Wings
A short screenplay by Ali James Ngaruiya
A boy grows up hearing that his family once had wings. Years after his father's death, he sets out to prove the stories were true.
Excerpt: Opening scene
INT. INSIDE A COBBLESTONE HOUSE
MARVIN'S DAD
You are the descendent of a long lineage of men and women who could fly. Not too long ago we had wings.
MARVIN
We had wings?
MARVIN'S DAD
Yes, our whole family did, the same with your friends' families.
Marvin looks up in amazement with a sparkle in his eye.
MARVIN'S DAD (CONT'D)
You see, this whole town was a safe haven for flying people. But over time we either lost our ability or forgot how to.
Marvin's dad looks serious.
MARVIN'S DAD
But one day you will be able to fly. I know it.
I Have Wings: Chapter 1
Prose fiction by Ali James Ngaruiya
Part of the same Wings story, set at a different time. In Etheria, winged guardians keep the peace and no one has ever cried, until Lofi meets a girl who can't stop.
Excerpt: Opening
"Wake up, flower child."
I opened my crust-filled eyes, and a peach fog illuminated the room.
"So tired," I muttered to myself. I barely got any sleep last night. I was up late at the beach hanging out with my friends. Summer's almost over, and I'm just trying to enjoy every day to the fullest.
I peered out my window and saw the guardians having a conversation over the fountain. I couldn't make out what they were saying; they were too far. No one has ever heard a guardian speak. They're too slick, I thought to myself. One day I hope to become a guardian, have wings sprout out of my back, and protect Etheria. I just don't know how to get there.