FADE IN

EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE REID HOUSE - NIGHT

Red and blue ambulance lights. We see a crime scene in a

Chicago suburban neighborhood. It’s a controlled chaos, if
there was violence it’s dissipated. Police, paramedics, and
DCFS (Department of Child and Family Services) move around
the cul-de-sac purposefully. Two police officers stand at the
end of the cul-de-sac controlling and regulating onlookers
and news teams.

PAN moving into CLOSE on the back of an ambulance where

OCEAN, 17, a gangly mixed race teenager sits wrapped in a
mylar blanket. Ocean looks calm, peaceful even. He doesn’t
notice the blood on his face or clothes. He holds his
favorite Final Fantasy sweater tightly in his hands. It was a
gift from his mother.

PARAMEDIC
Hey kid, your family is over here
we’re ready to take you to the
hospital.

Here is where we enter GAMER VISION, how Ocean perceives the

world. GAMER VISION varies depending on his mood and which
video game best fits the current circumstance. People,
surroundings, and objects become animated as whichever video
game aligns with his thoughts. Currently, Ocean sees the
world as part of the Detroit: Become Human video game. Text
saying “Primary Objective: Join family in the SUV.” appears
towards the center of the top of the screen. Beneath it text
saying “Optional Objective: Tell the paramedic that you
forgot to save your game.” appears. He looks over to the
paramedic and sees that he can click the square button to
initiate a conversation. He decides not to and follows the
primary objective to join his family in the SUV.

CUT TO:

INT/EXT. - OPENING MONTAGE - VARIOUS

OPENING CREDITS THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING

(We're coming back to this to throw in the detail of how it

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should look and what information it needs to cover. It will

include. News coverage, Keisha was murdered by Ryan Sr.,
Facebook, memorial, and trial. Focusing on the violence in
the credits.)

INT. RACHEL'S SUV - DAY

Ocean is leaning against the back passenger window listening

to Wishing Well by Juice WRLD. He's in the car with his
younger siblings. RACHEL, 45, Ryan Senior's older sister,
assumes she's prepared for everything, is having a
conversation with SKY, 15, blossoming internet influencer. We
catch them speaking about everyone's rooms.

RACHEL
And I have Junior set-up in the room
over the garage. He's been there
since, you know, everything...

SKY
Did you give me the bed that squeaks?

RACHEL
No, Jing went and got your beds like I
told you.

SKY
I forgot you call Fei-Jing, "Jing." So
cutie! We're not gonna hear you guys
having sex right?

RACHEL
Sky!

Rachel looks back and sees the twin girls on their iPads,
HARMONY and MELODY, 6, youngest of the five Reid children.
They aren't paying attention to the conversation. Rachel
sighs with relief.

SKY
It's gross! Everyone your age
shouldn't be having sex. It should be
like, a rule.

RACHEL
Around the girls!? This isn't one of
your TikToks. Plus, you wouldn't be
saying that if you ever saw him with
his shirt off.

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SKY
OK! Get it Aunt Rachel!

They share a laugh. Melody pulls on Ocean's sweater to get

his attention. He takes out his AirPod to listen and we hear
the music fade out.

MELODY
Is sex how Sky does TikTok?

OCEAN
No, that's not how he does TikTok and
you don't have to worry about sex for
a very, very, long time. Ok?

Ocean then squeezes both of Melody's cheeks with one hand

making her laugh. They pull into the driveway of Rachel's
house. Rachel slaps Sky's arm jokingly.

RACHEL
(To Sky)
See, they were listening!!
(To Melody)
Ocean is exactly right! You don't have
to worry about that for a very, very
longtime! And we ordered pizza! So,
let's head in the house!

The house is a mid century modern with two floors on a half

acre plot. The house has had several additions added over
time and has been passed down to Rachel from her parents.

Junior and Fei-Jing exit the house ready to help. JUNIOR

(Ryan Reid Jr.) 19, is the oldest of the Reid children. Out
of high school with a full-time job as a mechanic. FEI-JING,
45, Rachel's boyfriend, loyal and supportive to a fault.

EXT. - DRIVEWAY - DAY

Fei-Jing moves to help the girls with their bags while Junior
grabs more luggage from the trunk.

RACHEL
Sorry we're late, traffic on 290.

Fei-Jing gives Rachel a quick peck on the lips.

FEI-JING SKY
No big deal. Pizza just got Gross! Old PDA is Grosssss!

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here.

HARMONY
I have to pee!

FEI-JING
(Jokingly to Sky.)
Hey, chill out!
(To Harmony.)
Straight up the stairs! Drop your
stuff by the door and head straight up
the stairs!

Harmony takes off towards the door dropping her bags in front
of the open walkway. Junior almost trips before setting
luggage inside the doorway heading back to the trunk to grab
more.

JUNIOR
(Grabbing an odd shaped case from
the trunk.)
This is the last of it!
(To Ocean.)
Good to see you kid.

Junior goes to pull Ocean in for a hug, swinging the case

carelessly over his other shoulder.

OCEAN
That's the PS5 Junior! Be careful!
Please, be careful.

JUNIOR
Ok! Alright! I'm sorry! I'm sorry.

OCEAN
Thanks.

JUNIOR
I got you.

Junior pats the PS5 case securely as Ocean exhales. Sky and
Rachel move inside with Junior and Ocean behind them.

INT. KITCHEN - RACHEL'S HOUSE - DAY

Luggage and shoes are piled up near and around the door.
Rachel puts her work things in their place near the bottom of
the stairs.

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RACHEL
Everyone wash your hands before you
grab pizza! You can put your stuff in
your rooms after you eat!

The Reid children move to wash their hands and grab pizza.
Fei-Jing serves Harmony and Melody at the table in the
kitchen.

FEI-JING
(In a silly voice like Grimace.)
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
(Switching to a faux British
accent.)
For the lady Harmony we have a large
slice of cheese! And for the lady
Melody we have a slice of cheese and
mushroom! Enjoy!

The girls laugh and begin eating. Junior has his plate in his
hand and grabs a beer from the fridge.

RACHEL
Don't get wasted in front of the kids!

Junior laughs and nods in understanding. Sky is eating

directly over the pizza box letting sauce fall back in the
box.

RACHEL
You couldn't grab a plate?

SKY
(With a full mouth.)
I was starving!

We hear the doorbell ring once and then two more times
rapidly.

RACHEL
Who the hell is that? Did everyone get
pizza? Ocean, did you get pizza?

The doorbell rings twice again. Fei-Jing tries to scarf down

his bite to answer the door but Rachel waves him off. Rachel
moves to the front door and sees Ocean inspecting the PS5.
She notices that the shoes and luggage that were in disarray
have been organized. Rachel watches him for a while until the
doorbell rings twice again.

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RACHEL
Ocean? Ocean?

OCEAN
Oh, sorry. Yeah?

RACHEL
Why didn't you get the door?

OCEAN
Oh, I just figured it wasn't for me so
I'd let you or Fei-Jing get it. I'm
sorry.

RACHEL
Don't apologize. Just get the door
next time. You live here too.

Finally making it to the front door.

RACHEL
And go get some pizza.

Rachel answers the door. It's KATHY, 52, the neighborhoods

nosey neighbor standing there with a turkey tetrazzini in
hand.

KATHY
Rachel! Sorry to lean on your
doorbell! I figured with your new
houseguests things might be a little
loud.

RACHEL
No, Kathy, I heard it the first time I
was just making my way to the door.
Did you need something Kathy?

KATHY
This is my world famous turkey
tetrazzini. I've been playing around
with cayenne pepper and I added a bit
here.
(Like this is a secret.)
I know they like it spicy.

RACHEL
They who?

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KATHY
(Deflecting.)
It's awful what happened to your
sister-in-law.

RACHEL
It is.

KATHY
And by family too. Oh my goodness. I
can't believe it. I always thought
Ryan was such a nice man.

RACHEL
People will surprise you.

KATHY
That they will.

RACHEL
Thank you Kathy.

KATHY
I can come in and serve it now.

RACHEL
The kids are eating pizza.

KATHY
That must've cost a fortune! Money
like that would make anyone violent.

RACHEL
Fuck off, Kathy.

Rachel slams the door in her face. She feels the weight of
the events all over again. It's heavy. Fei-Jing grabs the
casserole from her and puts it on the counter next to the
pizzas.

FEI-JING
What did she bring this time?

RACHEL
Self-righteous bitch. And turkey
tetrazzini with a side of racism.

FEI-JING
I bet it'll be delicious.

Fei-Jing kisses her cheek. The kids have moved into the

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family room to watch a Disney movie while they eat. Junior

enters to grab more pizza and beer.

RACHEL
Did he always do stuff like that at
home? I mean, with your parents.

JUNIOR
Huh?

RACHEL
Ocean with the shoes and the game
console?

JUNIOR
Oh, his PS5? Yeah. It's his life. His
everything. Especially, since dad went
away.

RACHEL
I know they used to play together, but
it looked like he forgot to eat.

Junior shrugs and opens his beer. Fei-Jing eating a mouthful

of turkey tetrazzini.

FEI-JING
Another home run for Kathy's
Casseroles.

Fei-Jing offers her a bite from his fork. Rachel tries it.

RACHEL
Damn, that's good.

FEI-JING
I think I can taste the racism.

They share a laugh. Fei-Jing puts a forkful of turkey on his

pizza and takes a bite. Rachel continues laughing and eating
with Fei-Jing.

INT. RACHEL'S HOUSE - OCEAN'S ROOM - DAY

Alarm sounds. Ocean wakes up next to Melody. She has consumed

the twin bed with her presence, pushing Ocean to the wall
again. This has become a nightly routine for them. Ocean
climbs over Melody trying not to wake her.

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OCEAN
(Kissing Melody on her forehead
like Keisha used to do.)
Wake up love bug.

MELODY
I don't want to go to school today
mommy.

OCEAN
(He's shocked. Sharp inhale.
Swallows deeply.)
It's Ocean. I'm Ocean. But you know
mommy taught me how to get love bugs
outta bed.

Melody's eyes pop open and with glee she wraps herself
tightly with the sheets protecting herself from the oncoming
tickles.

Ocean tickles her until she's laughing out loud.

MELODY
(Between laughter.)
I'm up, Ocean! I'm up!

OCEAN
Yeah? You are? Then why don't you go
downstairs for some of Aunt Rachel's
pancakes!

MELODY
Pancakes!? First day of school!?

OCEAN
Hurry before Sky eats them all!

Melody rushes out of the room. Ocean takes a moment and looks
in the mirror on the closet door. He's still himself. He then
grabs the controller for his PS5 and turns it on to play a
tower on Mortal Kombat 1.

CUT TO:

INT. BOLLINGBROOK HIGH SCHOOL - VARIOUS - DAY

We hear Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD. We see Ocean walking

though the hallway with his AirPods in. He glances down at
his class schedule and double checks the room number. It's
correct, room 035. He enters. First class of the day is
American Literature. Classmates scatter past him as he moves

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to a desk in the back. He's relived he's got a back seat. He

pulls out a notebook filled with doodles and notes and waits
for class to start. Bell rings. AMERICAN LITERATURE TEACHER,
50, beaten down by the school system, rises to address the
class. Ocean removes his AirPods to pay attention.

AMERICAN LITERATURE TEACHER

Alright class, come on, take your
seats. Welcome to your first day of
American Literature.

Ocean is doodling and half listening as the teacher continues

to talk. GAMER VISION begins to spread from his notebook out
into the classroom consuming the students and teacher. GAMER
VISION manifests as The Sims 2. The setting and people look
as if they're a part of the game. Granulated and programmed.
We hear the American Literature Teacher speaking but the
words are Sims gibberish. Ocean looks around the room and
sees students sleeping with the Zzzz's around their head. A
boy and girl talking around him with the heart symbol in a
bubble above their heads. In the right corner of the screen
the assignment pops up from the teacher and Ocean clicks the
fast forward button at the bottom of the screen. Time begins
to pass at 1.5x speed and we see the movement throughout
Ocean's day.

THE FOLLOWING IS ALL IN GAMER VISION UNTIL IT BREAKS. YOU'LL

KNOW WHEN IT BREAKS.

Next, we see Ocean in Physics class. Physics Teacher holds up

a foaming beaker that overflows and explodes. The class
responds with exclamation mark bubbles and clapping. A
student faints.

In gym class students are doing sit-ups, pushups, and

climbing up ropes hanging from the celling. Red exhaustion
bubbles appear over many students heads.

Next, in American History. The American History Teacher is

lecturing in Sims gibberish. More Zzz's bubbles and a student
raising their hand to pee with the bladder bubble over their
head.

Ocean is now at lunch sitting next to Sky and his friends.

They're laughing with smile bubbles appearing above their
heads as Ocean eats his sandwich. The bubble above Ocean's
head contains a PS5 and we see Ocean sigh with longing.

In Algebra 2 the Algebra 2 Teacher has his back towards the

students and is writing a long formula on the board. Students
have frustration bubbles over their heads. Ocean does not, he

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understands math.

In Spanish class we see the Spanish Teacher speaking

enthusiastically with gestures in Sims gibberish. They seem
to be repeating the same phrase to each student. The students
respond in Sims gibberish. This is broken by the students
turning and staring at Ocean, it's his turn. The SPANISH
TEACHER, 42, bubbly and excited about the language, repeats
the Sims gibberish. Ocean still doesn't understand and a
question mark bubble appears above his head. GAMER VISION
shatters.

SPANISH TEACHER
Señor Ocean! Elige tu nombre! Por
favor!

OCEAN
Um, sorry, what?

SPANISH TEACHER
Elige tu nombre en español por favor!!

Students laugh at this. Ocean is embarrassed but then

responds.

OCEAN
Por favor llámeme Océano, profesora.

SPANISH TEACHER
Maravilloso Océano!

The Spanish Teacher is excited and continues with the lesson.

Next, we see Ocean in the study hall room enjoying his free
period. He is remotely playing his PS5 on his phone. He loves
that he can do this.

INT. BOLLINGBROOK HIGH SCHOOL - MS. COX'S CLASSROOM - DAY

We find Ocean in his last class of the day. Media Studies

with Ms. Cox. He's seated in the back of the classroom again.
The classroom is full of posters of famous movies of the
past. (Godfather, Moonlight, the English Patient etc.)
There's a bulletin board that says Current Events with news
clippings from the last few weeks. Near the whiteboard
there's a magnet sign that displays what Ms. Cox is doing. It
reads: Ms. Cox is reading: Gone Girl, Ms. Cox is watching:
Euphoria and THE NEWS (always), Ms. Cox is Studying:
Photography, and Ms Cox is playing: Baldur's Gate 3. MS. COX,
27, Black, She's a 6th year teacher that wants the best for
herself and her students. (Yes, in that order.)

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MS. COX
Ok! Whew! One more class and you guys
will be done with your first day back!
Only 184 left to go! I'm not counting
but I know you guys are!

The class laughs at her lightness and humor. Ocean is

beginning to doodle in his notebook again. GAMER VISION
starts to creep out again until Ms. Cox continues. Her warmth
shuts down GAMER VISION.

MS. COX
My name is Ms. Cox and I'll be your
media studies teacher this year. Let's
go ahead and get all the giggles out
now.

The students laugh again, harder this time. Ms. Cox

appreciates that this joke has worked in all of her classes
today.

MS. COX
Funny name right? Here's the thing: If
I catch you making any jokes about my
name in MY class I will drop you a
full letter grade.

Nervous laughter from the class.

MS. COX
Oh, I'm so serious. Imagine failing
over a dick joke. I've failed students
before and I will fail them again but
I prefer not to. Get me? Moving on.

Ocean decides to be attentive in this class. Ms. Cox

continues as we fade to the next scene.

FADE TO:

INT. RACHEL'S HOUSE - TV ROOM - NIGHT

The family is gathered in the tv room watching Ralph Breaks

the Internet. The walls have pictures of the entire Reid
family hung by Fei Jing before they moved. There is also a
framed poster of Tina from Bob's Burgers on the wall. The 75
inch TV is wall mounted with a surround sound system. Melody
and Harmony are on their stomachs on the floor surrounded by
throw pillows. Rachel and Sky are seated together in a corner
of the large cushy sectional. They are eating popcorn,
laughing, and half paying attention. Junior has his legs up

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on the opposite end of the couch enjoying a whiskey and coke.

Ocean sits alone in his gaming chair that he's moved from his
bedroom.

RACHEL
(Finishing a laugh with Sky and
noticing Ocean.)
Sure you don't wanna come over by us
Ocean? There's plenty of room.

Ocean starts to speak but hesitates.

SKY
(Shoving popcorn into his mouth.)
Oh, he's fine over there being an NPC.

JUNIOR
Yo bro what the fuck!?

RACHEL
Watch your mouth!

Melody and Harmony giggle and quickly see who's brave enough
to say the curse word louder.

HARMONY
(Whispers.)
Fuck.

MELODY
(Audibly.)
Fuck.

HARMONY
Fuck!

MELODY
FUCKKKKKKKKKK!!!

RACHEL
Girls, what did we say about grown up
words!?

They giggle and go back to watching the movie. She gives

Junior a look. He smiles and mouths "sorry".

RACHEL
What do those letters mean? Something
I should know?

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SKY
It's really not that deep.

JUNIOR
That's fuc- messed up Sky and you know
it. Especially saying it about Ocean.

SKY
It's not my fault he's not the main
character. I am, obviously.

RACHEL
The only NPC I know is the National
Panhellenic Conference. And that's
because my sorority got busted hosting
a kegger 25 years ago. Junior, what is
NPC?

JUNIOR
It stands for Non-Player Character.
It's a term gamers use.

SKY
It's like all the people in video
games that you can't be.
(He sighs and thinks.)
Like when you watch Rachel Ray? Rachel
Ray would be the main character cuz
it's her show but then everyone else,
the guests, cameramen, audience all
NPCs.

JUNIOR
It's more than that though. If you
call someone an NPC you're saying
they're irrelevant. They literally
don't matter. And calling your brother
that is fucked up.

JUNIOR SKY
Sorry, language, I know. But that's like not even how
I meant it!

SKY
Ok, there are several people at school
I call NPCs because they are NPCs, but
Ocean says that about himself!

Ocean shifts uncomfortably in his seat. He starts staring at

his socks. Rachel looks at him with concern.

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RACHEL
Ocean? Ocean, do you feel that way?
Like you're one of those non
characters?

OCEAN
Yeah. They're non player characters
but they're still characters. They
still matter.

RACHEL
(To Ocean.)
What? No, baby that doesn't sound
right to me. How long has this been
going on?

Ocean is silent and then goes back to staring at his socks

RACHEL
(To Sky and Junior.)
How long has this been going on? Did
your mom know about this?

JUNIOR
I don't know.

SKY
Me neither.

RACHEL
Is it since everything that happened
with your dad?

Silence fills the space. It's heavy. Melody and Harmony are
focusing on the movie but no longer laughing. Sky pulls out
his phone and starts scrolling. Junior downs his drink and
gets up to make another.

OCEAN
It's fine Aunt Rachel. I'm fine.

RACHEL
Ocean, I don't know. Maybe it's
something you should talk to Mateo
about. Maybe you could-

OCEAN
I said I was fine, Aunt Rachel.

RACHEL
Well, I just want to make sure you're

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ok. It's MY job to make sure you're

all ok.

Rachel feels helpless. She goes back to her popcorn and the
movie. Ocean looks at his socks again before staring back at
the screen.

CUT TO:

INT. RACHEL'S HOUSE - JUNIOR'S GARAGE APARTMENT - NIGHT

Junior and Ocean sit next to each other on Junior's

secondhand futon playing Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance on a
PlayStation 2. Sky is sitting on the floor in front of the
futon scrolling on his phone. Ocean and Junior are both laser
focused but Junior is losing the round.

JUNIOR
Come on now! I blocked that! You saw
me block it!

OCEAN
I saw you get hit the face! Oh, and
that's a 15 hit combo!

JUNIOR
(Playfully frustrated.)
It's cheat codes bro. You with Kitana
is fucking cheats codes.

OCEAN
You pick Sub-Zero and that's what you
get slapped like a BITCH!

Ocean wins the round and readies Kitana's Fatality. On the tv

we see Kitana kiss Sub-Zero and his body expands and
contracts until he explodes. FATALITY!

SKY
OMG! It's my favorite part! I love
watching Ocean make you explode!

OCEAN
I love it!

Ocean and Sky then ball up their hands, kiss them, and then
mime an explosion with their hands while laughing. Junior,
throws his controller on the futon in frustration.

JUNIOR
Bro, it was cheat codes! You saw me

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blocking that whole time!

SKY
I mean, when I block I don't get hit,
LIKE A BITCH!

OCEAN
The game came out before we were born
bro, Hell, before YOU were born. How
are you still so bad at it?

JUNIOR
Fuck. You. Bro.

SKY
He beat you 17 times in a row Junior.
Clean it up.

JUNIOR
And fuck you too!

OCEAN
(Imitating Aunt Rachel.)
Hey! Language!

They all share a hearty chuckle. They're glad they can still
find moments like this. Junior stands and heads to a mini
fridge. He holds up three beers offering them to his younger
brothers. They accept.

SKY
(Sipping his beer. He's not use to
the taste.)
So, I posted the first video. You
know, of Mom.

They all sip their beers in silence.

SKY
I just think it's a good way to get
ready for her birthday.

JUNIOR
I told you I didn't like the idea.

OCEAN
Mom would've though.
(To Sky.)
Mom always loved all of your videos. I
helped her download TikTok so she
could watch them.

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JUNIOR
(Quoting their mother Keisha.)
'Did you watch Sky's video yet? I've
been showing everyone at work.'

OCEAN
(Quoting their mother Keisha.)
'My little influencer! Hurry up and
get paid so you can help with some of
these bills!'

They share another laugh but it's heavier this time. They
miss Keisha.

JUNIOR
Did you ever tell mom about the NPC
thing?

OCEAN
I never got a chance to.

SKY
It's not that bad though right? Like,
you'd get back in therapy if you
really needed it?

JUNIOR
Mateo was chill.

OCEAN
I don't need more therapy. I'm fine
and I really wish you hadn't said
anything to Aunt Rachel.

SKY
I didn't say anything! Junior is the
one that got into it!

JUNIOR
It's fucked up to call anyone in your
family an NPC bro. I don't care if he
feels that way.

SKY
But Junior you remember! It was that
night we were playing Detroit Become:
Human after everything happened. I was
talking about how hot Marcus was-

JUNIOR
I remember because I said your scary

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ass was more like Connor.

SKY
Exactly! Then Ocean said "I'm one of
the no name androids just like I am in
real life. An NPC."

OCEAN
I didn't say it like that. I was
joking anyway.

JUNIOR
You were serious bro. As serious as
you are now.

SKY
And that's what freaked us the fuck
out!

OCEAN
It's just how I feel. It's no big
deal.

Sky and Junior don't know what to say. Ocean pivots quickly.

OCEAN
Real life isn't a video game anyway.
(Beat.)
You guys wanna play something else?

Ocean moves to the PlayStation 2 to go through the available

games. Sky goes back to scrolling on his phone and Junior
picks up his controller after finishing his beer.

FADE TO:

INT. THE REID HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY

Keisha TikTok Video.

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