Landfill (2020) Movie Script

1
[STATIC]
[PENSIVE VIOLIN MUSIC]
[QUIET PIANO MUSIC]
Looks like you're gonna
be my
only playmate in here.
[PLAYFUL CHATTERING]
ROBERT:
So did you and Misha
get along today?
[CAR ENGINE RUMBLES]
No, I don't like cats.
So... you gave her a name?
Yeah, I thought I saw you giving
her some love earlier.
Not true.
I told you,
I don't like cats,
or anything else
that's in Arizona.
What was I thinking?
Obviously the move again.
Sorry, Daddy.
I'm trying.
But even you.
You had a job in Pennsylvania
And wasn't that good?
You wore a tie.
Yeah, but ties don't necessarily
mean money.
Mom had the good job,
and, you know
she's not working right now.
And, you know
we need the money.
We talked about this right?
Okay.
And another thing.
Most jobs don't
come with a free house, kiddo.
I know, but
you've seen my room, right?
It's tiny. And the kitchen--
I know.
It is not like the
house in Pennsylvania.
It's a little rundown.
It's a bit smaller,
but we have open space.
Fresh air.
Awesome smell.
Except at the landfill.
And, look, I-
I appreciate you trying.
I know it's kind of difficult
right now,
but just stick it out.
Things are going to turn out
for the best soon, okay?
I promise.
A fresh start?
Yeah.
For Mom. For you.
For me.
[ROBERT SINGING]
Walk away,
Walk away.
I will follow
[MELISSA GIGGLES]
[LISA SOFTLY CRYING]
[TAPE CRINKLING]
[MELISSA CHUCKLES]
Little better.
You getting settled in?
Well, evidently,
it's a nice first choice.
[MELISSA CHUCKLES] I know.
My place
is finally coming to life.
Now you can say I live here.
I couldn't sleep
with that on my wall.
But you have your own
unique taste.
It's art.
[DEEP INHALE] Yes, it is.
But what is it we said?
Did we agree... to try some
brighter alternatives?
No.
You agreed.
Oh ho! I agreed?
You're a smart little trickster.
You got me on that one.
I don't know.
My place just looks empty
and boring without my stuff.
And I just--
[DISTANT SOBBING]
[TAPE CRINKLING]
Smart move, bumblebee,
just for now,
till Mom feels better.
[PAPER RUSTLING]
Um...
Dad, I know you've kind of said,
but what's, um...
a miscarriage?
Miscarriage is when a baby
dies before it's born.
I know, but...
she was alive, right?
MELISSA: I mean-
ROBERT: Yes.
Like, what causes it?
She was alive
and she didn't make it.
And doctors don't know why.
Sometimes it just happens.
I think if you told her
it wasn't her fault,
she'd feel better.
MELISSA: You know?
ROBERT: I did.
I still do.
But you got to trust me,
[CLASPING HANDS] okay?
Your mom is going to be playing
with you again in no time,
so let's do something.
[KISSES FOREHEAD]
We're going to get up
and we're going
to get the non-creepy stuff out.
What happened to
that cat poster?
I don't know.
Okay, that's what I thought.
[MELISSA GIGGLES]
What do we have here?
Grandma's phonology chart.
I love that phonology chart.
Do you?
Yes, I do.
You know,
bumps on your head can tell
a lot about your personality.
I'm thinking I want to be
a psychologist now.
Hmm.
Really changes every summer.
You know, last year
you wanted to be a vet,
and the year before that
you wanted to be an acrobat.
But I think you'd make a fine
psychologist, actually.
You think?
Yes, it's helping people.
I couldn't be prouder.
I am a helper.
I mean,
want me to feel your head?
No, I don't.
No, I don't want you
to feel my head.
I want you to feel your
own head.
Get your own bumps out.
Oh, come on. It's only a chart.
No, I don't wanna--
A few seconds ago you
said you were proud.
I'm still proud.
Feel your own hair.
[MELISSA GIGGLES]
I don't wanna feel
my own hair!
ROBERT:
Feel your own hair.
MELISSA: [GIGGLING] I'm gonna
get your head back!
ROBERT:
Okay.
[MELISSA LAUGHS]
[DRAMATIC STRING MUSIC]
[QUIET, MYSTERIOUS STING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[MUSIC TURNS OMINOUS]
[SUSPENSEFUL RISING TONE]
[ENGINE HUMMING]
[PAPER RUSTLING]
[MELISSA GROANS]
MELISSA:
Am I boring you,
or are you hungry again?
So I'm thinking it's
going to be a couple of weeks.
till we look at sealing the site
and-- not far off.
And then I would say two months,
we're going to be
framing houses.
[LINDBERGH CHUCKLES] I got my
full trust in you, Bob.
You're the expert.
Oh, this must be your daughter.
ROBERT:
That's my pride and joy.
Melissa, this is Mr. John
Lindbergh, my boss.
Hi, Melissa.
How are you doing?
I'm good, thanks.
Welcome to Jasper, Arizona.
Your dad's going to build me one
heck of a housing development.
Did he tell you that?
I guess.
You mean building houses
on top of garbage?
ROBERT: Unless I explained
to you
exactly why the foundation--
LINDBERGH:
No, no, no, no.
Now, that's the right question.
You're right, Melissa.
It doesn't sound good,
but it's actually
the most stable kind of ground
you can build on.
And that's a fact.
You seal it,
you double seal it,
layer of concrete,
and then you fill it
with sixty inches of God's
green earth.
You got the best house
foundation one could buy.
Sounds good.
Can we move back
to Pennsylvania, then?
I guess I didn't have her sold.
You know, she's tough.
I would like to actually
show you some of these plans
I have for the field there
and see what you think.
[PAPER RUSTLING]
Oh yeah,
I wanted to talk to you about--
[CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT BEEPING]
[MELISSA SIGHS]
You don't want to go up there.
I don't want to have to
put you
in the washing machine
once I get you.
[MISHA MEOWS]
Misha,
come down from there!
[MEOWING]
[FOOTSTEPS CRUNCHING]
[MELISSA GRUNTS]
[TRASH RUSTLING]
Misha?
[DISTANT ENGINES HUMMING]
Misha?
Melissa? Where you at?
I'm up here, Daddy!
Okay! Not good!
Ugh! This place is a stinker.
What in the heck
are you doing up there?
[PLASTIC RUSTLING]
I'm going to be
the queen of trash.
ROBERT:
No, you're not.
And would Your Majesty please
come down now?
Oh, come on.
That was funny.
[FOOTSTEPS RUSTLING]
I want you to
give me your hand now,
[HIGH-PITCHED HUM]
[MYSTICAL CHIME MUSIC]
MELISSA:
Just a sec, Dad.
[GHOSTLY WHISPERING]
Dad, look what I found!
A diamond necklace!
No, it-- it's cheap costume
jewelry, sweetie.
Just trash.
Whoa.
It's so pretty.
Can I keep it?
It's filthy.
Oh, come on.
I'll clean and polish it,
I promise.
Melissa, please, don't.
Just leave it.
[FAKE CUTESY VOICE]
Daddy, please?
You know "Daddy, please"
doesn't work anymore.
[CUTESY VOICE PERSISTS]
Please, Daddy?
[ROBERT SIGHS]
Okay, okay, okay, You got me.
But you've got to clean
that thing.
I will.
I promise.
Now, give me your hand.
It's nasty up here.
Now, don't put it on.
Just hold it in your right hand.
Give me your left hand.
You can come down.
[MELISSA SCREAMS]
ROBERT:
You up?
MELISSA:
Yeah.
ROBERT: Okay, you ready?
MELISSA: Uh-huh.
ROBERT:
Bounce down.
Now. We have to clean that
before your mother sees it,
because she will flip out.
Like I wanted it to get thrown
away.
Our little secret?
Okay.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[BOWL CLINKS]
Did you take your medication?
Mmm.
[MUG KNOCKS ON TABLE]
Oh, that's interesting.
Haven't seen any of her designs
since she got married.
Says here her little daughter
inspired her to create a
line of dresses for kids.
And this one
inspired by Tinker Bell.
Yeah?
Tinker Bell.
More like Tinker Hell.
Who wears that?
[MELISSA LAUGHS DEVIOUSLY]
Melissa.
I told you a hundred times
not to laugh like that.
Okay, sorry.
All right,
princess, you are all set.
[MELISSA GIGGLES]
How do I look?
Like an Everie.
Is that a good thing?
Yes, it is.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
Hi there, neighbor.
ROBERT:
Hi!
Hi. I'm Judy.
And this is my husband, Kevin.
Hi. Welcome to
the neighborhood.
Oh, wow.
KEVIN: Oh, this is our
daughter, Nora.
Hello Nora, I'm Robert.
JUDY: We brought you
a little welcome gift
Thank you so much. Wow.
Please come in.
Come on in.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Have a seat right there.
[DOOR CREAKS SHUT]
ROBERT:
Uh, Melissa?
[SOFT MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
ROBERT [DISTANT]:
Melissa!
ROBERT [DISTANT]:
Hey, Melissa!
We got company!
[GHOSTLY ECHO]
[HEARTBEAT]
ROBERT [DISTORTED]:
Melissa!
What are you doing?
ROBERT [DISTORTED]:
Melissa.
Can you hear me
calling you?
You got a friend,
Nora, here.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC
RISES]
Melissa.
[MUSIC CUTS,
DISTORTION ENDS]
What?
Dinnertime?
NORA:
So my
mom says we're going to go
to the same school together.
Start tomorrow.
Aren't you excited?
Um...
Yeah.
[NORA MAKES
CRASHING NOISES]
[NECKLACE CLATTERS
ON TABLE]
Ew, it's dirty.
Where'd you get it?
Did you just find it?
Or the 99 Cent store?
Of course not.
It just...
stayed in the attic--
years before I moved here.
I wonder what else
you have around your house.
You're right.
Show me your room.
Um, yeah, maybe later.
So your dad works at a dump?
It's called a landfill.
...It's also called a dump.
Is he like a dump expert
or something?
No, but he has an
art-ist-tech degree.
Just so you know,
it's architect.
Yeah.
Doesn't matter what
degree he's holding.
My dad says, in this economy,
nobody gives a rat's ass.
You're ten, right?
Yeah.
I'm 11.
And a half.
You're going to take
all the classes
I took last year.
Still a kid.
[NORA SINGS] Tomorrow, tomorrow!
Excited?
Mmm.
Show me what you're gonna
wear tomorrow.
But I don't know yet.
That's what I'm here for.
Come on, we can
pick it out together.
Oh, God.
All right.
Have any siblings?
Obviously not.
Mmm.
I have an older brother.
My mom says he was a mistake.
She also says that
I was planned,
but regretted.
With that attitude,
I can see why.
[AWKWARD LAUGH]
NORA:
Come on, let's go.
[SOLEMN MUSIC]
[NECKLACE CHAIN RATTLES]
[WATER DRIPS]
MELISSA:
Ew...
[SOLEMN MUSIC CONTINUES]
There's some dirt,
[WATER SPLASHES]
Clean enough!
[OMINOUS TONE]
[WATER BUBBLING]
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
[OMINOUS TONE]
[WATER GURGLES LOUDER]
[MUSIC RISES]
MELISSA [ECHOING]:
Dad? Mom?
[JUMBLED ECHOING VOICES]
[GIRL'S VOICE SOBBING]
[WHOOSHING]
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
Hey, are you lost?
Hey, we can find our
way out together.
[SOFT CRYING]
[SUDDEN OMINOUS STING]
[MELISSA GASPS]
[PLASTIC CRINKLING]
[LOUD STING]
[MELISSA SCREAMS]
[MUSIC TURNS DARKER]
...Ew!
What?!
[PLASTIC RUSTLING]
[OMINOUS MUSIC SWELLS]
[OMINOUS STING]
MELISSA [PANICKED]:
How'd you get into my room?
Stay away from me!
[MUSIC FADES]
There was a little girl
in my room!
[ROBERT AND LISA GASP]
Nope, it's locked.
LISA:
Melissa, obviously,
no one broke into our house.
As you can see.
Okay, maybe she didn't break in.
Maybe. C'mon.
Come on.
MELISSA: But you've got
to listen to me.
I'm not making it up.
I saw a girl in my room.
I saw her.
LISA:
Melissa, stop it!
I know this is hard on you,
and you're not thrilled
about moving
and leaving your friends,
but baby,
we can get through this.
You can tell me
it was just a bad dream.
It's okay.
It was nothing like that, okay?
First I had this weird dream,
and then when I woke up,
there was garbage all around me.
And then I saw this creepy girl.
LISA: What--
ROBERT: Go ahead.
Do you think that
you just confused reality
after you woke up with
what was happening in the dream?
...No.
Dad, I would know
the difference.
Okay, listen,
sometimes, sweetie,
I have dreams that I actually
will see myself
waking up
and I'm doing things,
and it seems so real.
But when I actually do wake up,
I start to believe
I've done it for real.
Yeah. Tell me about it.
Hey.
Everything was connected.
From seeing her, to coming
to you guys.
Yes, but you also said that
she broke in.
You know perfectly well
you're not making any sense.
Like, did you see her exit?
Did you even see her leave?
Right.
So let's just cut it out.
No more funny stuff.
Plus we have school
in a few hours.
Okay? So, let's get some sleep.
Let's go to bed.
ROBERT: Would you feel
more comfortable
sleeping with us tonight,
sweetie?
No, I'm okay.
Thanks, Daddy.
ROBERT:
Okay.
Get in.
ROBERT: Goodnight.
MELISSA: Goodnight.
ROBERT: Get rest.
[EERIE STING]
Hey, you're up.
I was just going to
come get you.
Did you sleep okay?
Melissa...
About last night.
I'm sorry.
MELISSA: Mom...
Was there...
Did you see that?
See what, Melissa?
Okay, I know how this sounds.
You're probably
not going to believe me,
but the little girl I saw, I--
Just don't. Just
don't.
Just don't do this.
We're trying to
have a fresh start here.
Come here.
I want to talk to you, just...
Just for a second, come here.
What do you have
to say about that?
About what?
You know what I'm talking about.
I made it very clear
that we were not going to
bring creepy stuff like this
into our new house.
Okay, what does this have to do
with anything?
It has everything to do with it.
Your behavior, your imagination,
everything.
Did your dad help you pack?
Answer me.
You can tell me.
No. He had nothing
to do with it.
I packed by myself.
I mean, urban legends...
Hinduism?! Rebirthing?!
I mean, I didn't even
know what that was.
It's just a book!
They're just fun to read!
What's wrong with that?
Why can't you read
regular books?
Watch normal movies?
I mean, a girl your age
should be not looking
at this stuff.
A girl my age?
Yes, a girl your age.
Can you just act normal?
I mean, this stuff
says a lot about somebody's
character.
Oh, like how you keep
a sonogram of your dead baby?
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry, Mom.
Finish your breakfast.
Finish it before your
dad gets down here.
Don't make him wait.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[RUSTLING]
ROBERT [DISTANT]:
Melissa?
Coming.
Okay, Bumblebee,
you just be you.
They'll smell a nervous student
from miles away.
Thanks, Daddy.
ROBERT: Love you.
MELISSA: Love you.
KETTLEWORTH:
I am a Pheonix,
rising from the ashes of my pain
and suffering.
Today I am reborn.
Today begins
my growth and change.
And... who wrote that one?
Who was that written by?
Hello?
Hi.
Oh, that's right, class.
Today we have a new student.
Say hello to Melissa Everie.
STUDENTS: [CLUMSY MUMBLING]
Hi Melissa Everie.
Hello everyone.
I'm Mrs. Kettleworth,
I'm your English and
social studies teacher.
Hi, Mrs... Kettle...worth.
Kettleworth. Just one word.
Hey, why don't you go
find a seat?
GIRL:
Ugh, look at her.
So fancy.
That girl sure got some style.
[BELL RINGS]
[GIRLS LAUGH]
KETTLEWORTH: Hey!
Quiet, Eva.
[WHISPERING] Yeah, what's up?
ERMA:
Hi, Melissa.
Um... I'm Erma Leamington.
Nice to meet you.
Hi, Erma.
EVA: Well, at least
Miss Lemon Head
just found herself
the perfect match.
It's like two peas in a pod.
[GIRLS LAUGH]
You know what?
Just ignore her. That's Eva.
And here at school,
we call her Eva the evil diva.
Because you know what?
She isn't that bright.
KETTLEWORTH:
All right, we all settled?
Let's get back
to our poetry packets.
ERMA: Um--
MELISSA: Thank you.
KETTLEWORTH:
So we're on page five,
So I'm going to give
you guys a quote,
and you need to tell me
who the poet is.
Okay?
[FABRIC RUSTLING]
[SOFT SAD MUSIC]
[FOOTSTEPS]
ERMA:
Oh, hi!
Good! I haven't
started yet.
Sorry.
It took me forever
to finally get my meal.
Very packed over there.
Oh, no worries.
It's not your fault.
So did you order it
with extra onions and cheese?
Um, no.
Oh, what a bummer.
Speaking of onions and cheese,
there was this one time--
[OMINOUS MUSIC FADES IN]
[ERMA'S VOICE MUFFLES]
--when it spilled all over
Eva the Evil Diva.
Then she threw her food
in the air
and it landed on her
dumb friends.
Earth to Melissa?
[FINGERS SNAPPING]
Melissa, do you hear me?
[MUSIC AND DISTORTIONS FADE]
Looks like you're thinking
you should have ordered it
with extra onions and cheese.
[BIRDSONG]
[DISTANT KIDS PLAYING]
NORA:
You're in my seat.
No I'm not.
Hi, Nora.
'Sup, buttercup?
Wait, do you know her?
Yeah.
She lives next door.
No, you live next door.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Right. I live next door.
Oh, gosh.
May Almighty be with you.
Again, you're in my seat.
I don't see your name
written in it.
And as a matter of fact,
I just checked.
It doesn't matter
if my name isn't written in it,
You know, that's my seat.
It's fine.
[STAMMERING] I'll just go
grab me another spot.
[LUNCH TRAYS SKID]
Whoa!
Ah, that's what you get
for sitting in my seat.
Hey, that's not nice.
Give it back to her.
I was only teasing, softie.
It's fine.
I'm not really hungry anyway.
[NORA SCOFFS]
Yeah, like anyone believes it.
Hey.
LISA:
I'm worried about her.
I'm worried about her behavior,
the way she's acting.
I understand.
I will have a talk with
her in the morning.
What... happened leading
up to that, though?
Doesn't make it any better, but,
if you must know,
we were talking about that book.
All that weird stuff she said
she was going to get rid of.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, that. Well...
Aside from all that.
How are you feeling?
I'm feeling okay.
Good.
Because it is so cool...
to see you...
[ENTHUSIASTIC TAP]
back at it.
[LISA CHUCKLES]
Come here.
[KISSING]
Oh, yeah.
[LISA LAUGHS]
[MARKER SCRATCHING]
[EERIE VIBRATING]
[WHOOSH]
[PAPER RUSTLING]
Hey, wait up!
[FOOTSTEPS]
[MYSTERIOUS, SPOOKY MUSIC]
[MELISSA LETS OUA DEEP BREATH]
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES]
[FAINT GHOSTLY SCREECHING]
[MUSIC PITCH RISES]
[SUDDEN LOUD STING]
[MUSIC SOFTENS]
[MANNEQUIN CLATTERS]
[PROUD, WISTFUL MUSIC SWELLS]
[FAINT, ECHOING APPLAUSE]
[MUSIC GROWS BITTERSWEET]
[FAINT, ECHOING LAUGHTER]
[MELISSA GIGGLES]
MELISSA: [ECHOING VOICE]
Oh, like how you keep
a sonogram of your dead baby?
[GHOSTLY CHILD'S LAUGH]
[RUSTLING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
Hello?
[GHOSTLY WHISPERING]
[MUSIC FADES]
[TOY PIANO CLINKING]
[SUDDEN STING]
[SUSPENSEFUL RUMBLING]
[OMINOUS STING]
[DARK MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC WHOOSH]
[JARRING HIGH-PITCHED STING]
[MELISSA GASPS]
[THUDS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC RISES]
[ECHOING THUD]
[TENSE MUSIC]
[TRASH CLATTERING]
[GHOSTLY STING]
[MUSIC SWELLS]
[TRASH CLATTERING]
[MUSIC FADES]
[LOW RUMBLE]
[SYNTHETIC CREAKING]
[FAINT GLASS SHATTERING]
[EERIE THRUMMING]
[CREEPY AMBIENT MUSIC]
[CLANGING]
[THUDS]
[CLANGING]
[DRUM BEATS LOUDEN]
[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]
[MUSIC FADES]
[PAPER TEARING]
[RADIO BROADCASTER
SPEAKING IN THE BACKGROUND]
I see you're wearing it
to school.
It's pretty.
I can see why you fell
in love with it.
What?
The necklace.
I was saying it's pretty.
I know.
It changes colors, too.
Really?
Maybe it's a mood necklace.
When I was your age,
we all had these mood rings
that supposedly change colors
to tell you your mood.
Really, they were encased
liquid crystals that reacted
to your body temperature, but...
You don't really seem 'em
around much anymore.
Melissa?
Melissa.
Did you sleep well last night?
W-what's the area
of the place you work at?
What?
The name of the area
where I work?
MELISSA: Yeah.
ROBERT: The Soho Drive.
MELISSA:
Uh-huh...
W-why are you asking?
RADIO VOICE: [LOUDENS, ECHOES]
And the campaign slogan is...
"Victims do have a voice."
[EERIE MUSIC]
If you ignore their suffering,
I will remind you.
If you don't understand them,
I will explain.
If you don't hear them--
[VOICE AND MUSIC ABRUPTLY CUT]
You okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
[RADIO QUIETLY
CHATTERS IN BACKGROUND]
Having been cast as the
lead in the school play,
Amanda skipped down the
street joyfully.
Okay, so we're
talking about verbs, right?
So what is the verb
in that sentence?
Amanda skipped down the
street joyfully.
Sally.
SALLY: "Skipped."
KETTLEWORTH: That's right.
Okay, so then
what is the adverb?
CHRIS:
Is this gonna be on the test?
KETTLEWORTH:
You bet it is, Chris.
Lucky you.
And Melissa?
Would you pick up where I
left off?
MELISSA:
What?
Um, yeah. Sure.
EVA: Can't count the times
she said "what" today.
What?
[GIRLS GIGGLE]
In addition to that,
because Jake was late
for his daughter's play,
he parked his car in the
school's garbage and--
KETTLEWORTH:
Ah! What was that word?
[SUDDEN JOLT]
GHOST GIRLS: Garbage garbage
garbage garbage--
[FAINT WAILING]
GHOST GIRLS: Garbage garbage
garbage garbage--
[EERIE MUSIC]
[MUSIC CUTS]
[GIRLS LAUGHING]
EVA: He parked his car
in the garbage?
I don't know about you,
but that's not where we park.
[CLASS LAUGHING]
KETTLEWORTH:
Quiet everyone.
And that means you, Eva.
Ugh.
Melissa, will you just reread
that line carefully?
It's... garage, not garbage.
Garage..?
Yeah.
Oh, but... I...
KETTLEWORTH:
Is everything okay?
Yeah, I'm really sorry,
but my book reads...
"garbage."
But Erma's telling me
it's... "garage?"
That is very strange.
Let me see that.
Maybe hers got a typo
on that page.
Here, read from mine.
Maybe hers got a typo?
Yeah, sure.
They made a mistake only
in her book.
Hey. Eva. Behave yourself.
ERMA:
Yeah, you're right.
Maybe they did that.
Let me see.
KETTLEWORTH:
No, let me see this.
It says "garage."
ERMA: Yeah, both our books
read "garage."
Not "garbage."
Oh.
ERMA:
It's okay, Melissa.
I'm dyslexic, too,
and I attend the
after school program
only two days a week.
We can sit
next to each other, too.
Oh, no, it's not dyslexia.
I'm not dyslexic, and it--
it's never
been an issue before.
Well, that's because you've
never been diagnosed until now.
Smart one.
KETTLEWORTH: Hey.
[CLASS LAUGHS]
One more word,
you're out of my class, Eva.
Can you cut people
some slack?
So, Melissa, what are you
going to write about
for your free write assignment?
Oh. The landfill.
KETTLEWORTH:
The landfill on Soho Drive?
Oh, wow.
This is awesome.
Do you know about the murders
on that street?
Oh, my gosh.
Is that why you chose it?
Oh, I am so going
to work with you
on your project.
Well, I'm glad you're excited.
Erma, what about you?
What are you writing about?
I'm probably going to
write about bullying, or,
I want to raise awareness
to people that it's okay
to love themselves
and accept their bodies
just the way they are.
I'm not sure
which one yet, though.
I'm going to have to think about
that and ponder
about it for a moment.
They both sound so profound.
I agree.
Those are great messages.
I'm sure whichever you choose,
it will be inspirational.
Did you hear that, though?
Erma, and inspirational.
[GIRLS GIGGLE]
Yeah, right.
Maybe never. In Neverland.
Leave her alone!
What?
And who invited you?
Miss Lost?
Principal's office.
Now! I warned you.
You're going to be sorry.
MELISSA:
[UNDER BREATH] Whatever.
Thanks.
So I was talking about
inspirations..?
Wait! Oh, yes.
Before I forget.
You guys are allowed to work
in partners for this project.
Okay? But you both need to do
equal amounts of work.
Don't let your partner down,
okay?
And I am going to be choosing
the best articles
to be published in the school's
newspaper.
Alright?
[CLASS CHEERS]
Who wants to be a
published journalist?
ERMA: Yes! I get to
work with you!
[CLASS CHATTERS]
[CRICKETS CHIRP]
[NECKLACE CHAIN RATTLES]
[MUSIC CUTS]
Hi.
I-- I'm Melissa.
What's your name?
[BARELY AUDIBLE MUMBLE]
Ursula?
Can you speak?
Why not?
[DRAMATIC STING]
You've been trying
to tell me something.
Was this yours?
You wanted me to find it.
You can hop on the
bed if you want.
You were telling me "Mommy"
earlier in the classroom.
What is it?
What happened back there
at that landfill?
Where is your mom?
What...
How can I help?
[GHOSTLY CRYING]
It's okay.
I'll be here for you.
[GHOSTLY CRYING
GROWS LOUDER]
DISTORTED VOICE: Melissa?
[LOUD RUMBLE]
[HIGH-PITCHED SCREAM]
[SILENCE]
[DOOR CREAKS]
Yes?
You ever heard of knocking?
I'm working on something here.
Sorry.
I just made you tea to
go with your pills.
Really?
Melissa.
Come here, sweetheart.
I don't like it when we're upset
with each other.
I'm sorry about the other day.
Who likes to be upset with the
ones they love, right?
You feeling okay, Mom?
Yeah. Why?
Just asking.
You know, baby,
when Mommy yells,
it's only because I love you
and I care about you
not because I like doing it.
I know. I'm sorry.
If there's anything that's
bothering you,
you tell me.
Can always talk to me.
You know that?
I will. I promise.
You like making dresses.
I'm glad you went back to it.
[LISA WARMLY LAUGHS]
You know me all too well.
You know, it's been a while,
but I figured...
why not? You know?
Absolutely, Mom.
...No Tinker Hell?
Oh, God, no. No more
Tinker Hell.
That was awful, right?
You also know that I like
putting makeup on people, right?
Starting with my own daughter.
Ooh, makeup!
Lots of makeup.
LISA:
Rule number one,
a girl can never wear enough
blue eyeshadow.
MELISSA: Oh, can't she now?
LISA: Mm-mmm. [LAUGHS]
Now let's see what
jewelry you put on here.
Oh, where'd you get that?
Oh, that, um...
Dad got me that.
He did? When?
Like, just before school.
Cool.
So, uh... looks kind of old.
Looks like it's seen
better days.
So is that like a
before-school gift or what?
I really don't know, mom.
Dad said we should have
occasions for gifts.
Really? He said that?
Yeah, well,
he should have thought of that
last anniversary.
[LISA HUMS]
Can I have a sneak peek?
[PLAYFUL] No, I'm not ready yet.
Oh, come on.
MELISSA: Just a little?
LISA: No, not yet.
[JUMPSCARE SCREECH]
[MELISSA SCREAMS AT THE
TOP OF HER LUNGS]
[STUMBLING FOOTSTEPS]
LISA:
Don't be oblivious, Robert.
Do you need me to remind you of
what's been happening with her?
ROBERT: I know, but she and I
had a talk
and she was so mature about it
and she was really big
on the fresh start thing,
and it was all good.
LISA:
Yeah? Well, I don't know.
I'm just not totally convinced.
I mean, don't you think she
might need therapy?
I mean, just to help her cope.
It's worth a try.
ROBERT:
Okay. Okay.
If she's not doing better soon,
we'll see about that, okay?
LISA: Okay. Because
at this point,
I don't think it's just
some bad dream anymore.
I mean, nightmares are
nothing but bad dreams.
They shouldn't be visible
when you're awake.
[GHOSTLY WHISPERS]
[LOW RUMBLING MUSIC]
You!
What's going on with me?
Don't just stare at me.
Why me?
What is it
that you want from me?
[AMBIENT GHOSTLY SOUNDS]
[NECKLACE CHAIN RATTLES]
Just take it and go away.
Just take it and go.
[ECHOING THUD]
It's yours anyway.
[SOFT CRYING]
Okay, please stop.
I've tried.
I've been nice to you.
All you do is confuse me
and cause trouble.
[INCOHERENT GHOSTLY WHISPER]
[DEEP BELL TOLLS]
[BIRDSONG]
I'm going to tell you what it
is.
But you have to promise
to keep this between us.
Please.
I promise.
Want to spit on it?
No no. I'm good.
I believe you.
I've been seeing someone lately.
Someone?
Oh, you mean like a boy! Who?
Oh, my gosh.
Don't tell me it's Chris.
No, it's nothing like that.
I didn't mean it that way.
Well, what is it, then?
Okay, I've been seeing this
little girl.
It's like she's haunting me.
You mean like a stalker?
Or a ghost..?
Why stalker?
I think a ghost,
if you wanna put it that way.
Oh, okay. Well,
you're more messed up
than I thought you were.
No one has been believing
me so far.
My mom is beginning to think
I'm going crazy.
Tell me.
What murder were you
talking about in class?
Oh, that?
There's an old story about this
little girl who was
who was killed with her mother
and thrown away at that
landfill.
With her mother?
Yeah, the entire town
knew about it.
But why are you asking?
Are you saying that it's
connected to
what you're seeing?
I mean, it's possible.
That's the thing. I don't know
much about that landfill,
other than the fact that
my dad works there.
But I need you
to help me find out.
I've been seeing this girl
almost everywhere.
She's been trying to
tell me something.
I just can't communicate
with her normally.
[SCHOOL BELL BUZZES]
Like, you mean that
she speaks Spanish,
like, "Hola, mi amigo?
Un poquito?"
No... not... Spanish.
She doesn't even speak.
Her throat is cut.
Oh, wow.
That's messed up.
But she's not hurting you,
is she?
Oh, my. I can't lose you
like I lost my buddy
Tiffany last year.
I just can't.
She seems harmless.
But...
She's really hurt.
Rumor has it that this girl
even went to our school.
But the rumor came
from my older brother
and his lousy friends,
so I doubt it.
What if she really did
go to this school?
Oh, my God.
What if she even
at at my seat?
And maybe it was Mrs.
Kettleworth's little niece?
Oh, gosh. She saw us.
I heard everything too.
Why does she always have
to impose?!
You watched any Bollywood
or Mexican TV shows
where everybody's suddenly
related at the end?
[ERMA GROWLS]
You know what?
Stop being mean and just go.
Drama queen.
We stopped making these
melodramas in the 1950s.
What's melodrama?
I don't know.
I think it's just
drama with some melody in it?
Oh, that doesn't sound too bad.
But she's always saying
adult stuff.
Come on, let's go.
Bye, bye!
And thanks for nothing.
She really didn't help us.
So come on, let's go.
Oh, wait.
Stop following us.
ERMA: Melissa, say something.
NORA: C'mon.
I want to know
what you guys are doing.
We're running away from you.
That's what.
NORA: Sounds fun!
I want to run too!
ERMA:
Nooo!
That way.
[FOOTSTEPS]
Here.
Yearbooks.
So, what year would it be?
MELISSA: Erma, you said
you knew about the murder.
Any idea?
Well,
I heard this story
from my brother.
He said that
he was going to school with her
when she was around.
That's what he said.
That's what I heard.
It's like ancient.
I mean, we only just
heard about it.
Anyway, Erma's brother and mine
are now in the army,
but Erma's brother went to
school way before mine did.
He hasn't been
coming here since,
like, the beginning of time.
So what grade was he in
when this happened?
Let's see.
Well, he's 20 now.
He was born in 1997
and he was either in fourth
or fifth grade when it happened.
And she was one year
older than him.
Ugh, so... you do the math.
NORA: Like, so, 2006?
ERMA: I dunno.
MELISSA:
Yeah!
Let's grab 2005 to 2010
just in case.
No... [BOOK FALLS]
Oh, here's one.
No... [BOOK FALLS]
Ohhh, here. Um--
[PLASTIC SCRAPING]
Here's one for you.
And another one for you...
Oop! No.
[BOOK FALLS]
No. [BOOK FALLS]
Another one.
ERMA: Jeez, you're giving me
all the heavy ones!
LIBRARIAN:
Nora!
You better --
[IRRITATED SIGH]
[QUIETER] You better put all
these books back in their place.
All of you girls.
I'm not cleaning up after you.
Okay?
We will.
Yeah, whatever.
Oh, well, thank you.
So 2005, 2006.
That should be it.
Okay, let's go.
Oh, wait, there's two up there.
Wait... Shouldn't we
clean this up?
ERMA:
And grab these two!
[BOOKS CLAPPING TOGETHER]
Okay, come on, let's go.
You sure?
Well, I didn't see anyone
who looked like her.
ANNA:
How's your search going?
Cruddy.
Hey, watch the language
in here.
I thought that was an okay one.
Anna, do you know anything about
a girl who was killed
and went to our school too?
Why?
Because she thinks
she's seeing her
all of a sudden.
Sure, she does.
Nora trying to be funny,
just like her brother.
Dorsan Titus.
That was her name.
What do you know about her?
What can I tell you?
She liked to read.
She was in here quite often.
She was new.
She didn't live here
that long, really.
Less than a full year.
She was sweet. She wasn't
the most popular,
but she had a bubbly personality
and loved to laugh a lot.
She loved to laugh a lot?
Does she not love to laugh now?
What exactly happened to her?
I'm not sure I'm supposed to go
too deep into the details.
It's a bit too adult for
you guys.
Please. It's for my
research paper.
Yeah.
And you know, I can handle it.
You kidding me?
And I don't have bad
dreams anymore.
You can ask them.
So you won't get in trouble.
I'm sorry, girls,
I can't help you.
It's too graphic.
Good luck, though.
Okay, we don't have to get into
the graphic part.
I totally understand.
I just need to know who
killed her.
You just need to know
who murdered her
for your school paper?
Look, I could get behind this
if it was an essay
on the landfill or the
harm of pollution,
but not the history behind
a murderer.
This is why I hate being stuck
in a child's body.
I mean, how graphic
and bad could it be?
Worse than Jeffrey Dahmer
or Ted Bundy?
I've seen it all.
Oh, then go see this one
too, then.
Then you're allowed
to find out on your own.
I just can't disclose it myself.
Do you live under the same roof
as your parents?
I can't believe
you know this stuff.
Watching documentaries
is good for you.
It's called education.
And what kind of
education is that?
[CHUCKLES]
You could say that again,
but please, help Melissa.
it's for her research paper.
Why isn't she in
the yearbooks?
Because you're not looking
in the right year.
It was the fall of 2004.
[FOOTSTEPS]
ERMA: Where is she going..?
To get the book, I think.
[PAGES FLIPPING]
There you go.
I've got to get back
to the front desk.
Okay.
Okay.
Aiden... no...
Oh, my God.
That's her.
Really?
Melissa! The necklace!
I know.
You know?
But you said your dad
got you that necklace.
Wait, listen to this.
It's been in an attic many years
before he moved here.
But why would you lie to us?
MELISSA:
Okay, look...
I can explain.
You better explain.
And you're wondering
why you're haunted by her.
You're wearing her necklace,
you freak.
[PEAR CRUNCHING]
[AMBIENT LOW HUM]
[TV TURNS ON]
[EERIE MUSIC]
WOMAN ON TV:
The slogan is,
Victims do have a voice.
If you ignore their suffering,
I will remind you.
if you don't understand them,
I will explain.
If you don't hear them,
I will be their voice.
You may silence them,
but you can't silence me
as long as I'm out here.
Victims do have a voice.
If you ignore their suffering,
I'll remind you.
Victims do have a voice.
Victims do have a voice.
If you ignore their suff--
Victims do have a voice.
If you ignore their suffering,
I will remind you,
if you don't understand them,
I will explain.
If you don't.
If you don't hear them,
[HIGHER PITCH]
I'll remind you.
I will be their voice.
[HIGHER PITCH]
I'll explain.
You may silence them,
But you can't--
[EERIE MUSIC CONTINUES]
The pheonix.
MAN ON TV:
Victims do have a voice.
If you ignore their suffering,
I will remind you.
If you don't understand,
I will explain.
You may silence them,
But you can't silence me.
As long as I'm out there,
Turn off!
[MUSIC CUTS]
[REMOTE TUMBLES ON COUCH]
[CREEPY MUSIC FADES IN AGAIN]
[FRIGHTENING STING]
Victims do have a voice.
[FRIGHTENING STING]
[MELISSA GASPS]
MAN'S VOICE:
--Do have a voice.
[FAINT SHOUTS ECHO]
[MUSIC RELAXES]
[GLASS SHATTERING SOUND]
[BLOOD DRIPPING]
[INTENSE MUSIC]
[WATER RUNNING]
[HEAVY COUGHING]
[SLUDGE SPLATTERS]
MELISSA: [DISTORTED]
Victims do have a voice.
[MELISSA SCREAMS]
[MUSIC CALMS]
[HEAVY BREATHING]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[PENCIL SCRAPING]
[PAPER CRINKLES]
[PAPER BALL FALLS]
It's not about me anymore.
[PENCIL SCRATCHING]
[ZIPPERS CLINK]
[BACKPACK RUSTLES]
[KEYBOARD TAPS]
Her.
[CLICK]
WOMAN: Did you make all
these slimes, Cindy?
CINDY:
Yes.
Fantastic.
What did you make them with?
My sister and mother.
Yeah. Did they help you?
Which one is your favorite?
The unicorn one.
Will you show me?
GIRL:
Mm-hmm.
SHELLY: So what have you been
working on, Hannah?
HANNAH: Oh, I've been
writing this new story.
Oh, a story. Nice.
Did you finish the song
that you were writing?
Um, sort of?
I'm taking a little break
from it.
It's very important that
that we finish what we start.
So tell me, Dorsan,
[BITTERSWEET MUSIC]
what makes you happy?
Don't be shy.
Remember, talking is what
gets us through our problems.
Do you trust me?
DORSAN:
I do.
But I don't know if I could
talk about this.
Sweetie, you can talk to me
about anything.
Look at me.
Whatever we talk about in here
stays in here between us.
Okay?
Okay.
So tell me,
what makes you happy?
Mom does.
SHELLY:
I'm sure she loves you so much.
Her... yeah.
[SNIFFS]
What else makes you happy?
Drawing.
[SKETCHBOOK SLIDES]
I like drawing.
It takes me to different places.
Places I never thought I
could reach.
[PAGE FLIPS]
But what many don't know is,
with drawing,
everything is possible.
[PAGE FLIPS]
Wow. I can totally see that.
You're so imaginative
and talented.
And smart.
If I'm so smart, then...
why can't I figure
something out?
Figure what out?
You know what.
Us.
Dad.
There's got to be a reason
she's drawing these.
[MUSIC GROWS MYSTERIOUS]
[SCREENSHOT TOOL CLICKS]
[SCREENSHOT TOOL CLICKS]
[SCREENSHOT TOOL CLICKS]
[MOUSE CLICKS]
[KEYBOARD TYPING]
[PRINTER WHIRRING]
David Titus admits murdering
both his wife, Susan,
and ten year old daughter,
Dorsan Titus.
Daughter's body still
remains unlocated...
Investigations revealed that
David had mental issues,
and when Susan finally
filed for divorce,
he went crazy.
Despite police efforts,
Dorsan remains at large.
Could David be lying
about where he hid the body?
The truth behind the
whereabouts
of Dorsan's body remains
a mystery.
I don't think it was a lie.
She's still out there.
[DEEP EXHALE]
Pheonix.
[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]
[PRINTER WHIRRING]
West... Soho.
[COMPUTER'S TRASH
SFX CRINKLES]
[BICYCLE WHEELS ROLLING]
[TENSE MUSIC]
[MUSIC SLOWLY BUILD]
[MUSIC GROWS MORE URGENT]
[EERIE LULLABY MUSIC FADES IN]
[SUPERNATURAL WHOOSHING]
[BITTERSWEET STRING MUSIC]
[FOOTSTEPS]
SUSAN: Isn't it a
beautiful day, Dorsan?
Mom, look.
Your favorite flowers bloomed.
Well, that's because you
take good care of it.
Have you been watering
the other flowers
or just that one?
DORSAN:
Of course I have.
SUSAN:
Are you sure?
Yes, I water all of them.
Even the dead ones.
That's my girl.
[OTHERWORLDLY RATTLING]
Come here.
[WHOOSHING]
[OMINOUS STRING MUSIC]
[BICYCLE GEARS CLICKING]
[METAL CLINKS]
[PLASTIC BAG RUSTLES]
[GATE BARS CLICK]
[DISTANT EMERGENCY SIREN]
[MUSIC RISES IN SUSPENSE]
[JARRING STING]
[MUSIC GROWS SOMBER]
[BIKE CRASHES TO GROUND]
[GARAGE DOOR CLATTERS]
[BICYCLE CLINKS]
[GARAGE DOOR CLATTERS]
[ECHOING THUD]
[GENTLE MUSIC]
[FEET SHUFFLE ON FLOOR]
[PLASTIC SCRAPING]
[PAPER RUSTLES]
[BITTERSWEET MUSIC BUILDS]
[MUSIC GROWS SOMBER]
[PAPER RUSTLING]
Conceived...
All these miscarriages
before Dorsan?
What happened to you, Susan?
[BOX CONTENTS TUMBLE]
[NEWSPAPER CRACKLING]
[NEWSPAPER RIPPING]
[SHRILL GHOSTLY TONE]
[MUSIC CUTS]
Hi.
I followed the signs here.
You wrote this...
"A hug from a grieving mother."
Your mom was grieving, too.
Your mom, Susan.
Susan... Dorsan.
[FAINT STRAINED WHISPER]
Yeah, I know.
It rhymes too.
[MELLOW, SAD MUSIC]
Look,
I want to help you,
but you have to help me
help you.
Does it remind you of your mom?
You want it back?
What is it?
[MUSIC TEMPO QUICKENS]
Is it-- Is it the necklace?
I'm--
Look, I'm trying to
help you. Okay?
You have to communicate with me.
Just...
I'm trying.
[MUSIC CALMS]
Now you can touch me.
DAVID:
Susan!
[MUFFLED VOICES ARGUING]
[ARGUING CONTINUES]
[FOREBODING TONES]
DAVID: Come here.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC BUILDS]
[ECHOING GASP]
I couldn't stop it.
I tried to stop it,
but I'm going to stop it.
[QUIET SOBBING]
Okay?
Stop crying.
It's okay.
We're in this together now.
Okay?
There we go.
It's okay... it's okay.
MELISSA:
So there you have it.
Just throw it away.
Burn it.
[SCOFFS]
What's wrong with you?
No! Look.
Getting rid of the necklace
will not help or make it stop.
And that's because..?
Because we're connected now.
What do you mean, connected?
You mean like blood sisters?
[NORA SNICKERS]
MELISSA: No, Erma.
Not blood sisters.
She's such a retard.
Hey now!
MELISSA:
It means,
now I know about her,
and I know she's hurt, and
I have to do something about it.
I can't just ignore
her suffering
when she's made contact with me.
I mean, there's a connection
with her.
Now, it's not just
through the necklace.
That was just a medium.
She's bad news.
It's like a curse.
To hell with her,
I say.
MELISSA:
No! She just needs help.
She needs to be finally freed
so she'd do whatever it takes.
It doesn't
make her a bad person.
NORA: I hear you.
And that sucks and everything.
But why does it have to be
you who carries
the weight of the world
on your shoulders?
Why? Because I'm the daughter
of the man in charge of building
an entire project where
her body is.
All right.
Then let's stop your dad.
Maybe she can help us.
Like, does her necklace
give you any type of powers?
Like Pocahontas's blue necklace?
No wonder she could paint
with all the colors of the wind.
[NORA SNORTS]
That was a metaphor.
Not powers!
A medal for...? For what?
A golden medal for you.
For your stupidity.
Dear God.
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
[HORROR MOVIE PLAYING]
[SOFT KNOCK ON WINDOW]
[POPCORN MUNCHING]
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
[KNOCKING]
[FASTER KNOCKING]
Nora!
Nora!
Oh, crap!
[WINDOW SLIDING]
I've been knocking for
ten minutes.
How long do you
usually knock?
You couldn't hear me?
I'm watching a horror movie.
It's called "The Uninvited."
You ever see it?
It's really good.
Oh... okay?
Popcorn?
Our plan?
Oh, so you need my help now?
Just say it.
Come on, let's go.
[GRAVEL CRUNCHING]]
[MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
NORA: The real Evel Knievel
was way behind.
ERMA:
Hey, I ride fast.
NORA:
Hey, look,
I can ride my bike
with no handlebars.
ERMA:
What a showoff.
Have you guys ever thought
what could happen to us
if our parents found out
that we were doing this?
MELISSA: I'd rather not think
about that right now.
NORA: My parents are used to me
doing stuff like this.
At this point,
they don't really care.
ERMA: Why am I asking
the wrong person?
Now what?
MELISSA:
I'm not sure.
They must have
just recently built this.
It wasn't here before.
We can try to hop over it.
But how?
Maybe we should just go back.
NORA:
What a wimpy chicken!
Just stand back
and learn from the master.
[BICYCLE CLATTERS DOWN]
MELISSA: Okay.
ERMA: Okay, come on,
ERMA:
There's no choice.
She won't give up.
MELISSA:
Come on.
NORA:
Hee hee.
Noraaaa... power!
[SIGN CRASHES DOWN]
ERMA: What the--
MELISSA: Nora!
[NORA GIGGLES]
MELISSA: What are you doing?
All right.
Come on, little chicks.
ERMA:
[STAMMERING] Oh, okay.
If you say so.
NORA:
Under.
ERMA: I don't think this is
a good idea...
NORA: Come on!
MELISSA: Just hold my backpack.
[CLUMSY SHUFFLING]
NORA:
Come on. Be free.
[GRAVEL CRUNCHING]
ERMA:
A little stuck.
MELISSA: Your backpack's caught.
[NORA GIGGLES]
MELISSA:
Here you go.
ERMA:
Thanks.
Your turn.
Okay.
Come on.
Let's go.
[SOFT CURIOUS MUSIC]
MELISSA: I can't believe you
broke the "Do Not Enter" sign.
ERMA: Looks like our tomboy
finally came in handy.
NORA: My mother says that every
cool girl is half boy.
MELISSA: I wonder if her mom
ever teaches her
the right stuff.
[ERMA LAUGHS]
NORA:
Just so you know,
I don't necessarily believe
in all this good stuff,
but I'm calling this
an adventure.
I won't believe you guys
until I see her myself.
There.
Hey, guys?
Hello?
Guys?
[MISHA MEOWS]
[FOOTSTEPS CRUNCHING]
[MUSIC TURNS EERIE]
[FAINT GHOSTLY BREATH]
[TRASH CRACKLES UNDERFOOT]
Whoa!
[PLASTIC AND GRAVEL SCRAPING]
Ow.
[FOOTSTEPS CRUNCHING]
[HEAVY BREATHING]
[WIND WHISTLING]
Misha?
[DEEP RUMBLE]
[MELISSA SCREAMS]
[WIND HOWLING IN DISTANCE]
[SLOW, UNEASY MUSIC]
[GHOSTLY BREATHING]
[DISTANT WATER DRIPPING]
Mom?
Dorsan?
LISA: [ECHOING]
Darling, come.
I've been working on
something for you.
Wow, look at that.
[HEART BEATING]
Don't touch it.
Come on, Melissa.
Don't be afraid.
You can't hurt him in here.
He's safe in Mommy's belly.
No, he's not!
This isn't real,
this isn't real.
[GIRL'S VOICE MUMBLING]
Melissa.
[MUSIC BUILDS UP]
[HUMMING GROWS LOUDER]
[DORSAN SPEAKS, BARELY AUDIBLE]
[MUSIC CUTS]
MELISSA: [ECHOING]
A hug from a grieving mother.
SHELLY: [ECHOING]
Victims do have a voice.
DORSAN: [ECHOING]
It takes me to different places.
KETTLEWORTH: [ECHOING]
I am a pheonix...
LISA: [ECHOING]
Melissa.
Melissa?
[FAINT SCREAM]
[ECHOING VOICES STOP]
[TRASH RUSTLING]
Where is my mother?
This has been your
grave for years.
This isn't fair for you.
I'm sorry I was scared.
[TRASH RUSTLING]
[PLASTIC RIPPING]
[MELISSA GRUNTS]
We don't have
much time, do we?
I'm sorry it took me this long.
I should have picked up on
all these clues earlier.
My bad.
[SLOW FOOTSTEPS]
Melissa, are you deaf?
Oh, there you two are.
ERMA:
Yeah, we saw you fall,
but you couldn't hear us,
so we followed you.
Here's your stuff.
MELISSA:
Thanks.
Oh, my gosh.
Is that her?
Like, duh, Captain Obvious.
Wow.
Melissa's not actually crazy.
[LIGHT SLAP]
Of course she's not.
ERMA:
Hi, I'm Erma.
What's wrong with her eyes?
Just her eyes?
Like everything else about her
looks normal to you?
Watch it, young lady.
I've been trained professionally
in karate.
You leave my friends alone,
do you hear me?
No!
What are you doing to her?
That's the last thing she
needs right now.
We came here to help her,
not to scare her.
Come on.
But I was just
trying to be protective.
I thought you were in danger.
I'm not.
I'm sorry about that, Dorsan.
Come on.
We'll get you out of here.
You know, she trusted you two
you enough
to show herself to you.
Aww... that's nice.
Poor thing.
All right, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it.
Listen, let's start over.
[HIGH-PITCHED SCREECH]
[DISCORDANT ECHOES]
Okay.
What the heck just happened?
She's under the dirt.
You two saw that, right?
I mean, yeah,
but we were all together.
Why are we like this now?
Well, we almost made her
crap her pants.
Oh, wait.
She wasn't wearing any.
Never mind.
Melissa.
We're not going to get nowhere.
If I was you,
I would just tell your father
everything.
Okay?
What am I going to say?
"Tear up the place you
just spent
three weeks working on."
None of this is going
to make any sense to him.
MAN:
Girls.
What do you three ladies doing
wandering around in a dump?
Says the dude who just
appeared out of nowhere.
What are you doing here?
Mouth on that girl.
I work here.
Now what are you doing here?
Just hanging around,
looking for stuff.
You watch Discovery Channel?
Your parents know
you're out here?
Oh, yeah, of course they do.
Really?
When did you tell?
Oh, yeah.
Do you know about that Dora girl
who was killed, like, ages ago?
Dora girl?
Yeah.
Oh, no, not Dora the Explorer.
I'm sure he didn't think
you meant that.
You and your
silly cartoon references.
What was her name?
Melissa.
I don't remember.
Never mind her.
She has this cartoon thing.
She never grows up.
Oh, my mom says that
we never really grow up.
We just learn
how to behave in public.
Well tell your mom
that you haven't even learned
how to do that yet.
Oh, well, look who's talking.
[NORA JEERS BACK]
Okay, girls. Knock it off.
You taking your friends
on a tour, Melissa?
Yeah.
Her dad's helping us build
the finest houses
that, pretty soon, everybody's
going to be talking about.
ERMA:
But you still--!
NORA: But you haven't
covered up all the trash yet.
Not yet, no.
Soon enough, though.
How soon?
Trucks in three days.
Concrete after.
And hundreds of families
will come here
to live in new homes.
Pretty soon,
the dump will be
a long lost memory.
You girls need a ride home?
No. My dad's picking us up.
You girls be careful
out here.
It can be a dangerous place.
It's a dump.
You got this, Melissa?
Yeah.
Melissa? What's wrong?
Melissa. Hey.
Hey. Melissa.
It's too late.
You two wouldn't get it.
I've failed.
I'm so stupid.
You're the worst consoler ever.
What, do you want me to
give her a piece?
I have a few.
No! How are you not
fired as a friend already?
You're gonna make her cry.
But she already is.
And you're going to sit there
and cry with her?
What is wrong with you two?
You're acting like--
Like the trucks
are already coming now.
Like the world is over.
Like we've already failed.
I failed.
Not until three days at least.
Were you listening at all?
I thought I knew
you better than that.
Come on. One wall we hit,
and you're already giving up?
You never learn.
You want me to show you
the Nora way again?
You want me to?
No.
No, but,
I think she does have a point.
I always have a point.
You two.
You're such drama queens.
Drama queens?
You said that we stopped
making melodramas
in the-- 1969?
1950s.
[CLAPS HANDS]
Get up.
[SHUFFLING FOOTSTEPS]
[TRASH CRUNCHING]
Thank you for being strong
and not ever giving up on us.
[GIRLS SQUEAK AND LAUGH]
[CAR NOISES OUTSIDE]
[FOOTSTEPS]
[DISTANT PHONE RINGING]
ATWOOD:
Hello.
Can I help you?
We'd like to report a...
a dead body.
A dead body?
Okay.
And where did you find this
dead body?
At the dump.
The dump.
What were you girls doing
up at the dump?
See, we were walking
at the landfill
where my dad works.
And... we saw a hand. Buried.
Oh my gosh.
We all saw it.
Yeah, we all saw it.
Not just Melissa.
And what makes you think
that it was a real hand?
Well, it looked real
from up close.
Did you touch the hand?
No, we didn't.
And then what did you do?
Did you tell anybody?
Um, no.
Did you tell your parents?
We came directly to you.
I see. Um...
And then what happened?
Can you give me any details?
Was it male, female,
large, small?
It looked like
a little girl's hand.
Officer Tibbits,
these young ladies
were up at the dump,
and they found a hand,
maybe of a deceased person,
they're thinking.
Do we have any cases like that?
TIBBETTS:
Not that I'm aware of.
But I can go look.
I'll check the cold case files.
Well, I thank you
all very much for coming in.
I've taken a lot of notes,
and you're being
very responsible,
and we appreciate that.
I'm going
to have one of the officers
call your parents
and they can take you home.
Okay?
And now what's
going to happen to us?
Are they gonna put us
on the news?
BBC? CNN? [GASP]
Animal Planet?!
Are you a hippo?
They've got microphones
and double side mirrors in here.
So keep your mouth shut.
[DOOR HANDLE CLICKS]
MCCARTHY: Hi.
GIRLS: Hi.
Officer Atwood wanted me
to drive you girls home.
Would that be better
than calling our parents?
Either way, you're in trouble.
So it won't really matter.
You got that right.
So I hear you saw a dead hand.
I stepped on it by accident.
Is that right?
Well, it's a new detail.
I'm going to need a play
by play.
Play by who?
[LOUD FACEPALM]
I don't know how to play
that one.
MCCARTHY: No, it's not a game.
I'm asking for the full details.
NORA:
Never mind her, she's slow.
Both physically and mentally.
ERMA:
Hey! I run fast.
Yeah, like a snail.
Hey, you don't talk
to your friend like that.
Now come on, girls.
I don't have all day.
Let's go back to
the hand you saw.
What brought you to the landfill
in the first place?
We need to stop this project
and find her body
before they build on top of her.
And your dad works at the site?
Yes, he does.
What did you do
when you saw the hand?
ERMA: We ran.
MELISSA: Over to you.
What would you do?
All right.
Go on.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR]
[KNOCKS AGAIN]
[LOCK CLATTERS]
We've been worried sick.
LISA: Where have
you been, Melissa?
Why are you brought by a cop?
No. It's all good.
ROBERT:
Thank you.
LISA:
What is this all about?
Can I come in?
[DOOR SQUEAKS]
ROBERT: Thank you,
Detective McCarthy.
I think I've heard enough.
A dead girl, huh?
I mean,
they were alleging the body
belonged to a girl named Dorsan.
She's a murdered girl
from many years ago
the police never found.
Really?
Yeah.
I just think it's a school paper
they're working on,
like her friend said.
They just took it
to the next level.
And like I said,
I brought my team out there,
and we searched the place,
and we came
up with absolutely nothing.
[LISA SIGHS]
Dad, I'm not crazy.
Listen, you cannot go
behind our backs
and do things like this.
It's dangerous.
No, I can explain.
No, no.
What's worse is you dragged
Nora and Erma into this
and put them in danger, okay?
It's not cool.
No, it wasn't like that.
They wanted to!
You've got to stop.
Okay.
Do you know how serious this is?
This. This is not good.
Let me go!
I thought you'd trust me!
[OWLS HOOTING]
MELISSA:
Dorsan, I don't know what to do.
I don't.
Though I've tried.
No-- no one wants to listen.
[CALM MUSIC PLAYS]
You're cold.
The trucks come in a few days.
I failed, didn't I?
I'm sorry, Dorsan.
I really, really tried.
Who are you talking to?
No one.
Melissa, stop.
Give it to me.
Your dad gave you that, huh?
You know, the other girls
told their parents about this?
You found it in the landfill,
and it makes you see dead
people?!
Not dead people.
Just Dorsan. I'm not crazy.
They saw her too.
You're making this
so difficult.
I know this is hard on you.
It's been hard on all of us.
But you can't just drift off
into some fantasy land
full of death and evil
and sadness.
You could throw away all
my stuff for all I care.
It's got nothing to do with it.
Just help me help her.
We're running out
of time. Please.
I won't let you...
I won't let you slip away too.
LISA: Just give it to me.
MELISSA: Hey!
[CHAIN SHATTERS]
[MUSIC QUIETENS]
[GHOSTLY VOICE ECHOES]
[GHOSTLY EXHALE]
[HEAVY BREATHING]
[TENSE MUSIC KICKS IN]
[PLASTIC BAGS CRINKLING]
[MELISSA SCREAMING]
MELISSA:
Help me!
LISA:
Melissa!
Melissa, hold on!
[MELISSA YELLS]
[FAINT WHISPERS]
[MELISSA'S VOICE ECHOES,
FADES OUT]
Melissa?
[GURGLING AMBIENT NOISE]
Melissa!
Melissa, Mommy's here.
I got you.
[AMBIENT NOISE FADES OUT]
Oh. Oh my.
You okay?
[TIRES CRUNCHING]
[DISTANT SIRENS]
[URGENT MUSIC]
[CAR DOOR SHUTS]
Mom, trust me on this one.
ROGER:
Where are you guys going?
LISA: We got this.
Just distract them.
[PLASTIC RUSTLING]
Melissa, I can't let you
go out there by yourself.
MELISSA:
Mom. [GRUNTS]
I'll need your help
later, but...
let me go and check
this myself first.
Trust me.
LISA:
Absolutely not.
I'm right behind you.
MELISSA:
Mom.
[BACKPACK RUSTLES]
[ROPE PLOPS DOWN]
[MELISSA GRUNTS]
[SOFT, SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[FOOTSTEPS CRINKLING]
[OMINOUS STING]
[GHOSTLY STING]
[SOFT WHOOSHING]
[MUSIC BUILDS]
[MELISSA GASPS]
[MELISSA SCREAMS]
[GHOSTLY WHISPER]
[SOUND ABRUPTLY CUTS]
Open your eyes.
Open your eyes.
[EERIE, WISTFUL MUSIC]
Mom?
I have something for you.
[SUDDEN METALLIC SCREECH]
[MUSIC RAMPS UP INTENSITY]
[PLASTIC RUSTLING]
[PLASTIC RUSTLING
CONTINUES]
Oh. Oh, my God.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
Melissa. Baby.
[KISSES]
It's okay, baby. You're okay.
[KISSES]
You leave my daughter alone.
MELISSA: No, Mom.
She doesn't mean any harm.
She just wants a hug
from a mother
who's lost a loved one.
Just like her.
Come on. She's innocent.
She really is.
MELISSA:
Come on.
Come on.
MELISSA: It's okay.
LISA: [BREATHLESS] It's okay...
LISA: It's okay, little girl.
[KISSES]
[BITTERSWEET MUSIC SWELLS]
[ECHOING] Thank you.
No, thank you.
You, with your mom.
Me, with my mom.
[NECKLACE CLINKS]
Keep it.
No.
You keep it.
Remember me?
I'll always remember you,
whether I have the
necklace or not.
Bye.
Bye, Dorsan.
[MUSIC GROWS GENTLE]
I'll never forget you, Dorsan.
Or your mom.
[NECKLACE CHAIN CLINKS]
[KISSES]
[RUSTLING FOOTSTEPS]
POLICEMAN:
Over here, Robert.
MELISSA: Dad, we
found Dorsan's body!
ROBERT: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa whoa whoa!
Let's get Forensics down here.
No one touch anything.
MELISSA:
Pull away the trash!
[RADIO VOICES MUMBLING]
[PLASTIC RUSTLING]
[CALM, BITTERSWEET MUSIC]
A ten year old elementary school
girl, Melissa Everie,
discovers the body of
Dorsan Titus,
who was murdered with her
mom in 2004.
The mother, Susan Titus,
originally the only body found,
can now be reunited
with her daughter,
who's now buried
next to her.
As Titus's case is
finally solved,
Melissa adds, in her words,
"We sometimes take things
for granted
and not appreciate what we have,
[KID'S VOICES]
until we either lose it
or are close to losing it.
There were times where I felt
helpless and powerless,
that I was small
and the world was big.
But taking something as
metaphoric as a Pheonix
was an inspirational enough
to help me make a change.
[GIRLS GIGGLE]
But once you decide to change
the way you perceive yourself
and look at things,
it will never be the same.
All it takes
is that wake up call.
Every passing day is a chance
to turn things all around.
Every passing day
is a step closer
who you aspire to become.
Be a Pheonix, be a thunderstorm,
be a helper,
be your very own hero.
[KISSES]
Look at yourself
in the mirror every day and say,
I'm proud of you,
and I appreciate you.
Dorsan is set free now,
and while it's easier to think
and believe that I saved her,
the truth is, she saved me."
[BITTERSWEET MUSIC CONTINUES]
[MUSIC FADES OUT]
[SOMBER CREDITS MUSIC]
[MUSIC FADES]
SHELLY: So was there
anything specific
you'd like to share with us?
I think it's very important
to take a stand
and help those in need,
because victims do have a voice.
And if you ignore their
suffering, then I'll remind you.
[SHELLY AND MELISSA TOGETHER]
If you don't understand them,
I will explain.
If you don't hear them,
I will be their voice.
You may silence them,
but you can't silence me
as long as I'm out there.
[GIGGLING]
This is Shelly Rasmussen,
and you're listening to
"What's New Today."
Thank you so much for tuning in.
And we hope
you enjoyed this episode
with our very special guest,
young victim advocate
Melissa Everie.
[SOFT GIGGLE FADES OUT]