INT. COURTROOM - DAY
The courtroom is a stark contrast of polished wood and cold metal. The air is thick with tension as Lily Thompson, a 16-year-old girl with a rebellious streak, sits at the defendant's table. Her hair is dyed a vibrant blue, and her attire is a mix of punk and casual—ripped jeans, a band t-shirt, and combat boots. She fidgets with a silver ring on her finger, her eyes darting around the room, avoiding the gaze of the JUDGE, a middle-aged man with kind eyes and a weary expression.
LILY (V.O.)
You know, they say life is like a glass—beautiful, fragile, and often shattered. Mine? Mine is a mosaic of broken pieces, each one reflecting a different part of my life. And right now, I'm sitting in this courtroom, a living testament to the chaos that my parents, both psychologists, have unwittingly created.
The JUDGE leans forward, his voice calm yet firm
JUDGE
Lily Thompson, you stand before this court today charged with shoplifting, truancy, and associating with known delinquents. Your actions have consequences, but I see potential in you. Instead of juvenile detention, I'm assigning you to counseling with Doctor Cunningham.
LILY rolls her eyes, crossing her arms defiantly.
LILY (V.O.)
Counseling. Great. Just what I need—more therapy. As if my life hasn't been a never-ending session of "let's analyze our feelings."
The JUDGE continues, his tone softening.*
JUDGE
I believe that with the right guidance, you can turn your life around. You have a choice, Lily. You can either embrace this opportunity or continue down a path that leads to more trouble.
LILY looks down, her expression a mix of anger and vulnerability.
LILY (V.O.)
What does he know? He doesn't understand what it's like to grow up in a house where every conversation feels like a therapy session. My parents, with their degrees and their endless psychological jargon, turned my life into a case study.
FLASHBACK - INT. THOMPSON HOUSEHOLD - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The scene shifts to a cozy yet sterile living room filled with books on psychology. LILY, around 12 years old, sits on the couch, her parents, Doctor Thompson and Doctor. Wilson, are engaged in a heated discussion about her behavior.
Doctor. Thompson
Lily is acting out because she's seeking attention. We need to address her underlying issues.
Doctor. Wilson
Or maybe she's just a typical teenager rebelling against authority. We can't overanalyze everything.
LILY rolls her eyes, feeling invisible amidst their conversation.
LILY (V.O.)
They thought they could fix me with their fancy degrees and therapeutic techniques. But all they did was push me away.
FLASHBACK - INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
LILY walks through the crowded hallway, her head down, avoiding eye contact. She watches as her classmates laugh and socialize. A group of rebellious kids, dressed in leather jackets and piercings, beckon her over. She hesitates but eventually joins them.
LILY (V.O.)
I found my escape in the wrong crowd. They didn't care about my parents' degrees or their endless analysis. They accepted me for who I was—flaws and all.
The group laughs as they shoplift from a nearby store, LILY's heart racing with adrenaline. She feels alive for the first time.
FLASHBACK - INT. THOMPSON HOUSEHOLD - KITCHEN - NIGHT
LILY storms into the kitchen, slamming the door behind her. Her parents are sitting at the table, discussing her latest escapade.
Doctor. Wilson
We need to talk about your behavior, Lily. This isn't just a phase.
LILY glares at them, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
LILY
Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't realize I was a project for you two to fix.
Her parents exchange worried glances, their therapeutic instincts kicking in.
LILY (V.O.)
They didn't see me. They saw a puzzle to solve, a case to analyze. And I was tired of being their little experiment.
BACK TO COURTROOM - DAY
LILY snaps back to the present, her heart racing as the JUDGE continues to speak.
JUDGE
I hope you understand the importance of this opportunity, Lily. Doctor Cunningham is a skilled therapist who can help you navigate these challenges.
LILY looks up, her expression softening slightly.
LILY (V.O.)
Maybe this time it would be different. Maybe Doctor Cunningham would see me—not just the broken pieces, but the girl behind the glass.
The JUDGE bangs his gavel, signaling the end of the session.
JUDGE
Court is adjourned.
LILY stands, her heart heavy with uncertainty. As she walks out of the courtroom, she glances back at the judge, who offers her a reassuring nod. She takes a deep breath, ready to face whatever comes next.
LILY (V.O.)
I don't know what lies ahead, but I do know one thing: I'm tired of being a reflection in shattered glass. It's time to piece myself back together.
FADE OUT.
END OF CHAPTER 1