THE STAGE 32 LOGLINES

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IF NOT THIS

IF NOT THIS
By Bradley J. Lincoln

GENRE: Drama
LOGLINE:

After a life-threatening accident leaves him physically impaired, a stubborn farmer faces a critical choice between his unwavering commitment to work and the future of his family.

SYNOPSIS:

The story begins in Alan and Lois' farmhouse bedroom at dawn, with Alan waking up in pain but trying not to disturb Lois, who is still asleep. In the kitchen, Alan quietly takes his medication while Lois talks on the phone with their daughter, discussing their plans for the day. Their granddaughter Emily eagerly joins Alan in the kitchen, expressing her excitement about spending time with him. As Lois prepares breakfast, she expresses concern for Alan's well-being, reminding him to take it easy.

Alan moves to the bathroom, where he discovers a bleeding wound on his ribs. In their bedroom, he attends to his injured leg, struggling with the pain. Lois walks in and offers to help, gently tending to his wound and expressing her worry about his stubbornness to push through the pain. Despite his discomfort, Alan insists on making his daily rounds and checking the farm's fence, highlighting his determination to continue working.

Lois eventually relents, allowing Alan to go, but not before reminding him of their son's offer to help and the support available to them. Alan sets off in his old pickup truck, every movement causing him pain. As he drives, he receives a call from their neighbor, John, informing him that their tractor, essential for their soybean crop, is beyond repair. Alan's face reflects his disappointment and concern for their livelihood.

Faced with this setback, Alan reflects on his identity as a hardworking farmer and the challenges he's now confronted with due to his injuries. Despite his physical limitations, he remains resolute in finding a way to keep the farm running. Meanwhile, Lois confronts Alan about his stubbornness, emphasizing the importance of his well-being and the support available from their son and the community.

The story transitions to a field, where Alan labors to repair a fence, leaning on a crutch for support. Emily joins him, unaware of the danger approaching in the form of a reckless car speeding down the nearby road. Alan spots the car and becomes alarmed, realizing Emily is in harm's way. In a race against time, he musters all his strength and limps toward Emily, shouting for her to move out of the road. Tension builds as the car speeds closer, threatening Emily's safety.

Nate Rymer

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