Act 4: Dominic & Adrian (Bonnie & Clyde)
Dominic:
Basic Information
Name: Dominic (possibly with a Chinese middle name, such as Wei or Jun, reflecting one parent’s hopes).
Age: 1–2 years older than Adrian (if Adrian was born in the 1990s, Dominic could be born in 1990 or 1991).
Ethnic Background: Mixed-race—Chinese and Black (mother is Chinese, father is Black → he grew up more in Chinese-run restaurants/shops, but also has relatives/friends in Black neighborhoods).
Upbringing: Moves between Oakland and Daly City, attends a school in a marginal district, often seen as an “outsider.”
Appearance & Demeanor
Physical Traits:
Brownish skin; facial features blending the softer lines of his Chinese heritage with the bone structure of his Black heritage.
Eyes carry a wary sharpness and a kind of “defensive humor,” always ready to keep people from taking advantage of him.
Presence:
On the street → comes across as tough, hard-edged.
In private moments (especially with Adrian) → softens, even becomes childlike.
Family & Identity Conflicts
Mother (Chinese):
Runs a restaurant or laundromat, working tirelessly to support the family.
Wants Dominic to “stay on the straight path,” but both protects him and harbors a quiet shame about his mixed-race identity (fear of “losing face”).
Father (Black):
Possibly a dockworker, musician, or someone with a criminal record.
Distant from Dominic; their relationship is strained and often marked by anger.
Identity Contradictions:
In Chinese community: treated as an “outsider, not pure.”
In Black community: some say he’s “too Asian.”
At school: stuck between groups, surviving with “fighting skills + humor.”
Path into Gangs/Drugs
First Involvement:
Because he could move between Chinatown and Black neighborhoods, he was used as a “go-between” runner.
Gangs saw he could bridge two worlds, so they pulled him in.
Motivations:
Money: Saw his mother working herself to death, and refused to live that way.
Identity: In gangs, no one questioned who he was, only whether he could carry weight.
Respect: What he lacked at home and at school, he could find on the streets.
Descent:
Starts with small runs → then collecting debts, watching corners → eventually, drug trafficking.
Relationship with Adrian
First Encounter:
She was “the restaurant owner’s daughter,” someone Dominic thought he’d never cross paths with.
But by chance (he came to the restaurant to “collect protection” or “deliver a package”), they met.
Attraction:
Adrian saw in him the aura of “freedom + danger,” echoing her own inner rebellion.
Dominic was struck by Adrian’s intelligence, composure, and the way she saw through his identity struggles.
Bond Deepens:
The first time she cleaned his wound / covered for him → their relationship crossed into a doomed romance.
Character Arc
Early: Dominic is a street hustler—appearing free, but actually trapped by circumstance.
Middle: Meeting Adrian is the first time someone truly “sees” him, offering a new possibility.
Late: As they go on the run → Dominic chooses to fight for love, rather than just scrape by.
#19 Restaurant Encounter
INT. ADRIAN’S FAMILY RESTAURANT – EVENING
The lights are dim and yellow. The night shift has just begun. Adrian helps her mother clear plates, wipe down tables. From a small TV comes the sound of Cantonese news, mixing with clatter and kitchen smoke.
The door chime rings. A group of street punks push their way in—laughter, the sharp rhythm of shoes hitting the floor, carrying the energy of the street. Dominic trails among them, quieter than the rest, like a shadow at the back.
MOTHER (in Mandarin) We’re closed! Come back another time.
The ringleader shoots back in clumsy Mandarin, grinning:
THUG Just a minute. Won’t take long.
Mother’s face hardens. She retreats into the kitchen, quietly moving away the knife she’d left on the counter.
Adrian looks up. Her gaze sweeps over the group—until it collides with Dominic’s.
Unlike the others, he doesn’t smirk or swagger. He stands quietly at the back, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp with a defensive edge. For a brief moment, he gives a small chin lift—an unconscious greeting.
Adrian doesn’t react. She goes back to wiping the table, though her hand stiffens slightly.
The punks order a bottle of beer, noisily settling in. Dominic never says a word, only glances around from time to time.
In the racket, Adrian feels his eyes on her again. And again. Not a challenge—more like curiosity.
Finally, they file out. The door chime jingles once more. The haze of smoke and chatter falls back into its usual rhythm.
Adrian pauses, looking toward the doorway for a beat, then slowly returns to wiping the table.
#20 Schoolyard / Street Confrontation
EXT. OAKLAND HIGH – AFTER SCHOOL
The last bell has rung. Students spill out through the gates, the air alive with shouts, backpacks slamming shut, sneakers on concrete.
Adrian walks alone, clutching her books tight against her chest. A group of kids hang by the fence, laughing too loud.
STUDENT #1 (taunting, mock accent) Hey, hey, you taking orders for tonight, waitress?
The others laugh. Adrian keeps her head down, but her steps quicken.
One boy steps forward, blocking her way.
STUDENT #2 Come on, smile for us. Don’t be shy.
Before Adrian can answer, a voice cuts in.
DOMINIC (O.S.) Back off.
They turn. Dominic leans against the chain-link fence, a cigarette dangling from his lips, eyes cold. He doesn’t raise his voice—but the weight in it is enough.
The boys hesitate. Dominic flicks the cigarette away, steps closer.
DOMINIC I said—back. Off.
Tension. Finally, the boys peel away, muttering curses.
Adrian exhales, still gripping her books. She looks at Dominic, unsure whether to thank him.
DOMINIC (smirks) You didn’t look like you were about to win.
For the first time, Adrian almost smiles.
A beat. Dominic notices her scraped hand from clutching the books too hard. Without thinking, he reaches out—then pulls back, awkward.
DOMINIC Careful. You’ll bleed.
She nods, hiding her hand behind her.
They stand there, silence stretching. Students stream past, but for a moment it feels like the world has narrowed to the two of them.
DOMINIC(quiet, almost joking) Guess that makes us even.
Adrian tilts her head, curious.
ADRIAN Even?
Dominic lifts his shirt slightly, revealing a faint bruise from some earlier fight. A private confession, half-joking, half-serious.
Adrian’s eyes widen, but she doesn’t flinch. Instead, she digs into her bag, pulls out a small pack of tissues, and presses it into his hand.
ADRIAN Next time, try not to get hit.
Dominic looks at the tissues in his hand, then at her—his grin fading into something softer, almost childlike.
The two share a glance—quiet, charged.
For the first time, a secret passes between them.
#21 Stitches in the Alley
EXT. RESTAURANT BACK ALLEY – NIGHT
The alley is narrow, lit only by a buzzing fluorescent lamp above the kitchen door. Trash bins line the wall; the smell of soy sauce and smoke lingers in the air.
Dominic sits on an overturned crate, his shirt collar pulled open to reveal a gash across his shoulder. He winces as Adrian dabs at it with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol.
DOMINIC (hissing) Shit, you trying to kill me?
ADRIAN (flat, focused) Hold still.
She presses harder. He grits his teeth, then lets out a short laugh.
DOMINIC: Damn. You’re worse than the guys who did this.
Adrian glances up, unamused. Their eyes meet for a second, before she looks away.
Dominic, restless, pulls something from his pocket—a scratched-up silver lighter. He flicks it once, twice, until a flame jumps up.
DOMINIC(grinning) At least I’ve got this. Never lets me down.
He twirls it between his fingers, balancing the flame dangerously close to his skin, like a kid showing off a toy.
Adrian shakes her head, but a tiny smile escapes her.
ADRIAN You’re an idiot.
DOMINIC Maybe. But I made you smile.
Adrian tapes the bandage into place, more gently this time. For a moment, they’re close enough to feel each other’s breath in the cold night air.
She pulls back quickly, busying herself with the rag. He notices the faint blush on her cheek.
Silence. Just the hum of the lamp, the distant traffic.
Dominic flicks the lighter closed, his grin softening into something almost shy.
DOMINIC Thanks… nurse.
Adrian doesn’t answer, but she doesn’t leave either.
For the first time, the alley feels less like a hiding place, and more like a secret world for two.
#22 Night Walk
EXT. OAKLAND STREETS – NIGHT
The streets are mostly empty now. Streetlights buzz, throwing broken circles of light on cracked pavement. A liquor store neon sign flickers in the distance.
Adrian and Dominic walk side by side, neither in a hurry. Their shadows stretch long and thin.
Silence for a while—just the sound of their footsteps.
ADRIAN(low, almost to herself): Sometimes I feel like I don’t exist outside the restaurant. Like I was born to wipe tables.
Dominic glances at her, but doesn’t interrupt.
ADRIAN: My parents… they gave up everything to come here. I’m supposed to be grateful. Stay in line.(beat) But I can’t breathe in there.
Dominic kicks at an empty can, sending it skittering across the street. He exhales smoke, then finally speaks.
DOMINIC: You think you’re the only one stuck? (smiles without humor) In Chinatown, I’m not Chinese enough. In the Flats, I’m too Asian. At school, I’m just… whatever they need me to be.
Adrian looks at him—quiet, steady.
DOMINIC: I don’t belong anywhere. Not with my mom. Not with my dad. Not even on the damn basketball court.
He laughs, but it’s sharp, almost bitter.
Adrian stops walking.
ADRIAN (soft): Then maybe you belong with people who don’t belong.
Dominic meets her eyes. For the first time, there’s no defense, no smirk—just surprise.
A beat of silence. Cars rush past in the distance, but the street around them feels sealed off.
Dominic pulls the lighter from his pocket, flicks it once, then closes it again without lighting. His voice drops.
DOMINIC: Maybe.
They start walking again, a little closer this time.
#23 Is this love?
EXT. ROOFTOP ABOVE THE RESTAURANT – NIGHT
The city hums below—cars rushing past, the BART train’s distant screech, muffled music from a bar down the block. The rooftop is quiet, wind tugging at laundry lines strung between pipes.
Dominic and Adrian sit shoulder to shoulder on the edge, legs dangling over the drop. Between them, a single cigarette glows faint in the dark.
Adrian takes a tentative drag, coughs. Dominic chuckles, reaching out to steady her hand.
DOMINIC:Easy. Don’t rush it.
She shoots him a look, half annoyed, half amused.
ADRIAN: You’re enjoying this too much.
DOMINIC: I am.
He plucks the cigarette back, inhales, then passes it to her again—closer this time, fingers brushing. Neither pulls away.
Silence stretches. The city noise feels far.
Adrian studies him: the cut on his cheek, the faint bruise at his jaw. In the dim light, he looks younger, less guarded.
ADRIAN(quiet): Does it ever stop hurting?
Dominic doesn’t answer right away. He exhales smoke into the night, then shrugs.
DOMINIC: Only when I’m up here.
Their eyes meet. The cigarette burns down to the filter between them. Adrian drops it, crushes it under her shoe.
For a moment, neither moves. Then Dominic leans in, tentative but sure.
Their lips meet—brief, awkward at first, then deeper. Adrian’s hand curls into his shirt. He pulls her closer, an arm around her back.
They break apart, breathing hard, the world suddenly louder.
Dominic grins, almost boyish now.
DOMINIC: Guess it does stop hurting.
Adrian lets out a shaky laugh, resting her forehead against his.
It isn’t just curiosity. It’s something heavier—something they won’t walk back from.
#23 US AGAINST THE WORLD
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT
A busted skylight lets in strips of moonlight. Rainwater drips through the roof, echoing in the emptiness.
Dominic slumps against a rusted column, blood seeping through his shirt. Adrian kneels beside him with a stolen first-aid kit.
DOMINIC(gritting teeth) Don’t bother. Waste of time.
Adrian rips open the gauze, ignores him.
ADRIAN Shut up.
She presses the bandage hard to his wound. He jerks, hissing, then forces a laugh.
DOMINIC Damn. You’re worse than the bullet.
Adrian glares at him, but her hands tremble. She keeps working.
Dominic watches her, softer now. For the first time, the edge in his eyes fades—just a boy letting someone take care of him.
INT. SAME WAREHOUSE – LATER
The rain has slowed. A small lantern flickers on the floor between them.
Dominic leans back, pale but awake. Adrian sits cross-legged, arms wrapped around herself.
DOMINIC(low, half-joking): If this shit ever ends… where would you go?
Adrian hesitates, then answers:
ADRIAN: Anywhere nobody knows me.
DOMINIC(smiling): That narrows it down. Beat.
ADRIAN: A small place. Near the water. We open a restaurant. I cook.
DOMINIC: And I scare away the customers.
For the first time in days, she laughs—small, real.
Adrian studies him. His eyes are closed, but there’s a faint smile on his lips. She knows it’s a dream, but she lets herself believe it for one night.
INT. WAREHOUSE – PRE-DAWN
The first gray light filters in. Dominic tries to stand, clutching his side. Adrian moves to help him.
DOMINIC(snaps): Why are you still here? You could’ve left me behind.
Adrian freezes.
ADRIAN: And go back to what? My parents’ tables? Pretend none of this happened?
Dominic’s jaw tightens.
DOMINIC: At least you’d be alive.
ADRIAN: I was never alive in that place.
The words hang heavy. For a moment, they glare at each other—hurt, furious.
Then Dominic’s shoulders drop. He reaches out, pulls her close.
DOMINIC(whispering): You’re all I’ve got.
Adrian clings to him, eyes shut tight.
They don’t say it out loud, but something shifts: this is no longer a dream of escape. It’s a vow, sealed in desperation.
#24 UNTIL DEATH DO US APART
EXT. WAREHOUSE STREET – NIGHT
Gunfire dies down. Smoke drifts.
Dominic slides down against the wall, a crimson stain spreading fast across his shirt. His breathing is shallow, uneven. Adrian presses both hands to his wound, desperate.
ADRIAN
Hold on—don’t you dare—hold on!
Dominic’s lips curl into that crooked grin, even as blood seeps from the corner of his mouth.
DOMINIC
(weak, teasing)
Guess you’ll have to finish bandaging me again. You’re terrible at it.
Adrian shakes her head, sobbing.
ADRIAN
Stop. Don’t joke—
DOMINIC
(soft laugh)
Hey… remember our restaurant? I’ll stand at the door… tell everyone we’re closed. No customers, just us.
His eyes flutter, searching her face like a kid begging for reassurance.
DOMINIC
(whisper, almost playful)
Promise you’ll cook me noodles… every night.
Adrian bends down, clutching his face.
ADRIAN
I promise. I promise.
Dominic smiles wider, boyish, relieved—like he’s gotten away with something.
DOMINIC
Good. Then I’m not scared.
His hand slips from hers. His smile lingers a second, frozen in the half-light—until it fades.
Adrian breaks, holding him tight, as sirens wail closer.
EXT. STREET – DAWN
The gunfire has stopped. The street is empty, littered with shattered glass and shell casings.
Adrian stands alone, covered in blood—some his, some hers. Her hands still shake.
She doesn’t look back at Dominic’s body. Instead, she wipes her face with the back of her sleeve, forces herself to move.
Step by step, she walks into the pale light of dawn.
A shadow appears ahead: Norah, waiting at the end of the block. Calm, unreadable.
Adrian slows, then keeps walking—toward her, toward whatever comes next.
The world feels stripped bare. The love that tethered her is gone, but she carries it inside, unspoken.
#19–23 (first half): approx. 15–17 minutes
#23 (Warehouse, full sequence): approx. 9 minutes
#24 (Ending): approx. 6–7 minutes
Act 4 total: approx. 30–33 minutes