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by Max G
INT. MAY PARKER'S HOME - DAWN
May Parker and Mary Jane Watson sit together in the living room of May's home as the sun disappears behind the skyline. It's a small house, but it feels more cozy than claustrophobic. The warm light of the house keeps the stark white snow outside from feeling very close at all, the birthday decorations they've set up for Peter help. May looks out the window, wondering through the snow for her nephew.
MAY PARKER
Mary Jane, I didn't raise that boy to be late. Simple instructions have always seemed unimportant to Peter.
Mary Jane is looking down at her tea.
MARY JANE WATSON
I'm not sure the instructions are what he finds unimportant.
May looks at Mary Jane compassionately, the way she looks at most everything.
MAY PARKER
He's only ever wanted the best for people. He'll be here.
Mary Jane looks up from her tea, to meet May's eyes.
MARY JANE WATSON
Where do you get all of your empathy from?
EXT. STREETS OF QUEENS - DAWN
Snow falls down on Queens to the soundtrack of sirens. Spider-man is asking around sidewalks and storefronts, trying to find the owner of a purse that was stolen. He attempts to ask a stranger as they pass by.
SPIDER-MAN
Have you seen an older woman, about this tall?
(he gestures for her height with his hands)
The stranger keeps walking, to Spider-man's surprise. Now on a different sidewalk, and with the sun further from the sky, Spider-man asks another stranger.
SPIDER-MAN
Have you seen a woman, about this tall?
(he gestures again)
This second stranger also keeps walking.
SPIDER-MAN
She lost her purse?
Spider-man throws up his hands in exasperation. Now on a third sidewalk, with the sun essentially invisible. Spider-man asks another stranger, this time with much less conviction.
SPIDER-MAN
Have you seen an older woman who lost her purse?
The stranger responds, happily.
STRANGER
About this tall?
(They gesture with their hands)
SPIDER-MAN
Yes!
Spider-man has followed the stranger's directions. He catches up to the elderly woman.
SPIDER-MAN
Ma'am, I believe this is yours.
The woman, Gloria, turns around to see Spider-man.
GLORIA
Oh, thank you so much. I was just about to call it a night, what with it being so late and all.
Spider-man hands Gloria the purse.
SPIDER-MAN
My pleasure.
(beat)
How late is it, exactly?
EXT. STREETS OF QUEENS - MOMENTS LATER
Peter, now dressed in his civilian clothes, hurries through the snow to get home.
The snow seems to want to push him back every time he makes a step forward. He finally reaches his Aunt's home. He runs through the yard to the door
INT. MAY PARKER'S HOME - NIGHT
Peter shuts out the snow, exchanging it for the warm familiarity of his Aunt's home, which he had shared with her since he was six years old. He sees the birthday decorations that were meant for him. And an almost empty cake box in the living room. In the living room is Mary Jane, sitting exhausted on the couch that she'd waited for Peter on for quite some time. Peter stands in the entrance to the living room.
PETER PARKER
I'm sorry.
MARY JANE WATSON
Your aunt went to sleep an hour ago. I should get home.
Mary Jane rises from the couch to leave.
MARY JANE WATSON
I just wanted to be sure that you got home safe.
PETER PARKER
Are you upset with me?
MARY JANE WATSON
I'm tired. May was very worried about you, you should tell her you're alright.
PETER PARKER
Okay. Please get home safe.
Mary Jane walks past Peter and kisses him on the cheek, half out of obligation.
MARY JANE WATSON
Happy birthday.
Mary Jane opens the door and leaves, closing it quietly behind her. Peter stands there for a moment. A now coatless Peter slowly walks into his Aunt's bedroom. She stirs awake.
MAY PARKER
Peter? Tell me it's you.
Peter kneels next to her bed. He turns on a dim bedside lamp.
PETER PARKER
I'm sorry for keeping you up.
MAY PARKER
Don't mind me. I just get worried, after all that's happened.
Peter puts his hand on his Aunt's shoulder.
PETER PARKER
I'll do better. I'll be more grateful.
May puts her hand on Peter's cheek, and looks at her nephew, sweetly.
MAY PARKER
You're plenty grateful. You just have to remember that whatever you choose to do, there are people that need you.
PETER PARKER
What if more people need me then I can be there for?
May pulls Peter's head closer and places a kiss on his forehead.
MAY PARKER
Oh, sweet boy. Then think of the people who you need.
INT. MAY PARKER'S HOME - MOMENTS LATER
Peter walks back into the living room. He places a few forks, and a plate into the sink, and closes the cake box. He walks over to the window to draw the curtin. He can't help his eyes from wandering past the glass as the sound of sirens echo from the distance, taunting him. Peter has a choice to make.
END