"CHIKA"
By: AMARACHI SHEDRACK.
24/06/2023.
2.
FADE IN:
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
We follow a pair of legs in black leather strutting on white
tiles. It is obvious, the person is not in a rush.
WOMAN (V.O)
Today is another day my mind numbing
life. I got up, had a bath and called
the hospital to check on Ugo.
The pair of legs round a corner.
WOMAN (V.O)(CONT'D)
My life is basically a repeat of that
nowadays. That is, if you exclude
receiving boring lectures at school.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
We find the pair of legs seated on a chair. Pan up to
reveal...CHIKA(19), dressed not to impress, bored with life.
CHIKA(V.O)
I have an hour before I get to the
hospital and here I am seated in front
of my therapist.
WIDER ANGLE.
A woman, STELLA, early 30's , sits behind the desk in front
of CHIKA.
STELLA
Do you want to talk about it?
CHIKA
No.
(V.O)
Personally, If I had a choice, I
wouldn't be here but mother thinks
otherwise.
STELLA
The purpose of this meetings are for
you to have someone to talk to. We all
have that person Chika.
3.
Chika looks on, clearly not convinced.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - RECEPTION - NOON
Chika walks in and moves towards a staircase.
HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Chika rounds a corner and walks towards a door. She opens it
gently and peers in.
INSIDE ROOM
A YOUNG GIRL (15), lies on a hospital bed. Low cut hair and
looking pale. This is UGO.
A woman, NGOZI (50's), sits by her side. A once vibrant woman
now overcome with worry.
BACK TO DOOR
Sadness crosses Chika's features for a moment. But as soon as
it comes, it is gone.
NGOZI
(Noticing her)
You're here.
Chika enters--
INSIDE ROOM
--and shuts the door behind her.
CHIKA
What happened?
NGOZI
She had another seizure. The doctors
just sedated her.
Chika walks over to the bed. Gently cradles Ugo's face.
CHIKA
Did he call?
NGOZI
(Hesitating)
4.
No...he said he'll be busy today.
Chika scoffs. She moves to stand by the window.
NGOZI
How was therapy?
CHIKA
A waste of time.
NGOZI
Chika--
CHIKA
No, stop it. I know I'm depressed and
that is it. Nothing makes me happy
anymore, so let it be.
NGOZI
(Hurt)
You have me and Ugo.
CHIKA
I have nothing.
(Walking out)
I need space.
Ngozi watches her go.
EXT. HOSPITAL - LATE NOON
Chika sits atop a railing, grazing at the sky.
BEAUTY(O.S)
Is the view better there?
Chika turns and sees BEAUTY(16). Oxygen tube to her nose.
Pain evident on her face. She still looks happy despite this.
BEAUTY
(Coming closer)
Sorry to disturb you.
CHIKA
Shouldn't you be resting somewhere?
BEAUTY
I snuck out. Being outside makes me
feel happier.
(Seeing a reaction)
5.
I get that look a lot. I have chronic
hemorrhage and the doctors don't know
how long I have but...I can't let that
stop me from living life.
A moment passes.
BEAUTY (CONT'D)
(Laughs)
We don't even know each other's names.
Hi I'm beauty.
CHIKA
And I'm Chika.
They shake hands.
BEAUTY
Well, I need to get back now. Just
know, whatever is going on will pass.
I know you didn't just come out to
stare at stars.
CHIKA
Do you need--
BEAUTY
No. I'll be fine.
Chika watches her go, visibly moved.
INT. HOSPITAL - EVENING
Chika rounds a corner--
HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
--and notices a crowd forming. Doctors and nurses walk into a
room.
ON CHIKA
As she moves through the crowd. Closer to the room.
INSIDE ROOM
We see Beauty laying on a bed. Eyes closed. No oxygen tube.
She looks at peace.
6.
DOCTOR #1
Time of death, 7:30pm.
DOCTOR #2
No immediate family. They all passed
away in the accident. Only extended
relatives remain.
BACK TO CHIKA
Who turns, rushing to get away.
We follow her as she walks briskly, rounding corner after
corner. Trying to get somewhere ....
.... Until she sees her mother.
NGOZI
(Coming closer)
Chika, are you okay?
And for the first time, we see our heroine break down in
tears. Ngozi moves to hug her.
NGOZI (CONT'D)
It'll be fine. It's okay.
CHIKA(V.O)
Turns out, I was holding onto a false
picture of reality to define my
happiness. One where father didn't
walk out on us and Ugo wasn't
epileptic.
FADE TO:
EXT. BEACH - ANOTHER DAY
A healthy Ugo plays by the shore with Ngozi.
Chika sits, watching from afar.
CHIKA(V.O)(CONT'D)
Now I have come to accept them as what
life gave me to grow. Like someone
once said; I can't wait until life
isn't hard anymore before I decide to
be happy.
FADE TO BLACK.