Introduction

EXT. SUNKEN GARDEN - EVENING

People are all hanging around in the park.    Many are hanging around in groups.  Others are just standing as couples.   There is a festive feeling in the air.   The scene is colorful and cheery.  People seem to be all waiting for something.   JIM is walking alone, with his hands in his pockets.  He holds his head down, ignoring the people who are laughing or sharing stories.  

JIM (voice over)

Sometimes, I wonder why life feels like a movie.   Sometimes I wonder why things happen to us the way they do.   Shakespeare said it best: All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.

EXT.  SUNKEN GARDEN, UNDER TREE - EVENING

Jim walks past a GROUP OF FRIENDS who are currently sitting in a circle.  The group is clearly having fun, with one telling jokes while the others laugh along with him.   The JOKER is acting like a fool, miming GODZILLA stomping on buildings.  The others laugh out loud.  Jim notices the LOVING COUPLE who are amused, but clearly are more occupied with holding each other close.  It is clear on Jim's face how envious he is of them.

JIM (voice over)

But sometimes I wonder, who decides what kind of movie we are in.   Who decides if we're supposed to be actors in a comedy.  Or an action-flick.  Who decides if we're the leads of a romantic comedy or a survival horror thriller. 

JOKER roars out loud, and attacks himself with his hands, mimicking KING KONG being assaulted by helicopters.   The groups laughs so loudly that Jim almost smiles.  The LOVING COUPLE notices him and smiles.  Jim forces a smile out then continues walking.

EXT. SUNKEN GARDEN, CANDLE AREA - EVENING

Jim approaches an area where many candles are currently lit.  There are flowers and photographs set near the candles, like a MEMORIAL of some sort.  Some of the pictures show adults, children, even pets.   The people here are more somber.  Quieter.  

JIM (voice over)

I used to think I lived in a romantic comedy.  Or rather, I really wanted to believe I was in one.  But I guess I was wrong.   

Jim walks up towards the MEMORIAL.  He bends down to look at some of the pictures.  He sees a picture of a HAPPY COUPLE.   Jim stares at it.

JIM(voice over)

It was all just a case of bad timing, I guess.