Rupture

Synopsis: Currently living a troubled and difficult life; a mute, teenage girl wakes up one day to find a black-door suspended in the middle of her room.

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FADE IN:

INT. ENCLOSED, COMPACT CLOSET - NIGHT

EXTREME CLOSE UP: THE GIRL'S EYES CLOSED and HOLDING HER EARS

Muffling in the background fades out slowly as we hear two people arguing; the GIRL's FATHER and MOTHER. The 13 year-old, Caucasian GIRL clenches her eyes shut, unable to view the closet door vibrating violently in front of her. Holding her ears tightly, she is unable to hear the sound of her mother's ear-piercing screeches.

The door suddenly opens revealing a gigantic shadow, canopying the GIRL. The GIRL's father stands in front of her holding a half a bottle of whiskey. Her mother lays on the sofa behind holding her face in pain as tears flow down her bruised face, switching scorching red. The father inspects the GIRL, his eyes dark and consuming like black holes; her eyes trembling with fear. She knows what happens next. Walking towards her, he grabs the door slamming it shut. 'Rupture' in bold, red letters appear spread across the door and walls.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Morning hits. The GIRL continues to lay on the floor in the closet - she slept there all night. Suddenly we hear the sound of someone grabbing the door knob. It turns clockwise and the door is lifted open faintly. A beam of bright light radiates the figure in front. Approaching from the light towards the GIRL, the MOTHER reaches for her.

MOTHER

Are you okay? Let me see.

The GIRL pushes her head towards her MOTHER. The light radiates her pale, white face showcasing her FATHER's doings.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

Oh my

(beat)

It is worse than before.

Her MOTHER rubs her scratched, blunt fingers across the GIRL's bloodied bruises. She pulled her face away in agony as her MOTHER stroked the GIRL's deepened cuts. She tried to cry but her black eye prevented her tears.

MOTHER (CONT'D) Let's get something to cover this up.

INT. PARENTS' BEDROOM - DAY

The MOTHER reaches for some makeup as she continues to apply it to the GIRL's face doing her best to hide the bruises.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

And we're all done. As beautiful as ever.

Shows a mirror to the GIRL. No reply.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

I would drop you off to school but I have to get in really early today.

The GIRL moves her hands, beginning to communicate with her MOTHER in sign.

GIRL

You say that everyday.

MOTHER

I know, I know. But I tell you what. How about after school I pick you up and we can grab some ice cream? You know from that desert place you love?

No answer.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

What do you say?

GIRL

Why do you let him do that? To you. To me.

MOTHER

(reluctantly)

Uhhh, I don't know what to say.

GIRL

It's every night.

MOTHER

I know honey but I can't control him.

GIRL

So why do you let him control you?

MOTHER

Because he provides everything for us. Food, this house, your school. We wouldn't be here without him.

GIRL

Anywhere is better than here.

MOTHER

I know hun. But, we'll have to wait a little longer before we can go.

GIRL

You say that all the time.

MOTHER

I know but we are so close. Just have to put a few more things in place. Can you trust me?

GIRL

Okay.

The GIRL gives a faint smile as MOTHER hugs her.

MOTHER

I love you so so much.

(beat)

Now get to school.

EXT. OUTSIDE SCHOOL - DAY

The GIRL walks past a black gate with sunlight shining through. The panels of the gate continously block rays of sun as they attempt shine upon her.

INT. INSIDE SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

WIDE: hallway packed of students, the girl walks through in the middle - camera fixed on her

The GIRL walks towards her locker, turning the combination lock to open it. As she takes of her bag, she feels her strap being yanked. She turns around. The day wouldn't be complete without the BULLY harassing her.

BULLY

Oh look who we have here? You think I wouldn't see you outside?

The BULLY is surrounded by her usual entourage; are they attracted to each other or the power inflicted on others?

The GIRL begins to move her hands to communicate with her.

GIRL

Please, today's not a good-

BULLY

What are you doing? Put down your hands. You know I don't understand that shit.

Everyone around her laughs like hyenas.

Turning her bag upside down, her books, stationary, her lunch scattered across the floor. The GIRL reaches for it despite being blocked by the others. A notebad hits the floor revealing a bunch of drawings, colored in and artfully produced. Quickly, she picks it up and flicks through it.

BULLY (CONT'D)

Wow these are amazing. You did these?

The GIRL nods.

BULLY (CONT'D)

I see you even have us in here and you're there too. You guys see these? She's fucking killing us! Behind that shy, innocent person, she's a dangerous one. I tell you what.....

Wrapping the pad underneath her arm followed by a piece of paper and pen, she begins writing down and shows what she wrote to the GIRL.

BULLY (CONT'D)

If you say something, a word, hell even a peep I'll give you it back.

That notepad consists of everything she loves and hates. She finds peace in drawing, allowing her to escape her daily life. Attempting to speak, the GIRL tries her best. Water begins to fill her eyes. The pain of trying to speak dominates her mental and physical state. The struggle grows. It as though a dagger has struck her throat. She's trying her best but......she can't do it. Collapsing to the floor she coughs violently. Individuals around her giggle in delight at the sorrow of defeat.

The BULLY grabs the pad and launchs it in the nearest trash can as they all walk away, still roaring in amusement.

Leaving everything else behind, the GIRL immediately lunges towards the can grabbing the pad.

EXT. OUTSIDE SCHOOL - DAY

School ends and we see the GIRL waiting at the edge of the school. Waiting for her MOTHER. It's been one hour. She should've known better than to expect her MOTHER to finally see her after school. Frustratingly, she begins strolling home alone.

EXT. PARK - DAY

Walking calmly, she reaches a park. Secluded and isolated, the green area has a small hill which she hikes up towards the peak. She takes off her bag, immediately settles down with her eyes facing the horizon. She gazes facing the large span of green space, looking at the natural beauty of the area. This is where she feels alone. She feels safe. This is her ideal world she thinks as the sun sets in front of her.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The GIRL walks in and immediately into the bathroom.

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT

As the minimal amount of water exits the rusty tap, slowly she splashes the ice cold water onto her face. Removing the white residue reveals the bulging bruises dominating her face.

INT. OUTSIDE GIRL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Heading into her room, she hears a glass bottle being thrown against a wall. She sees shards of glass fly everywhere with the smell of alcohol invading her senses. Her mother and father were home.

INT. INSIDE GIRL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

She walks into her bedroom, immediately closing the door behind her. As she grabs the wooden chair in her room, she drags it towards the door placing it behind the handle. Shaking the handle, she double checks to see if it is locked firmly then heads to bed.

INT. UNKNOWN ALLEYWAY - NIGHT/ RAIN

From first-person: it is you. Flashes of you running; your hands wave about as though dismembered from your body. Splashes of water are thrown around after every footstep you make. The rain is pouring quickly, but not so much your fighting every drop. Faintly, we see another individual in the distance running away. From you. He is yelling but his speech is muffled; the cries are louder than his voice. He looks bruised, like he's escaping a fight. He stumbles over a pothole, injuring his ankle, crying out in agony from the pain and what is about to happen next. You slow down and continue to move forward. He tries his best to crawl away, dragging his left leg across the filthy floor. His clothes are soaked, the rain washes away his blood. He continues to struggle but you step on the leg, the twisted one. He cries in agony. As you move over him he puts his hands in front of him, as though telling you to stop. But you don't care. You grab that black pistol sitting besides your waist. You aim at his head. He cries. You pull the trigger. BAM!

INT. GIRL'S BEDROOM - DAY

The GIRL shoots up from bed. Awake she immediately holds her face in pain. But, her eyes widen.

CLOSE UP: HER WIDE EYES AND EXTENDED JAW

Bewildered, she walks out. In the middle of her room she puts her hand out towards a mysterious, BLACK DOOR. It's hollow, disconnected from nothing. She looks confused. What is that? How did it get there? Curious, she reaches her hand towards the handle. She is about to turn the knob but then she stops. She pauses and removes her hand. Was she curious of where it led? Of course. But, for some reason she was scared. She was frightened of where it led to. She turns and walks away.

INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

We see the GIRL drawing the door in her notepad.

EXT. PARK - DAY

The GIRL faces the green park. She peers into the distance and she suddenly looks shook.

WIDE: IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD LIES the black door

How? Where did it come from? Why is it there? She blinks and it suddenly disappears.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Hastily, the GIRL strolls towards the stairs.

MOTHER

Honey is that you.

She turns and sees her mother. Her face look wider, the bruises were bulkier, her eyes were blood-shot red. Last night was worse.

MOTHER

Did he touch you?

GIRL

No he didn't. Are you okay?

MOTHER

Yeah, nothing new. Same old. Are you sure he didn't touch you?

GIRL

Yes Mum. I actually need to show you something?

She leads her MOTHER upstairs and into a room. The GIRL points towards the door. Her MOTHER looks behind the GIRL. The MOTHER looks shocked but instantly, the expression of bewilderment transforms into confusion.

MOTHER

What are you talking about?

The GIRL raises her arms, beginning to speak in Sign.

GIRL

The black door? Don't you see it?

MOTHER

What door?

GIRL

Exactly.

MOTHER

You're confusing me. There is nothing there.

GIRL

You don't see it in the middle here?

MOTHER

Honey, I have no idea what you are talking about. Are you sure he didn't come up here?

GIRL

Yes Mum.

MOTHER

Good 'cos he's never gonna lay a finger on you again?

GIRL

What do you mean?

MOTHER

I found some money! Enough to get us out of the city and up north.

GIRL

What?

MOTHER

Yeah remember Jess? She says we can stay with her for a while. After working for a while, we'll be able to find a proper place to live. Just need to finalise transport.

The GIRL's face lit up ecstatically.

GIRL

I can't believe it? Really?

MOTHER

Everything we've dreamed of. Pack your bags hun cos we'll be out of his hands in the next few days!

The GIRL jumps at her MOTHER hugging her tightly. The pain was nearly over. She was about to be free.

WIDE: mother and girl hug in front of the black door - zoom in slowly

EXT. rooftop of skyscraper - midnight

You return to the night. This time you are located on top of an unknown skyscraper. Overlooking the glistening lights of the night sky, you are facing a middle-aged, African-American woman. She's dressed in a navy-blue suit with black, high-heels. She is talking to you but you cannot hear her. She seems distressed. Why? You look down and you are carrying a sharp, military-grade knife. Walking towards her, she suddenly grabs a metal pipe pointing it towards you. She thinks she knows what is going to happen next. Suddenly, you throw the knife to your left. You continue towards her. In fear, she raises the pipe towards your face but, you block the impact holding the pipe in the air. Struggling to force the pipe down, you launch a a fist into her shoulder. The pipe leaves the victim's hand. Instantly, you throw both your hands at her chest. She is thrown back by the impact. She flies off her feet. She is launched over the wall. She screeches in dread. You see her disappear in front of you leaving behind the dazzling skyline in the distance.

INT. GIRL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

The GIRL awakes. The BLACK DOOR remains in front of her but she sees the chair blocking the main door vibrate violently. All of a sudden, the door shoots open breaking splitting the chair like a twig. Her FATHER storms into the room with eyes filled with fury. 

FATHER

(loudly)

Where is it?

The GIRL raises her hands immediately. In Sign:

GIRL

What are you talking about?

FATHER

You know I don't speak sign. Where is it?

The GIRL raises her hands in confusion.

FATHER

You know what I am talking about. The M-O-N-E-Y.

The FATHER waves a dollar bill in front of her enunciating the word clearly.

The GIRL shrugs her shoulders as to say she has no idea.

FATHER

Don't act dumb in front of me. That innocence only works with your mother. Tell me where it is?

Again, the GIRL raises her hands in confusion but the FATHER quickly slaps them away. He grabs the bottom of her jaw in a violent manner.

FATHER

Tell me where it is or so help me God I will do unspeakable things to you-

The GIRL's MOTHER quickly rushes into the room grabbing the FATHER pulling him outside of the room.

MOTHER

(screaching)

Get off of her!

FATHER

Why are you covering for her!?

The GIRL quickly rushes to close the door. She falls to the ground with her back against it. Suddenly, she bursts into tears.

MEDIUM CLOSE UP: FROM BACK OF THE GIRL FACING THE BLACK DOOR

EXT. OUTSIDE SCHOOL - DAY

Herds of children dissipate from school as we see everyone heading home, including the GIRL.

In no rush to get back home, slowly she strolls. She is on her way to the same park as evident in the distance. Unanticipatedly, the GIRL feels a heavy nudge from the back. She is thrown affront by the impact but does not fall. Swiftly, she turns around to see the BULLY and her "friends" stood there taunting her.

BULLY

Look who it is, the mute. Can you speak or are you pretending to be? You look like an attention-whore anyway.

In sign:

GIRL

Why do you do this?

BULLY

What? You know I don't understand your alien language.

The GIRL writes it down in her notepad and shows it to her. The BULLY hysterically bursts into laughter.

BULLY

You wanna know why?

She pushes the GIRL. She stumbles more than before.

BULLY

Because it is FUN.

The BULLY throws the GIRL onto the floor. She lands with furious impact scraping her face on the ground. The bruises blow up. Blood continues to flow out. In pain, the GIRL howls. Beneath the pain the sound of the others in eccentric laughter dominates her senses. Why are they laughing? Her pains slowly transitions into anger. How can they laugh? The GIRL clenches a fist. How would they feel in her position? Her pain quickly transitions into numbness. Maybe she should show them. The GIRL reaches for a rock, covering the size of her fists. Instantly, she awakes. In fury she launches the rock at the BULLY's forehead. The rock ricochets off her head like a bullet hitting armour. Instantly, blood bursts from her face causing her to cry in agony. Everyone around goes silent. No laughter in sound. The GIRL continues to look at the BULLY in anger. But the sight of anger on her face switches to surprise. What has she done? In a flash, the GIRL turns and runs leaving behind her aftermath.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Still startled of what she done, the GIRL races through the door into the living room. Did she really want to hurt them? Well, maybe she did.

FATHER

Oh good, you're home.

The GIRL turns to her left seeing her FATHER stood upright in the middle of the room. Dressed in ragged clothings, an odour dominated the area. He looks.....agid.

FATHER (CONT'D)

You know, we haven't had food together in a long time.

The GIRL hears activity in the kitchen. Shifting around, her MOTHER looks uncomfortable.

FATHER (CONT'D)

Dinner ready in 5.

INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT

From roasted chicken to mixed vegetables, the dishes lie in the center of the three silent individuals. Everyone has remained silent for over half an hour. Just the sound of cutlery scraping against their rusty ceramic plates. Out of nowhere...

FATHER (CONT'D)

This is delicious. Don't you think so girl?

The GIRL nods in agreement.

FATHER (CONT'D)

You've outdone yourself honey.

Everyone continues to eat. Sounds of metal and cutlery continue to dominate the silence between them.

FATHER (CONT'D)

So funny thing, I was in the basement and I noticed something out of place. The washing machine was in a funny position. I moved it and there was a hole at the bottom. And do you know what I found there? A bag filled with ten thousand dollars in cash.

Everyone stopped eating except the FATHER. He teared into the roasted chicken violently, end-to-end, piece-by-piece.

FATHER (CONT'D)

Do you know how it got there girl?

The GIRL shakes her head from left to right looking down.

FATHER (CONT'D)

Well I think you do.

(raises voice)

I think you're the only one who would be stupid enough to hide MY money in MY own house. LOOK AT ME WHEN I TALK TO YOU.

The FATHER lifts the GIRL's head up startling the MOTHER.

FATHER (CONT'D)

You know when you first started walking we always wondered when you were gonna say your first word. And for years you never said a thing. Once we found out what was wrong I knew what kind of person you were gonna grow up to be and I have been right ever since. Words  were never gonna work with you. Only action does. But I'll give you one more chance, how did my money end up there?

The GIRL shrugs saying she doesn't know. Suddenly, the FATHER raises his left hand.

FATHER (CONT'D)

I don't wanna be violent towards you but you've always given me no choice. It's the only way YOU are going to listen.

He lifts his hand backwards about to strike.

MOTHER

IT WAS ME! I put it there, I didn't kno-

The FATHER immediately grabbed the GIRL's MOTHER from the back.

FATHER

WHAT? YOU DIDN'T KNOW THE MONEY BELONGED TO ME? OF COURSE YOU DID. I KNEW IT WAS YOU ALL ALONG, I JUST WANTED YOU TO ADMIT IT. YOU'VE ALWAYS HAD A SOFT SPOT FOR HER.

The MOTHER struggles to escape his dominance but it is hopeless. The GIRL looks helplessly at what it is happening.

FATHER (CONT'D)

I WORK MY ASS OFF TO GIVE YOU THIS HOUSE, THE FOOD IN THE KITCHEN, THE CLOTHES YOU HAVE UPSTAIRS AND YOU REPAY ME BY STEALING FROM ME?

MOTHER

(quietly)

Fuck you.

FATHER

What?

MOTHER

FUCK YOU. You think I wanna get beaten up by you? You think I wanna see you bruising our daughter. I never asked for that and I never asked for you. So fuck you.

The FATHER grabs the metal knife. The GIRL jolts back. Her FATHER peers fiercely at the MOTHER. The GIRL shakes agonisingly. What does she do? The GIRL clenches her fists. Her cheeks shine red. Moist sweat runs down her face as quick as the clock ticks. Her muscles tense tightly. Her teeth clenched. She can't let this happen. Abruptly, she grabs the fork besides her. As swift as a slice, she rams the fork into the FATHER's left shoulder. He screams out in anguish dropping the knife onto the floor. The MOTHER falls backwards. With his right hand, he grabs the GIRL by the arm as they both fall onto the floor. Immediately, the table topples over dropping everything onto the floor, including a knife besides the GIRL.

FATHER

You little bitch!

The FATHER yanks the fork out of his shoulder. Holding the fork he leeps towards the GIRL like a lion pouncing at his prey. Hastily, the GIRL crawls back. In doing so, she sees the knife at the corner of her eye. The FATHER leans on top of her with the needles facing her eyes. She closes her eyes.

Stop.

Motionless, the FATHER pauses. His eyes bulge out of his face, veins popping forward. Hands loosening, the fork falls onto the floor.

MOTHER

Oh my God. What have you done?

The GIRL opens her eyes. She looks up at her FATHER. Instantly, she unlocked her fists and threw him to the side.

The GIRL saw what she had done. Abruptly, the MOTHER raced towards the FATHER comforting him. She then began to sob in distraught.

The knife was jabbed into his lower abdomen.

He tried reaching for the knife but lost control of his hands. Weakened, he was losing his breath. A pool of blood was forming underneath him. As tears flowed down the MOTHER's damaged face, the FATHER peared feebly into his daughter's eyes.

He was in distraught. He was in pain. He was beaten.

He closed his eyes.

The GIRL was in trauma. With her mouth wide open and her watered eyes, it had just hit her now. She just murdered her own FATHER. Her own flesh and blood.

MOTHER

This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

Unable to bare the sight of her actions, the GIRL raced out of the scene.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

Where are you going?

The GIRL ran abruptly up the stairs and into her room.

INT. GIRL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Her head was heavy. Why did she do that? She strolled hastily around the room. What will happen next? Panting and inhaling rapidly. Did that really just happen? Her knees were weak; arms fatigued. But why does she not feel bad?

She stopped at the door. She sees her MOTHER at the far end of the corridor.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

You killed him!

GIRL

I didn't mean to!

MOTHER

But you did! We were supposed to leave tomorrow with no trouble! You made everything worse.

The MOTHER walks slowly towards the GIRL. She looks different. The FATHER's blood soaked her clothing leaving footprints. Her eyes were balls of fury; unlike anything she had seen before. Upright and agitated, her left hand formed a tight, firm fist.

In the right was a knife.

GIRL

Please, Mother don't do this.

MOTHER

Everything was perfect till you came. That was when he turned and I had to suffer because of you!

GIRL

He deserved it.

MOTHER

He may have but I didn't deserve the years of pain you caused.

GIRL

Please Mother.

MOTHER

He's right, you always make things worse, honey.

The MOTHER lunged forward. The GIRL frantically turned the other way. The BLACK DOOR stood in her sight. Hastily, she shifted forward, turned the knob, and ran through.

EXT. DARKNESS - N/A

You pause to catch your breath. Clouds of mist exit your mouth as you look at the ground. A gust of cold air hits your pale skin sending a shiver down your spine. You reach down, feet aching. Hands placed on the ground, you see they are drenched in blood. A ray of light escapes into your line of sight. Besides you is your notepad, open to a page of you stabbing another person - the gore and textures are detailed perfectly. Looking upwards, you witness a full moon submerged in the sky. The radius of light widens. Your surroundings become clearer. You see green grass spread along the ground. The night sky glistens alongside the horizon in the distance.

This is your safe zone. Your secluded home. Your ideal world.

EXT. PARK - NIGHT

Suddenly, you hear the sound of a siren. Blue and red light flashes across the night sky as the siren gets louder and lights become brighter. From behind, you hear twigs breaking and leaves rustling.

Unknown

FREEZE!

You turn around. It is a woman wearing a police uniform. Cautiously, she moves towards you with her gun facing you.

POLICEWOMAN

PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!

You do as she says. With the gun still fixed, she approaches you as a police-car parks in front. Violently, she pins you towards the ground hurtfully locking your hands behind your back with cuffs.

POLICEWOMAN (CONT'D)

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

She picks you up and aggressively, drags you towards the car. You do not resist.

POLICEWOMAN (CONT'D)

You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.

You are dragged down the hill and soon reach the car.

POLICEWOMAN (CONT'D)

You are wanted for 18 counts of murder of those we know are certain. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?

You see your reflection in the window of the car. You are the GIRL.

END.