2.    EXT.  UNDER STREET LAMP.  NIGHT

 

THE NARRATOR runs to the stopped truck, panting. THE DRIVER is an old, kind-looking man with a soft Southern accent wearing old-fashioned ice cream truck uniform. They turn to the narrator with a smile. 

 

THE DRIVER

Isn’t that funny. What would you like this fine afternoon?

 

The Narrator looks confused. It seems that they just realized where they are and what they are doing. 

 

THE NARRATOR

Afternoon? I don’t — I don’t know. Have we met before?

 

The Driver gives no acknowledgement to the question. They smile gently, and nod their head. 

 

THE DRIVER

We sure do! I’ll have one of those coming right up. 

 

The Driver turns around and reaches into the back of the truck, their face and upper body disappearing from view. As the Driver turns back around, a red, white, and blue popsicle (the “Rocket”) is handed to the Narrator. The Driver also no longer appears the same — in their place is the Narrator, wearing the same uniform. The original Narrator does not seem to notice the change. 

 

THE NARRATOR

How much is it?

 

THE DRIVER

How much is what?

 

THE NARRATOR

The ice cream. 

 

The Driver changes appearances again. They are a middle-aged woman with sharper features and an East coast accent.

 

THE DRIVER

Have a sweet day, sugar.

 

The Narrator looks down at their popsicle, slowly dripping on their hand. The popsicle wrapper is in their other hand, but we do not see them remove it. Time seems to be moving wrongly. The Narrator looks back up at the Driver, who tips their hat with a smile. As their head tilts back up, we see that they are a small child, about ten years old. The Narrator watches, from the middle of the street, as the Driver silently and slowly drives away, down the street. They stop at the stop sign and turn right, disappearing into the dark night. The Narrator takes a bite from their popsicle. 

 

THE END. 

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