SPLIT - A Serialized Screenplay - Part Two

BEFORE WE BEGIN...

I heard from several of you that you enjoyed the first installment of this, and honestly, that's encouraging. I would like to start using this newsletter to share more fiction, both stuff I've got sitting on shelves and stuff I'm working on now.

For those who missed the first installment, you can read it here.

Now let's continue, the morning after Alex's upsetting nightmare...

EXT. TIGER ENVIRONMENT - DAY

Alex looks terrible, wobbly, pale and winded.

INT. TIGER ENVIRONMENT - DAY

Alex slips into the cage, just like he did the first time we saw him. As he does, he looks around for the tigers.

When he sees Rafael, he jumps, surprised.

Rafael is up on a raised part of the pen, crouched, watching Alex closely. His ears are back flat against his skull, and there's a coiled tension to him.

Alex stands motionless, watching Rafael, waiting for some sign of the animal's mood. As he watches, he notices flecks of blood on Rafael's muzzle, spots of blood on the rock.

Alex follows a trail of the spots, finally noticing something on the ground, maybe 10 yards away. Alex takes a step back so he can get a better look.

It's Rocio, her throat ripped out by Rafael.

Slowly, Rafael stands, then springs, landing deftly ten feet away from Alex. Rafael rumbles, a low sort of rolling growl.

Alex checks the distance to the door. He's not far, and he could probably make it if he had to run. Probably.

Alex holds one hand out towards Rafael. He smiles, trying not to betray how suddenly, unexpectedly nervous he is.

The tiger lets loose a menacing growl, showing serious teeth as he does. Alex drops his hand. Something very wrong here.

Rafael growls, moving a bit closer. He sniffs the air around Alex, not liking it at all. Alex edges towards the door.

The tiger lays his ears flat against his head and gets close to the ground, going into attack position.

Alex sets aside all pretense and leaps for the door. He pulls it open just as Raphael lets loose with a terrifying cry and charges!

Alex slams the door closed just ahead of Raphael's LUNGE!