WELCOME
THE MONEY SECRET — A CINEMATIC STORY
SCENE 1 — ANTHONY’S LIVING ROOM
The room is quiet. Anthony stands near the couch, holding some cash in his hand.
Shayla stands a few feet away, looking uncertain.
ANTHONY
This is for you.
Anthony extends the money toward Shayla. She looks at the cash, surprised.
SHAYLA
For me?
ANTHONY
Yeah. Take it. I want you to have it.
Shayla slowly accepts the money.
SHAYLA
Thank you, Anthony. I really appreciate this.
Anthony gives her a small smile. But neither of them notices someone watching from across the room.
D’Nisha.
SCENE 2 — D’NISHA SEES EVERYTHING
D’Nisha stands at a distance, staring at Anthony and Shayla. Her eyes move from Shayla’s hands to the money.
She takes a slow breath and walks toward them.
D’NISHA
Anthony.
ANTHONY
What’s wrong?
D’NISHA
Why are you giving Shayla money?
Shayla becomes uncomfortable and takes a small step backward.
ANTHONY
Because I wanted to.
D’NISHA
You just decided to give her money?
ANTHONY
Yes.
D’NISHA
And you didn’t think you needed to tell me?
ANTHONY
D’Nisha, it’s my money. I can give it to whoever I want.
D’NISHA
That’s not the point.
ANTHONY
Then what’s the point?
D’NISHA
The point is that money keeps disappearing, Anthony.
SCENE 3 — WAYNE ARRIVES
Before Anthony can answer, Wayne walks toward D’Nisha. His expression is serious.
WAYNE
D’Nisha, there’s something you need to know.
D’NISHA
What?
WAYNE
You need to know what Anthony has been doing with his money.
ANTHONY
Wayne, don’t start.
WAYNE
I’m not starting anything. I’m telling you what I know.
D’NISHA
Then tell me.
WAYNE
Anthony already gave Amber thirty percent.
THIRTY PERCENT?
The room suddenly becomes silent.
WAYNE
And now he’s giving money to Shayla too.
WAYNE
It looks like Anthony has already given away all his money. Maybe there’s nothing left.
SCENE 4 — THE QUESTION
D’Nisha slowly turns toward Anthony.
D’NISHA
How much money do you have left?
Anthony remains silent.
D’NISHA
Anthony, I’m asking you a simple question.
D’NISHA
How much money do you have left?
ANTHONY
D’Nisha…
D’NISHA
No. Don’t change the subject.
Anthony looks down. D’Nisha watches him carefully.
SCENE 5 — THE SILENCE
Seconds pass. D’Nisha waits for an answer. None comes.
D’NISHA
Why are you silent?
Anthony remains quiet.
D’NISHA
You were very confident a few minutes ago.
D’NISHA
You said it was your money. You said you could give it to whoever you wanted.
D’NISHA
So why can’t you tell me how much you have left?
Anthony looks away.
THE SILENCE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS.
SCENE 6 — ANOTHER SECRET
D’Nisha slowly shakes her head. Something has clicked in her mind.
D’NISHA
I knew something wasn’t adding up.
D’NISHA
First Amber gets thirty percent. Now you’re giving Shayla money.
D’NISHA
And when I ask how much you have left… you suddenly have nothing to say.
D’NISHA
What are you hiding from me?
ANTHONY
I’m not hiding anything.
D’NISHA
Then prove it.
SCENE 7 — THE BIG REVELATION
D’Nisha looks directly at Anthony. Wayne remains silent while Shayla lowers her eyes.
D’NISHA
Wayne may have just revealed another big secret.
ANTHONY
D’Nisha, listen to me—
D’NISHA
No. I want the truth.
Anthony stops.
D’NISHA
Not excuses. Not silence. The truth.
Anthony says nothing.
D’NISHA LOOKS AT ANTHONY.
THE UNANSWERED QUESTION HANGS HEAVILY IN THE ROOM.
EVERYONE WAITS FOR HIS ANSWER.
D’NISHA
How much money do you really have left, Anthony?
Anthony looks at her.
Silence.
D’Nisha’s expression tells everyone that she suspects the answer is much bigger than anyone expected.
TO BE CONTINUE.
THE SECRET IS ONLY BEGINNING…