Life's Cinematic Soundtrack: Window of Time

(Headphones on pls)

Int. Convenience store - Night

Raf is looking for instant noodles. A few aisles away, Kai grabs her phone and starts to text. The Sundays' "When I'm Thinking About You" is playing on the speakers. Separately, they both look up and acknowledge the song. Kai bobs her heat to the music, Raf starts to sing along. Out of happenstance, they bump into each other in one of the aisles.

Raf: Oops, sorry!... Kaiya?

Kai is confused for a second but recognizes him quickly.

Kai: Raf!

Both of them look surprised but happy to see each other. Kai hugs Raf. They hug each other for a good number of seconds. Out of excitement, they both started talking at the same time. They laughed.

Kai: It’s been ages! How long has it been? How have you been?
Raf: Been 10 years, Kai. I’ve been okay. Keeping busy. You?
Kai: I’m good. I’m good. Wow, this is pretty bizarre meeting you here. You live nearby? Ah wait, don’t you live in…
Rafa: No, actually. I just came from a friend’s house. Had a few drinks. Okay, maybe more than a few.

He motions to show the instant noodles he got.

Kai: Ahh, noodles. for your hangover?… some things never change, ha (giggles)
Raf: Nope, some things never do (smiles). You? Do you live nearby?
Kai: Uhuh, I do. Actually I live close to the place where I work.
Raf: Oh wow, so you’re still pursuing your music career? Your band, The BANDeritas right?

Kai bursts into laughter. Raf looks at her confused.

Kai: Hahaha nope! Not anymore. Gave up that dream years ago.
Raf: Oh man, too bad! You guys were really good! When did you guys stop performing?
Kai: Uhh… Right after the time we… stopped seeing each other.
Raf: Ah…

Raf pauses and looks down. Kai looks away for a while. Both awkwardly smile at each other.
‘Stay’ is now playing on the speakers. They both hear the line “...but I know that I was wrong ‘caused I missed you…”

Kai: Sooo, when did you get back? Until when are you here?
Raf: I got back a couple of weeks ago. And (hesitates) actually, my flight’s tomorrow afternoon, 1pm. My friends gave a despedida for me tonight.
Kai: Oh. (long pause) That’s good though! At least you had reunions with your family and friends. I bet they missed you!
Raf: Haha yeah. If only Topher was here to meet all of them.
Kai: Your family isn’t here visiting with you?
Raf: Uh no. They’re, they're back home.
Kai: Oh, I’m sorry… We don’t need to talk about it if you don’t want to.

Raf sighs in relief and half-laughs. Kai looks at the time on her phone.

Kai: Sorry but it’s getting late. Need to get back home in a few minutes.
Raf: What? It's still early, Kai. You got work tonight?
Kai: No, I need to get back to my village. I’ve been outside the whole day.
Raf:Your "village"?
Kai: My dogs, cats, and my iguana named Godzilla.

Raf raises his eyebrows.

Kai: It’s a diverse village, I know.

They both laugh. Kai fixes the stuff in her bag.

Raf: Kai! Look, I got some extra time on my hands. Do you mind if I walk you home?
Kai: Are you sure? Don’t you have somewhere you need to be tonight?
Raf: Nope! I just had a drinking session with some buddies, so I think I’m good for tonight.
Kai: Okay, if you say so. I’ll just be outside for a quick smoke. (pauses then looks at Raf) It's so surreal seeing you again.

Kai goes outside and starts to smoke her vape. Raf looks at her through the window and watches her.

Raf: Some things never change…

[To be continued… ]

———

Inspired by films: 13 Going 30, Lost in Translation, 500 Days of Summer and music by: Maggie Rogers, Bon Iver and Beabadoobee, Window of Time is a glimpse of a chance encounter between two souls who haven’t seen each other in 10 years. They rediscover each other through catch-ups and casual conversations. Not knowing if and when they’ll meet again, they make most of what the meet-cute has given them — a small window of time.

Music: Window of Time by Lish
Gear: Cameraphone
Editing: Capcut
Location: Park