EXT. VARRENGER COAST – DUSTY ROAD – DAWN

A jeep speeds along a dusty road winding along a river. Inside, the man, SAVAN, drives and the boy, ENRIC, looks sleepily out the window. They pull off and arrive at a rugged old pickup truck parked by the river and get out. Enric has the case and a backpack.

Savan stops. Enric turns, confused.

SAVAN

I can’t come with you, Enric. You know why. Someone has to stay and gum up the works.

Enric’s eyes go wide, now alarmed.

ENRIC

(flushing with anger)

Uncle—

SAVAN

I’ll show the bastards the cost of setting boots on our soil.

Enric searches for words but finds none. His uncle wraps him in a hug and, before letting go, presses a pistol into the boy's hand. Enric looks down, feeling the weight of it, then up at his uncle who meets him with confidence. Savan glances toward the truck where Hayden has yet to appear. Following his uncle’s gaze, Enric tucks the gun into his belt.

Hayden finally climbs down from the truck and approaches. Savan hands him a bag. Hayden rifles through the cash inside, satisfied, and nods.

Before departing, Savan offers a final word to his nephew.

SAVAN

Hey—you’ll be fine. You’re ready.

Enric climbs into the passenger seat of the truck, stowing the backpack by his feet and clinging to the case.  Hayden glances at the boy, noticing his teary red eyes. Enric gazes out the window, not noticing Hayden’s brief smirk.

Dust plumes up behind them as they peel away.

Written by a human without AI. Cover image made with Midjourney.

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