The Stick

(neon sign buzzing) (clock ticking) (therapist clears throat) - So, tell me about this boomerang.

- When I was a kid, growing up in Nigeria, I was happy.

I had friends.

One day, we were just playing with this boomerang.

We weren't doing anything wrong.

I took it on.

I thought it would be fun.

What a fool.

I threw the boomerang, and it never came back.

I waited, and I waited out there, but it just never came back.

(suspenseful music) - Hmm.

And you think this boomerang is coming for you.

- I know it is.

It's out there.

Circling the skies.

Watching me.

Waiting to strike.

(cat meows) Sometimes, I think I see it in the corner of my eye in the windows.

I watch my back.

Always.

I can never be too careful.

I spend every night waiting for it to get here.

But any time I even see something that even looks like it's flying towards me, I take off running.

I'm just...

I'm losing it.

So I've just got a question for you, Doctor.

What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?

A stick, a stick!

It's ruining my life!

- You need to face your fear.

You can't hide anymore.

Take off the helmet.

- Help me.

Ow.

- Ah-ha.

- Ah.

The boomerang, it hit me!

- Yes, yes, it's all over.

- I'm free!

(peaceful music) (glass shatters) (upbeat, funky music) - [Announcer] Film school shorts is made possible by a grant from Maurice Kanbar.

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