DAD: MOM was a great dancer. Can you dance? - Maybe you can teach me someday. (beat) maybe I will. (first time he thinks about spending time with her, forgetting about their agreement) pu it in a later chapter

D: hang on I love it because it is a cinematic masterpiece ,not because of leos pretty blue eyes (little mocking) - so you noticed them too, ha? :D

GIRL: - Do you think it's possible that anyone else in the world is doing this very same thing at this very same moment? - l hope so. Otherwise, what is the point?

DAD has a wet dream/nightmare about them texting  G - Do you “visit Australia”? (going down on someone) - he smiles in a surprise  (Up in the air texting in bed.) … and she is coming over in sexy lingerie, and he is not wearing any pants only underwear,  panics, and when the door opens and a sex suluette is seen in the backlit mist, he wakes up. It is agood comic part, and can also show that he has deeper desires towards her than just friendship or work.

Chapter 11 - Falling out

My KIDs wouldnt like anyone, because it is not their mother (SHRINK would say DAD doesnt like anyone)

The book is released, and he is about to take off for a signing tour across the USA, so he wont be around that much, and afraid to lose her.

DAD asks GIRL to meet and she says no as she is still recovering. DAD thinks it's a rejection, and confesses that his feeling grew stronger towards her and he don’t want to fall in love in someone unless their feelings are mutual. She never want to talk about her past, making it impossible to clear the air. Hanukkah/Xmas

He asks her out and she says no, he thinks it its a rejection, people change, and that is good! Your words and kindness and selflessness transformed me, from a crouton back to a father, someone who wakes up again excited in the morning to see what life brings today. I want to see you, and not just because I wanna thank you. I want more.

And I feel too deep for you to be able to be just your friend. I have a second chance right here, with my kids, and I cannot roll a die on that. I cannot risk letting them down again. I’m not that strong.

S: Wanna met again? -  From afar? - as he waits for the response, there is no answer, no 3 dots typing, in that moment is slowly dawns on him, that she is not responding, because she wants to finally meet in person after the goofy dates..

She refuses because SHE THINKS that  her recovery is not complete and dont want to be seen “like this”. In reality, she is as recovered as she ever can be, it is just her subconsious

DAD TO KID3:  When someone knows more, it's best for them to make the decisions, because they know what's good for everyone. Just like when a dog wants to eat chocolate, but we don't let them because it can make them very sick.

K3 I dont like this at all! - Well, remember when mom told you not to feed chocolate to  , because if he eats it he dies? K3 Looks at picture of jesus - not cool. - but DOG want to eat it anyway, because he doesnt know any better. What did mom say? - When people don't get what's best for them, we gotta step up and make choices to keep them safe, just like we'd do for anyone we care about.

Sometimes, others may know better and we should trust their decisions to keep us safe and sound.

Chapter 12 - radio message - END

Chapter 12: Montage of them slowly drifting apart, as he deletes the app and she is checking it a lot of time, but he is shown last checked in x hours ago, x days ago. The only connection is the song she still plays every night at 10, remainders of their past year in friendship, as he still keeps listening to WASD  station.  GIRL one day looks in the mirror of her scars, and says fuck it, if he really loves me, he loves me with scars. GIRL instead of the usual song sets up a personal message in the radio, confessing her feelings to the whole new york area. They meet at the square , union and happy ending. Xmas/New Years

RADIO confession:

I cannot tell it to anyone, because the only person I ever cared about to listen to me is you, and you won’t hear me.

I will be at the same place where we first met, because I know now, that was the moment when our souls first touched.

I want you to be there, for me, because I want to be there for you.

I will wait for you there until the end of the song.

KID3 (so they cannot think about it, they must go) (MOMs gift? Confidence, do the right thing your heart tells you, even when asked not to) KID3 running down the stairs with her backpack, smiling like crazy, ignoring dad, running past him, yelling  Doorbell rings, she opens and keeps running to the car, neighbours are there curiously looking in, like what is going on, is it true?.

What were you thinking, running out in the night alone like that? - If you stay home you are the dog who ate the chocolate! (quoting DAD from previous chapter) We know better! (shows around to the other kids) K4: Dad! If I would be you, what would I tell you right now? (thinking fir a beat, his eyes searching wildly as he is looking for the answer in his head.)- Cherish what you got..(he “consults” himself in an instant, as he is an expert, now back in practice for months. He looks up) - fasten your seatbelts.

MOMs car that is the only car that fits the whole family. I got the carkeys. No. We take the big car. Comeion Douglas. (dog runs past and to the car.) other kids join in after a beat

Radio manager is a jerk, and he cant stop the transmission because he is locked out. Comical punishment. He has to run out from the toilet with pants down or whatever is funny for kids and adult alike, he deserves it. Locked in the toilet while he is taking a shit, playing in his phone or something   he thies to stop the transmission, but the door is blocked, he tries to break out, but in the attempt breaks the pipes and he is soaked wet sliding like in a bathtub on the,

MOMs car is really dodgy, wont start (usually when mom would disapprove of the things what happened.) This time he knows that it wont start, they wont make it in time. He carefully turns the key, and the car starts like a Christmas miracle, like MOM gives her blessing, finishing her job as a guardian angel.

Bryan Adams - Can't Stop This Thing We Started

Confession recorded on the radio for the “first song”.

GIRL has a badass bitching bike which she uses to speed through the city in the snowfall, to get there in time. This is the first time we reveal her bike, something from her old life she didnt want to use ever again, but didnt had the heart to sell it. She arrives first. Herr white red themed coat and

The crowd gives her way, so she can speed through New York at new years eve, giving possibilities to the most amazing stunts

The crowd is opening op in front of her, showing her the path with glowsticks, cellphones, so she can speed throught NY in the snow. Everybody is cheering her, even the police. (wifes call them)

K2 There she is! - K4 Oh my god - K2 that is badass - represent

There are security guards that try to stop her, but she avoids them, comic fail, they try to run after her.

They arrive at the same time, making a circle in the park, creating another yinyang as they zero in on the center after a half circle each (the place is built like that, that they have to follow that for the shortest route, which they really want.) they arrive at the center, the crowd on foot approaches them until the edge of the circle they just drew together. The car shouldn't be able to keep up with the bike, but somehow not it just can, but even in a beautifully synchronised way :)

Her car ride through new york and the bike is a fanservice for men (and they will sit down together for the and of the movie climax, so everyone is super happy)

She takes off her helmet he get out ot the car. They run and hug first, tearing up in each other's arm holding tightly, like they find their soulmate again. Then first kiss, Cheering crowd, the  security guards hug each other crying like babies watching the couple.

When they separate, we can see the kids in focus in the back, K3 making a disgusted face (like in the park date).

A Sudden whirlwind picks up snow from the ground, elevating the snowflakes, making an angelic appearance like  a flock of white birds in a cloud like formation, it is almost unbelievably breathtaking.

K2 Wave at the apparition with a huge smile on her face, the gust seem to linger around for another quick glance back, then flyers away towards the heavens.

As they walk by, people cheer on.

Family side the crowd lifts the construction fence, so they do not have to break through, they still jump a little, and the bottom of the car hits a brick so they jump with a hige rain of sparks. GIRL stunt jumps over SEC Guards. Both jump off and land at the same time. GIRL stops with an Akira slide.

When police arrives, there is a black dude standing next to the bike, police: where is driver of this bike? - Im here  - they just go with the obvious ly as they are just doing their wifes bidding and do not reallyfind the guilty party.

Start living your life with a purpose.

SCENE: End credits anime pictures of the family in happy goofy situations, living happily ever after. At the end L DATE might hook up with someone from the support characters, maybe the boss, making the after credits scene even more heartwarming.

We can see them during the credits wedding photos flirting in the background, and as the time moves in, in the pictures we can see them that they are getting closer, she is touching his arm, laughing at his jokes (he has none, we know it for sure).

At the end when they meet, he is waiting to her with the kids at the jersey ferry. - daddy, She is perfect! - I might as well delete this app - he said opening his phone. I wonder how come we only have a 79% match. We see the screen, eating icecream for breakfas in bed while we watch cartoons.

and he starts to delete all the crazy things his kids added, like like ponies, nutella, baby shark, etc, clearly all of them are goofy kids stuff, funny, completely irrelevant to adults, aónd as he does, the % keeps climbing up giving a notification every time. By the end we just see how they approach each other, smiling more and more, as the music fades in, the beat matching the chime of the notifications, so we will never know if they reached 100% or not.

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The foundation of their relationship is trust based on anonymity. They can be honest, because they can just block the other if it dosent work out as a worst case cenario. They are both equally in CONTROL.

Beginning hook

DAD meets GIRL, unlikely match, he have to stay around her to be able to do his job.

Middle Build

DADs clarity that he is not responsible for the death of her wife.

Ending Payoff

He could hide the fact from her that he is doing it for his work, which could lead to a conflict.

today (~2 years after covid ended).

DAD: widowed, 4 kids, blames himself for her death of her late wife Sylvia, as he wanted a boy, and her wife, the MOM died in childbirth, giving him a boy. Since mom passed: antidepressants, SHRINK, ignoring some responsibilities as a father, can’t work. No income, living off savings. (Young Tom Hanks)

KID4: 16 girl just got a drivers licence, T driver, drives like a grandma. Since mom passed: has BF (father figure, stability, mature), with SISTER they take over most of MOMs responsibilities. (Ramona Flowers)

KID3: 13 girl just hit puberty, crush, cute dating child love, first kiss Since mom passed: dresses herself in crazy outfits (attention!),. Her idea is the APP.

KID2: 3 girl, super cute, innocent, clueless. Full of love. Since mom passed: most of DADs attention is focused on her.

KID1: The youngest is a baby, as old as the death of the mother (~180 days in the beginning of our story.) Since mom passed: most of DADs attention is focused on him and K2.

SISTER: comes over every week, helps care for the children and run the house, She has her own kids and happy family. She is the social glue in the big family. Openly lesbian, but not vocal about it. KID2s Godmother. Event organiser.

GIRL: love interest of the DAD. recovering from trans surgery, first can only text, then she can talk, then they can meet. She comes up with imaginative ways to go on dates with DAD while recovering, to keep the relationship growing. They usually backfire in a funny way, but she is quick on her feet and solves the issue, usually leading to comical situations. Divorced a year ago, after coming out, but before transition. Using a socializing/dating app, first contact with DAD. She is working as a music editor at a radio station. Knows a lot of songs, sending a link to them is her way to express her thoughts. She makes typos in texts when emotional, otherwise very collected and witty writer with a wide but relatable vocabulary. Emma Stone + Mononoke Hime Ellen Ripley

BOSS: runs a publishing company, kind of the boss of the DAD. Tough love daddy figure.his motives are as professional as caring. He gave an ultimatum demanding that the DAD can stay with the company until he starts to write again, on the condition that he starts to visit a shrink..  grumpy, pushing peoples buttons, trying to help, fair, just, but raw, like Bender. Daddy figure. single. Professor Badass. Heart of gold.Ron Swanson + JJJ

SHRINK: to help express the DADs character development in dialogues.

APP: the dating app is not a person but can serve as a mcguffin to nudge the story forward.

DOG: was bought by the family during the K2 pregnancy, because of the age difference with the other kids, so she can have a friend in the house the same age as her.

BF: KID4s boyfriend, supportive to her, know his way around babies, makes her happy. Irish family.supercute dude.

MOM saves/helps each of the 3 KIDS during the story. K1 she already gave her life for him.

K2 - saved when lost

K3 - Dog & Chocolate

K4 -

BTW it was her decision, but couldn’t tell the husband before she passed, and (he was in shock so?) he doesn’t remember.

Mak-mak: KID2 looks at someone, raises her arms in the air, pretending to reach up for something, meaning she wants to be treated like a little monkey, someone has to pick her up and carry her to wherever she needs to go. It is a thing since her mother passed, she needs to be held more she sheds it after the BBQ.

DAD 40 (young Tom Hanks) - image consultant, writer, lost his wife during childbirth, has kids, woman (sister/maid?) takes care of kids everyday needs.

Amelie 22 (Emma Stone) -  a goofy but creative girl, witty, job?, kind raspy voice, quirky personality,

Ron only allowed Kevin to stay with the company after K agreed to follow 1 of his “commands” at all times, until he abuses it. When he agrees his first order is to call the therapist and attend weekly.. A businessman who seems to care about profit and productivity, but he cares about his colleagues and employees as friends.

DAD still provides for the whole family, but only pays full attention to KID1, and almost none to the KID4 that is all the energy he’s got left. So reverse age order=level of caring.

The kids commando is a way for the kids to deal with the loss of a mother. Neverending story.

KID4 helps KID3 because she would do it anyway, so it is better to help her and keep her safe,

KID4 met her BF on the same app. BF shares that during BBQ.

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single DAD lost his wife, MOM of his 4 kids (age 0, 3, 12 16 ) ~6 months ago, in childbirth.

DAD is seriously depressed, taking prescription pills, goes to a SHRINK. Subconsciously  blames himself for her death of MOM, as he wanted a boy, and her wife died in childbirth, giving him a boy. He is an image consultant/life coach.

GIRL: love interest of the DAD. recovering from trans surgery, first can only text, then she can talk, then they can meet. She comes up with imaginative ways to go on dates with DAD while recovering, to keep the relationship growing. They usually backfire in a funny way, but she is quick on her feet and solves the issue, usually leading to comical situations. Divorced a year ago, after her coming out, but before transition. Using a socializing/dating app, first contact with DAD. She is working as a music editor at a radio station.

DOG being sick? Something minor in a montage maybe., just to get  a funny cast or something and a treatment from K2.

Anyone can find love, if they find the right partners. (NOT about relationship!)

Puzzle pieces

She is always using gender neutral language, like Alex did this or that.

Top 25 best worst romantic about new york, places, thing only those know who live there.

Soundtrack for the scenes

Talk about the puzzle pieces and how they fit - relationship advice

M They met in uni, F she met him as a child.

They have like a 75% match (:excellent!) but as they use the app more and more, the number goes up and up when he checks new things.

10-1 positive negative interaction ratio.

LAST CHAPTER and the final great moment could be, when she hijacks the radio station (maybe ask a friend a favor like a late night call in show host, who introduces that this is a message for a very special someone from Sam) and confesses her feelings. She end the message that she is arriving from jersey with the ferry in a couple minutes, so dad panics comically (doc brown scream) pic

At the beginning, he merely provides and protects the kids, but closed off emotionally and pays less attention to them. He never disciplines them in the beginning, as he do not LISTEN, but when it changes, we see some actual parenting, after KID3s confession about  KID4 and realises thow selfish he has been, also it could be a great moment to reflect on himself for a mistake he made with the WOMAN, which caused a bit of  fallout between them (WHMS sex).

DAD: BF seems nice. Look for a man like your father, warm hearted and kind. He will love you until death do us part andthen  some more.

KID2 is seeing a grief counselor in school, part of the education system.

K2 is the KIDS inside voice out loud

- i miss mom. She said as she walks away munching on her mango.

K3 is the “brain” behind the KIDS COMMANDO, she is the planner and the chief executioner, K2 and K4 and DOG are only support.

KID3 about KID4: dad She stopped dying her hair to save money.

DAD After KID4 confession: hugs her and apologises, we cut to the 2 of them in the morning making breakfast, leftoverts on the counter, clearly they talked through the whole night. That is the day they are going out as a family BF included - This …BF of yours….-  Josh - she inserted his name. - DAD nods as a thanks- yes. Does he makes you happy? -  (bit emotional clearly deep emotions) - He really does. - she looked him in the eyes hálásan. He nods again in approval. - Wanna bring BF? (approval as a father) DAD and K4 on the road sleeping in the back of the car/trailer, clearly too tired hasn’t sleep.

- are you happy?

He can be bored with writing the book, so he writes her some pages and leaves it in  a bookstore where she can pick it up.. Montage replacement

He can recap the last pages of his notes with the shrink instead of a montage.

Montages are great ways to stretch them into extra scenes, less info, more about the  feel

They can text anywhere, showing the beauty of CITY

Whenever we see the GIRL, it is when the are texting or talking, and right after they talka bout what is she doing, to show that this could be true or just as he imagines her at the moment.

KID4 drives moms car. (there could be a leftover item found under the mat or another hidden plece, creating a strong emotional response in the right moment mcguffin).

KID4 canceled her sweet 16 to have her drivers license instead, (so she can help more). Also applying to internships, so she can make some money on her own, hep with the financial load. KID3 explains this to dad once in  eyeopening scene for him, how much sacrifice the kids made he doesnt even know about. Tha also want the best for him. Instrument of change, he improves after that, listens more to the KIDS rather then just taking care of them, they go out after.  (dada, she reject internships way better, because she wants to take care of herself, to help you with the financial load. She learned to drive instead of her sweet 16 to save you money and )

KID4 is looking for a father figure in her BF (he kinda is, responsible, collected, calm in distress) and a replacement MOM in her aunt (SISTER)

KID3 is dealing with the loss by focusing her energies on helping DAD recover (subconsciously hoping that life will return to “normal”. Abandonment issues.

Surprising them with flowers or a thoughtful gift -prepaying something  and give her the password, so she can enjoy herself, like a spa massage

Offering a genuine compliment

Cooking a delicious meal or taking them out to a nice restaurant

Demonstrating emotional intelligence and vulnerability

Displaying confidence without arrogance

Taking care of their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being

Remembering and celebrating important dates, like birthdays and anniversaries

Offering to run errands or help with time-consuming tasks

Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the little things

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abilities and milestones you might see in a six-month-old:

Improved head control: The baby can hold their head steady and upright.

Rolling over: They may be able to roll from their back to their tummy and vice versa.

Sitting up: With some support, the baby can likely sit up for short periods.

Reaching and grabbing: They can reach for objects and grab them with both hands.

Putting objects in their mouth: Babies at this age explore the world by mouthing objects.

\*Object permanence: They start to understand that objects still exist even when they can't see them.

Cause and effect: They begin to make connections between actions and reactions (e.g., shaking a rattle creates noise).

\*Recognizing familiar faces: They can recognize their parents and other close caregivers.

Expressing emotions: They may show happiness by smiling and laughing or show displeasure by crying or fussing.

Responding to their name: They start to respond when their name is called.

Communication and language development:

Babbling: They begin to experiment with sounds and may string together consonants and vowels (e.g., "ba-ba" or "ma-ma").

Responding to sounds: They turn their head towards the source of a sound or voice.

Strong Chemistry between Leads: A key ingredient of any successful romcom is the chemistry between the main characters. This undeniable connection draws the audience into the story and makes them invested in the relationship.

Relatable, Engaging Characters: Successful romcoms tend to feature characters that are relatable and likable, making it easier for the audience to connect with them and root for their love story.

Witty, Humorous Dialogue: Romcoms are known for their smart, witty, and often sarcastic dialogue that not only keeps the audience entertained but also highlights the characters' personalities and the dynamic between them.

Unique, Compelling Premise: A fresh and creative premise can make a romcom stand out from the rest. Many successful romcoms have an intriguing hook or unexpected situation that brings the characters together.

Conflict and Obstacles: The best romcoms often feature conflicts and obstacles that the couple must overcome to be together, which adds tension and drama to the story. These can range from personal insecurities to external forces such as disapproving family members or ex-partners.

Memorable Supporting Characters: BOSS, KIDs, SISTER DOG add humor, depth, and complexity to the story.

Emotional Resonance: While humor is a significant component of romcoms, the most successful ones also resonate emotionally with the audience. They strike a balance between lighthearted fun and moments of genuine emotion, making the story more heartfelt and memorable.

Growth and Transformation: Character growth is essential in any story, and romcoms are no exception. The protagonists often undergo a personal transformation, learning to overcome their flaws or insecurities and become better versions of themselves in the process.

Iconic Scenes and Quotes: Many top romcoms contain memorable scenes or quotes that become ingrained in popular culture. These moments often serve as touchstones for fans and contribute to the film's enduring appeal.

Satisfying, Feel-Good Ending: Ultimately, a successful romcom should leave its audience feeling happy and satisfied. The couple typically overcomes their challenges and ends up together, often with a grand romantic gesture or heartfelt declaration of love.

Meet-Cute: A memorable and endearing first encounter between the main characters, often involving a quirky or amusing situation, which sets the stage for their relationship.

Playful Banter: Witty exchanges between the main characters, showcasing their compatibility and making their interactions more engaging.

Friends and Family Dynamics: Incorporating the main characters' social circles, which provide additional comedic elements, support, and sometimes act as obstacles to the relationship.

Relatable Themes: Exploring universal themes such as love, friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth, which resonate with a wide range of audiences.

Contrasting Personalities: Pairing characters with different personality traits, interests, or backgrounds, which creates interesting dynamics and often leads to personal growth for both parties.

Subverting Genre Tropes: Playing with or subverting common romcom tropes can make a film feel fresh and original while still delivering on audience expectations.

Visual Storytelling: Effective use of cinematography, set design, and color palette to enhance the story and create memorable visual moments.

Well-Timed Physical Comedy: Skillful use of physical humor can add to the film's comedic appeal and create memorable moments.

Balance of Comedy and Romance: Striking the right balance between humor and heartfelt moments to create an engaging and emotionally satisfying experience.

External Influences: The inclusion of external factors, such as career pressures, social expectations, or geographical distance, which create additional conflict or obstacles for the couple to overcome.

Pacing and Timing: Maintaining an engaging pace that keeps the audience invested in the story without feeling rushed or dragging.

A Sense of Place: Creating a strong sense of setting or location that contributes to the film's atmosphere and serves as a backdrop for the story.

Unconventional Pairings: Exploring relationships that break from traditional romantic comedy norms, such as age gaps, cultural differences, or unique personal circumstances.

Callbacks and Running Gags: Using recurring jokes or callbacks to earlier moments in the film to create a sense of cohesion and reward attentive viewers.

 Father (40)
 Daughter (16)
 Daughter (13)
 Daughter (3)
 Newborn Son