Episode 9: Sunrise on the Hill
561 Words
Opening Scene: The Journey to the Hill
The episode begins early in the morning, the sky still dark. Ellie knocks on Adrian’s door, holding two cups of steaming coffee. Adrian answers, looking tired but smiling.
Adrian: “Do you know what time it is?”
Ellie: “Sunrise time. Number three on the list, remember?”
Adrian: “You really don’t believe in sleeping, do you?”
Ellie: “Not when there’s magic to be found.”
She hands him a cup of coffee, and they set off toward the tallest hill in Evergreen.
The Trek
The climb is challenging, especially for Adrian. Ellie notices him struggling but doesn’t say anything, instead slowing her pace to match his.
Adrian (panting): “This better be the most spectacular sunrise in history.”
Ellie (teasing): “Don’t worry. If it’s not, I’ll paint you a better one.”
As they near the top, Adrian pauses to catch his breath. Ellie gently touches his arm, concern flickering across her face.
Ellie: “We can rest if you need to.”
Adrian: “No. I want to see this. With you.”
The Sunrise Moment
They reach the summit just as the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon. The town below is bathed in golden light, the scene almost otherworldly. Adrian and Ellie sit on a blanket, sharing a quiet moment as the sun rises.
Ellie (softly): “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Adrian: “It is. But it’s not the view I’m looking at.”
Ellie turns to see Adrian watching her instead of the sunrise. She laughs, a mix of shyness and warmth.
Ellie: “You’re such a cliché.”
Adrian: “Says the girl who dragged me up here for a sunrise.”
They both laugh, the sound carrying on the cool morning breeze.
A Quiet Confession
After a long silence, Adrian speaks, his voice serious.
Adrian: “Ellie, there’s something I need to say.”
Ellie: “What is it?”
Adrian hesitates, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Adrian: “Being with you... it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I don’t know how much time I have left, but I want you to know that. No matter what happens.”
Ellie’s eyes well up, but she forces a smile, covering his hand with hers.
Ellie: “You don’t get to talk about time like it’s running out, okay? We still have this list. We still have now.”
Adrian nods, his expression bittersweet.
Ellie’s Determination
As they pack up to leave, Ellie glances at Adrian, her resolve strengthening.
Ellie (thinking): He’s not giving up, and neither am I. We’re going to make every moment count.
Cliffhanger Ending: Adrian’s Notebook
Back at his apartment, Adrian flips through his notebook, reading over the letter he’s been writing to Ellie. He adds another line:
"Every sunrise with you feels like a lifetime. Thank you for giving me that."
The camera lingers on Adrian as he closes the notebook and places it in a drawer, his face shadowed by the morning light.
Meanwhile, Ellie looks at her own notebook, adding a new item to the bucket list:
"Number 10: Give Adrian the happy ending he deserves."
The episode ends with a split-screen of Ellie and Adrian, both preparing for the next chapter of their journey in their own ways.
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