(Matt and Chris walk down the street. Chris is carrying the pet carrier, Matt's got the small GPS recorder box under his arm. They look like two idiots going on a very niche rescue mission.)
CHRIS (eyeing the box):
"Okay, but tell me again how a GPS tracker is going to help us when I turn into a cat and probably crawl under a car or something?"
MATT (dry):
"It helps me, so I don't have to crawl under a car looking for you."
CHRIS (mock offended):
"Wow. That's friendship for you."
MATT:
"Look, if this transformation thing happens again tonight, we're filming it."
CHRIS:
"Yeah. Can't wait to rewatch myself sprout whiskers in HD."
CHRIS:
"Do you think we should, like… document the exact time it happens?"
MATT:
"Definitely. Time, surroundings, mood, lunar cycle—"
CHRIS (cutting him off):
"Matt. I'm not a werewolf."
MATT (serious):
"Yet."
MATT (quietly):
"You scared?"
CHRIS (after a pause):
"...Yeah. A little. Every time it happens, it's like I'm watching someone else live my life."
MATT (nods):
"Then let's find a way to stop it. Or at least understand it."
CHRIS (smirking):
"Who knew you'd make such a good sci-fi sidekick?"
MATT (pointing at the pet carrier):
"One more word and I'm putting you in that box myself."
CHRIS (laughs):
"Noted."
MATT (scrolling through his phone): "Okay, I typed in 'how to tell if you're turning into a cat because of aliens.' And all I'm getting is memes."
CHRIS (peeking at Matt's screen): "Ooh, that one's got laser eyes."
MATT (deadpan): "Chris. Focus."
CHRIS: "I am focused. On how ridiculous this is."
MATT (tapping furiously): "Okay, new approach. 'Body-swapping through light beams at temples.'"
CHRIS: "Sounds like an indie band."
MATT (ignoring him): "Nope. Still just fanfiction and three Reddit threads with zero replies."
CHRIS: "So, what, we're the first people in the world to ever soul-swap with a stray cat? Great. History makers."
MATT: "Alright, we need real research. Like old school. Books. Microfilm. Library."
CHRIS (mock horror): "You want to voluntarily walk into a building full of books?"
MATT: "Unless you want to ask my sister. She'd probably help if you let her keep teasing you for the rest of your life."
CHRIS: "...Library it is."
[CHRIS'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM]
(Chris walks into the living room, rubbing his temples, clearly a bit tired. His dad sits on the couch, flipping through a newspaper. Chris tries to sound casual.)
CHRIS (looking slightly exhausted):
"Dad, I've got a headache. I don't need any food, I'm just gonna sleep for now."
CHRIS'S DAD (noticing his tone, raising an eyebrow):
"What happened? You feeling alright?"
CHRIS (sighing, trying to downplay it):
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just need to sleep. I woke up early for that special class, you know?"
CHRIS'S DAD (nodding in understanding):
"Ah, yeah. Alright, go get some rest then."
(Chris starts to head toward his room, but stops mid-step and turns back with a small, teasing smirk.)
CHRIS (grinning):
"Hey, Dad, can you please make sure Mom doesn't disturb me today?"
CHRIS'S DAD (chuckling, clearly amused):
"Sure, I've got you covered."
(Chris enters his room, letting out a sigh as he slumps down onto his bed. He glances at the clock — it reads 6:30 PM.)
(He walks over to the window and pushes it open. Moments later, Matt climbs in through the window, landing lightly inside the room and settling on the window perch. He's casually scrolling through his phone.)
CHRIS (stretching):
"I'll go freshen up."
(He disappears into the bathroom. The sound of running water is heard briefly. A few minutes later, Chris returns, face damp, towel slung around his neck. He checks his phone — 6:45 PM.)
(Matt is still on the window seat, legs tucked up, eyes on his phone.)
MATT (still perched on the window seat, teasing):
"Hey, if you turn into a cat mid-sentence, I'm not cleaning up your mess."
(No response.)
MATT (chuckling to himself, still scrolling on his phone):
"You better not be lying there plotting your dramatic transformation like it's some superhero origin story."
(Still silence. Matt finally glances up.)
MATT (looking toward the bed):
"Chris?"
(Chris is lying on the bed, still in the same position — completely still. Eyes closed.)
MATT (sits up straighter, concerned):
"Chris. Hey—"
(He hops down from the window seat, approaching the bed. Chris doesn't move.)
MATT (voice lower, tense):
"Oh no… not already."
(He slowly steps closer, watching Chris carefully — and then notices a faint glow, almost imperceptible, brushing across Chris's hand. The room is quiet, the air still. The clock ticks over to 6:59.)
(A beat.)
MATT (under his breath):
"It's happening…"
(He instinctively steps back as the glow intensifies for a brief moment, and then — just like that — Chris's body relaxes, the faint shimmer gone. In his place on the bed, Chris lies motionless… but something feels different.)
MATT (now staring at Chris):
"So it happened. Somewhere between 7 and 7:05…"
(He steps closer, cautiously — still hoping for a reaction.)
MATT (quietly, almost whispering):
"…Chris?"
(Chris's body lies motionless on the bed. The room is quiet — too quiet. Matt stands nearby, eyes wide, pacing in slow circles. He runs his hand through his hair, clearly freaking out but trying to hold it together.)
MATT (muttering to himself, pacing):
"Calm down, calm down... okay, okay, what did he say? He changes into a cat… but he's not changing—ugh!"
(He throws a glance toward the still form of Chris, as if expecting something to happen.)
MATT (talking to himself, panicking):
"Think again, think again. He said… his soul moves into the cat's body. So that means… he's in the cat's body now, right? Then what the hell happened to this—to his—body? Is it in a coma? Is he, like... brain-dead while he's off being a stray?"
(He gestures helplessly toward Chris, who hasn't moved an inch. His voice drops, more worried now than panicked.)
MATT (low voice, to himself):
"What the hell do I even tell his mom? 'Hi, your son's body is here, but his soul's out being a cat'? Yeah. That'll go over great."
(He exhales deeply, pacing again. His mind is racing, trying to make sense of the impossible.)
MATT (under his breath):
"No clue where the cat is. No clue if he's safe. No clue if this is even reversible. What am I doing?! I should be calling a doctor. Or a priest. Or NASA."
(He stops pacing suddenly, glancing sharply at the clock. A flicker of realization crosses his face — then a new worry.)
MATT (eyes narrowing):
"Wait... where is the cat?"
[CHRIS'S ROOM – NIGHT, MINUTES AFTER THE SOUL-SWAP]
(Matt is still pacing. He stops at the window, glancing outside, worry etched across his face. The silence in the room is loud.)
MATT (muttering):
"Should I go? But… where? Where do I even look? The street? The alley? Ugh, this is insane. What am I even supposed to—"
(Before he can finish, something thuds loudly near the window. A soft scuffling sound follows—quick, light paws scrambling on the floor.)
(Matt nearly jumps out of his skin. He spins around, eyes wide, heart racing. He starts to shout—)
MATT (almost shouting):
"AH—!"
(He clamps a hand over his mouth just in time. Breathing hard, he slowly lowers his hand. His eyes move toward the sound.)
(A small shadow pads into view, tail flicking. It's the cat—that same familiar black stray. It stares at Matt with strangely focused eyes.)
MATT (staring, breathless):
"…Chris?"
(The cat blinks once, then slowly steps closer, ears twitching. It tilts its head slightly—like it recognizes him. Matt backs up a step, still unsure.)
MATT (murmuring):
"No freaking way… this is real? You're—you're really in there?"
(The cat sits, tail curled neatly. It stares up at Matt. Matt stares back, eyes wide.)
MATT (half-whispering):
"I'm talking to a cat. My best friend is a cat. This is officially the weirdest week of my life."
(The cat lets out a soft meow—quiet, but strangely pointed. Matt freezes, blinking.)
MATT:
"…Okay. That was either a yes, or I'm losing it."
MATT (squinting at the cat, testing):
"Alright, if you're really Chris… what's the name of the girl you claim didn't break your heart last month?"
(The cat lets out a short, irritated meow and looks away.)
MATT (grinning):
"Thought so. Emma."
MATT (circling slowly):
"Okay, second test. What did you do to my science project in seventh grade?"
(The cat blinks slowly… then dramatically knocks a pen off the desk with its paw.)
MATT (deadpan):
"Exactly. You sabotaged it like a gremlin."
MATT (one eyebrow raised):
"Last one — what insult do you always use when I'm winning at video games?"
(The cat stares at him… then lets out a dramatic hiss.)
MATT (chuckling):
"'Glitchy gremlin.' Knew it."
(Matt kneels down to the cat's level, looking serious now.)
MATT (quietly):
"Okay, Chris. It's you. You're really in there."
(The cat blinks once, slow and sure. Matt lets out a long sigh.)
MATT:
"Well, crap."
MATT (leaning back, arms crossed, staring at the cat carrier):
"…So… do we go to the library now? Is that the next step in this paranormal treasure hunt?"
(He tilts his head, imagining the logistics.)
MATT (muttering):
"Okay, I bring you out… nothing bad happens, right? I mean, what's the worst that could—"
(He suddenly gasps, eyes widening dramatically.)
MATT:
"What if they catch me too?! What if it's contagious? What if I've got… the cat-swap disease now?!"
MATT (groaning):
"Ugh. If I start growing whiskers, I'm blaming your alien overlords."
(Beat.)
MATT (softly, still staring at the carrier):
"…But still. If there's even a tiny chance we find answers at the library… I guess it's worth it."
(He sits back up, rubbing his face, then glances again at the cat.)
MATT:
"Alright, whiskers. If you hiss in public and make a scene, I'm telling everyone you're just a very ugly emotional support animal."
(He flips off the bedroom light, does a quick check — phone, wallet, tracker app open. All in place.)
MATT (muttering):
"Everything's ready. Time to find out if the city library has a section called 'Help, My Best Friend Is a Cat'."
(With one last glance at the dark room, he climbs out the window, carrier in hand, and disappears into the night.)
After reaching the library...
Matt walks inside and, glancing around to make sure no one is watching, he sneaks the cat in as well. They move quietly, heading toward a section of the library where no one else is.
Matt (sitting down, speaking to the cat): Okay, hear me out. Don't let anyone see you, okay?
Matt pulls out a pen and notebook, flipping through the pages as he speaks, laying out the plan.
Matt:Look for anything related to soul transfer or anything under "soul" topics, okay?
I'll handle sections 3-5, and you handle 1-3. If you find anything, call me.
Oh, wait... You can't exactly call me.
Fine, let's do this together. You take the top two rows, and I'll take the bottom two. Got it?
As Matt explaining to the cat, his phone buzzes. He glances down at the screen, frowning as he reads the message.
Text from Luna:
Where are you, Matt?
Matt sighs and quickly types a response, his fingers tapping out the words in irritation.
Matt (texting back):
At the library. Why?
He waits for a few moments, looking at the phone in his hand. When no reply comes, his expression shifts to one of mild frustration. He mutters to himself under his breath.
Matt (gritting his teeth):Ch...
With a sigh, he stuffs the phone into his pocket, shaking his head slightly, as if annoyed at being ignored. He takes a deep breath and turns back to the task at hand, his tone softening as he resumes speaking to the cat.
Matt (gently, trying to refocus):
Okay, hear me out. Don't let anyone see you, alright?
As Matt continues explaining to the cat, a voice calls out from behind him.
Voice (off-screen):
Matt?
At the same moment, the cat, startled, quickly hides near the dark aisle behind Matt's legs, peering out cautiously.
Matt (slightly annoyed, turning his head): Great...
(Matt, heart pounding, slowly turns around, his pulse quickening as he feels a rush of anxiety. It's Emma.)
Matt (stammering): "Emma?"
Emma (grinning, clearly amused): "Hey, did I scare you both?"
(Matt's thoughts race, and his heart skips a beat as he wonders if she saw anything. His mind races: Did she notice anything about Chris? But he quickly forces a smile.)
Matt (nervously rubbing his eyebrows awkwardly): "Oh, yeah…"
Emma: "Is it your cat?"
Matt (whispering urgently, gesturing for her to lower her voice): "Shh... yeah."
Emma (raising an eyebrow): "Oops, sorry! I had no idea you were into cats."
Matt (awkwardly scratching his head): "Yeah, me neither."
Emma (curious, smiling softly): "What's its name?"
Matt (thinking quickly): "Name? Uh... suggest one?"
Emma (surprised): "You haven't named him yet? Then how did you call him?"
Matt (nervously fumbling): "Oh—uh—by Chris! I mean—no, not by Chris—Chris and I... we just found him. A couple days ago. He's just a stray. Totally normal. Yep."
(Emma looks a bit confused, but nods and smiles softly, as if accepting his explanation without questioning it further.)
Emma (sitting down and gently patting the cat): "Aww, how cute. I'm glad you decided to take it in."
(Matt watches Emma pets the cat, trying to remain calm as the situation)
(Matt, still shocked from Emma's appearance, hears another voice from behind.)
Matt (startled, recognizing the voice): "Luna?"
(Matt turns around to see his sister standing there, her arms crossed, smirking.)
Luna (teasing): "Oh, there you are."
Matt (confused and frustrated): "What... are you doing here?"
(Just as Matt is about to respond, the librarian, clearly annoyed by the noise and their voice.)
Librarian (irritated): "You people, out. Quiet or you're leaving."
(As the three of them step outside, the cat following behind them, Matt is lost in thought, wondering what to say about the cat.)
Matt (in his mind): What do I say about the cat now...?
(Matt turns to Emma, trying to sound casual.)
Matt (nervously): "The cat is really cute, huh?"
(Emma looks surprised by Matt's sudden compliment but nods, smiling.)
Emma (shocked but smiling): "yeah, sure."
(Matt's sister, Luna, looks over at the cat, raising an eyebrow.)
Luna (teasingly): "Is it your cat?"
(Matt quickly cuts in, not wanting Emma to feel awkward.)
Matt (quickly): "This is my sister, Luna."
(Emma smiles and extends her hand.)
Emma (grinning): "Nice to meet you, Luna. I'm Emma."
(Luna gives Emma a warm smile.)
Luna (playfully): "You're beautiful."
(Matt quickly glances at his sister, a little uncomfortable with the teasing.)
Matt (firmly): "Take your cat and go. Your family is waiting for you now."