Ruby

FADE IN:

EXT. PIER - LATE AFTERNOON (PRESENT)

The deserted pier CREAKS as waves CRASH against it, and distant seagulls CROON. CAL, 31, strolls and holds hands with SOPHIA, 7. Sophia hops over cracks between the planks.

SOPHIA

Hey, Daddy? Can we have ice cream for dinner?

Cal watches his feet. His free hand is stuffed deep in the pocket of his worn jeans. Patches of dirt stain his face and flannel button-up.

CAL

'Course, sweetie. And we can have rice and broccoli for dessert.

Sophia's jacket falls off one shoulder as she scowls at Cal.

SOPHIA

No way, Jose. You know I hate broccoli for any meal.

Cal smiles to himself, and Sophia falls into step with him.

SOPHIA

Hey, Daddy?

Sophia chews her bottom lip and straightens her jacket.

CAL

Yes, Sophia?

Sophia hesitates. She looks sideways at her father.

SOPHIA

Do you cry when you miss Mommy?

Cal catches his breath. He gathers his thoughts and exhales.

CAL

Sometimes. But crying...crying won't bring her back.

Cal blinks back tears. He pulls his pocket hand free and rotates his wedding band with his thumb.

CAL (CONT'D)

My favorite thing to do is think about all the fun memories I had with your mother.

SOPHIA

Did you cry at Mommy's funeral?

Sophia and Cal reach the front of the pier that disappears into the sand. Cal kneels and meets Sophia's eyes.

CAL

Like a baby.

Sophia looks down. Waves CRASH and wind WHIPS around them.

SOPHIA

Will you cry at my funeral?

CAL

What?

SOPHIA

I hope people cry at my funeral. I want to be missed.

Cal gawks at Sophia and she stares back. The walkie-talkie in Cal's back pocket CRACKLES with static.

WALKIE-TALKIE (v.O.)

Cal, you 'bout finished lockin' up?

STATIC continues. Sophia squirms away from Cal to the edge of the pier. She squints and points underneath the pier.

SOPHIA

Look...what's that?

Sophia dashes underneath the pier. Cal rises and reaches around his back as his eyes follow Sophia. She stops in front of a wooden pillar carved into a gargoyle. A red jewel gleams over the gargoyle's heart.

CAL

Sophia, whatever you do, don't touch that...Sophia!

Sophia ignores Cal and strokes the ruby, hypnotized. The gargoyle's eyes SIZZLE red at her touch. Sophia GASPS and draws back her hand. A SUCKING noise grows louder as the ground around the pillar RUMBLES. Sophia vanishes.

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