X: I think we’re early.

Y: I think we’re late. How do you know we’re early?

X: I just have a feeling, you know? Just a feeling… why would you think we’re late? Have a little more hope than that, come on.

Y: Are you kidding me? Because nobody else is here yet. Because I didn’t see anyone else while coming here. And because I don’t see anyone else coming anytime soon. Wake the fuck up, we missed it. We missed the entire thing. And now we’re fucked.

X: Calm down, drink some water. You’re dehydrated, you’re hallucinating. Next you’re gonna tell me there’s a damn oasis up ahead. I mean… that’d be sweet as hell… whatever, that’s not the point. Just keep your cool.

Y: If I’m dehydrated, then you’re probably dehydrated too! Why the hell should I trust anything you’re saying to me? Just because you’re calm doesn’t make you the wisest one here! Just because you-

Z: Both of you, shut up. Listen to me.

(X and Y immediately turn away from each other looking equally defeated, contemplating their stalemate, then turn to Z with faces of desperation).

Z: If no one else is coming, then we might as well enjoy these last few hours in peace.

(Uneasy silence)

Z: And if somebody is coming, as promised, then we should wait patiently. We should protect the cactus at all costs.

Y: Yeah, but what if we’re lat-

X: Shhh… I think I heard something.

Y: (Moves right up to X’s face in anger) No one… is coming. WAKE. THE. FUCK. UP.

X: (Looks straight back into Y’s face) I’m not letting you open the cactus. No way. You want to waste a bullet on me, fine.

Y: Why not? That piece of shit plant is as much mine as it is yours. You can’t tell me what I can or can’t do with it.

X: So you’re going to kill me so you can have the “piece of shit” plant all to yourself. Think about how hard we worked to get this, how much we went through, how we even survived to get here. Think about-

Z: Both of you, quiet. Save your energy.

(X and Y turn away from each other briefly, then turn back and say, “I’m sorry” with their eyes).

Z: That’s better. Now think back to the beginning, the very beginning. They said if we waited three days, the cactus would blossom. They told us not to try opening it until they get back.

Y: How do we know they were telling us the truth? How do we even know they’re coming back??? (Looks deliriously at the gun half-buried in the sand) We have at least three bullets left, you know…

X: Oh, so we should all just shoot ourselves and forget about the cactus. Great idea. Here’s another one: why don’t you be Captain Courageous and go ahead and- (Suddenly restrains himself and looks anxiously at Z)

Z: Everyone drink more water. They will come soon.

(X, Y, and Z all drink, then stare at the cactus).

CLOSE-UP SHOT OF CACTUS

Y: …Do you believe it will cure us? Do you believe the story?

X: (Looks up at Y and Z) I believe it. I have to believe it.

Z: (Continues to stare solemnly at the cactus) Doesn’t matter if I believe the story or not. This is all I have to go on. I might as well have some faith.

X: That’s not faith. That’s just believing in something because you have nothing left to believe in.

Y: (Almost inaudibly) What’s the difference…

X: I think we’re early.

Z: I think we’re late.

(In the distance, a growing thunder).