The Library Of Lost Things.

The Library of Lost Things

Characters:

ELARA (20s): A librarian with a quiet life and a vivid imagination.

MR. ARCHER (70s): A grumpy patron with a soft spot for the unusual.

THE BOOK (Voice-over): Melancholy, slightly dramatic.

Setting:

A dusty, old library after hours. Stacks of books line the tall shelves.

(The scene opens. ELARA is pushing a cart of books, humming softly. MR. ARCHER is sitting at a large oak table, glaring at a book.)

ELARA

Closing time soon, Mr. Archer. Did you find what you were looking for?

MR. ARCHER

(Snaps the book shut)

No. This thing is useless. Mentions the Battle of Hastings three times in one paragraph but can't tell me who invented the paperclip. Shoddy research.

ELARA

I believe that was Norwegian inventor Johan Vaaler.

MR. ARCHER

(He stares at her.)

Hmmph. Smarty pants.

(He gets up and shuffles his way towards the exit. Elara continues her work, organizing the return cart. She pulls out a worn, leather-bound book that doesn't have a visible title.)

ELARA

Well, you don't belong here.

(She opens it gently. The pages are blank at first, then words begin to shimmer and appear on the page.)

THE BOOK (V.O.)

(A low, resonant voice)

"I have been left behind. Again."

ELARA

(Jumps, looks around, then back at the book.)

Excuse me?

THE BOOK (V.O.)

"Oh, don't pretend you can't hear me, librarian. You're the only one who ever does."

ELARA

(Whispering urgently)

You can talk?

THE BOOK (V.O.)

"I can do much more than that. I contain the entire history of everything that was ever misplaced, forgotten, or simply lost."

(Elara frantically flips through the pages. The words describe mundane things: 'A single sock, blue argyle pattern, lost under a couch in Ohio.' 'A set of keys left in a taxi in London, 1998.')

ELARA

This is... impossible. Who lost you?

THE BOOK (V.O.)

"Everyone. And no one. Now, if you don't mind, I was rather enjoying my nap inside a discarded copy of 'Moby Dick'."

MR. ARCHER

(He re-enters, looking confused.)

Left my hat.

(He spots Elara talking to the book.)

MR. ARCHER

You’re talking to a book, girl? Finally losing it? The stress of organizing the Dewey Decimal system got you?

ELARA

(She quickly hides the book behind her back.)

Just... just practicing a monologue, Mr. Archer. Library regulations!

MR. ARCHER

(He narrows his eyes.)

Is that the Blank Book of Guff?

ELARA

The what?

MR. ARCHER

(He moves surprisingly fast and snatches the book from her hands.)

Gave this to my nephew years ago. Told him to write his own life in it. Idiot lost it on a bus.

THE BOOK (V.O.)

"A bus! The indignity! I was covered in pretzel salt!"

MR. ARCHER

(He ignores the voice and tucks the book under his arm.)

Come on. We've got a lot to catch up on, you old rogue.

(He turns to leave.)

ELARA

Wait! It's magic! It talks about lost things!

MR. ARCHER

(He pauses at the door, winks.)

Everything's magic if you look hard enough, Elara. Especially the stuff you find right where you left it.

(Mr. Archer exits with the book.)

(Elara stands alone, staring at the empty table, then slowly smiles.)

(FADE OUT)