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The Beautiful Game

The short story is about Pedro, a 10-year-old boy with a passion for soccer. He lies in bed watching an MLS game and dreams of playing professionally. In his dreams, Pedro scores a spectacular goal and impresses his coach, who recruits him for his team. Pedro works hard at practice to improve his skills. However, it is revealed that Pedro is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair.

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anna.mary.arueta.gintoro031202
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64 views

The Beautiful Game

The short story is about Pedro, a 10-year-old boy with a passion for soccer. He lies in bed watching an MLS game and dreams of playing professionally. In his dreams, Pedro scores a spectacular goal and impresses his coach, who recruits him for his team. Pedro works hard at practice to improve his skills. However, it is revealed that Pedro is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair.

Uploaded by

anna.mary.arueta.gintoro031202
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Beautiful Game

Written by
Fausto Lucignani

Copyright (c) 2017


[email protected]
FADE IN:

INT. HOUSE - ROOM - NIGHT

PEDRO, an adorable ten-year-old child lies in bed with his


back leaning against two fluffy pillows.

He holds in his hands a tablet.

INSERT - TABLET SCREEN

A Major League Soccer game.


BACK TO SCENE

Pedro follows attentively the game.

Intermittently, he gets excited by the action on the field.

He slowly closes his eyes.

DAYDREAM SEQUENCE:

EXT. SOCCER FIELD - GAME - DAY

Pedro runs after the ball beating his opponent.

He continues his fantastic run dribbling two defenders.


Then, with an astute move, he fakes the goalkeeper and
scores a spectacular goal.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Pedro stands in front of the team's COACH, an athletic man


in his 50s.

COACH
What's your name?

PEDRO
Pedro...Pedro Alvarado.

COACH
Where are you from?

PEDRO
My parents are from Argentina...I was
born in New Jersey.
2.

COACH
How old are you?
PEDRO
Ten.

COACH
(laughing)
Only ten?

PEDRO
Yeah.

COACH
Where did you learn to play?

PEDRO
In my back yard...with my uncle.

The coach smiles.

COACH
He did a good job. Would you like to
play with my team?

PEDRO
I don't know...I have to ask my Mom.

COACH
What about your Dad?

Pedro lowers his eyes.

PEDRO
He left us after I was born.

COACH
Why?

PEDRO
I don't know...

COACH
Okay, no problem...I'll ask your Mom.

Pedro looks at the coach with a sad expression.

PEDRO
Am I going to be on the bench?
3.

COACH
No, you'll be a starter...but first,
your Mom must give me the okay.
You're quite young, you know.

PEDRO
My Mom loves to see me play soccer.

COACH
By the way, you know that you're
going to make a lot of money, right?

PEDRO
My Mom puts my birthday money in the
bank for college...I'll put that
money in the bank...Mom will be
happy.

COACH
If you do well, you can be drafted to
the USA national team...I'm sure, you
would love that.

PEDRO
It has been in my dreams for a long
time...I'll work hard, you'll see.

COACH
How are you doing in school?

PEDRO
I'm doing well...all A's and one B.

COACH
No bad, but know you have to practice
every day... games...more things in
your life.

PEDRO
I can do it. I promise.

END DAYDREAM SEQUENCE

Pedro keeps his eyes closed.

A loud voice reverberates through the house.

VOICE (O.S.)
(with a Spanish
accent)
Did you wake up?...Your breakfast's
ready...
4.

Pedro does not answer.

His eyes are attached to the tablet's screen.

DAYDREAM SEQUENCE:

EXT. SOCCER FIELD - DAY

Pedro runs with the ball in and out of a long line of


practice cones.

The coach observes him while timing his speed on a


chronometer.

COACH
Don't lose control of the ball...keep
it glued to your feet...

Pedro slows down his running to better control the ball.

COACH (cont'd)
No...no...more speed, more speed....
go....go...

Pedro increases his speed. He goes though the cones with


agility and excellent ball control.

COACH (cont'd)
Good job...start again and repeat
it...you're doing well Pedro...

END DAYDREAM SEQUENCE.

INT. HOUSE - ROOM - DAY

Pedro's mom, good-looking in her 40s, enters the room.

MOM
Pedro...

PEDRO
Yes Mom...

MOM
What are you doing?

Pedro looks at her with his eyes wide open.


5.

PEDRO
Nothing Mom...I was watching a game.
MOM
The food's ready...let's go.

INT. HOUSE - ROOM - MINUTES LATER

Pedro's mom approaches the bed.

MOM
Slowly...
PEDRO
Okay...

INT. HOUSE - ROOM - MINUTES LATER

Pedro exits the room zigzagging between two chairs.

His paralyzed legs dangle from his adult-size wheelchair.

Tears slide down his youthful cheeks.

The End

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