December 31, 2024

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FADE IN:

A bustling coffee shop on a busy street corner. Through the large windows, we can see SARAH (25), hunched over a laptop, surrounded by crumpled papers.

SARAH stares at her blank screen. Her fingers hover over the keyboard, but nothing happens. Empty coffee cups accumulate around her.

Come on, Sarah. Just write something. Anything.

She types a few words, then immediately deletes them. A BARISTA (20s), ALEX, approaches with a concerned expression.

Another refill? You've been here since we opened.

Has it been that long?

Four hours. What are you working on?

A screenplay about a writer who can't finish her screenplay.

Meta. I like it. What's stopping her?

That's the problem - I don't know what's stopping her because I don't know what's stopping me.

Alex sets down a fresh coffee and pulls up a chair.

Mind if I sit? It's my break.

Sure. Maybe you can help me figure this out.

What's the story about?

It's about this writer who's stuck. She knows she has something important to say, but every time she tries to write it down, it comes out wrong.

What's important about what she has to say?

Sarah pauses, considering this.

She wants to tell stories that matter. Stories that help people feel less alone.

And why can't she?

Because... because she's afraid no one will care.

Alex nods thoughtfully.

So what if they don't?

What do you mean?

What if she writes the story anyway? What if caring about it herself is enough?

Sarah stares at Alex for a moment, then suddenly starts typing furiously.

The writer realizes that the story isn't stuck because it's not good enough. It's stuck because she's waiting for permission to tell it.

Sounds like she just gave herself permission.

Alex walks away, leaving Sarah to write. The camera slowly pulls back as she continues typing, finally in flow.

THE END