Kapitel 22: "The Future"
On the final day of shooting E.T., James felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he approached Spielberg. The bustling film set buzzed with energy, but James had something else on his mind. Clutching his script tightly, he took a deep breath and mustered the courage to show Spielberg the story he had poured his heart and soul into. The title, "The Future," adorned the cover, hinting at the time-traveling adventure that awaited within its pages.
Spielberg, ever the attentive and approachable director, warmly greeted James. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as James handed him the script. Spielberg's genuine interest gave James the reassurance he needed. As Spielberg delved into the script, James watched eagerly, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"The Future" transported readers to the sun-drenched suburbs of Oakwood Hills, California, where Jackson, a precocious 7-year-old boy, resided. James vividly described Jackson's charming family home, meticulously designed by his architect father, Mark, around a majestic oak tree. This architectural marvel became a symbol of the family's unity, strength, and connection to nature.
The script unfolded with a sunny summer day, where Jackson reveled in his favorite pastimes—playing with his loyal companion, Max, the family dog, and engaging in imaginative adventures with his beloved collection of toy cars. However, James cleverly introduced a twist to Jackson's idyllic existence when his younger sister, Fedra, was born. Fedra's name was a nod to the Danish word "Fremtid," meaning "future." Jackson initially felt joy over his sister's arrival, but soon, a pang of jealousy seeped into his heart as his parents showered all their attention on her.
James skillfully portrayed Jackson's emotions, capturing his frustration and resentment. Tantrums became the young boy's outlet, especially when his father started working remotely from home, while his mother, Sarah, returned to the office. Jackson longed for the undivided attention he once enjoyed, and his heartache spilled onto the pages of the script.
However, it was during one particularly intense tantrum that Jackson discovered a mysterious man in the backyard. The man claimed to be the "prince" of the house, sharing Jackson's discontent with losing attention after his birth. To Jackson's astonishment, he realized that the man was none other than Max, his loyal four-legged friend, transformed into a human. James's words painted a vivid picture of Max, complete with a tail on the man's back—a whimsical reminder of his true nature.
The script continued to weave its tale of magical encounters. On Easter Sunday, as the family prepared for the traditional egg hunt, James introduced a time-traveling element. Jackson, frustrated by his father's forgetfulness in cleaning up the colorful eggs, retreated to the backyard, seeking solace. It was there that he encountered a mysterious 14-year-old girl—Future Fedra. Her presence was both bewildering and intriguing.
Future Fedra revealed her purpose to Jackson, explaining that she had traveled back in time from the future. She carried a sense of urgency, for she believed that leaving the eggs out each day added a year to her journey towards fulfilling her dreams. James painted a captivating image of Jackson and Future Fedra working together, collecting and putting away the eggs with a shared sense of purpose.
James skillfully developed Jackson's character, giving him a chance to gain insights into his own family's history. In a poignant moment, Sarah shared old photographs of herself at the age of 6, hoping to bridge the growing gap between her and Jackson. Yet, even in the script, Jackson continued to resist, finding himself transported back in time to a small town. There, he stumbled upon a young girl who bore a striking resemblance to his mother in the old photographs. In this moment of connection, Jackson realized the depth of his mother's experiences and challenges.
As the story unfolded, James artfully guided Jackson's journey towards empathy and understanding. Inspired by his encounters, Jackson left a note in his mother's shoes, mirroring the past actions of his younger self. The note requested a bicycle, symbolizing his desire to break free from the confines of his youthful frustrations.
James's words wove a tapestry of emotions as Jackson received a shiny new bicycle with training wheels. However, his eagerness to ride without them grew after observing older children effortlessly maneuvering their bikes. With his father's patient guidance, Jackson embarked on a challenging quest to balance on two wheels. His struggle mirrored the broader themes of growth, determination, and resilience that permeated the script.
Seeking solace once more, Jackson retreated to the backyard, where time seemed to bend to his will. Transported back in time to a rural American workshop, he encountered a young man with an injured leg—a younger version of his great-grandfather. James captured the essence of their bond as the young man shared moments of joy, taking Jackson for a ride on a horse near his shop and later on his motorcycle. These experiences of connection across generations left an indelible mark on Jackson's spirit.
The script seamlessly transitioned to a family day trip to a nearby amusement park. Yet, as with previous outings, Jackson's frustration over his outfit threatened to overshadow the fun. Seeking solace once again in the backyard, he stumbled upon a hidden train station—Farland Station. Despite warnings from an older man, Jackson's curiosity compelled him to board the train against better judgment.
The train carried him to Union Station in Los Angeles, where he found himself alone and disoriented. Fear gripped him, but a kind attendant offered assistance. The attendant's presence reassured Jackson, and as he searched for a contact number, he realized he couldn't even recall his parents' names—a poignant reminder of the emotional distance he had created.
With a surge of adrenaline, Jackson spotted Fedra, now a baby, about to board the train. Determined to protect her, he swooped in and saved her from the unknown. It was in this defining moment that Jackson acknowledged his role as her older brother, embracing the responsibility and love that it entailed.
As the narrative reached its climax, Future Fedra appeared to guide Jackson back home, soaring through the air to land safely on the familiar oak tree in their backyard. The tree, a witness to the family's past and holder of cherished memories, became a poignant symbol of connection, resilience, and growth.
James's words conjured poignant flashbacks, revealing the interconnectedness of family across time. Jackson caught fleeting glimpses of his father's weakness as a child, unable to ride a bike due to physical limitations. He witnessed Max's decision to leave his mother's side and become a loyal family pet, symbolizing unwavering love. He learned of his mother's aversion to cats, stemming from a heartbreaking encounter between a stray feline and a defenseless bird. And, in a heart-rending revelation, he discovered that his great-grandfather's leg injury during World War II had prevented him from winning a race proposed by Jackson's great-grandmother—a race that would have sealed their love.
These memories and glimpses of the future weaved together, forming a tapestry of love, resilience, and interconnectedness. It was a poignant reminder of the power of family and the bonds that transcend time itself.
Eagerly awaiting Spielberg's response, James envisioned the possibility of their collaboration. With "The Future," he hoped to capture not only the magic of time travel but also the universal themes of family bonds, personal growth, and the transformative power of understanding. As he stood before Spielberg, his heart filled with anticipation, James couldn't help but wonder if his script had the potential to become a film that would touch hearts, ignite imaginations, and leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
As the script came to an end, Spielberg looked up from the last page, a profound expression etched on his face. James held his breath, waiting for Spielberg's verdict, hoping to see a glimmer of approval in the director's eyes. Spielberg's gaze met James', and a smile slowly spread across his face.
"You've created something truly magical here," Spielberg said, his voice filled with awe and admiration. "The way you've woven together family dynamics, time travel, and the power of love—it's extraordinary."
James felt his heart swell with a mix of pride and disbelief. The words of praise from his idol washed over him like a warm embrace, confirming his talent and dedication to storytelling. Spielberg continued, "I would be honored to produce and direct this film, and I believe you would make a fantastic lead, young man."
A surge of euphoria coursed through James' veins as he realized that his dreams were about to become a reality. The journey that began with the final day of E.T. shooting had led him to this very moment—a chance to collaborate with his idol and bring his imaginative world to life on the silver screen.
With gratitude and determination shining in his eyes, James thanked Spielberg profusely, his voice filled with excitement. As they shook hands, a sense of camaraderie formed, marking the beginning of a remarkable partnership that would shape James' future in the world of filmmaking.
As the sun set on that momentous day, the possibilities stretched out before James like an endless horizon. With Spielberg's guidance and his own unwavering passion, James was ready to embark on a grand adventure, one that would inspire and captivate audiences around the world. And at the heart of it all was a young boy named Jackson, a reflection of James himself, discovering the transformative power of love, family, and the boundless potential of the future.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hy, Archa is here.
If you can, please spare a little bit of your time to rate, comment, and share this fanfic.
If you have an idea, you can tell me in the comments section.
For your attention to this fanfic, Archa gives you a heartfelt thank you.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein