You Best Be Stepping This Way, That Way
EXT. TORONTO STREET - NIGHT
The city is alive with the hum of traffic and the distant glow of neon lights. A light drizzle creates a slick sheen on the pavement. The scene is bustling, but there's a corner where the energy shifts—a grimy alleyway dimly lit by a flickering streetlight.
JACK (early 30s, well-dressed, clearly out of place) walks cautiously through the alley. He glances around, checking his phone and looking uneasy. Out of the shadows emerges SAMMY (late 40s, disheveled, with an erratic energy), his clothes tattered and his eyes wide, reflecting a mix of confusion and intensity. Sammy clutches a half-empty bottle in one hand and a crumpled blanket in the other.
SAMMY (shouting, waving his arms) Hey! You think you’re too good for these parts? This is my territory, man! I’m the king here!
Jack slows his pace, trying to keep his distance but unable to ignore the scene unfolding. Sammy’s erratic movements and rambling words make Jack wary.
JACK (trying to stay calm) Look, I don’t want any trouble. I’m just passing through.
SAMMY (stepping closer, eyes narrowing) Passing through? This is prime real estate, buddy! You think you can just waltz through here without respect? You better be stepping this way, that way.
Sammy points dramatically in one direction, then the other, his finger sweeping through the air with exaggerated precision.
JACK (confused and slightly annoyed) Alright, alright. I’ll just go around. No need to get all worked up.
SAMMY (leaning in, his breath smelling of alcohol) Yeah, you better watch it. This is my domain. You see that corner? That’s my corner. You go there, or you go away. Your choice.
Jack nods quickly, not wanting to escalate the situation further. He starts to back away, keeping his eyes on Sammy as he does.
JACK (muttering under his breath) Crazy night in Toronto...
As Jack turns to leave, Sammy watches him go with a mixture of satisfaction and paranoia. Jack walks briskly back to the main street, relieved to be out of the alley and away from Sammy’s unpredictable presence.
The street resumes its normal pace, and the city lights cast a warm glow over the scene as Jack disappears into the crowd.