Lighter
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
HARRY (14) is watching his brother, JOSH (18), through a crack in the bedroom door.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
JOSH has opened the living room window and is smoking out of it. They live in a first floor flat and as the cigarette glows with each inhale, JOSH looks down to the street below. On the TV, an England football match plays in the background.
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
HARRY breathes lightly. He focuses on the cigarette in JOSH’s hand.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The cigarette is almost at a finish. JOSH takes another drag.
A key turns in the front door’s lock. ANNA (45), their mother, enters.
JOSH
Good night?
ANNA
The hell do you think you’re doing?
JOSH slowly takes a last drag of his cigarette before throwing the butt out of the window.
JOSH
Just watching the footy.
ANNA grabs the remote and mutes the TV.
ANNA
I don’t want you smoking, but—
JOSH
You can talk.
ANNA
I’m not finished! Now you’re an adult, I can’t stop you but don’t you dare. Don’t you dare smoke in front of me and never in the flat, okay?
JOSH nods.
ANNA (CONT’D)
Okay?
JOSH
Yeah, fine. Fine.
JOSH approaches the bedroom, where HARRY has been spying on them.
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
HARRY rushes to his bed, one of two in the room, and pretends to be asleep.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
ANNA
Josh.
JOSH stops with his hand on his bedroom door handle. He faces the door.
JOSH
What?
ANNA
Why do you even smoke them? None of your other friends do.
JOSH
Callum does.
ANNA
Josh.
JOSH turns to face ANNA.
JOSH
I just fancied a smoke, that’s all.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The TV is off and ANNA is sitting at the kitchen island with a glass of whiskey with ice in it. The kitchen clock ticks. She checks it. It is 2 o’ clock.
ANNA turns towards her sons’ room and listens. The flat is silent, except for the ticking of the clock. She pulls out her own pack of cigarettes and lights one with a plastic lighter. She sighs and buries her head in her hands.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAWN
Waiting by the front door, JOSH checks the time on his phone. He wears a pair of gym shorts and a football top, and has a sports bag slung over his shoulder. JOSH calls down the corridor.
JOSH
We’re going to be late.
ANNA hurries out of her bedroom. She is fully dressed, except for the towel wrapped around her head and the slippers on her feet.
ANNA
Sorry, I’m ready. Just a sec.
ANNA turns out the pockets of her jacket to make sure she has her cigarettes and lighter on her. They are there.
JOSH
Mum, we don’t have time.
ANNA
Alright, fine. Let’s go.
ANNA darts for the door, leaving the towel on her head and slipping into a pair of sliders. She shouts to HARRY.
ANNA (CONT’D)
We’ll be back soon, Harry.
ANNA and JOSH leave. There are a few moments where there is no-one in the living room.
HARRY opens the door from his bedroom and staggers out, still in his pyjamas and his hair a mess. He yawns and makes his way to the kitchen. He opens the cupboard where the cereal is kept.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Now dressed, HARRY hesitates in the doorway of the empty master bedroom. He turns around and opens ANNA’s bedroom door, the room opposite the master bedroom.
INT. ANNA’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
HARRY sneaks in and opens the top drawer of ANNA’s bedside table. Inside are packets of Camel Blue cigarettes.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
HARRY hides a cigarette packet in an empty shoebox he keeps under his bed.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
HARRY is making beans on toast. As he waits for the bread to toast, HARRY approaches the mantlepiece. There is an old, metal lighter. HARRY glances in the direction of the master bedroom.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
HARRY’s mind flashes to a few months ago. The room is grey and sombre. HARRY passes the lighter to the hand of TOM (50), his father.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
HARRY carefully picks up the lighter. He brings it and his stolen packet to the window. He hangs a cigarette from his lips and as HARRY strikes the lighter, his toast pops out the toaster.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DUSK
A week later, ANNA is waiting on the sofa. The brothers enter, HARRY wearing his school uniform and JOSH in a school sport tracksuit.
JOSH
Alright?
ANNA
Yeah. Could you two just come here?
HARRY and JOSH approach ANNA. From her pocket, she pulls out a crumpled, empty Camel Blue packet.
ANNA (CONT’D)
Anyone want to explain why I found this in the bin?
JOSH
I don’t smoke Camels.
ANNA
I know, but I changed the bin last night and unless I somehow forgot putting a packet in between then and this morning, someone must’ve chucked them. Josh?
JOSH
I told you, they’re not mine.
ANNA
Harry, you don’t know anything about this, do you?
HARRY is looking at the floor.
HARRY
It’s not me.
JOSH studies HARRY, before looking back to ANNA.
JOSH
You know what, they must’ve been left out and I thought they were mine. My last ones did taste a bit weird.
JOSH sneaks a glance back at HARRY.
INT. BEDROOM - DUSK
The brothers walk into their bedroom. JOSH tosses his schoolbag onto his bed. HARRY imitates him. JOSH shuts the door behind them. They speak in hushed voices.
JOSH
What the fuck are you doing?
HARRY
You chucked your bag too.
JOSH
Not that.
HARRY
I didn’t do it.
JOSH glares at HARRY.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Alright, fine.
JOSH
Don’t be fucking stupid.
HARRY
But I like it.
JOSH
Do you now? Good for you.
HARRY
Where can I get them from except Mum?
JOSH
Use your imagination.
HARRY
I’ll keep on nicking them from Mum then.
JOSH smiles wryly.
JOSH
I know you’re not that stupid.
HARRY
How much do you pay for yours?
JOSH
You’re not eighteen.
HARRY
No, but you are.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
MONTAGE: Over the next few months, JOSH smuggles in Lambert & Butler cigarette packets for HARRY.
The first time, JOSH hides the packet in his sports bag and only gives it to HARRY once they are in their room alone. The second time, JOSH simply gives the packet to HARRY from his back pocket. The third time, HARRY goes into the bedroom to find a packet waiting for him on his bedside table.
Each time HARRY receives a packet, he transfers JOSH £15. On his phone, records of his previously sparse spending are eventually pushed out by £15 transfers to JOSH. His bank balance has gone from “£69.52” to “£9.52” between early November and early December.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
HARRY listens to rock music in his room. He fiddles with the lighter from the mantlepiece, striking the flame occasionally. On his last strike, he keeps the flame on until it starts to burn his thumb. He blows on it to cool it down.
JOSH enters. HARRY lowers the volume.
HARRY
When are you next going to the shops?
JOSH
I can see if they’re open on my way back from the Oak.
HARRY repositions himself on his bed.
HARRY
Listen, would it be alright if you bought me a couple of packs and I’ll pay you back after Christmas.
JOSH
You’ve spent all your money on them.
HARRY shrugs.
JOSH (CONT’D)
Do you know how many packs you’ve bought in the last few weeks?
HARRY shrugs again.
JOSH (CONT’D)
Wait till Christmas. It’ll do you good to have a few weeks off.
HARRY sits up in his bed.
HARRY
How’s that fair? I only need a few packs. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back.
JOSH
You haven’t got a job.
JOSH opens the bedroom door.
HARRY
I’ll have Christmas money.
JOSH turns to face HARRY.
JOSH
But you don’t have it now. You’ve been smoking more than enough. Trust me.
JOSH closes the bedroom door. HARRY punches his mattress.
HARRY
(mutters)
Fuck’s sake.
HARRY hears the front door open and close. He turns the music back up.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
HARRY is playing with the lighter as the bathroom door lock, and the shower turn on. HARRY lowers the volume of his music to make sure the sound he is hearing is the shower. HARRY pockets the lighter.
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
HARRY gently knocks on ANNA’s bedroom door.
HARRY
Mum?
He waits a few moments and then looks at the closed bathroom door. He opens the bedroom door.
INT. ANNA’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
ANNA has left a packet out on the bedside table. It has one cigarette left in it.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
HARRY stands by the window, a cigarette in his lips. There is a small Christmas tree in the corner of the room. He strikes the lighter and lights his cigarette. The flame is weaker than before.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Six months prior, HARRY sits at the foot of TOM’s bed. TOM is a thin, pale man, who is lying in a double bed, wearing pyjamas. He is propped up by his pillows. On TOM’s bedside table is an ashtray overflowing with stubbed out cigarettes.
TOM
Be a good lad and get us a fag.
TOM is holding the metal lighter from the mantlepiece.
HARRY
Mum said you shouldn’t.
TOM raises his eyebrows.
TOM
Is your mum here?
HARRY
No.
TOM
Then get us a fag. They’ll be in the spare room, top drawer.
HARRY shakes his head.
TOM (CONT’D)
Look, I’m perfectly fine. The doctor said some people live with it for decades. If anyone would know, it’d be a doctor. Now go fetch them.
TOM waits until HARRY is out of the room. He pulls the white pillow next to him onto his lap. He coughs into it to smother the noise, but he leaves a speck of blood on the pillow. He struggles to flip it over and replace it on the other side of the bed.
HARRY returns with a packet and hands it to TOM. HARRY sits at the end of the bed as TOM opens it. There is one left in the packet. TOM smiles.
TOM puts the cigarette in his lips and lights it with the metal lighter. TOM stares at the ceiling and closes his eyes as he smokes on it. Still looking up, TOM speaks.
TOM (CONT’D)
Thanks, Harry. Thanks for getting them.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
The shower is still going as HARRY unwraps an unopened packet of Camel Blue cigarettes. HARRY looks towards the bathroom door, and he puts a cigarette in his mouth. He strikes the lighter, but no flame emerges.
ANNA unlocks the front door, a supermarket bag in each hand. HARRY manages to quickly hide the lighter and cigarette in his pockets.
ANNA
Hi, honey. Give me a hand bringing in the shopping.
HARRY
Sure.
ANNA dumps the bags on the kitchen side and waits for HARRY by the flat’s front door. HARRY is planted by the window.
ANNA
What’s up?
HARRY
Nothing, I’m fine.
ANNA
Why’s the window open?
HARRY
I was hot.
ANNA approaches HARRY. HARRY makes a small movement as if to retreat, but ultimately stays where he is.
ANNA inhales. Her eyes harden.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
HARRY is sat on the sofa, head down. There is a banging coming from his bedroom.
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
ANNA is searching through the bedroom in search of evidence of smoking. She pulls out drawers, lifts his mattress, and feels for lumps in the pillows.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
JOSH enters the living room, towel wrapped around him and hair wet.
JOSH
You okay?
HARRY does not meet JOSH’s eye.
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
JOSH sees ANNA searching the room. She is checking the bottom of their wardrobe.
JOSH
What’s going on?
ANNA
Did you know anything about this?
JOSH
About what?
ANNA
Don’t play dumb.
JOSH
I’m not. What happened?
ANNA glares at HARRY through the open door.
ANNA
Your brother was smoking.
JOSH looks back at HARRY, then back to ANNA.
JOSH
You serious?
ANNA
Of course I am.
ANNA hands him the Camel Blues.
ANNA (CONT’D)
He hasn’t nicked them from you, has he?
JOSH checks the label.
JOSH
These aren’t the brand I smoke.
ANNA is on the floor reaching under HARRY’s bed.
JOSH (CONT’D)
I need to change.
ANNA
Just give me a moment and I’ll be out your...
ANNA’s hand bumps against the shoebox.
ANNA (CONT’D)
...way.
ANNA picks it up and smells it. She takes it to the living room.
As JOSH is shutting the bedroom door, he mouths “Good luck” to HARRY.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
ANNA puts the box in front of HARRY.
ANNA
Do you want me to open it?
HARRY
(quietly)
Not particularly.
ANNA
Then be my guest.
HARRY sighs and lifts the lid. ANNA spools through a couple empty packets.
ANNA (CONT’D)
Fucking hell, Harry. Why’re you smoking?
EXT. PUB GARDEN - DAY
The previous summer, HARRY is sat on a bench in a pub garden. He is surrounded by MOURNERS wearing black, but most are stood up, talking among themselves. None talk to him.
He looks at ANNA, a few tables across. She holds a cigarette in one hand and an almost-empty whiskey glass in the other. She is shaking. Once she finishes her cigarette, she lights up another. She takes large gulps of whiskey. Once she reaches the bottom of the glass, she stands up, using the bench as support, and ventures to the bar.
Two MOURNERS (men in their mid-30s) sit across from each other on the opposite end of HARRY’s bench. They barely look at HARRY. One of them nods his head to the ashtray on ANNA’s table, where her last cigarette is still lit.
MOURNER 1
Christ, you’d think the woman would never touch cigs again.
The other mourner looks over his shoulder to where ANNA was sitting. HARRY watches them.
MOURNER 2
That’s life. Some people can’t give up the drink, some the slots. Maybe she can’t with the smokes.
MOURNER 1
Still, if she was ever thinking about giving it up, now would be the time.
MOURNER 2 shrugs. He takes off his waistcoat.
MOURNER 2
Want a pint?
MOURNER 1
Go on then.
MOURNER 2 leaves for the bar. MOURNER 1 notices HARRY staring at him.
MOURNER 1 (CONT’D)
You okay, kid?
HARRY
Yeah, fine.
HARRY looks back forward. ANNA has still not returned.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Do you know where Josh is?
MOURNER 1 looks blank.
HARRY (CONT’D)
My brother.
MOURNER 1 shrugs.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Tom’s oldest.
MOURNER 1 blushes.
MOURNER 1
Yeah, he was just out the front.
EXT. FRONT OF PUB - DAY
Like the main pub garden, the front area of the pub is crowded with people in black. However, the atmosphere is much lighter with people cracking jokes and laughing. Everyone is squeezed onto benches.
HARRY walks through trying to find JOSH. He eventually spots him smoking on an otherwise empty table, the furthest from everyone else.
HARRY sits next to him. JOSH’s eyes are bloodshot.
JOSH
How’re you holding up?
HARRY
I’m alright. You?
JOSH
I’ll live.
JOSH takes a long puff of his cigarette.
JOSH (CONT’D)
I wanted to give a speech today.
HARRY
Yeah?
HARRY is staring at the cigarette.
JOSH
I had one written down. I was going to give it, but...
JOSH flicks the ash off his cigarette.
JOSH (CONT’D)
I couldn’t do it. I just wanted to give Dad a proper send-off, but... Fucking coward. I couldn’t do it.
JOSH stamps his cigarette out. HARRY looks at it, crushed on the floor.
HARRY
Can I have a cigarette?
JOSH
What?
HARRY
Can I have one please?
JOSH looks at HARRY.
JOSH
Why do you want one?
HARRY shrugs one shoulder.
JOSH sighs and pulls out two cigarettes. He gives one to HARRY, who puts it in his lips. JOSH puts his in his lips too. JOSH lights HARRY’s, then his.
As the two brothers smoke together, JOSH puts an arm around HARRY’s shoulder.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Back on the sofa, ANNA is waiting for an answer.
ANNA
Well, why were you smoking?
A beat.
HARRY
I just fancied a smoke, that’s all.