PET PROBLEMS

Title: Pet Problem

INT. KID'S BEDROOM - DAY
(Decorated with posters of animals, stuffed toys, and books about pets.)

KID (8 years old) sits on the bed, hugging a stuffed puppy.

KID:
Sighs Oh, how I wish I had a pet. A fluffy, cuddly, adorable best friend.

MOM (off-screen):
You could visit Mr. Barkley's Pet Shop today!

KID'S FACE LIGHTS UP.

CUT TO: INT. PET SHOP - DAY
Animals everywhere. Barking, meowing, chirping.

KID:
Wide-eyed This is heaven!

MR. BARKLEY (Pet Shop Owner):
You like dogs?

KID:
Excited LOVE them!

MR. BARKLEY opens a pen, and a small, overly enthusiastic PUPPY jumps out, barking and wagging its tail.

KID:
Panics, backing up Ah! It’s gonna eat me!

MR. BARKLEY:
It’s just saying hello!

KID nervously waves. PUPPY jumps up, licking KID’s face. KID freezes like a statue.

KID:
It’s slimy! So slimy!

CUT TO: LIZARD TANK.

KID:
Oh, maybe a lizard. Cool and calm.

MR. BARKLEY hands over a lizard.

KID:
Holding it nervously Huh, this isn’t so bad—
(The lizard suddenly moves.)
Ahhh! It’s alive! Take it back!

CUT TO: BIRD CAGE.

KID:
To a parrot Hello, pretty bird.

PARROT:
Hello, chicken!

KID:
Gasps It knows I’m scared!

QUICK MONTAGE: Trying different animals

Fish jumps out of the bowl.
Hamster runs up KID's sleeve.
Cat pounces on KID's shoelace.
KID RUNS BACK TO MOM, EMPTY-HANDED.

KID:
I’m good with stuffed animals. They’re loyal, soft, and never try to eat me.

MOM (laughing):
Maybe we’ll try again when you’re older.

KID (hugging stuffed puppy):
Or maybe... never!

FADE OUT.

TITLE CARD:
Not all heroes want pets!