Raymond Pablo: An Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Success

The sun is sparkling and the clouds packed together.

Raymond (R.O)

Morning memory is strange.

2. EXT. THE BEACH PALACE – SUNRISE

A magnificent palace built beside a beach with an attractive deck.

The water level of the ocean acts as a reflecting mirror.

RAYMOND PABLO looks at the rising sun as he leans against the railing of the deck with a coffee glass in the right hand.

Raymond has a timeless look of her, the long white woman aging gracefully, with long hair.

RAYMOND

Things are not as easy as we think. Everyone has to work smart to make it in life. I am enjoying this place. The palace is cool. The breeze is in order.

3. INT. THE BEACH PALACE

Stacks of files on the tables and a telephone at the right hand of the table next to the cabinet in front of the white dry-erase boards with a foreign language write up. Each dialect has a different color.

RAYMOND

My dear, can I have some more coffee, please?

She pauses to the counter with her eyes sparkling after seeing the question written on the cup: Do you want to make a baby tonight?

RAYMOND (V.O)

This must be very fantastic in the evening.

 I have been looking for a place to relax after work.

In the evening, Raymond lifts the cup to stares at the question. He touches it with his figure to confirm that it is real.

THIRTY CENTIMETER FROM HIS FACE: There is a curious circular shadow from the outside. With watery eyes, he continuous looking at the glass.

In the background, the bedroom door opens, and the WOMAN is leaning against the frame, watching what Raymond is doing.

Raymond turns around, faking a smile from a sad face. We already know her answer.

4. INT. LCY CAMP GENERAL HOSPITAL – MIDNIGHT

Raymond holds a NEWBORN GIRL in his arms. Her mother name EVE, Raymond’s wife and the baby name LIZZY.

Lizzy reaches up, crooking her tinny hands around Raymond’s small finger.

LATER

The NURSE gets in and requests Raymond to get out of the room to allow Eve to have a rest. She picks baby Lizzy.

Raymond moves to the other side of the room where he can see the baby Lizzy through the window. Lizzy BLEATS and reaches for her mother.

Raymond smiles after seeing the behavior of Lizzy.

Eve breaths with exhaustion and pills her back. She turns her eyes slowly to the window and sees Raymond still staring at5 at Lizzy.

EVE

Okay, Raymond, come back please come to me…

5. EXT. THE BEACH PALACE YARD – MIDDAY

A girl is dressed as a cowgirl riding a toy horse with wheels instead of hooves.

She is Lizzy, with a charming face giggling as if she cannot stop.

Lizzy is now nine years old, with an overwhelming cognitive and language skills.

LIZZY

Hey, ‘em up and go!

6. INT. LIZZY’S ROOM – NIGHT

Nine-year-old Lizzy is tucked in bed. She says it like a prayer.

LIZZY

                                    Dad, I love you.

7. INT. THE BEACH PALACE – NIGHT

Thirteen-year-old Lizzy glowers at us.

LIZZY

                                    I hate all of you

--and runs into her small room.

8. INT. LUCY CAMP GENERAL HOSPITAL – MORNING

Thirteen-year-old girl Lizzy is a the bed with her two eyes closed.

Lizzy is pale, and her hair is short since it has been shaved in the previous month.

EVE (V.O)

                        I cannot believe that is the end.

EVE holds Lizzy’s hand in her left side, with the thumb tracing her daughter’s knuckles.

As Lizzy’s heat tops beating the life monitor stops.

As she forces out her final breath, her eyes roll up.

Raymond gets in fast and holds Lizzy tight with his hands trembling.

Three nurses get into the room and start pulling both EVE and Raymond out of place.

They succeed in getting Eve out, but Raymond resisted till the senior doctor comes and requests him to get out.

EVE

Don’t leave me—baby don’t please—

            Eve is not aware that she is shouting and crying. Lizzy lies on the ICU bed motionless.

RAYMOND (V.O)

My God, make me4 understand that there are beginnings and endings of everything.

I have come to realize that there are elements that define your life story beyond expectation. The fundamental question is: How can we avoid or prevent these events? 

9. EXT. RAYMOD’S CITY HOME - AFTERNOON

Eve father Jesse calls Eve for information regarding the condition of Lizzy.

Eve picks the call, but says nothing; she even cries louder.

Raymond tries to console her by holding her tight to the chest.

Eve uses Raymond’s yellow t-shirt to wipe the tears as she continues crying.

10. EXT. JESSE’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Jesse moves towards the balcony where his wife Milly was basking.

JESSE

                                    I think something terrible has happened to our granddaughter.

                                    The last time I called her mother when was in the ICU.

                                    Now she cannot even talk; she is crying.

                                    We can go and check on them.

            As Jesse speaks, Milly stares and him without saying any word.

            She walks directly into the room, picks her handbag and moves toward the parking yard.

            Jesse follows her with a car key.

11. EXT. RAYMOND’S CITY HOME – EVENING

Friends and relatives gather in the home to pass their condolence to Raymond’s family. Eve parents Jesse and Milly also arrive.

Even runs towards our mother, Milly as she cries

MILLY

(Shedding tears) --Sorry my daughter, everything has a beginning and end. Now you should be healthy for your family. I will support you in everything my daughter.

            Raymond seats on a coach shaking his head vigorously.

JESSE

(As he holds Raymond’s shoulder) –My son is a man and stands firm for your wife and family. Our wife now needs you most than ever. Remember we are not unique, what happens to others can also occur to us. The responsibility of a man is to protect his family, and that is what you should be doing now. Nothing should divert your attention, my son. –em! –are you getting me right?

12. INT. THE BEACH PALACE – AFTERNOON

Raymond and Eve are still mourning the death of their daughter Lizzy.

Eve thinks that Raymond loved Lizzy more than God and that is why God had to show His power by taking their daughter away from them. Raymond believes that Eve was not giving the appropriate diet to Lizzy, weakening her immune system.

EVE

(Maintaining direct eye contact with Raymond) –I think you loved our daughter Lizzy so much such that you forgot that there is God. My take is that God took Lizzy away from us as a lesson to give thanks whenever we receive blessings. Since the time Lizzy was born, you have never gone to church to give thanks. You only attended the dedication ceremony.

Raymond maintains silence as Eve talks to him about death and thanksgiving.

RAYMOND

Are you through? I have been waiting for a day like this to pass it directly to your hears that you are the primary cause of Lizzy’s death. Pneumonia cannot cause such a mysterious death. Lizzy did not have a healthy immune system. Who can we blame … em? Poor diet or lack enough food? I provide everything; you also add some from your little salary. You concentrated much on your work and forgot to take care of our only child. Are you happy now that, I am a father to a dead?

Eve leaves Raymond speaking to himself and goes directly to the counter for some wine. Raymond shakes his head while seating on the beach sand.

After goes back to the Casino in the palace, he found even at the center of five strong men gambling.

Eve does not notice her husband, Raymond.

She continues kissing the two men next to her.

Raymond pushes the two men and drags Eve towards the parking bay and drives her home.

13. EXT. RAYMOND’S CITY HOME – MORNING

Raymond wakes up at early to work.  He does not talk to Eve.

He fails to take the breakfast from the house.

Eve wakes up and enquires from the house help about Raymond.

Eve prepares herself for work and leaves without taking the breakfast.

14. INT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED

Raymond’s father-in-law Jesse enters the office with a tall medium-sized lady behind him.

Jesse introduces the lady as Linda, his friend’s daughter who finished study recently.

The lady has a shape close to that of Raymond’s wife Eve.

Raymond informs Jesse that the only vacancy available is for his secretary.

Linda demonstrates a willingness to take the job.

Raymond informs Jesse that he will first consult with the board regarding the candidate then get back to Linda.

15. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Raymond stretched her right, picks the phone and calls Linda and informs her about her new job as his secretary.

16. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Linda arrives at work on time before Raymond and finds her table ready.

Upon arrival, Raymond asks Linda to see him in his office.

Linda adds make-up and straightens her hair to look more beautiful.

Raymond stares at Linda as he explains to her the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Linda keeps on smiling as she listens to her role.

The smile of the two shows that they are already in love.

17. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – EVENING

Eve enters Raymond office and finds Linda.

EVE

Who are you? ...My love, who is this woman standing beside you? Get out! I want to talk to my husband!

Linda moves toward the door without saying a word.

RAYMOND

What is wrong with you my love? Do I have to inform you about every new employee we recruit? Anyway, what brings you here?

Raymond had forgotten that they were to have early dinner together at The Beach Palace. After Eve reminds, Raymond remains silent for few seconds remembering what happened the time in the Casino

As you can see I have a lot of work on the table. Please, we shall have the dinner another day, maybe tomorrow.

            Eve gets out of Raymond’s office and goes directly to Linda’s desk.

EVE

(Shouting at Linda) I do not care whether you’re my husband’s secretary. All that I care is seeing you close to my husband. Understood?

Linda continues rearranging files without saying anything. Other employees stop their work and channel their eyes to Linda.

Try me!

            Eve walks towards the exit door.

18. EXT. RAYMOND’S CITY HOME – NIGHT

Eve is alone in the living room at midnight.

Raymond has not come from work.

Eve sits on the couch clicking as she shakes her legs.

19. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Raymond is busy in the office signing invoices and looking attendees as he prepays for the following day executive meeting.

Three hours after midday, Raymond moves to the company’s packing yard and drives home.

20. EXT. RAYMOND’S CITY HOME – MORNING

Raymond enters in the house and finds Eve, awake in the living room.

EVE

Where have you been? I knew you would take your secretary out for dinner and even a night. I see you… Raymond.

Raymond looks at her and moves to the master bedroom to take a shower.

He says nothing to his wife EVE.

21. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Eve enters the premise and goes directly to Linda’s desk.

Linda fails to report at work.

Raymond arrives few minutes after Eve left the premise.

Raymond calls Linda immediately after getting into the office since he wants her to prepare some documents for the meeting.

Linda informs Raymond that she is unwell and she is getting medical attention at the nearby clinic.

Linda assures Raymond that she will arrive within thirty minutes,

Raymond asks Linda to go back and have a rest.

LINDA

(Through the phone) Thank you, boss, I love…

            Raymond cuts Linda short and promises to visit her after the meeting.

22. INT. LINDA”S HOUSE

Linda is in the kitchen preparing lunch with a short dress.

She hears a ring at the door.

            Linda walks fast and opens the door.

Raymond enters Linda’s house.

Raymond was surprised at how beautiful Linda’s house was, regardless of being a secretary.

LINDA

Welcome, Sir!

RAYMOND

                                                            Please call me Raymond!

LINDA

Okay, Sir, ... sorry, Raymo…

23. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Eve enters Raymond’s office and finds no one.

Raymond had not informed anyone in the office where he was going.

The co-workers thought that he went for lunch out, but he was taking long.

Eve notes that Eve was missing, she is also sure that her husband cannot go home that early.

She asks for the address of Linda’s house and drives fast.

24. EXT. LINDA’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

A knock on the door, since the door is open, Eve pushes and gets in.

Eve finds Raymond checking Linda’s temperature by touching her head with long hair.

EVE

                                                Do not stop … kiss her ... I knew you are a monster!

Raymond stands very fast and walks towards his wife, Eve.

EVE

                                                Don’t even dare come close to me!

Eve walks out as Raymond follows her.

She gets into her car and drives away.

Raymond follows her.

25. RAYMOND’S CITY HOME - EVENING

Silence in the house, Raymond tries o explain the4 reason to go to Linda’s apartment.

Eve remains silent and absent-minded as Raymond talks.

EVE

I want a divorce; make it your priority tomorrow morning.

RAYMOND

You will never get a divorce from me, Eve… Right?

Raymond walks to the bedroom and leaves Eve at the living room.

26. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Raymond receives a call from his advocate requesting him to visit Attorney’s office to sign the divorce papers.

27. INT. ATTORNEY”S OFFICE

Raymond agrees to sign the documents

He requests to be given at least one week to talk with his wife Eve.

Attorney grants Raymond the time.

28. EXT. OPTION COMPANY LIMITED – MORNING

Two days after, Eve enters into the company premise with a short piece of metal from an umbrella.

Eve goes direct to Linda’s desk and hits her at the head.

Linda faints, and she is taken to the hospital unconscious.

The company makes a call to her mother who promises to come immediately.

To preserve company’s reputation, the firm rights a report to the hospital indicating that it was an accident.

Eve accompanies Linda to the hospital.

29. EXT. LUCY CAMP GENERAL HOSPITAL - AFTERNOON

Linda’s mother, MARY, arrives in the hospital.

MARY

My daughter even, how is your young sister?

            Eve was under shock upon hearing that.

            The joy at Mary’s face shows elements of truth.

            Raymond was also shocked, he starts imaging how the two look alike.

Mary explains how she gave Eve to Jesse and Mary when she was one year old. She deeds that that since her father who was an alcohol addict could not provide her better life. Jesse has been taking care of Linda. Jesse was surprised to learn that the two sisters were in a fight. Linda hears everything, and she reconciles with Eve.

Eve cancels the divorce application and hugs Raymond, after hearing his story too.