The Wisher and the Dreamer
Embedded Files
Death has witnessed countless lives come to an end. But when a little girl repeatedly escapes her fate, even he begins to question what he knows.
Years later, he discovers she's a Dreamer, destined to live a life she can only imagine. Meanwhile, her former lover, a Wisher desperate for fame and fortune, strikes a dangerous bargain with a mysterious Jinn.
As dreams and wishes collide, Death finds himself observing something even he cannot predict.
A free, three-part Chaosverse original screenplay.
Part One
Part One
FADE IN:
EXT. SUBURBAN AMERICAN TOWN – DAY
A quiet suburban street. Houses line the sidewalks, cars pass, and people go about their daily routines.
Among them walks a MAN dressed entirely in black. A long trench coat hangs from his shoulders.
He appears to be in his early forties.
This is DEATH.
DEATH (V.O.)
I’ve walked among the living for longer than I can remember. I’ve taken countless forms, yet I’ve never truly known what I look like.
Death passes a storefront, glancing at his reflection in the glass.
A SKELETON stares back at him, wearing the same black trench coat.
Death barely reacts.
DEATH (V.O.)
Whenever someone is about to die, they see me as someone they love. A familiar face. Someone who makes their final moments a little less frightening.
He continues walking.
DEATH (V.O.)
I’ve been a man, a woman, a child. Even a dog or a cat. Young, old... it makes no difference.
Death looks down at his hand.
His skin shifts before his eyes. Pale. Brown. Dark. Then pale again.
He turns his hand over, studying it with mild curiosity.
DEATH (V.O.)
But what am I, really? I know I am a god, but other gods have permanent, physical forms. None look like I do.
He glances toward another shop window.
Once again, the skeleton looks back.
DEATH (V.O.)
Perhaps that’s all I am. A skeleton wearing borrowed flesh. It could be worse.
He shrugs and continues down the sidewalk.
A distracted PASSERBY, looking at his phone, accidentally bumps into Death’s shoulder.
PASSERBY
Oh, sorry, man.
The passerby suddenly shivers, rubbing his arms.
PASSERBY
Jeez. Where’d that come from?
Death watches him hurry away, entirely unharmed. A ghost of a shiver goes down his spine as the passerby’s essence wafts near his nostrils. Death inhales the scent of spoiled milk and gags. Death shakes his head and sighs.
DEATH (V.O.)
A brush with Death. Quite literally.
He almost smiles.
Then—
CHIME.
A clear, delicate sound rings in his ears.
Death stops walking.
His expression changes. He closes his eyes and releases a heavy sigh.
DEATH
And there’s my next appointment.
Without warning, he VANISHES.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUBURBAN PARK – DAY
Death suddenly appears beneath a tree on the other side of town.
The park is peaceful. Children play, parents talk on benches, and a few people walk their dogs.
Death scans his surroundings.
Then he sees her.
A LITTLE GIRL, no older than six, with dark curly hair, tan skin, and wide green eyes.
She’s playing with a colorful ball near the edge of the park.
The ball slips from her hands.
It bounces once.
Twice.
Then rolls off the sidewalk and into the street.
The little girl immediately runs after it.
MOTHER (O.S.)
No! Stop!
Her PARENTS rush toward her, their faces filled with panic.
FATHER
Come back! Don’t go into the road!
But the little girl is already stepping off the curb.
A CAR approaches.
She doesn’t notice.
Death watches from beneath the tree. He knows what’s coming. He’s witnessed this moment countless times before.
Suddenly, a SHIVER runs down his spine.
He stiffens.
DEATH (V.O.)
What the fu—
He takes a step forward, but his foot catches awkwardly against the pavement.
He STUMBLES.
Death looks down, stunned. His movements have always been fluid, effortless. He’s never stumbled before.
He looks up.
The car is almost upon the little girl.
DEATH
HEY!
The shout escapes him before he can stop it.
The little girl FREEZES.
She looks toward the sound.
The car speeds past her, its tires CRUSHING the ball.
A sharp POP echoes through the street.
The girl stares at the flattened remains.
Then she turns toward Death.
Her green eyes narrow, as though she’s trying to make out something in the distance.
Death stands perfectly still.
DEATH (V.O.)
Can she see me?
Before he can find out, her parents reach her.
MOTHER
Oh, thank God!
The little girl bursts into tears as her mother scoops her into her arms.
Her father holds them both, visibly shaken.
Death watches.
DEATH (V.O.)
That wasn’t supposed to happen.
He looks toward the road.
DEATH (V.O.)
She was supposed to die. I know the feeling. The change in the air. The moment a life is about to end.
He glances down at his feet.
DEATH (V.O.)
And I don’t stumble.
The sounds of the park return. Children laugh. Birds chirp. Traffic continues.
Everything is normal again.
DEATH (V.O.)
Some mortals are more attuned to the supernatural than others. Perhaps she’s one of them.
He looks back at the little girl, now safely in her father’s arms.
DEATH (V.O.)
Interesting.
MONTAGE — THE PASSING YEARS
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT
Death stands beside an elderly woman’s bed.
She smiles at him, seeing someone familiar.
He gently extends his hand.
Her eyes close.
CHIME.
EXT. PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL – DAY
The little girl is older now, perhaps ten.
She struggles beneath the surface of a crowded swimming pool.
Death stands at the water’s edge.
He watches her sink.
Suddenly, something tickles his throat.
He COUGHS.
A strange, involuntary sound.
Underwater, the girl abruptly kicks upward.
She breaks the surface, gasping for air, and grabs the pool’s edge.
Death touches his throat.
DEATH (V.O.)
A cough? Really?
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA – DAY
The girl is now a teenager.
She sits with friends, eating lunch.
Suddenly, she begins choking.
Death stands nearby, watching.
A student pushes back his chair.
Death steps aside, but somehow COLLIDES with it.
The chair SCRAPES loudly against the floor.
The girl jerks in surprise.
She coughs violently, spitting out the food lodged in her throat.
Her friends rush to help.
Death looks at the chair, utterly bewildered.
DEATH (V.O.)
Again?
EXT. CITY STREET – EVENING
Death walks among a crowd.
CHIME.
He disappears.
INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT
Death stands beside another dying patient.
He takes their hand.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS – DAY
The girl, now a young woman, walks across campus carrying a portfolio.
Death watches from a distance.
INT. ART STUDIO – DAY
She paints at an easel, completely absorbed in her work.
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Death stands beneath a streetlight.
The young woman passes him, laughing with a friend.
He follows her with his eyes.
DEATH (V.O.)
Years passed. Hundreds of souls came and went. Yet somehow, this girl continued to escape me.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – NIGHT
Death looks up at a modest apartment building.
DEATH (V.O.)
Eventually, curiosity got the better of me.
END MONTAGE.
INT. THE DREAMER’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
A modest, slightly cluttered apartment.
Paintings lean against the walls. Art supplies occupy a corner of the living room. A laptop sits on a small desk.
Death appears near the doorway.
DEATH (V.O.)
Finding her wasn’t particularly difficult. It simply took a little searching.
He examines the apartment.
A framed college diploma hangs on the wall.
Beside it, a collection of unfinished paintings.
DEATH (V.O.)
College graduate. Lives alone. Works as a graphic designer.
He glances at a stack of bills.
DEATH (V.O.)
Not exactly living the dream.
He enters the bedroom.
The young woman, now in her late twenties, sleeps peacefully.
A WHITE CAT is curled beside her feet.
The cat opens one eye.
It stares directly at Death.
Death stares back.
DEATH
Hello.
The cat closes its eye and returns to sleep.
Death looks mildly offended.
DEATH
Charming.
He approaches the bed.
The woman’s expression is peaceful. A faint smile crosses her lips.
Death studies her.
DREAM SEQUENCE — INT. SUNLIT HOUSE – DAY
A spacious, welcoming home.
Paintings cover the walls.
The young woman stands before a large canvas, painting with effortless concentration.
Sunlight pours through the windows.
Someone approaches from behind and wraps their arms around her waist.
She laughs, turning to kiss them.
The scene shifts.
She’s painting again, surrounded by finished canvases.
There are no office deadlines. No financial worries. No unfinished work waiting on a computer.
Just her art, her home, and someone who loves her.
END DREAM SEQUENCE.
INT. THE DREAMER’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Death looks down at the sleeping woman.
DEATH (V.O.)
A Dreamer. A soul destined to live only in her dreams, never in reality.
He studies the paintings scattered around her room.
DEATH (V.O.)
There are countless Dreamers in this world. Most die without ever fulfilling their dreams. The cruel irony is that only after death do those dreams finally come true.
His expression softens.
DEATH (V.O.)
She doesn’t dream of fame or fortune. Just a comfortable home, someone to love, and the freedom to paint.
He sits in the chair beside her bed.
DEATH (V.O.)
Sometimes, I wonder whether death would be kinder.
He watches her sleep.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE — THE DREAMER’S DAILY LIFE
INT. OFFICE – DAY
The Dreamer sits at a computer, working on a graphic design project.
She checks the time.
Sighs.
Returns to work.
Death stands behind her, watching the screen.
DEATH (V.O.)
Thrilling.
INT. APARTMENT – EVENING
She eats dinner alone while scrolling through her phone.
Her cat sits beside her.
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Another day. Another project.
The Dreamer rests her chin on her hand, visibly bored.
Death stands nearby, equally unimpressed.
DEATH (V.O.)
I have witnessed civilizations rise and fall. Somehow, this is more exhausting.
INT. APARTMENT – EVENING
The Dreamer changes clothes, checks her reflection, and grabs her handbag.
Death watches with interest.
DEATH (V.O.)
Oh? A date? Finally, something exciting!
END MONTAGE.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
A moderately busy restaurant.
The Dreamer sits across from a handsome BLOND MAN in his late twenties or early thirties.
Blue eyes. Neatly styled hair. An all-American appearance.
Death appears beside their table.
He pulls out an empty chair and sits.
DEATH (V.O.)
Well. This is unexpected.
The blond man leans forward.
EX
I’ve really missed talking to you.
DREAMER
It’s nice catching up.
Her smile is polite but reserved.
Death looks between them.
DEATH (V.O.)
Oh, he’s definitely still interested.
The Ex smiles.
EX
Remember when we used to talk about moving to Los Angeles together?
DREAMER
That was a long time ago.
Death raises an eyebrow.
DEATH (V.O.)
Wait. They dated? What the fuck is this then?
He leans back in his chair, studying the man.
DEATH (V.O.)
When did that happen? How did I miss this?
Death narrows his eyes, disgust evident across his face.
EX
I’ve been auditioning again. A few callbacks, but nothing serious yet.
DREAMER
That’s good. I hope something works out.
EX
It’s tough, you know? Everybody wants to be an actor.
Death rolls his eyes.
DEATH (V.O.)
Oh, gods. A struggling actor. Take me now, Fate.
The Ex continues talking about auditions, agents, and the roles he believes he deserves.
The Dreamer listens politely.
Death rests his chin on his hand, rolling his eyes.
DEATH (V.O.)
I cannot believe she dated this man.
Later, the Ex reaches across the table.
EX
Do you ever think about us?
The Dreamer gently withdraws her hand.
DREAMER
I think we’ve both moved on. Or at least, I have.
The Ex’s smile fades.
DREAMER
I really do wish you the best. I hope you get everything you’re looking for.
She rises, collecting her handbag.
DREAMER
Take care of yourself.
She leaves.
The Ex remains seated, staring at the empty chair.
Death watches him.
DEATH (V.O.)
Well, that went beautifully.
He glances toward the restaurant exit.
Then back at the Ex.
Something about the man bothers him.
DEATH (V.O.)
Why am I still looking at him?
The Ex stands and leaves.
Death follows.
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
The Ex walks alone.
Death trails behind him.
DEATH (V.O.)
I should have followed the Dreamer home. Instead, here I am, following her loser of an ex-boyfriend across town.
He pauses.
DEATH (V.O.)
Is he about to die?
No chime.
Death frowns.
DEATH (V.O.)
Apparently not.
He continues following.
CUT TO:
INT. EX’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
A small, unimpressive apartment.
The Ex enters, drops his keys on a table, and closes the door.
Death appears behind him.
The apartment is cluttered with unpaid bills, audition scripts, and overdue notices.
Death picks up an envelope.
DEATH (V.O.)
Oh, dear.
He examines another.
DEATH (V.O.)
He’s in debt. Quite a bit of it, apparently. Is that why he spoke with the Dreamer? Did he want money?
The Ex sits on the edge of his couch, staring at the floor.
Death watches him carefully.
DEATH (V.O.)
I’ve seen desperate men do terrible things to themselves. Please don’t let this be one of those nights.
The Ex slides off the couch and kneels on the floor.
He clasps his hands.
Death tilts his head.
DEATH (V.O.)
Praying? Really? He didn’t strike me as the religious type.
The Ex begins murmuring.
Death approaches.
The words are unfamiliar at first, barely audible.
Then Death notices something.
A small, aged piece of white paper rests between the man’s fingers.
He is reading from it.
Death leans closer.
DEATH (V.O.)
Wait a moment.
The Ex continues reciting.
Death’s expression changes.
DEATH (V.O.)
That’s not a prayer… This is far worse.
The room begins to tremble.
A faint blue glow appears beneath the Ex.
DEATH (V.O.)
Oh, you fucking idiot.
The Ex finishes the incantation.
Silence.
Then—
A cloud of BLUE, GREEN, and PURPLE SMOKE erupts in the middle of the room.
The Ex scrambles backward.
Death remains seated on the couch, watching with growing disbelief.
The smoke twists and coils, gradually forming the silhouette of a man.
A JINN emerges.
He wears simple black clothing. His eyes glow a brilliant GOLDEN SAPPHIRE, while thin wisps of blue, green, and purple mist outline his body. His black hair is swept back by an unseen wind. He is simply breathtaking.
He looks around the apartment.
Unimpressed.
Then his gaze settles on the Ex.
For a split second, the Jinn studies him. His appearance shifts.
His black clothing transforms into a dark, ruby-red suit. His skin grows paler, and his black hair turns dark blond. The colorful mist fades, leaving only a faint glow around his figure.
Death raises an eyebrow.
DEATH (V.O.)
Well, isn’t that interesting? He’s made himself look like the Devil. A figure this man must know all too well.
The Jinn smiles faintly, seemingly satisfied with his new appearance.
JINN
You summoned me?
His voice is low, smooth, almost sensual.
The Ex struggles to his feet.
EX
Yes. Yes, I did.
The Jinn surveys the room.
JINN
And what is it you want?
EX
I need my life to change.
The Jinn raises an eyebrow.
EX
I’m an actor. Or I’m trying to be. Nothing’s working. I can’t keep living like this.
The Jinn looks at the unpaid bills.
Then back at the man.
JINN
I’ve met far more desperate people than you. I’ve met people on the brink of death. What makes you worthy of my magic?
Death folds his arms.
DEATH (V.O.)
Jinn. Similar to genies, but with one important difference. Genies are confined to lanterns. Jinn are free to roam, granting wishes through bargains and deals. And I don’t know if this jinn will make a deal or kill the man.
The Jinn circles the Ex slowly.
DEATH (V.O.)
And in my experience, they’re usually tricksters. Never trust a bargain when the other party makes all the rules.
The Jinn stops in front of the man.
The EX shivers. He opens his mouth, but no words come out.
JINN
Tell me, mortal. What is it you desire so desperately?
The Ex closes his eyes.
His hands tighten into fists.
EX
I’ve wanted this my entire life.
He takes a breath.
EX
I studied acting. I’ve auditioned for more roles than I can count. I’ve been rejected, ignored, told to try again. But I know what I want.
He opens his eyes.
EX
I want to be famous. I want to be in movies, on television. I want people to know my name.
The Jinn studies him. A flicker of light crosses through his blinding eyes.
JINN
More than anything else?
EX
Yes.
JINN
More than love? A family? A peaceful life?
The Ex hesitates.
Then straightens.
EX
If I have to give those things up, I will.
Death slowly sits upright.
EX
This is all I’ve ever wanted. I’ve never wanted anything else.
The Jinn’s iridescent golden-sapphire eyes brighten.
A knowing smile spreads across his face.
Death’s expression changes.
DEATH (V.O.)
Oh, no.
He studies the Ex, suddenly understanding.
DEATH (V.O.)
A Wisher. Of course.
Death stares at the man.
DEATH (V.O.)
He’d spent his entire life daydreaming about fame, fortune, and success. And the strangest part? He genuinely needed those things. Nothing more, nothing less.
He looks toward the Jinn.
DEATH (V.O.)
Wishers rarely see their wishes come true. They’re condemned to live through their daydreams alone.
Death shakes his head.
DEATH (V.O.)
But this bastard was about to get everything he’d ever wished for.
The Jinn steps closer.
JINN
Very well. I believe we can come to an arrangement.
EX
You’ll grant my wishes? How many do I get?
JINN
I will make them come true. But I propose something different from the usual bargain.
The Ex looks confused.
JINN
You may make your wishes, and I shall remain bound to our agreement.
The Jinn’s smile widens.
JINN
Until I tire of you.
The Ex blinks.
EX
What does that mean?
JINN
Precisely what I said. When I tire of you, our deal is through.
Death slowly shakes his head.
DEATH (V.O.)
Jinn draw power from their bargains. Some remain bound for years. Centuries, even, if their master is immortal. Others are released when a deal is broken.
He looks at the Ex.
DEATH (V.O.)
This one is human. The Jinn could remain with him for the rest of his life… draining the life out of him.
The Ex - now the Wisher - scratches his head.
THE WISHER
And you’ll give me what I ask for?
JINN
Within the terms of our agreement.
The Wisher considers this for barely a moment.
Then he extends his hand.
THE WISHER
Deal.
The Jinn takes it.
Their hands GLOW.
Blue, green, and purple light winds around their fingers, traveling up their arms before disappearing beneath their skin.
The apartment trembles.
Then everything falls silent.
The Jinn releases his hand.
JINN
Now, then.
He smiles.
JINN
What is your first wish?
The Wisher stands taller.
For the first time that evening, he looks genuinely hopeful.
THE WISHER
I want to be a famous, successful movie actor.
The Jinn’s eyes flash.
Death closes his eyes.
A long, exhausted sigh escapes him.
DEATH
This man is fucked.
The Jinn’s golden-sapphire eyes suddenly shift toward Death.
Their gazes meet.
A knowing smile curls across the Jinn’s lips.
He raises a single finger to his lips.
A silent warning.
The gesture is so quick that the Wisher doesn’t notice.
Death freezes.
Something cold trickles down his spine.
Sweat.
For the first time in his existence, Death feels himself perspire.
His eyes widen.
DEATH (V.O.)
That’s... new.
The Jinn lowers his hand, his smile lingering.
FADE TO BLACK.
END OF PART ONE
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