The Deep End: The Deep End
A community pool reopens after years of closure. The first swimmers discover the water has a memory — and it remembers something terrible that happened there.
The Blackwood Community Pool reopens after twenty years. Two teenagers, Maya and Ben, are the first to jump in. A strange coldness envelops Maya, followed by unsettling visions of a drowning girl. Ben dismisses it, but Maya is shaken, sensing a dark history resurfacing.
Characters
Maya
supporting
Maya is a curious and adventurous teenage girl, eager to explore the reopened pool. She serves as the catalyst for the story's events. Visually, she has long, wavy brown hair often tied back in a ponytail, bright, curious brown eyes, and a light skin tone with a smattering of freckles across her nose. She is dressed in a dark, slightly oversized hooded sweatshirt, denim shorts, and worn sneakers, reflecting a casual, practical style. She carries a rusty old key on a simple chain around her neck.
Ben
supporting
Ben is Maya's skeptical and cautious friend, acting as a foil to her impulsiveness. He provides a grounded perspective as the story unfolds. He has short, dark, slightly messy hair, skeptical gray eyes, and a medium skin tone. He wears a dark, plain t-shirt, dark jeans, and sturdy boots. He has a small, almost unnoticeable scar above his left eyebrow from a childhood accident.
Page 1
Panel 1: Exterior shot of the Blackwood Community Pool. It's a warm summer day. The pool looks newly renovated, but with an underlying sense of age. Faded paint on the surrounding buildings. A banner reads: "Blackwood Pool - Grand Reopening!"
Panel 2: Close-up on the pool's entrance gate. Maya, a teenage girl with bright, curious eyes, is unlocking the gate with a rusty key. Ben, a teenage boy with a more skeptical expression, stands behind her.
“Maya: I can't believe they actually reopened it!”
Panel 3: Maya and Ben standing at the edge of the pool. The water is still and reflects the overcast sky. Maya is already taking off her shoes.
“Ben: You sure this is a good idea? It's kinda creepy.”
Panel 4: Maya jumps into the pool. Water splashes around her as she emerges, smiling.
“Maya: Cannonball!”
Panel 5: Ben hesitates at the edge of the pool, looking uneasy. He slowly lowers himself into the water.
“Ben: Alright, alright. Don't drown.”
Page 2
Panel 1: Underwater shot of Maya swimming. Her expression suddenly changes to one of fear and confusion. The water around her darkens.
Panel 2: Close-up on Maya's face, her eyes wide with terror. A faint, ghostly image of a young girl with long dark hair flashes briefly behind her in the water.
Panel 3: Maya bursts to the surface, gasping for air. She looks around frantically.
“Maya: Did you... did you see that?”
Panel 4: Ben, treading water nearby, looks at Maya with a skeptical expression.
“Ben: See what? You okay? You look like you saw a ghost.”
Panel 5: Maya shakes her head, trying to regain her composure. She looks back down into the water, a sense of unease washing over her.
“Maya: I... I don't know. It was like... a memory. But not mine.”
Page 3
Panel 1: Close-up on Maya's eyes. They are filled with a mixture of fear and determination.
Panel 2: Ben swims closer to Maya, concern etched on his face. He reaches out and touches her arm.
“Ben: Hey, easy. Maybe the chlorine's getting to you. Let's just get out, okay?”
Panel 3: Maya pulls away from Ben, her gaze fixed on a point in the deep end of the pool.
“Maya: No. Something happened here, Ben. Something bad.”
Panel 4: Shot of the deep end of the pool. The water appears darker and more turbulent. A faint ripple moves across the surface.
Panel 5: Maya begins swimming towards the deep end, ignoring Ben's protests.
“Ben: Maya, stop! What are you doing?”
Page 4
Panel 1: Underwater shot of Maya reaching the deep end. Her hand brushes against something slimy and cold on the pool floor.
Panel 2: Close-up on Maya's face, her eyes widening in horror as she experiences a flood of images: a girl struggling underwater, desperate hands reaching out, bubbles rising to the surface.
Panel 3: Maya screams underwater, bubbles escaping her mouth. She clutches her head in agony.
Panel 4: Ben dives into the deep end, frantically searching for Maya. He sees her struggling underwater.
“Ben: Maya!”
Panel 5: Ben reaches Maya and grabs her, pulling her towards the surface. Maya's eyes are vacant and staring.
Panel 6: Exterior shot of the pool at night. The only light comes from a single flickering streetlight. The pool water is still and dark. An ominous feeling hangs in the air. Text: To be continued...