EXT. ORANGE COUNTY GHETTO- day- April 10, 2004 KARMEN (V.O.) ***April 10, 1994. my birthday. A day that I've always loved, my mother never failed to make it beautiful. My 9th birthday, I guess you could say that's where it all started. I remember that day quite vividly. I remember running outside with my siblings thinking today is gonna be another great birthday (sarcastic laugh) turns out that was the day my dad decided he wanted better for his life and that didn't involve us, I guess you could call him cliche.*** INT. ORANGE COUNTY GHETTO - HOUSE - afternoon Dad is packing his things while Mom is on the verge of tears watching him. **Mom** You're fucking insane **Dad** I'm not a character in your fucking book Elizabeth. **MOM** Do you know the definition of insanity? He stopped packing and looked at her **MOM (CONT'D)** Insanity is when a person cannot distinguish fantasy from reality, cannot conduct his affairs due to psychosis, or is subject to uncontrollable impulsive behaviour. **Insanity** is a concept discussed in court to help distinguish guilt from innocence. **DAD** Im not in court Elizabeth He turns around and continues to pack **MOM** Not yet...But I'm sure when you get a new whore I'll be getting them divorce papers right? I might as well change my name back to Banks **DAD** Don't be like... **MOM** Like what? Like fucking what John? Don't be a wife who is trying to keep her husband or do you not want to be a mother who thinks about her kids and what their father running away could do to them? **DAD** I'm not running away Elizabeth **MOM** Then what do you call this? He zipped up his suitcase and headed for the door moving past her. He looked out the window to see his kids playing he sighed and turned back to her, tears were streaming down her face, **DAD** Liz... **MOM** Don't do that *(she wipes her tears, and laughs no humour)* don't you dare call me that again if you wanna leave go right on ahead, I've loved you and supported you from the first day we met *(she looks down)* but that ends here. Go say bye to my kids and get the fuck out of my house. he walks up to her bags in his hands **DAD** Elizabeth I do love you and don't think this is anything but love for you and our kids it'll all be okay trust me. **MOM** I trusted you to always be here, now get the fuck out of my house *(she looked up at him tears threatening to come out)* he walked to the door not saying anything and opened it. The sun hit his face and he smiled. **Karmen** DADDY!DADDY! look what Kyan did Karmen is trying to show him her arm when her mom picks her up **MOM** No Karmen daddy doesn't care he's leaving Karmen looked at her mom and then dad with a confused face. Then one by one the boys came **Kyan** What do you mean Dad's leaving? **MOM** He's going to find a better family because we're not enough **DAD** Elizabeth stopped (he looked at her with an angry expression) **MOM** What? Stop telling them the truth? Something you obviously can't do. **VOICE** **OVER** ***He grabbed his shit then walked to our car my mom put me down and then went after him, we only had one car and I guess the fact that he was taking it pissed her off some more so they fought at the car till he got in and drove away, leaving us with nothing. So I guess you can say that's where my resentment came from.*** INT. THERAPY SESSION - day **Therapist** Do you think you ever loved your dad? **KARMEN** I mean I guess that depends on your definition of love I was seven when he left don't think I knew what love was. **THERAPIST** Do you want to see your father again Karmen? Karmen runs hands over eyes/face **THERAPIST (CONT'D)** Alright... **KARMEN** How much time do we have left **THERAPIST** *(She looked at her watch)* Well, we've only been here for 10 min and we sat in silence for 5 so we still got... 30 mins left *(she looked up from her watch)* **THERAPIST (CONT'D)** But if you want to leave you have every right. **KARMEN** *(chuckles none humorously)* You want me to leave? **THERAPIST** I can't tell you what to do, I can't force you to stay and it seems you're over it. But before you decide to leave let me ask you this why are you here Karmen? What do you wanna get out of this session? Karmen turned her head to the window rubbing her hands together. **KARMEN** I just want to be free (looks down at her hands) **THERAPIST** From what? **KARMEN** (Tears start falling from her eyes) From everything, (laughs softly) I'm tired Karmen wiped her eyes **THERAPIST** Karmen you've told me how you felt when you're dad left you, you told me the day and everything that happened. Now (she closes her book) I want you to tell me what happened after. **KARMEN** You want me to tell you why I'm still so fucked up? **THERAPIST** Karmen.. **KARMEN** I was kidding, I know what you meant. (Pause) I just don't know what to say. **THERAPIST** Whatever you want, this is your story, I can't tell you how to start it. **KARMEN** Well, I guess my 9 birthday was kinda when I started to notice a difference in my family dynamic... Fade to: AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC ***I didn't go to school for two years after my dad left for one we didn't wanna go back and my mom wasn't handling it the best, she was drinking, not eating, and sleeping all day, it was just me and my brothers and to be honest, we loved it, not so much seeing her hurt and drunk but the independence and we all grew close especially me and my twin it was us against the block (laughing) because we didn't ever go anywhere. Kyan went to college to study management or whatever and it was just the three of us and mom. She finally got her shit together after a year and we all had to go back to school, that was probably the worst part of her getting back on her feet, that and her asshole boyfriend Mason.*** INT. **Mason** Guys get up you have school today you need to be out of the house I'm not a babysitter **Karmen (V.O.)** Kayan made Mason make me and Esmond's rooms connected we told him that we'd like him more that way (chuckle) but tunes out we still didn't give a shit, we'd wake up early and pick which one of our rooms we'd spend the next hour in. Mason burst into Esmond's room turning the lights on **MASON** How many times do I have to tell you guys you have your own fucking room. Get ready for school before I build that wall back up. (slam-door) **KARMEN** Get ready for school before I build that wall back up (mimicking) Karmen and her brothers get ready for school making their own lunch, and they all walk to school. Playing on their way. They get to school and they all split up and it's just Karmen and Esmond they both look at each other and walk down the hallway till they are forced to split up too. **KARMEN (V.O.)** Mason decided that it would be best for us to not be in the same class. **Teacher** Karmen, you're late. The whole class looked at Karmen **KARMEN** Well, I had to walk so it takes longer Miss... **TEACHER** Miss Gibbs (crosses her arms) **TEACHER (CONT'D)** Take your seat next to Oliver, your new so I'll let it slide but I don't take kindly to people being late so try not to make this a habit. **KARMEN** Yes ma'am *(underneath Breath)* The teacher talking about random math stuff. Karmen sits beside Oliver and takes her books out. Oliver is staring at her. **KARMEN** (looks over at Oliver) Can I help you? **Oliver** No sorry, (looks at his work) INT. Cafeteria Class ended and Karmen made her way to the cafeteria where Esmond was sitting. **KARMEN** ESSIE! **Esmond** Karmen! Karmen sitting beside Esmond not noticing someone else sitting across from him **ESMOND** Karmen this is Chancellor Karmen looks up and smiles before looking back at her brother **KARMEN** Are you guys friends now? **ESMOND** Yes, he said I can come over later to hang out(smiles) Did you meet anyone (he takes a bit of food) Karmen scans the cafeteria and finds Oliver looking at her while eating his lunch **KARMEN** Ummm no not yet (looks at her food) **ESMOND** I'm sure you'll find someone Esmond and Chancellor talk the whole lunch and Karmen tries to join in and follow their conversation. EXT. OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL - afternoon At the end of the day, Esmond and Chancellor walk to his house, and Karmen walks home alone because her other brothers are doing other things. **OLIVER** Karmen! Karmen turns around to see Oliver running after her with a big backpack on. He finally reaches her and takes some breaths **KARMEN** *(keep walking)* Don't you have a bus to take? **OLIVER** Yes, but I don't want to take it today so I'm walking with you. **KARMEN** Strager danger *(walk faster)* **OLIVER** That's why I'm walking with you so we won't be strangers *(walks faster to try and ketchup)* **KARMEN** *(STOP WALKING ABRUPTLY)* You wanna get to know me? **OLIVER** *(turns to look at her)* Yes so we can be friends INT. THERAPY SESSION - **KARMEN** **(V.O.)** ***And from that day forward, it was me Oliver Chancellor and Esmond walking either to my house or to there's, Mason didn't like us walking to their house but we didn't care we did it anyway and didn't tell him then we tuned 15...*** **THERAPIST (V.O.)** ***What happened then?*** **KARMEN** Ummm well, it was our birthday and so that was the day we decided to have supper at the chancellor's house we didn't come back till 12 or 1 that night and Mason was angry and we thought it was funny but then our mom came home and I guess she didn't think it was as funny as we did and she lashed out. INT. KARMEN’S HOUSE - night **MOM** *(Walking through the door)* What the fuck is up with all this yelling in my god-dame house? **MASON** Your kids just got home and I have no clue where they were and their phones were off and they didn't answer any of my fuking calls. **ESMOND** Our phones weren't off we blocked you a long time ago *(Karmen and Esmond do a hand shack while laughing)* **MOM** Esmond and Karmen, where the hell have you been all day? **KARMEN** We were at Chance's house **MOM** Till 12 what was so important that you needed to spend seven hours at this boy's house? **ESMOND** WELL... **KARMEN** No Esmond don't because she should fucking know. **MOM** What did you say to me? **KARMEN** I said you should FUCKING know. **MOM** *(drop your thing)* Now Karmen it's been a long day (*close eyes)* and I have zero tolerance for your bullshit right now so either you *(eyes open)* watch your god-dame tone when you speak to me or you get the hell out of my face **KARMEN** You really don't know? **MOM** Know what Karmen **KARMEN** *(blink back tears)* Well umm, today marks the 15th year I *(pause)* and Esmond *(point to Esmond)* have been alive. Elizabeth closes her eyes and sighs **KARMEN (CONT'D)** But don't even bother yourself I'm sure Esmond's and I's lives are an inconvenience to you, I'll just tell your other kids not to expect much from you anymore. Karmen grabs Esmond's hand to pull him to her room **MASON** So you doing all this because of a stupid birthday? selfish bastards. **ESMOND** Karmen... **KARMEN** Fuck you, Mason, fuck you why the hell are you even here you're not my dad and you'll never be, so leave already, we didn't need you when our dad left and we don't need you now. **MOM** Karmen don't talk to him like, as long as you're the child you'll show respect. **Karmen** Don't talk to him like that, Mom he just called your kids that you claim to love so much bastards and you don't want me to talk to him like that? Well excuse fucking me **Mom** KARMEN HALIMA BANKS you better watch your tone and find your place I'll deal with what he said later **Karmen** Will Elizabeth, I beg to fucking differ that's gonna happen, considering how forgetful you are today and fun fact you forgot our birthday last year too. We came home hoping like every year you would make it a day we always look forward to but you fucking forgot we spent the day with people who actually give at least a single fuck and let me guess you were at work all day, well news flash mom so were his parents and yet they still manage to treat us like there own when our own mother chose a fucked up piece of fucking shit to take care of us honestly(look at mason) I'm surprised he isn't drunk yet... **Esmond** Karmen, please... **Karmen** No Esmond because one year is fine that I get but two years you can take one day the fuck off mom you've had a ruff life dad left you had to raise us on your own I get it but so have we, neglect us every other day but not on the day we needed you the most. And your man baby over here treats us like shit just so you know so I'll say what ever *(look at mason)* I goddam please and he can shove his alcoholism right up his... **Mom** KARMEN SHUT THE FUCK UP NOW *(bangs on the table)*. Esmond, go to your room. Karmen, you listen to me and listen goddam good, and I'm only going to repeat myself once. All Karmen's siblings are standing at the stairs listening. **MOM** I'm sorry I forgot about your birthday. Your not a child anymore Karmen at some point you need to grow the hell up and get over this fantasy that I'm gonna be at your house every year to make you a fucking birthday cake your 15 what you should be doing is looking for a job and maybe when you get one you'll understand how it can impact your life. I fucking pay the bills, I do the fucking shopping, so don't start with your bullshit. Because I'm not chancellor's parents and I'll never be chancellor's parents because chancellor's parent don't do shit for you I do, I do everything and the least you can say is thank you, thank you that I stayed after your father left, so stop trying to act like the victim and start crying because you caused this because your birthday was forgotten, did you ever care to ask how any of your brothers felt before you decide to open your mouth and speak for everyone? Kyan is out in the world going to school, and he still respects me even if I don't wish him a happy birthday so stop being so selfish and needy, I'm not gonna tell you were a mistake, and I was just hoping for one baby because having two was a blessing but dame Karmen, I'm disappointed Karmen chuckles and wipes her tears away **KARMEN** You know, you're right mom fuck what was I thinking, I'm sorry your only daughter wasn't like your favourite son and grew up to be such a disappointment because she wanted you to care. Sorry, I didn't decide to be trans so they would remotely care about me the same as your 4 pride and joys. You know you said you stuck around but when dad left that was the same day you left and now it really is showing. Can't wait for the day you decide to pack your bags too. EXT. Karmen walks out the front door bumping into someone at the door as it slams shut but doesn't bother to check or stop. **OLIVER** Karmen? Karmen disappears into the dark and Oliver goes after her EXT. **OLIVER** Karmen where are you? Oliver trips over something (its dark) KARMEN Oliver go away don't you have anything better to do than follow me around? OLIVER Yeah, well, I was going to just drop your sweater off at your house till you ran out and I thought it would be a better idea to give it directly to you if you got cold... Karmen looks up at Oliver from where she is sitting and smiles a little before going back to neutral. KARMEN Thanks, I guess, but why did you really follow me? OLIVER What do you mean? Oliver sat next to Karmen KARMEN Even in the dark, I can tell you're lying you've never been good at it. OLIVER Well I guess your detective skills are wrong because that's why I'm here KARMEN But that's not the full reason is it liv? (said with a little smirk/smile) OLIVER Wow someone's got jokes, you're right I was worried and any excuse to hang out with you is a good one (smile and nudge her) KARMEN Yeah, I'm sure it is but I kinda just wanna be alone OLIVER That's what everyone says but yet no one ever really means it KARMEN Thanks for the psychology lesson liv I'll be sure to remember that the next time I want to be left alone (roll eyes) Karmen gets up and started walking away from Oliver Oliver follows OLIVER Hey wait up KARMEN Don't you have anything better to do Oliver starts walking backwards in front of Karmen OLIVER I'm glad you asked I do have something better to do but I can't do it if you are all upset Karmen stops walking to star at him OLIVER So do you wanna know what it is? KARMEN Do I even have a choice? OLIVER Nope Oliver grabs Karmen's hand and leads her down an aisle KARMEN We've been walking for literally half an hour, I'm slowly losing interest in this something else of yours OLIVER Be patient you know what they say good things come to those who wait (Karmen rolls her eyes) KARMEN The sun is coming up i don't know how much more patience you want from me OLIVER Alright cry baby we are here Karmen looks around the big field of flowers spinning around KARMEN Wow OLIVER You like it KARMEN It sure is.....something else Oliver rolled eyes OLIVER If you're gonna be a hater you can go Karmen smiles KARMEN Me a hater never, please sir. Oliver, show me around this field. (dramatic tone) Oliver smiles shaking his head but continues walking with Karmen following behind. Karmen realizes that she is no longer following Oliver and in fact can't see him at all in the dark field. KARMEN OLIVER (looking around franticly) cont. Karmen OLIV- OLIVER SHHHH, get down here KARMEN What the fuck are you doing down here OLIVER You're so loud KARMEN Are you saying that cuz I'm black (hushed whisper) Oliver turns to look are her turning red OLIVER NO- I-- KARMEN Relax liv I'm joking, so what are we doing here? OLIVER Every year on the same day about 100 or so people come to this field and release lanterns-- KARMEN Like in Tangled? OLIVER I mean yeah you could look at it that way (chuckle) they release them for a part of themselves that has been lost for someone they've lost or for someone they want to keep in their prays KARMEN So it is in fact like tangled. Oliver Yea I guess it is KARMEN I respect a die-hard fan find a good song for this moment Oliver pulls out lanterns for them to light karmen takes it from him. OLIVER I'm gonna light them now and we wait till 4 to release them. Karmen nodded. Oliver lights the lanterns as he does the Karmen sees lanterns start lighting up all over the field KARMEN It's beautiful OLIVER (SMILING) And this isn't even the best part. looks at his phone OLIVER cont'd Alright time to let them go They both let the lanterns go in the air at the same time everyone else who was scattered through the field began to release theirs as well. They lay in the field watching as the lanterns started floating up in the sky. Oliver looked at her in awe KARMEN Rapunzel would be proud INT. Back in the therapy session THERAPIST Sounds like Oliver helped ground you KARMEN You could say that THERAPIST You wouldn't? KARMEN I mean I wouldn't NOT say that, he was my best friend. After that day we just got so much closer attached at the hip if you will THERAPIST: Tell me more about how your friendship with Oliver evolved. KARMEN: (Unhumourouse laugh) it was nothing special. The therapist starts writing on her notepad KARMEN for fucks sake. I don't know like every other best friend it was like we shared this secret language, an unspoken understanding that held us together. THERAPIST: And this closeness, did it become a source of strength for you? KARMEN: It was like having a safety net, a constant support system. When life got tough, we navigated it together. Oliver became my anchor, and I, his confidante. THERAPIST: It sounds like a powerful connection. I wouldn't say every friendship is built on that. How did it impact your overall well-being? KARMEN: We laughed together, cried together, and faced the world as a team. He saw me at my worst and celebrated me at my best. It made me feel seen, accepted, and not alone in my struggles. THERAPIST: Friendships indeed have a unique way of filling our lives with meaning. So why aren't you two talking? _Karmen's expression tightens, discomfort evident._ KARMEN: I don't want to talk about Oliver. It's... It's complicated. _The therapist observes Karmen's unease but continues gently._ THERAPIST: Karmen. We only discuss what you're comfortable with. But It seems that Oliver brings up difficult emotions normally something big takes place before we cut our BEST friends off KARMEN: _(Growing irritated)_ Yeah, well, I'd prefer not to explore anything about him right now. _The therapist sets her pen and paper down_ THERAPIST: Understood. We can shift our focus back to your mother or Whatever else is on your mind today. _Karmen's irritation intensifies._ CONT. THERAPIST: Karmen. Let's discuss whatever feels right for you. _Karmen, however, can't shake the frustration building within her. She abruptly stands up._ KARMEN: I need a break. I can't do this right now. _Without waiting for a response, Karmen storms out of the therapy session, leaving the therapist with a concerned expression._ INT. KARMEN'S APARTMENT - EVENING _Karmen enters her apartment, visibly carrying the weight of the therapy session. She tries to shake off the tension, lighting a few candles and dimming the lights. She attempts to relax on the couch._ KARMEN: _Breathe, just breathe._ _Her phone rings, disrupting the peace. It's her brother calling. She hesitates but decides to let it go to voicemail._ BROTHER'S VOICEMAIL: Hey, Karmen. It's me. I've been trying to reach you. Can we meet tomorrow? There's something important I need to talk to you about. Call me back when you can. _She listens to the message, anxiety creeping in. She ignores it, trying to focus on unwinding._ EXT. KARMEN'S APARTMENT - EVENING _Karmen arrives home to find her brother waiting in front of her apartment._ OTIS Hey, Karmen. KARMEN: hey OTIS Can I come in KARMEN: _Forced smile_ Sure. INT. KARMEN'S APARTMENT - LATER _They sit down, the conversation starting with an air of familiarity and a mixture of curiosity and caution._ OTIS I've missed you, Karmen. It's been a while. KARMEN: Yeah, life's been busy. OTIS I've been trying to call, but you never pick up. KARMEN: _Evading_ Just caught up with work and stuff, you know? _As they talk, Karmen keeps her guard up, revealing glimpses of her emotional distance._ BROTHER: I drove by the lake we used to spend time at. Remember the time we went camping there? Those were the good days. KARMEN: _Vaguely_ Yeah, it was alright. BROTHER: Alright? It was more than alright. We had some of the best times together. KARMEN: _Avoiding eye contact_ Things change, and people change. _The conversation becomes a delicate dance, with the unspoken tension hanging in the air._ OTIS We used to share everything, Karmen. I miss having my sister as my best friend. KARMEN: _With a forced smile,_ We never shared everything and people grow up. Life gets complicated. We are not kids anymore T. _The emotional distance between them becomes more pronounced._ OTIS We could still make more of those moments, you know? KARMEN: _Sighs_ Look, I've got things to do. Is there something immediate you want to talk about? OTIS I've been worried about you, Karmen. You're not answering my calls. KARMEN: _Defensive_ I've been busy, okay? I don't need you checking up on me. OTIS I'm your brother. I care about you. It's not about checking up; it's about being there for each other. KARMEN: Can we not do this right now? _The tone begins to shift. The calmness starts to erode, replaced by underlying tension._ OTIS You've been avoiding me. I want to know why. KARMEN: Maybe I just need some space. Is that too much to ask? OTIS It's been more than just "needing space" Karmen you've shut us out. KARMEN: Well, maybe that's what I want! I don't need your help. _The room tightens as the conversation escalates._ OTIS _Karmen, (exasperated)_ You can't keep shutting out the people who care about you. We're family. KARMEN: _(Angry)_ Family Is a term I'd use lightly and enlighten me Ottis where is this so-called family? I'm not a helpless little girl anymore. OTIS You don't have to face everything alone. KARMEN: _(Yelling)_ Maybe I do! Maybe I'm tired of everyone trying to fix me! OTIS I'm not trying to Fucking fix you Karmen I just want everything to be fine again Tears building up in Karmen's eyes KARMEN Again? Maybe I just want you to stop pretending everything is fine when it's not for once in our fucking lives. _The room falls into an uneasy silence, the weight of their words hanging heavily between them._ CONT. KARMEN Please leave. INT. THERAPIST'S OFFICE - DAY _Karmen enters the therapist's office, her expression carrying a mix of frustration and vulnerability._ THERAPIST: Welcome back, Karmen. It's good to see you. KARMEN: Yeah, whatever. _Karmen sits, visibly on edge._ THERAPIST: How have things been since our last session? KARMEN: _Avoiding eye contact_ Same old, same old. Life's a mess. THERAPIST: You've missed a session and you haven't been picking up my calls. Is everything okay? KARMEN I've just been busy things came up THERAPIST: Of course, Karmen. I respect your boundaries. Let's talk about what's on your mind today. KARMEN: _Sighs_ It's just... everything is messed up. My brothers, my job, my so-called friendships. I don't know what I'm doing anymore. THERAPIST: Your brother? KARMEN: My brother showed up at my apartment. It was... intense to say the least. _The therapist takes note of the emotional weight in Karmen's words and treads carefully._ THERAPIST: Family dynamics can be challenging. How did that make you feel? KARMEN: Angry. Confused. Maybe a bit relieved. I don't know. _The session unfolds, with Karmen gradually letting down her guard and exploring the complex emotions within._ THERAPIST: It's common to feel the weight of others' expectations, but it's crucial to consider your own needs too. What would you want for yourself if you could set aside those external pressures? KARMEN: I don't even know anymore. It's been so long since I thought about what I want. THERAPIST: Understanding your desires can be a crucial step in finding balance. Is there a specific aspect of your life you feel conflicted about? KARMEN: My relationships with my brothers. It used to be so simple, but now it's just... complicated. THERAPIST: Tell me more about your relationship with your brothers, what's changed? KARMEN: Everything. We used to be so close, but now it's like we're all in different worlds, speaking different languages. I miss the simplicity of it all. deep breath CONT. KARMEN Really it changed after...after esmond died THERAPIST Esmond? KARMEN He...was my twin brother THERAPIST: I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Karmen. Losing a sibling let alone a twin can be incredibly challenging. KARMEN: Yea...it was like I lost MY anchor. We were once this tight-knit unit me and my brothers, and after Esmond, it felt like my life fell apart we were all drifting away from each other. We grieved differently, and it tore us apart. THERAPIST: Grief can manifest in various ways for different people. How did it affect your relationship with your brothers? KARMEN: We all dealt with it differently. I withdrew into myself, and my older brothers became overly protective... We stopped understanding each other. quite CONT. KARMEN I miss the way things used to be. we were each other's support, and now it's like we're strangers trying to pretend everything's normal. INT. FLASHBACK - NIGHT - ROADSIDE _Karmen, Esmond, Otis, Kyan, and Warren, along with Oliver and Chancellor, are on a road trip, the night filled with laughter and music. They're a picture of carefree sibling camaraderie._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Smiling_ Those were the days when everything felt simple. Esmond, Otis, Kyan, Warren – my brothers – and our friends Oliver and Chancellor. We were an inseparable bunch. _The scene shifts to a gas station where they stop to refuel, the air filled with excitement._ ESMOND: _Grinning_ We're low on gas, guys! Time for a quick pit stop. EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT _The group dances and laughs, their silhouettes dancing in the glow of the gas station lights. It's a moment of pure joy._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ We danced like no one was watching and laughed like we were invincible. That night was supposed to be another chapter of our unforgettable adventures. _The mood shifts suddenly as the sound of approaching cars disrupts the joyous atmosphere._ OTIS: _Alert_ What's happening? _The cars speed by, and shots are fired. Panic ensues._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ Time seemed to pause. The laughter turned into chaos, the dancing into a desperate scramble for cover. FLASHBACK - NIGHT - ROADSIDE - CONTINUED _The sound of gunshots, the flashing lights of passing cars – everything becomes a blur for Karmen._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ At that moment, it felt like the universe hit the pause button. Esmond... my twin brother, was hit. _Chancellor rushes to help Esmond, and panic sets in among the siblings._ KYAN: _Frantic_ We need to get him to a hospital! KARMEN: Somebody, please! Help us! _The world becomes a chaotic symphony of muffled voices, distant sirens, and Karmen's cries as she clings to her brother._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ The voices around me were blurred, muffling into a chorus of panic. I held onto Esmond, waiting for the ambulance that felt like an eternity away. _Karmen's desperation intensifies as Esmond slips away, the cold snow beneath them turning darker with each passing moment._ KARMEN: _Frantically_ Don't leave me, Essie! Please, somebody, help! _As Karmen clings to Esmond, his breaths become laboured, and the world around them feels hushed._ ESMOND: Kar... _Karmen's eyes widen, her heart sinking as she senses the gravity of the moment._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ His voice was fading, a whisper carried away by the cold wind. I kept telling him to save his voice... his strength... _Esmond's last words, a fragile thread connecting them, weave through the air._ ESMOND: Take care of them...I love you... always. KARMEN: _Choked up, tears streaming down her face_ No, no, Esmond, don't leave me! Please! I can't do it without you. _The symphony of panic continues, but within Karmen, a storm rages as she pleads with her brother to stay._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ I begged him, rocking back and forth in the freezing snow. His last words echoed, each syllable etching into my soul. _In the distance, the ambulance siren grows louder, a haunting wail that punctuates the agony._ AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC: Clear a path! _Karmen's desperate pleas echo against the night, her voice intertwining with the approaching siren._ KARMEN: Help! Somebody, please help us! INT. THERAPIST'S OFFICE - PRESENT _Karmen, still in the therapist's office, relives the excruciating moments._ THERAPIST: Karmen, I can't imagine how painful that must have been for you. _Karmen, lost in the memory, clutches her arms as if trying to hold onto something slipping away._ KARMEN (NARRATING): _Voiceover_ The ambulance arrived, joining the chorus of despair. But it was too late...they were too late. My twin, my other half..he was gone. _The therapist observes Karmen's anguish._ THERAPIST: It's okay to feel this pain, Karmen. KARMEN Is it? because i dont feel okay. I dont remeber the last time i felt okay. THERAPIST Do you think you need to feel okay all the time? KARMEN Is that not what's expected? Beacuase that's what my parents expected what my school expected that's what my job expected what my brothers expected The therapist closes notebook THERAPIST Karmen **INT. BROTHER’S HOUSE - NIGHT** Karmen steps into the warm, bustling house, greeted by the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. Her older brothers, OTIS, KYAN, and WARREN, are setting up the dinner table. Their wives are ushering kids to seats, trying to maintain a semblance of order among the chaos. **WARREN** (grinning, pulling her into a hug) Karmen! Finally, the last piece of the puzzle. Karmen manages a genuine smile, hugging him back. **KARMEN** I was starting to think you forgot about me. **OTIS** (laughs) Please. We’re stuck with you forever. They settle in, passing around plates and pouring drinks. The kids chatter, spilling bits of food, and the grown-ups catch up over family gossip, current trends, and the latest news. **INT. DINING ROOM - LATER** Everyone’s in high spirits, reminiscing about old times, trading laughs over half-forgotten stories. **KYAN** (to Karmen) Remember that road trip with Esmond? How he had to talk down that gas station guy because you tried to walk out with half the store? **KARMEN** (grinning) Hey, I didn’t try to “walk out” with it! I thought we were getting snacks for free, like a gas station promotion! The whole table laughs, the kids giggling even though they don’t fully understand. **WARREN** (smirking) Esmond was a natural diplomat. He probably could have run for office by now. The laughter dies down a bit, the mention of Esmond casting a bittersweet shadow. After a pause, they push forward, switching to light-hearted topics. **OTIS** (to his wife) You heard about that new streaming show everyone’s obsessed with? They banter over new TV shows, the latest political scandal, and random internet trends, losing themselves in the comfort of family and familiarity. It almost feels like old times. **INT. DINING ROOM - LATER** The dinner plates are empty, wine glasses are refilled, and the mood has shifted from lighthearted to contemplative as the night winds down. Karmen’s smile fades as she looks around, noticing the small, invisible walls between them. **KARMEN** (quietly, almost to herself) It’s weird, you know. We’re all together, but it doesn’t feel the same. Like we’re all in different places. **KYAN** (frowning) That’s life, Karmen. We’re not kids anymore. We’ve got families, and responsibilities. **KARMEN** So that’s it? We’re just supposed to let everything drift apart because we’re not kids? The tension rises. Otis’s wife notices and quietly signals to the other women. They stand, gathering the kids. **OTIS’S WIFE** (to the kids) Let’s head to your room for a bit, give the grown-ups a little space. The kids and wives leave, leaving just the siblings around the table. **WARREN** (sighs) Karmen, we’re still family. Just because we don’t hang out every day doesn’t mean we don’t care. **KARMEN** It’s not just that. It’s like… after Esmond, we never really tried to hold onto what we had. We all went our own ways and pretended it was fine. **KYAN** (annoyed) What do you want us to do, Karmen? Life doesn’t stop. We have jobs, kids. Not everyone can just put everything on hold. **KARMEN** (sharply) Right, because I’m the only one who feels it, right? I’m the only one who thinks about how much we’ve lost. A tense silence fills the room, the brothers exchanging uneasy looks. **OTIS** Look, we’re here now, aren’t we? Isn’t that enough? **KARMEN** (scoffs) Is it? Or are we just going through the motions to feel better about ourselves? Kyan pushes back his chair, frustrated. **KYAN** You’re making this harder than it has to be. We’re doing our best. Maybe that’s enough for us, even if it isn’t for you. Karmen’s eyes flash, hurt and anger battling within her. She stands abruptly, grabbing her coat. **KARMEN** Fine. You do what’s “enough” for you. But don’t expect me to pretend everything’s okay when it isn’t. She storms out, the door closing behind her with a final, bitter click, leaving her brothers sitting in uncomfortable silence. **EXT. STREET - NIGHT** Karmen walks briskly down the dark, empty street, her breath fogging in the cold air. Her steps slow, and her face crumples as the weight of the evening settles on her. She looks back at the house briefly, the warm light spilling out from the windows, and then continues walking, disappearing into the night.