Unhealed Wounds

By grade 9 Jericho
INTRO
NARRATOR: Ever since they were a child, they've always dreamt of having a better family,
one where communication is always present, where understanding triumphs over
discontentment, where they'll feel mother's warm hugs, where they'll laugh at father's jokes,
where they feel like they're home, with a loving family.

FIRST SCENE (FAMILY GATHERING)

*at home*
THE WHOLE FAMILY: *eating*
NOAH: Mom, I need money for school-

GEORGIA: Again? I already gave you your allowance last week

NOAH: But we also had a lot of activities so I ran out of money

GEORGIA: You aren't even doing good in your academics, and now you have the audacity to
ask me for more money. The grades you get are not even that good When I was your age the
grades I get can't be any lower than 95 Look at your card, 91, 89, 86. Do better at school first
before asking me for more money NOAH: Okay mom, I'm sorry,

NARRATOR: The family continues eating silently on their table After awhile, the siblings left
to go to their schools.

SECOND SCENE
NARRATOR: Riley is still in junior high school, Noah is in senior high school, while Claire is
already in college. Once they got in their schools, they went to their respective classrooms.
Noah sat on the back, his usual seat. After a while, the teacher enters the classroom, the
students stood up and greeted her

STUDENTS: Good morning, Ma'am Celine

CELINE: Good morning, class. Did everyone remember the activities I gave last last week?

STUDENTS: some said yes, and some said no

CELINE: For those students that said yes, kindly pass your activities here. And for those who
said no, please give a valid reason why you didn't

STUDENTS: *no one responded*

CELINE: I heard that Chris said no. Why didn't you do the activities?
CHRIS: Because I forgot to do it.
CELINE: You always say that When did I give you the activity? I gave
you the activity last last week, right? I've always reminded you about
the activity I will not consider those who forgot their activities Also
treasurer, did you already collected the funds for project this quarter?

Riel: Yes, I've already collected the funds, everyone already paid for the
funds except for Noah

CELINE: Noah, you know we are rushing the project because it's already
the end of the quarter

NOAH: Ma'am Celine, I ran out of money.. I spent it all on other projects
and my mom won't give me more anymore. I'm sorry.

MA'AM CELINE: Is that so? Well, Noah, why won't your mom give you
money anymore? You know you need it for school. Please find a way, it's
unfair for your classmates who paid and you didn't.

NOAH: and I also just have a lot of things going on right now that's why I
forgot to do it. I'm sorry ma'am, I'll do better.

STUDENT 1: We also have a lot of things going on yet we still pay for the
funds and do the assignment.

NARRATOR: Other student agrees. Then Noah stayed quiet as he starts

to feel anxious and upset. His situation was too complicated to settle,
leaving him not being able to say anything.

MA'AM CELINE: Okay. That's enough. Noah, I'll wait for your payment
until tomorrow. Let's move on to our lesson for now.

THIRD SCENE
NARRATOR: On the other side, Claire is also in her school. As a president
in their class and a college student, she's busy doing her schoolworks
and also leading in her class. She's currently preparing for a thesis
defense, and at the same time preparing for an upcoming event. Some of
Claire's group members. helped her for the thesis, but she's also
frustrated because of the load of works that is given to her, which made
her yell at the others who aren't helping.
CLAIRE: Jei, Justin, Tofer, Daniel,dave! All you do is sit there and watch us do all the
work. Can't you guys be any more useful?! If you don’t want to cooperate then I won't
hesitate to remove your name in this paper.

JEI: Oh, chill out. We'll help.

CLAIRE: Help?! Seriously?!

Ava(Angela): Claire, that's enough. Nothing will happen if we fight over this. Let's just
help each other finish the task.

CLAIRE: Can you stop defending them? You see how frustrated and overwhelmed we
are at this thesis and you're just gonna tolerate their behavior!

Ava(Angela): Claire, that's not what I me-

CLAIRE: Then shut up!

Dorothy(Harriete) : *approached her* Claire, about the upcoming event-

CLAIRE: Upcoming event again? I've repeated the discussions on the upcoming event
several times! I asked you all if you guys have any questions, you said everything was
clear. And now you're gonna ask me again?! You guys aren't listening to me! It just
shows that ya'll aren't paying attention.

OTHER STUDENTS: *whispering and talking behind her back* "she has gone too far."
"She didn't have to do all that." "She's just being dramatic."

MAE(Alpha): Oh, is this the president you all voted for?!

AVA: Stop it, Mae. And everyone, calm down.

MAE: What do you mean stop it? Look at her, she is not fit for being the president.

OTHER STUDENTS: *talking about their argument*

CLAIRE: Then how about you?! Think about it! DO YOU DESERVE BEING A CLASS
PRESIDENT WITH THAT KIND OF ATTITUDE?! You’re nothing but a worthless
groupmate, THIS IS WHY YOU DIDN’T WIN AS A CLASS PRESIDENT!!
MAE: You’re too harsh Claire, *Fake cries* It disturbs our classroom hic hic .
Even i fear that cracks may form in our classroom because of you... cries a lot..
Claire.. Did you get the point... What I’m trying to say??

NARRATOR: And the Teacher came in while they’re in the middle of the fight.
After a moment. One of her classmates, Ava, told this kind of situation to their
teacher. As they kept arguing...
Ava came to the Faculty room*

Ava: Ma’am! The situation in our classroom is not good. They are arguing that i
don’t know what’s going on.

NARRATOR: Then back to the scene where they keep fighting. The teacher came
inside their room and saw them arguing
transition in claire and mae arguing scene
the teacher kicks in

MAE: *cries a lot*

FELIZE : what's going on? Why's Mae crying?

HARPER: Ma'am, Claire started this commotion, she shouted at us because her
only reason is we aren’t helping in the thesis and this triggers her pride, Dorothy
just asked her about the event and she started shouting at her too.

FELIZE: Claire, you shouldn't do that. You're a class president, and students,
please be matured about these things. You all are already in college and I hear
about these things? And Claire, Let’s talk at the faculty room after this class.

NARRATOR: Claire didn't say anything, instead, she just sat down at her seat and
stared at the floor as she is too frustrated and shameful of her actions. And as the
lesson ends, Claire went to the faculty room to meet the teacher.

CLAIRE: Ma'am, about earlier...

FELIZE: I’ve heard that you had an argument with the other students. Could you
explain to me why you did that?

CLAIRE: tears up I apologize for my behavior. I didn't mean to be harsh on

them, I just want them to cooperate about the thesis we had to do. It was very
irritating because no one was paying attention, They repeatedly asking about
the event I already discussed. Just.. I can’t explain furthermore.. This is so
infuriating!! It totally triggers my pride!! hic, stares at the floor.

FELIZE: Claire, I know that being a class president is very crucial not because
you're a leader but to try your best for the betterment of your classroom., It's
not like you're a bad person, but you just need to fix your behavior, It's very
embarrassing for your MAE: You’re too harsh Claire, *Fake cries* It disturbs our
classroom hic hic . Even i fear that cracks may form in our classroom because of
you... cries a lot.. Claire.. Did you get the point... What I’m trying to say??

. I will also let your parents know about this issue.

CLAIRE: Understood ma'am.

FELIZE: You may leave now.

NARRATOR: Claire left the faculty while sobbing. As she left the faculty, She
wiped her tears and entered the classroom.

FOURTH SCENE (....)

NARRATOR: While Riley, the youngest sibling, is also in her classroom, having a
chat with her classmates. Then suddenly, the teacher comes in.

STUDENTS: Good morning, Ma'am

CELIZE: Good morning, class. You may take your seats now. Today, I'll be
announcing the 10 top achievers.

NARRATOR: As soon as Riley heard this, she expected to be the highest. Riley
and her parents has high expectations for her, and she never once disappointed
her parents for not being the highest.
CELIZE: Let's start at the our top 10, Elena.
9, Emery
8, Christy
7, William
6,Maya
5,Balley
4,Calleb
3,Ethan
2, Riley
1,Miles
Congratulations everyone!

MILES: walks Infront of Riley better luck next time Riley

CELIZE: ok class that's all for today class dismissed

FIFTH SCENE

NARRATOR: after the classes of the siblings they all went home, when they got home
their parents is preparing the dinner table, the time they've reach home Georgia
greeted them

GEORGIA: welcome back home kids! dinner's ready, quickly change your clothes and
come here at the dinner table
All of the siblings: good evening mom

Riley: mom here is the results of my exams and the rankings this quarter shows the
results

Georgia: what is this? What happened? Why are you only at the top 2?

Tristan: huh? Top 2? You should always be at the top, you already know that second
best is first one to lose, you should have studied better

Noah: oh mom about the money

Georgia: don't meddle in for now Noah

Noah: bu-

Georgia: Not now, Noah.

NARRATOR: Noah nodded, feeling a bit disappointed. He knew his parents
were already stressed out, and he didn't want to add to their worries. But he
also knew he needed the money for school. He just hoped his parents would
understand. Then suddenly the phone rings
(phone ringing)

Georgia: who’s calling?

Tristan: It’s Claire’s teacher,but why is she calling? Claire???
(Claire is just silent)

TEACHER: on call Good evening, Mr. Tristan.

TRISTAN: Good evening, Ma'am

TEACHER: My apologies for calling this late, but I am here to inform you about
your daughter, Claire, about her attitude towards her blockmates. She has
been acting very irritable for the past few days, to the point that she'd yell at
her blockmates for small reasons. I'm assuming that it is due to stress. I only
hope to help her manage her stress because I know you can do better for her as
her parent.

TRISTAN: I see. Thank you for informing me about this.

call ends

GEORGIA: What was it about?

TRISTAN: Her teacher called me to tell me about her behavior. What is this
about, Claire?

Claire: But father its not my fault

TRISTAN: How can you tell that its not your fault when your teacher already
told me??
CLAIRE: I swear its not my fault please believe me father

TRISTAN: GOD! what’s with this family everything is a mess

GEORGIA: Claire that attitude is not right

CLAIRE: ok alright its always my fault, i’m always wrong! *tearing

up*

GEORGIA: you're answering back now, your attitude is getting way

too much.me and your father did not raise you just to be like this!
*raises hand, indicating to slap her*

CLAIRE: *flinches*

TRISTAN: *stops georgia from slapping claire* Georgia, that's

enough. Let's just have dinner.

CLAIRE: *didn't eat her food and runs into her room, crying*
TRISTAN: Tsk..
NARRATOR: as Claire did not eat her dinner Georgia and Tristan
just let it pass for now and continue with eating dinner. The dinner
continued in silence. Riley and Noah was lost in their own
thoughts, traumatized on what happened and feels bad for their
sister. The only thing they knew is that they have todo better. They
had to meet their parents' expectations, no matter how high they
were.
As the night went on, each sibling retreated to their own rooms,
each carrying their own burdens. They knew they had to face
another day, another challenge. But for now, they just needed to
rest. They need to fix their unhealed wounds.
NARRATOR: But all of the siblings can’t sleep nor rest because of
what their parents said,

NARRATOR: Later that night, Noah walked out of his room and went
to his sister's room. His sister is still awake, doing her thesis, but his
parents and Riley are already asleep.

NOAH: *knock*

CLAIRE: Come in.

NOAH: I know it has also been rough for you that you are going
through this.. and I don't want to be a part of your problem. But I
really want to ask if you still have any money left to spare?

CLAIRE: *checks her wallet* how much do you need?

NOAH: I need ₱250

CLAIRE: *gives him the money*

NOAH: Thank you for this. And I hope you're okay. Good night.

CLAIRE: Good night. *noah leaves*

SIXTH SCENE (NOAH'S SIDE STORY PART 2)
NARRATOR: The next morning, the siblings prepared for another
day. The family gathered again in their dining table, and eating
breakfast but riley is not in the table. They didn't talk much to each
other, and just ate their meals silently. Then later, the three left the
house and went to their schools. As they began to go to school Noah
decided to go early

NOAH : *at the room waiting with his head down*

RIEl: oh Noah You're here early today , I also need the money Now!
NOAH : *at the room waiting with his head down*

RIEL: *Enters the classroom and see noah* Hey noah wheres
your money for the funds??

NOAH: oh here’s the money for funds.

RIEL: i thought you're not gonna pay because you look so poor
and look at your clothes and skin so dirty.

NOAH: *remains silent and handed him the money*

IREL : This is not enough

NOAH : but that's already enough

REIL : Well it's not enough good luck paying Noah and i don't
know how you're going to find the money but I need it by the end
of our school if not *glares at him* you already know whats gonna
happen

SEVENTH SCENE (CLAIRE'S SIDE STORY PART 2)

NARRATOR: mean while with Claire, she comes in a little bit late
than usual as she enter the classroom she finds her sit covered
with all kinds of insults and dust. She's hearing whispering all
around her

ALL STUDENTS: *talking about her loud enough for her to hear*

CLAIRE: *walks into the classroom, her head held high despite the
whispers and insults*
 NARRATOR: Claire moves to her seat, brushing off the dust and
ignoring the hurtful words written about her. She refuses to let
them see her falter.

MAE: Look who finally decided to show up. *smirks*

NARRATOR: A murmur runs through the classroom, but Claire

doesn't care. She's here to learn, not to please them. She opens her
book and starts to read, effectively shutting out the whispers and
the smirk

NARRATOR: when the teacher entered she saw that mae and her
friends are picking on claire and she immediately scolded them.

TEACHER: everyone why didn’t you tell me that mae started the
fight yesterday i saw the cctv and saw mae picking to claire when
claire is just scolding you for not helping in the activities that i
gave you??

One of their classmates: We’re sorry ma’am mae told us to not tell
you anything cause if we did she would bully us *Mae look at her
with a angry look*

MAE: WHAT? what do you mean that I told u *trying to defend

her self*

TEACHER: class is this true?

CLASS: No ma’am

TEACHER: then mae come with me to the guidance office

MAE: BU- BUT MA’AM I-

TEACHER: No more reasons mae, later you need to apologies to Her*Teacher goes to claire*

TEACHER: I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding yesterday Claire i will talk to your
parents again and tell them the truth sorry again.

CLAIRE: *Tears of Joy* Thank you for seeing the truth ma’am! I really appreciate it, I knew
you still believed in me and I didn’t expect you to tell my parents that this wasn’t my fault..

TEACHER: *smiles* No worries, I knew you have entrusted yourself for being a class
president. But still focused on your academics, you don’t have to be stressed about
anything else like this kind of situation from now on. Alright We don’t need to waste our
time here, Let’s continue our class..

NARRATOR: And as the class dismissed..

*Transition on Outside of the Campus*

MAE: C-Claire

CLAIRE: *ignores her and walks away like nothing happened*

NARRATOR: Mae tries to approach Claire and talk to her to apologize but Claire ignores her
and just walks straight back to her home.

EIGHT SCENE (ANOTHER FAMILY GATHERING SCENE)

Georgia: Oh claire you're here i just got a call from your teacher and im sorry for scolding
you without knowing the story I should've listened to you dear.

Tristan: Me too claire im really sorry for that I know that I hurt your feelings so I will make
it up to you later. How about we go to a family bonding later??

Georgia: That sounds good, OH noah i forgot about your money.

Noah: Its fine mom I already paid for it claire gave me some money
.* About to go to his room when claire notice something*

Claire: WAIT noah whats with that paper on your back. Turn around.
*Noah turns* Claire sees the paper on noah’s back in that paper it says “poor dirty little
noah and looks like a pig”.
Claire: Noah who did this to you??

*Noah saw the paper*

Noah: Oh uhh.. thats nothing.

Claire: NOAH WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOTHING?? THIS IS

BULLYING I WILL CALL YOUR TEACHER.

NOAH: No, Claire. You don't have to.. It’s embarrassing

Georgia: No noah let claire call your teacher

Tristan: Noah why didn’t you tell us you we’re getting bullied

Noah: How could i tell you when i felt like im invisble in this
family? you're not even listening to me claire and riley are the
only ones who listens to me. I’m not pointing that Mom and Dad
are useless. It’s just, i feel like you really don’t want to understand
me, They only care for me when i need some money.

Tristan: Noah, what do you mean. Not all the times that mom and
dad will listen about your problem, think about it!

Georgia: Wait where’s riley??

Claire: Is she not home yet??

Georgia: No

Claire: But I saw her classamates go home

Tristan: Then where’s Riley???

Georgia: I'll go look in her room

Georgia: Riley? Are you awake my dear?

Georgia: R-Riley..

NARRATOR: As Georgia slowly walked to Riley's room until she

see something unbelievable.. Her eyes widened when she saw
what she wasn't supposed to see.. Riley is in her room, laying on
the floor and unconscious. She have cuts on her wrist and fainted
due to blood lost

Georgia: RILEY!!!!!!! *Tears up*

NARRATOR: After a moment, Tristan and her siblings suddenly ra

into Riley’s room and they have seen what did Georgia saw.

TRISTAN: Riley! We need to get her at a hospital! You two, call the
ambulance!

CLAIRE AND NOAH: *rush to call for an emergency*

TRISTAN: *is about to check her pulse* Her pulse isn't normal..
Why does Riley have cuts in her arm? Why did she do this?
*tearing up*

*Someone picked up the call while claire and noah feel a lot of
grief because of their sister attempted to unalive herself*

CLAIRE: Hello, please help us! I don't know what happened to my

sister. But she's lying on the ground and unconscious. She must
have cut her arm.
THE EMERGENCY CALL: Alright. Tell me your exact address.

CLAIRE: address ( España Boulevard Nicanor Reyes Street) !!

THE EMERGENCY CALL: We'll send an ambulance there.

CLAIRE: Okay, PLEASE HURRY UP *talking while sobbing*

GEORGIA: Riley please wake up *while hugging riley’s body*

TRISTAN,CLAIRE AND NOAH: *In the middle of the sorrow while seeing his
daughter and their sister’s corpse* (They’re also crying)

*the ambulance came sound effects*

NINTH SCENE
*riley is now in the hospital and her family is just waiting outside

Tristan: it’s my fault that i scolded her about her top *while sobbing*

Georgia: no, don't blame yourself we didn't know it would effect her so much
*hugs him*

The doctor comes out of the emergency room, his face filled with relief . The
family sighs in relief, hoping for a good news. He was serious but hopeful

DOCTOR: Riley's condition is a bit critical due to the blood loss but she's stable
for now. The next few hours are crucial.

CLAIRE: clutching her chest Please, she has to make it...

GEORGIA: Doc is there's anything we can do?

DOCTOR: yes, for now you need to clear all the stress for Claire and be there
for her. You can enter the room and wait for her to regain her consciousness
NARRATOR: Hours after the incident, Riley wakes up, still weak but
recovering.

Riley: Claire?

Claire: Sleeping but wakes up because of Riley's voice Riley! You're

awake, thank God! Riley, you scared us all! Are you okay now?? Crying
Let me wake up Noah and our parents.

Claire: MOM! DAD! NOAH! WAKE UP! Riley is awake!!

Everybody rushes to see Riley

Georgia: Oh, my sweet baby! Why did you do that, my love? You
almost died, my love. Crying

Tristan: Riley, I'm sorry. Dad is really sorry. I didn't know that it
would go this far. I'm really sorry.

Claire: But Riley, why did you do this? Is it because our parents
scolded you? You know I'm always here to listen to you. Why didn't
you ask for comfort?

Riley: Because I'm too scared. I'm too scared that you might judge me,
that you might say I'm too dramatic. I'm scared of failure. I'm scared
that if I fail, everyone will ignore me. I'm scared that mom and dad
will be disappointed in me, and it already happened. Dad is
disappointed in me and it hit me so hard that I wanted to end
everything. It hit me so hard because I'm not used to failure. Because
mom and dad saw me as the perfect child, they saw me as the best
child, so I'm scared of failure. I'm sorry for causing trouble for you all.
I didn't know that this would go so far. I'm really sorry. Please, please
forgive me. *Sobbing and crying*
GEORGIA: i i- riley were really sorry if all this time you felt that way no I’m
sorry to all of you,I’m sorry for not trusting you and giving you to much
pressure claire, I’m sorry if we didn’t see you or give you much time noah im
sorry that your bullied and your experiencing those horrable things. My childs
please forgive me to all of the burdens that i gave to all of you, i thought i was
doing whats best for you but i didn’t know that i will ruined you all, I’m sorry if
im not fair of loving you all. But promise i love u kids with all my heart *CRYING
SO MUCH*

TRISTAN: Same kids i’m really sorry if you all felt way i’ve always thought that
each one of you is happy and living the best of their lives but no i’m really sorry
kids please forgive us. Ive been so focused on my own expectations that I forgot
to consider your feelings. Riley, I'm sorry if I made you feel like you had to be
perfect. Claire, I'm sorry if I didn't give you the attention you deserved. Noah,
I'm sorry if I didn't protect you from the world. I thought I was doing what was
best for you, but I realize now that I was wrong.

Pauses, struggling to find the right words

TRISTAN: I've been so caught up in my own vision of what our family should be
that I didn't see what it actually is. A family isn't about being perfect, it's about
being there for each other, supporting each other, and loving each other, no
matter what.

His voice breaks, tears streaming down his face

TRISTAN: I promise to do better, to be a better father. I promise to listen more,

to understand more, and to love more. I love you all so much.

NARRATOR: as he breaks down, sobbing. The family comes together, hugging

each other tightly. It's a moment of pain, but also a moment of healing. They've
all made mistakes, but they're ready to learn and grow from them. Together.
As the sun rises, they leave the hospital, their hearts heavy with regret but also
filled with hope. They know the road to recovery won't be easy, but they're
ready to face it together. Because they're a family, and that's what families do.