1 INT. ROSE GARDEN - EVENING 

              Ornate, glass double doors swing open.  CURTISS (40's), the
              tall and imposing uniformed butler, turns and exits.

              Curtiss reappears.  He carries a silver tray on which sit a
              carved silver bowl and a folded linen serviette.

              Curtiss walks past rows of blossoming roses.  Exotic birds
              flit, chattering.

              An elaborate wrought iron gate is hinged open at a threshold.
              Curtiss passes through.
 

            2 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - EVENING 

              Curtiss enters.  Vivid colours pulse from huge roses
              glistening with dew.  Sunlight refracts against the angled
              glass dome above, splashing a riot of hallucinogenic patterns.

              Seated in blissful contemplation is MORRIS LARDNER (70's).
              Dressed in silk pajamas and cashmere robe, he is as wealthy
              as he is vital.  He fingers a crystal goblet.

              Curtiss places the tray on the table beside Morris.

                                  MORRIS
                        Ella mi fu rapita parmi.

                                  CURTISS
                        Rigoletto?

                                  MORRIS
                        Si, Curtiss, grazie.

              Curtiss thumbs through a selection of LP albums at the music
              stand.  Curtiss chooses one, slips it from the jacket and
              dusts it with a cloth.  Curtiss places the disk on a
              turntable, switches on the player and applies the needle to
              the revolving disk.  A beautiful opera aria plays.

              Morris' eyes light up.  As Curtiss exits the room, the old
              man's eyes glisten.  Morris turns to see:

              ANOTHER ANGLE- in a trance like pose is NICHOLAS (24).  He's
              euphoric, beautiful, tragic.  Nicholas hugs himself, swaying
              with the tempo of the music.

              But Nicholas is unkempt, gaunt and pale.  His dirty work
              shirt is open, exposing bloody slashes across his chest.

              Morris drains the wine.  His teary eyes are glued on the
              mournful youth.  Morris unfolds the serviette to reveal a
              gleaming silver knife.  Morris caresses the blade.

                                  MORRIS/BEAUTY
                        Nicholas.  Come to me.

              The young man hears a soft and feminine voice.  He turns.
              Nicholas' VISION is of a radiant and feminine BEAUTY.

              The Beauty rises.  Her sheer white gown accentuates her
              splendid form.

              Nicholas floats toward the Beauty.

                                  MORRIS/BEAUTY
                               (continuing)
                        Nicholas my dear.  You've done
                        such a wonderful job with my
                        darlings.  My darling roses.

              The silver knife gleams as it twists in the Beauty's hand.

              The Beauty embraces Nicholas.  She leans closer.

                                  MORRIS/BEAUTY
                               (continuing)
                        Words can't describe how I love
                        you so, my dear sweet Nicholas.

              Nicholas gazes in rapture.  Nicholas' passion rises as he and
              the Beauty kiss.

              The couple break their embrace. WE SEE that Morris has been
              kissing the youth.

                                  MORRIS
                               (Beauty's voice)
                        My beautiful Nicholas.

              Morris brings Nicholas' hand to his mouth and kisses it.
              Morris turns Nicholas around and whispers into his ear.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing; Beauty's
                                voice)
                        You've saved my precious roses.
                        My darling, my sweet.

              Morris slashes Nicholas' wrist.  As his arm falls, blood
              pulses from the wound into the silver dish.

              WE PUSH IN PAST Nicholas as Morris whispers adorations in his
              ear.  With violent precision, Morris slits the young man's
              throat.  Flecks of blood spatter Morris' face.

                                    ACT ONE
 

            3 INT. KITCHEN - MORNING 

              Lindsay Preston (30) ponders the cup of coffee before her.
              She's intelligent and pretty.   She's been crying, Lindsay's
              in a funk.  She dumps a spoonful of sugar into her coffee.
              She sniffs back a last tear.  Lindsay shovels another one in.

              Lindsay sits at the table.  Snap out of it girl!  She grabs
              the newspaper folded to the classifieds.  Lindsay scans over
              the ads.  She sweeps her long hair back as she circles a
              particular ad.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Expert gardener required to manage
                        estate.  Benefits, vacation.
                        Qualifications may be submitted to
                        Box 17, Toronto Star.
 

            4 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - DAY 

              Lindsay brakes her VW bug at the bottom of the drive and
              allows another car to exit.  A Japanese MAN (40ish) drives on
              to the street.  They lock eyes for a beat.

              Lindsay pulls up the drive.  The glorious stone mansion
              stands on manicured grounds covered in beautiful gardens,
              trees and shrubs.

              Curtiss is hand washing the Mercedes Limo in the turnout.

              Lindsay parks her car and gets out.

              At Lindsay's feet is a small patch of brown grass.  She bends
              and rolls the dirt between her fingers.

              Curtiss approaches.

                                  CURTISS
                        Hello?
 
                                  LINDSAY
                               (rising)
                        Hello.  I have an appointment to
                        see Mr. Lardner.

                                  CURTISS
                        Lindsay Preston?

                                  LINDSAY
                        That's me.

                                  CURTISS
                        Yes, well very good.  My name is
                        Curtiss.  Would you come this way
                        Miss Preston.

              Curtiss escorts Lindsay to the front door.  Lindsay takes in
              the impressive surroundings.
 

            5 INT. ROSE GARDEN - DAY 

              Morris Lardner prunes his beloved flowers.  WE ARE NOT IN THE
              idyllic GROVE.  Morris has clipped some roses which are laid
              out on a small work table beside him.  His back is to Lindsay.

              Lindsay and Curtiss enter through the double doors.  Curtiss
              leaves.  Lindsay is left to peer over Morris' shoulder.

                                  MORRIS
                        The Puritan through life's sweet
                        garden goes...

              Morris snips a flower off the bush.  He grimaces as a thorn
              punctures his finger.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        ...he pluck's the thorn and casts
                        away the rose.

              Morris turns and smiles as he holds up the rose.  A small
              bead of blood rises on Morris' index finger.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Rosa rugosa alba.
 
                                  LINDSAY
                        The Rose of the Poets.
                        Characteristic rugose foliage is
                        deeply veined.  It carries large
                        hips and possesses a vigorous
                        bush.  The flower, varies from
                        white to the most prized, a vivid
                        pink and when in bloom is noted
                        for it's sweet, musky fragrance...

                                  MORRIS
                               (smiles)
                        ...and...

                                  LINDSAY
                        ...straight, thin and long pricks
                        arm the stems.

              Morris lays the rose with the others.  He licks the blood off
              his finger.  He points to several bushes around him.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (continuing)
                        Nootka Rosa nutkana, clustered
                        wild rose rosa pisocarpa and...

                                  MORRIS
                        ...and...

                                  LINDSAY
                        ...pearhip rose rosa woodsil,
                        variety...

                                  MORRIS/LINDSAY
                        ...ultramontana.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Leaflets obviate in shape, acute
                       at base and acute to rounded at
                        the tip. All three are indigenous
                        to the Columbia River Gorge.

                                  MORRIS
                        Home of my beloved mother.
                               (sighs)
                        Indeed.

              Curtiss returns carrying a silver tea tray.  He places it on
              the table beside Morris.
 
                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Tea?

                                  LINDSAY
                        Yes please.
                               (considers)
                        One sugar please.

              Morris stares at Lindsay while Curtiss pours two cups of tea.
              Curtiss adds a sugar to one cup.  He adds milk to the other.

              Curtiss offers the tea on the tray to Lindsay. A beautiful
              long stem red rose rests beside the cups.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (continuing)
                        Nematodes.

                                  MORRIS
                        Yes?

                                  LINDSAY
                        For the dry patch of grass in the
                        front, by the drive. To counter
                        the deep borrowing insects.
                        Application in July for best
                        results.

              Lindsay picks up her cup of tea.

                                  MORRIS
                        Seventeen hundred and fifty
                        dollars a week.

              Lindsay is floored by the offer.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Three weeks paid vacation.  Full
                        medical and dental provided...

              Lindsay's eyes grow bigger, questioning.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        ...provided Miss Preston...

              Lindsay reaches toward the long stemmed rose.
 
                                  LINDSAY
                        Sir?

                                  MORRIS
                        That you never touch my beloved
                        roses.

              Lindsay stops short of picking up a rose.
 

            6 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - DAY 

              Lindsay tours the estate.

              Lindsay is amazed as she discovers the wonderful variety of
              plants and trees.   She scribbles detailed notes while
              inspecting the various species.

              Lindsay stops.  Opera music drifts from the glass enclosed
              rose garden.

              Lindsay steps closer.  She can just make out Morris walking
              inside.  He falters, then supports himself against a chair.
 

            7 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - NOON 

              Curtiss holds Lindsay's chair as he seats her for lunch.

              Curtiss steps around and unfurls a serviette.  The table is
              set with sterling, china and cut crystal.  There is another
              place setting opposite.

                                  CURTISS
                        Mr. Lardner will not be joining
                        you for lunch.  He apologizes,
                        he's feeling a bit under the
                        weather.

              Curtiss uncovers the entre.

                                  CURTISS
                               (continuing)
                        I hope you like chicken Miss
                        Preston.

                                  LINDSAY
                        It looks great Curtiss. 
 

            8 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - MINUTES LATER 

                                  CURTISS
                        Are you finished Miss Preston?

              Lindsay nods.  She's pondering.

              Curtiss removes Lindsay's plate.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Will you call me Lindsay please?

                                  CURTISS
                        Mr. Lardner may object to that
                        indulgence, Miss.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Curtiss, will lunch be like this
                        everyday?

                                  CURTISS
                        Miss?...Oh no, we usually take our
                        meal indoors.

              Lindsay smiles.  Curtiss starts toward the house.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (turning)
                        Curtiss, what happened to the
                        person who tended the gardens
                        before me?

                                  CURTISS
                               (stops and turns)
                        Mr. Lardner terminated him, Miss
                        Lindsay.

              Curtiss turns and leaves.
 

            9 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - EVENING 

              Lindsay drives down the drive.  She exhales.
 

           10 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - MORNING 

              Lindsay steps around the corner of the house carrying her
              gardening tools.  She notices:
 
               A small moving van parked by the coach house.  Curtiss is
              directing a couple of MEN as they struggle with a heavy piece
              of furniture.  They move from the coach house toward the
              truck.

              One of the Men drops his end.  CRACK!

              Curtiss jerks his gaze toward Lindsay.  Lindsay is
              intimidated by Curtiss' aggressive stare.  She averts her
              eyes and begins her work.
 

           11 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - AFTERNOON 

              Lindsay is busy in the garden.  She doesn't see Morris
              approach. Morris is looking pale, he's growing weaker.

                                  MORRIS
                        How did it go yesterday Miss
                        Preston?

              Lindsay turns.  She steps forward to greet Morris.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Hello sir.  Not bad for day one.
                        You feeling better?

                                  MORRIS
                        So so, my dear.

                                  LINDSAY
                        The estate is, beautiful sir.

                                  MORRIS
                        Thank you.  We're hoping to keep
                        it that way, with your help of
                        course.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Yes sir.  I've taken the liberty
                        of compiling a must do list.  I'd
                        like to discuss it with you.

                                  MORRIS
                        Well, it seems I have hired the
                        right person.  Will you join me
                        for tea this afternoon.  We can
                        discuss this list of yours then.
 

           12 INT. LIVING ROOM - TEA TIME 

              Curtiss escorts Lindsay into the large room.  Expensive yet
              comfortable furnishing.  The glass double doors at one end
              adjoin the Rose Garden.  The tea service is set up on a table.

              Morris leans against a chair.  He faces a row of windows that
              overlook the patio.

              Morris is even weaker now.  Lindsay comes over to him.  She
              carries a folder filled with notes.  Curtiss attends to the
              tea.

                                  MORRIS
                        My dear.  One sugar isn't it?

                                  LINDSAY
                        I'd take two.

              Morris nods to Curtiss.

                                  MORRIS
                        By the way, I was remiss to inform
                        you.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (bracing for bad news)
                        Sir?

                                  MORRIS
                        I don't know what your living
                        arrangements are currently.  The
                        position includes access to a
                        rather spacious apartment here on
                        the estate, in the coach house.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Sir, I...

                                  MORRIS
                        Rent free of course.

              Lindsay's speechless again.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (recovering)
                        I have those notes for you sir.

                                  MORRIS
                        Splendid my dear.

              Lindsay opens the folder.  Morris takes it from her.
 
                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Why don't we just have our tea
                        first.
 

           13 INT. ROSE GARDEN - A BEAT LATER                            13

              Morris and Lindsay stroll through the rows.  They hold their
              cup and saucers.

                                  MORRIS
                        The red rose whispers of passion,
                        and the white rose breathes of
                        love, O, the red rose is the
                        falcon and the white rose is a
                        dove.

              Morris leads her a few more steps.  He turns to Lindsay.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing;
                                concerned)
                        I need your advice on something my
                        dear.

              Morris falters at the threshold of the grove.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Will you help me?

              The huge gate grate creaks as Linsay swings it open.
 

           14 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - A BEAT LATER 

              They step into the Grove.  Lindsay is awed by the
              kaleidoscope of colours, bushes upon bushes of perfect roses.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Oh my God!

                                  MORRIS
                        Do you like them Lindsay?

                                  LINDSAY
                        They're, I've never seen anything
                        so beautiful.
 
                                  MORRIS
                               (entranced)
                        These are my darlings.  My life's
                        blood.  The reason I surely exist.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Yes sir, I can see.

              Morris frowns.  He steps closer and points.

                                  MORRIS
                        Here.  These leaves.  What do you
                        make of these?

              One of the bushes is not so vibrant. Lindsay crouches and
              leans closer.  She fingers a yellowing leaf.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        They're dying.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Well, I'm not sure.  They may be
                        suffering, chlorosis, I think.

                                  MORRIS
                        Yes?

              Morris stands, he's dizzy.  His hand shakes, rattling the cup
              and saucer.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (turning to him)
                        Are you alright sir?

              TIME STRETCHES FOR A BEAT.

              The plant Lindsay's holding MOVES.  Lindsay pulls her hand
              back.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (continuing)
                        Ouch!

                                  MORRIS
                        My dear?

              Lindsay checks her finger.  Blood forms in a bead.
 
                                  LINDSAY
                        I've stuck myself.  Theses little
                        suckers hurt.

                                  MORRIS
                               (smiling)
                        More like pricks than suckers, eh?
                        Chlorosis?

                                  LINDSAY
                        Yes sir.  The soil must be too
                        alkaline.

                                  MORRIS
                               (concerned)
                        Well, what can we do?

              Lindsay turns back to the rose leaves.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Iron sir.  Chelated iron and
                        compost.

              Morris collapses to the ground.  The tea cup and saucer
              shatter.

              Lindsay scrambles to help him.
 
 
 

                                    ACT TWO
 

           15 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - MORNING 

              Lindsay drives up and parks.

              A moving van sits by the coach house.  Curtiss supervises as
              two MEN hoist a feminine looking clothing dresser off the
              truck.

              Curtiss sees Lindsay.  He nods and smiles at her.
 

           16 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - NOON 

              Lindsay sits at the table eating lunch.  The other place
              setting is still there, still vacant.

              Lindsay puts down her fork and stares at her pricked finger.
              She sucks on it.
 

           17 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - AFTERNOON 

              Lindsay works in one of the gardens.  She looks up and sees
              Curtiss escorting Morris by the arm to a patio chair.
              Curtiss seats the old man with some difficulty.

              Curtiss grabs a blanket and lays it over Morris' lap.
 

           18 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - LATER 

              Lindsay makes her way across the patio.  Morris is still in
              his chair.

              As Lindsay gets closer she sees Morris in a fitful sleep.
              His breathing is irregular, his condition worse.

              Lindsay stops and contemplates the old man.

              Lindsay turns.  She gasps.  Curtiss is right beside her.

                                  CURTISS
                               (speaks softly)
                        I'm sorry Miss Lindsay.  I didn't
                        mean to frighten you.

              He leads her a few steps away.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Mr. Lardner's not doing very well.

                                  CURTISS
                        No, we're quite concerned.  The
                        doctors however, think he just
                        needs some rest.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Well, if there's anything I can do.

                                  CURTISS
                        There is Miss Lindsay.  On top of
                        all this, Mr. Lardner is extremely
                        worried about his roses.  The ones
                        with the chlor...

                                  LINDSAY
                        Chlorosis.

                                  CURTISS
                        Mr. Lardner was wondering if you
                        could have a look in on them.
                        Maybe you can help.
 
                                  LINDSAY
                        Sure, I will do that Curtiss.  No
                        problem.

              Curtiss digs into his vest pocket and withdraws an old iron
              key.

                                  CURTISS
                        You'll need this.
 

           19 INT. ROSE GARDEN - LATER 

              Lindsay wheels a cart filled with gardening supplies toward
              the Grove threshold.

              Lindsay turns the iron key in the lock of the huge gate.
              Click.  She swings the heavy iron barrier open.

              Lindsay takes a deep breath and enters.
 

           20 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - A BEAT LATER 

              The full impact of this magical place hits her once again.
              Lindsay exhales in wonderment as she takes it all in.

              Lindsay focuses as she advances to inspect the sick roses.
              The yellow colour has spread, more of the plants are affected.

              Lindsay crouches and brings her hand close to one of the
              wilting flowers.  She's defying the rose to move.  The rose
              shakes, then jumps.  IT PRICKS HER!  Lindsay pulls her hand
              away.

              TIME STRETCHES.  Lindsay loses her balance for a beat.  She's
              dizzy.  She sees a petal detach and flutter to the ground.
              She snaps out of it.

              Lindsay unloads her gardening supplies.
 

           21 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - LATER 

              Lindsay has finished her work.  She takes a final look then
              leaves.
 
 

           22 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - EVENING 

              Lindsay walks toward her car.  She stoops to inspect the
              patch of grass that was once brown.  It is now turned green.

              Lindsay gets in her car and starts the engine.

              She watches as Curtiss approaches.  Lindsay rolls down the
              passenger window and Curtiss sticks his head in.

                                  CURTISS
                        Hi Miss Lindsay.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Hey Curtiss. How's he doing?

                                  CURTISS
                        A little better actually.  Mr.
                        Lardner was wondering if you'd
                        stay for a light supper.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (pondering)
                        Well, oh sure, of course.
 

           23 INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING 

              Morris is in a wheel chair.   Lindsay sits beside him at the
              table.  Curtiss uncorks another bottle of wine.

              An Opera plays in a turntable.

              Curtiss pours Lindsay some more wine.  He puts the bottle
              between them.  He exits.

                                  MORRIS
                               (labouring)
                        But earthlier happy is the rose
                        distilled...

              Lindsay is within herself.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        You know what our friend Mr.
                        Shakespeare was referring to?

              Lindsay doesn't respond.
 
                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        My dear?

                                  LINDSAY
                               (steeling herself)
                        Well, yes sir, I do.  Roses are
                        distilled to perfume.  The
                        perfume, to him, was marriage,
                        and...

                                  MORRIS
                        ...and...

                                  LINDSAY
                        He meant that, marriage is true
                        happiness on earth.  But earthlier
                        happy is the rose distilled...

              Lindsay rolls the goblet in her fingers then takes a mouthful.

                                  MORRIS
                        Than that which, withering on the
                        virgin thorn...

              Lindsay swallows hard and manages a smile.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Kind of how my marriage ended.  At
                        least the withering and thorny
                        parts.

                                  MORRIS
                        I'm sorry Lindsay.  I didn't
                        realize.  That was rather
                        thoughtless of me.

              Lindsay is feeling the effects of the wine.

                                  LINDSAY
                        It's OK sir.  It was rather
                        thoughtless of him too.

              Morris struggles to catch his breath for a beat.

                                  MORRIS
                        How are my darlings.  I can't bear
                        to think of them suffering so.
 
                                  LINDSAY
                        Don't worry Mr. Lardner.
                        Everything will be fine.  Just
                        give it a day or so.

              The music finishes.

                                  LINDSAY
                               (continuing)
                        I should be going Mr. Lardner.
                        It's been a day.

              Morris puts his hand on hers.

                                  MORRIS
                        Lindsay, why don't you stay.

                                  LINDSAY
                        I shouldn't sir.

                                  MORRIS
                        Don't be silly.  You know there's
                        an empty apartment just waiting
                        for you.  Please, I'll call
                        Curtiss.  He'll take you over.

              Off Lindsay's look.
 

           24 INT. COACH HOUSE APARTMENT - NIGHT 

              Curtiss opens the door for Lindsay.  She steps into the
              spacious, well appointed living room.

                                  CURTISS
                        Mr. Lardner will feel much more
                        comfortable now that you're not
                        driving.  Please make yourself at
                        home.  I think you'll find
                        everything you need.

                                  LINDSAY
                        Thanks Curtiss.
 

           25 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT 

              The sad melodies of an opera aria drift in through the open
              window.
 
              Lindsay notices a silk nightie and robe set out on the bed.

              She turns.  A large vase of the garden grove roses on the
              dresser, pulse.  Lindsay studies herself in the mirror above
              the flowers.  Her eyes well-up with tears.

              Lindsay moves her hand toward the roses.  Closer.  A ROSE
              JERKS OUT AND PRICKS HER!

              Lindsay arches.  The effects are as much pleasure as pain
              this time.  She pulls the rose from the vase.  Blood beads up
              on the wound.  Lindsay watches her blood drip onto a wilted
              leaf.  It changes to green.  Lindsay's incredulous.

              As the aria crescendos...
 

           26 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE DREAMSCAPE - NIGHT 

              TIME STRETCHES-A pixilated sped up scenario:

              Lindsay swoons.  She floats.

              A huge needle rests in the grooves of a spinning LP.  The
              distorted opera aria plays.

              Tears of blood well in Lindsay's eyes and drip onto the rose
              still clutched in her hand.

              Morris transforms into a young man.  Rose petals drift around
              young Morris and Lindsay, entwined in a lover's embrace.
 
 
 

                                   ACT THREE
 

           27 INT. BEDROOM - MORNING 

              Lindsay wakes in bed.  She turns.  The rose is on the other
              pillow, still vibrant and intact.  Lindsay pulls the sheet
              back.  She's wearing the silk nightie.

              Lindsay is mystified.  She sits up and looks to the dresser.
              The roses have wilted, the vibrant colours gone.  Leaves have
              yellowed, petals have fallen to the floor.

              Lindsay regards the rose on the pillow again.
 
 

           28 EXT. LARDNER ESTATES - MORNING 

              Lindsay, still in her nightie and robe, walks across the
              drive.

              Curtiss is washing the Mercedes.

                                  CURTISS
                        Morning Miss Lindsay.  Did you
                        sleep alright?

              Lindsay continues walking, not saying a word.

                                  CURTISS
                               (continuing; smiling)
                        Breakfast is on the patio?  I'll
                        be right there.
 

           29 INT. LIVING ROOM - MORNING 

              Lindsay enters the living room.  Through the windows Lindsay
              can see Morris sitting at the breakfast table on the patio.

              Lindsay stops and studies the pale man.  An IV is attached to
              his wheel chair.  A blanket is draped over his shoulders.

              Morris turns.  Their eyes meet.

              Lindsay heads toward the glass doors.  She opens them.
 

           30 INT. ROSE GARDEN - MORNING 

              Lindsay runs down the rose rows.

              Lindsay comes to an abrupt halt.  The iron gate is closed
              across the threshold.

              The key is still in the lock.  CLICK.  It opens.

              Lindsay swings the gate wide, THE KEY STILL LEFT IN THE LOCK.
              Lindsay crosses the threshold.
 

           31 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - A BEAT LATER 

              Lindsay stands in the grove.  The roses have lost their
              vibrancy.  Petals lay wilted and strewn everywhere.  Yellow
              leaves outnumber green.
 
              One rose dances with electric colour, still radiating it's
              vivid glow.  It lures Lindsay closer.

              Lindsay examines the flower.  Lindsay reaches out for the
              rose.  Lindsay touches the petals.  She runs her finger down
              the prickly stem.

              THE ROSE JUMPS.  The thorns bite deep into Lindsay's flesh.

              Lindsay is in ecstasy.  She licks at the blood oozing from
              the many small pricks on her hand.

              TIME STRETCHES.  Lindsay moves now as if in a trance.

              Lindsay turns toward the threshold.  Drops of her blood fall
              to spatter wilted petals on the floor.  They revive.

              The heavy gate clangs shut.  Curtiss smiles at her as he
              pockets the key.

              Lindsay grabs a pruning knife from the work table beside her.

              Lindsay steps closer to a rose bush.  She looks at the knife,
              then the roses.

              Lindsay slices into the base of her thumb.  A crimson line
              displaces the knife's edge.  Blood beads and roll off her
              hand.

              Lindsay is blissful.  She holds her bleeding hand over the
              rose.  Her blood hits the flower.  It regains its pulsing
              vibrancy at once.  Lindsay slices the top of her hand.  She
              moves her arm right, then left, dripping blood over other
              plants.  They too revitalize.

              Lindsay is entranced as the vivid colours renew.  She waves
              her bloody arm like a magic wand. Flowers come to life.

              Lindsay collapses.
 

           32 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - SOMETIME LATER 

              Lindsay is delirious.

              Sounds of the gate opening.

              Curtiss pushes Morris in his wheel chair to the table.  The
              old man has deteriorated.  Wizened, and near death.
 
              Curtiss takes a tissue from his sleeve and wipes spittle from
              Morris' mouth.

                                  MORRIS
                        The Puritan through life's sweet
                        garden goes, to pluck the thorn
                        and cast away the rose.
 

           33 INT. IDYLLIC GROVE - SOMETIME LATER 

              Morris, handsome and vital once again, sits in blissful
              contemplation, a wine glass twirling in his fingers.

              Curtiss enters and places the silver tray on the table beside
              the old man.  On the tray is an engraved silver bowl and a
              folded linen serviette.

                                  MORRIS
                        Si, Curtiss, grazie.

              Curtiss switches on the player and applies the needle to the
              revolving disk.  The beautiful opera aria plays.

              Morris' eyes light up.  As Curtiss exits the room, the old
              man's eyes glisten.  Morris turns to see:

              ANOTHER ANGLE-trance-like, Lindsay sways, euphoric.

              But Lindsay is gaunt and pale.  She wears a flowing sheer
              gown.  Angry slashes of dried blood cover her exposed flesh.

              Morris' teary eyes are glued on the mournful young woman.
              Morris drains his glass of wine.  He lays the goblet down and
              unfolds the serviette to reveal the gleaming silver blade.
              He caresses the knife.

                                  MORRIS/YOUNG MORRIS
                        Lindsay my sweet.

              Lindsay turns.  Her vision is of the Dreamscape Morris, young
              and handsome.

              Dreamscape Morris stands up from the chair.  His flowing
              white shirt hangs open, exposing a strong muscular body.
 
                                  MORRIS/YOUNG MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Lindsay my dear.  You've done such
                        a wonderful job with my darlings.
                        My darling roses.

              The silver knife gleams as it twists in Dreamscape Morris'
              hand.

              Lindsay floats to Dreamscape Morris.  They embrace.

                                  MORRIS/YOUNG MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Words can't describe how I love
                        you so, my dear sweet Lindsay.

              Lindsay is in rapture as she gazes in his eyes.  Lindsay's
              passion rises as she and Dreamscape Morris kiss.

              The couple break from their embrace.

              Vital, old Morris, has been kissing Lindsay.

                                  MORRIS
                               (Dreamscape voice)
                        My beautiful Lindsay.

              Morris brings Lindsay's hand to his mouth and kisses it.

              Morris reveals the silver knife.  He slashes his own wrist
              first then slashes Lindsay's wrist.  Morris holds her arm to
              his. Their blood mingles and drips to fill the silver bowl.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Your life's blood feeds me and
                        mine.  You too are now the reason
                        I surely exist.

              Morris turns Lindsay.  He brings the bowl to her mouth.

                                  MORRIS
                               (continuing)
                        Drink my sweet.

              Lindsay drinks. She revives, colour and energy pulsing back
              into her being.
 
                                  MORRIS/LINDSAY
                        But earthlier happy is the rose
                        distilled.
 

           34 EXT. STARBUCKS COFFEE SHOP - DAY 

              A handsome MAN (30ish) sips at his non fat, no foam, one raw
              sugar latte.

              On the table before him sits a newspaper folded open at the
              classifieds.

              The Young man scans down the ads.  He finds one.  He circles
              the classified with his pen.

                                  YOUNG MAN
                        Couple requires expert gardener to
                        manage estate.  Sounds good to me.

                                  FIN