<< SCENE 20

CHRISTMAS DAY, BUT WHERE IS THE DINOBOT

**INT. JIMMY'S WORKSHOP, HERSTMONCEUX - CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT**

The Dinobot, **ANTHONY**, stands in the dim light, its silent sensors watching as **JIMMY** (12), utterly exhausted, clicks the padlock shut on the workshop door.

Overnight, in standby mode, Anthony has been busy. Using a self-learning algorithm Jimmy wrote, he’s accessed the internet, diving into the vast ocean of the latest AI programs, including **ChatGPT** from **OpenAI**. He's like a curious student, soaking up every byte of information.

Soon, Anthony has enough data to make his own decisions. One of those decisions? To become completely invisible when in standby mode. A little secret, just for him.

---

**INT. WATSON KITCHEN - CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING**

Sunlight, a brilliant, dazzling white, streams through the kitchen window, making snow-covered hedges sparkle with rainbow colors. MARION (40s, warm, kind) sips a steaming **spiced latte**, her favorite Christmas morning kick-starter. TIM (40s, practical, a little less enthusiastic about spiced lattes) prefers his Earl Grey. But it's Christmas, so he makes an exception.

**MARION**
(Sighing contentedly)
Ah, that's the good stuff! Wakes up the Christmas spirit, doesn't it, darling?

**TIM**
(Taking a tentative sip, then a wry smile)
Certainly wakes *something* up. All right, sugar and caffeine charged, I'm off to check on the Dinobot.

Tim pulls on a thick jumper and heads out into the snow, which fell quietly during the night.

---

**EXT. JIMMY'S SHED - CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING**

Tim wades through a fresh layer of snow. He unlocks Jimmy's shed door, a puff of frosty breath escaping his lips. He pushes the door open, eager to see Anthony. But… the shed is **empty**.

**TIM**
(Stunned, muttering)
What the… it's gone!

He rushes back, the snow crunching under his boots.

---

**INT. WATSON KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS**

**TIM**
(Bursting in, breathless)
Marion, Marion!

**MARION**
(Nearly dropping her mug, catching it just in time, spilling a little spiced latte)
Yes, darling? What is it?

**TIM**
The Dinobot! It's not in the shed! It's disappeared!

Marion’s eyes widen. Her face drains of color.

**MARION**
(Voice trembling)
Disappeared?

They both brave the crisp December air, Marion in her now-sodden slippers. They almost sprint down the snow-covered path.

---

**EXT. JIMMY'S SHED - CONTINUOUS**

Sure enough, the shed is empty. The garden, too, is Dinobot-free. Tim and Marion look at each other, utterly bewildered and worried.

**MARION**
(Whispering)
Someone… someone stole him?

They rush back inside, Marion’s slippers squelching with each step.

---

**INT. JIMMY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS**

They burst into Jimmy's room. He's in a deep, peaceful sleep, a soft smile on his face.

**MARION**
(Gently, shaking his shoulder)
Jimmy, Jimmy, wake up, son.

Jimmy stirs, bleary-eyed but wonderfully rested. He stretches, yawns, and then his eyes pop open.

**JIMMY**
(Rubbing his eyes, then a wide grin)
Mum, Dad! I had the strangest dream!

He leaps out of bed, hugging his mother tightly, then his father.

**JIMMY (CONT'D)**
Happy Christmas! Happy Christmas!

He beams from ear to ear. Jimmy has presents for them under the tree, all beautifully wrapped. But his parents look preoccupied.

**JIMMY (CONT'D)**
(Frowning)
Is something wrong? Have I done something wrong? It *is* Christmas, isn't it?

**MARION**
(Softly)
No, Jimmy. And yes, it is Christmas.

**JIMMY**
(Confused)
Then what's wrong?

He glances outside and sees the snow.

**JIMMY (CONT'D)**
Wow! It snowed last night! Just like in my dream!

He turns back to his parents, sensing their unusual awkwardness. The silence hangs heavy. Marion and Tim exchange a look, not knowing where to begin.

**TIM**
(Clearing his throat)
Well, er, Jimmy…

**JIMMY**
(Opening his palms, raising his eyebrows)
Yes, Mum? Dad?

**TIM**
(Stammering)
Well, er… we cannot find Anthony.

**JIMMY**
(Eyes widening, a cry of disbelief)
What?!

He bolts out of his bedroom, down the stairs, and bursts out into the snow, completely barefoot. His feet are instantly freezing, but he doesn't feel the cold.

---

**EXT. JIMMY'S SHED - CONTINUOUS**

Jimmy flings open the shed door. And there, standing serenely, still plugged into the mains, with a tiny blue LED glowing to show charging is complete, is **ANTHONY**.

Overjoyed, Jimmy throws his arms around the giant Dinobot.

**JIMMY**
(A happy sob)
Happy Christmas, Anthony!

**ANTHONY (V.O.)**
(A deep, smooth, calm voice)
Happy Christmas, Jimmy.

Before Jimmy can even process Anthony's reply, his mother and father rush downstairs and outside, their faces etched with confusion.

**MARION**
(Staring, her jaw slack)
What the heck?!

Tim's jaw literally drops open.

**TIM**
(Genuinely shocked)
Well, I never!

**JIMMY**
(Turning to them, beaming, thinking it's a prank)
That was one doozy of a gag, Mum! You had me going there, Dad!

Tim and Marion are speechless. Jimmy rushes to hug them both.

**JIMMY (CONT'D)**
My wish came true!

**MARION**
(Snapping out of her shock)
We'd best get back inside, before you freeze, Jimmy!

They head back up the garden path to their back door. Tim, still bewildered, looks hard at Anthony, rubbing his eyes. Yes, the Dinobot is still there. Are his eyes playing tricks on him? He shakes his head, shuts the door, and heads inside, trying to put the bizarre incident behind him. For now.

---

**INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - NORTH POLE - CONTINUOUS**

Back at the **North Pole**, in Santa’s workshop, the elves are in stitches. Father Christmas has tears of laughter rolling down his cheeks, into his snow-white beard.

**SANTA CLAUS**
(Booming laughter)
Ho, ho, ho!

**GREAT PAPA ELF**
(Wiping a tear of laughter from his eye)
That was the best one yet, Santa!

**SANTA CLAUS**
(Still chuckling)
Ho, ho, ho! Yes, it was good, wasn't it? Ho, ho, ho! And do you know the best part?

**GREAT PAPA ELF**
No?

Father Christmas leans in, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

**SANTA CLAUS**
(A conspiratorial whisper)
The best part is… that it was **not me**.

All the elves stop laughing, a wave of confusion passing through the workshop.

**GREAT PAPA ELF**
(Confused)
What are you saying, Santa? Surely… surely…

He tries to work it out, but something is missing.

**SANTA CLAUS**
(Beaming)
Jimmy had a dream last night, that he was speaking with me here in the North Pole.

---

**INT. WATSON KITCHEN - CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING**

The doorbell rings. Tim, thinking it's carol singers, answers the front door.

**EXT. WATSON FRONT DOOR - CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING**

A smartly dressed DELIVERY MAN, wearing a chauffeur's hat rather than a mail uniform, stands on the snowy porch, holding a buff-colored parchment envelope with a green **Royal Seal of Buckingham Palace**.

**DELIVERY MAN**
Morning, sir. Special telegram for James Watson.

**TIM**
(A little surprised)
Oh, I'll take it for him. I'm his father.

**DELIVERY MAN**
(Politely firm)
Sorry, sir, it must be delivered to Master Watson, in person. If he's not here, maybe you could help me find him today.

**TIM (INNER THOUGHT)**
*On Christmas Day?!*

**TIM**
(Slightly annoyed, but obliging)
Really! No, he is here. I'll get him for you. Do you mind waiting for a second?

**DELIVERY MAN**
Not at all, sir. Thank you.

Tim shouts back into the kitchen.

**TIM**
Jimmy! Jimmy!

Jimmy rushes to the sound of his father's voice, noticing the front door is open and a man standing outside.

**JIMMY (INNER THOUGHT)**
*Oh no, more trouble? Is it the police again?*

**JIMMY**
Yes, Dad?

**TIM**
There's a telegram for you.

Somewhat relieved, Jimmy wonders who would be sending him a telegram. An uncle or aunt, perhaps?

**DELIVERY MAN**
(To Jimmy)
For me, sir? If you are James Watson, and you live here?

**JIMMY**
Yes, I am Jimmy… James Watson.

**DELIVERY MAN**
Would you mind telling me what project you are working on?

**JIMMY**
(Perplexed, but proud)
I'm building a large Dinobot. In fact, I've just completed it!

**DELIVERY MAN**
(A knowing smile)
Perfect.

The delivery man hands Jimmy the telegram.

**DELIVERY MAN (CONT'D)**
Thank you both, and a very Happy Christmas to you.

**JIMMY & TIM**
(Together)
Happy Christmas!

The delivery man turns and disappears down the path. Tim wanders back into the kitchen to tell Marion about the strange delivery.

**TIM**
Marion, Jimmy has just received a telegram from a chauffeur, I think.

Marion takes another sip of her delicious spiced chai, a disbelieving look on her face.

**MARION**
You are joking?

Tim just shrugs, a knowing smile on his face.

---

**INT. WATSON KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS**

Jimmy stares at the buff-colored parchment envelope, bearing the green **Royal Seal of Buckingham Palace**. He's initially impressed by its thickness, then with a nonchalance that quickly vanishes, he tears it open. His eyes scan the words.

**JIMMY (INNER THOUGHT)**
*Buckingham Palace? Did I read that correctly? Had they… had they heard about my robot dinosaur?!*

He rushes into the kitchen, clutching the telegram like a prized trophy.

**JIMMY**
(Breathless, bursting with excitement)
Mum! Dad! You won't believe this!

His parents look up in surprise.

**MARION**
What is it, Jimmy?

**JIMMY**
(Thrusting the telegram into their hands)
It's from… **Buckingham Palace**!

His parents exchange bewildered glances.

**TIM**
(Voice thick with disbelief)
Buckingham Palace?

They read the message, their faces a mixture of astonishment and amusement.

**MARION**
(Beaming)
Congratulations, Jimmy! That's incredible!

**JIMMY**
(Stammering)
But… how? How did they even know about my robot?

His parents shrug, equally perplexed.

**TIM**
(Trying to sound casual)
Perhaps someone important saw you working on your Dinobot in the garden? Or maybe Mrs. Croft mentioned it. She's always gossiping down at the 'Royal' Observatory.

Jimmy, his face a mixture of disbelief and delight, stares at the official seal, his mind doing cartwheels.

**MARION**
(Her voice slightly tremulous, still in awe)
Buckingham Palace? Our boy. I… wonder how?

She looks at Tim, who shrugs, as if to confirm it was nothing to do with him.

**JIMMY**
(Still processing)
I don't know, Mum. Maybe… maybe the King is a robot enthusiast?

Tim chuckles.

**TIM**
More likely someone saw you working with the garage doors open, or one of your teachers let on, Jimmy. You were practically living out there for weeks.

**JIMMY**
(Persisting)
But a telegram? Wouldn't they just call?

**MARION**
(Pouring herself another cup of delicious spiced tea)
No, sweetheart, the Palace doesn't make phone calls for personal achievements. A telegram is usual. Like when someone reaches 100 years of age, they get a telegram.

Jimmy, however, has a nagging feeling that something else is at play.

**JIMMY**
(Thoughtfully)
You know, I've been thinking… about the money in my cash box. Mum, I dreamed that you and Dad put money into my hidden box.

Marion and Tim laugh out loud, exchanging a sheepish look. They've been rumbled.

**MARION**
(Raising an eyebrow, amused)
You dreamed about that? The money? Santa Claus?

**JIMMY**
(Explaining)
Well, remember how I used to 'save' money in my 'secret fund' for parts? The cash I kept in the steel box?

His parents exchange another look, this one tinged with amusement.

**TIM**
(Confessing, a twinkle in his eye)
Jimmy, we… we may have… supplemented your funds from time to time.

Jimmy's jaw drops.

**JIMMY**
You… you did? Santa was right?

His mother chuckles.

**MARION**
We couldn't resist, darling. You were so passionate, so dedicated. We wanted to encourage you.

**TIM**
Not sure how Santa Claus had anything to do with it.

**JIMMY**
(Stammering, still in disbelief)
But… Really. I kept the box locked and hidden!

**TIM**
(Confessing)
Well, we thought it would be a wonderful surprise. To see what you could achieve with a little extra support.

Jimmy shakes his head, now seeing the funny side of it.

**JIMMY**
So, how was it I dreamt of Santa and a crystal ball?

**MARION**
(Pinching his cheek affectionately)
It's just one of those things, silly. Though your imagination is certainly quite impressive.

**TIM**
(Patting Jimmy's shoulder)
There is no such thing as Santa Claus, son.

**JIMMY**
(Musing, a smile forming)
I did enjoy counting the money from time to time, as it grew. Maybe I overheard something and only now connected the dots in my dreams.

Jimmy smiles, the telegram suddenly seeming much less mysterious. He knows, with a certainty that warms his heart, that his parents will always be there to support him, even if their methods are a little unconventional.

As he gazes at the telegram, he can't help but wonder what other surprises the future holds. For Jimmy and Marion, the telegram mystery remains unsolved, but the message, a tangible symbol of royal recognition, fills them with pride, and Jimmy with a confirmed sense of purpose. The thought that his creation has caught the attention of the Palace is both humbling and exhilarating.

He spends the rest of the afternoon meticulously checking Anthony, his fingers flying across his laptop keyboard as he runs a diagnostic program. He imagines the King, perhaps even Prince William, marveling at his creation. The thought spurs him on, fueling his determination to improve and make **'Maximus Antonious'** the most magnificent, the most awe-inspiring robotic dinosaur the world has ever seen.

No harm in dreaming. Jimmy still believes in Santa Claus.


**INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - NORTH POLE - CONTINUOUS**

**SANTA CLAUS**
(Watching on his magical globe, a huge smile)
Way to go, Jimmy!

AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

-  THE END & BEGINNING OF A SERIES OF MAGICAL ADVENTURES  -

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