EXT. SEATTLE WASHINGTON / PARK - DAY
SUPER: APRIL 3, 2020
An empty city park. No joggers. No bicyclists.
Swings, slides, see-saws, climbing frames all void of
children - roped off with bright yellow warning tape.
A MAN (70s), sits alone on a park bench. Coffee cup in hand,
rests on his lap. He stares at a nearby lake, ducks glide
across the glassy blue water. Snow-capped mountains frame the
backdrop. Serene.
The dull THUDS of a horse’s hooves against the walkway
disturbs the stillness.
A MOUNTED OFFICER approaches. Stops in front of the Man. The
sunlight catches the Officer’s riding helmet’s full face
visor just enough to make him faceless.
MOUNTED OFFICER
(commanding)
What’s in the cup?
The Man lifts the cup. Stares at it a beat.
MAN
Coffee. No sugar, no milk. Plain.
Old-fashioned. Black. Coffee. Just
the way I like it.
MOUNTED OFFICER
I need you to remove the lid.
The Man stares straight ahead, eyes narrow with contempt, his
hand tightens on the cup before he removes the lid. The cup
is empty.
The officer slips a small citation book from inside his
uniform jacket.
MOUNTED OFFICER (CONT’D)
Your name?
The Man finally looks up at the Officer. Sighs.
MAN
Is that really necessary?
MOUNTED OFFICER
Regulations are in place for public
safety.
The Man gestures at the emptiness surrounding him, shakes his
head, exhales, tugs a blue surgical mask out from inside his
coat pocket.
A second goes by before he secures the mask’s loops over his
ears and with an exaggerated inhale, fills his lungs to
capacity with fresh mountain air.
Glaring, he slowly slips the mask over his nose, stands,
tosses the empty cup into the nearby trashcan, steps away.
MARIA (V.O.)
This man liked his coffee the old
fashioned way - his way, his
choice. We all had choices once. We
thought they were simple. We didn’t
realize how quietly they’d slip
away.
The Officer turns, watches the Man stroll off.
MOUNTED OFFICER
(less authoritative)
Consider that your warning, Sir.
MARIA (V.O.)
And that’s how it began. Not with
sirens or speeches. But with an
empty cup. And a mask tucked in a
coat pocket.
Wind carries the echo of the Mounted Officer’s horse as he
trots away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SEATTLE WASHINGTON / PARK - DAY
SUPER: MAY 2019
The park filled with PEOPLE (all ages).
The sound of CHILDREN’S LAUGHTER floats on the breeze as they
frolic on the playground.
TWO ROWING TEAMS - 4 crew members to each shell - race across
the lake.
JOGGERS move along the winding path that cuts through the
lush green park, earbuds in.
MARIA MARTINO (mid 60s), medium build, long dark hair
streaked with grey pulled into a ponytail, walks her yellow
lab.
Maria smiles at a YOUNG BOY (4), holding a baseball mitt. His
FATHER, a few feet away, gently tosses the ball to the child.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A Moment of Triumph
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL / BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
Dressed in a team-branded shirt, DAVID MARTINO (40s), dark
hair, strong medium build, stands off to the side of the
third base line. He scans the players, bases loaded.
BRADY MARTINO (16), tall and slender, takes a few practice
swings. He steps up to home plate, settles into his stance,
looks to David.
David glances at the scoreboard, like he needs a reminder:
INSERT SCOREBOARD
Bottom of the seventh. Two outs. Guests 12 Home 8.
BACK TO SCENE
David slowly nods.
The CATCHER crouches.
The PITCHER winds up.
CRACK. The bat meets ball. It arcs high toward centerfield.
David squints into the sun, watches the ball sail.
The CENTERFIELDER backs up... backs up...
The CROWD NOISE swells as PLAYERS immediately advance.
In the dugout TEAMMATES edge forward, tense with suspense.
Brady rounds first base as the ball flies over the fence.
CHEERS erupt from the home-side bleachers, packed with FAMILY
MEMBERS.
Maria, SERENA MARTINO (40s), pretty, petite, her long,
straight, shiny brown hair flows out the back of a baseball
cap, and MATTEO MARTIN0 (8), cute, with a mischievous glint,
spring from their seats.
Matteo SCREAMS a little too loudly.
David exhales. Smiles.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Cost of Commitment
EXT. SEATTLE YOUTH BALLET - DAY
Trees line the sidewalks of this historic district.
A large building with arched windows, separated by columns
and ornate details, sits among other impressive architecture.
INT. SEATTLE YOUTH BALLET - DAY
YOUNG BALLERINAS (ages 10-15), all in pink leotards with hair
pulled back tightly into a bun, fill the room. All eyes on
the instructor, MISS ALONSO (30s), elegant, strong, light on
her feet.
She guides them through a beautiful adagio practice - a
series of slow, controlled, graceful movements performed in
the center of the studio, on the shiny hardwood floor, away
from the barre.
ISABELLA MARTINO (13), with long, slender arms and legs,
stands out among the rest. She is exactly what you picture
when you think of a ballerina.
Isabella takes her eyes off the Instructor to glance at the
large clock on the wall - time 5:45. She misses a beat, just
barely. Momentarily loses her balance. Hardly noticeable,
but not missed by the Instructor.
LATER
Isabella quickly gathers her things, hurries toward the door.
She catches her reflection in the studio mirror, pulls her
long hair from the bun, shakes it out.
MISS ALONSO (O.S.)
Isabella?
Isabella turns back, faces her Instructor.
MISS ALONSO (CONT’D)
May I speak to you?
Isabella returns to the center of the studio.
MISS ALONSO (CONT’D)
I noticed you were a bit
distracted.
ISABELLA
I didn’t realize this was an
extended practice session. It’s my
brother’s last game of the season,
and I wanted to be there for him.
MISS ALONSO
You have the lead, dear.
(a beat)
How much do you want the lead?
ISABELLA
More than anything, Miss Alonso.
MISS ALONSO
Then sacrifice.
(a penetrating stare)
Do you understand?
Isabella looks down for just a beat. Her toes flex inside her
slippers. She returns her attention to her instructor.
ISABELLA
Yes, Miss Alonso.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Home Run Victory
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS - DAY
Isabella, on her bike, pedals fast, wind tugs at her loose,
long curls. A gym bag jostles on her back. Her ballet
slippers dangle from the handlebars.
She passes FAMILIES gathered on porches, an ice cream shop, a
COUPLE walking their golden retriever.
An echo of a distant CRACK! - a baseball struck. A surge of
cheering follows, faint but rising.
Isabella rounds the corner toward the high school.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL / BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
The sun burns low. Golden light shimmers across the diamond.
Bleachers vibrate with tension.
INSERT SCOREBOARD
Bottom of the 9th. 2 outs. Score 12-12
BACK TO SCENE
Brady paces near the dugout, bat in hand. Sweat stains his
collar. His eyes flick toward the crowd - stop. He sees his
sister.
SIDE FENCE
Isabella drops her bike by the fence, breathless. She waves.
Brady nods in return.
BLEACHERS
Maria nudges Serena. Serena looks toward Isabella.
SERENA
She made it.
Matteo jumps off the bleachers, runs over to the fence.
DUGOUT
David stands by the dugout, points toward the field.
DAVID
Let’s finish this, boys!
SIDE FENCE
Isabella rests her chin on her folded arms atop the fence.
MATTEO
You missed the best hit of the
season.
ISABELLA
I’ll see the final one.
FIELD
Brady steps up to the plate. Dust rises from his cleats.
The stadium lights flicker - their glow mingles with the last
blush of sunset.
Brady locks eyes on the Pitcher. Bat cocked. Jaw set.
Pitcher winds up. Releases.
CRACK. The ball slices through the dusk - another high, clean
arc over centerfield.
Brady runs. First base. Second. Third.
The crowd erupts as the ball, once again, clears the back
fence.
SIDE FENCE
Matteo hoots and hollers.
Isabella claps with her whole body - flushed from the ride,
the day, the discipline, and this perfect reward for her
brother.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Reflections Under the Moonlight
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - NIGHT
The crowd has thinned. Distant cheers still echo like embers.
David loads Isabella’s bike into the back of their SUV.
Serena directs Matteo into the car, trying to shush his
excitement.
Maria glances at the family before stepping into her own car,
gives a last wave to Brady and Isabella as they lag behind.
BRADY
Thought you’d missed it.
ISABELLA
Technically, I missed the beginning
of the end. But not the real
ending.
(serious)
Sorry I was late though. Couldn’t
get out of this practice.
BRADY
Miss Alonso chew you out?
ISABELLA
Not really. Just reminded me what
(finger quotes)
‘sacrifice’ means.
(hesitates)
Is it worth it? All the pressure?
The moon peeks over the stadium lights, catches Brady’s eye.
BRADY
Some days I think I play for me.
Others... I think I play for Dad.
(MORE)
BRADY (CONT'D)
For scouts. For everyone who
expects me to swing for the stars.
Isabella slowly nods, she understands.
BRADY (CONT’D)
So... you gonna dance tomorrow?
ISABELLA
Like my feet were never tired.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Moments of Reflection
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Maria slips out of her shoes with a sigh of relief, relaxes
back on the sofa. Her lab leaps up beside her, lays down,
rests her head on Maria’s lap. Maria rubs its head, massages
its ears.
The room, warm and inviting. Family pictures grace the walls,
line the fireplace mantle, adorn the end tables.
Maria lifts a journal from the end table, takes the pen
beside it, and writes.
MARIA (V.O.)
May 23, 2019. Brady cleared the
fence tonight - not once, but
twice. His swing was clean, full of
hope. I’ve seen so many young men
swing hard at life and miss, but
not him. Not tonight.
Maria pauses in thought.
MARIA (V.O.)
Isabella arrived breathless, ballet
shoes dangling, late but present.
She’s growing so fast. Her grace
doesn’t need music anymore - it
follows her into a room like light.
She smiles.
MARIA (V.O.)
Matteo, of course, shouted louder
than everyone, as if his lungs run
on rocket fuel.
She sighs.
MARIA (V.O.)
These are the moments you tuck
away.
She looks at a photo setting on the mantel - her younger self
with her late husband, Richard.
MARIA (V.O.)
Oh, I so wish you were here to
share it with me.
She closes the journal.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Defending Patient Safety
INT. HOSPITAL NURSES’ STATION - DAY
Maria, solemn in demeanor, in RN light blue scrubs, stands
before the NURSE SUPERVISOR (40s), who scans a medical chart.
NURSE SUPERVISOR
The attending logged a formal
complaint. Said you went against
protocol.
Maria remains composed, a look of defiance in her eyes.
MARIA
The patient’s chart flagged an
allergy to that medication. I
wasn’t going to gamble with
anaphylaxis.
The Supervisor sets the chart down, meets Maria’s eyes.
NURSE SUPERVISOR
You didn’t just go against
protocol, you went against him.
Maria remains steady, soft spoken.
MARIA
I’ve been a nurse for forty years.
I’ve earned the right to speak up
when something’s wrong.
A beat.
NURSE SUPERVISOR
And he’ll escalate it.
MARIA
(remains calm)
Let him. My duty’s to the patient,
not some young doctor’s ego.
The Supervisor watches her a moment, her tone softens.
NURSE SUPERVISOR
That patient was lucky to have you.
We’re lucky to have you.
Maria relaxes slightly. A small grateful smile.
MARIA
I trust my gut. Always have. Always
will.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Moments of Reflection
EXT. SERENA’S BEAUTY PARLOR - DAY
A side street lined with mom-and-pop shops.
INT. SERENA'S BEAUTY PARLOR - DAY
A small, two-chair shop.
The salon glows in amber light. A diffuser drifts lavender
mist into the air. Music hums softly.
Serena gently wraps a warm towel around the shoulder of MRS.
GREENE (60s), who sits relaxed beneath the dryer.
MRS. GREENE
Ah, that feels nice on these old
bones.
SERENA
Straight out of the dryer.
Serena checks the temperature switch on the hair dryer.
SERENA (CONT’D)
Too hot?
MRS. GREENE
You always ask, and it’s always
just right.
SERENA
That’s the plan.
Serena steps over to the counter, folds a few clean robes
with precise care.
MRS. GREENE
How’s your little one? That Matteo
is a live wire.
SERENA
(smiling softly)
Gift from God. Loud, sparkly gift
with zero off switch.
MRS. GREENE
Did you ever think - three kids? I
remember when you only had two.
SERENA
David and I were... well, close to
done. Almost forty. Felt like we
were finally sleeping through the
night.
Serena glances at a group of small framed photos on the
counter. She picks one up, turns it to face Mrs. Greene.
INSERT PHOTO: Matteo in a superhero cape, arms wide, eyes
shining.
SERENA (CONT’D)
Then came him. He doesn’t ask to be
understood. He just wants to be
allowed.
MRS. GREENE
He’s lucky to have you as his
mother. I swear you have the
patience of a saint.
Serena’s eyes get misty for a moment.
SERENA
Matteo makes me better at this - at
slowing down. At listening. Even
when he’s bouncing off the walls.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Heartfelt Connection
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
MR. YANKO (mid 80s), lies in bed. Eyes closed. Thin, frail.
Maria enters, places a small pitcher of fresh water on his
cart, along with a protein drink. She glances at the monitor -
blood pressure and heart rate steady.
She touches his forehead, like a mother checking a child’s
fever. He stirs, eyes open. A boyish twinkle.
MR. YANKO
Careful, young lady, you keep
touching me like that, I’ll start
thinking I’m twenty again.
MARIA
Easy now, Casanova. That heart
monitor’s got limits.
(more serious)
How you feeling?
MR. YANKO
I’m breathing easier now that
you’re here.
MARIA
You scared me yesterday. I don’t
need you charming your way out of a
crisis.
MR. YANKO
No, seriously, I’m feeling much
better. I think that medicine was
making me loopy.
MARIA
Sometimes that happens. Different
people react differently to
different medicines. But, don’t
worry - we’ll get you back up on
your feet again.
She softly squeezes his hand. Straightens his blanket, then
walks over to the whiteboard on the wall in front of his bed.
She erases her name beside RN, replaces it with Sharon.
MARIA (CONT’D)
My shift’s over, so you be nice to
Nurse Sharon and I’ll see you
tomorrow.
MR. YANKO
Gotta hot date?
MARIA
Yeah. With my granddaughter.
(wags a finger)
Now, be good. And eat all your
dinner, okay?
Mr. Yanko makes a gagging motion. Maria gives him the eye.
MR. YANKO
Now don’t you worry that pretty
little head’a yours. You’re not the
only one with a date. I have a date
with my granddaughter, too - she’s
bringing me McDonald’s.
MARIA
What would we ever do without
family?
He nods, they exchange smiles. Maria leaves the room.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
A Night of Grace and Growth
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Seats filled.
Maria sits by Brady. Next is Matteo, practically vibrating
with energy. Beside him, an empty seat - then David, a
bouquet of flowers on his lap, reading the recital program.
BRADY
(whispers to Matteo)
Whadaya got ants in your pants? Sit
still!
MATTEO
(smirks)
Ants in my pants. Ants in my pants.
(leans in close to Brady)
And now they’re crawling on you.
One... two... three...
Matteo taps Brady’s arm like little legs. Brady twitches,
brushes Matteo’s hand away.
BRADY
Cut it out.
MATTEO
They’re sneaky ants. Army ants.
Marching up your neck.
(grins)
They love warm places. Like...
behind ears.
Brady swipes his neck.
BRADY
I swear, kid, if I start itching -
MATTEO
Ants! Millions of them. They’re
dancing on your head.
MARIA
(softly, half-amused)
Matteo, sweetheart. Tone it down or
you’re sitting in the ant-free zone
- by me.
Matteo straightens like a soldier - briefly.
Brady side-eyes him, scratches.
Serena rushes down the isle. The Martino family rise to let
her slide through, into the empty seat.
SERENA
(whispers to David)
Sorry I’m late.
(soft chuckle)
One last highlight turned into a
therapy session. Maybe I should
start charging by the emotion.
BRADY
You’re not late, sweetheart. You’re
right on time.
The auditorium lights dim, the spotlight hits the stage. The
curtain rises. The young BALLET COMPANY pirouettes on.
Center stage - Isabella - a poised and graceful princess.
Ballerinas glide in perfect formation. Their sequined
costumes catch the light like frost on morning petals.
Isabella leads them with quiet command. Her movements fluid
and intent. Her leaps are weightless. Her body tells a story.
Matteo sits perfectly still - awestruck by the beauty.
LATER
The AUDIENCE applauds. The Martino family beams with pride.
The Ballerinas take their bow.
BACKSTAGE LATER
The Martino family gathers around Isabella, still in costume,
cheeks flush with pride and glitter.
MATTEO
You were amazing! Like... ballerina
royalty. Do ballerinas get
knighted? ‘Cause I’d totally sword
you.
ISABELLA
(laughs)
Thanks, Matteo. But I think I’d
prefer a diamond tiara.
DAVID
(offering the bouquet)
No, tiara, but these are royal
enough.
(teases)
They cost more than my last oil
change.
SERENA
That’s because you drive a
dinosaur.
They laugh, especially Matteo.
Maria gives Isabella a hug. Glitter transfers to Maria’s
cheek.
ISABELLA
Did you see the leap?
MARIA
I saw you fly.
Two fellow dancers, HEATHER and REESE (13), rush up to
Isabella and hug her.
HEATHER
You crushed that solo!
REESE
We’re getting milkshakes after. You
in?
ISABELLA
Can’t. Family night. Rain check?
HEATHER
Only if you promise to bring Brady.
The two friends eye Brady.
Brady and a FRIEND (16), the lighting tech, are deep in
conversation.
The girls giggle, rush off whispering.
Miss Alonso approaches from the wings.
MISS ALONSO
Isabella.
(smiles)
You didn’t just dance tonight - you
led.
Isabella straightens, glows.
ISABELLA
Thank you, Miss Alonso.
MISS ALONSO
You earned it.
Miss Alonso places a hand on Isabella’s shoulder.
MISS ALONSO (CONT’D)
And you reminded me why I teach.
Miss Alonso gives a nod to the family, disappears into the
backstage bustle.
Maria watches, quietly moved. She touches her cheek, notices
the glitter Isabella left behind.
MARIA (V.O.)
She used to twirl in the kitchen -
bare feet, messy bun, a wooden
spoon for a wand. Now look at her.
Graceful. Fierce. Every movement
says “I am here.”
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Coming-of-Age"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Family Dinner Dynamics
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - DAY
A spacious kitchen hums with activity. Steam curls from a
casserole dish. Clinking glasses. Folded napkins.
Maria pours ice tea.
Serena plates salad.
David slices roast chicken.
Brady, Isabella, and Matteo gather at the table.
MATTEO
(eyes wide)
I get the drumstick, right? I won
M.V.P. of hallway dodgeball.
BRADY
You dodged the principal, not the
ball.
ISABELLA
He dodges homework like a ninja.
Someone nominate that.
DAVID
That’s enough, you three.
Drumsticks are a democracy tonight.
MARIA
Then let’s vote before Matteo
campaigns with pudding bribes.
Laughter fills the room as everyone sits.
BRADY
Dad, you think scouts might want
some game footage? These road teams
should --
SERENA
You’re doing the traveling team
again this summer? I thought we
decided to take a break, enjoy some
family getaways before you went off
to college?
BRADY
(jokingly)
We are. That’s the definition of
(finger quotes)
‘traveling’ teams.
His joke falls flat. Serena looks sad. She sets down a
serving spoon a bit too sharply.
DAVID
We’ll fit a vacation in, don’t
worry. But Brady needs to stay
sharp. This is it. Senior year.
MARIA
Just remember, Brady - don’t put
all your eggs into one basket.
Brady looks puzzled.
DAVID
What your nonna means is that you
should always have a backup plan.
Brady nods, absorbs the layers of expectations.
ISABELLA
Miss Alonso says if I want to keep
the lead, I have to sacrifice more.
SERENA
Like what?
ISABELLA
Time. Friends. Normal stuff. She
makes it sound like ballet is life.
MARIA
Life without joy isn’t life at all.
A hush. Isabella looks down at her plate.
Maria softly reaches over and gently taps her hand - a quiet
reassurance.
DAVID
(to Maria)
Matteo’s school wants us to meet
with a behavioral specialist.
SERENA
They’re mentioning A.D.H.D again.
And medication.
A pause. Maria exhales.
MARIA
I still think food, rest, movement -
those matter. Don’t rush to label.
DAVID
They’re just saying he’s
disruptive.
MATTEO
They just don’t get me!
MARIA
(smiles at Matteo)
That’s right, sweetheart. You’re
spirited. Curious. Sometimes your
brain’s ahead of your body.
Matteo’s brows furrow.
MATTEO
What?
He tries to look up at his forehead.
MATTEO (CONT’D)
That sounds like Frankenstein!
BRADY
(big grin)
He does kinda remind me of
Frankenstein, now that you mention
it.
Isabella stifles a laugh. Matteo puts on a Frankenstein
stance.
SERENA
Still... what if we’re missing
something?
MARIA
Or what if he just needs more
trees, less screens, and someone
who lets him be a superhero?
Matteo flexes for dramatic effect.
Brady hums a superhero theme.
MARIA (CONT’D)
(raises her glass)
To stubborn brains, wobbly
pirouettes, baseball dreams, and
unconditional love.
SERENA
You forgot one.
MARIA
Hmm?
SERENA
To patience.
Maria studies Serena. She knows what it takes out of her.
MATTEO
And pudding bribes!
Matteo and Brady both reach for the one remaining drumstick.
Maria smiles.
MARIA (V.O.)
What would we ever do without
family?
Their laughter fades.
In between bites, Matteo hums his superhero theme.
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Labels and Imagination
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFICE - DAY
The sterile office hums with a low buzz.
David and Serena sit side-by-side across a long desk.
Maria sits just behind them - not officially part of the
meeting, but very much present.
Across the desk, a YOUTHFUL COUNSELOR (late 20s), with an
open file and anxious smile, and MRS. RIVERA (30s), Matteo’s
teacher - warm but weary.
COUNSELOR
Matteo is bright - verbal,
imaginative. But his classroom
focus... well, it’s inconsistent
and disruptive to peers.
SERENA
He’s energetic. He learns
through... movement. Sitting still
doesn’t come easy to him.
MRS. RIVERA
We understand that. But his energy
often overrides my instruction.
We’re recommending evaluation for
A.D.H.D. Possible medication
support.
A quiet breath from Maria.
DAVID
What kind of medication?
COUNSELOR
Standard stimulants. Ritalin.
Adderall. Vyvanse. Nothing extreme -
just to help regulate his
attention.
The Counselor double-checks his folder.
COUNSELOR (CONT’D)
Mister Martino, I see you’re also a
teacher, so I can imagine you’ve
had to deal with this kind of
behavior before.
DAVID
P.E. and varsity baseball coach. I
love energy.
The Counselor nods.
MARIA
Is he falling behind academically?
MRS. RIVERA
Not yet. But I see it coming. He’s
on the edge - the signs are there.
And it’ll get harder every year.
Mrs. Rivera sees the worry on Serena’s face.
MRS. RIVERA (CONT’D)
Mister and Missus Martino, your son
is gifted - but hard to reach.
Maria folds her hands quietly.
MRS. RIVERA (CONT’D)
We just want to help him succeed.
SERENA
We all do.
The tension thickens.
DAVID
(quietly)
We’ll consider your suggestions.
COUNSELOR
Good. That’s all we ask. With
summer break coming, the first
place you may want to start is with
Matteo’s pediatrician. Here’s a
copy of our recommendation.
The Counselor hands a few papers to David.
COUNSELOR (CONT’D)
I need you both to read it over and
sign the top copy for our records.
MARIA (V.O.)
We sat in this room today. Clean
walls. Neutral tones. Language
designed to reassure us. But it
didn’t feel neutral - not to me.
David and Serena read each line, ask questions (inaudible).
Maria watches. Listens.
MARIA (V.O.)
They called Matteo “disruptive”. I
call him curious. They said he was
“hard to reach”.
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / BEDROOM - NIGHT
Maria lies on her bed, propped up by decorative pillows. Her
dog curls beside her, a silent companion. Her journal rests
on her bent knees. She writes.
MARIA (V.O.)
I say his imagination has wings,
and most of us... well, we forgot
how to fly.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Balancing Play and Responsibility
EXT. MARTINO HOUSE / BACK YARD - DAY
Dressed in a superhero cape, Matteo jumps on a small back
yard trampoline. Arms stretched forward, ready to take off.
Today, he’s Superman.
MARIA (V.O.)
I wanted to speak more - wanted to
ask if they’ve ever had a child do
a triple cartwheel while telling a
joke, and with perfect timing, land
the punchline like a pro. He has a
wonderful sense of humor for his
age... But I didn’t. I folded my
hands and breathed.
EXT. PARK PLAYGROUND - DAY
Matteo hangs upside down from the monkey bars. Maria listens
to something he’s saying (inaudible). She throws her head
back in laughter. The yellow lab gets excited, licks Matteo’s
face.
MARIA (V.O.)
David holds steady. Serena holds
more than she lets anyone see.
Maybe it’s easier to medicate than
to understand.
INT. MARTINO HOUSE - DAY
The living room a wreck. Matteo’s toys scattered everywhere -
Legos, books, capes, crayons.
MARIA (V.O.)
I will walk gently beside this
family of mine. I will not rush
their decision. But I will ask
questions no one else thinks to
ask.
INT. PEDIATRICIAN’S OFFICE - DAY
Matteo sits between Serena and Maria.
The DOCTOR (40s), answers Maria’s questions. (inaudible).
MARIA (V.O.)
I wrote once, “What would we ever
do without family?” Today I wonder:
What happens when family isn’t the
one deciding anymore?
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Navigating Parenthood: A Night of Decisions
INT. DAVID AND SERENA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Serena lies under the comforter, flips through Matteo’s
school recommendation form.
David sits at a small desk, researches A.D.H.D. on his
laptop.
SERENA
I read it again. Twice.
DAVID
Me, too. Didn’t change the third
time either. And what I’m finding
on the internet isn’t helping. So
many pros and cons - how do we make
this decision?
A long pause.
SERENA
I don’t want to medicate him. I
really don’t.
DAVID
Me neither. But I also don’t want
him to feel like he’s failing at
eight years old.
She looks at him - eyes tired, unsure.
SERENA
What if the medicine quiets the
noise too much? What if it dulls
what makes him... him?
DAVID
What if it helps him focus? Helps
him feel proud, not just...
tolerated?
SERENA
I keep thinking about what your mom
said. That sometimes gifted kids
are just misinterpreted? That their
wings don’t fit the desk.
David chuckles softly.
DAVID
Yeah. I remember Matteo telling her
- and I have no idea where he came
up with this one - but he said his
brain was “a cheetah chasing
marshmallows”.
Serena shakes her head with a smile.
DAVID (CONT’D)
And she said, “Good. Marshmallows
need chasing”.
They share a laugh - a light moment in the heaviness.
SERENA
I love that about him... There’s a
rhyme to his reason. We just have
to take the time to find it.
DAVID
So. Maybe we wait. See what fall
brings. Try more structure. Mom’s
list - sleep, play, protein, fewer
screens.
SERENA
And trees.
DAVID
Plenty of trees.
David closes his laptop and climbs into bed, turns the light
off.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
A Christmas of Change
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / LIVING ROOM - DAY
SUPER: DECEMBER 25, 2019
A decorated tree glows in the corner. Presents sit in little
piles for each child. The sound of a crackling fire mixes
with faint music from the kitchen radio - Nat King Cole’s
“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.
Matteo darts across the room in mismatched socks, holding a
freshly unwrapped science kit and a tube of glitter.
MATTEO
I’m gonna make slime with glitter
and call it Mind Dust!
DAVID
Just promise me Mind Dust doesn’t
stain couch cushions. Okay, buddy?
Matteo’s eyes flick between the glitter and the couch fabric.
He nods, but clutches the science kit a little tighter. He’s
trying. He wants to get it right.
David hands Isabella a wrapped box.
She unwraps ballet-themed jewelry - tiny silver pointe shoes.
Her eyes widen. She quietly slips them onto her wrist.
ISABELLA
They’re beautiful. Thank you.
Serena stands near the kitchen doorway, sips coffee. She
watches her children, loving every minute of it.
Brady pulls a new pair of cleats from his box and grins,
holds them like a trophy.
BRADY
If these give me a scholarship, I’m
never taking them off.
SERENA
What do I always tell you, Brady?
BRADY
What?
SERENA
Clothes don’t make the man --
BRADY
-- it’s the attitude. But, Mom,
these are M.X.B. Metal Boa’s!
Maria sits in a comfy armchair, watches the scene unfold, her
yellow lab at her feet.
Maria’s gaze lingers on Serena, who helps Matteo decipher
chemical symbols.
MARIA (V.O.)
I used to think Christmas was about
giving. But today I think it’s
about witnessing - seeing the
people we love show up in new ways.
Matteo rushes over and drops a small gift into Maria’s lap.
MATTEO
For you, Nonna! I made it in
secret.
Maria unwraps a hand-drawn superhero card: Captain
Compassion.
MARIA
Captain Compassion? That’s me?
MATTEO
Yup!
MARIA
Do you even know what that means?
MATTEO
Yup. You save feelings.
Maria pulls Matteo into a hug. Holds him tight. Her eyes
drift to the window. Outside, snow falls softly.
MARIA (V.O.)
Little did we know our lives were
about to change.
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
A Quiet New Year's Eve
INT. HOSPITAL / BREAKROOM - NIGHT
A wall-mounted TV plays a local news segment.
INSERT TV SCREEN
Footage of the Space Needle bathed in shifting colors,
pulsing beams of light.
ANCHOR (V.O.)
For the first time in twenty-six
years Seattle’s spectacular
fireworks show was cancelled due to
high winds. In its place, a virtual
light show illuminates the skyline.
BACK TO SCENE
A YOUNG NURSE (20s), scrolls her phone.
ANOTHER naps under a fleece blanket.
A plate of cookies sits beside the coffee machine.
Maria, in her blue scrubs, stands alone at the window, coffee
cup in hand.
Outside, the trees bend. The wind howls.
DOCTOR STEPHENS (O.S.)
So how’d you get roped into working
this shift?
Maria turns to see DOCTOR STEPHENS (50s), short, glasses,
thinning hair, friendly-looking.
She smiles.
MARIA
Doctor Stephens. Happy New Year...
Julia needed the night off. She had
plans.
DOCTOR STEPHENS
Well, it seems to be a quiet night
for a change. Maybe it’s the start
of that happy healthy new year
everyone wishes for.
The sleeping nurse awakes with a cough.
Doctor Stevens glances back.
DOCTOR STEPHENS (CONT’D)
Or maybe not.
(nods toward the cougher)
It is that time of year.
MARIA
Did you see the Times today?
Doctor Stephens shakes his head, takes a sip of coffee.
Maria pulls her phone from her pocket, finds the article,
shows him.
INSERT PHONE SCREEN: Dozens treated for pneumonia of unknown
cause in Wuhan.
MARIA (CONT’D)
And the Chinese government
confirmed it.
Doctor Stephens takes her phone, reads quickly.
DOCTOR STEPHENS
Hmm. That’s not the usual vague
phrasing. When the Times prints it
like that, someone’s whispering
louder than usual.
MARIA
Doesn’t sound like the seasonal
flu. And “unknown cause” in
December... that’s not nothing. Do
you think it could be another scare
like SARS, MERS?
DOCTOR STEPHENS
It’s early. Maybe a cluster. But
yeah - if it’s real, C.D.C. won’t
take long to respond. At least
we’re better prepared now.
He hands her phone back. Tosses his empty cup into a nearby
trashcan.
DOCTOR STEPHENS (CONT’D)
Gotta get back to rounds.
He leaves.
Maria screenshots the article, saves it to a folder labeled
“watch.”
She returns to the window. Outside, the wind gusts against
the glass.
MARIA (V.O.)
There were no fireworks that night.
Just a light show and high winds.
It felt strange - like the world
was holding its breath. And
somewhere far away, something
exhaled. Not celebration. Not
relief. Just the first quiet ripple
of something multiplying.
Genres:
["Drama","Medical"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Game of Normalcy and Change
EXT. REC CENTER PARKING LOT - NIGHT
SUPER: January 15, 2020
Early evening.
Cloudy skies. Light rain falls.
KIDS in oversized sweatshirts swarm into the center like
eager bees, rush through the raindrops.
FAMILY MEMBERS lag behind, shielded by their umbrellas.
INT. REC CENTER - NIGHT
The hardwood floors shine brightly, divided into 4 sections
of courts by small bleachers filled with SPECTATORS.
Matteo, on the team bench, squirms impatiently, watches his
TEAMMATES (ages 6-8), waits for his turn.
David, arms folded, eyes focused on each player on the court,
stands off to the side of his team, next to the score keeper.
His ASSISTANT COACH (late 20s), bends down in front of
Matteo.
ASSISTANT COACH
Okay, Matteo, you’re up. Shoes tied
tight?
MATTEO
Triple knotted.
The Coach gives him a fist bump.
Matteo leaps off the bench, takes a knee beside his father.
David gives him a thumbs up.
The REFEREE blows his WHISTLE. As one PLAYER comes off the
court, he passes Matteo with a hand slap.
Matteo rushes out to replace his position. The game resumes.
Matteo got skills - constant movement, quick bursts of speed
guards the OFFENSIVE PLAYER.
David smiles. Glances across the court at Serena, Maria,
Brady and Isabella on the spectator bleachers.
MARIA
He found his tree.
SERENA
Yes, he did.
Brady scrolls his phone, looks at University sites.
ISABELLA
You know, Mom, I think Matteo could
use some dance lessons. It might
help him move more gracefully.
Serena smiles.
A DEEP COUGH from a nearby FATHER standing in the corner,
just a few feet from the bleachers.
Maria turns toward the man. Her eyes blink.
MARIA (V.O.)
What none of us realized - until
later - is how often change doesn’t
arrive with sirens. Sometimes it’s
a cough in a crowded gym.
Unremarkable. Easily dismissed. But
I remember the sound. Something
inside me stopped.
The basketball bounces. The sound echoes.
Matteo sprints.
The crowd cheers.
And in the corner of the bleachers, a quiet breath shifts the
air.
MARIA (V.O.)
We blinked. And by the time we
opened our eyes, everything had
changed.
Genres:
["Family Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
The Calm Before the Storm
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
SUPER: JANUARY 18th, 2020
The hallway hums with low fluorescent light.
Maria walks toward the nurses’ station with calm, steady
steps. A few charts tucked under her arm.
MARIA (V.O.)
On January eighteenth it reached
Washington. Our home.
(MORE)
MARIA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Something invisible had already
crossed the threshold. That’s when
we stopped blinking.
NURSES’ STATION
The desk is quiet. Phones hum, not ring. A clipboard labeled
E.O.C. MEMO - PRIORITY REVIEW rests beside a half-empty box
of surgical masks.
Maria flips through charts, glances at her notes.
A PASSING NURSE (20s), whispers to a MALE NURSE (20s), behind
her hand. They glance toward the PPE storage closet - now
marked with yellow neon tape: ACCESS RESTRICTED.
Doctor Stephens approaches, holds a printed article.
INSERT HEADLINE: Confirmed Washington Case
DOCTOR STEPHENS
(to Maria)
They’re calling it “novel”.
(pause)
The Governor just activated the
Emergency Operation Center. Came
down from the C.D.C. twenty minutes
ago.
MARIA
That was fast.
DOCTOR STEPHENS
Too fast to ignore.
He walks away.
Maria notices the yellow restricted sticker peeling at one
corner.
MARIA (V.O.)
The E.O.C. held protocols. Everyone
else held silence.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Unraveling Normalcy
INT. SERENA'S BEAUTY PARLOR - DAY
SUPER: MARCH 2, 2020
In a stylish smock, Serena - scissors in hand - cuts layers
into a CLIENT’s hair (50s), while a SECOND CLIENT sits under
the dryer, scrolling her phone.
A small wall-mounted TV, volume turned low, barely audible. A
NEWS ANCHOR discusses Governor Inslee’s declaration of a
State of Emergency.
CLIENT # 1
You’d think with everything they’ve
seen, they’d tell us to wear masks.
SERENA
Actually, the C.D.C. said it might
do more harm than good.
CLIENT # 1
That doesn’t make sense. What harm
could it do?
SERENA
They think people won’t use them
properly. Or they’ll hoard them. My
mother-in-law told me the hospital
she works at is already short of
these supplies.
CLIENT # 1
Still feels strange. All this talk.
No real answers.
Serena nods, eyes flick to the TV, where the word “Covid-19”
scrolls at the bottom of the screen in bold red.
MARIA (V.O.)
Advice shifted. But we kept
styling, dancing, dreaming - living
life as normal, until the day it
stopped.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Unforeseen Disruption
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL / BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
SUPER: MARCH 13th, 2020
Late afternoon sun. Crisp wind.
STUDENTS (ages 14-18), run warm-up laps along the edge of the
fence.
Metal bleachers set empty.
David, clipboard in hand, stands near the dugout.
Brady, glove in hand, chats with two other SENIORS by third
base. One adjusts his cap, the other stretches his arm.
David calls the team in.
DAVID
Alright, listen up.
Everyone circles around him.
DAVID (CONT’D)
This year isn’t just another season
- especially for you seniors.
(gazes at their faces)
Some of you want scholarships. Some
just want that one perfect game to
hold onto. Either way - we start
with discipline. Commitment. And
hustle.
SENIOR # 1
Coach, are the scouts still coming
to opening game?
DAVID
They’re scheduled to. And until
someone says otherwise, we play
like they’re watching.
David glances toward Brady, who tightens his cleats.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Brady? You ready to lead?
BRADY
I’m more than ready.
David nods, proud.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MARTINEZ (40s), approaches David.
MARTINEZ
Sorry to interrupt. School board
just called. The governor has
ordered all K-through-twelve
schools in the state to close for
six weeks, effective March
seventeenth.
David exhales.
MARTINEZ (CONT’D)
We’re switching to remote learning.
The team freezes.
DAVID
What about spring sports?
MARTINEZ
We don’t have the answers yet.
Whispers ripple through the players.
BRADY
Wait... so this is it?
No reply. Just the wind.
MARIA (V.O.)
They came for the swings, the
drills, the promise of spring.
Their plans evaporated. But
emotions didn’t.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Fractured Plans
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - NIGHT
The kitchen quiet. A few dishes dry on a rack. A half-eaten
casserole sets cold on the stove.
Brady leans against the counter, scrolls his phone.
INSERT: College websites, flooded with Covid-19 updates.
David enters the back door. Tosses his jacket on the coat
rack, keys in a bowl. Glances at the dried-up casserole.
DAVID
Guess I missed dinner.
Brady doesn’t reply, keeps scrolling.
David sees the concern written all over his son’s face.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Well, they’re still figuring things
out.
(reassures)
It’s temporary. They said six
weeks. That’ll take us to April
twenty-fourth.
BRADY
We’ll miss half the season! Why
can’t they just let us play? We’ll
be outside. No contact. It’s not
like we’re wrestling.
DAVID
I know. I know.
BRADY
(angry)
I was ready. I was finally ready.
(voice quivers)
I worked so hard. For what?
DAVID
People were watching you, Brady.
They saw your heart, your
discipline, your grit. None of that
disappears because the field’s
empty.
Serena, Isabella, and Matteo enter the back door.
Isabella, eyes red, quietly walks through the room and down
the hallway.
David sends Serena a questioning look. She shakes her head.
Matteo’s all smiles, excited.
MATTEO
(to Brady)
Did you hear? We don’t have to go
to school for six whole weeks!
BRADY
(glares at Matteo)
Just shut up, Matteo!
Brady storms out of the room.
Matteo’s smile flickers. He watches Brady disappear down the
hallway.
MATTEO
(softly)
What’s wrong with everyone? I was
just... happy.
Serena steps in gently, crouches beside him.
SERENA
Hey... I know you didn’t mean to
upset your brother, but Brady’s
hurting a little right now. He had
big plans, remember?
MATTEO
I had plans, too! I was gonna do my
superhero science fair with slime
and lasers - defending our planet
from alien takeover.
David approaches.
DAVID
And Mind Dust - can’t forget that.
That was pretty cool. I bet they
have that on Mercury.
MATTEO
No, Dad, Mercury’s gray. It’s Mars.
Member? I used red glitter.
DAVID
Oh, how could I forget? My socks
are still glowing.
David tousles his hair.
SERENA
Okay, now - go get ready for bed.
I’ll be up in a minute.
Matteo rushes off. His smile’s back. Half-way down the hall
he springs upward - off his feet - reaches for the ceiling...
or is it the stars?
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Shift in Reality
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / KITCHEN - DAY
SUPER: MARCH 23, 2020
Maria, in fresh scrubs, sits at a small table, a half-eaten
sandwich in front of her. She sips her coffee. Her yellow lab
curled at her feet.
A morning game show plays on the small TV perched atop the
refrigerator. BREAKING NEWS interrupts the broadcast.
ON TV: GOVERNOR INSLEE stands at a podium, flanked by
REPORTERS.
GOVERNOR INSLEE
“The disruptions we are
experiencing are different and
challenging - and unprecedented in
our lifetime. But they are
necessary. We must bend the curve.
And if we all do our part, these
temporary disruptions will save
countless lives.”
Maria leans back in her chair with a sigh.
MARIA (V.O.)
And so it began, the statewide Stay
Home - Stay Healthy order marked a
profound shift - from rising
concern to full scale control.
Maria’s cell phone, laying on the table beside her, rings.
Serena’s photo lights up the screen. She answers.
MARIA
Hi, Serena... Yes, I was
watching... I don’t know. I just
don’t know.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Battlegrounds of Care
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Maria enters, slips her blue surgical mask over her nose, and
walks into the eerily quiet lobby. A large sign rests on an
easel in the middle of the entryway: UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
VISITATION IS RESTRICTED.
A masked SECURITY GUARD patrols the entrance. He nods as she
passes.
ELEVATOR
She enters the empty elevator. Slips out of her coat.
THIRD FLOOR
She exits the elevator.
The sound of a mop bucket squeaks nearby. A JANITOR nods at
her through fogging goggles.
Soft beeps of monitors. A distant page.
PAGE (V.O.)
Doctor Stephens, please call
extension one two three. Doctor
Stephens, extension one two three.
She passes a room, glances in at the faint sound of voices
singing “Happy Birthday”. A FEMALE PATIENT (40s), lies in the
bed, holds her cell phone, watches her family on a FaceTime
call. Her eyes mist up as she smiles bravely.
Maria’s jaw tightens. She heads to the employee breakroom.
BREAKROOM
One lone nurse, JESSICA (30s), stands at the window, looking
out, while on her cell. She watches an ambulance pull into
the entrance.
JESSICA
(into phone)
I’m being transferred to the Covid
unit.
Maria opens her locker, hangs her coat and purse on the hook.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
(into phone)
They said it’s out of their hands.
It’s where I’m needed... I’ll be
okay. I’ll probably be late, so
don’t wait up... Love you, too.
Jessica exhales, slips her cell into her pocket.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
(to Maria)
Patient-to-nurse ratio just went up
on this floor.
Maria nods.
MARIA
Stay safe, Jessica.
Jessica breaks a slight smile and leaves.
MARIA (V.O.)
Hospitals didn’t feel like
sanctuaries anymore. They felt
more like battlegrounds - and we
were the frontline.
Genres:
["Drama","Medical"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Resilience in the Chaos
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
An overcrowded E.R. PATIENTS lie on gurneys outside occupied
rooms.
Gloved, gowned and masked NURSES move from patient to
patient. Vitals documented. Patients swabbed for testing.
ER DOCTORS in N95s keep their distance, issue orders.
A YOUNG NURSE rushes from a cubicle, unable to hide her
tears.
MARIA (V.O.)
I wonder if the patients know their
nurses are overwhelmed - scared of
making a deadly mistake. Scared of
catching it themselves. Scared of
taking it home to their own
families.
An OLDER NURSE (50s), approaches the Young Nurse.
OLDER NURSE
Everyone’s out of their comfort
zone, honey. Just hang in there.
The Young Nurse nods, lowers her head a moment. She
straightens her posture, takes a deep breath beneath her
mask, enters another cubicle.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Virtual Learning Chaos
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / ISABELLA’S BEDROOM - DAY
A virtual classroom blinks to life on an open Chromebook.
Isabella, surrounded by books and journals, sits in a hoodie,
cross-legged on her bed.
On the wall behind her, the word DREAM spelled out in big
pink letters.
BRADY’S BEDROOM
Baseball posters. A shelf of trophies. A dusty guitar case
leans in a corner, a worn baseball shirt tossed over it.
Brady sits in front of a small desk, focused. He flips
through his virtual school slides. Answers questions.
GARAGE
An open Chromebook sits on a utility shelf.
David stands in the middle of the garage floor, in gym shorts
and a school district T-shirt, gestures to his webcam.
DAVID
(cheerfully)
They want movement-based learning.
I sure hope everyone has some room.
We’ll start with ten jumping jacks -
and if you don’t have the space for
that, give me ten pushups.
LIVING ROOM
Serena enters, laundry basket in hand. She spots Matteo doing
a somersault.
Matteo sees her and smiles.
Serena shakes her head, points at a Chromebook open on the
coffee table. The sound of a classroom in progress.
MRS. RIVERA (V.O.)
And who can identify this shape?
Before waiting to be called on, a child yells out the answer.
CHILD’S VOICE (V.O.)
That’s an octagon!
Matteo’s smile evaporates. He sighs, takes a seat on couch
cushions piled next to the table.
MRS. RIVERA (V.O.)
Very good, Connie.
INSERT CHROMEBOOK SCREEN
In the center of student faces is Mrs. Rivera’s.
Matteo’s face now appears in an empty block.
MRS. RIVERA (V.O.)
(on screen)
I’m glad you decided to rejoin us,
Matteo.
MATTEO
I was listening, Missus Rivera -
and exercising at the same time. I
can multi task. A somersault’s a
moving circle.
The sound of students’ chuckles.
MRS. RIVERA (V.O.)
(on screen)
In order to get credit for these
classes, Matteo, you must stay
seated - just as you would in my
classroom. Do you understand?
MATTEO
Yes, Missus Rivera.
MRS. RIVERA (V.O.)
(on screen)
Is your mother nearby, Matteo.
SERENA (O.S.)
Yes, Missus Rivera. I am nearby.
MRS. RIVERA (V.O.)
(on screen)
Very good. Just in case Matteo
needs direction.
BACK TO SCENE
Serena collapses into the recliner. She folds towels with
urgency - a need to release some steam - as she keeps an eye
on Matteo.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Kitchen Conversations: Navigating Parenting Worries
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - NIGHT
Serena chops vegetables for a salad.
David stands at the stove, flips pork chops in the skillet.
SERENA
Is this what she did to him in
class? Made him the center of
attention? I mean, she didn’t
correct the child that blurted out
the answer without being called on.
DAVID
It’s hard to say, you know Matteo -
he probably somersaults through
every subject... And man created
the wheel.
Serena looks puzzled.
David twirls his fingers, makes a rolling motion.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Ancient history.
Serena shakes her head with a slight smile.
SERENA
It’s not the somersaults that worry
me. It’s the tone. Like he’s
already failing before the day
begins.
David sets the spatula down, turns toward her.
DAVID
You don’t think she’s singling him
out, do you?
SERENA
I think she’s trying to keep
control. But Matteo’s not made for
boxes. He listens and learns - even
if he’s upside down while doing it.
Serena slides chopped carrots into a bowl, her motions tight.
SERENA (CONT’D)
He’s only eight. And every time she
says, “Is your mother nearby,” it
cuts - like I’m failing, too.
DAVID
You’re not. Look, we shouldn’t
expect parents to drop everything
and become full-time co-teachers.
Serena leans against the counter.
SERENA
I know, right? Thank goodness Brady
and Isabella are old enough to
handle this themselves.
David leans beside her, puts an arm around her shoulder.
DAVID
(gentle)
You’re doing everything right,
Serena. That’s what I see - every
day.
Serena wipes her hands. Her confidence returns.
SERENA
Tomorrow I’m emailing her. He needs
movement breaks. In fact, I think
all eight-year-olds need movement
breaks.
DAVID
You want me to chime in, back you
up?
SERENA
No. I want you to teach him
baseball in the backyard when class
ends. Chasing balls and laughing.
(MORE)
SERENA (CONT'D)
I want him to feel like he’s a
winner.
David nods.
DAVID
Coach mode. Got it.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Missed Connection
INT. MARTINO’S HOUSE / UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - LATER
David knocks on Brady’s bedroom door. No answer.
BRADY (O.S.)
Hey, man! You stole my kill.
David opens the door.
Brady sits at his desk, headset on. A video game plays on his
laptop. Brady notices his father, moves one earpiece away
from his ear.
DAVID
I’m going outside with your brother
- play a little ball. Wanna come?
BRADY
I’m in the middle of a game, Dad.
DAVID
Hmm... okay.
David closes the door. Pauses a moment, walks away with a
sigh.
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Day of Play and Practice
EXT. MARTINO HOUSE / BACK YARD - DAY
Large, fenced-in. Tall evergreens run down the one side, and
a raised garden area on the other.
Matteo stands at the farthest end from the house, grips the
bat. His knees wobble.
DAVID
Alright, slugger. Eyes on the ball.
David tosses the ball gently.
Matteo swings - off balance - and falls to the ground. He
feigns being stabbed by the bat.
MATTEO
Ah, you got me that time, Sir
Batalon. But I shall not yield!
DAVID
That was a close one, buddy. Wanna
try again?
MATTEO
I can do this all night, Dad!
Matteo leaps up, retrieves the ball, winds up, and launches
it wildly into the garden.
DAVID
Wow! You got an arm on you, son.
Matteo flexes his muscles.
DAVID (CONT’D)
I’m gonna teach you how to use that
power to hit your target.
MATTEO
Target?
DAVID
Yes - picture whoever you’re
throwing to as your target.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Let me do it again, Dad!
Matteo runs into the garden for the ball.
Matteo faces his dad, locks eyes on his target, and throws.
Like a pro, David stretches to catch it.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Bull’s-eye!
Matteo beams. Cartwheels back to his bat and into his wobbly
batting stance.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Now, this time - let’s plant those
feet, like a strong oak in the
ground, so the bat can’t knock you
off ‘em.
Matteo stomps the ground, spies the bat with a look that says
he’s ready for a bat-tle.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Now, slightly bend your knees.
Genres:
["Family","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Moments of Grace and Frustration
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / LIVING ROOM - SAME
Classical music plays.
The furniture pushed back, creating a small open space.
Isabella, in ballet slippers, poses in front of the TV -
tuned to a YouTube Ballet Tutorial.
TV SCREEN (V.O.)
And from the third position, we
rise - graceful, controlled...
Isabella follows along beautifully. She lifts, turns - her
toe connects with a lamp.
CRASH. The lamp hits the floor. Bulb shattered, shade bent.
Isabella freezes.
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / BRADY’S BEDROOM - SAME
Brady slams his desk.
BRADY
You stole my kill again!
A voice crackles through his headset.
GAME VOICE (V.O.)
That’s because you suck at this
game, bro!
Irritated, Brady exits the game. Yanks off his headset.
He glances across the room at the dusty guitar case, hidden
underneath the dirty baseball shirt. He walks over to it.
Tosses the shirt into a small nearby clothes hamper. Picks
the case up and slowly removes the guitar from it, unsure.
He strums once. The sound rough, but familiar.
He adjusts the tuning pegs. Plays a chorus - imperfect, but
real.
From outside, Matteo’s laughter floats in.
Brady walks to the window, looks out into the backyard.
Genres:
["Family","Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
One More Pitch
EXT. MARTINO HOUSE / BACK YARD - DAY
The sun sets.
MATTEO
Just one more, Dad. I know I can do
it!
DAVID
Okay, one more. It’s gettin’ dark.
Matteo grips the bat, knees bent, feet planted.
David pitches.
Matteo’s eyes lock on the ball.
CRACK! A clean hit. The ball sails past David.
MATTEO
Whoa! Did you see that?
David whoops, arms in the air.
Matteo runs a circle - no bases needed.
INT. BRADY’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Brady breaks a smile.
BRADY
(to himself)
Way to go, kid.
A knock on the door.
Brady turns away from the window.
Isabella peeks in.
ISABELLA
Can we talk?
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Shopping in Isolation
INT. GROCERY STORE - EVENING
80s music plays overhead - ironically upbeat.
A few SHOPPERS wander the store, carts full. Some masked,
some not. They all keep their distance.
Arrows drawn at the ends of each aisle, point in one
direction only.
Serena, in jeans and a faded gray hoodie, pushes her half-
filled cart. A mask hangs unused from her wrist.
She grabs a box of Matteo’s favorite cereal - the kind mixed
with tiny marshmallows.
She turns into the paper aisle. Shelves half empty. A sign
posted by the toilet paper reads: LIMIT TWO PER CUSTOMER.
Serena takes her two. Moves onto the cleaning supply aisle -
her cart slows.
Empty shelves. No sanitizer. No Lysol. No anti-bacterial
wipes. All gone - except for one lone bottle of an off-brand
bleach.
Serena stares at it.
She retrieves her dangling mask. Slowly slips it over her
nose.
MARIA (V.O.)
And fear grew fangs. On April
third, the C.D.C. changed their
guidance. Masks were no longer
optional. They were armor.
Serena places the bleach in her cart. She glances at the
other shoppers - eyes dart, avoid contact.
MARIA (V.O.)
We stopped seeing smiles. Started
measuring trust in inches.
Serena approaches the checkout line. A masked CASHIER stands
behind a Plexiglas shield. On the floor, shoe prints
designate a six-foot distance between each shopper.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Family Bonds Amid Uncertainty
EXT. MARTINO HOUSE / BACK YARD - NIGHT
The flood light illuminates the yard. Brady tosses a frisbee
to Maria’s yellow lab. The dog anticipates the flight path,
springs into the air, and lands with the frisbee in her jaws.
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - SAME
Maria stands at the kitchen window above the sink, watches
Brady and her dog. She smiles.
EXT. MARTINO HOUSE / BACK YARD - SAME
Isabella performs a perfect jete’. She’s graceful, even
bundled up for the cold evening air.
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - NIGHT
Maria watches her beautiful granddaughter. Her smiles fades.
MARIA
I worry for these children.
David stands behind his mom.
DAVID
They’re strong and healthy, they
say --
MARIA
I don’t mean physically as much as
I mean mentally. Their whole lives
stopped on a dime. They weren’t
prepared for this.
David places his hand of her shoulder.
DAVID
None of us were, Mom.
Serena enters through the side door that leads to the garage,
arms loaded down with grocery bags.
DAVID (CONT’D)
I’ll get the rest.
Serena smiles.
SERENA
They’re drawing arrows on the
grocery floor now. One way in, one
way out. And feet. Like something
out of a sci-fi movie.
Maria nods, quiet.
MARIA
I was telling David, I won’t be
stopping as often for a while. The
hospital’s locking down tighter.
Visitor restrictions. Even off-duty
staff are being asked to limit
contact.
Serena leans against the counter, eyes tired. She exhales.
SERENA
Why don’t you just retire? You’ve
got the years. You’ve done your
part. We worry about you, Maria.
MARIA
Yeah. That’s what David said. But
they need me now - now more than
ever.
SERENA
(sighs)
I understand... but I still wish
you’d reconsider it.
Serena notices a large box filled with items setting on the
counter.
SERENA (CONT’D)
What’s all this?
MARIA
(smiles warmly)
A care package.
Serena lifts a box of cereal from it - Cheetah Chomps. She
reads the box.
SERENA
Organic. Hmm... I’ve never bought
these. Will he eat them without the
marshmallows?
David returns, arms loaded. Goes back out for more.
MARIA
He does at my place. Made out of
real fruits and vegetables. And
part of the profits go to save
endangered animals. He likes that
he’s saving cheetahs one bowl at a
time.
Serena pulls out more items - honey, dried dates, vitamins.
She holds up a large bottle of Elderberry Airborne gummies,
with a slight roll of the eyes.
MARIA (CONT’D)
Because I care. Please make sure
you all take them every day. It
helps keep your immune system
strong.
Serena nods.
David brings in the last load.
Brady, frisbee in hand, enters. Followed by Isabella, with
Maria’s yellow lab.
The sound of footsteps pounds down stairs.
SERENA
(calls out)
Slow down, Matteo!
Matteo bolts into the kitchen, all excited, something hidden
behind his back.
MATTEO
Ta dah!
He proudly presents his super duper face shield, glistening
with rainbow glitter. He places it on his head, lowers the
shield over his eyes. It resembles a psychedelic helmet of a
medieval knight.
Maria kneels beside Matteo, gently adjusts its shoelace
straps under his chin.
MARIA
You’re ready for battle, Sir
Sparkle.
MATTEO
Nothing’s gonna get to my nose!
He notices the Cheetah Chomps cereal on the counter and jumps
over to it. Lifts his visor, stares at the front of the box,
and turns to Maria.
MATTEO (CONT’D)
He chased the marshmallows away
again, Nonna!
Serena and David’s eyes meet. They get it now.
MATTEO (CONT’D)
But that’s okay. I’m saving noses
and cheetahs!
Maria’s gaze lingers on her entire family, putting the
groceries away.
LATER
Maria, jacket on, dog at her feet, opens the door to leave.
Matteo rushes over, wraps his arm’s around her waist for a
hug. Embraces her.
MATTEO (CONT’D)
Bye, Nonna.
Maria pats his back.
MARIA
Remember what they say about social
distancing.
He looks up at her.
MATTEO
You mean six feet? Six feet’s too
far, Nonna.
Maria’s hug lingers - like she doesn’t want to let go.
MARIA (V.O.)
And so it began. The lockdowns
deepened. Protocols multiplied. We
stopped hugging. Stopped gathering.
Started counting days by case
numbers.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
A Call of Concern
INT. HOSPITAL / HALLWAY - DAY
Maria, in surgical mask and gown, walks from a patient’s
room. She removes her blue gloves.
Dr. Stevens approaches, also masked, but in his usual white
coat.
DOCTOR STEPHENS
You have a call at the desk.
MARIA
Missus Delisio has some questions,
if you have the time.
He nods, walks away, into a patient room.
Maria walks to the
NURSES’ STATION
The CHARGE NURSE looks up.
CHARGE NURSE
The granddaughter of a former
patient of yours - Mister Yanko -
wants to speak with you. She sounds
pretty upset. Extension three.
Maria takes a seat, picks up the receiver, pushes the
blinking light.
MARIA
(into phone)
This is Maria Martino, may I help
you.
GRANDDAUGHTER (V.O.)
(voice shaky)
Missus Martino, my name’s Alicia
Yanko. I brought my grandfather
back to the hospital today. He was
having trouble breathing. They
wouldn’t let me stay with him.
MARIA
Yes, Alicia, I’m sorry to say -
visitation is restricted for the
time being. Do you know what floor
he’s on?
GRANDDAUGHTER (V.O.)
Yes. He’s in the Covid unit.
Maria closes her eyes for a second. Rests her forehead in her
hand. Exhales.
MARIA
So he has Covid?
GRANDDAUGHTER (V.O.)
I’m not sure, but I’m afraid he
does. He kept getting weaker and
weaker. He didn’t want to come...
I don’t know if you remember him,
but he spoke so highly of you, that
I thought maybe you could find out
more. I’m not getting much
information.
(breaks down)
I don’t want him to die alone.
Maria hears Alicia’s stifled sobs.
MARIA
I’m wrapping up my rounds on
Cardiology now.
(MORE)
MARIA (CONT'D)
I’ll check on him before I head
home. And Alicia... I know this is
hard, but you’ll need to quarantine
- at least until we get his test
results back.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Moment of Connection
INT. HOSPITAL / COVID UNIT - LATER
NURSES, unrecognizable in their face shields and personal
protective equipment, fill the halls. Some enter rooms, while
others stand at a cart, enter data into their laptops.
The sound is different on this floor. Low beeps drowned by a
rhythmic whooshing - a machine inhales and exhales air.
Somewhere an ALARM sounds, a nurse hurries into a room.
All 36 glass cubicles, with special ventilation systems,
house a patient.
Maria now in a gown, mask, and face shield, slowly walks down
the hall, glances into the patient rooms.
MARIA (V.O.)
Parents, grandparents, sons,
daughters, neighbors, friends - all
fighting this horrible virus alone
in an isolated room.
Nurse Jessica looks up from her laptop, notices Maria.
JESSICA
Maria? What are you doing on this
floor?
Maria turns her head. Caught off guard, she pauses. She
notices a piece of tape with a name handwritten, stuck to
Jessica’s protective gown.
MARIA
Jessica... I’m sorry, I didn’t
recognize you. I... I promised a
patient’s granddaughter that I’d
check on them. Mister Yanko. Do you
remember him from Cardiology?
JESSICA
(sadly)
I do. I didn’t know he was here.
I’m just starting my rounds.
Jessica glances at her laptop, scrolls, reads.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
He’s in room thirty-four. But you
know the protocols - you shouldn’t
be on this floor.
Maria turns away.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
Maria.
She turns back.
JESSICA (CONT’D)
He has a living will on file. We’re
following his wishes.
Maria exhales, nods. Walks down the hall and into
ROOM 34
Mr. Yanko lies in bed. Shallow breaths. No ventilator, no
intubation - just a nasal cannula, supplying him oxygen.
Maria looks at the monitor. Blood pressure 79/49. Heart rate
line peaks and valleys. Oxygen level 86.
His eyes open.
MR. YANKO
(barely above a whisper)
I thought I felt someone staring at
me.
Maria smiles.
He still recognizes that smile by the sparkle of her eyes.
MR. YANKO (CONT’D)
Well, well. My favorite nurse.
MARIA
How you feeling, Mister Yanko?
He inhales, followed by a slight cough.
MR. YANKO
I’ve seen better days.
Maria slides a chair over to his bed, sits.
MARIA
Your granddaughter called me. She’s
worried about you.
Mr. Yanko smiles.
MR. YANKO
She’s a blessing, that one. Takes
after her grandmother.
He withdraws a small photo from the pocket of his hospital
gown. Stares at it for a brief moment, turns it toward Maria.
MR. YANKO (CONT’D)
My Anna. We were married for fifty-
nine years. I had a wonderful life.
Maria looks at the picture.
MARIA
She’s lovely.
MR. YANKO
She’s waiting for me on the other
side, you know.
Maria nods. Her eyes fill with tears.
MR. YANKO (CONT’D)
I miss her so.
He brings the photo to his lips, then to his heart.
Another ALARM is heard in a nearby room.
MR. YANKO (CONT’D)
The sounds of a hospital. How do
you stand it?
He coughs. Struggles to catch his breath. His monitor beeps a
warning.
Maria reaches underneath her gown, pulls her cell phone from
her pocket.
MARIA
Maybe we can drown out the noise.
She taps her phone. The song PERFECT by Ed Sheeran plays.
MR. YANKO
Anna loved this song.
He closes his eyes. Smiles as if bringing back a fond memory.
He reopens his eyes, stares at Maria.
Maria takes his hand in hers.
He smiles again, closes his eyes.
EXT. HOSPITAL / PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Maria crosses the parking lot. Rain soaks through her
clothes. She doesn’t rush.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Echoes of Love and Loss
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / BATHROOM - NIGHT
Steam fills the room.
Maria showers. The stream of hot water cascades over her,
mixing with her tears. Desperate to wash the day away, she
scrubs her skin roughly.
LIVING ROOM - LATER
Maria enters, wrapped in a robe. Her Labrador trails close
behind. She sinks into the couch, remote in hand, flicks on
the TV.
INSERT TV SCREEN
A news broadcast. An image of an elderly woman appears - she
stands behind the glass of a nursing home window, one hand
pressed against it.
Below, the Covid tracker scrolls. The numbers climb.
BACK TO SCENE
Maria clicks off the TV. Silence returns.
She rises, crosses to the fireplace, lifts a framed wedding
photo - her and Richard, young and smiling.
She holds it close. Closes her eyes.
“Perfect” begins to play - soft and familiar.
Maria sways gently, alone in the quiet room. She dances with
a memory.
BEGIN FLASHBACK MONTAGE
-A sunlit reception hall.
Maria (20s), radiant in her wedding gown, twirls in the arms
of her strong, handsome groom, RICHARD (20s).
Laughter. Music. A kiss mid-spin.
-A SOFTLY LIT HOSPITAL ROOM.
Maria lies in bed, exhausted but glowing. A newborn baby boy
cradled in her arms. Richard stands beside her, eyes misty,
pride etched across his face.
-A DUSTY BALL FIELD IN LATE AFTERNOON.
Children scattered across the diamond.
Young DAVID (5), steps up to the T-stand, grips the bat. He
swings - CRACK! The ball soars.
Richard leaps from the sidelines, cheers.
Maria claps from the bleachers, smiling wide.
-A WEDDING RECEPTION UNDER STRING LIGHTS.
MARIA (40s), dances with a groom - DAVID (20s), now grown and
beaming.
RICHARD (40s), spins the beautiful bride - SERENA (20s).
The four share a glance across the dance floor. They smile.
END FLASHBACK MONTAGE
LIVING ROOM
Maria continues her dance - slow, deliberate, like she’s
following Richard’s lead.
RICHARD (V.O.)
(soft echo)
When the music ends, just close
your eyes. I’ll be there.
The song fades from her memory. Maria replaces the photo to
the mantle.
MARIA (V.O.)
I watched too many leave without a
hand to hold. But I held his.
(MORE)
MARIA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And in that moment, it felt like we
were all holding on - for someone,
somewhere.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Pandemic Reflections
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - DAY
The hum of a morning news broadcast fills the room.
SUPER: APRIL 6th, 2020
Serena stands at the stove, flips pancakes.
The radio murmurs in the background - another update on
closures.
David enters, phone in hand.
DAVID
I don’t believe this! The state
extended the order. Schools are
done for the year.
He pours a cup of coffee, shakes his head.
SERENA
I heard. I can’t open my shop
either. “Non-essential.” My clients
don’t think it’s non-essential. My
appointment book was full. I don’t
know what I’m gonna do.
David places a hand on her shoulder - gentle, comforting.
His expression shifts. He inhales.
DAVID
I gotta talk to Brady. See what our
options are. He may have to accept
the offer from U-Dub, play for the
Huskies.
Serena nods.
SERENA
Maybe he can transfer to U.S.C.
next year.
David slams his fist on the counter.
DAVID
(under his breath)
Damn it.
(louder)
(MORE)
DAVID (CONT'D)
He missed it all. He worked so hard
and it was taken away from him! No
campus visits, meeting coaches -
the whole recruitment experience!
David notices Serena watching him. Softens.
DAVID (CONT’D)
I just... I wanted him to have that
moment.
Serena reaches out and hugs him. They cling to each other.
MARIA (V.O.)
No proms. No award ceremonies. No
formal graduations and the parties
that follow. A generation robbed of
their special moments.
A door CREAKS open upstairs. Footsteps descend.
Brady enters - hoodie half-zipped, earbuds dangle. His eyes
are puffy. Sleep elusive. He pauses at the doorway, sensing
the heaviness in the room.
BRADY
You saw the update?
David nods.
DAVID
Yeah. We were just talking about
it.
Brady grabs a pancake from the stack. Eats it plain.
SERENA
You okay?
BRADY
I mean... it’s not like I didn’t
see it coming. But it still sucks.
Brady leans against the counter, chews slowly.
DAVID
We’ll figure it out. U-Dub’s still
a solid offer.
Brady finishes his pancake. Wipes his hands on his hoodie.
BRADY
I just wanted one normal goodbye.
One last game. One last handshake.
I was captain this year.
He exhales, forces a half-smile.
BRADY (CONT’D)
Guess I’ll just have to earn it
somewhere else.
David studies his son - proud, but sad.
Serena steps forward. Brady shakes his head. No comfort, not
now.
INTERCUT MONTAGE
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Quiet Resilience
INT. MARIA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A small lamp casts a warm glow.
Maria sits at her desk, pen in hand. A blank card rests in
front of her.
MARIA (V.O.)
A generation taught to grieve in
isolation. To celebrate milestones
behind closed doors. But even
apart, we held each other. Quietly.
INT. BRADY’S BEDROOM - SAME
Brady sits crossed-legged on his bed, guitar in hand. A
notebook lies open beside him - half-filled with scribbled
lyrics and crossed out lines.
He strums softly.
A melody emerges - tentative, raw.
Brady sings, so softly you can hardly hear him.
BRADY
No final inning, no last swing. No
dugout cheer, no brass ring. But
I’ve still got the rhythm, still
got the flame. And I’ll find my
field - make them know my name.
He pauses. Reworks the chord progression. Plays it again -
stronger this time.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Virtual Connections and Real-World Constraints
INT. ISABELLA’S BEDROOM - SAME
Isabella lies on her stomach across her bed, legs bent at the
knees, feet swaying. Her phone plays a silly TikTok dance
video, muffled against a pillow.
Her laptop glows nearby. A Zoom call in progress.
Heather and Reese appear in their little squares, laughing.
HEATHER (V.O.)
I bet they got whiplash after
filming that.
REESE (V.O.)
We should make a video! Maybe sneak
out, meet somewhere. I miss you
guys.
HEATHER (V.O.)
I can’t. My mom’s freaking out
about this virus.
Their smiles fade.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Reflections of Isolation
INT. MARIA’S BEDROOM - SAME
The sound of a pen scratching against paper. Maria writes.
MARIA (V.O.)
Dear Alicia, I sat with your
grandfather that night. He smiled
when I played a song your
grandmother loved. He held her
photo to his heart. He knew love,
and he felt it again in that
moment.
She pauses. Her eyes mist.
INT. BRADY'S BEDROOM - SAME
From the hallway, faint laughter echoes.
Brady glances toward the door, then back at the notebook.
He writes: Earn it somewhere else.
INT. ISABELLA'S BEDROOM - SAME
Isabella gazes at a snow globe on her nightstand - a
miniature Waltz of the Snowflakes scene from The Nutcracker.
Tiny dancers frozen mid-spin.
She picks it up, gently shakes it. The flakes swirl. She
holds it in view of her laptop.
ISABELLA
I miss you guys, too. It’s like
we’re all stuck in our own little
snow globes. Same room. Same walls.
Just spinning in place.
INT. MARIA’S BEDROOM - SAME
Maria signs the card. She exhales - a quiet resolve.
MARIA (V. O.)
I know this isn’t the goodbye you
hoped for. But I want you to know
he wasn’t alone. He was seen. He
was held. And he was loved.
Maria places the card inside an envelope. Her hand lingers.
END INTERCUT MONTAGE
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Connecting Through Music and Memory
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / DINING ROOM - DAY
David, Serena, Brady, Isabella and Matteo gather around the
dining table. A large ham and a baking dish filled with
lasagna sit at the center. Bowls of side dishes pass from
hand to hand.
SERENA
(to Brady)
I heard you practicing last night.
Didn’t think I’d ever hear that old
guitar again.
Brady shrugs.
BRADY
I was bored, Mom.
SERENA
Well, it sounded nice. I loved the
melody. Nonna always said you had
an hear for music.
Matteo looks around the table. Something’s missing.
MARIA (V.O.)
Even apart, we held each other. In
music. In memory. In motion.
Matteo jumps up from his seat.
MATTEO
I’ll be right back.
He runs into the hallway.
MATTEO’S BEDROOM
Matteo grabs his iPad.
DINING ROOM
Matteo returns, iPad in hand.
DAVID
No screentime at the table. You
know better than that, Matteo.
MATTEO
I’m gonna FaceTime Nonna. She needs
to be here, too!
Everyone shares glances. They rise, step behind Matteo.
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Easter Reflections
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / KITCHEN - DAY
Maria sits at her small kitchen table. She’s dressed in her
Sunday best. A cup of coffee beside her, her laptop open in
front of her. A Zoom church service plays on the screen.
ON SCREEN
The PRIEST stands alone at the altar, delivering his homily.
BACK TO SCENE
Maria’s phone rings. She rises, finds it on the counter.
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / DINING ROOM - SAME
Matteo stares at his screen, the family stand behind him.
INSERT SCREEN: Nonna’s face.
INTERCUT BETWEEN SCREEN AND DINING ROOM
Maria smiles faintly.
MARIA (V.O.)
Easter came and went, small dinners
with immediate family only. No
sunrise service. No ringing of the
bells. No joyful hymns.
Maria waves.
MARIA
Happy Easter, everyone.
ISABELLA
We miss you, Nonna.
END INTERCUT
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / KITCHEN - DAY
In the background the Priest’s voice, faint and echoing.
PRIEST (V.O.)
He is risen.
Maria lays her phone back down on the counter, glances out
the screen of the open back door that leads to her back yard.
Daffodils sway gently in the breeze.
Her Labrador lays on the back porch, sunning herself.
MARIA (V.O.)
I dressed for church anyway. Sat in
silence while the screen flickered.
I whispered “amen” to no one. And
prayed for the day we’d gather
again.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Caution in the Digital Age
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / BEDROOM - DAY
Maria sits at her computer desk, robe loosely tied, a cup of
tea cooling beside her. Her dog lays at her feet.
She opens Facebook:
INSERT COMPUTER SCREEN
Maria scrolls the feed - past family photos, casserole
recipes, masked selfies and memes about toilet paper.
She shares a meme, shaped like a sun, that reads: “Vitamin D
delivery, courtesy of Mother Nature. Immune system says
thanks.”
A red notification blinks. She clicks on the message icon.
Reads.
LENA’S MESSAGE
Hi, Maria! Haven’t seen you on here
in ages.
Maria types back.
MARIA’S MESSAGE
I know, right? Got some free time
on my hands with this lockdown.
Thought I’d catch up.
LENA’S MESSAGE
Heard you were quarantined.
MARIA’S MESSAGE
Yes. Going back to work tomorrow.
I’ll be glad to get out of this
house.
LENA’S MESSAGE
Never realized how dangerous
nursing is, until now. Stay safe.
We appreciate you.
MARIA’S MESSAGE
Thank you, Lena.
LENA’S MESSAGE
Oh, and more thing. Be careful what
you post.
MARIA’S MESSAGE
What do you mean? Like what?
LENA’S MESSAGE
I’ve gotten warnings for posting
articles on the benefits of
Ivermectin. I’m one step away from
Facebook jail. :)
BACK TO SCENE
Maria stares at the screen. Her smile fades.
INSERT COMPUTER SCREEN
She scrolls back to the meme she just posted - bright yellow
sun, cheerful font. No warning label. Not yet.
She clicks open Lena’s profile:
A recent post is grayed out, flagged: “This content has been
removed for violating community standards.”
Another post about masks is labeled: “Misinformation.”
Another about lockdown protests: “Missing Context.”
Maria clicks on the comment section. One reply reads:
“Careful. They’re watching.”
BACK TO SCENE
Maria clicks out of Facebook. She stares at the blank desktop
screen, its glow soft against her face.
Outside her window birds chirp faintly. But inside, it feels
quieter - not peaceful, just muted.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
A Day at the Park
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / SMALL OFFICE - DAY
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Serena flinches. She sits at a cluttered desk, phone pressed
to her ear. A stack of unpaid bills spread out before her. A
client calendar is open - appointments crossed out in red.
SERENA
(into phone)
Yes, I understand. I’ll reschedule
once we reopen... No, I don’t know
when that’ll be... Okay. Thank you.
She hangs up. Rubs her temples.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Serena rises, walks down the
HALL
Toward the staircase.
MATTEO’S BEDROOM
Matteo leaps from his bed, slam dunks a foam basketball into
a small orange hoop mounted on his door. It BANGS against the
wood. He cheers, grabs the ball and goes again.
MATTEO
Kobe! No - LeBron! No - Matteo
Martino!
ISABELLA’S BEDROOM
MUSIC plays at high volume, drowning out the THUMP! THUMP!
THUMP!
A tablet propped up on the dresser runs a ballet tutorial.
Isabella twirls in place, confined to a small space between
her bed and dresser. She slowly lifts her arms - graceful
like a swan.
INSERT TABLET SCREEN
The ballerina leaps into the air.
BACK TO SCENE
Isabella stops cold. Her arms fall limp. She exhales - long
and loud - like a balloon losing air.
ISABELLA
(yells)
I’m done! I can’t do it anymore!
She collapses onto to her bed, buries her head in her
pillows, covers her ears.
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
Serena stands between their doors, overwhelmed.
SERENA
(yells, angry)
Matteo! Quit jumping off your bed!
Isabella! Turn that music down!
Serena starts to walk away, but stops. A beam of sunlight
shines in the window at the end of the hall. She turns back.
SERENA (CONT’D)
(yells, but not angry-
excited)
Matteo! Isabella! Get your things -
we’re going to the park!
MATTEO’S BEDROOM
Matteo jumps off the bed one last time.
MATTEO
Yeah! It’s about time! Free at
last!
ISABELLA’S ROOM
Isabella sits up. Wipes the tears from her eyes.
She slips out of her ballet shoes and into her sneakers.
She walks to her door, but stops. Glances back at her
slippers.
She grabs a tote bag hanging from her bedpost. Throws her
dance shoes in. Collects a small Bluetooth speaker from her
desk, along with her cell phone, and adds them to the bag.
She smiles. Rushes out her door.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Expression and Confrontation in the Park
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - DAY
A beautiful spring day. The sun shines brightly. Cherry
blossoms in peak bloom.
A dozen or so PEOPLE roam the trails. Most masked. All keep
their distance.
Yellow caution tape encircles the playground equipment.
Beside it sit the basketball and tennis courts - unused, like
an apocalyptic ghost park.
Matteo dribbles his ball, heads to the basketball court.
Serena and Isabella walk slowly behind.
ISABELLA
Mom.
Serena watches Matteo, but listens.
ISABELLA (CONT’D)
I broke your lamp.
Serena looks to her daughter.
ISABELLA (CONT’D)
Brady fixed it. It looks as good as
new, doesn’t it?
SERENA
It must. I never noticed. Hope you
weren’t worrying about it.
Isabella shrugs.
Serena notices the bulging tote bag.
SERENA (CONT’D)
What’d you bring in your bag?
Snacks?
Isabella shakes her head.
ISABELLA
I want to make a TikTok video. All
the kids are doing it. I thought
this might be a great place for it.
Isabella looks toward the tennis court.
ISABELLA (CONT’D)
Plenty of room.
TENNIS COURT
Serena watches as Isabella removes items from her bag.
MOMENTS LATER
Music plays. Drifts through the park - Lonely by Noah Cyrus.
Isabella dances across the empty tennis court, face lifted to
the sun. Her movements - fluid, expressive, free.
Serena uses Isabella’s cell phone to film her. She smiles.
Matteo wanders over, stands by his mom. Watches his sister.
The moving lyrics, accompanied by piano, flow from Isabella’s
small speaker.
SONG LYRICS (V.O.)
“I’m slowly killin’ myself. I’m
trying so hard, at the back of the
shelf. It’s just the same everyday.
I’m writing these songs that’ll
never get played.”
A masked YOUNG LADY (30s), walks her dog. She stops to watch
Isabella.
SONG LYRICS (V.O.)
“I get told what’s wrong and what’s
right. I don’t have a romantic
life. And everyone’s dying, so I
keep on trying to make them proud,
before they’re gone.”
One by one, Isabella draws an audience. They gather closer,
all captured by the moment. Cell phones rise, videos taken.
Isabella’s movements tell the story. The pain.
SONG LYRICS (V.O.)
“Can someone help me? Ah, please,
someone help me. I don’t care,
anyone, anything, cuz I’m so sick
of being so lonely.”
Her audience deeply touched. Misty-eyed.
SONG LYRICS (V.O.)
“I miss all my family. I don’t
care, anyone, anything, cuz I’m so
sick of being so lonely.”
The piano music continues. The chorus repeats. The song comes
to the end. The audience applauds.
A distant voice calls out.
POLICE OFFICER (O.S.)
Ma’am! Ma’am. I need you to step
away from the children.
Serena turns. Lowers the cell phone.
A face-shielded POLICE OFFICER approaches.
POLICE OFFICER (CONT’D)
Playgrounds are closed. The courts
are part of that. You’re in
violation of a city-wide ban.
Serena’s face falls.
Matteo and Isabella freeze.
SERENA
They’re just playing. We needed
fresh air, space.
POLICE OFFICER
The trails are open, not the
equipment. The sign’s posted. The
caution tape was a warning - you
ignored. And where’s your mask?
SERENA
(a little too sharp)
We’re outside. We need to breathe.
I’m not near --
POLICE OFFICER
You need to come with me.
A hush falls over the crowd. The young dog walker speaks out.
YOUNG LADY
Officer, you don’t want to do that.
Her kids are here.
POLICE OFFICER
My job is to enforce the rules.
They’re in place for your
protection.
The Young Lady pulls her mask down.
YOUNG LADY
As a person, not as a police
officer, as a person - does this
make sense to you?
POLICE OFFICER
(to Serena)
I’m charging you with trespassing.
Intentionally gathering in large
groups is in violation of the
state’s emergency orders. Be
thankful I’m not charging you with
that.
The Officer removes handcuffs from his belt.
POLICE OFFICER (CONT’D)
(to the crowd)
And I suggest you all move on.
Isabella wraps her arms around a frightened Matteo.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
A Night of Uncertainty
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The house dim. The lamp glows in the corner. Its shade still
slightly bent from the fall.
Isabella’s ballet shoes lie on the floor.
Brady paces, jaw clenched, cell phone in hand.
Matteo and Isabella sit on the couch, silent. Matteo leans
into his sister.
MATTEO
(to Brady)
Is Mom in trouble?
BRADY
She’s okay. They’ll be home soon.
Isabella puts her arm around Matteo’s shoulder. Pulls him
closer.
ISABELLA
She didn’t do anything wrong,
Matteo... It’s my fault.
(voice quivers)
It’s all my fault.
Brady stops pacing. Kneels down in front of his sister.
BRADY
(voice low, steady)
It’s not your fault. Things are
just... upside down right now. But
Mom’s brave. And Dad’s with her.
Matteo nods slowly. Isabella squeezes his hand.
Brady glances at the front door. Then at the clock. The
silence stretches. The lamp flickers.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
A Distressing Call
INT. DAVID’S CAR - NIGHT
David sits in the parking lot of the police station. His eyes
locked on the entrance. OFFICERS come and go.
He runs his fingers through his hair, nearly pulling it out.
He exhales, grabs his cell phone, makes a call.
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / BEDROOM - SAME
Maria sits at her desk in front of her computer, typing.
Her phone rings. She checks the caller ID. Answers.
MARIA
Hi, David.
INTERCUT BETWEEN DAVID AND MARIA
David closes his eyes, lowers his head.
DAVID
Hi, Mom. Hey... I’m at the police
station. Serena got arrested.
Maria’s eyes widen.
MARIA
What? For what? How are the kids?
DAVID
Kids are okay. Shaken. I’m furious,
Mom. All she did was take them to
the park.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Echoes of Regret
INT. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
Dim. Empty.
Serena sits alone on a narrow bench, arms wrapped around
herself.
A flickering fluorescent light hums overhead.
She stares at the wall. Her breath shallow. Her fingers
twitch.
FLASHES OF MEMORY - SERENA’S POV
-Sunlight on Isabella’s face.
-Matteo’s laughter echoing across the court.
-The music: Lonely by Noah Cyrus.
-Isabella spinning, arms wide, face lifted.
The memory distorts. The music fades. Replaced by a clink of
key’s. A cough from another cell.
MARIA (V.O.)
My heart aches. I couldn’t be there
with the children. They needed me.
(MORE)
MARIA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We were told to stay safe. But
safety came with handcuffs. And joy
became a crime.
Serena closes her eyes. A tear slips down her cheek.
EXT. POLICE STATION / DAVID’S CAR - NIGHT
Through the windshield, David sees Serena exit the building.
His face pale, eyes distant. He opens the car door.
INT. MARIA'S HOUSE / BEDROOM - NIGHT
Maria sits still, hand resting on the phone. Outside,
moonlight spills across her window. She doesn’t move.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Compassion vs. Compliance
INT. HOSPITAL / BREAKROOM - DAY
Maria sips her coffee. The TV’s tuned to a news channel. The
Covid tracker scrolls across the bottom of the screen.
ON SCREEN
Footage of Dallas entrepreneur, Shelly Luther, owner of Salon
A la Mode, being arrested - handcuffed for refusing to close
her business during lockdown.
BACK TO SCENE
Maria sighs, shakes her head.
The Charge Nurse enters the breakroom.
CHARGE NURSE
H R’s ready to see you now.
Maria nods.
INT. HOSPITAL / HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE - DAY
Professional. Carpet. Oak desk. Soft lightning. Framed
pictures on the wall.
Maria takes a seat across from the HR REP (40s), male,
masked, suited, clipboard in hand. A lanyard ID hangs from
his neck.
HR REP
Maria, thank you for coming in. We
need to go over a few things
regarding your quarantine.
Maria, masked, nods. Her hands folded in her lap.
HR REP (CONT’D)
You were exposed on April second,
correct?
MARIA
Yes. I was in full P P E, but
protocol says ten days.
HR REP
Right. And you’ve been symptom-
free?
MARIA
Yes. Waiting for the test results.
The Rep checks a box, flips a page.
HR REP
You entered the Covid unit during
your off shift.
Maria stiffens. Her fingers tighten around the armrests.
MARIA
Yes. The patient’s granddaughter
asked me to check on him.
HR REP
Couldn’t you call the floor, have
another nurse check for her?
MARIA
I had a connection to the patient.
He was on my floor a few months
ago.
HR REP
You went against protocol.
Maria blinks.
MARIA
I know. She was scared and crying.
I couldn’t just... forward the
call.
The Representative doesn’t respond immediately. He checks
another box.
HR REP
We’re not here to punish you. But
we do need to document the breach.
There may be a formal review.
Maria nods, but her jaw tightens.
HR REP (CONT’D)
I also need to remind you - any
public commentary about hospital
policy, patient care, or pandemic
response must go through official
channels. Social media posts
included.
MARIA
I haven’t posted anything about the
hospital.
HR REP
Just a reminder. We’re all under
scrutiny right now.
He studies her.
HR REP (CONT’D)
One more thing, Maria. Before
returning, we need to confirm you
didn’t have any close contact with
others during your quarantine. Did
you gather with family over the
weekend? Easter Sunday?
Maria replies, her voice tight.
MARIA
No. I stayed home. FaceTimed during
dinner, watched the service on
Zoom.
The Rep nods. Checks another box.
HR REP
Good. We just have to ask. Even
small gatherings can be a risk.
He turns his clipboard around, places it in front of her.
HR REP (CONT’D)
This form confirms you understand
the guidelines and the potential
consequences. It’s not an admission
of guilt.
Maria stares at the clipboard. Her fingers hover over the
pen.
MARIA
I understand the guidelines. I also
understand what it means to be
human.
She signs. Slowly.
MARIA (V.O.)
I didn’t break protocol. I bent it
toward compassion.
The Representative takes the clipboard, nods.
Maria stands. Her eyes linger on a framed photo behind him -
a smiling team of nurses, arms linked.
MARIA (V.O.)
We were called heros. Until we made
choices they didn’t script.
She exits. The door closes softly behind her.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Reopening Hope
INT. SERENA'S BEAUTY PARLOR - DAY
A bell DINGS as the door opens.
Serena steps inside, carrying a sign. A bag hangs off her
shoulder.
She removes her mask. A sigh of relief escapes her. A smile
crosses her lips.
MARIA (V.O.)
Three months locked inside our
houses - and our minds - felt like
an eternity.
Serena walks to the counter, props the sign against it. She
removes items from her bag: disinfectant wipes, hand
sanitizer, an infrared thermometer, a box of masks and her
large appointment book.
She takes the sign to the window and displays it.
EXT. SERENA’S BEAUTY PARLOR - DAY
From the sidewalk, looking in, Serena tapes the sign to the
window beside the door.
INSERT SIGN: REOPENING JUNE 1st. ONE CUSTOMER AT A TIME.
MARIA (V.O.)
After weeks of protests demanding
businesses reopen, the Governor
released a plan - Safe Start
Washington: A Phased Approach To
Recovery.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Steps Toward Normalcy
INT. SEATTLE YOUTH BALLET - DAY
Hauntingly beautiful music fills the room.
Miss Alonso stands before a few STUDENTS in dancing tights,
all masked. Each student remains in her own bubble - an area
circled off for her and her alone.
Isabella dances in the center, flanked by Heather and Reese.
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON / BALLFIELD - DAY
PLAYERS in Huskies uniforms stand on the diamond, unmasked.
The BATTER swings, connects with the ball, drops the bat, and
heads for first base.
The COACH lifts the bat, runs an anti-bacterial wipe over it.
Brady and a FEW OTHERS, dressed in uniform, sit spaced out on
the bleachers.
MARIA (V.O.)
There was finally light at the end
of that tunnel. A tiny step toward
normalcy.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Chaos in the Streets: A Night of Despair
EXT. SEATTLE WASHINGTON / DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
SUPER: SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020
Protests fill the streets.
MARIA (V.O.)
Or so we thought.
A police car burns. Smoke rises. Sirens wail.
Chants echo through the night.
PROTESTORS
No justice, no peace! No justice,
no peace!
The protests escalate - riots erupt, vandalism spreads.
Above the chaos, a news drone hovers - its red light
blinking, camera spinning. It captures the crowd from above:
masked faces, raised fists, shattered glass.
MARIA (V.O.)
The light at the end of that tunnel
flickered - and was swallowed by
smoke.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Confronting Reality
INT. MARTINO HOUSE / LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
David and Serena sit in front of the TV.
INSERT - TV SCREEN
A REPORTER (30s), stands in front of the protest chaos,
speaks into his microphone. His face lit by the cameras.
REPORTER
Fifty people have been arrested
after a peaceful protest turned
violent in downtown Seattle this
evening. A curfew will be in effect
tomorrow at five P M.
The sound of a plate glass window shattering.
The CAMERAMAN (20s), turns toward the sound.
Looters exit an Electronics Shop, arms loaded with boxes.
BACK TO SCENE
Serena turns away from the screen.
David watches her, then glances toward the hallway - listens
for footsteps.
SERENA
I don’t want the kids seeing this.
It’s too much.
DAVID
First off, Brady is no longer a
kid. He’s a man. We’ve talked about
it, and he understands the
injustice.
(shakes his head slowly)
It’s already in their world. We
just have to help them make sense
of it.
SERENA
Violence doesn’t solve anything.
DAVID
Their emotions took over and when
you’ve been ignored long enough,
rage starts to feel like the only
language left.
SERENA
But why does it have to be us
against them? Why does everything
feel like a line in the sand?
DAVID
Because some people never had the
luxury of standing on neutral
ground.
SERENA
I don’t want to choose sides. I
want to believe people are loved
for who they are - how they live.
DAVID
I know. But that’s the thing about
privilege.
That strikes a nerve. Serena tenses.
SERENA
There’s that word. “Privilege”.
I’ve never felt privileged. I’ve
worked hard --
DAVID
(calming voice)
You don’t always see it until
someone points out what you’ve
never had to carry.
SERENA
So what do we do? Apologize for
being born white?
DAVID
No. But we listen. We learn. We
stop pretending history didn’t
happen. And we stop expecting
people to prove their worth when
they’ve been doing it every day -
you know, by surviving.
SERENA
I just want our kids to grow up
believing in kindness. In fairness.
In truth.
DAVID
Then we have to show them what that
looks like when it’s hard. Not just
when it’s easy.
A quiet moment. Serena sighs.
SERENA
(breaks a small smile)
You are your mother’s son.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Quiet Activism
INT. HOSPITAL / PATIENT ROOM - DAY
Maria records the vitals into her laptop, perched on a
pushcart.
The patient, MR. EDWARDS (50s), overweight, pasty complexion,
watches TV.
The screen broadcasts footage from Harborview Medical Center.
INSERT - TV
A mural of George Floyd painted on a boarded store front.
Hundreds of flowers lie beneath it.
Thousands of HEALTHCARE WORKERS - doctors and nurses, white
coats and scrubs, all masked - join the DEMONSTRATORS.
Handwritten signs raised as far as the eye can see:
“RACISM IS A DISEASE”
“THE PRESCRIPTION IS CHANGE”
“NURSES AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY”
“WHITE SILENCE IS VIOLENCE”
“BLACK LIVES MATTER”.
DR. SHAQUITA BELL, a pediatrician, speaks to the crowd.
DR. BELL
“Racism is a disease. The
prescription is change. It
infects our hearts. It infects
our lungs. It infects our brains.”
BACK TO SCENE
Maria types quietly.
The TV continues to play in the background - chanting, signs
raised, white coats in motion.
Mr. Edwards watches, glances at Maria.
MR. EDWARDS
You’re not out there?
Maria pauses. Looks up from her laptop.
MARIA
Out where?
MR. EDWARDS
Marching. All those nurses. They’re
making a statement.
Maria studies the screen. Her face unreadable.
MARIA
I make statements every day. I’m
here. With my hands. With my time.
MR. EDWARDS
Still... seems like something worth
standing for.
Maria nods slowly. Her voice quiet, measured.
MARIA
It is. But not everyone stands the
same way. Some of us kneel beside
beds. Some of us hold hands when no
one else will. Some of us speak
through silence.
Mr. Edwards shifts, uncomfortable.
MR. EDWARDS
I just thought... you’d be one of
them.
Maria closes her laptop. Checks his IV.
MARIA
I am. Just not on camera.
She turns back to the heart monitor.
The chant echoes faintly from the TV.
TV (V.O.)
No justice, no peace.
Maria glances at the TV screen one last time. Then back to
Mr. Edwards.
MARIA
(softly)
Justice isn’t always loud. But it
should be present.
MONTAGE TIME PASSES
-EXT. SEATTLE WASHINGTON / PINE STREET - DAY
Capitol Hill, open again to the public. Sidewalks crowded.
The colorful Black Lives Matter mural stretches across the
pavement - bold, permanent.
CHILDREN (ages 6-13), trace the letters with their fingers.
A STREET ARTIST touches up the paint.
MARIA (V.O.)
Some things weren’t washed away.
They were written into the streets,
into memory.
-INT. HOSPITAL / BREAK ROOM - DAY
A NURSE watches a press conference on the TV.
INSERT - TV
A banner behind the podium reads: OPERATION WARP SPEED -
ACCELERATION VACCINE DEVELOPMENT.
MARIA (V.O.)
Science sprinted. Politics tangled.
Hope flickered.
Genres:
["Drama","Social Commentary"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Living in a Movie
-EXT. SEATTLE SKYLINE - DAY
Wildfire smoke blankets the city. The Space Needle barely
visible.
MARIA (V.O.)
We stayed inside again. Not for a
virus - but for the air itself.
Even breathing became a risk.
-INT. MARTINO HOUSE / KITCHEN - DAY
Serena cleans the kitchen.
Matteo sits at the small table, eats a bowl of Cheetah
Chomps, watches a news clip on his iPad.
INSERT - SCREEN: MURDER HORNETS CONFIRMED IN WASHINGTON
Matteo’s eyes grow wide.
MARIA (V.O.)
Matteo asked me if we were living
in a movie. I laughed, then sighed.
It sure feels like it.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
A Hopeful Yet Quiet New Year
-INT. HARBORVIEW MEDICAL CENTER / VACCINE CLINIC - DAY
SUPER: DECEMBER 2020
AMY FRY, ICU Nurse, receives the first vaccine. She smiles
behind a mask - it shows in her eyes.
MARIA (V.O.)
It’s been a long and exhausting
road... I wonder where that road
will take us next? What does the
future hold?
-EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - NIGHT
No fireworks. Just another light show. The skyline glows.
MARIA (V.O.)
We didn’t cheer. We didn’t gather.
We lit the sky with pixels - and
once again, whispered our way into
the new year.
END MONTAGE
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Grace and Connection in Uncertain Times
INT. MARIA’S HOUSE / BEDROOM - NIGHT
Maria sits at her desk, on a Zoom meeting with Matteo.
INSERT - COMPUTER SCREEN
Matteo and Maria’s faces appear side by side.
MATTEO (V.O.)
Nonna, I never thought I’d say
this, but I can’t wait till they
open school up again. Dad doesn’t
have as much patience with me as
mom had.
MARIA
Well, give him some grace - he’s
teaching his class and helping you
at the same time. That has to be
hard.
Matteo huffs.
MATTEO (V.O.)
Why don’t you come teach me? I
promise I’ll give you grace -
whatever that is.
Maria smiles.
MARIA
Grace means understanding someone’s
limits... and loving them anyway.
Matteo tilts his head, thinks.
MATTEO (V.O.)
Then I guess I’ve been given a lot
of grace. Especially this year.
Maria smiles, touched.
MARIA
And you’ve earned every bit of
it... Now I guess it’s your turn to
pay it forward, right?
MATTEO (V.O.)
Yep!
Isabella joins the Zoom call.
ISABELLA (V.O.)
Hi, Nonna.
MARIA
Hi, sweetheart.
MATTEO (V.O.)
Hey! Who invited you?
ISABELLA (V.O.)
Nonna did. And Dad wants you to go
pick up your toys - now!
MATTEO (V.O.)
I better go, Nonna! See you
tomorrow!
MARIA
Same time, same place.
Matteo’s face disappears from the screen.
Isabella sighs, looks sad.
MARIA (CONT’D)
What’s wrong, babe?
ISABELLA (V.O.)
Nonna, is our life ever gonna get
back to normal? Will we ever stop
being afraid?
MARIA
I believe in time, it will.
Isabella nods, unsure.
ISABELLA (V.O.)
I just miss... everything.
MARIA
Me too, sweetie. But look at us -
we’re still here. Hey, let’s be
thankful for what we do have. Each
other. And... your TicTok videos!
They get me through the day, you
know?
Isabella smiles.
MARIA (CONT’D)
You’ve got yourself quite a
following, young lady. Is there a
career in TikTok?
Isabella laughs.
MARIA (V.O.)
We learned to speak through
screens, to dance in bubbles, to
love from six feet away. And
somehow, through it all, we stayed
connected - not by returning to
what was, but by holding tight to
what mattered most.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL / ENTRANCE - DAY
SUPER: APRIL 19th, 2021
A TEACHER waves STUDENTS toward the entrance. All are masked.
A banner reads: Welcome back - We missed you!
Isabella catches up to Heather and Reese, staying a few feet
apart. They exchange masked smiles - eyes crinkling, joy
unmistakable. Excited to be together again.
MARIA (V.O.)
We didn’t rush back. We tip-toed.
We staggered. But thirty percent of
in-class learning was a start.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Navigating Uncertainty
INT. HOSPITAL / NURSES’ STATION - DAY
Maria stands with Doctor Stephens.
DOCTOR STEPHENS
They’re seeking approval for a
third dose - boosters that will
hopefully hold the line against the
variants.
He exhales.
DOCTOR STEPHENS (CONT’D)
Feels like we’re patching a boat
while still sailing it.
Maria nods, watches a NURSE sanitize a phone.
MARIA
And the tide keeps changing.
Doctor Stephens shakes his head warily.
MARIA (CONT’D)
Certainly the healthy are building
up their own immunity, don’t you
think?
DOCTOR STEPHENS
Some, yes. But immunity’s a gamble.
And not everyone’s holding the same
cards.
Maria nods, thoughtful.
She watches the nurse adjust her mask - eyes tired but
focused.
MARIA (V.O.)
We were all trying to stay afloat.
Some with science. Some with faith.
And some of us - with the quiet
conviction that healing doesn’t
always come from a syringe.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
A Choice of Conscience
INT. HOSPITAL / STAFF MEETING - DAY
SUPER: AUGUST 9, 2021
A slide reads: Proclamation 21-14. Vaccine Mandate.
The HR Rep stands in front of the room, addresses the STAFF.
HR REP
All healthcare workers must be
fully vaccinated by October
eighteenth.
Maria stands in the back of the room. Underneath her mask her
jaw tightens.
MARIA (V.O.)
They called us angels. They painted
us with wings. Then they handed us
ultimatums.
The HR Rep pauses, looks at Maria. A look that slices through
the room - cold, assessing, final.
MARIA (V.O.)
His eyes said everything. Not
concern. Not curiosity. Just quiet
condemnation.
INT. HOSPITAL BREAKROOM / LOCKERS - DAY
The sound of a locker door SQUEAKS open. A hand reaches into
it.
Maria slowly removes the contents, places everything into a
box. Followed by a few family pictures that were taped to the
door. Matteo’s gift - Captain Compassion - lies on the very
top.
MARIA (V.O.)
I didn’t refuse science.
An OLDER NURSE passes by her - a sympathetic glance, a gentle
pat on the shoulder.
MARIA (V.O.)
I refused not having a choice.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Emergence from Darkness
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The room is dark. A girl’s voice calls out.
VOICE (V.O.)
Hello? Is somebody there?
A few murmurs ripple through the AUDIENCE.
Footsteps echo. A door slams.
The stage glows faintly - only a few small lights in the
background.
Music begins: “Coming Out Of The Dark” by Gloria Estefan.
A spotlight beams down on Isabella, center stage.
She stands masked, poised, searching.
SONG (V.O.)
“Why be afraid, if I’m not alone?
Life is never easy, the rest is
unknown. And up to now for me it’s
been, hands against stone. Spent
each and every moment, searching,
what to believe”...
Isabella dances. Her movements tell the story - fluid,
aching, expressive.
Isabella rips the mask off, tosses it away.
SONG (V.O.)
“Coming out of the dark. I finally
see the light now. And it’s shining
on me”...
Heather and Reese enter the light, dancing around Isabella.
SONG (V.O.)
“Coming out of the dark. I know the
love that saved me, you’re sharing
with me”...
One by one, the rest of the BALLET COMPANY joins - encircling
them, arms reaching out.
SONG (V.O.)
“Starting again’s part of the plan.
And I’ll be so much stronger
holding your hand”...
Hands connect, glide from one dancer to the next.
Isabella center, grounds herself, reaches up to the Heavens.
SONG (V.O.)
“Step by step I’ll make it through,
I know I can. I may not make it
easier, but I have felt you near
all the way”...
Genres:
["Drama","Musical"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
Emergence from Darkness
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON/ BALL FIELD - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
The stadium lights shine down.
Brady, in his Huskies uniform, steps up to bat.
He spots his family in the stands - David, Serena, Isabella,
Matteo, and Maria.
SONG (V.O.)
“Coming out of the dark. I finally
see the light now, and it’s shining
on me”...
Brady swings. CRACK! The bat connects. The ball soars.
Brady runs the bases.
SONG (V.O.)
“I see the light. I see the
light”...
The CROWD erupts.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)
MATTEO sits at his desk among masked students.
SONG (V.O.)
“I see the light. I see the
light”...
In perfect unison, they rip off their masks and toss them
into the air - smiling like they’ve graduated.
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT (BACK TO PRESENT)
The dancers move in harmony.
Isabella center stage, radiant.
SONG (V.O.)
“Coming out of the dark.”
The screen goes black.
FADE OUT.