THE PAPER CRANE
Written by
Alexis A. Croyle [email protected]
412-601-2469
FADE IN:
EXT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - DAY
The sun dips low behind the school building.
A handmade banner flutters above the entrance:
“SHERWOOD HEIGHTS HALLOWEEN BASH - AFTER SCHOOL PARTY!”
A line of cars pulls up. KIDS IN COSTUMES jump out, full of
energy.
A LARGE INFLATABLE T-REX wobbles down the sidewalk, up to the
entrance. He tries to enter--can’t fit--blocks the door. KIDS
shove past him.
JASON (V.O.)
Sherwood Heights isn’t fancy. The
roof leaks in three places, the
vending machine eats dollars, and
the inflatable T-Rex never fits
through the front door.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Halloween Havoc at Sherwood Heights
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The hallway is alive. Lockers SLAM.
KIDS in costume dart past--pirates, witches, a kid dressed as
a traffic cone.
NATHAN (11), shy but wiry, wears a homemade medieval knight
costume: cardboard shield and pool noodle sword duct-taped to
his waist. He plays a kazoo, attempting a folk song.
JASON (V.O.)
But if you listen closely--beneath
the hallway noise and kazoo solos--
you’ll hear something else.
LUCY (11), Asian, over-sized glasses, dressed in dark clothes
with hand-cut, sparkly stars taped on. A night sky. Dreamy
and distant, like she’s stitched herself into the cosmos,
just to stay unnoticed.
She opens her locker. A folded paper crane hangs above her
books.
JASON (V.O.)
Wishes. Not the kind you wrap in
glittery paper. The kind you fold,
quietly, and hope someone finds.
Lucy removes a journal from the stack of books. She glances
down the hallway--kids laugh, shout, trade candy.
No one notices her.
Except Nathan. He catches her eye. He nods. She nods back. A
quiet alliance.
Lucy closes her locker. Walks down the hallway, head low,
sidestepping kids. She reaches the library. Slips inside.
LIBRARY
Dim light. Dust mites float in the air.
Lucy curls up in a tucked-away corner by a window. She sits
cross-legged on the floor, her journal in her lap.
She opens the journal. Removes a page marker--a half-folded
paper crane.
She glances at it. Lifts it. Folds the next crease. Lays it
down beside her.
She writes. Pauses in thought. Glances at the crane.
TEACHERS LOUNGE
Halloween decorations--fake cobwebs hang from the ceiling,
pumpkin centerpieces, candy bowls filled.
JASON (50s), stands by a coffee machine, munches on a ghost
cookie. Dressed in full Robin Hood garb: green tunic,
feathered cap and tights--visibly a few sizes too small.
KEVIN (50), Black, 5’4”, bursts into the room. He wears a
plastic SWAT team helmet, holds a walkie-talkie. Strapped to
his waist: a real holstered gun. Ex-military attitude.
He spots Jason sipping coffee, marches up to him.
Jason hands Kevin a cookie.
JASON
I saved one for you, Kevin.
Kevin bites the ghost’s head off.
KEVIN
Jason, we’ve gotta situation. Sixth
graders are trading candy for vape
pens behind the gym.
Kevin finally notices Jason’s outfit. Focuses on his tights.
Shakes his head.
JASON
Couldn’t find ‘em my size. It is
what it is.
KEVIN
And what it is... Well... you look
like Peter Pan’s mid-life crisis.
JASON
Robin Hood. Defender of the
underfunded and the over-
caffinated.
Jason finishes his coffee. Tosses the cup into the trash.
KEVIN
Well, Hood--grab your bow and get
your merry behind to the gym. We
got a vape ring to bust.
Jason gestures to his tights.
JASON
I’m not sure these are built for
combat.
KEVIN
They’re not built for dignity
either. That outfit violates at
least three school policies and one
basic law of physics.
Jason repositions his satchel to hide his bulge. Follows
Kevin out.
HALLWAY
Two older boys--8TH GRADERS--look like they ought to be in
high school, in expensive light-up costumes, approach Nathan.
8TH GRADER #1
Nice armor, Sir Loser-lot.
8TH GRADER #2
(throws a few air jabs)
You gonna joust us with that pool
noodle? Or play us a love song?
8TH GRADER #1
Yeah, Sir Loser-lot. You a lover or
a fighter?
8th Grader #2 tries to grab Nathan’s kazoo--but Nathan’s too
quick.
Nathan gives them the evil eye.
8TH GRADER #1 (CONT’D)
(to his sidekick)
Careful. He might cast a spell--of
total embarrassment.
The older boys laugh.
Jason approaches with a calm but firm presence.
The 8th Graders shuffle off--but not before they give Jason’s
outfit a once-over.
JASON
(to Nathan)
Nice craftsmanship. You know, the
best heroes don’t buy their armor.
They build it.
NATHAN
Thanks, Mister Good.
JASON
And remember, Nathan--real heroes
help others, even when no one’s
watching.
Kevin waits at the end of the hall.
Jason adjusts his feathered cap. Walks to Kevin.
KEVIN
You done sermonizing, Hood?
JASON
Just planting seeds.
They march off--a mismatched duo.
GYMNASIUM
The gym is a Halloween circus.
Kids in costumes chase each other, weaving between a few boys
dressed as the Harlem Globetrotters, playing basketball.
A trio of INFLATABLE DINOSAURS waddle across the court--one
tries to dunk, one trips over a basketball, and the third
gets stuck in the bleachers like a trapped balloon.
Spooky music blasts from a Bluetooth speaker. Kids scream
over it.
COACH ERIC (50s), built like a retired linebacker, wears a
school branded shirt and a big red clown nose. He blows his
whistle with the fury of a man who’s lost control.
COACH ERIC
This is not Jurassic Park, people!
Jason and Kevin enter like a buddy cop duo.
KEVIN
There. Behind the bleachers.
BLEACHERS
They spot a group of SIX GRADERS huddled in a candy circle.
One kid--MARCUS (11), dressed as a zombie--holds a vape pen.
KEVIN
I knew it! Vape for Skittles.
Classic.
JASON
What happened to good old-fashioned
black licorice?
KEVIN
Man, black licorice tastes like
regret and broken dreams. Ain’t
nobody trading Skittles for
sadness, Jason.
Kevin storms over. Jason trails behind.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
Alright, candy cartel--hands where
I can see ‘em. And if anyone has
Sour Patch Kids, I’m confiscating
for personal reasons.
The kids scatter like roaches.
Marcus, caught in the act, drops the vape pen.
Jason picks it up. Holds it like it’s radioactive.
GYM FLOOR
Coach Eric stands beneath the basketball hoop. A T-Rex
sprawled at his feet.
COACH ERIC
(to no one in particular)
If one more inflated dinosaur tries
to dunk, I’m calling animal
control.
A moan comes from inside the costume. Coach Eric’s annoyance
changes to concern. He kneels beside the T-Rex, dramatically
cradles its head like he’s a fallen comrade.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
Hang in there, buddy. You were the
pride of the Mesozoic.
Coach struggles to lift the huge costumed kid off the floor.
The Globetrotters circle them, help out.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
This is no longer a gymnasium--it’s
a prehistoric tragedy!
BLEACHERS
Jason and Marcus sit side by side. Jason rolls the vape pen
between his fingers.
JASON
(to Marcus)
You know this stuff doesn’t make
you cool, right?
MARCUS
(nervous)
I wasn’t gonna use it. I just... I
dunno. Everyone else had one.
Jason looks out at the chaos.
JASON
Everyone’s chasing something.
Doesn’t mean it’s worth chasing.
Marcus nods, quiet.
Jason pockets the vape pen. Nudges Marcus with his elbow.
JASON (CONT’D)
Come on. Let’s go check out the
punch--make sure your hoodlum
friends didn’t spike it.
Marcus frowns.
MARCUS
I ain’t got no friends.
Jason studies him. They stand. Walk out of the gym.
CAFETERIA
Orange string lights crisscross the ceiling.
Paper ghosts sway over tables stacked with Halloween snacks:
A bubbling punch bowl with dry ice fog. A graveyard cake with
cookie tombstones. Ghost-shaped cookies and witch’s fingers
made of pretzel rods.
Kids dance awkwardly to a live band playing a spooky rock
cover of “Monster Mash.”
RICO (50s), Latino, ponytailed, in a skeleton-print Tee and
janitor overalls, shreds on a guitar. His band--three aging
rockers in cobweb bow ties--play with surprising skill.
MING (50s), Asian, in vampire fangs and an “I ONLY BITE THOSE
WHO CUT THE LINE” apron, ladles punch with flair.
Jason and Marcus enter.
Rico nods mid-riff.
Ming spots Jason.
MING
Robin Hood! You bringing lost souls
or just bad decisions?
Jason glances at Marcus grabbing handfuls of cookies,
stuffing them in his pocket.
JASON
A little of both.
Jason watches Rico play. Notices a kid in a MUMMY costume
standing by the fog machine turn pale.
JASON (CONT’D)
Uh-oh. We’ve got a code green.
The Mummy vomits. The crowd gasps. Rico stops mid-solo.
RICO
(into mic)
Pause for the cause.
He sets down his guitar, grabs a mop like a sword, and
charges into clean-up mode.
MING
That’s rock and roll, baby. One
minute you’re melting faces, the
next you’re mopping them.
Jason watches Rico and Ming work--quirky, kind, and quietly
heroic.
HALLWAY
The hallway is a war zone of middle school energy. Kids
zigzag in costumes. Candy wrappers fly like confetti. The
noise--deafening.
PRINCIPLE DAVIS (30s), suit-and-tie type, clutches a
clipboard like a shield as he navigates the chaos.
He dodges a kid in a BANANA COSTUME, sidesteps a rogue
basketball, and slips on a spilled juice box--nearly going
down.
PRINCIPAL DAVIS
Excuse me--watch the--no running!
A sixth grader dressed as a CARAMEL APPLE stumbles out of
nowhere--slams into him full force. Leaves a sticky chocolate-
caramel handprint across Davis’s crisp white Ralph Lauren
shirt.
Davis freezes. The kid runs off, unfazed.
Davis looks down at the gooey imprint--like he’s been branded
by Halloween itself.
PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
A gold nameplate reads: DR. DAVIS.
Principal Davis enters. Slams the door behind him. Leans
against it--eyes wide, hands clamped over his ears.
PRINCIPAL DAVIS
(mumbles)
Too loud. Too sticky. Too... Too...
He staggers to his desk. Knocks over his coffee. It floods
across permission slips, disciplinary forms, and a half-eaten
protein bar.
He grabs his stress ball--a globe--and squeezes it like he’s
trying to crush the continents.
He opens a drawer. Pulls out--
INSERT: A resignation letter, already half-written.
Chocolate caramel smears his shirt like a war wound. He
stares at it. Then puts pen to paper.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Clashing Leadership Styles
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / MAIN OFFICE - DAY
SUPER: ONE WEEK LATER
JULIE BOWMAN (late 40s), nice-looking, but on the prim and
proper side, hair pulled up in a twist, stands stiff like a
soldier behind the counter beside the secretary’s desk.
The BUBBLY SECRETARY (late 20s), cute, hands Julie a folder.
BUBBLY SECRETARY
Congratulations--or should I be
offering my condolences instead?
Julie blinks. Her eyebrows raise--questioning.
BUBBLY SECRETARY (CONT’D)
Just sayin’. Things can get a
little crazy here.
Julie doesn’t bother to respond. Flips through the folder.
Jason enters. The Secretary lights up. Flashes him a smile.
JASON
So... Principal Bowman?
Julie barely acknowledges him. Still reading the schedule.
JULIE
Yes.
Jason leans over the counter. Extends his hand.
JASON
Jason Good.
Julie stops reading. Gives him her full attention.
JULIE
Do you have a minute, Jason?
OUTSIDE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Rico removes the gold nameplate. Replaces it with one that
reads: PRINCIPAL BOWMAN.
PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
Julie sits at her desk. Jason stands before it.
JULIE
I understand that each time a new
authority figure comes, they have
they own way of doing things. My
way is by the book. Makes life
easier. Structure.
JASON
I see.
Jason leans on the edge of her desk, facing her.
JULIE
This school has a reputation. There
must be a reason for the revolving
door. Three principals in two
years... That suggests we have a
problem.
JASON
Or maybe the problem isn’t the
school. Maybe it’s the kind of
leadership that keeps trying to fix
it from outside.
Julie studies him. No smile. No blink.
JULIE
I’m not here to fix anything. I’m
here to stabilize it.
Jason stands straight again.
JASON
Stability’s great--until it starts
feeling like stagnation. You know,
kids get bored easy.
Julie leans back. Folds her hands.
JULIE
I read your file. You’ve got quite
a reputation.
Jason smiles.
JASON
Let me guess. Creative.
Charismatic. A little...
unorthodox?
JULIE
And prone to improvisation. Which
is charming in a jazz solo--less so
in a school system.
Jason’s smile fades--just slightly.
JASON
Sometimes improvisation is the only
way to reach the kids no one’s
listening to.
Julie stands. Walks around the desk. Now face-to-face.
JULIE
I’m not here to be liked, Mister
Good. I’m here to be effective.
That means structure, consistency,
and accountability.
She walks to the door. Opens it.
JULIE (CONT’D)
I’m glad we had this talk.
Let’s keep each other informed,
surprises don’t help anyone.
Jason nods. But his eyes say otherwise.
JASON
Sure thing, Principal Bowman.
He exits.
Julie closes the door. Walks back to her desk. The folder
lays open.
INSERT: A line item circled in red - Holiday Wish Drive
Proposed Cancellation.
She exhales. The tension lingers.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Quiet Brilliance
INT. JASON’S CLASSROOM - DAY
A cozy assemblage of mismatched desks. Student art on the
walls. A whiteboard that reads: “Today’s Mission: Write
Something that Matters”.
Jason sits on the edge of his desk, reads aloud from a
student’s short story.
The CLASS listens--some engaged, some doodling, one asleep.
Nathan sits in the front row.
Marcus sits in the middle of the room, next to two fashion-
obsessed girls--MAYA and BRI--dressed like the Armani twins.
Lucy sits in the back, now in a hand-me-down hoodie, notebook
hugged to her chest. Head down. Trying to disappear.
JASON
(reads)
“The girl didn’t talk much, but her
words were everywhere--folded into
paper cranes, tucked into library
books like little secrets waiting
to be found.”
Jason lays the folder down.
JASON (CONT’D)
To the author--thank you. You made
silence feel brave. It was
heartfelt. And just the right
amount of weird.
(pause)
Does the author want to take a bow?
No one answers.
JASON (CONT’D)
Okay. Mystery author. I respect
ghost writers. But if you ever want
to share more, I’m here. No
pressure. No spotlight.
Lucy glances up. A flicker of trust.
One STUDENT to ANOTHER, scanning the room...
CURIOUS STUDENT
Who writes like that?
Maya and Bri look around--why no eyes on them?
Bri spots Lucy’s hoodie and hunched posture.
BRI
Probably someone with no social
life and shops in the lost and
found.
Lucy shrinks.
A few kids snicker. Marcus doesn’t.
MARCUS
At least she’s not afraid to be
original.
(to Maya and Bri)
You should try it sometime.
The Armani twins turn their noses up.
Nathan gives Marcus two thumbs up.
Jason witnesses the entire exchange, but doesn’t intervene.
LATER
The class files out. Lucy is one of the last.
JASON
(to Lucy)
You’ve got something special, Lucy.
Don’t let anyone convince you
otherwise.
Lucy smiles--slightly.
LUCY
I like writing. It’s quieter than
people.
Jason smiles.
JASON
Then keep writing. The world needs
more quiet brilliance.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-Age","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Wishes in the Library
INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY - DAY
The library is nearly empty. Golden light filters through the
windows.
At a corner table, Marcus sits alone. Head down. Works on a
writing assignment.
He sighs. Crumbles a page in his fist.
Lucy enters, clutching something in her hand. She hesitates.
Walks over. Gently places a small paper crane beside Marcus’s
notebook.
LUCY
It’s for you... I just wanted to
say thanks.
Marcus looks at the crane--neatly folded, delicate, made from
notebook paper. He’s stunned.
MARCUS
You made this?
Lucy shrugs.
LUCY
It’s just something I do... They’re
kind of like wishes.
Marcus smiles. He seems softer now.
MARCUS
Or little secrets waiting to be
found?
Lucy blushes.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
You were the mystery writer... That
story--it was a really good.
Marcus picks the crane up gently--like it might unfold a
secret.
LUCY
It’s part of my heritage. In my
culture, if you fold a thousand
cranes, you get one big wish.
MARCUS
Who has time to fold a thousand
cranes?
LUCY
Someone with no social life.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-Age"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
A Lesson in Disruption
INT. MAIN OFFICE - DAY
Julie stands at the counter, reviews a stack of disciplinary
forms. She signs off on one.
INSERT FORM: HALLWAY NOISE VIOLATION
Her posture--perfect. Her penmanship--flawless.
Nathan bursts in, breathless.
NATHAN
Sorry, I’m late! I stopped to help
Rico... I mean Mister Perez, fix
his fog machine.
(quickly adds)
Ah... for science. Yeah, science.
You know, condensation. Learning
about that stuff.
Julie looks up, unimpressed.
JULIE
You’re not in trouble. Yet. Sit.
Nathan plops into a chair across from her. His backpack half-
zipped. A kazoo sticking out.
JULIE (CONT’D)
You’ve been flagged for excessive
disruption. Talking during lessons.
Improvised sound effects.
(reads)
Unscheduled kazoo solos.
Nathan grins sheepishly.
NATHAN
That was a tribute. To Beethoven.
He would have loved it!
Julie doesn’t smile.
JULIE
You’re clever, Nathan. But clever
doesn’t excuse chaos.
Nathan shrugs.
NATHAN
Sometimes it’s the only way to get
noticed.
Julie pauses. Ponders.
JULIE
Is that what you want? To be
noticed?
Nathan fidgets.
NATHAN
I want people to laugh with me, not
at me. Mister Good said that I
should open up. Let people in.
JULIE
And do you think that’s working?
NATHAN
Sometimes.
(sighs)
And sometimes I just end up here.
Julie almost smiles. Almost.
JULIE
You know when I was your age, I got
sent to the office for organizing a
protest.
Nathan perks up.
NATHAN
No way. You?
JULIE
I made signs. Chanted slogans. All
because the cafeteria stopped
serving tater tots.
Nathan grins wide.
NATHAN
That’s a cause worth fighting for.
Julie softens. She sets the form aside.
JULIE
You’re not in trouble today,
Nathan. But maybe next time, try
channeling that energy into
something... less musical.
Nathan nods. Stands. Slings his backpack over one shoulder.
Exits.
Julie watches him go. Glances at the stack of forms. Flips
one over. Writes a note to herself.
INSERT NOTE: OBSERVE MR. GOOD’S CLASS
She underlines it. Twice.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Observations of Creativity
EXT. JASON’S CLASSROOM - DAY
Julie stands just outside the door. Clipboard in hand. She
watches through the small window.
INT. JASON’S CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jason paces slowly between desks, reads from a student’s
journal.
JASON
“If I were invisible, I’d sneak
into the teacher’s lounge and
replace all the coffee with hot
cocoa. Because maybe then, they’d
smile more.”
The class laughs. Even Marcus.
Julie enters quietly. JASON notices--doesn’t stop.
JASON (CONT’D)
That was from our “What If?”
Prompt. No name--just ideas.
(looks directly at Julie)
Sometimes the best thoughts come
out when no one’s looking.
He gestures to the whiteboard: “TODAY’S MISSION: MAKE THE
ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY”.
Julie scans the room. Her POV:
-Marcus sketches a comic strip about a janitor who saves the
world.
-Lucy writes, head down, totally lost in thought. A small
paper crane beside her notebook.
-Nathan whispers to a classmate--catches Julie’s eye and
straightens up.
-Jason leans against his desk.
END JULIE’S POV
JASON (CONT’D)
Alright--who wants to share
something weird, wonderful, or
wildly unfinished?
Hands shoot up. Even Lucy’s... halfway.
Jason blinks. Surprised.
JASON (CONT’D)
Lucy. You in?
LUCY
It’s not done. But... it’s about a
girl who writes wishes on paper
cranes. And one day, they start
coming true. But not for her--for
everyone else.
The room goes still.
Jason smiles.
JASON
That’s a story I’d read.
Julie watches Lucy. Then Jason.
She lowers her clipboard. Not a single note.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Coffee and Controversy
INT. TEACHER’S LOUNGE - LATER
The lounge is quiet. A coffee pot gurgles.
Jason pours a cup.
Julie enters, still holding her clipboard.
JASON
I made the good stuff. Not the
mystery blend from the supply
closet. Want some?
Julie nods. He pours. She accepts the cup.
JULIE
I sat in on your class today.
JASON
I noticed. You didn’t flinch once.
That’s rare.
Julie almost smiles.
JULIE
They were engaged. Even the quiet
ones.
JASON
Especially the quiet ones.
A beat. They sip.
JASON (CONT’D)
I wanted to ask you about the
Holiday Wish Drive. I didn’t see it
on the calendar this month.
Julie stiffens slightly.
JULIE
It’s under review. The board raised
concerns--equity, liability,
optics.
JASON
Optics?
JULIE
They worry it singles kids out.
Make some feel less than.
JASON
But--
JULIE
--They’re at the age where
everything embarrasses them. And
they don’t believe in Santa
anymore.
JASON
I get that. But when it’s done
right, it doesn’t spotlight
poverty. It spotlights generosity.
Julie doesn’t respond. She’s listening.
JASON (CONT’D)
Some of these kids don’t ask for
much. A warm hoodie. A book. --
JULIE
--A ferret?
Jason blinks. Surprised she knew about that one.
JASON
Yeah, well... That was a mistake.
JULIE
Big mistake. That’s why we have
rules.
Julie looks down at her clipboard. Then at Jason.
JULIE (CONT’D)
I’ll revisit it with them. But I
can’t promise you anything. They
have the final word.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Holiday Gift Restrictions and Concerns
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Julie walks alone. Clipboard tucked under her arm.
She stops at the large school bulletin board--a collage of
school event flyers, announcements, and student art.
She removes a paper from her clipboard. Scans for an
available thumbtack. None.
She notices a small folded paper crane pinned to the corner.
Pauses. Admires the delicate artwork.
She removes it. Tucks it into her clipboard.
Uses its thumbtack for her notice.
INSERT NOTICE: ALL HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGES ARE RESTRICTED.
HALLWAY - LATER
Jason stands at the bulletin board, reading the new notice.
He shakes his head.
Rico passes by with mop and bucket. Stops.
JASON
All holiday gift exchanges are
restricted. What does that even
mean?
RICO
Means I better make this year’s
decorations even bigger and
brighter. If we can’t give gifts,
we’ll give Maya.
Coach Eric strolls over, sipping from a thermos. Looks at the
notice.
COACH ERIC
No Secret Santa? That’s tragic. I
had a framed photo of my bicep
ready to go.
RICO
Last year Kevin gave me a mug that
said “World’s Okayest Janitor.” I
still drink from it. With pride.
Kevin joins them.
KEVIN
What’s the attraction here?
COACH ERIC
You mean fatal attraction. Secret
Santa has died.
Kevin reads the notice.
KEVIN
Well, at least I won’t get another
kazoo this year. Which I regifted.
JASON
And all the teachers say “thanks”,
Kevin.
Jason half-smiles. Looks back at the notice.
JASON (CONT’D)
I’m not worried about mugs and
kazoos. I’m worried this includes
the Wish Drive. The kids.
They all go quiet.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Caught in the Crossfire
EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD - DAY
Kids sit at picnic tables--eat lunch, trade snacks, scroll
their phones.
Above them, a sleek drone buzzes like a mosquito.
THOMAS (11), dressed in designer gear, pilots the drone from
a bench. He’s flanked by TWO FRIENDS (11), heads down,
watching the drone’s footage. They laugh.
The drone dips low over Nathan, mid-nose-pick, totally
unaware.
THOMAS
Zooming in. This is gold!
Nathan notices. Too late. Gasps.
SOMEONE (O.S.)
(shouts)
It’s going viral!
The drone zips over a COUPLE (12), holding hands.
Next, it hovers over Lucy--alone, writing in her journal.
She looks up, startled.
THOMAS
Smile for TikTok, Origami Girl.
Lucy shields her face. The drone hovers over her journal. She
covers the words, tries to swat the drone away.
Thomas maneuvers the drone with skill. His friends laugh.
Marcus spots Lucy. Then the pilot. His expression hardens.
He stands. Walks over to the Thomas.
MARCUS
Hey, man! That’s not funny.
THOMAS
Chill. It’s just content.
MARCUS
Whose content? Not yours.
The drone circles Marcus. He doesn’t flinch.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
You think filming people without
asking makes you cool? It just
makes you a jerk with a joystick.
Marcus grabs the remote from Thomas. Throws it into a bush.
The drone crashes.
Marcus steps on it. Walks away.
Thomas jumps up. Charges him.
A tackle to the ground.
PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Marcus and Thomas, looking slightly roughed up, sit across
from Julie, who reviews a disciplinary form.
The drone, cracked and bent, rests on her desk like evidence.
JULIE
Marcus, you destroyed private
property. And you, Thomas, violated
school policy on student privacy.
Thomas scoffs.
THOMAS
It’s just a video. Everyone does
it.
Marcus leans forward.
MARCUS
Doesn’t make it right.
Julie looks at Marcus. Then at the drone. Then at Lucy and
Nathan’s names scribbled on the incident report.
JULIE
(to Marcus)
You could have walked away.
MARCUS
I could have. But then he’d keep
doing it. These rich kids think
they run the school.
JULIE
I’m giving you each detention. Next
time, use your words to settle a
disagreement.
THOMAS
That’s all he gets? He needs to buy
me a new drone!
JULIE
(to Thomas)
You brought a drone to school, flew
it over students without consent,
and provoked a fight. You’re lucky
all you lost was plastic.
THOMAS
It was expensive plastic.
JULIE
Then maybe treat people like
they’re worth more than your toys.
Thomas goes silent.
Marcus glances at Julie--surprised and appreciative.
Julie closes the disciplinary folder. Sets the cracked drone
aside.
JULIE (CONT’D)
Two days detention. Starts
tomorrow. And Marcus--next time,
let someone else be the grown-up.
Marcus nods.
Thomas sulks.
Julie watches them go. She rises from her desk, grabs her
clipboard.
The paper crane falls from it. Floats to the floor. It lands
slightly open.
Julie picks it up, unfolds it.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish people would stand up for
each other.”
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","School"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Confrontation in the Principal's Office
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Jason paces the floor.
JASON
Let me get this straight. You went
in to get them to reinstate our
Holiday Wish Drive--and instead you
lost everything. No decorations. No
holiday parties. You’re like the
Grinch that stole Christmas.
Julie sits at her desk.
JULIE
I don’t make the rules, Jason. I
just follow them. That’s my job.
JASON
You’re our principal now. Your job
is to look out for us.
JULIE
Believe me, I am.
JASON
I don’t believe you. I think you’re
looking out for number one.
JULIE
I really don’t like your attitude,
Mister Good. This is a place of
learning. Grades dropped during
your Octoberfest. I suggest we
focus on education--and let their
families focus on celebration.
JASON
Some families don’t get to
celebrate.
Julie looks down. Notices the paper crane.
JULIE
They’re scaling back. We can have a
small tree. And both the Holiday
concerts and formal are still on
the schedule.
Jason stares at her. Shakes his head.
JASON
It’s a Christmas tree, Miss Bowman.
Jason walks toward the door. Turns back.
JASON (CONT’D)
Don’t act like you’re on our side.
You’re too busy climbing the
corporate ladder for that.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Holiday Spirit vs. Neutrality
INT. CAFETERIA - SAME
Rico teeters on top of a ladder, stringing the last set of
Christmas lights from the beams. He sings “Feliz Navidad”.
He climbs down. Turns the light switch on--the place is
transformed, aglow with holiday magic.
Ming sets the food trays into the warming bins, prepping for
lunch periods.
MING
You outdid yourself this year. Who
cares that the toilet in the
teacher’s lounge is still plugged--
as long as we have spirit.
Jason enters.
JASON
Take ‘em down.
Rico turns, surprised.
RICO
What? You serious?
JASON
The board says no lights. No Santa.
No joy. Just one tree. Neutral.
Inclusive.
Rico looks around. The cafeteria glows--soft reds, golds,
twinkling strands.
A few students peek in. Smile.
RICO
You think this makes someone feel
left out?
Jason doesn’t answer.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Mystery of the Paper Cranes
INT. SCHOOL STORAGE CLOSET - DAY
Rico and Coach Eric stack boxes labeled ORNAMENTS, LIGHTS,
SANTAS.
Rico reaches for the last box. Stops. Taped to the side is a
paper crane.
He peels it off. Unfolds it.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish it still felt like
Christmas.”
Rico stares at it. Hands it to Coach Eric.
RICO
They’re everywhere. These little
birds.
COACH ERIC
Yeah. I found one in the weight
room. Said, “I wish I didn’t feel
so heavy.” Thought it was about the
dumbbells. Took me a second.
They both go quiet.
Kevin appears in the doorway. Watches them. Snatches the
paper crane from Coach Eric’s hand.
KEVIN
I’ll keep that. Evidence.
RICO
Whatcha gonna do, bro? Dust it for
fingerprints?
KEVIN
I’m going to get to the bottom of
this mystery. Who? And why?
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
A Moment of Connection
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Lucy stands at her locker. Completes the final fold of a
paper crane.
Marcus walks by, backpack slung low. He hesitates. Stops.
MARCUS
You okay?
Lucy shrugs.
LUCY
I’m used to it.
MARCUS
Doesn’t mean it’s nothing.
Lucy hands the crane to Marcus.
LUCY
You stood up. That’s not nothing.
Marcus unfolds the crane.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE: “I wish people didn’t look away.”
Marcus stares at it. Refolds it carefully.
MARCUS
I didn’t look away. That’s why I’m
headin’ to detention.
Lucy smiles--just barely.
LUCY
Then maybe it’s worth it.
Marcus nods. Walks off.
Lucy watches him go.
Kevin walks past--oblivious.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-Age"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Detention Dynamics
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
SUPER: DAY ONE OF DETENTION
The room is quiet. The clock ticks.
Marcus slouches in his seat, arms crossed.
Thomas sits across the room, taps his pen against the desk.
Jason sits at the front. Grades papers.
Silence.
Thomas sighs loudly.
THOMAS
This is so dumb. I should be at
practice.
Marcus doesn’t look up.
MARCUS
Then maybe don’t fly a drone in
people’s faces.
THOMAS
You broke it.
MARCUS
You broke the rules.
Jason looks up. Calm.
JASON
Gentlemen. You’ve got forty-five
minutes. You can sit in silence, or
you can help me sort these books.
He gestures to a cart stacked with dusty paperbacks.
Neither boy moves.
JASON (CONT’D)
Great. Silence it is.
Jason goes back to grading.
Beat.
Thomas kicks the leg of his chair.
THOMAS
You think you’re some kind of hero?
MARCUS
No. I think you’re a punk with a
camera.
THOMAS
You don’t know me.
MARCUS
I know enough.
THOMAS
Yeah? What’s that?
MARCUS
You think money makes you
untouchable.
Thomas stands.
THOMAS
You wanna go again? C’mon, I dare
you to touch me.
Marcus stands.
Jason stands, too.
JASON
Sit. Both of you.
They freeze.
Jason pushes the cart of books. One drops to the floor beside
his desk. He continues past it, places the cart between them.
JASON (CONT’D)
Sort these by author. Alphabetical.
You don’t have to talk. But you do
have to work.
Jason walks back to his desk. Picks up the fallen book.
Marcus and Thomas glare at each other. Start sorting.
Beat.
THOMAS
I didn’t mean to mess with her. I
just thought it was funny.
MARCUS
It wasn’t.
THOMAS
Yeah. I get that now.
They keep sorting.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
You ever get in trouble before?
MARCUS
You ever not?
Thomas smirks.
THOMAS
Touche’.
They keep working. The tension softens--just a little.
Jason watches from his desk. He doesn’t smile. He glances at
the fallen book now laying on top of his graded papers.
A tiny corner of a paper crane sticks out of the book’s
pages.
Jason pulls it gently from the book. Opens it.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish people saw who I really am.”
Jason reads the wish. His eyes linger on the words.
He glances at Marcus--focused, sorting. Then at Thomas--less
guarded now, still smirking, but softer.
Jason folds the crane back. Sets it gently on his desk. On
top of the book. On top of the papers.
He watches them. And something shifts. He nods to himself.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Crane Reflections
INT. TEACHERS LOUNGE - DAY
Jason and Coach Eric sit at a small table, sip coffee, munch
on leftover Halloween candy.
The room hums with fluorescent fatigue.
Rico bursts in--tool belt slung low, earbuds in, humming
Santana like he’s headlining a stadium.
RICO
Morning, mis hermanos. Anyone call
for a miracle?
He heads straight for the candy machine--a relic from the
‘90s, beige and blinking. Its display stuck on $1.00, like a
dare.
Post-it notes cover the glass like protest signs.
INSERT POST-IT(S): “It ate my dollar again!”, “Justice for
Twix!”, “This machine is a liar!”
Rico peels them off one by one, muttering.
RICO (CONT’D)
This thing’s got more complaints
than my ex-wife’s Yelp reviews.
He shakes the machine.
Inside, candy and chips cling stubbornly to their coils,
refusing to drop.
Rico shoves his arm up the opening. Grunts. Fails.
Jason watches, amused. He holds a paper crane.
JASON
(to Coach Eric)
I know who’s doing it. I just don’t
know why? What do they really mean?
COACH ERIC
Who’s doing what?
JASON
The cranes. Lucy Shishido.
Rico straightens, intrigued.
RICO
Lucy? Her dad owns that little spot
on Maple. Best tempura in town. You
think the cranes are like fortune
cookies?
Jason shrugs.
JASON
Maybe. But these fortunes come with
feelings.
Rico nods, thoughtful. He pulls a folded crane from his
pocket--slightly greasy, but intact.
RICO
I found this stuck to my mop.
Didn’t feel right throwing it away.
He sets it on the table. Jason unfolds it. Reads it out loud.
JASON
“I wish I didn’t have to pretend
I’m always okay.”
Coach Eric shifts. His hand pauses mid-reach for a candy bar.
He stares at the crane.
COACH ERIC
(small voice)
That’s not just a student talking.
Jason glances at him.
Eric clears his throat. Tries to recover.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
I mean... kids these days, huh?
So... emotionally literate.
Rico raises an eyebrow.
RICO
You okay, Coach?
Eric waves it off. But his eyes linger on the crane.
COACH ERIC
I just... I wish someone had asked
me that when I was twelve.
Beat.
Jason folds the crane back. Sets it beside his coffee.
JASON
Maybe it’s not too late.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Wishes in Detention
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
SUPER: DAY TWO OF DETENTION
The desks are rearranged.
Marcus and Thomas sit side by side at a long table. A shoebox
between them half-filled with folded paper cranes. Sheets of
blank paper placed in front of them.
Jason stands at the whiteboard, writing.
PROMPT: “WRITE A WISH YOU’VE NEVER SAID OUT LOUD”.
Jason turns to them.
JASON
You’ve got forty-five minutes. One
crane. One wish.
Marcus rolls his eyes.
MARCUS
This is detention, not therapy.
THOMAS
What if I wish for a new drone?
JASON
Not that easy, Thomas. A non-
material wish.
MARCUS
Eww. That oughta be a tough one for
Thomas. Might take longer than
forty-five minutes.
Jason walks back to his desk.
Silence.
Thomas stares at a blank piece of paper.
Marcus folds his crane quickly. Sets it aside.
THOMAS
You do this often?
MARCUS
What--wish for stuff I’ll never
get?
Thomas glances at Marcus, thoughtful. Just for a second.
He starts folding--clumsy at first.
THOMAS
I used to do origami with my
grandma. She’d make frogs. I’d make
disasters.
Marcus glances over.
MARCUS
That one’s not bad.
Thomas finishes the fold. Holds it up.
THOMAS
You think people actually read
these?
MARCUS
I think some people need to.
Thomas unfolds his crane. Writes slowly.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish I didn’t always mess things
up”.
He refolds it. Sets it in the box.
Jason watches from his desk. He doesn’t interrupt. But he
smiles--just barely.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Connections Over Lunch
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
A busy lunch period. Students, FACULTY, and conversations
fill the room.
Kevin moves through the line. Ming serves him french fries.
Kevin waits, expecting more.
MING
How’s your investigation going?
KEVIN
Man, they’re laying low--real low.
Like ninja-level low. But trust me,
they always slip up.
(MORE)
KEVIN (CONT'D)
And when they do? Boom! I swoop in
and justice gets served - with
extra fries.
Ming grins, adds a few more fries to Kevin’s plate.
Lucy sits alone at the end of a table, folding a crane.
Nathan walks by, tray in hand. He hesitates. Takes a seat
beside her.
NATHAN
You know, I used to think origami
was just a nightmare assignment to
drive us crazy in art class.
Lucy doesn’t look up.
NATHAN (CONT’D)
Why you like it so much?
LUCY
It’s quieter than talking.
Nathan folds a napkin--badly.
NATHAN
Mine looks like a crumpled duck.
Lucy glances over. Smiles.
LUCY
It’s a start.
Beat.
NATHAN
You have a goal? Like you want your
name in the Guinness World Records
or somethin’.
LUCY
Or something.
NATHAN
How many you aiming to make?
LUCY
One thousand.
NATHAN
What for?
Lucy remains quiet for a few seconds.
LUCY
For a wish.
NATHAN
How’s that work?
Kevin walks by--oblivious.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Crane Dreams and Conflicts
INT. HALLWAY - LATER
Bell RINGS
The halls fill. Students and faculty leave.
Jason walks through the hall traffic, headed in the opposite
direction.
JASON’S CLASSROOM
Jason looks out the window. The sun sets. All quiet now.
The shoebox from earlier still sits on the desk--along with a
folded crane.
Jason types in the search bar on his laptop.
INSERT SEARCH BAR: ONE THOUSAND CRANES
INSERT COMPUTER SNIPPETS:
-ANCIENT JAPANESE LEGEND
-SENBAZURU
-SADAKO SASAKI
BACK TO SCENE
Jason reads.
Kevin enters.
KEVIN
Man, do you live here now? You got
a cot in the supple closet I don’t
know about?
JASON
Nothing to go home to.
Kevin lowers his eyes. Sighs. Picks up a crane from the desk.
KEVIN
Well... I’m ready to lock up. How
much longer we talkin’?
Kevin picks up another crane.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
Like one crane? Or a whole flock?
JASON
You ever hear of Senbazuru?
KEVIN
Senba--what now? Sounds like
something I’d order with spicy mayo
and regret later.
JASON
It’s an ancient Japanese legend. If
you fold a thousand paper cranes,
you’re granted a wish.
Kevin leans against the desk, even more curious now.
KEVIN
One thousand? Man, my fingers cramp
just thinking about that. I fold
one napkin and I need a break.
JASON
It’s not about the folding. It’s
about hope.
Jason turns the laptop toward Kevin.
INSERT SCREEN PHOTO: Cranes hang in Hiroshima Peace Park.
JASON (CONT’D)
Sadako Sasaki. She folded cranes
while she was sick. She didn’t
finish. But others did it for her.
Kevin studies the image.
KEVIN
So who is our Sadako Sasaki?
JASON
(taken aback)
Ah, Lucy... That was never a
secret. Everyone knew.
Kevin’s brows furrow. Thinking.
KEVIN
Lucy who?
JASON
Lucy Shishido.
KEVIN
Wait--quiet Lucy? The one that
moves like a whisper?
JASON
She not loud enough to be noticed?
Kevin shifts.
KEVIN
I mean. I was expecting someone
with... drama. Like glitter. Or a
theme song.
JASON
While you’ve been asking who,
everyone else has been asking why.
KEVIN
So what’s the wish? She’s not sick,
is she?
JASON
I don’t think so. I hope not. But
she hasn’t said.
KEVIN
You think it’s big-big? Like...
change-your-life big? Or just “I
want a puppy” big?
JASON
Big enough to fold a thousand
times. Big enough to stay quiet
about.
Kevin nods. Absorbs that.
KEVIN
You gonna tell the others?
JASON
They already know. And I’m going to
ask them to help her.
KEVIN
Even if they don’t know what
they’re helping?
JASON
Especially then.
Jason closes the laptop. Picks up a blank sheet of paper.
Begins to fold. He stops mid-fold. Rises.
JASON (CONT’D)
I’m going to talk to Julie.
Jason grabs the shoebox. Exits--half-folded crane in hand.
KEVIN
(to himself)
Ohhh, we’re doing first names now?
Okay, Jason. I see you.
Kevin takes Jason’s seat. Picks up a piece of paper. Tries to
fold.
PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
Jason stands across from Julie, shoebox in hand. He sets it
gently on her desk.
Julie looks up from her paperwork.
JULIE
You’re not here to report another
fight, are you?
Jason shakes his head.
JASON
I’m here to ask for permission. Or
forgiveness. Whichever comes first.
Julie raises an eyebrow.
JULIE
For what?
Jason opens the box of cranes. Two misshaped cranes lay on
top on the pile--obviously folded by amateurs. He opens one
and hands it to her.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish someone asked how I was
doing.”
Julie’s expression softens. She glances up.
JASON
Marcus.
JULIE
He thinks no one sees him.
Jason nods slowly.
JASON
They’re not just serving detention.
They’re opening up their hearts.
Jason hands her Thomas’s. She opens it and reads.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish I didn’t always mess things
up.”
Julie removes the one she took off the bulletin board from
her desk drawer. Hands it to Jason. He reads it.
JULIE
Do you think this is a movement?
JASON
I think it could be. If we let it.
Beat.
JASON (CONT’D)
Lucy’s folding cranes. One
thousand. For a wish she hasn’t
told anyone.
Julie leans back. Thinking.
JULIE
A thousand cranes. I remember the
story... You want to help her
finish?
JASON
I want the school to help her
finish--by Christmas break.
Julie looks at the box, and its small pile of cranes inside.
JULIE
You know this isn’t board-approved.
JASON
Does it have to be? Really?
Julie sighs.
JULIE
I don’t know, Jason. What if it
affects their grades?
(MORE)
JULIE (CONT'D)
We have to bring the school’s
scores up. That takes precedent.
Jason stiffens.
JASON
I’m worried about their souls--and
you’re worried about a feather in
your cap.
Jason gathers the shoebox and cranes from her desk. Storms
out.
Julie exhales. Looks down at her paperwork.
INSERT PAPERWORK: “Proposed merge will improve district’s
scores.”
Julie picks up her things. Leaves her office.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Crane Connections
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Julie enters through the front doors, coffee in hand. She’s
dressed sharply, but her eyes are tired.
Kevin stands at the security check-in.
JULIE
Good morning, Kevin.
Kevin nods. Doesn’t smile. Doesn’t speak.
Julie walks on.
Coach Eric passes her near the gym doors.
JULIE (CONT’D)
Morning, Coach.
COACH ERIC
(gruff, not meeting her
eyes)
Yup.
(whispers softly)
Lot of cranes out there.
They share a look before he enters the gym. He can’t be mean
to anyone.
CAFETERIA
Julie steps inside.
Ming puts up breakfast trays.
Julie grabs a bagel.
JULIE
Smells good today.
Ming doesn’t look up.
MING
Same as yesterday.
Julie moves on.
HALLWAY
Rico adjusts a crane display on the bulletin board. He sees
Julie. Turns his back.
Julie stops. Looks at the cranes. They’ve multiplied.
She reaches out for one that dangles open.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE: “I wish adults listened without
needing a meeting first.”
Julie exhales. Keeps walking.
The hallway fills with students.
She walks past Marcus and Thomas standing by a locker,
talking. They don’t notice her.
Marcus chuckles.
She glances back at the sound. Sees Thomas. He has a smile.
The boys fist pump. Move off in opposite directions.
GIRL’S BATHROOM
Lucy washes her hands.
Maya and Bri, from Lucy’s English class, enter laughing. They
stop when they see her.
BRI
Oh look, it’s the crane queen. You
starting a paper cult or something?
Lucy doesn’t respond. She dries her hands. Turns to leave.
MAYA
Wait.
Lucy turns back.
MAYA (CONT’D)
I saw one on my locker.
(air finger quotes)
“I wish I didn’t feel fake”.
(stares at Lucy a beat)
Was that you?
Lucy shakes her head.
Bri gets in Lucy’s face.
BRI
It was weird! And rude!
MAYA
But... kind of true.
Bri looks at her friend, stunned.
MAYA (CONT’D)
I kept it. It’s in my phone case.
Lucy blinks, surprised.
LUCY
You did?
MAYA
It felt... honest. Like someone
said what I couldn’t.
Maya smiles warmly.
MAYA (CONT’D)
If you’re still folding... I’d like
to help.
Lucy nods.
Bri glares at her friend. Turns in a huff. Walks out.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Support on the Bleachers
INT. SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT
A J.V. basketball practice.
Julie sits on the bleachers, clipboard in her lap. She looks
sad.
Coach Eric glances at her a few times from the gym floor. He
clears his throat. Strolls over. Takes a seat beside her.
A moment of silence between them. He breaks it.
COACH ERIC
You know, I once cried during a
middle school volleyball game.
Like, full sob. Mascara everywhere.
JULIE
You wear mascara?
COACH ERIC
Only on spirit day. And funerals.
And sometimes Tuesdays.
Julie chuckles.
Coach Eric watches the game. Then glances at her.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
You okay?
Julie shrugs.
JULIE
I don’t know. I thought I could
make a difference, but I feel like
I’m losing the room. The students.
The staff. Jason.
COACH ERIC
Jason’s not easy. But he’s worth
it.
Beat.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
You know he lost his wife, right?
Julie at him, surprised.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
Three years ago. Car accident. She
was a nurse.
JULIE
I didn’t know.
COACH ERIC
He doesn’t talk about it. But he
talks to her. I’ve seen him do it.
In the classroom. In the garden.
(MORE)
COACH ERIC (CONT'D)
Once to a vending machine--but I
think that was just frustration.
Julie smiles.
JULIE
He’s trying to save them. All of
them.
COACH ERIC
Because no one could save her.
Julie tears up.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
Don’t get weepy on me now, I’m
already emotionally compromised--
these kids can’t shoot free throws
and it’s breaking me.
Julie laughs. Wipes her eyes.
They watch the game. A student makes a wild shot. They clap.
JULIE
Maybe I should fold one.
COACH ERIC
Start with that. Then maybe listen.
Really listen.
Julie nods. Coach Eric pats her hand.
COACH ERIC (CONT’D)
You’re not the villain, Julie.
You’re just late to the party. But
the music’s still playing.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Crane Wishes and Bureaucratic Battles
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Julie sits alone. Her desk is cluttered with reports, test
score graphs, district emails.
She picks one up and reads.
INSERT PRINTED COPY OF DISTRICT EMAIL: Board approved list of
songs to be used during the Holiday Band and Choir Concerts.
These are all inclusive and should help to avoid all parent
complaints. Please immediately distribute to both band and
choir directors.
Julie rips the email in half. Tosses it into the trashcan.
She sweeps the remaining reports into one neat pile.
She takes out a newly folded crane from her desk. Unfolds it.
Writes...
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish they knew I believe in
them.”
She refolds it. Lays it on top of the pile of reports.
She picks up the phone and dials.
JULIE
(into phone)
Jason. I’ve got an idea. Call me
when you get this.
JASON’S CLASSROOM - LATER
The room is quiet. Cranes hang from the ceiling like armor.
Once again, Jason remains long after others are gone.
He listens to Julie’s voicemail.
JULIE (V.O.)
Jason. I’ve got an idea. Call me
when you get this.
He folds a crane. Lays it out flat. Writes a message.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE: “I wish I could be more
forgiving.”
Kevin peeks in.
KEVIN
Hey, man--what’s the hold up? I got
plans tonight.
Jason refolds his crane. Places it in the box.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
Y’all out here folding feelings
like it’s group therapy. I’m just
trying to find love! I got cologne
on and everything!
JASON
I’ll be done in a minute.
KEVIN
You said that yesterday, bro. I’m
giving you and Miss Principal five
minutes--then I’m leaving. Maybe
y’all can fold your way into
forgiveness.
He leaves.
Jason tilts his head. That was odd.
He looks at his crane on top. The shoebox now three-quarters
filled.
He places the lid on. Rises from his desk.
Julie appears at the doorway. Steps inside, closes the door.
JULIE
I need to tell you something.
Jason stares at her.
JULIE (CONT’D)
It’s not public yet. Needs to stay
between us.
Jason, on the fence about that one, slowly nods.
She comes all the way into the room. Takes a seat at a desk.
JULIE (CONT’D)
The district wants to merge us into
Westbrook. They say it’ll raise the
grade average. Make the numbers
look better.
Jason stiffens.
JASON
So we disappear to make a
spreadsheet smile?
Julie nods.
JULIE
That’s how school funding works,
Jason. I didn’t know if I could
trust you with this. It can’t get
out. That’s why...
Julie gazes up at the cranes hanging from the ceiling.
JULIE (CONT’D)
I want to fight this...
(sighs)
Overreaching bureaucracy--with you.
(gestures to the cranes)
With them.
JASON
So what’s your plan?
JULIE
Kevin’s waiting.
(smiles)
He’s got a hot date. How about I
tell you over coffee?
JASON
Hot date? Kevin wears cologne like
it’s a cry for help.
He actually smiles.
JASON (CONT’D)
Coffee sounds good.
She returns the smile. He grabs his things. Walks to the
door.
JASON (CONT’D)
Oh, wait. I got a better
one...Kevin smells like a
department store break up.
Julie joins in.
JULIE
Kevin’s cologne enters the room
five minutes before he does.
From the other side of the door...
KEVIN (O.S.)
I heard that!
Jason freezes mid-step.
Julie’s eyes go wide. Her hand flies to her mouth.
They snicker--quietly.
Jason opens the door. Holds it for Julie, a gentlemanly
gesture.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Cranes of Hope
INT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
A cozy corner booth. Dim lightning. Steam rises from mugs.
Jason and Julie sit across from each other. The shoebox of
cranes rests between them.
Julie stirs her coffee.
Jason watches her, waiting.
JULIE
I used to think leadership meant
control. Now I think it means
listening. And letting go.
Jason nods.
JASON
You’re not the only one relearning
things.
Beat.
JULIE
The merger’s coming fast. January.
They’ll announce it after break.
JASON
So we’ve got six weeks.
JULIE
Less, if we want to get ahead of
it. I want to use the cranes. Not
just as wishes. As testimony.
Jason leans in.
JASON
You want to make them public?
JULIE
I want to make them impossible to
ignore. And I want to use them in
every subject. Math, science,
history, art-folding, measuring,
graphing, storytelling. If we do it
right, their grades go up. And we
prove we’re worth saving.
She pulls out a folder. Inside photos of cranes taped to
lockers, hanging form the ceiling, tucked into books.
JULIE (CONT’D)
Every one of these is a voice. A
reason not to erase this place.
Jason flips through the photos. His eyes linger on one: A
crane taped to a desk, open to the message.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE: “I wish school felt safe.”
JASON
We’ll need the students. The staff.
JULIE
I’ll handle the board. You handle
the hearts.
Jason notices a strand of hair has fallen from her tight
pulled back twist. Lays across her cheek.
Jason smiles.
They clink mugs.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
A Thousand Cranes for Change
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / AUDITORIUM - DAY
Faculty and students file in.
A banner hangs above the stage:
“A Thousand Cranes for the Holidays.”
A few cranes dangle from the curtain rod above the stage like
snowflakes.
Julie stands at the podium.
Jason waits beside her, holding the shoebox of cranes.
JULIE
December’s almost here. And while
some schools hang tinsel, we’re
going to hang wishes.
She gestures to the cranes overhead.
Students glance up, curious.
JULIE (CONT’D)
This year we’re launching a school-
wide holiday project. A thousand
cranes. A thousand voices. Every
student, every class, every
subject.
Jason steps forward. Opens the box. Pulls out a crane.
JASON
You’ll fold. You’ll measure. You’ll
graph. You’ll write. And you’ll
tell us what matters most to you.
He holds up a crane.
JASON (CONT’D)
Wishes aren’t just for the
holidays. They’re for change that
can last forever.
Julie smiles. She’s calm, composed--but her eyes shine.
IN THE BACK OF THE AUDITORIUM
Coach Eric stands beside Kevin, arms folded. He takes it all
in, the children, the cranes--blinks more than usual. Sighs.
COACH ERIC
(softly to Kevin)
I swear, if I’d gone to a school
like this... I might’ve actually
talked about my feelings before age
thirty-five.
Kevin chuckles.
KEVIN
You still don’t. You just blow your
whistle like it’s Morse code for “I
care.”
Coach Eric fondles his whistle, like a security blanket.
COACH ERIC
I mean it. If I’d had a thousand
cranes, I’d fold every one into an
apology to my eighth-grade self.
Kevin gets it. They both dab at their eyes.
STAGE
JULIE
We’ll be using the cranes in math,
science, history, and art. You’ll
see them in the halls, in your
classrooms, even in your homework.
(MORE)
JULIE (CONT'D)
And when you’re done--we’ll have a
thousand reasons to celebrate this
school.
BEHIND THE STAGE
Rico stands by his ladder. Stares at the cranes he hung above
the stage. He tilts his head, studies them like ornaments.
Nods to himself.
RICO
(to himself)
Hmm... Maybe I can string a few
lights through these. Make it look
like hope’s got a glow.
AUDITORIUM SEATS
Students murmur. Some smile.
Lucy leans forward in her seat.
Maya nudges Bri, who rolls her eyes but doesn’t look away.
STAGE
Jason and Julie exchange a glance. A quiet alliance.
JULIE
So start folding. Start wishing.
Start telling your story.
Genres:
["Drama","Inspirational"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Folding Hope and Boundaries
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / ART CLASS - DAY
Morning light spills across long tables. Cranes hand from
windows, creating shadows.
A whiteboard reads: “Folding Hope - Step One: The Square
Base.”
Students sit in small groups, paper in hand.
Ms. Rivera (40s), the art teacher, demonstrates at the front.
MS. RIVERA
Start with the colored side down.
Fold corner to corner. Make sure
your creases are sharp.
Maya folds carefully.
Lucy’s already on her second crane.
Bri stares at her paper. Folds once. Then again--crooked.
BRI
Ugh. This is stupid.
MAYA
It gets easier. Want help?
BRI
No. My mom says I don’t have to do
this if I don’t want to.
Maya pauses. Looks at her.
MAYA
It’s not homework. It’s...
something else.
BRI
Yeah. A waste of time.
Bri crumples the paper. Shoves it in her backpack.
Maya watches her. Quietly slides a fresh sheet of paper
across the table.
MAYA
In case you change your mind.
Bri doesn’t respond. Just stares out the window.
Across the room, Ms. Rivera smiles at Nathan’s crane.
Nathan holds it up.
NATHAN
This one’s got personality.
Ms. Rivera nods.
MS. RIVERA
(to Nathan)
It sure does.
(to the class)
Each crane is a voice. Make yours
loud. Make it beautiful.
She pins Nathan’s crane to the bulletin board.
MS. RIVERA (CONT’D)
Next week, we’ll design patterns,
experiment with textures, even
sculpt three D versions.
The room hums with quiet concentration--except for the space
between Maya and Bri.
Maya folds in silence. Bri watches her--just for a second.
Turns back to the window.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Julie sits at her desk. Her laptop open. She reads her email.
INSERT EMAIL:
FROM: Mrs. Callahan.
SUBJECT: Crane Project Participation.
Dear Ms. Bowman,
I appreciate the creativity behind the crane project, but Bri
won’t be participating. She’s been through enough. I’d prefer
she focus on academics, not emotional exercise.
Please respect her boundaries.
-Mrs. Callahan
BACK TO SCENE
Julie exhales. Closes the laptop. Looks out the window.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Math and Wishes: A Classroom Activity
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / MATH CLASS - DAY
A whiteboard filled with equations.
A poster reads: “CRANE COUNT - DATA SET.”
Students sit in pairs, surrounded by folded cranes.
Marcus and Thomas share a desk.
Lucy and Maya sit nearby, quietly folding.
Bri sits two rows behind them. She watches Lucy and Maya
whisper and fold. Her pencil taps fast against her leg.
Nathan sits nearby, quietly working. He glances at Lucy. Then
at Bri. He senses the tension.
MR. PATEL (30s), the math teacher, stands at the front.
MR. PATEL
Today we’re using cranes to build
graphs, calculate percentages, and
track growth. You’ll work in teams.
Your goal? Show how wishes
multiply.
He gestures to a chart on the board:
INSERT: CRANE TRACKING CHART
Day 1: 12 cranes
Day 2: 47 cranes
Day 3: 103 cranes
BACK TO SCENE
MR. PATEL (CONT’D)
What’s the average daily increase?
What’s the projected total by
December twentieth? And what
percentage of wishes mention
safety, belonging, or visibility?
Students begin calculating.
Marcus leans over his graph paper.
MARCUS
Yo, Thomas--this one says “I wish I
didn’t feel invisible.” That’s
like... half the ones I’ve read.
THOMAS
So we graph that. Visibility
wishes. That’s a category.
Lucy glances over. Smiles--just barely.
Mr. Patel walks by. Nods at their work.
MR. PATEL
Math isn’t just numbers. It’s
patterns. And patterns tell
stories.
He points to the growing bar graph on the wall.
MR. PATEL (CONT’D)
This is what advocacy looks like--
in data.
Students keep working. The room hums with quiet focus. Cranes
hang from the ceiling like constellations.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Navigating Concerns
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
The printed email sits on Julie’s desk.
Jason reads it, brow furrowed.
Julie leans against the window, arms crossed.
JULIE
That’s the second parent this week.
First it was “too emotional.” Now
it’s “not academic enough.” I’m
starting to wonder if we pushed too
far.
JASON
Or maybe we’re finally pushing the
right buttons. They’re learning,
Julie. Lessons we never thought
would interest eleven-year-olds.
Julie doesn’t respond. She watches the playground through the
glass. Kids run. A paper crane flutters in the wind, caught
in a bush.
JULIE
I just wanted them to feel seen.
Especially the ones who never raise
their hands.
Jason sets the email down.
JASON
You know why Bri’s upset, right?
Julie turns.
JULIE
Her mom said she’s been through a
lot. Do you know what that refers
to?
JASON
It’s not about grief. It’s about
Maya.
Julie frowns.
JASON (CONT’D)
They were inseparable. Then Lucy
showed up in the picture. And
suddenly Maya’s not just hers
anymore.
JULIE
So this isn’t about the cranes.
JASON
It’s about losing your person. And
watching someone else fold with
them.
Julie exhales. Softens.
JULIE
I remember that feeling. Middle
school friendships are like
origami. One wrong fold and
everything feels ruined.
Jason smiles.
JASON
Good thing paper’s forgiving.
Julie looks at the email again. Then out the window.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Tangled Cranes
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - LATER
Between classes. Students move through the halls. Cranes hang
from lockers and bulletin boards like quiet confessions.
Lucy and Maya walk together, laugh softly. They carry a small
stack of folded cranes.
Bri watches from her locker. Her eyes narrow.
She steps into their path.
BRI
Wow. You two are like... besties
now?
Maya stiffens. Lucy stays calm.
MAYA
We’re just helping with the crane
project.
BRI
Right. Helping Lucy be the center
of everything. Again.
Lucy blinks.
Maya steps forward.
MAYA
That’s not fair.
BRI
What’s not fair is watching my
friends disappear into a paper
cult. You used to talk to me.
MAYA
You used to listen.
Beat.
Bri scoffs. She grabs a crane from Maya’s stack. Unfolds it.
BRI
(reads)
“I wish friendship didn’t feel like
a test.”
Bri stares at the message. Just for a beat. Her breath
catches. Eyes flick to Maya--hurt, confused, maybe even
exposed.
BRI (CONT’D)
Is that how you feel?
Maya doesn’t answer.
Bri blinks hard. The wall goes up.
BRI (CONT’D)
Cute. Did you write this one?
Maya snatches it back.
MAYA
No. But I kept it. Because it
mattered.
Bri’s face flushes. She turns and storms off.
Lucy and Maya watch her go.
LUCY
She’s hurting.
MAYA
I know. But she’s not the only one.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-Age"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Voices of Peace
INT. HISTORY CLASSROOM - DAY
The lights are dimmed.
A projector shows black-and-white photos of Hiroshima--before
and after the bombs. A neighborhood reduced to rubble. The
devastation.
MR. HARRIS (50s), the history teacher, stands at the front.
MR. HARRIS
Sadako Sasaki was twelve when she
died. She believed if she folded a
thousand cranes, she’d be healed.
She didn’t make it. But her
classmates finished the rest. And
the world listened.
Students sit quietly.
A slide shows the Hiroshima Peace Park--a monument decorated
with flowers and colorful paper cranes to commemorate the
child victims.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
This isn’t just a legend. It’s a
legacy. What does peace look like
in your hands?
Lucy folds a crane at her desk. Lays it down gently.
Maya watches her. Glances back at Bri--who sits alone, arms
crossed.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
Today, we’ll write reflections. Not
just about history, but how it
lives in you.
He lays a small stack of paper on each front desk.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
(to the front desk
student)
Take two pieces and pass it back.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
Find a quote from a peace leader, a
survivor, a changemaker--someone
whose words echo something you
feel. Add it to a crane.
Students pass the paper back, each taking two sheets.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
Then write your own. How did it
make you feel? What do you hope
for? For yourself. For your
community. For the world.
Maya watches Bri pass the papers back without taking any.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
We’ll fold those words into cranes--
so history doesn’t just sit in a
textbook. It flies.
He lifts Lucy’s crane, glides it through the air like a bird.
Students dig in--research global peace movements. Some flip
through pages of their history textbooks, jot down notes.
Others scroll on their Chromebooks.
The paper reaches Maya. She takes four sheets. Hestitates.
Walks over to Bri’s desk. Lays two pieces on it.
MAYA
You don’t have to fold it. Just
write something. I’ll fold it for
you.
Bri stares at her. Her jaw tightens. She lowers her eyes.
Opens her Chromebook.
Lucy watches from her desk.
NATHAN
(reads aloud)
“Peace is not the absence of
conflict, but the ability to cope
with it peacefully.” That’s from
Reagan. Weirdly helpful. Might keep
me out of the principal’s office.
Nathan copies it. Thinks. Writes.
INSERT NATHAN’S REFLECTION: “I want to be strong without
yelling.”
Marcus reads a quote on his Chromebook.
MARCUS (V.O.)
“I raise up my voice--not so I can
shout, but so that those without a
voice can be heard.” - Malala
Yousafzai.
He thinks. Writes.
INSERT MARCUS’S REFLECTION: ”I wish people didn’t think quiet
means nothing to say.”
Thomas searches. Scrolls and scrolls. His eyes light up.
THOMAS (V.O.)
“If I can change, and you can
change, everybody can change.” -
Rocky IV.
Thomas smiles.
THOMAS
(to himself)
Cool.
He writes:
INSERT THOMAS’S REFLECTION: “I used to think that change was
for other people. Now I know it starts with me.”
Lucy reads quotes.
LUCY (V.O.)
“Peace begins with a smile.”
- Mother Teresa.
She thinks for a moment. Writes.
INSERT LUCY’S REFLECTION: “I wish I’d smile more. I wish we’d
all smile more.”
Maya reads quotes.
MAYA (V.O.)
You must be the change you wish to
see in the world.” - Gandhi
She writes.
INSERT MAYA’S REFLECTION: “I’m trying.”
Maya looks at Bri.
Bri’s Chromebook screen shows a game of Candy Crush. But her
fingers hover over the keyboard. She glances at the paper
Maya left. Doesn’t touch it. Not yet.
MR. HARRIS
Time’s almost up. Let me leave you
with this thought.
Students look up.
Mr. Harris gestures to the photo of Sadako’s monument,
covered in colorful cranes.
MR. HARRIS (CONT’D)
Each crane here carried a child’s
voice. Yours will too.
He walks the rows, collecting finished cranes. He doesn’t
stop at Bri’s desk. But he glances. Just once.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Flight of the Cranes
INT. SCIENCE CLASS - DAY
MR. CHEN (40s), teaches aerodynamics through origami.
MR. CHEN
Let’s test glide paths. Which folds
fly farther? Which designs resist
gravity?
HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Students launch cranes down the hallway. Measure distance.
Maya graphs results. Marcus beside her, timing with a
stopwatch. Bri measures, only because she must.
A crane sails by fast.
MARCUS
Ten-point-eight seconds. That’s a
record!
That was Thomas’s. He struts like he just won the Indy 500.
Lucy’s crane flutters. Lands short. She shrugs.
LUCY
Mine’s more of a peace pigeon.
Nathan’s turn. His sails like an eagle.
NATHAN
That’s twelve feet! Gotta be!
Bri measures.
Mr. Chen watches Bri. Doesn’t say a word. Just nods once.
BRI
Eleven feet. Ten inches.
She jots down the number. Doesn’t smile. But doesn’t roll her
eyes either.
MR. CHEN
(to Nathan)
That’s hope in motion, son.
Nathan beams.
Bri watches Nathan celebrate. Her pencil pauses. Just for a
second.
The bell RINGS.
Papers rustle. Cranes gathered. Bri lingers a moment.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-Age"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
From Isolation to Connection
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
Kids everywhere.
TABLES
Bri sits alone, towards the end of a long table. Her tray
untouched. Her Chromebook closed.
Thomas walks past with his tray. Hesitates. Then turns back
and sits beside her.
Bri doesn’t look at him. But doesn’t move away.
Bri glances at him. Just once. He smiles. More of a grin,
really.
Marcus walks over. Sits across from them.
Nathan slides in beside Marcus.
NATHAN
Mine flew twelve feet.
BRI
Eleven feet ten inches.
NATHAN
Ahh... what’s an inch or two among
friends?
Maya and Lucy arrive. They don’t say anything. Just sit. Maya
on the other side of Bri, Lucy next to Maya.
Bri looks around the table.
BRI
I didn’t write one.
(beat)
Not yet.
THOMAS
You don’t have to start with a
crane. You can start with lunch.
They all smile. Chow down. Conversations flow. Voices
overlap. Laughter builds. (Inaudible.)
COUNTER
Julie and Jason move through the lunch line.
JASON
(to Julie)
I’ve talked to Mister Harris. He
says participation is up, with only
a few stragglers. He’s amazed by
their enthusiasm, and sudden
interest in History.
JULIE
I’m working on a presentation for
the board. We meet right after
Thanksgiving break.
Ming fills trays for them.
MING
You know, I’ve seen a lot of things
behind this sneeze guard. First
crushes. First fights. But these
cranes? They’re the first time I’ve
seen middle schoolers fold into
something that wasn’t peer
pressure.
Julie smiles.
JASON
That’s the kind of data you can’t
put in a spreadsheet.
Julie exhales.
TABLES
They take their trays to a table. Sit down. Jason notices
Bri’s table. He smiles.
JASON
Well look at that.
Julies eyes follow his.
JULIE
They made up.
(sigh of relief)
One less parent to worry about.
She smiles.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Cranes Under Pressure
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Julie’s on the phone. She freezes.
JULIE
(into phone)
Wait. What? They’re here? Now?
Stall ‘em!
She hangs up. Grabs her clipboard. Rushes out the door.
SCHOOL ENTRANCE
Two Board members, MR. PHILLIPS (60s), tall, stiff-necked,
white hair and mustache, and MRS. CARNES (60s), short and
stubby, approach the metal detector.
Kevin pockets his cellphone. Ups his presence with a show of
belt, badge, and a whole lot of attitude.
KEVIN
Alright, folks. Step right up.
Metal detector’s feeling sensitive
today. Like my ex.
Mr. Phillips walks through.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
Oop! That’s a no-go, Mister
Monopoly. You packing a pacemaker
or a paperclip?
Phillips frowns. Starts emptying his pockets.
Mrs. Carnes steps forward.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
Hold up, ma’am. You got earrings, a
necklace, and a purse that screams
“I brought snacks.” Let’s do this
one item at a time.
HALLWAY - SAME
Rico’s ladder stands in the middle of the hall. He’s on the
top step, strings white lights through colorful paper cranes,
sings Chuck Berry’s Run Run Rudolph.
Julie bolts past.
JULIE
(to Rico)
Take ‘em down. Take ‘em down.
RICO
But they’re festive. And
historically symbolic.
SECURITY CHECK POINT - CONTINUOUS
Julie peeks around the corner. Kevin sees her. She gives him
a pleading look. He nods--game on.
HALLWAY - SAME
Julie snatches cranes from lockers. Shoves them in her
pockets. One falls out. She kicks it under a bench.
SECURITY CHECK POINT - SAME
Phillips tries again.
BEEP
KEVIN
Sir, I’m gonna need you to remove
that belt.
(MORE)
KEVIN (CONT'D)
It’s got more metal than a Kiss
concert--Or maybe... Boston? You
strike me as a “More Than a
Feeling” kinda guy.
Phillip glares. Begins unbuckling.
Kevin shrugs, grins.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
Take your time. We believe in
dignity here. And slow-motion
drama.
Mrs. Carnes taps her foot.
MRS. CARNES
Is this really necessary?
KEVIN
Ma’am, this detector once flagged a
student for a chewing foil gum. I
don’t make the rules. I just
enforce them.
Phillips finally clears the detector.
Carnes follows. No beep.
HALLWAY - SAME
Julie exhales. Straightens her blazer. Pushes back a few
loose strands of hair.
SECURITY CHECK POINT - CONTINUOUS
Julie steps forward--prim, proper, clipboard in hand.
She extends her hand.
JULIE
Why, Mister Phillips--what a
surprise. We weren’t supposed to
meet until next week... in your
office.
Her eyes make contact with Kevin’s.
The Board Members collect their numerous items.
Julie’s eyes plead with Kevin. He notices tips of the paper
cranes sticking out of her pockets. Nods.
Julie gestures toward the hallway, clipboard clutched like a
shield.
JULIE (CONT’D)
Right this way. We’re so glad you
could... drop in.
They walk forward. Julie turns to Kevin.
JULIE (CONT’D)
(low)
Tell the poet.
Kevin blinks. Then nods--serious now.
He slips away, mission in motion.
HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Mr. Phillips adjusts his tie. Mrs. Carnes scans the walls.
Stops in front of the bulletin board.
MRS. CARNES
What are these? Birds?
She reaches out for one, but Julie’s too quick--steps in
front of her.
JULIE
Oh, just a little art project.
Seasonal. Very contained.
Julie directs them toward her office.
Rico peeks from around the corner, still holding the strand
of lights.
DOWN ANOTHER HALL - SAME
Kevin hustles toward Jason’s classroom.
JASON’S CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS
Class in progress. Students in mid-discussion. Jason reads
from a journal. (Inaudible.)
Kevin peeks his head in the door.
KEVIN
Psst.
Jason doesn’t hear.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
(louder)
Psst!
Now everyone hears. Heads turn. Jason looks up.
JASON
(to students)
Crane time.
The students cheer softly, pull out their sheets of paper.
Jason walks to the open door.
KEVIN
Man, it’s not crane time. It’s
hide-the-crane time.
JASON
What?
KEVIN
Principal Julie’s in full
containment mode. Board’s here.
Unannounced. She’s out snatching
birds like it’s origami Hunger
Games.
Jason steps fully into the hall. The door closes behind him.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
You mind letting me in on this? She
looked frazzled. Like, “I ran outta
dry shampoo” frazzled. This ain’t
about decorations, is it?
Jason exhales. Heavy.
JASON
They’re planning to merge us with
Westbrook.
KEVIN
Merge? Like... combine? Like we’re
shampoo and conditioner?
Jason squints at him.
JASON
What is it with you and shampoo
today?
KEVIN
I’m having a bad hair day, okay?
It’s on my mind.
Jason sighs.
JASON
Well, it’s not about your hair.
It’s about grades. We were gonna
show them next week--the cranes,
the growth. Now they’re here. And
she’s hiding it.
Kevin glances at the classroom. Kids folding. Focused.
Hopeful.
KEVIN
You gonna let her?
Jason watches Lucy fold her crane. Then Maya. Then Bri.
JASON
Not a chance.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
The Weight of Compliance
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - SAME
Julie sits at her desk.
Mr. Phillips and Mrs. Carnes across from her.
Clipboard between them like a barrier.
MR. PHILLIPS
It’s been brought to our attention--
by a concerned parent--that your
little “art project” may be
interfering with instructional
time.
Julie straightens.
JULIE
It’s integrated. Cross-curricular.
We’ve seen improvements in
engagement, writing scores--even
attendance.
MRS. CARNES
That’s not the point. It’s not
board-approved. And it’s certainly
not part of the state-aligned
curriculum.
Julie hesitates.
MR. PHILLIPS
We understand your intentions. But
we’re here to access academic
rigor. Not emotional enrichment.
Julie’s fingers tighten around her pen.
JULIE
The students are learning. They’re
writing. Reflecting. Connecting
history to their own lives.
MRS. CARNES
They’re folding paper birds.
Beat.
MR. PHILLIPS
We recommend you discontinue the
project immediately. Stick to the
framework we’ve provided.
Julie swallows. Nods--barely.
JULIE
Understood.
MRS. CARNES
We’ll be reporting our findings to
the full board. Ahead of next
week’s vote.
They rise.
Julie stays seated. Her eyes drift to a crane tucked under
her clipboard. She slides it into a drawer.
MR. PHILLIPS
Thank you for your time.
They exit.
Julie exhales. Alone.
She opens the drawer. Unfolds the crane.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish someone would fight for us.”
She stares at it. Closes the drawer.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Letting the Cranes Fly
INT. TEACHER'S LOUNGE - LATER
Julie enters, clipboard clutched.
Jason stands by the coffee machine.
JASON
You said you’d handle the board.
JULIE
I did. I am.
JASON
No. You’re hiding cranes in your
pocket like they’re contraband.
Julie doesn’t respond.
JASON (CONT’D)
I handled the students. The staff.
You were supposed to fight for us.
JULIE
I was trying to protect the
project.
JASON
By erasing it?
JULIE
They weren’t supposed to come. I
wasn’t ready. I thought if I could
just get the grades up, show them
the data--
JASON
They don’t care about data. They
care about control. Funding.
Julie looks away.
JASON (CONT’D)
But you know what they can’t
control? A thousand cranes. Folded
by the kids who finally believe
they matter.
Julie softens. Tears threaten.
JULIE
I was scared. I didn’t want to make
it worse. What do we do?
Jason looks at her. Soft. Steady.
JASON
We stop hiding. We let the cranes
fly.
Julie nods. Slowly.
JULIE
Then we better start folding.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Cranes of Hope
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / CAFETERIA - DAY
An after school event.
Crane-making stations line the tables. Markers, string,
paper. Lucy instructs the newcomers.
A banner reads: “Fold a Wish. Save a Voice.”
Students, parents, and staff gather.
Maya takes pictures on her phone.
Rico sweeps the clipped crane pieces from beneath Marcus and
Thomas’s table.
Nathan strolls through, plays “Carol of the Bells” on his
kazoo. Surprisingly well.
RICO
Is he... the entertainment?
THOMAS
He’s the soul of the revolution.
Thomas balances a crane on his head.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
Is this aerodynamic enough to fly
straight to the school board?
Marcus gently takes it off, adjust the wings.
MARCUS
You creased it wrong. It’s leaning
to the left.
THOMAS
So it’s a metaphor. For our
funding.
They high-five.
Rico grins as he sweeps the clipped crane pieces.
RICO
Symbolism and sarcasm. We’re
officially a liberal arts school.
Rico leans on his broom like a mic stand. Watches Nathan.
RICO (CONT’D)
(to nobody really)
I usually do the music for these
things. But I’ve been replaced...
by a kazoo prodigy
Nathan hits a dramatic kazoo trill.
RICO (CONT’D)
(sighs)
I knew this day would come.
Julie stands near the back. Clipboard tucked under her arm.
She watches Lucy guide a parent through the folding steps.
A strand of cranes sways above her. She reaches up. Touches
one gently.
Jason notices. She nods. No words. Just a look: “I see it
now.”
Ming stands on a chair, wielding a ladle like a microphone.
MING
Cocoa’s hot, marshmallows are
optional, and if you spill on a
crane--I will emotionally unravel.
Kevin leans against the refreshment table, sipping cocoa like
it’s a cocktail.
A SINGLE MOM (30s), stylish, approaches with her daughter.
KEVIN
Welcome to Sherwood Heights. Where
the cocoa’s hot and the cranes are
emotionally charged.
SINGLE MOM
Is that cologne or ambition?
Kevin straightens, mock offended.
KEVIN
Ma’am this is “Confidence Number
Five”. Limited edition. Smells like
leadership and a hint of vanilla.
She laughs. Her daughter tugs her sleeve, pointing to the
crane station.
SINGLE MOM
Well, it’s working. You smell like
someone who folds paper with
purpose.
KEVIN
I do. And I enforce marshmallow
policy with passion.
She walks off, amused.
Kevin watches her go.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
(to Jason)
I still got it. Even in a
cafeteria.
Jason chuckles as he helps Bri string a strand of cranes
along the refreshment table.
Coach Eric holds a clipboard and a whistle.
COACH ERIC
I just ran laps with the sixth
graders. They folded cranes while
sprinting. It was... poetic.
Ming rolls his eyes.
MING
You jogged in a circle and yelled,
“believe in yourselves.”
COACH ERIC
Exactly. And they did. One kid
cried. I cried.
Enter REPORTER (30s), female, I.D. press badge hangs. Camera
slung over her shoulder. She snaps photos quietly.
Ming spots her. Springs from his chair like a cat.
MING
Excuse me, ma’am. Are you here for
the cocoa or the chaos?
REPORTER
Neither. I’m here with the Sherwood
Heights Gazette. Saw a post online--
thought I’d check it out.
Coach Eric gasps.
COACH ERIC
You’re press? Do you need a quote?
I have several.
REPORTER
I was hoping to speak with a
student--
COACH ERIC
But what about the emotional toll
on faculty? I’ve aged seven years
this term.
Jason steps in, Bri beside him.
JASON
She can talk to bri. And maybe
Coach Eric... if she’s feeling
brave.
Reporter nods. Coach Eric straightens his whistle.
COACH ERIC
I’ll be over there. Practicing
vulnerability.
LATER
The crowd has thinned. The cocoa’s lukewarm. The Reporter
stands near the crane banner, flipping through her notes.
Lucy finishes helping a younger child fold a crane. She
turns to the Reporter waiting.
REPORTER
Hi, I’m Tessa Brown, Sherwood
Heights Gazette. Would you mind
answering a few questions?
Lucy nods. Quiet. Composed.
REPORTER (CONT’D)
You started all this?
LUCY
I folded the first crane. But it’s
not mine anymore. It belongs to all
of us.
REPORTER
What made you start?
Lucy hesitates. Looks at the cranes strung across the room.
Each one fluttering like a breath.
LUCY
I wanted to say something. But I
didn’t know how. So I folded
instead.
A crane slips from the strand above. Floats down between
them. Lucy catches it.
REPORTER
Can I ask what you wish for?
Lucy shakes her head.
LUCY
Not yet.
REPORTER
When will you share it?
LUCY
At the formal. If it comes true.
The Reporter nods. Respectful. She lowers her pen.
REPORTER
Thank you. For starting something
that speaks louder than words.
Lucy smiles. Soft. Hopeful.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Garlands of Hope
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL - HALLWAY
Students walk past strands of cranes.
REPORTER (V.O.)
(from the Gazette article)
“In the cafeteria of Sherwood
Heights Middle School, stands of
colorful cranes hang like garlands
of hope...”
INT. JASON’S CLASSROOM - SAME
Jason reads quietly. Students listen, fold cranes.
REPORTER (V.O.)
“Each crane carries a wish. Some
playful. Some profound. All
urgent.”
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - SAME
Julie opens her laptop. Front page of the Gazette glows on
the screen.
REPORTER (V.O.)
“One student wrote, ‘I wish someone
would fight for us.’ Another simple
folded in silence.”
Julie exhales. Touches the crane on her desk.
REPORTER (V.O.)
“The movement began with a single
fold. Led by a student named Lucy.
Her wish remains unrevealed. She
says she’ll share it--if it comes
true.”
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
The Weight of Paper Cranes
INT. SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE - SAME
A sleek sterile conference room.
Mr. Phillips sits at the head of the table, flipping through
a printed copy of the Sherwood Heights Gazette.
Mrs. Carnes sips black coffee, eyes narrowed.
MR. PHILLIPS
They put it on the front page.
MRS. CARNES
Of a local paper. Not the Times.
MR. PHILLIPS
Still. It’s visible.
He reads it aloud:
MR. PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
“Folded by kids who finally believe
they matter.
(pause)
That’s a loaded sentence.
MRS. CARNES
It’s emotional manipulation.
They’re children. They don’t
understand policy.
Phillips sets the paper down. Stares at the photo.
INSERT PHOTO: Lucy, mid-fold, cranes flutter behind her.
MR. PHILLIPS
They understand something. Enough
to get the community involved.
Carnes scoffs.
MRS. CARNES
It’s a fad. Like pop its. Or fidget
spinners.
MR. PHILLIPS
Well this fad has a hashtag.
He opens his laptop. Searches.
INSERT: #SherwoodHeightsCranes.
Hundreds of posts.
Photos.
Quotes.
One video of Coach Eric crying mid-whistle.
BACK TO SCENE
MR. PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
They’ve got momentum.
MRS. CARNES
They’ve got paper birds.
Beat.
MR. PHILLIPS
And a story. That’s harder to vote
against.
Carnes doesn’t respond.
Phillips stares at the photo again. Lucy--steady, quiet,
unafraid.
Genres:
["Drama","Education"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Thanksgiving Rush
INT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL / HALLWAY - DAY
The final bell RINGS.
A beat of silence--then chaos.
Students flood the hallway. Laughter. Backpacks. Shouts of...
KID’S VOICES
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lucy walks with Maya and Bri.
Marcus and Thomas race each other to the exit.
Nathan plays a kazoo riff as he disappears down the stairs.
NEAR THE EXIT DOORS
Ming hands out mini cocoa packets like party favors.
MING
Cocoa packets for your soul. Like
fortune cookies, but with less
pressure and more sugar!
Coach Eric high-fives every sixth grader in sight.
Ming tosses the last cocoa packet to Coach Eric.
MING (CONT’D)
For you, Coach. May your whistle
stay dry and your heart stay gooey.
COACH ERIC
(grins)
I feel spiritually nourished
already.
Rico sweeps confetti someone definitely wasn’t supposed to
bring.
RICO
(mutters)
Every time someone says “festive” I
end up with a broom.
Julie stands near her office door. Clipboard in hand. She
watches the rush. Jason joins her. They don’t speak--just
observe.
The hallway empties.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Quiet Warriors: A Pre-Holiday Reflection
EXT. SHERWOOD HEIGHTS PARKING LOT - DAY
The sun dips low.
Julie and Jason walk toward their cars. The lot is nearly
empty.
The school behind them glows with strands of cranes in the
windows. Leaves scatter across the pavement.
Jason unlocks his car. Julie doesn’t move.
JULIE
You ever notice how quiet it gets
before a holiday?
JASON
Like the building exhales.
JULIE
Or braces.
Beat.
JASON
You heading anywhere?
JULIE
Just home. No kids. No spouse. Just
me and a frozen lasagna.
JASON
I’ve got a turkey sandwich and a
stack of essays. We’re festive like
that.
They share a smile.
JULIE
I’ll spend Thursday prepping.
Running numbers. Rehearsing the
speech.
JASON
You don’t have to rehearse. You
already know what to say.
JULIE
I know what they need to hear.
That’s different.
She leans against her car. Looks back at the school.
JASON
You’re not alone. Even if it feels
like it.
Beat.
JULIE
You think they’ll listen?
JASON
Whether they listen... That’s on
them.
Julie exhales. The wind kicks up. A single crane flutters
against the windshield.
She catches it. Reads the message:
INSERT HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE: “Breathe.”
She tucks it into her coat pocket.
Jason opens his car door.
JASON (CONT’D)
Happy Thanksgiving, Julie.
JASON (CONT’D)
You too, Jason.
They drive off. Two cars. Two quiet warriors. One school
worth saving.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Voice for Inclusion
INT. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ROOM - NIGHT
Rows of folding chairs.
BOARD MEMBERS sit at a long table at the front--Mr. Phillips,
Mrs. Carnes and THREE OTHERS.
The room is packed. Parents. Students. Staff.
Strands of cranes hang from the ceiling like quiet protest.
Julie stands near the front. Clipboard in hand. Calm.
Focused.
Jason sits beside Coach Eric and Rico.
Rico, now dressed in a black leather jacket, tee underneath.
Very rocker like.
Coach Eric adjusts his tie, kisses his whistle, dabs his
forehead like he’s prepping for Broadway.
Mr. Patel, Mrs. Rivera, and Mr. Chen sit together.
Students scattered throughout. Maya, Bri, Marcus, Thomas, and
Nathan sit with their PARENTS. Lucy sits beside her FATHER.
Ming passes out cocoa in paper cups.
Tessa, the Reporter, sits near an aisle. Notebook open.
Camera ready.
Kevin guards the door like it’s a velvet rope.
Mrs. Carnes clears her throat.
MRS. CARNES
We’ll begin with public comment.
Please keep remarks brief and
relevant to the agenda.
Julie steps forward. No hesitation.
JULIE
I’ll begin.
She places her clipboard on the podium. Looks directly at the
Board.
JULIE (CONT’D)
When I accepted the role of
principal at Sherwood Heights, I
was asked if I stood for inclusive
education.
Mrs. Carnes huffs.
JULIE (CONT’D)
I said yes. But I didn’t realize
how quickly “inclusive” could
become “exclusive.” How a merger
could erase voices in the name of
efficiency.
Phillips shifts. Carnes stiffens.
Murmurs ripple through the crowd.
JULIE (CONT’D)
This project--these cranes--were
never just art. They were data.
They were growth.
She holds up a printed chart.
JULIE (CONT’D)
Sherwood Heights midterm scores
improved in every subject. English.
History. Math. Science. Because
students felt seen. Because they
were engaged.
She gestures to the cranes above.
JULIE (CONT’D)
Those used to say, “I wish I didn’t
feel invisible. Now they say--
She opens a few cranes, reads aloud.
JULIE (CONT’D)
“I feel seen.” “I feel heard.”
“I’ve never felt so included.”
“I smile now.”
Beat.
JULIE (CONT’D)
That’s academic success. That’s
emotional literacy. That’s what
happens when you teach the whole
child.
Jason exhales.
Lucy looks up. A small smile.
Coach Eric claps--once, reverently.
JULIE (CONT’D)
You wanted proof. Here it is.
Scores. Voices. Faces.
She looks at Mr. Phillips.
Silence. Interrupted by applause. Soft. Grows louder.
Phillips stares at the cranes. Carnes looks down.
Julie steps back.
Lucy folds a crane in her lap, quiet, steady
Mr. Phillips clears his throat.
MR. PHILLIPS
We’ll proceed to vote.
The room stills.
The Reporter scribbles in her notebook.
Coach Eric grips his whistle like a rosary.
MR. PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
All in favor of proceeding with the
merger--
He pauses. Looks at Lucy. Then at Julie.
MR. PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Raise your hand.
One hand goes up. Mrs. Carnes.
No one else moves.
Phillips lowers his own hand beneath the table. Quietly.
MR. PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
All opposed?
Four hands rise. One after another.
Julie exhales.
Jason smiles.
MR. PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Motion denied.
Applause erupts. Soft at first. Then full.
Coach Eric leaps to his feet.
COACH ERIC
We did it! I mean--they did it! I’m
mean--I’m crying again!
MING
Victory cocoa for everyone!
Kevin opens the doors like a game show host.
KEVIN
Let the healing begin.
Julie steps back. Jason meets her eyes.
Lucy approaches. Hands her a crane.
LUCY
This one’s for you.
Julie unfolds it.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE: “You are the fighter we needed.”
Julie smiles. Her eyes glisten. She looks up. The cranes sway
above her. And for the first time in weeks--She breathes.
MONTAGE TIME PASSES
--INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The CHORUS sings “Carol of the Bells.”
Students in red and green scarves.
Julie and Jason stand side-by-side in the back.
Genres:
["Drama","School"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Thousand Wishes
--INT. BAND ROOM - DAY
The BAND DIRECTOR (20s), with the help of Rico, lead the BAND
through a rock version of “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Nathan plays a kazoo solo--surprisingly good.
Coach Eric stands in the open doorway--air guitars.
INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY
Students string cranes from basketball hoops. White lights
twinkle over the bleachers.
Maya, Bri, Marcus and Thomas hang a glittering sign.
--INT. MATH CLASS - DAY
Lucy and Mr. Patel count cranes on a spreadsheet. Lucy checks
the tally. 999. She looks up at Mr. Patel. They smile.
INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY
The gym is empty.
Lucy sits alone on the bleachers, folds the final crane.
Number 1000. She holds it gently, her final wish.
END MONTAGE
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Christmas Wish Fulfilled
INT. GYMNASIUM / CHRISTMAS FORMAL - NIGHT
The gym is transformed. Sparkly cranes hang like stars. White
lights shimmer across the dance floor.
A glittery banner reads: “One Thousand Cranes. One Thousand
Voices.”
Students enter in waves--wide-eyed, dressed in their best.
Thomas wears a bowtie that spins. Marcus tries to straighten
it mid-spin.
Maya and Bri arrive together, glitter in their hair.
Coach Eric stands at the entrance like a maitre d’.
COACH ERIC
Welcome to the most emotionally
decorated event of the year.
Nathan, in a suit, Santa hat, and sunglasses, strolls in like
he owns the place.
Students pat him on the back as he passes.
8TH GRADER#1
(genuine)
Nice solo, man. You gonna play
tonight, too?
Nathan’s kazoo sticks out from his back pocket. He nods--real
cool.
Ming unveils the punch bowl with a flourish.
MING
Tonight’s punch is cranberry-based
and spiritually complex.
Rico’s band kicks off with “All I Want For Christmas Is You”--
amped up and electric. Nathan joins in with a kazoo riff that
somehow works. Students cheer.
Marcus and Thomas attempt a synchronized dance. It’s...
ambitious. Maya and Bri laugh, then join them. The dance
becomes chaos--but joyful.
Julie enters. Red dress. Hair down. She’s radiant.
Jason sees her. Stunned. Smiles like he’s seeing her for the
first time. He walks over.
JASON
It’s about time you let your hair
down.
JULIE
You think this is letting it down?
Wait till I start dancing.
Jason laughs. She smiles. They step onto the dance floor.
The song ends. Students cheer. Nathan bows dramatically,
kazoo in hand.
Rico gives Nathan a mock salute.
RICO
(to Nathan)
Hijo, you’re a menace. But you’re
my kind of menace.
He turns to the mic.
RICO (CONT’D)
(into mic)
That was, “All I Want for Christmas
Is You” kazoo-enhanced. You’re
welcome.
He glances at Nathan, lowers the mic.
RICO (CONT’D)
(to Nathan)
Take a break, kid. This is my
spotlight tonight.
Nathan gives a mock bow.
NATHAN
Respect, maestro. I’ll be back for
the encore.
Nathan melts into the crowd--cool, calm, collected.
Rico smiles.
Near the bleachers, Kevin, in a tux, chats with Single Mom,
dressed in a sleek black dress.
SINGLE MOM
I’m technically chaperoning.
Kevin runs his fingers over his lapel--mock suave.
KEVIN
I didn’t think you’d recognize me
in my formal armor. It’s rented.
But it’s working.
She laughs.
SINGLE MOM
I recognized the cologne. Still
smells like confidence and
cafeteria coffee.
Kevin grins, corrects her gently.
KEVIN
A hint of vanilla.
She leans in, playful.
SINGLE MOM
Oh, baby--there’s nothing vanilla
about you.
Kevin’s eyes light up. He raises his punch glass.
KEVIN
To punch, polyester tuxes, and the
best surprise of my night.
The lights dim slightly. A slow instrumental begins.
Jason turns to Julie. Offers his hand.
JASON
May I have this one, too, Principal
Bowman?
She nods. Takes his hand. They step onto the dance floor.
Slower now. Closer. He spins her. Brings her back into his
arms.
JASON (CONT’D)
You look beautiful.
Julie smiles.
JULIE
You’re just saying that because I’m
not holding a clipboard.
JASON
No. I’m saying it because it’s
true. Both inside and out. This
night is possible because of you.
JULIE
No. Because of us.
They dance. The cranes sway above them. The music carries
them forward.
Lucy stands near the crane display. She holds the final
crane. Unfolds it.
INSERT HANDWRITTEN WISH: “I wish my mom could come home for
Christmas.”
She refolds it. Places it on the stand. In the middle.
The music fades. The crowd quiets. The gym doors open.
A WOMAN in military uniform steps in. Eyes searching.
Lucy turns. Sees her.
LUCY
Mom?
They run to each other. Embrace.
The lights grow brighter.
Julie watches. Jason beside her.
JULIE
The wish came true.
JASON
The legend. It held.
Coach Eric sobs into his whistle.
Ming raises his punch bowl ladle like a torch.
Lucy and her mother hold each other. The final crane glows in
the light.
Rico’s band plays a soft instrumental of “Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas.” Nathan adds a gentle kazoo harmony.
The lights dim. The music fades.
JASON (V.O.)
Sherwood Heights still isn’t fancy.
The roof leaks. The vending machine
eats dollars. And the inflatable T-
Rex still doesn’t fit through the
front door.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming of Age","Holiday"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Echoes of Joy
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Empty now. A single crane hangs from a locker.
JASON (V.O)
But if you listen closely--beneath
the echoes and the quiet--you’ll
hear something else.
INT. GYMNASIUM - NIGHT
Lucy dances with her mom. Surrounded by Maya, Bri, Marcus,
and Thomas.
Julie laughs with Jason.
Coach Eric watches, sniffling into his punch. Not from
sadness--just too much joy for one whistle to hold.
Near the bleachers, Kevin and the Single Mom share a slow
dance--even though the song isn’t slow.
JASON (V.O.)
Wishes. Not the kind you wrap in
glittery paper. The kind you fold,
quietly... and watch come true.
FADE OUT: