New Beginning

The Hale Family Living Room

The living room is cozy, filled with warm light from the setting sun filtering through the large windows. Family photos line the walls, capturing moments of joy and togetherness. Jessica Hale, a strong yet gentle woman, sits on the couch, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Jacobi, her husband, stands by the window, his expression a mix of concern and determination. Charlie, their 15-year-old daughter, sits on the floor, her back against the couch, arms wrapped tightly around her legs with her chin on her knees staring blankly at the wall. Aaron, her 12-year-old brother, is quietly assembling the Lego set he got for his birthday, glancing at his sister occasionally.

Jessica: (softly) “Charlie, honey, can we talk about the academy again?”

Charlie shifts slightly but doesn’t respond. The tension in the room is palpable.

*Jacobi: (turning from the window) “We know this is hard for you, but we really believe this could help. It’s a safe place, and there are others there who understand what you’re going through.”

Charlie finally looks up, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and fear.

Charlie: (voice trembling) “You don’t understand! I don’t want to go! Why are you sending me away? I hate it!”

Jessica leans forward, her heart aching for her daughter as she remembers her own battle with PTSD.

Jessica: (gently) “Honey, we're not sending you away, no one is going to force you. We want you to consider trying this school. We've tried everything, sweetheart. Therapy, support groups… nothing seems to help. This academy is different, it's a chance at a fresh start away from all the triggers and memories. It's a chance to heal, make friends and be a normal teen. It's a chance to fix things.

Charlie’s fists clench, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

Charlie: (shouting) I’m not broken! I don’t need fixing! 

Aaron, startled by his sister’s outburst, drops the section of his Lego set he was working on breaking it into its individual pieces. He looks at his sister with concern etched on his face.

Jacobi: (calmly) “We’re not saying you’re broken, Charlie. We just want you to feel safe again. To be able to enjoy life without fear.”

Charlie’s expression softens slightly, but the anger is still there, mixed with sadness.

Charlie: (quietly) “I don’t know if I can. What if something happens? What if the pack gets attacked while I'm gone? What if I'm an outcast like I am here? I'm not brave enough.”

Jessica moves to sit beside Charlie, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

Jessica: (whispering) “You’re not alone in this. We’ll always be here for you, no matter what. And at the academy, you’ll be able to just be yourself, no pressure to be anything else. No reminders from your surroundings or people. You'll have a chance to feel free. And it's only a two hour drive from here. Dad and I can visit anytime, or you can come home any weekend you like. As far as the pack being attacked, that's not your responsibility to worry about. The only thing you're responsible for is being the amazing wonderful kid that you are.”

Charlie leans into her mother, tears welling in her eyes.

Charlie: (voice breaking) “I just want to be normal.”

Jacobi kneels in front of her, his eyes filled with love and understanding.

Jacobi: (firmly) “Oh my sweet girl you are normal. You’re brave and strong. You did something incredible. You kept your brother safe that night. I am so sorry that being in that scary situation has caused you so much pain if I could take it all away. You are my beautiful baby girl and I can't wait till you see that too.”

Charlie wipes her eyes, the weight of her past still heavy on her shoulders.

Aaron: (softly) “I think you’re really brave too, Char. You're my hero, you always have been.”  

Charlie looks at her brother, a small smile breaking through her tears. She opened her arms for a hug which Aaron gladly accepted.

Charlie: (sniffles) Thanks, Aaron. 

Jessica squeezes Charlie’s shoulder, her heart swelling with pride for her daughter.

Jessica: (encouragingly) “We believe in you, Charlie. This is a step towards healing. You can do this.” 

Charlie takes a deep breath, the fight in her slowly fading as she contemplates her parents’ words. The room is filled with a sense of hope, a flicker of light in the darkness she’s been navigating.

Charlie: (hesitantly) “Okay… I’ll try.”

Jacobi and Jessica exchange a relieved glance, knowing that this is just the beginning of a long journey, but one they will face together as a family.