Title: Flesh and Wheels INT. NICELY DECORATED APARTMENT - NIGHT Caroline Hertig (30s, posh corporate attire, wheelchair-bound) races through her apartment living room, struggling to open a bottle of red wine. She tries to maintain her composure. CAROLINE (to herself) I invite this guy over, and I can't even open a bottle of wine. Soft knocking on the door. Caroline inhales, then puts on a fake smile as she wheels herself to the door. Opens it, revealing Marcel Messier (30s, hipster journalist attire) with a bouquet of wildflowers. MARCEL Bonsoir, mademoiselle. Marcel sees the strap-on wine opener hanging on Caroline's wheelchair, chuckles. CAROLINE What's so funny? MARCEL I just recalled how you always hated wine. (beat) And yet, here we are. Caroline scoffs, then ushers him in. INT. CAROLINE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Caroline pours wine in a glass, hands it over to Marcel who is sitting on the couch. Music playing softly in the background. CAROLINE Heard you've been writing loads about me. MARCEL Guilty as charged. But how can I not? You're my muse. (smirks) Caroline "The Iron Lady" Hertig. Caroline rolls her eyes but can't hide a tiny smile. CAROLINE (serious) Cut the bull, Marcel. Tell me why you're truly here. Marcel hesitates, then speaks up. MARCEL I want to help you, Caroline. I know things have been tough since the accident. The corporate world isn't the kindest sometimes, and I -- She cuts him off. CAROLINE (icily) Stop. I didn't invite you here for your pity. Marcel hesitates, then nods. MARCEL Understood... How about a massage instead? CAROLINE (sarcastic) Oh, great. Do I look like I need your charity touch? MARCEL Well, you haven't had a lover's touch in six months. Maybe you do. She glares at him, then chuckles. CAROLINE Alright. But if you try anything funny... Marcel raises his hands defensively. INT. CAROLINE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Marcel lights scented candles as Caroline lies on her bed, face down, wearing a robe. Her wheelchair stands aside. Marcel begins with a gentle neck massage. This conversation happens as the massage goes on. CAROLINE Those flowers. Where did you get them? MARCEL Oh, just a tiny flower stand near the hospital. Caroline's face tightens as memories return. CAROLINE I remember driving past it after hours-long board meetings, wishing I could just settle down and do something meaningful. She emits a sarcastic laugh. CAROLINE And look how that turned out. MARCEL You were always chasing your dreams - it's what I admired about you. And Caroline, you can still chase those beautiful dreams, even now. Marcel's hands rest on the small of her back, thumbs press deep into the muscle. Caroline exhales. CAROLINE (softly) I'm so tired, Marcel. I'm tired of feeling like the world expects me to fall. Marcel stops massaging her. He takes off his shirt and discloses a tattoo on his back. MARCEL Look at this. CAROLINE (amused) You finally got inked? A beautiful tattoo of Phoenix rebirth. MARCEL Remember how you used to call me a "phoenix"? Caroline nods, smiling tenderly. MARCEL Well, I got this to remind me that I'll always be able to rise from the ashes. (beat) And so will you, Caroline. You always have. Caroline struggles to whisper. CAROLINE Do you truly believe that? MARCEL With every fiber of my being. A vulnerable moment shared between them. Caroline in the depths of her vulnerability and Marcel displaying his love that never seemingly faded.