Heavenly glow, "I'm an Angel, Jim...." Oh sure, it's easy to believe if you see it, but what if you don't? The "light up the Angel" trick is a cheap vehicle to prove their existence. That only happens on TV. My goal was to try to reach belief through logic, not smoke and mirrors because you don't see it in the real world (...at least I haven't). This was my best shot. I tried to send it to CBS, but their policy is not to accept unsolicited scripts. I had fun writing it, anyway.

I also wrote most of it before John Dye was a regular (...back when I was worried that a show like this wouldn't be around long), so he is not a character. But I figured a real writer could work him in (...he would fit right into the final scene). I think Andrew is great, but I miss the true "Angel of Death" role where he appeared only at death. It was a smaller role, but much more powerful. They should bring back one of the other 2 Angels of Death (...both were good, and they did bring one back for an episode). Trivia - what were the character names of the two Angels of Death before Andrew (...answer hiding at the end of the next paragraph)?

So, why the heck is someone like me trying to write something like this? I'm not a believer and I'm not a writer. But I love the show - I watch it regularly (...I used to watch Highway to Heaven too). And I'm starting to enjoy writing (...if my high school English teachers were alive today to hear that, they'd be turning in their graves). A good episode of TBAA inspires me to pick up a pen. I've never wrote anything like this before or since. So instead of throwing it in the drawer, here it is on the world wide web for you to read. Enjoy. Answer - Adam and Henry. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm going from memory.

The time frame of the story is one weekend, from the end of the work day on Friday to Monday morning.

EXT. A PARK NEAR WHERE KEVIN & TOM WORK - DAY.

It's a gorgeous, sunny Friday afternoon in a park. The intro music is playing, and a dove flies across our view as the camera meanders toward Monica and Tess. They are sitting on a blanket having a picnic, very near the building where Kevin and Tom will soon be leaving work for the weekend. There is a playground nearby and Monica and Tess are watching the moms pushing their children, squealing with delight, on swings and see-saws.

Their discussion (setting up the story line) is about how wonderful the love and trust is between mothers and their children.

Monica
Look at all that love, Tess. Being a child is such a special, uncomplicated time, full of love, trust, and happiness.

Tess
That it is, baby. It's a time of innocence, when love is pure and total. Well, for most of them, anyway. Not all children are fortunate enough to have parents as loving as our father in heaven.

Monica
Oh, that's so sad. Is that my assignment? A parent that doesn't love their child?

Tess
No, in this case it's the children that have strayed off the path a little and need a nudge back. Oh, and by the way, one of them is an atheist.

Monica
An atheist? Sounds like that will take more than a little nudge. How can someone lose their way so much as not to believe in God?

Tess
Sometimes it doesn't take much at all. A wrong turn or someone giving a wrong direction at the wrong time, and you could lose sight of the road very quickly. Oh look, here they come now...

CU - KEVIN AND TOM LEAVING BUILDING, WALKING TO CAR.

Kevin and Tom are coworkers. They are friendly, but not friends that hang out together. They are both 30-ish and single; Tom's a sharp dresser, Kevin more of a "clearance rack" kind of guy.

Kevin and Tom are discussing their weekend plans. Kevin's are of the quiet, stay at home variety. Tom already has his hot-date-for-the-weekend, Lisa, waiting to whisk him away for a passion filled getaway in some wild weekend type place like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, etc. Tom fills Kevin in on his fun filled weekend with his "honey of the moment", which confuses Kevin a little...

Tom
...it's going to be a great weekend. Lisa's picking me up, then we're off for two fabulous days at the Pleasure Palace in Vegas. You should see the place, Kevin - heart shaped Jacuzzis, mirrors everywhere. Hey, there's Lisa now.

Kevin
Lisa? What happened to Irene?

Tom
I told her I was going home to visit my mom this weekend.

Kevin
(Shaking head, smiling)
You're a pig, Tom.

Tom
Yeah, it's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. How about you, got any wild plans? And please don't tell me you're hanging around the animal shelter again.

Kevin
Um, I guess I'm not going to tell you then.

Tom
Kevin, Kevin, Kevin; you gotta get out more and shake the bushes, if you know what I mean. You're not getting any younger, and you're not getting any! You're going to be an old maid if you're not careful.

Kevin
Old maid? Wouldn't that be "old butler" in my case? Anyway, it looks like you have the woman market cornered, Tom. Have a great weekend. Pick you up on Monday?

Tom
Yup, eight o'clock. See you, bud.

Kevin gets in his beat up econo-box or pickup truck, and Tom hops into the red sports car with the lanky blond behind the wheel, and they drive off.

CLOSE - CARS DRIVING DOWN ROAD

OPENING CREDITS / COMMERCIALS.

INT. ANIMAL SHELTER - DAY

A small "veterinarian type" of office, some dogs barking off camera. Tina, a full time worker at the shelter, is behind the counter. She's finalizing a pet adoption with a young couple who are soon on their way out with their brand new mutt. Tina, also 30-ish and single, is attractive in a "jeans & sneakers, little makeup & jewelry" way. Kevin and Tina are good friends. She wouldn't mind getting a little closer to Kevin, but it just hasn't happened (...yet).

Kevin stops in unannounced on his way home from work. He brings donuts. Tina is surprised and happy to see him. They exchange hellos and their conversation is full of good chemistry.

Kevin
I brought some health food.
(Puts donuts down on counter)

Tina
You call donuts health food?

Kevin
Psychological health food. Eat what you like, be happy, and that keeps you healthy.

Tina
Yeah right. Soon I'll be 300 pounds of pure health. Hey, you're a day early. What are you doing here on a Friday night? You should be out doing something fun.

Kevin
I could ask you the same question. Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow. You know how much I love kennel scrub-down day. I just stopped in to cheer up Rex.

Tina
Rex is fine. I think you came in to see me.

Kevin
(playfully)
You see right through me, Tina. I just can't think of a more romantic Friday evening than down here at the shelter. Next time I'll bring some candles to go with the dinner.
(...points to donuts).

Tina
Smart ass.

Kevin
...smart all over.

Tina smiles and watches Kevin go out back to where the kennels are. Dogs start barking up a storm. She can see Kevin through a window tossing a Frisbee to Rex and company.

Monica enters the shelter under the guise of looking for her lost dog, a German Shepherd named Abby.

Monica
Hello.

Tina
Hi, can I help you with something?

Monica
I hope so. My dog got out of the yard, and I'm checking the local shelters to see if anyone found her.

Tina
When did she get out?

Monica
On Wednesday, two days ago.

Tina
I'm sorry, we haven't gotten any new arrivals this week. But if you give me a description and leave your name and number, I'll call if something turns up.

Monica
Thank you, I'd appreciate that.

Monica gives Tina the information about Abby. Their attention is diverted by the dogs barking up a storm from the back yard. They can see Kevin getting smothered with love from the dogs through the window. Their conversation turns to Kevin. Tina tells Monica about how he comes in to do volunteer work, how much of a help he is, how much the dogs love him, blah, blah, blah.

Monica
May I go out back?

Tina
Be my guest.

EXT. ANIMAL SHELTER BACKYARD - DAY.

A good sized, fenced in yard, with cages / kennels.

Monica approaches Kevin, who is completely engulfed in playful dogs.

Monica
Looks like they've found a friend.

Kevin
They could use it. Most of them have had pretty rough lives. People just bring them in when they don't want them anymore.

Monica
A little love goes a long way. It's one of God's miracles.

This brings a small smile to Kevin's face, but after a short pause, he continues.

Kevin
Sometimes I wonder who's getting more out of the deal, me or them? Are you here for a new companion, or looking for an old one?

Monica
I'm looking for Abby, my German Shepherd. She got out of the yard a couple of days ago and hasn't come home yet.

Kevin
I'm sorry. I know what it's like - I remember when we lost the family dog when I was growing up.

Monica
You never found her?

Kevin
Oh, no, she died. She was old. They have so much love. You get so attached to them.

Monica
Almost as much as people.

Kevin
More, really. Their love is so pure and unquestioning, like a child's. And they expect so little in return; a couple of milk bones, a pat on the head, running back and forth to catch a little plastic disk....

Kevin throws the Frisbee and the dogs tear off after it.

Kevin (cont.)
I just wish I could do more for them. So, tell me about Abby.

Monica
It sounds like you already know her. She's about so tall, mostly black, brown face, big loving, intelligent eyes, ...and she has a number tattooed in her ear.

Kevin
A tattoo? Was she a seeing eye dog?

Monica
She was going to be, but her hips weren't strong enough for the job. So I adopted her.

Kevin
Dogs give us so much. If it's not love, it's their eyes. And yet so many of them end up abandoned in places like this. I'll keep an eye out for Abby. I'll call some of the other shelters. Maybe the tattoo will help bring her back to you.

Monica thanks Kevin, and they exchange good-byes. She leaves feeling smug, thinking the assignment is going better than expected. Her only mistake so far is thinking Kevin was the believer.

CLOSE - MONICA

Making a small comment to herself how well it's going.

DISSOLVE - COMMERCIALS

INT. NIGHT CLUB / CASINO ATMOSPHERE. NIGHT.

It's a flashy club kind of place with a good Friday night atmosphere, a good setting for Tess to be a bar tender or singer (I'd like to showcase Della's singing in this scene).

Tom and Lisa have just arrived and are sitting down to a late dinner. The conversation is about the fun filled weekend, with lots of sexual undertones (...like what's for dessert).

Monica is their waitress tonight. Because of the atmosphere and her earlier meeting with Kevin, she has wrongly assumed Tom is the atheist (...violating lesson #1 - assume nothing). This causes her "more to life than short term pleasures" approach to be widely off the mark at first, because Tom already believes in both the more and the pleasures.

It is important to sell Tom as the atheist, but without stating it to the audience. He's a real slime ball. He told one girlfriend he was going home to visit his Mom so he could go off with another girlfriend, and then even starts hitting on someone else (...Angel beware).

Monica approaches the table.

Monica
Hello, I'm Monica. Are you ready to order?

Tom
(seeing Monica, his eyes nearly stay in his head)
Whoa, I am now...! Are you on the menu?

Monica politely laughs it off.

Tom (cont.)
Let's see, something seafood..., I'll have the lobster, a shrimp cocktail, and [whatever wine goes with lobster. No meat - it's Lent].

Lisa
(a little annoyed by Tom's noticing Monica).
And I'll have the Chicken Kiev.

Monica takes the order and leaves. Tom's eyes follow her back to the kitchen. Lisa is trying not to notice.

Lisa
Do you think our waitress is pretty?

Tom
Yeah, Monica's hot.

Lisa
Tom, you're not supposed to notice the other women. You're here with me.

Tom
Hey, you look fantastic, babe. Noticing someone doesn't mean anything. Tell me you didn't put on that sexy black dress not to get noticed by other guys.

Lisa
I dress like this for you, not the other guys.

Tom
Then why do you only dress like that only when we go out? If we stay at home and watch a movie, you're wearing sweats. Besides, you love it when other guys notice, don't you?

Lisa
Well, yeah. I take it as a compliment.

Tom
See? I'm just paying Monica a compliment.

Lisa
I guess so. I just wish you'd compliment me a little more.

Tom
You look marvelous.

Lisa
Thank you. I'll be right back.

Lisa excuses herself to go to the ladies room.

Monica comes back with the drinks, and Tom starts hitting on her. He asks if she's busy later tonight. Monica starts with her "more to life than just having a good time" speech, but Tom just rolls with it. She gets a little more religious, hoping to invoke a response about not believing in God, so she can attack that. She thinks that if she can convince Tom that God exists, that would change his "evil" ways. But nothing. She continues...

Monica
Tom, don't you think you're going to be judged some day for your actions?

Tom
Why sure, I'm judged all the time, and I usually get 9's and 10's. Come on, give me a chance. You be the judge.

Monica
I'm not here to judge you Tom, I'm talking about God. You are going to be judged for your actions someday if you believe it or not.

Tom
What does that have to do with me and you?

Absolutely different conversations and wavelengths. Monica is trying to prove something that Tom already believes in.

Monica (possibly) brings up Lisa, and how he's not respecting her, and God. Tom states that they're not married. Monica says something like "...somehow, I don't even think that would matter". Getting nowhere and disgusted, Monica serves drinks and leaves.

CU - OTHER SIDE OF CLUB.

Tess is working in another part of the club (bartender, at the piano, whatever). *This would be a good place for Tess to sing a song about love, or being a slime ball, or something that fits the theme.

Monica, feeling she's making little progress, finds Tess, hoping to get a little guidance (...which Tess gives).

Monica
(frustrated)
He's a pig, Tess. He hasn't just drifted off the path, he took a wrong turn on to a 4-lane highway and hasn't taken his foot off the gas or looked in the rear view mirror since.

Tess
If Angelin' were easy, hon, then everyone would be doing it. Just keep putting up those road signs.

Monica
How can I make him believe in God when he's so wrapped up in worldly pleasures?

Tess
What makes you think he doesn't believe in God?

Monica is surprised by what Tess just said. She is speechless, but only for a moment when Tom comes up from behind and taps her on the shoulder, interrupting her conversation.

Tom
Hey, there you are, you little devil.

Monica spins around to face Tom. The camera jumps from Monica to Tom's grinning face, then follows her gaze (zooming) into Toms open (3 buttons down) shirt, focusing on the little cross hanging around his neck.

The first piece of the puzzle hits home - Tom was the believer. Monica snaps her head back to Tess, but *ding*, she is gone. She quickly looks back to Tom, who is giving her a big come-on smile.

Monica
You believe in God?

Tom
Hell, yes.

Monica
And you act like this?

Tom
Like what? I'm only trying to tell you how attractive you are.

Monica
What about Lisa?

Tom
Oh, were just friends. I could tell her I'm not feeling well and want to turn in early. Then I could slip out later. What time do you get off work?

Tom and Monica keep working on each other, Tom hitting, Monica enlightening. Monica quizzes Tom about his religious beliefs, such as if he's afraid of going to hell. Tom's responses are along the line of "God is forgiving" or "I'm not doing anything that bad" or "How could having a good time be a bad thing"? No progress is made because Tom has molded his religion around his lifestyle.

Finally Monica decides try a new tactic and come out of the closet.

Monica
I'm an Angel, Tom.

Tom
You sure are!

Monica
...sent by God.

Tom
Then how about we go for a little fly around town tonight? I'll even show you a little piece of heaven.

Lisa, who was looking for Tom, finds him, and is standing right behind him, hearing his last couple of come-ons.

Lisa
(steps out in front of Tom, angry look)
You're a pig!
(Turns and storms out)

Tom watches her for a few of seconds, then picks up right where he left off with Monica.

Tom
(crocodile tears).
I don't think I should be alone right now. I need lots of consoling.

Monica
(shaking her head with disbelief)
You don't quit, do you?

Tom
Is it working?

Monica, reaching the end of her very long rope, tries to show Tom that he is on the wrong road, one that doesn't lead to God's love. But Tom has a one-track mind.

Monica
Tom, do you really think God approves of how you're behaving?

Tom
What do you mean? I'm just trying to shower you with love. What's wrong with that?

Monica
You seem to be confused with Love and lust. That's not God's definition of Love.

Tom
Hey, we're all consenting adults here. Or at least I'm trying.

Monica
You do not honor God by using people. You believe in God, Tom, and still you act the way you do. You should know what's right and wrong. It is one thing to do something if you don't know it's wrong. But it's entirely different if you know it's wrong and still do it.

Tom
(finally sensing defeat)
Hey, it's not like I'm a God damned atheist or anything. You're starting to sound like this guy I work with. Maybe you should get together with him. He loves a good religious argument. Besides, I'm sure as hell not getting anywhere with you.

(I'm sure the above lines will have to be cleaned up for TV, but it's not just cursing - Tom believes that the real sin, what God really hates/damns is when people don't believe in him. And he's also not going anywhere with Monica, "sure as hell" itself).

Bang. Surprise. The big picture hits Monica. Kevin! Kevin was the atheist. She was dead wrong about who the atheist was. And not only that, she was just accused of sounding like the atheist.

Tom, a little discouraged, is already heading to the bar. He sits down and orders a drink. He turns and notices a good looking woman a few seats away. The smile returns...

Tom
Hi, I'm Tom. I couldn't help wondering, are you an Angel?

The woman giggles.

CU - THE OTHER SIDE OF CLUB WHERE TESS IS WORKING.

Monica finds Tess again, seeking advice. She is confused about what just went on. The person she thought was the atheist was the believer, and vice-versa.

Monica
I've just been told I sound like an atheist!

Tess
What are you preaching, Angel girl?!

Monica
I'm confused, Tess. I thought Tom was the atheist and Kevin was the believer.

Tess
Why did you assume that?

Monica
Tom's actions show no respect for people, or God. And Kevin was so caring, his heart was so warm, it just seemed....

Tess
That only shows what kind of people they are. Some people are good because they like to be good, not because they are told to be good.

Monica
I'm no further along than when I started this assignment.

Tess
You're doing fine, child. All you can do is give them directions, but you can't drive for them.

CLOSE - MONICA AND TESS.

Looking over at Tom in the distance, the woman he just met being very attentive to him.

DISSOLVE - COMMERCIALS.

INT. ANIMAL SHELTER - DAY

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Monica returns to the animal shelter to find out more about Kevin, who isn't there at the time, but Tina is.

The conversation starts with the usual "hellos" and "have you found Abby yet". But it quickly turns to Kevin. Monica tries to understand Kevin, and asks Tina stuff about how they met, what he's like, are they a couple, etc.

Monica
Have you known Kevin for very long?

Tina
(smiles and thinks)
I guess he's been volunteering for a couple years now. He came in one day looking to adopt a dog, but he never took one. He said something about not being home enough to take care of it properly, so he asked if he could help take care of them here. And we sure can use the help. The dogs love him. He's a real sweetheart.

Monica
Is he your sweetheart?

Tina
No. Don't think I haven't tried dropping hints, but he just seems to deflect them and change the subject. He's good at that.

Monica
Is he seeing someone else?

Tina
I don't think so, I mean he doesn't mention anyone. But I'm not really sure.

Monica
Have you ever asked him out?

Tina
Oh, we go out all the time. But if we go out for dinner, it's just that - for dinner. And I'm too chicken to make any kind of a first move. Oh, I did ask him to marry me once.

Monica
Marry?

Tina
(reminiscing)
Actually, I asked him why he wasn't married. He said "because no one ever asked me". So I asked him. He pretended to cry, then played it up like he had to make all the arrangements, like finding a bunch of cans to tie to the car and cooking the rice for people to throw. He's so cute at times.

Finally, Monica gets around to asking about Kevin's religious beliefs. Tina answers to the best of her ability, and confirms that Kevin does not believe in God. Monica asks why, but Tina's not quite sure. She tells of how Kevin used to be big on religious debates, thinking it was his way of trying to find the right answers by making people prove what they believed, but it just ended up making people mad...

Tina
Every time he asked someone else about God, he got a different answer. And the debates just seemed to make people angry, and Kevin doesn't like to make people angry. So he stopped. He never got the proof he was looking for, I guess.

Monica
Too many people giving directions.

Tina
Yeah, that's one way to look at it. And you want to hear something funny? He's even a Godfather.

Monica
An Atheist Godfather?

Tina
Yeah. He told everyone that he was taking it seriously and had to do his homework by renting the movie.

Monica
There's a movie about being a good Godfather?

Tina
...The Godfather? Marlon Brando? Al Pacino?

Monica
Are they good Godfathers?

Tina
(surprised that Monica hasn't seen the movie)
Um, the movie about the Mafia? You know, the mob? Gangsters?

Monica
Kevin wants to be a gangster?

Tina
No! Never mind, it was a joke. Forget I mentioned it.

Monica
(amused, and a little amazed)
...an atheist Godfather. Well thank you Tina, it was a pleasure talking to you. You really like Kevin, don't you?

Tina
Yeah, I do. Everyone likes Kevin. But he only seems to let us in just so far.

Monica
I'll let you know when Abby comes home. And by the way, keep trying to "get in".

CLOSE - MONICA

leaving the shelter.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. KEVIN'S YARD - DAY.

A small, well groomed yard, with cape cod house or trailer. Kevin is filling the bird feeder when *ding* a white dove flies up, landing very near Kevin.

Kevin
(warm & loving)
Hey, hello little fella.... Help yourself.
(watches for a few seconds, then loses smile)
You shouldn't be so trusting around people. They'll hurt you if you get too close to them. Sorry about this, little guy, but this lesson is for your own good.
(Waves arms at dove)
Shoo! Shoo!

Dove flies away.

Kevin (cont.)
Come back when there aren't any people around.

Camera pans around, and *ding* Monica is "just there" now. She pretty much has Kevin figured out. He just doesn't trust people and what they're telling him about God.

Monica
You should be a little more trusting in people.

Kevin
Monica.... No, you can't trust people. Hey, have you found Abby yet?

Monica
No, but I have faith that she'll be back soon. Do you have faith, Kevin?

Kevin
She hasn't been gone for very long, so I'd say the chances are in your favor that you'll find her.

Monica
That's not what I asked. I'm talking about knowing in your heart that something is absolutely true.

Kevin
Now that you mention it, yeah, I do feel that she'll come back.

Monica
Tina tells me you're a Godfather.

Kevin
Yup, and I did my homework, ...

Monica
(not letting Kevin deflect)
...I know, you watched the movie. Do you know what a Godfather is?

Kevin
Yes, I know what it means.

Monica
But you don't believe in God, do you?

Kevin's boxed by the direct question, and he's not going to lie.

Kevin
No.

Monica
And you think you could be a good Godfather?

Kevin
Yes I do.

Monica
I can't see...

Kevin
...how someone who doesn't believe in God can be a Godfather? I was asked if I would make sure my niece was brought up believing in God if something happened, God forbid,
(smirk)
and I would honor that request, even though I'm not convinced that believing in God is the best thing to teach someone.

Monica
How can you think that? Nothing bad can come from God, only pure good.

Kevin
Then where did all the bad in the world come from? There are far more believers in the world than atheists, and look around. Say the words Protestants and Catholics, or Muslims and Jews in the same sentence, and what's the first thing that comes to mind, religion? No, fighting. You have pro choice Christians, and the people who play God by killing abortion doctors. Gays are fighting the church to get in, and the church is fighting to keep them out. TV preachers in the tabloids, ...or in jail. My grandma thought she was doing something good when she sent her money to those guys.
(Sad and angry, teeth clenched)
They would drive around in their limos, and she couldn't afford medicine when she got sick. No, Monica, there is no God. Just a lot of people saying there is only to justify their own personal beliefs. ...Or make a buck.

Monica
One of His greatest gifts to us is the freedom to choose. I'm not saying that people always make the right choices; they don't. But you can't blame God for what they choose.

Kevin
I don't blame God, I don't believe in him, remember? It's the people I blame. I was in the same boat once. I never questioned if there was a God or not. I just believed. And I was happily going through life tailoring my religion to my lifestyle: this isn't really stealing, or this isn't what God meant by this commandment. Heck, I even used to think that by eating fish on Fridays I was passing some kind of grandiose test which would buy me an eternal reward where Angels massage your feet or something. When I realized what I was doing, I stopped and set out to find what was true and what people just made up. I went to different churches, talked to a whole bunch of people, and never got the same answer twice. Then it hit me. There is no ultimate truth, no God. It's all made up.

Monica
So, what do you believe in, Kevin?

Kevin
I simply believe in what I can see. What I can hold, smell, and hear for myself. My senses are the only tools I have to input information into my little computer
(points to head)

Monica
And you don't believe in God because you can't see Him?

Kevin
Yup, seeing is believing, and I haven't seen any proof that there is a God.

Monica
Just look around you. How can you say there's no proof? Everything is proof - the trees, the birds, the clouds. How do you suppose all of these things got there?

Kevin
Well, the trees grew from seeds, the birds hatched from eggs,...

Monica
You know what I mean. Those things couldn't have just popped into existence. Don't you wonder where everything came from?

Kevin
I used to, but when I started asking the same questions about God, like where he came from, I figured I had to draw the line somewhere. So, why not keep it simple?

Monica
But it is simple, Kevin. God always was and always will be.

Kevin
Yeah, I know. That's what they used to teach us in Sunday school. But I can't believe it Monica, or I'd have to believe every fairy tale that comes down the pike. So I have to limit myself to what I can see for myself - trees, birds, clouds, etc.

Monica
And what do you think happens after you die?

Kevin
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Monica
Doesn't that frighten you?

Kevin
Why should I worry about nothing? But funny you asked that. Everyone seems to say there is something so much better waiting for you after you die. Yet everyone is so afraid to die. You'd think they'd be lining up to die if it were so good on the other side.

Monica
Most of them are just afraid of leaving their loved ones, but it's only for a short while. There is something waiting for you on the other side, Kevin. It's love. God's love. More than you can ever imagine.

Kevin
We're getting into fairy tales again.

Monica
Don't you believe in love?

Kevin
Well, sure I do.

Monica
Can you see it? Touch or smell it?

Kevin
No.

Monica
Then why do you believe in it?

Kevin
... I can feel it, I guess.

Monica
God gave you eyes, and a nose, ears, and hands. But he also gave you a heart. Not just the thing that pumps blood - the one you feel with. And it's better than all your other senses put together. I know you have a good heart, Kevin, I've seen it. You're just not trusting it enough.

Kevin
Just because I'd like something to be true doesn't make it true, no matter how much I wish for it.

Monica
I'm not asking you to do that. I'm just telling you to trust your heart a little more and you'll have all the proof you'll need.

Kevin
No offense, Monica, but we don't seem to be getting anywhere. You believe because you want to believe; I can't change that. And I...

Monica
...don't want to believe?

Kevin
Yes. I mean no. I mean I just can't. Do you understand?

Monica
God exists weather we believe it or not. As sure as you or I exist. You do believe in me, don't you?

Kevin
Of course.

Monica
I'm an Angel, Kevin.

Kevin
(skeptically)
An Angel....

Monica
Uh-huh.

Kevin
Right. You don't look like an Angel.

Monica
What do you suppose an Angel should look like?

Kevin
...oh I don't know, halos, wings, you know the renaissance stuff they show in Sunday school. Can you fly?

Monica
Yes.

Kevin
Ok, so prove to me you're an Angel. Fly.

Monica
My flying wouldn't prove it to you. You don't believe your heart, so why would you believe your eyes? You would just wake up the next morning and think you dreamt it. You have to open up your heart before you can believe, and that's what I've been sent here to do.

Kevin
I thought so. I'm sorry Monica. I have to be at work early tomorrow and I still have a lot to do. Thank you for the stimulating conversation. I hope Abby comes home soon. Good night.

Kevin picks up some of the stuff in the yard and walks away. *ding* Tess is there.

Monica
I'm not getting anywhere with either of them, Tess.

Tess
Don't be too sure about that. That might be the first time he feels like he lost an argument, ...excuse me, debate.

Monica
He lost? How come I feel like I lost?

Tess
Just wait, child. Just wait and see.

CLOSE - MONICA AND TESS.

Standing in Kevin's backyard.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. KEVIN'S CAR - DAY.

Kevin, driving back to work on Monday morning, pulls the car off the side of the road and Tom hops in.

Kevin
Good morning Tom. How was your weekend?

Tom
Morning Kev. Great! Jackie and I had a fantastic time.

Kevin
Jackie? Who's Jackie? What happened to Irene? ...I mean Lisa? Lisa, right?

Tom
She got mad at something. Women, go figure. Anyway, Jackie and I met in Vegas. Hot, Kev, hot! Long blond hair, legs, long legs, big...

Kevin
I get the picture. What does she do for a living?

Tom
Ah, do?

Kevin
Never mind. Go on....

Tom
So, anyway, after Lisa left, and this Angel chick, Monica, dumped on me...

Kevin
...Monica?!!!...

Just then, a German Shepherd runs into the road right in front of Kevin's car. He slams on the brakes and swerves to miss the dog, and plows right into a tree.

Crash, broken glass.

CLOSE - CAR WRAPPED AROUND TREE.

DISSOLVE - COMMERCIALS

INT. KEVIN'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY.

FADE IN:

Tight shot of Kevin lying on hospital bed, head bandaged and unconscious. Hospital sounds off camera. Keep camera tight on Kevin's head and shoulders - do not show any more of room!

CU - TOM'S ROOM.

Same tight shot of Tom in another bed in another room, in exactly the same condition.

DISSOLVE TO:

Fade in Tom's mind. Monica is there with Tom. She's dressed in her Tide whites, heavy hair lighting, and lots of dry ice fog.

Tom
Ooooh, where am I?

Monica
You're in the hospital.

Tom
Oh yeah, now I remember. That idiot swerved to miss a stupid mutt. I'll kill him.
(Finally noticing Monica)
Hello nurse! Are you here to make me feel better? I have this pain, right about here....

Monica
I'm an Angel, Tom.

Tom
An Angel? Hey, I remember you now. Where am I, really. Am I dead?

Monica
No, but you'll have a big bump on your head in the morning. I've been trying to give you a message, Tom, but you haven't been listening....

Monica gives Tom her best little lecture about how wonderful God's love is, and how being without it is a horrible and lonely place, and if he doesn't get back onto the right road, he will be devoid of it for an awfully long time (i.e. hell). Leaves Tom speechless and thinking.

Monica
Come, it's time to go back....

CU -TIGHT SHOT OF TOM IN HOSPITAL BED.

Tom's eyes start to open and he begins to wake up. The camera slowly zooms back, revealing Tom in a very empty, sterile hospital room. He starts calling out for a nurse...

Tom
Hello? Hey, I'm awake. Can anybody hear me? Does anyone care? Hellooooo...

Nurse pokes head in room....

Tess
Will you please keep it down, there are people trying to get better here.

CU - BACK TO TIGHT SHOT OF KEVIN IN BED.

DISSOLVE TO:

In Kevin's mind, Monica is there.

Kevin
Oooh, where am I?

Monica
You're in the hospital.

Kevin
Oh yeah....
(slowly remembering)
Oh no! Is Tom all right?

Monica
He's fine.

Kevin
Did I hit the dog?

Monica
No, you missed her.

Kevin
(taking a moment to look around)
Hey, wait a minute, this doesn't look like a hospital. Where am I?

Monica
You'll just have to trust me, now won't you?

Kevin
(*ding* it's all starting to come together)
I'm either having a real strange dream, or, ...you are an Angel.

Monica
(Smiles & nods)

Kevin
Oh, man, I was dead wrong. Dead...? Am I dead?

Monica
No, you're fine. But you'll have a big bump on your head in the morning.

Kevin
But I was wrong.

Monica
You weren't wrong really. You just weren't "opening your eyes", or in this case, heart.

Kevin
I still don't understand, Monica. So, there is a God. But what am I to him? He can't get any intellectual stimulation from me. I mean, compared to an omnipotent, infinite, supreme being, I have the intelligence of a garden slug. What's in it for God?

Monica
I told you - Love.

Kevin
Love? Are we like his pets or something?

Monica
How can you be missing it, Kevin? When I first met you at the animal shelter, you told me how pure and unquestioned a dogs love was, and how much that meant to you. You're here now because you crashed your car so you wouldn't hit a dog. You risked your life for her, and I know you'd do it again. It's the same with God. It's not what you have up here, it's what you have in here, the Love in your heart that means everything to God. We're his children, Kevin.

Kevin
(enlightened smile. Of course...)
...it's so simple.

Monica
Come, it's time to go back.

CU - BACK TO TIGHT SHOT OF KEVIN LYING IN HOSPITAL BED.

Kevin's eyes start to open and he begins to wake up. The camera slowly zooms back, revealing Kevin in a hospital room overflowing with flowers and presents - a stark contrast to Tom's room. Tina is there.

Kevin
Hey, Tina.

Tina
(springs to her feet, close to happy tears)
Kevin! Oh thank God you're all right! Everyone was so worried about you. They all stopped by.
(Pointing to the flowers)
Your mom and dad are down the hall, I'll..., how do you feel?

Kevin
Better.... You won't believe how much better.
(Looking around the room at all the flowers.)
They really shouldn't have,...
(Looks back at Tina)
...but thank you. Thank you very much.

*ding* Monica is just there now in her usual fashion, Tess standing behind her.

Kevin (cont.)
And thank you, Monica.

Tina snaps her head around, surprised to see Monica.

Kevin (cont.)
...and thank God for me, OK?

Tina turns quickly and now looks surprised at Kevin.

Monica
You already have.

A German Shepherd hops her front paws up on the bed.

Kevin
(petting the dog)
Hey, how'd you get in here?
(Looks at Monica and smiles)
It's good to have friends in high places. You don't know it, but you really helped me see the light.

Monica
It looks like Abby turned out to be a seeing eye dog after all. But she needs a home.

Kevin
You know I'd love to, but I don't know. I live alone. What happens if, well, I have an accident
(points to bandage on head)
or something? Who'll take care of her?

Tina
Hey, I would, silly.

Dove flies in window and lands on the sill or table near all the flowers.

Monica
It's time to trust, Kevin.

Kevin
(looks at Monica, then Tina, taking hold of her hand, and finally Abby)
Hello, Abby.

CLOSE - KEVIN, TINA, MONICA, TESS, AND ABBY.

Dove leaps into flight, cut action, freezing dove. Happy faces all around.

END - MUSIC, CREDITS.

You skipped down to the end to see how long it was, didn't you? I'd be surprised if anyone really reads this. But if you actually did, please E-mail me what you thought of it. Thank you.