winter has come.

A very dark skinned man, athletic build and tall introduces himself. He appears to be some type of fitness instructor. MOZU (In African accent) Hello! I am MOZU! PATRICK Oh. Hello, Mozu. MOZU (In very clear American accent) How we doin'? There is a slight awkward break and short pause before he continues, laughing. MOZU CONT'D Haha! Got you! Thought I was African, didn't you? PATRICK (awkwardly) Wouldn't have mattered! MOZU That one always gets people. PATRICK How often do you do that? MOZU A lot. PATRICK Oh. That is funny. MOZU Yes, it is. Haha! I'm from Michigan. PATRICK Oh—which part? MOZU Detroit. 8 Mile. PATRICK Oh! MOZU Aha! Got you again! Oh, I'm kidding. Suburbs. Near the lakes. Very nice actually. PATRICK (Laughing awkwardly) Oh… MOZU We have a boat. PATRICK Oh. Still? MOZU Would you believe me if I told you it sank? PATRICK I'm not sure. MOZU It did. Not all the way, but. We still have it. PATRICK You're kind of funny. MOZU Not as funny as you, so I've heard. PATRICK You've “heard”? MOZU I was briefed. They always stick me with the Higher end clientele. PATRICK Is that so? MOZU Yeah. I'm the only one that doesn't get starstruck so easily. PATRICK It's probably your quick-wit…and subtle self depreciating racism. MOZU A combination that can't be beat. PATRICK It can't. MOZU So, where you from? PATRICK (without hesitation) The Bronx. MOZU I sense this is not a joke. PATRICK I don't see a camera anywhere—do you? MOZU Funny you should say that… PATRICK Why? MOZU I was hoping you would sign me this autograph, here—- He produces a folded piece of paper from his pocket. PATRICK Seriously? MOZU Yeah, actually— I just need you to sign right here— [beat, an almost solid glare of disbelief.] MOZU It's—your release form. PATRICK Oh! MOZU Got you again, didn't I? Haha! PATRICK Yes, you did. MOZU Good. Just sign here. He does. MOZU CONT'D And here. He signs again. MOZU CONT'D And. As he is finished signing the form MOZU sneaks a quick selfie. PATRICK (Lowly) Eee. MOZU Yeah. PATRICK (Short) Okay. MOZU To track your progress. He lets out a deep sigh. MOZU Away we go. They walk into the luxury gym, which appears to be empty, as the sun rises over Manhattan. {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2019-2024 | THE COMPLEX COLLECTIVE. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -Ū.