ESCAPE FROM THE WARDEN’S HOUSE
CHICAGO AIRPORT — DAY
Cold wind sweeps across the terminal. Brooke stands anxiously, arms crossed.
Larry and Sharra step out with Destiny between them.
DESTINY
Aunty Sharra! You came for me!
Sharra drops to her knees and hugs her, eyes glassy.
SHARRA
Of course I did, baby. I’ll always come for you.
Larry touches Brooke’s shoulder, trying to reassure her.
LARRY
Everything will be fine once we get home. Let’s talk there.
Brooke’s expression says otherwise — “fine” wasn’t coming anytime soon.
BETHANY’S HOUSE — LIVING ROOM — EVENING
The air is heavy. Bethany stands at the doorway like she owns the ground beneath everyone’s feet.
BETHANY
So… this is the child you all flew to Chicago for?
Sharra steps forward, calm but firm.
SHARRA
Bethany, she’s just a child. This shouldn’t be this hard for you.
Bethany’s glare shifts to Brooke.
BETHANY
And you. Are you staying here or at Sharra’s? Make up your mind.
Brooke mutters to Larry with a smirk.
BROOKE
Warden mode activated. Brace yourself.
Bethany’s eyes snap toward her.
BETHANY
Did you just call me WARDEN?!
BROOKE
Who, me? No… must’ve been the wind. Or your attitude.
LIVING ROOM — CONTINUOUS
Bethany pulls Larry aside, voice sharp.
BETHANY
You went to Chicago with Sharra? Why?
LARRY
Because she cares for Destiny. Because Brooke trusts her.
And because you’ve made this house impossible to live in.
Bethany’s face reddens with fury.
Destiny tugs Brooke’s sleeve, anxious.
DESTINY
Aunty… can I stay here?
Brooke strokes her hair lovingly.
BROOKE
Honey, I wish you could… but that depends on the Warden.
Destiny giggles, not quite understanding.
THE BREAKING POINT
Bethany explodes.
BETHANY
Absolutely NOT! Destiny is NOT staying here!
Sharra steps between them, calm but unshakable.
SHARRA
You don’t get to decide that. She’s Larry’s daughter. She’s family.
Bethany snaps back.
BETHANY
Family? And YOU think you’re part of that family?!
Brooke suddenly steps forward, hands on hips, done with everything.
BROOKE
Enough. I’m done with this.
Everyone turns.
Brooke lifts Destiny’s small bag.
BROOKE
If Destiny isn’t welcome here, then I’m not staying either.
I’m going to Sharra’s house.
Bethany freezes — voice trembling.
BETHANY
You’re leaving too? Because of me?
BROOKE
If the shoe fits… wear it, Warden.
Sharra takes Brooke’s hand reassuringly.
SHARRA
Come on. You’re both safe with me.
Larry joins them, quiet but firm.
LARRY
I’m going too. Peace is better than this chaos.
Bethany’s mask cracks — regret slipping through.
SHARRA
We’re not leaving you behind, Bethany.
You’re pushing us away.
SHARRA’S HOUSE — NIGHT
Warmth. Tea. Cookies. Safety.
Destiny curls on the couch watching cartoons. Brooke brushes her hair.
BROOKE
This is what home feels like. No yelling. No tension.
No Warden patrol.
Sharra smiles.
SHARRA
Family means acceptance… even of the unexpected.
Larry sits beside them, relieved.
LARRY
Thank you for everything, Sharra.
We couldn’t have done this without you.
SHARRA
Just keep the tea coming, and I’ll save the day anytime.
Brooke looks around the calm room — her new family.
BROOKE
This is us. Home. Safe, happy, and drama-free.
Destiny giggles, holding Brooke’s phone.
DESTINY
Aunty Brooke… the Warden is calling. Should I answer?
Brooke snatches the phone and shakes her head.
BROOKE
Ignore it. She’s probably on duty.
They all laugh — peace filling the house at last.
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