A SHORT BREAK
Genre: Slice of Life Drama
Written by: Odutayo Olamide Rokibat
SYNOPSIS
A Short Break follows Segun, an office worker who moves through the same routine every day — work, home, sleep, repeat. The days blend into each other, and somewhere along the way, he begins to feel disconnected from himself. After a stressful moment at work, he sits alone in a park, watching others live more freely. An unexpected note from a stranger reminds him that sometimes, even the smallest gesture of appreciation can make a long day feel lighter.
THEME
Burnout and the power of small acts of appreciation.
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Medium Shot
SEGUN (early 30s) sits at his desk, typing on his laptop. Papers are stacked neatly beside him. His shoulders are slightly slouched.
The room is quiet.
He pauses for a moment, staring at the screen.
CLOSE-UP – WALL CLOCK
The clock reads 5:00 PM.
The second hand ticks steadily.
BACK TO SEGUN – MEDIUM SHOT
He glances at the clock.
No visible reaction.
He shuts his laptop and stands.
EXT. STREET – EVENING
Long Shot (Side View)
Segun walks alone along a familiar route. Buildings line the street. Few details. No interaction.
His posture remains slightly bent forward.
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
Medium Shot
Segun stands at the stove, stirring a pot. Steam rises slowly.
He moves automatically, without much thought.
INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT
Medium Shot
Segun lies on his back in bed. The room is dim.
His eyes remain open for a moment before he turns to face the wall.
Silence.
EXT. STREET – MORNING
Long Shot
The same street. The same angle.
Segun walks toward work again. Same posture. Same pace.
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Medium Shot
Segun sits at his desk.
His BOSS stands nearby, leaning slightly forward.
BOSS
FINISH THIS NOW
Segun nods quietly.
The boss walks off.
Segun rubs his temples briefly and returns to typing.
EXT. PARK – LATE AFTERNOON
Wide Shot
Segun sits alone on a bench facing the open park.
Trees are lightly sketched in the background.
He exhales slowly.
WIDE SHOT – HIS POV
Children run past.
A couple laughs.
Someone lies on the grass, relaxed.
Segun watches quietly.
CLOSE-UP – DAVID
A hand enters the frame, holding a folded note.
Segun looks up, confused.
He accepts it.
INSERT – THE NOTE
He unfolds it.
The note reads:
“You’ve been working hard.
Take a break.
You deserve it.”
MEDIUM SHOT – BENCH
Segun lowers the note.
His shoulders relax slightly.
A small, genuine smile appears.
He leans back against the bench and simply sits.
For once, he is not rushing anywhere.
FADE OUT
