ONE-WAY JOURNEY

As writers, we are influenced by the every day events that surround us as a family man, as a human, as a member of society and of the world.

Recently, so many things are happening that I feel my senses completely inundated by the sheer magnitude of information that is always surrounding us. From politics, to religion, to work, to my children, to technology, to war.

Writing allows me to control some of this chaos, but again, lately, it´s becoming more and more difficult to do this. There has got to be a way to cope. All I can think of is... keep on writing.

A.I.

A.I. has been at the top of the list in terms of my concerns, due mainly to its world changing, life changing potential. And so, I feel very much influenced by it to write about it. And since this blog is about writing, here is the latest idea that I have developed into a short script. One that I hope to be able to send to compete or a story that I might be able to film myself. either way, I want to share it since - as I mentioned before - it is my way to cope. The short is called One-Way Journey. I hope you like it.

FADE IN

INT. DIEGO'S STUDY - NIGHT

A dimly lit room. A soft glow from a lamp casting long shadows across the walls filled with books, manuscripts, and framed memories. Diego (64), a seasoned writer with lines of wisdom etched on his face, sits in his chair, facing a sleek, humanoid ROBOT standing across from him.

The robot’s face is remarkably expressive for its metallic form, with a soft, almost imperceptible blinking that gives it a subtle semblance of life.

There’s a long silence, as Diego stares at the robot. Then, his hand reaches out to a worn notebook on his desk. His fingers gently trace the edges of the pages.

DIEGO

(softly, to himself)

In these pages, I’ve tried to capture everything that

 makes life... life. My thoughts, my ideas, what I´ve seen 

So many stories… of what it means, to love, to exist..

He looks up from the notebook, his gaze lingering on the robot.

DIEGO (CONT)

(quietly, yet intensely) 

So, this is it. My body... my life, as I’ve known it, will end. 

And I will exist… in you. My thoughts, my memories, 

everything transferred into you.

The robot tilts its head a bit, acknowledging what Diego just said.

DIEGO (CONT)

But will it still be me, the same me? 

My thoughts, my dreams, my soul?

The robot slowly nods. Its blinking slows, as if deep in thought.

ROBOT 

(softly)

 I am 99.765% certain that it will be you, Diego. 

The same you, within me.

Diego’s eyes narrow slightly as he processes the robot’s response. The silence between them grows thicker, more profound. His gaze shifts back to the notebook. Picks it up, opens it, flips through the pages.

DIEGO 

(whispers) 

But what of that 0.235%?

The robot seems to hesitate, its blinking almost stops. For a moment, it seems to consider Diego's question deeply.

ROBOT 

(in a calm tone) 

That 0.235% is the uncertainty of existence itself. 

DIEGO

 Once I decide... there’s no going back, is there?

ROBOT

It is a one-way journey.

Diego’s hand rests on the closed notebook. He glances around the room, his eyes lingering on the familiar objects that have surrounded him for so long. The old typewriter, the framed photos, the dusty books—all reminders of a life lived deeply, fully.

ROBOT (CONT)

Diego, I understand your hesitation, but you 

will still be you.., and more. Your ability to perceive, 

to create... will expand. Yet, your humanity will remain.

Diego’s hand grips the notebook tightly, his breath shaky. He looks at the robot, a mix of fear and hope in his eyes. He opens the desk drawer and places the notebook inside. Closes the drawer. Then, he stands up.

DIEGO

(in a voice filled with finality) 

Then... let’s begin.

The robot nods slowly, stepping closer.

ROBOT

Whenever you’re ready, Diego.

Diego takes a deep breath, his eyes locked on the robot’s soft, blinking face. The room dims as the camera slowly zooms out, leaving them in a pool of light.

FADE OUT.

I hope you liked it.

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.