No Time (The First Short Story I’ve Had Published)

No Time

The clock, it ticks on the wall. Ticks past the time. Constant and everlasting, ticking away until that day. The day that everything will change. The day the world will lose its self and the people will follow, in its wake. The day time will stop passing and in its place the people will tick away one by one, second by second. The day when we will stop losing time and all that will be left is life. Tick… Tick… Tick… that day has come.

It started unlike any other day. The sun didn’t rise. The birds didn’t sing. My alarm clock didn’t sound. But that was least of my worries. My day when time didn’t pass was going to be the longest of my life.

I don’t know why I’m writing this. I don’t know if anyone other than me is ever going to read it. I don’t know if anyone is going to survive. It’s been 23 hours, 51 minutes and 58 seconds since time stopped. So far, as close and my maths can make it 4,764,967,064 billion people are dead, and at any second I could join that figure.

No time, that’s what the news was calling it. The amount of time that has passed since time stopped. Before the news stopped broadcasting there was a scientist, who had a theory. He thought that the mass of people dying was because time had stopped. His theory was that 77,892 people were dying a second and if you multiplied that number by 86,400 the number of seconds in a single day, you would get the world’s population. I believe him but that doesn’t matter now. Nothing does. Nothing I do makes a difference. All that’s left for me is to wait. Wait for my second.

I’m not sad or upset in any way at the thought of my death. That’s only because I now understand that all I can do is wait. The people still living have no choice. I know this because four hours, 16 minutes and 33 seconds ago I tried to take my own life. The only choice I thought I had left. I was wrong.

In my bedroom, in a small wooden chest at the bottom of my wardrobe, is a gun. Don’t ask me why I have a gun; you’ll not have the chance. I can’t say for sure if everyone will be able to understand what it is like to hold a gun to your head and pull the trigger. I can. I’m unsure if everyone else will be able to imagine this. I can, I was in that situation.

Imagine how hard it is to lift that gun. Feel the weight of it in your left hand. The cold steel sending a slight shiver up your spine. You can feel the weight of the bullet in your other hand, notice how light it feels in comparison as you load it in to the gun. You take a moment or two, maybe even three as you come to terms with what it is you are about to do. As you raise the gun to your head, taking that last slow breath as you close your eyes and pull the trigger. Now imagine what it’s like when the gun doesn’t fire. When the gun can’t fire. The thought of having to lift that gun again is unimaginable. I was able to lift that gun again. I was able to hold it to my head; and I was able to pull the trigger. The gun still didn’t fire.

I don’t know if this is true, but like the scientist on TV I have a theory. I don’t think we’re allowed to die until it’s our second. I have never been a religious person. Never believed in a higher power. Today that has changed. It’s the only way that any of this can make sense in my head. There must be a higher power. A higher power that stopped time 23 hours, 54 minutes and 26 seconds ago. A higher power that has given each of us a second. I believe this because my gun works. Their is a hole in my wall that proves it.

We all take time for granted. We never think about how much time we have left. When we are going to die. I can’t help but find it ironic. Ironic that it takes time to stop before anyone notices how much we have left. Now it’s all anyone can think about. I haven’t made up my mind yet. Whether or not I’m one of the lucky few whose second was left near the end. I feel as if I’ve entered a state of enlightenment. I now realise the important things that matter. The things that if I had another day of time, I would do. I would tell my wife that I loved her more often. I would buy my daughter the Elmo toy she has wanted all week. I would finally tell my parents that when I was 20 I took a year out of university and bummed around. I would do the things that anyone of us would do if we had more time. Then I would do more again.

My name is Conrad Gray. I am 43 years old. I worked at K.J.H investments. I loved my family. At some point in the next four minutes and 44 seconds, my second will arrive. I can only hope that there will be someone alive to read this. Someone who wasn’t given a second. Someone that surv

The Attack of the Giant Green Lizard Thing

My first attempt at filmmaking, circa 2008.

When a Giant Green Lizard Thing, knocks out the power in their flat, two friends decide the only way they’re going to finish their video game is if they travel to B & Q for a generator. But first they must defeat the one thing that stands in their way. The Giant Green Lizard Thing.
Kirsty Dykes – Actress
Nick Edwards – Associate Producer
Karl Henry – Actor/Writer/Director/Editor
Iain Mitchell – Actor/Physical Effects Supervisor
Craig Mooney – Actor/Camera Man
Steven Tait – Actor/Special Effects Supervisor
Stuart Wilkie – Extra

Original Script For The Attack of the Giant Green Lizard Thing

To view in the correct format please click here. Alternatively just keep scrolling to read. 

THE ATTACK OF THE GAINT GREEN LIZARD THING

Written by

Karl Henry

SC1 INT. Flat Living Room – Day 1 09:30 

[Black screen. You hear two fast paced, panicked; out of breath voices.]

KARL:

To your left; to your left, up on the hill. Now your three o’clock.

STEVE:

I see him I’m reloading, cover me.

KARL:

Crap, I’m out of ammo. There’s a mob coming towards me. Reload already.

STEVE:

I’m going a fast as I can, alright.

KARL:

Shit I’m hit hurry, ahhh, too late I’m dead

[The black screen fades to show Karl and STEVE SITTING on the living room floor playing gears of war on the x-box. Beside them are empty bottles of juice and empty sweet wrappers.]

KARL:

Ahhh, we were so close.

STEVE:

Ahhh balls I’m dead now too, alright one more shot and we’ll call it a night.

[Leanne enters the living room. She is in her pyjamas. she has just woken up. She looks tired.]

KARL:

Morning, you feeling ruff this morning? You and Matt where pretty steaming last night.

LEANNE:

Yeah I’m fine sure I told you I don’t get hangovers. You guys missed a good night like. It was so funny, right outside Fat Sam’s Matt got beat up by this really drunk fat girl. It was so funny trying to watch him fight her off.

STEVE:

Gutted.

LEANNE:

We were so drunk getting back in here last night. Wait where you two not playing this when we got back? Have you two been playing all night?

STEVE:

We’ve been stuck on the last level since five.

LEANNE:

You guys are sad. Stick on the news I’m sure there’s something going on; I remember Mr Taxi driver telling me about it.

KARL:

Gives us half an hour all we need is one more shot and we’ll finish the game.

[The level of the game restarts]

LEANNE:

Can we not watch it now, I sure it’s really important something about a giant green lizard attacking the city.

STEVE:

Leanne, you were steaming last night.

LEANNE:

I’m sure he said a giant green lizard. That’s why I want to find out.

KARL:

We know you seemed pretty sure last night.

LEANNE:

Put on the news then you’ll see. I’m not crazy

KARL:

An ha

LEANNE:

I’m not.

KARL:

Okay

LEANNE:

You guys are dicks I’m making a cup of tee.

KARL:

Make me one.

[Leanne leaves the living room to make a cup of tea.]

CUT TO:

SC2 INT. Flat Living Room – Day 1 [09:40]

Sitting on the sofa is leanne with a cup of tea. Karl and Steve are still playing the x-box. They have just died again.

KARL:

Aahh, not again.

STEVE:

It’s alright one more shot and we’ll do it we were so close that time.

KARL:

Leanne, did you make me a cup of tea?

LEANNE:

Naw, you’re a dick. (pause) It’s in the kitchen

KARL:

(smiling at leanne). Thank you.

LEANNE:

Can we watch the news now?

STEVE:

Just one more shot.

[Suddenly the power goes out in the flat.]

STEVE:

We didn’t save did we?

KARL:

I’m to check the switch board before I start to cry.

[Karl leaves the room to check the switch board. leanne makes her way to the window and opens the blinds.]

KARL: (O.O.V)

The trip switch is up; the power should be back on.

LEANNE:

I don’t think the trips the problem.

[A big gaint green lizard walks past the living room window.]

LEANNE:

You guys might want to see this. I told you I wasn’t crazy.

[Steve stands up and looks out the window and a short time after Karl appears behind him. All three of the flat mates look out the window.]

KARL:

Huh! Now that’s some you don’t see everyday.

LEANNE:

See I told you? But oh no, no one would listen to Leanne.

KARL:

What the hell do we do now? Steve it’s all over what the hell are we going to do? We’ve got no power. We’re going to starv….

[With a stern and determined look on his face Steve says.]

STEVE:

No

KARL:

Sorry?

STEVE:

No, it’s not over. Not while there is still air in my lungs and blood pumping thought my veins it will never be over. Karl we’ve came too far we’ve done too much.

LEANNE:

Yeah, gay boys

STEVE:

We’ve seen too much. Been thought too much together it’s not over. Too long has Gears of War sat on the book shelve uncompleted.

LEANNE:

You two are idiots; I’m going to see if Matt’s awake.

[Leanne leaves the living room.]

STEVE:

Too long have we been stuck on the final boss. Today is the day where it ends. Today is the day when we complete Gears of War. I promise you Karl today we will finish this game. One way or another it ends; and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let a giant green lizard thing stop me. Karl are you with me?

[The buzzer rings and before Karl can answer.]

Steve:

Oh a visitor. I wonder who it could be.

CUT TO:

SC3 int. leanne’s bedroom – day 1 

[Leanne is it her bed room she is trying to wake up Matt who is lying under the covers in her bed. His entire body is covered.]

LEANNE:

Matt? Matt? Are you alright? God how hung-over are you.

MATT:

(Incoherent mumbling)

LEANNE:

I was going to make breakfast but the power’s out some big giant green lizard thing is attacking the city. You should come see.

MATT:

(More incoherent mumbling)

LEANNE:

Fine then sleep.

CUT TO:

SC4 int. steve’s bedroom – day 1

[Steve is in his bedroom by the Secrete Compartment at the window. He throws the clothes that are lying on it to the floor and throws the lid to the side inside is a lego dinosaur, a map of dundee, three toy army men and a toy car. Steve takes a deep breath and takes out the things.]

CUT TO:

SC5 int. flat living room – day 1

[As Steve enters; sitting in the living room is Mitch, Kirsty and Leanne. Karl is standing by the window. Steve lays the map out on the floor.]

STEVE:

Ok guys I’ve always knew that what has happen today was a possibility so I took the time to come up with a plan. Mitch we’re going to need your car. Do you have it with you?

MITCH:

Yeah it’s up at Kirsty’s

KARL:

Actually, no it’s not.

CUT TO:

SC6 ext. the street outside the flat – day 1 

[you see a car flying through the air. it lands upside down in the middle of the road in front of the flat.]

CUT TO:

SC7 int. flat living room – day 1 

[Karl is still by the window. Steve is on the floor with the map. Kirsty and Leanne are on the sofa and Mitch in the chair.]

KARL:

You’ve got insurances right?

MITCH:

Yeah.

KARL:

Does it cover damage by monsters?

MITCH:

No.

KARL:

Yeah, you’re screwed.

[Mitch makes his way to the window and see’s his car on fire; now with the same sternt and determined look on his face as Steve.]

MITCH:

Now it’s personal. Steve what’s the plan?

STEVE:

As I said I’ve taken the time to come up with a plan for this exact eventuality. Of course we’re going to have to change it a little now that Mitch’s car is out of play. So hears the plan (pointing at the map) we’re here and we need to get to the Kingways here (pointing to the kingsway on the map) that’s where the B&Q is; and that’s also where we’ll be most likely to find a generator. I was hoping to have Mitch’s car. Since we don’t we’re just going to have to carry the generator back. But first we need to get rid of that giant green lizard. Ok so one of the key things we need to avoid is this.

[Steve picks up one of the toy SOLDIERS and puts it in to the mouth of the lego dinosaur. he makes dinosaur noises Karl and Mitch nod in agreement.]

STEVE:

I’m not going to lie to you this is going be dangerous; so if you want to back out now’s the time.

[Karl slowly looks at Mitch and then Steve. He put’s his hand in to the centre of the map. Mitch follow’s then Steve.]

STEVE:

Alright then, at sundown; we move out.

[by this point Kirsty and Leanne are laughing uncontrollability on the sofa.]

CUT TO:

SC8 int. steve’s bedroom – day 1 

[Scene is in slow motion. Steve is sitting on his bed. He turns to his desk and picks up a photo of his girl friend. he kisses the photo and sets it back down on the desk. beside it sits a bandana. Steve ties the bandana around his head. steve stands up. he walks to the drawer of his desk and takes out his mp3 player.]

CUT TO:

SC9 int. flat living room

[Scene is in slow motion. Kirsty and Mitch are in the living room. Kirsty is looking at mitch as if to say what the hell ARE you DOING. Mitch pulls a bag from the side of the sofa it contains his hockey gear. he starts to put it on.]

CUT TO:

SC10 int. Karl’s bedroom – day 1 

[Scene is slow motion. Karl is sitting at his desk. he has a tub of green army paint. He dabs two fingers from each hand in to it and two lines on each of his each on his cheeks. He stands up and lifts a hurling stick from the corner of the room and places it down his back. He lifts his jacket from the back of his chair and makes his way to the door.]

CUT TO:

SC11 int flat hall – day 1

[Scene is in slow motion Karl, Mitch and Steve ENTER THE hall at the same time. they have a look on there faces which means they know it’s time. mitch is carrying his HOCKEY helmet and stick. kirsty is leaning against the wall of kitchen laughing. Karl, Mitch and Steve turn to face the door and start to leave. Leanne comes out of room. Scene out of slow motion.]

LEANNE:

Guys wait a second, have you seen my purse any where?

KARL:

Kitchen?

LEANNE:

I’ve looked there already I can’t find it.

STEVE:

Haven’t seen it sorry.

LEANNE:

Cool well do either of you have any change?

KARL:

Skint, sorry

STEVE:

I’ve got a couple of quid.

LEANNE:

Cool do you mind getting some milk on your way back?

STEVE:

A yeah, semi skimmed?

LEANNE:

Yeah thanks, bye, have a nice time.

[Scene goes to slow motion again as Karl, Mitch and Steve make there way out of the flat, down the close and outside. Going down the stairs Karl puts on his jacket and Steve picks a song on his mp3 player. Mitch puts on his helmet , visor up.]

CUT TO:

SC12 EXT. Outside The Flat – Day 1

[Scene is in slow motion. the sun is setting and the perth road is empty apart from Karl, Mitch, Steve and the giant green lizard thing. Karl, Mitch and Steve stand in the middle of the street looking at there foe. Mitch pulls the visior down on his helmet. Karl takes the hurling stick from his back. the three men stand and look at there fate, the giant green lizard thing. Karl raises the hurling stick in the air.]

KARL:

Ahhhh!

[THEY start to run towards the gaint green Lizard thing. Out of slow motion the window of the flat opens and leanne pops her head out.]

LEANNE:

Guys it’s ok the power’s back on.

STEVE:

Awe sweet.

[Karl, Steve and Mitch walk to the door of the close.]

STEVE:

You got keys I think I left mine in the flat.

KARL:

Yeah just let me find them.

CUT TO:

SC13 INT. Flat Living Room – Day 1 

[On screen will appear three hours later. Karl and Steve are playing the x-box. Mitch, Kirsty and Leanne are sitting around drinking tea.]

KARL:

Yes! Finally.

STEVE:

Awe I’m so glad that’s over, tell you what though, fucking good game.

LEANNE:

Does that mean we can watch the news now?

KARL:

Do we have too?

MITCH:

It is a bit dull like I’m up for some Mario Kart.

leanne:

The city has been destroyed.

KIRSTY:

Yeah thousands of people are probably dead. How do you not want to watch the news?

KARL:

Come on things could have been a lot worse. I mean it could have been a zombie attack.

[Suddenly every one in the room stops and looks at the door. The camera leaves the room and makes it’s way in to leanne’s bed room. Where Matt is still lying under the covers. You hear Zombie noises. Suddenly a zombie matt sits up from under the covers and makes zombie noises.]

Credits

SC14 INT Flat Hall – Day 1 

[Standing in the Hall out side Leanne’s bedroom door is Leanne, Karl, Mitch, Kirsty and Steve.]

KIRSTY:

Well on you go then.

LEANNE:

Don’t look at me, I’m not going in.

KIRSTY:

Dinny be silly it’s your room.

LEANNE:

I don’t care why does it have to be me?

KARL:

He’s your boyfriend.

LEANNE:

He’s no me boyfriend.

[Leanne gets pushed to the front of the group.]

LEANNE:

Right, fine I’ll do it. Should I knock? Is it appropriate to knock?

STEVE:

Just listen see if you can hear anything.

[Every one puts there ear to the door to try and listen. A few seconds pass. A loud bang comes from the other side of the door.]

EVERY ONE:

Aaaaaaaaah!

END OF EPISODE