FADE IN:
INT. MAKESHIFT CAMP - AFTERNOON
OLIVIA walks into a discreet corner of the camp to see CONNER sitting down on the floor, carving a spear on his lap.
OLIVIA
Do you think they're dead?
CONNER freezes for a second but continues carving the head of the spear.
OLIVIA
Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine, ha. What are you making?
She glances at the piece of wood and the knife CONNER is using to shave it. She sits opposite him but near.
CONNER
(Annoyed grunt)
A spear.
OLIVIA grimaces at the curt answer and shifts as other campers are moving around camp.
OLIVIA
Why do you need to make spears? We have guns just fine.
CONNER side eyes her.
CONNER
(Sigh)
And we have a finite amount of ammo, and it's better if we don't waste it hunting animals.
OLIVIA nods, kind of realizing their new lifestyle and way to survive. CONNER sighs once more and grabs a similar piece of wood to what is on his lap and throws it in OLIVIA'S direction. He digs into his pants and pulls out a switchblade. He throws the knife at her feet at uses the switchblade for the spear he's making.
CONNER
If you're gonna be here at least be useful. Just shave about an inch or 2 and make a pointed tip like this.
CONNER shows her the forming tip on the spear he's making. OLIVIA nods in understanding and tries her best to follow him while staring at his hands intently.
They work silently for a few minutes.
OLIVIA
So what's your deal? I mean not to say this isn't smart or anything, but you are the first one to think of something that's such a minor detail but is actually pretty fuckin important.
CONNER stops working on the tip of his spear, it looks finished. He kneels down on the ground as he gathers the sticks near him to make a nest for a fire.
CONNER
I have no deal. I'm just not a dumbass. That hunting party will use all our bullets by the third day, and I'd rather not have to deal with that.
OLIVIA keeps working on her spear, digesting CONNER'S statement. CONNER pulls out a silver lighter and, after making sure to clear the dry leaves surrounding the sticks he grabs one and lights the sticks while feeding it more dry leaves.
OLIVIA
You're full of shit. You clearly know what the hell you're doing. Look at everyone else.
OLIVIA and CONNER look at the other young campers looking a bit lost and following the orders of the older people in the camp.
OLIVIA
Everyone our age is running around like headless chickens, helplessly following those adults' orders. Then here you are, tucked in this corner, making spears and starting fires with a switchblade and a lighter.
After the fire settles, CONNER brings the pointed tip of the spear to sit in the center of the fire. His jaw tenses as he watches it.
CONNER
It doesn't matter. It's not like anyone will listen to a word I say.
He pauses and stares at the fire for a moment
CONNER
Word of advice, this is the time when you prove your usefulness, because when the situation worsens. Everyone will turn on everyone, and the first people that get killed are usually kids and women.
OLIVIA looks shocked and contemplative as she finally finishes the spear, it's not bad but not as good as his.
OLIVIA
So, is this what this is? Proving your usefulness.
CONNER glances back and grabs the crudely done spear and puts it in the fire pit while he takes out the one he made. He turns his body, which was crouched next to the fire, and turns fully to face OLIVIA.
CONNER
No. Yours.
There are loud noises coming back, and it's the hunting party that went out to get food carrying in some big animals. OLIVIA'S eyes widen and her eyes scrunch up in confusion as CONNER stands up and drops the finished spear in front of her. He glances around and leans down to her ear.
CONNER
(Under his breath)
Take credit for all of this. Say you learned it from a TikTok or some shit. I don't know you, and you don't know me. I had no part in this. Is that clear?
OLIVIA looks into his eyes with eyes filled to the brim with questions, but she settles for a nod.
OLIVIA
OLIVIA.
CONNER
CONNER.
CONNER walks away and disappears within the bustle of the crowd. OLIVIA watches his back for a moment before the hunting group notices her and the fire in front of her, along with the spears. She heaves a deep sigh, mentally preparing for the questioning and ignoring the image of curly brown hair and sun-kissed freckles.
FADE OUT: