Bits & Pieces (Benny Imura 5)

On Chong as he holds up a folded map of Yosemite National Park.

CHONG: THERE’S A SMALL TOWN JUST OUTSIDE THE PARK. A HOSPITAL. POLICE STATION. LIKE THAT.

CHONG: WE MIGHT FIND SOME STUFF THERE.

PAGE 11:

* * *

1.

Benny and Nix are alone on a rock that’s half-submerged in a pretty forest stream. They sit together with their feet in the water. They lean their heads together. It’s a romantic and very personal moment.

NIX: YOU WERE GONE SO LONG I WAS STARTING TO WORRY.

NIX: THINKING ABOUT TOM?

BENNY: YEAH. STILL CAN’T BELIEVE HE’S GONE.

2.

On Nix, who smiles at him.

NIX: YOU’RE A LOT LIKE HIM.

BENNY: I WISH.

NIX: I’M SERIOUS. YOU ARE. YOU’RE STRONGER THAN YOU USED TO BE.

BENNY: YEAH, WELL—I NEED TO GET A WHOLE LOT STRONGER IF WE’RE GOING TO SURVIVE OUT HERE.

3.

Small panel. On Nix’s face, showing some concern as Benny speaks.

BENNY: WE CAN’T BE KIDS ANYMORE.

4.

Small panel. They sit in silence.

5.

They see Lilah and Chong in the distance. She has a couple of dead rabbits she’s caught.

BENNY: HOW ARE THE LOVEBIRDS?

NIX: SHE HASN’T THREATENED HIS LIFE YET TODAY.

BENNY: LET’S CALL THAT A WIN.

6.

Lilah squats next to Chong and is watching him skin a rabbit. Her expression is cold indifference. He is turning green and getting sick.

LILAH: YOU MAKE A CUT AT THE GROIN AND OPEN IT UP ALL THE WAY TO THE THROAT. HEY! ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?

CHONG: URK.