Full Shadow Love. New Version

Young Mother

FULL SHADOW LOVE CHAPTER 1 "YOUNG MOTHER" Screenplay by Eric Sandro Villarreal INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT. DAY The clock reads seven in the morning and starts ringing. Julieta slaps the alarm off. Julieta (18) Pale, purple hair down to her shoulders, straight bangs, purple eyes, short, usually dresses like a goth with very short clothes, with makeup and eyeliner Her expression is one of exhaustion and frustration Julieta Another day She stares at the wall for a few seconds. She sits up in bed and sighs. Julieta Easy, Julieta. It's just another day with your little girl She looks at the other bed where a girl just like her is sleeping. Ambar (5) Pale, with dark circles under her eyes, long purple hair without bangs, purple eyes, usually dresses goth, in black, red, purple, and pink Julieta strokes her daughter Ambar's hair She sits down on the other bed Julieta You're the one who helps me keep going, my little star A tear falls from her eye as she forces a smile. She watches her daughter sleep peacefully. She tries to wake her daughter by touching her shoulders. Julieta Ambar, you have to go to kindergarten. I have to work She waits a moment. Her expression is sweet and patient, but firm. Julieta Come on, Ambar, time for kindergarten Ambar opens her little eyes and sees her mom She hugs her mother's arm Ambar Mommy, I don't want to go to school. My classmates say you're a weirdo Julieta's expression is one of confusion, and she goes silent. Julieta strokes her hair Julieta Just because I'm a goth mom? It's my style, Ambar. Don't pay attention to your little classmates Ambar keeps looking at her mother Ambar gets up from her bed quickly Julieta Slow down, you need sugar to start the day. I'll make you something simple Julieta tries to fake a smile. Julieta (V.O.) I feel something strange with Ambar. I love her because she's my daughter and I want her to be better than me, but I never asked for her Julieta watches Ambar open the closet to look for her clothes. She gets up from the bed to make a quick breakfast. Julieta I'll be a few minutes, we leave in half an hour Julieta keeps an uncomfortable expression while she cooks She sees the toast and the tea on the counter. She proceeds to put cheese and ham on the toast, while she prepares hot tea in two cups She gets the idea to make a fried egg Julieta (V.O.) I feel bad for having treated Ambar like she was something demonic. I have to redeem myself She puts on a worried expression when she hears the shower turn on. Ambar is taking a shower. She sees the closed door next to her. She didn't realize Ambar went into the bathroom She walks up to the door and knocks with her knuckles Julieta Ambar, do you need help or anything? Ambar No, Mommy Julieta I'll give you a set of clothes Julieta sighs and proceeds to count the money she has in a jar She sees some stacks of bills and counts them on the table She puts her hands on her forehead Julieta (V.O) I barely make it to the end of the month with my sales. I'm lucky I can pay the rent Her expression is one of resignation while she stays silent Julieta hears and sees the bathroom door open Ambar comes out with a black sweater, black pants of the same tone, dark sneakers, and a pink polar fleece jacket. Ambar Mommy, you're still in your short pajamas Julieta I'm getting dressed, little chunk After a while, she dresses in a black skirt, a dark top, a polar fleece jacket with fleece lining, and boots. Ambar Mommy, won't your legs get cold? Julieta Don't worry, this is how I dress Julieta and Ambar have breakfast together They chew the toast and drink the tea. Ambar prefers to dip the bread in the fried egg They stay silent Ambar How's work going? Julieta Good, we'll be able to keep living here. I'll make sure we don't end up back on the street Julieta's expression is serious and cold while she eats. Ambar seems to want to have a conversation, but she feels embarrassed Julieta (V.O.) A good mother is supposed to be happy eating with her daughter, but I don't know what to say. I'd love to talk to Ambar There's a heavy silence until they finish eating Suddenly, the power goes out. Julieta tries to flip the breakers, but she realizes what's happening Julieta Shit, it's because I didn't pay the electric bill Ambar What's shit? Julieta covers her mouth. She has an anger fit and kicks the counter repeatedly. Ambar sees everything her mother does Ambar screams to stop her Ambar Mommy, stop Julieta doesn't listen Ambar starts to cry slowly Julieta stops She looks at her daughter crying and crouches down in front of her Julieta Easy, I'm fine now. I won't break anything Ambar Okay Ambar calms down and rubs her eyes Julieta stands up and grabs a basket with bags of alfajores and homemade cookies She grabs Ambar's hand and they slowly walk out the apartment door. Julieta Let's go or we'll be late INTERIOR. BUILDING HALLWAY. DAY As they leave, they see a well-dressed woman. Mariana (34) Dark-skinned, black hair, brown eyes, elegantly dressed Mariana Good morning, are you Julieta Jazmin Ayat and Ambar Esmeralda Ayat? Julieta stops dead in her tracks Julieta Hi, yes, that's us Mariana puts on a serious expression after a long silence Mariana I'm Mariana Rosenberg, from social services. We received an anonymous complaint about a case. Mariana hands her a paper Julieta looks at the written complaint She stays silent for a few seconds Julieta Child neglect? There must be a mistake, I do everything to take care of my daughter Mariana We investigated and saw that you have documents, but your parents don't appear. Can you tell me why? Julieta stays silent and looks at Ambar She responds with a lot of respect Julieta Nobody raised me, ma'am. I lived on the street since I was a child. I barely managed to get my ID a few years ago. Social services never helped me when I was little Mariana looks at Ambar Mariana Little one, does your mother do anything bad? Ambar hesitates for a moment Ambar Sometimes she hits things and yells, but she takes care of me. She always cooks for me, but I learned to do things by myself Julieta (V.O.) Ambar has no filter Mariana looked at the interior of the studio apartment from the hallway. Julieta looked at her. Julieta Please, there are mothers who hit their children and they don't get taken away. I just have money problems and I get frustrated easily. I don't hit my daughter Mariana crouches down and checks Ambar for a moment She stands back up and asks Ambar Mariana What happens when your mom gets angry or hits things? Does she hurt you? Does she take good care of you? Have you ever been afraid of her? Ambar My mom is the best mom of all. I only get scared when she hits things because it reminds me of when they hit me at kindergarten Julieta looks at Ambar, frightened Julieta Ambar, you didn't tell me anything about that Ambar It's just that the kids' parents say my mommy looks like a streetwalker, I don't know what that is, but it sounds ugly. Mariana looks at Julieta Mariana Do you work in anything like that? Julieta Never, I work as a street vendor, I have my basket with homemade cookies and alfajores, and I'm looking for work as a cook or baker Mariana Is the girl in school? Do you receive any kind of assistance? Julieta Ambar is in kindergarten and we don't receive any help from the state Mariana There doesn't seem to be any negligence. Just know that if there's another complaint, we're going to intervene and investigate. I recommend you be more attentive to your daughter's emotions and that you talk to the parents of her little classmates. Make her trust you more Mariana leaves the building. Julieta crouches down and hugs Ambar Julieta Who could have reported us? Both stare into space while they hug They stand up and walk down the hallway. They try to take the elevator, but it doesn't work Julieta Stupid piece of junk Ambar Mommy, don't curse Julieta Sorry, my love, let's take the stairs Julieta carries Ambar so she doesn't get tired going down the stairs INTERIOR. GROUND FLOOR - DAY They reach the ground floor and come face to face with a neighbor named Vicky Vicky (30) Blonde, hair tied in a ponytail, tight athletic wear Vicky greets them both Vicky Hi Julieta, hi Ambar Julieta Hi Vicky, how's everything? Vicky Everything's good. I took the chance to go buy breakfast, you guys want some? Julieta No, thanks, we already had breakfast Julieta stares at the door and ignores Vicky She walks out the door as she passes by her Vicky just says goodbye Vicky Good luck to you both She goes up the stairs. She wasn't affected by being ignored EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO. DAY Ambar and Julieta's neighborhood is pretty quiet. There are no very tall buildings Both walk on the sidewalk holding hands Julieta was frustrated while she complained Julieta Who could that crazy woman who reported me be? It must be one of the mothers who looks at me with envy when I drop you off at kindergarten She paused and sighed Julieta Don't they know I sell alfajores on the street? Now a woman can't wear boots and a short skirt because they label her like that She talked about that with Ambar too naturally Ambar looks at her mother and speaks to her with respect without yelling Ambar Mommy, you're squeezing my arm too hard Julieta lets go of Ambar's arm and crouches down Julieta I'm sorry my love, I'm sorry, it's not my intention to hurt you Her expression changes when she rolls up Ambar's sleeve The little girl's arm is full of small pinch marks Julieta looks surprised Julieta Did a kid do this? Who did this to you? Ambar It was my classmates. They say we're weirdos Julieta I'll make sure to talk to their parents Julieta sighs Julieta (V.O.) Nobody teaches you to be a mother at thirteen. I should control my impulses instead of hitting and breaking things Ambar looks melancholic Ambar Mommy, today is my birthday Julieta looks confused and desperate. It seems she doesn't remember Julieta No... I knew, sweetie, but I don't have money to buy you a gift. I'll give you one when I can save up Ambar It's okay, I love you, Mommy EXTERIOR. CHILDREN'S KINDERGARTEN. DAY The kindergarten was in a tough neighborhood Julieta and Ambar arrive walking fast Julieta Let's go sweetie, I'm going to talk to the teachers Her expression turns hard They enter the kindergarten holding hands INTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN. DAY Julieta stands in front of the teachers and the children. There were also some parents present Everyone turned to look at her Julieta stands firm Julieta I wanted to talk to you The teacher looks at her calmly Julieta rolls up Ambar's sleeve, showing the pinch marks Julieta My daughter has pinch marks. The kids mistreat her every class and you don't do anything Maria (46) Blonde, white, wearing a kindergarten teacher's uniform The teacher Maria, who is the one in charge, responds Maria Julieta, we had no idea, sorry. We'll take measures immediately. Ambar never told us Julieta looks at the children Julieta If any of you little brats does anything to Ambar, you'll have to deal with me The teacher Maria holds her by the shoulder Maria Julieta, don't say those things to the children Julieta laughs from nerves She lets go of Ambar Julieta I hope this is the last time, Maria, because if not, my daughter won't set foot in this kindergarten again. It's not mandatory A mother intervenes, her appearance is that of a sloppy woman Julia (30) White, long messy black hair, brown eyes, long and warm athletic wear Julia I think you're the one who generates all that hatred towards your daughter Julieta stares at her with a serious expression Julieta What did you say? Julia Look how you dress with a miniskirt to come drop off your daughter. Aren't you ashamed? The kids see you and think... Ambar's mom is weird Julieta steps closer Julieta You must be one of those who calls me a streetwalker in front of the kids. Do you think it's okay to say those things in front of the kids? They faced off Ambar sees everything her mother causes The children watch the whole argument Maria and other teachers try to calm them down They separate them Maria Enough, you're in front of five-year-old children. You can't talk and face off like that She pauses Maria What do you mean they're calling Julieta a streetwalker because of the way she dresses? Julia Well yes, if she comes dressed like a streetwalker in front of the kids Julieta Don't you come telling me that, I'm not a streetwalker. I work as a street vendor Julia Oh yeah, and to make it to the end of the month you probably go looking for some man Julieta can't take it anymore and slaps Julia Both grab each other by the hair and struggle Maria separates them Maria You're in a kindergarten, how can you attack each other like that? Julieta calms down She looks at her daughter Julieta I'm sorry, Ambar Julieta sees the other children. The children laugh at her Julieta stares at everyone Julieta (V.O.) I'm making a scene. I have to control myself She looks at the floor while putting on an expression of disappointment. Disappointment in herself Julieta looks at the exit door She proceeds to leave Julieta (V.O.) Kids today learn all the bad things from the internet. How do kids know what a streetwalker is? They also learn those words from their parents She looks back while walking through the kindergarten hallways Ambar is left alone in the kindergarten with the teachers and her classmates She looks at all her little classmates She prefers to sit on a chair by herself and draw on a piece of paper Ambar (V.O.) Mom does what she can, she loves me a lot Ambar lifts her paper and sees her drawing It was a drawing of her, her mother, and a black figure with a skull. It was quite detailed for someone her age Maria approaches Ambar and sees her drawing Maria It's very well detailed. You're going to be a great artist, Ambar Ambar Yes, I want to go to the fine arts school to be a plastic arts teacher There's a strong silence between them Maria points to the dark figure Ambar drew Maria Who is that? Ambar looks with a calm expression in silence Ambar My friend, death Maria's eyes widen in surprise Maria Death? There's a strong silence between them The bell rings for recess The children run excitedly to the playground Ambar just walks like someone more mature. She doesn't seem to care about the break She goes out to the kindergarten playground EXTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN PLAYGROUND. DAY She sees all the children playing happily Ambar doesn't move Ambar Friend? Her expression is serious and cold, she stays silent Ambar sees a pale figure with a tunic that hides her entire body Death (Appears 90) Pale, bald, wears a face mask, only her eyes are visible, tunic that covers her entire body The figure extends her hand to Ambar No one seems to look at that figure. Only Ambar looks at her Ambar Friend? Ambar walks up to her and is about to touch her hand The teacher Maria sees Ambar trying to touch nothing There is nothing near Ambar Maria slowly approaches Ambar, without suspecting anything She grabs Ambar by the shoulders and turns her around Ambar doesn't look her in the eyes Maria Ambar, why don't you go play with your classmates? Ambar finally looks at her Ambar Because they say I'm a weirdo, and the parents say my mom is a streetwalker The teacher looks at her with an expression of surprise Maria We'll have to talk to your mom and the parents of the other kids Ambar Okay She didn't show any expression EXTERIOR. PARK. DAY The atmosphere of the park is cold, full of people Julieta walks by trying to sell alfajores from her basket to a couple She stands in front of them Julieta Good morning, I'm trying to support my little girl, would you like a homemade alfajor? She smiles falsely The girl looks at her with disgust The guy looks her up and down Girl No, thanks, we're good They see her short, goth clothes Julieta walks away The guy follows her with his gaze The girl grabs his face and they start arguing Julieta doesn't look at them Julieta (V.O.) The power women have over their partners is overwhelming. Couples don't usually buy my sweets when I'm wearing my miniskirts. She keeps walking in silence Julieta (V.O.) I know what I provoke, but I don't care. Clothes are a way of expressing yourself. I should also look for work as a seamstress She sees a man walking down the street Julieta approaches walking fast Julieta Sir, would you like a... The man interrupts her while he keeps walking Man No, thanks Julieta is about to throw the basket on the floor, but she holds back Her expression is one of frustration She sighs in silence for a moment while her legs start to tremble She checks some bills in the pocket of her polar fleece jacket She only has three thousand Argentine pesos Julieta looks at the bills carefully Julieta (V.O.) I only sold three alfajores in three hours. We're going to starve if I can't sell more She starts breathing fast Julieta (V.O.) Should Ambar have a better mother? Should she have a whole family that can pay the electric bill? She keeps walking slowly with her basket Death starts watching Julieta as she walks away Julieta (V.O.) Maybe she should have a mom who isn't a fake with her. Do I really love my own daughter? Julieta lowers her head because she's about to cry She lifts her head and keeps walking without looking at death Julieta (V.O.) Maybe Ambar should have a better childhood, far from the mockery that her mother's appearance causes Julieta stares at a thick tree She approaches the tree walking slowly She looks the tree up and down Julieta seems to enter a trance Death appears to pull a strand of her hair from behind Julieta I'm a bad mother She stays silent for a few seconds She drops the basket as if it were heavy Julieta slams her face against the tree as if something pushed her She snaps out of the trance and starts screaming She grabs her nose in pain and falls to the floor Too much blood comes out of her nose Julieta wipes it with her sleeve, but the blood keeps coming No one passes by to help her. Everyone goes on their way Julieta stands up slowly while pressing her nose with her sleeve She grabs some napkins from the pocket of her polar fleece jacket She tears pieces of napkin and stuffs them in her nose The bleeding stops for a moment She wipes the rest of the blood from her mouth with a piece of napkin She looks around No one flinches or helps her Julieta (V.O.) People have no heart now EXTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN. DAY The day is gray in Oncativo Julieta walks fast with her basket to the kindergarten door She still has the pieces of napkin plugging her nose Julieta (V.O.) I hope Ambar is okay She enters the kindergarten INTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN. DAY She walks through the hallways while her heels click on the floor Julieta (V.O.) I'm late picking up Ambar. I have to try to be the mother she needs, but I don't know how. Nobody prepares you to be a mother at thirteen Julieta sees teacher Maria from afar Then she looks for Ambar, but can't find her Maria approaches Julieta Maria Good afternoon, Julieta Julieta I'm sorry I'm late Maria I stayed with Ambar. The other teachers had to leave Julieta looks around Julieta Where is Ambar? Maria She's in the bathroom. I wanted to talk to you about several things Julieta I'm sorry about what happened this morning, the parents were calling me a streetwalker Maria I already talked to the parents of those kids Julieta That's good Maria takes out some drawings and shows them to Julieta Each drawing shows Julieta and Ambar next to a black figure Julieta Is it an imaginary friend? Maria She told me it was her friend death Julieta stared at Maria with an expression of surprise Julieta Her friend death? Maria Yes, and she seemed to be playing with an imaginary friend. She doesn't play with the other kids Julieta She doesn't draw this at home. I don't find out about anything INTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN BATHROOM - DAY Ambar is sitting in the bathroom She looks at the stall door without expressing a single emotion Her drool falls from her mouth in a trance Julieta enters the small bathroom She looks at the stall where Ambar is She approaches the stall and knocks on the door with her knuckles Julieta Ambar? Are you okay? Ambar Yes, Mommy Julieta waits while she hears a sound of toilet paper Ambar pulls the chain and comes out of the bathroom She looks at her mother from top to bottom Ambar I'm ready Julieta That's good love, we have to talk when we get home They held hands Julieta and Ambar leave together EXTERIOR. PLAYGROUND. DAY Julieta and Ambar pass by a playground The children play peacefully Julieta and Ambar keep walking Ambar doesn't seem interested in playing with the kids Julieta (V.O.) Does Ambar need a better mother? Could a more capable person adopt her? Julieta stops dead in her tracks She sees the other mothers with their daughters Julieta They're happy Ambar pulls her hand Ambar Mommy, let's go home Julieta stares at Ambar Julieta (V.O.) I didn't want to have Ambar, she was the product of... Ambar looks confused Julieta touches her shoulder She stares at her daughter Julieta Let's go sit on those benches, away from everyone They walk to some benches They sit in the middle of the park Julieta notices there are several mothers nearby drinking mate together They pass the mate with a smile Ambar looks at her Ambar I don't get it, the kids play and I don't Julieta looks at her sideways Julieta Try to play with them. I'll watch you from here Ambar looks at the other children She gets up to go play with them She walks slowly up to them The children look at her weird, but they don't discriminate against her Boy You have purple hair Boy 2 Do you want to get on the carousel? Ambar sees a big carousel Ambar Okay Ambar turns to look at Julieta Julieta is no longer on the bench. She disappeared Ambar approaches the bench without caring about anything else Ambar Mommy? Julieta is quickly leaving the park She sees an ice cream man pass by. A street vendor She doesn't give it importance and keeps walking Julieta (V.O.) Maybe one of those mothers will give Ambar a better life. She shouldn't carry the burden of a useless person like me Ambar looks for her mother looking everywhere There's a heavy silence Ambar starts to cry. She doesn't understand the situation, but she looks for her mother. She raises her voice just a little Ambar Mommy, I'm making friends Julieta stops dead in her tracks and reflects Ambar Mommy, you told me you would never leave without me. You're my mommy Julieta starts to cry slowly and covers her mouth with one of her hands She sees the street ice cream vendor She approaches quickly and opens the pocket of her jacket Julieta Excuse me, how much are two strawberry ice creams? Street Vendor A thousand pesos each Julieta takes out two thousand-peso bills and pays him She receives two strawberry ice creams Ambar was alone Julieta returns quickly with the ice creams and her basket Julieta Ambar, don't cry, my love. I went to buy you an ice cream Ambar is surprised to see it Ambar You say there's never enough for dessert Julieta smiles and strokes her cheek Julieta This time is special. Today is April eighth and you're turning another year older Julieta looks at the carousel Julieta Go get on the carousel Ambar shakes her head Ambar No, now I want to be by your side. I don't like losing you Ambar hugs her Julieta (V.O.) Because of me, now Ambar is going to be more dependent, and she's going to keep seeing that weird friend. Is it really an imaginary friend or is it something more? Ambar tries her ice cream Ambar Thanks Mommy, you're the best Julieta Thank you, I do what I can Both smile Death watches them from a corner of the park Julieta (V.O.) Ambar is going to have a better life than mine. She won't fall into abuse

Remorse

FULL SHADOW LOVE Chapter 2 "Remorse" INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta looks at several thousand-peso bills on her table. She has her miniskirt, boots, and polar fleece jacket She proceeds to count them patiently The light is off, there are only candles Ambar plays with a teddy bear plushie She has her black pants and sweater, with her pink polar fleece jacket Ambar Mr. Bear, let's play vendors, like Mommy Julieta looks at Ambar after counting money Julieta (V.O.) She already knows how to say teddy bear in English? Ambar is a prodigy child. She's very mature She watches her daughter walk with her plushie acting as if she were selling alfajores to imaginary characters She keeps counting money Julieta (V.O.) One hundred thousand pesos, this isn't enough to cover the rent, or the electric, the gas, or anything Julieta bangs her head against the table She stays silent with her head on the table She lifts her head again and sits up straight Ambar interrupts by touching her leg Ambar Mommy, do you want to play? Julieta Not now, my love, I'm trying to think Ambar understands She keeps playing with her teddy bear plushie Suddenly, someone knocks on the door Julieta looks at the door Building Owner Julieta, we need to talk Julieta walks to the door She hesitates for a while before doing anything She proceeds to open it Building Owner (50) Obese, black hair, brown eyes, urban and sloppy clothes Building Owner Julieta, you owe me two months of rent, if you don't pay me something today or tomorrow, you'll have to leave to the street with your little one Julieta looks at Ambar and looks back at the owner Julieta Please, a little compassion Building Owner Julieta, you're behind on the rent, what do you want me to do? Julieta looks at the table She walks to it and grabs the money she collected from work She observes it carefully She returns to the owner Julieta This is all I have The owner raises her voice Building Owner This doesn't even cover a quarter of what you owe me Julieta But I advanced you something. Every week I'm going to give you some money Building Owner If you don't bring me more money tomorrow, you're going to the street Julieta stays silent Ambar watches from behind The building owner leaves without saying anything else In the hallway, the voice of the building owner is heard Building Owner A prostitute's job would do you good She starts laughing. Her laugh is heard throughout the place Julieta is petrified while the woman's laughter distorts in her mind Julieta looks at Ambar who has her plushie Ambar Mommy, what is a streetwalker? Julieta hugs her Julieta Nothing, my love, they're things you don't understand Ambar stays serious while she observes Ambar Can't you pay? My friend death says that if you didn't have me, everything would be better for you. I don't get it Julieta is surprised Julieta What? Who tells you that? Ambar My friend, she says you escaped her, and now I'm your curse Julieta hears a sound and looks at the bathroom door There are whispers behind the door. They keep staring at it Julieta slowly approaches Julieta Stay here, sweetie Julieta opens the door slowly INTERIOR. JULIETA'S BATHROOM - NIGHT First she opens it a little, peeks her head in There is nothing in the small bathroom She finally opens it quickly There is no one on the other side Julieta sighs while she stands up straight Behind her is the figure of death Julieta enters a trance She stares at the mirror fixedly Julieta I can't pay the rent. I can't pay anything There is silence Ambar looks at her mother Julieta Julieta, would you be willing to prostitute yourself to give Ambar the life she deserves? She seems possessed, her eyes look up Her head moves forward to the mirror as if something superhuman pushed her The mirror breaks into a thousand pieces Julieta hits her head on the sink and falls to the floor hard Julieta is unconscious with glass stuck in her face Ambar stares at her mother She approaches her quickly Ambar Mommy, get up, please She repeats raising her voice Ambar Mommy, get up, please Julieta opens her eyes She gets up slowly while grabbing her face She touches her face full of small pieces of glass stuck in it INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta walks through the apartment to the small table She sits on a chair Ambar watches horrified Ambar Mommy Julieta lets out small sobs while she removes the small pieces of glass with her hands She places each piece of glass on the small table Julieta The glass didn't go in deep She removes one by one and places it on the table She removes the last piece of glass She sobs and cries while her face bleeds Someone knocks on the door Julieta I'm coming She puts band-aids on her face She realizes she has a bump on her forehead Ambar opens the door without her mother's permission Julieta Ambar, I told you not to open the door to strangers Julieta looks and goes silent It was the social services girl named Mariana along with two agents Mariana Good morning, Julieta, we're here for another anonymous complaint Mariana speaks to her agents Mariana Check everything Julieta watches and moves slowly with fear The agents start checking the little there is Julieta No... you can't do this Mariana We have a warrant One of the agents enters the bathroom and sees the disaster There is a heavy silence Mariana advances to the bathroom, seeing the broken mirror and the blood Then she looks at Julieta's face Julieta I slipped Julieta (V.O.) No one would believe something strange happened to me Mariana sits in front of her Ambar is holding her teddy bear plushie very confused Mariana The complaint is now for negligence, but they also tell us you may be illegally prostituting yourself Julieta stays silent Julieta Who was the woman who thinks I'm prostituting myself? Is it because I wear a short skirt? Mariana We're going to investigate everything, but I remember the girl told me you have anger problems She speaks sarcastically Julieta Sure, I headbutted the mirror and the sink out of anger Mariana That's not what I meant One of the agents approaches Ambar Agent 1 Does your mom hurt you? Ambar No Agent 1 What happened to your mother? Ambar My friend death pushed her Everyone went silent Mariana looks at Julieta Mariana Where does your daughter get those things from? Julieta signals Ambar to go to the bathroom Ambar looks at her fixedly confused The little one does it immediately Julieta starts to cry and whispers so Ambar doesn't hear Julieta I don't know, I do what I can with my daughter and people judge me. I'm eighteen years old and I never had parents. She cries louder Julieta I suffered sexual abuse on the street at thirteen. Two men locked me in an abandoned house and did terrible things to me. I never even started elementary school She puts her hands on her face There is a heavy silence while Julieta cries Mariana Julieta, I wish we could give you social assistance, but all the programs were eliminated Julieta I know, now everything is private. If Ambar gets sick I have to figure it out on my own Ambar starts coughing Julieta stands up She opens a drawer and grabs a scarf and some gloves She crouches down in front of Ambar Julieta Don't let a fever catch you, put this on Ambar proceeds to bundle up more with the big scarf and black gloves Julieta sits back down Mariana and Julieta stare at each other Mariana Julieta, you seem to be a good mother, but we have to check that Ambar and you don't have a psychological disorder Julieta I don't have money to pay for a psychologist or a psychiatrist She pauses Mariana Also, in case you didn't know, the current law says we have to take your daughter away if you don't have the money to cover her basic needs Julieta stands up screaming Julieta You're not going to take my daughter away Mariana stands up firm Mariana I don't see any trace of negligence, but we understand that you can't support your daughter and that you both need psychological help Julieta screams while the agents leave Julieta It's her imagination The door closes and social services leave Julieta (V.O.) The world is cruel. My only way to pay for everything is... INTERIOR. BUILDING HALLWAYS - NIGHT Julieta is in front of her neighbor, Vicky Ambar goes into Vicky's apartment, seeing all the books and things she has. She has better things and everything is cleaner Julieta lowers her head Julieta I'm asking you to take care of her tonight. I have to go to a... She thinks for a second Julieta A job interview Vicky Julieta, that's great, you're going to be able to earn more with that job. What is it? Julieta thinks Julieta Bakery Vicky That's great, and you always look cute with your skirt and boots Julieta laughs a little Julieta You're the only one in the building I can trust. The others see me as a slut for dressing like this Vicky Go with peace of mind Julieta turns and walks to the exit of the place Julieta (V.O.) I tried looking for work in libraries, bars, cafes, kiosks, and many other places. They just want someone with more experience or they have someone better She keeps walking in silence Julieta (V.O.) Maybe they're right. In a country without opportunities, maybe this is my only way to get ahead EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO - NIGHT Julieta is standing on a corner of a neighborhood There is a heavy silence Julieta (V.O.) It's not your fault, Julieta, you just need the money She sees in the distance more girls waiting to be picked up by a car Some put on lipstick while others are motionless Julieta (V.O.) Do I really have to be this? She starts singing slowly on the street while she waits Julieta (Singing) I want to escape, I want to find, a place to start shining. I want to be myself and start a new life. It's the hour of happiness A car stops next to her The window rolls down and Julieta looks inside Man (35) Elegant Man Hi, beautiful, what are you doing out here all alone? Julieta You know what I do Man I can give you a lot of money to try that little body Julieta How much are you offering? Man How much do you want? Julieta stays silent for a moment Julieta More than a hundred thousand pesos Man Deal, get in and we'll go to a more private place The man opens the door for her to sit next to him Julieta stays silent Julieta (V.O.) More than a hundred thousand pesos every day? With that I could have a new apartment, a better life for Ambar, food and clothes until I'm accepted in a decent job The man is impatient Man Get in and when we're done I'll pay you when I go to the bank Julieta gets in the passenger seat She looks around The car starts quickly The vehicle disappears into the darkness INTERIOR. DAVID'S CAR - NIGHT Julieta is sitting uncomfortably Julieta What's your name? Man David They stay silent for a few seconds David Hey, don't be so shy, how old are you? Julieta thinks in silence Julieta I'm eighteen David Young girl He looks at her for a while while driving David Have we met somewhere else? Because your face I remember from somewhere Julieta I don't think so. I can't think straight The car stops in an empty and dark parking lot Julieta looks terrified out the window Julieta What are we doing here? I thought we were going to a motel or a house David strokes her leg slowly David I've always wanted to do it in a place like this He slowly approaches Julieta until she can feel his breath He puts his hand under her short skirt Julieta stays still and horrified Flashback: INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta cooks in her apartment She starts singing Julieta (Singing) A condemnation is your love, and chained I will be, something I never imagined, kissing you in the shadows I will be. Your affection moves me... She goes quiet watching Ambar The girl runs through the apartment with her teddy bear plushie Ambar Thanks for giving me Mr. Bear for my birthday, Mommy Julieta looks at her smiling while she cooks Julieta You deserve the best in the world, Ambar Julieta (V.O.) I hope she doesn't find out I took it from the trash and cleaned it. I couldn't buy her a good plushie. I'm a poor girl End of Flashback: INTERIOR. DAVID'S CAR - NIGHT Julieta pulls away from David before he kisses her David kisses her on the cheek and goes to her neck He puts his hand under her skirt David Little girl Julieta removes David's hands from under her skirt She pulls away even more David pulls away confused David What's wrong? Don't you want your money? Julieta pulls away. She looks desperate Julieta No, I want to get out She tries to get out of the car, but everything is locked David pulls her by the arm David You're not leaving here without giving me what's mine David kisses her neck desperately Julieta tries to free herself, but she can't She starts screaming with all her strength Julieta Help Both see a light from outside The police heard the screams and went to help Police 1 Open the door David obeys and unlocks the doors EXTERIOR. PARKING LOT - NIGHT The police officer grabs him and handcuffs him Julieta runs out and is stopped by a female officer Police 2 Did they hurt you? Julieta cries Julieta He wouldn't let me leave INTERIOR. POLICE STATION Julieta is sitting at the police station A female police officer is in front of her, listening to her story Julieta He wouldn't let me leave. I don't know what happened to me In front of her, the woman named Julia steps forward. The girl she had fought with at the kindergarten Julia looks at her in silence Julia You were going to get with my husband. I knew you were a slut Julieta stays silent Julieta Sorry Julia I'd beat you up, but the police are here. Now you say my husband tried to rape you, but you were the whore who got in his car Julieta stays silent and looks at the floor Julia I'm going to make sure everyone finds out what you are, you brat INTERIOR. VICKY'S APARTMENT Ambar is looking at a plushie in Vicky's apartment She holds the purple rabbit plushie Vicky was on the couch watching TV She looks at Ambar Vicky You can keep the purple rabbit. It's broken Ambar turns the doll in silence She sees that the plushie has a torn back Ambar My mommy will fix it. She knows how to fix plushies with thread Suddenly, she hears voices in her head Ambar Who are you? Mysterious Voice Your mother's past There is a silence for a moment Mysterious Voice Drug addict, alcoholic, whore. She asked for it. She was wearing something very short Ambar whispers as if in a trance Ambar Drug addict, alcoholic, whore. She asked for it. She was wearing something very short Mysterious Voice That's your mother Vicky was watching TV in her apartment She grabs the remote to lower the volume She turns her head to look at Ambar She is drawing with an attitude that is too brusque Vicky gets up and goes to see what Ambar was doing She sees that Ambar is drawing Julieta being harassed and abused Vicky is surprised Vicky Ambar, what are you doing? The girl stays very calm and silent Ambar The ghosts told me my mommy was doing this Vicky goes silent INTERIOR. BUILDING HALLWAYS - NIGHT Julieta walks through the building hallways She knocks on Vicky's door Vicky comes out quickly Julieta is still crying, but tries to lie Julieta I didn't get the job in the end, and I didn't like it either Vicky puts her hand on her shoulder Vicky It's okay, friend She looks back and then looks at Julieta again Vicky I have to talk about your daughter Julieta keeps crying Julieta What happened? Vicky takes out Ambar's drawings She starts flipping through them They all seem to be drawings of Julieta being abused Julieta goes silent while she sees them Julieta What is this? Vicky She says it's you and that the ghosts whisper to her what happened Julieta stays silent for a moment. She can't believe it Ambar appears next to Vicky Julieta looks at her in silence Julieta Ambar, who taught you to draw this? Ambar The ghosts of your past. They say you were an alcoholic, drug addict, and whore. I don't get it, they say you don't deserve me Julieta (V.O.) Could that force that threw me at the mirror be telling all this to Ambar? These are things she shouldn't know at her age Vicky looks at her weird Vicky What are they teaching your daughter? Julieta can't describe it with words INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta enters her apartment desperately She closes the door forcefully She rests her head on the door, tired Julieta turns and looks at Ambar She takes out the drawings Julieta What are these drawings? How did you know what was happening to me? Ambar stays silent Ambar So you really do those dirty things Julieta I escaped, I didn't do anything Ambar My friends say you're a crazy person, that you're bad. I don't get it Julieta I'm not bad, I try to do my best to take care of you. I don't want us to end up back on the street Ambar My friends say you're bad, are you bad? Julieta hugs her Julieta No, my love, I try to do what I can Julieta crouches down to hug her An invisible force pulls Julieta's hair back Julieta falls to the floor She stares fixedly at Ambar Julieta Ambar, is that you? Ambar It's my friends, death and your ghosts Julieta looks horrified while she breathes heavily Ambar They tell me you worked on the street? What do they mean, Mommy? Julieta Jesus Christ She looks everywhere, but doesn't find anyone Julieta We have to get out of this apartment INTERIOR. VICKY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta knocks on Vicky's door and she opens She is carrying Ambar, who has her teddy bear plushie Julieta Can we eat and sleep here? Vicky Sure, some company would do me good Julieta I'm going to make dinner She opens the fridge She sees it has few things She closes the fridge and sighs She opens the cupboard, sees a package of noodles and other pasta She grabs a package of noodles Julieta Noodles again Julieta starts cooking Ambar looks sideways Ambar (V.O.) Is my mom bad? Death's pale hand strokes Ambar's hair She goes silent EXTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN - DAY Julieta is with her short skirt and polar fleece jacket, Ambar has long black and pink clothes They walk holding hands Ambar Mommy, walk slower, please Julieta Sorry, love They enter the kindergarten INTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN - DAY Upon entering, Julieta leaves her daughter with the other children Julieta leaves quickly, looking everywhere Ambar looks at her little classmates The children mock her Boy Ambar's mom works on the street Other Children Ambar's mom works on the street The children repeat while they point at her Ambar starts to cry slowly She looks at the mirror and sighs The figure of death forms in the mirror Ambar slowly approaches and places her hand on the mirror Children Ambar is going crazy The teacher Maria intervenes Maria Children, stop bothering your classmate Boy Our moms say her mommy works on the street Ambar runs out of the kindergarten Maria follows her Maria Ambar, come back EXTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN - DAY Ambar looks for Julieta, but she already left She looks everywhere with accelerated breathing She looks to the side and sees death Death crouches down and gives her a hug Maria comes out and finds Ambar hugging something invisible Maria Jesus Christ, what's wrong with this girl? EXTERIOR. CHILDREN'S PARK - DAY Julieta is sitting with her basket in a corner of the park She silently watches all the children play with their parents Julieta (V.O.) None of them wanted to buy an alfajor or a pastry from me. I spend more money making homemade alfajores to sell than on anything else She goes silent while she looks at the floor Julieta (V.O.) Maybe I shouldn't have gotten out of that car. I should have given Ambar a better life. Now that woman is going to throw us out on the street Julieta starts to cry while she eats alfajores She looks at the sky without hope Julieta Please, God, give me strength to face all this INTERIOR. KINDERGARTEN - DAY Julieta comes back to pick up Ambar Upon entering, she sees that Ambar is staring at a corner without emotions Julieta approaches Ambar and Maria Julieta What happened? Maria Ambar has been staring at the wall for a long time. She doesn't want to go play with the other kids. We tried to cheer her up, but she doesn't listen to us Julieta She's been through a lot these days. We have economic and personal problems Maria turns to look at her Maria Julieta, don't you think you're too young to raise Ambar alone? Where is the child's father and her grandparents? Don't you have a sister? Julieta I have a sister, but we don't get along Maria It would be good for you both to work together to improve Ambar's life. I'm afraid your economic and personal problems are affecting her mind Julieta takes Ambar by the shoulder Julieta Ambar Ambar snaps out of the trance and turns her head Ambar What's going on? Julieta Let's go Both leave holding hands EXTERIOR. BUILDING HALLWAYS - DAY Julieta holds a full bag The building owner stands in front of her Building Owner Now you're leaving. I'm not going to put up with you anymore Julieta Alright, you won't see us anymore EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO - DAY Julieta and Ambar go out into the cold streets Julieta Don't worry, sweetie, Mommy's got you Ambar Where are we going now? Julieta I don't know, my love, but I'm going to do everything possible so you don't go through hunger and cold again Julieta gives her the teddy bear plushie Ambar I want you to meet death. She says you escaped her Julieta stays silent They disappear into the darkness of the streets Julieta (V.O.) Holy Father, bless us. I don't plan to embrace death and let Ambar feel fear. Get us out of misery and away from cruelty. She pauses briefly while they walk Julieta (V.O.) Deliver us from evil, amen

Accused

FULL SHADOW LOVE Chapter 3 "Accused" EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO - NIGHT Julieta and Ambar walk holding hands They look around for a place to sleep Ambar Mommy, my feet hurt and I'm cold Julieta No problem, my love, I'll carry you Julieta lifts Ambar and carries her in her arms Julieta's short skirt attracts the gaze of different men Julieta sees a bus in the distance Julieta watches in silence while she has Ambar asleep in her arms Julieta (V.O.) I can't even pay for the bus Julieta keeps walking through the neighborhoods A car pulls up next to her A man rolls down the window, he has a perverse face Man Hey, beautiful, let's go for a ride Julieta looks at him with distrust and fear Julieta No, we're walking The man stops the car while Julieta keeps walking He gets out of the vehicle and walks behind her Julieta looks back and goes silent She starts to run The man starts to chase her Man Everyone in the city knows you're a prostitute, little girl. Don't play hard to get Julieta starts screaming while she speeds up Julieta Help, help, help Julieta looks back The man seems to get tired and stops Man You're going to pay for this, you damn whore There is a heavy silence and Julieta starts walking Ambar Mommy, was that a bad man? Julieta Yes, but he only wanted me. It's not your fault Julieta lowers Ambar and crouches down Julieta Ambar, you're not to blame for anything. Nothing that's happening to us is your fault. You are not responsible for the decisions of others Ambar Yes, Mommy, I love you very much. My friends don't tell the truth, you're not a bad mother They keep walking holding hands Julieta Tell me more about your friends Ambar Only I can see them, death and my mommy's ghosts Julieta The ghosts of Julieta Jazmin Ayat, that would be a great book if I could write it Ambar They're real Julieta I know, one of those things pushed me against the mirror. I wasn't the one who fell Julieta goes silent while she sees the other sidewalk horrified On the other side of the street is the figure of death Julieta stares Mysterious whispers You escaped death She starts walking fast with her daughter while she looks back EXTERIOR. DOWNTOWN ONCATIVO - NIGHT The downtown streets are almost empty Julieta arrives tired at the outskirts of a store Julieta We made it downtown She lowers Ambar from her arms She checks her bag and sees she only has five alfajores Ambar looks at her in silence Ambar Mommy, I'm hungry. I didn't have a snack Julieta looks at the five alfajores She takes them out of the bag and slowly gives them to Ambar Julieta Here, you should eat Ambar It's like when we lived on the street, are we living on the street? Julieta Yes, my love, but I'm going to make sure you're okay. Eat an alfajor Julieta hands her the alfajores Ambar opens them and eats them slowly Julieta Why are you eating them so slowly? Ambar So they don't run out fast. Aren't you eating? Julieta No, I'm full Julieta goes silent while her daughter eats slowly The cold forces Julieta to take out a thin sheet from her bag She and Ambar cover themselves with it while they sleep on the concrete Julieta Sleep on top of me Ambar climbs on top of her mother and uses her as a mattress Julieta strokes her hair while she sings to her Julieta (Singing) Poor little bunny, ethereal and so pretty, God's light made her tiny She had a little daughter, pretty little star, so sensitive, strange and serene Julieta stares at the sky while she closes her eyes Julieta (Singing) She grew up all alone, sad and hidden, learning to walk through life She never had stories, nor a family, but she found in her child a new joy Ambar is already asleep Julieta (Singing) Ambar, little one, my sweet company. Even if money is short, I will give you joy If the night is dark, and the day ends, I will protect you even if it costs me my life Julieta stares at the dark sky She closes her eyes before going to sleep EXTERIOR. DOWNTOWN ONCATIVO - DAY Julieta opens her eyes and silently looks at the cloudy sky She gets up slowly while she looks around People walk by without giving her importance Ambar and Julieta get up slowly They hold hands Ambar Mommy, how long will we be on the street? Julieta I don't know, love Julieta looks in her bag, she has two alfajores left She gives an alfajor to Ambar Julieta Eat one and I'll eat the other Both start eating a homemade alfajor Julieta (V.O.) I have no more food, although I have a bottle of water Julieta takes a bottle of water out of her bag Julieta Ambar, drink water Ambar proceeds to grab the bottle and take a long sip Julieta watches her smiling Julieta (V.O.) She is my little one I don't know how I tried to abandon her before She is my heart Both walk together Julieta stands in front of a man talking on the phone They look at each other uncomfortably Julieta Excuse me for the trouble, would you have some money to give my daughter something to eat? We're on the street Stranger I'm sorry, I don't have anything Julieta looks at his clothes, the way he holds his wallet and his phone Julieta That's okay, thank you Julieta walks up to another stranger and stands in front of her Julieta Excuse me for the trouble, would you have some money to give my daughter something to eat? We're on the street Stranger I'm sorry, I don't have anything Julieta That's okay, thank you very much Both keep walking Julieta (V.O.) No one is going to give money to a stranger. I understand Ambar (V.O.) My mommy does what she can Ambar sees the figure of death on the other side Death points at Julieta Death They escaped Ambar looks at Julieta while she walks Ambar Mommy, death says you escaped Julieta says nothing, but her discomfort is noticeable while she walks Julieta (V.O.) Does death really want me or does she want Ambar? Only new life is capable of defeating death Ambar helped me defeat her when she was born They keep walking holding hands Ambar stops out of nowhere Ghosts of the past (Whispering) Your mother is a whore Your mother is a drug addict Your mother is an alcoholic Ambar Mommy, your ghosts are telling you ugly things Julieta just keeps walking with Ambar, she says nothing Julieta (V.O.) I don't have those anger fits anymore, that's good for Ambar EXTERIOR. OSCAR DUARTE'S KIOSK Julieta and Ambar look at the store There's a sign on the glass "Employee needed" Julieta Look Ambar. This way we can earn money to eat something They enter the store walking slowly INTERIOR. OSCAR HERRERA'S KIOSK Julieta sees a man at the counter Oscar Duarte (65) Oscar looks her up and down in silence Julieta approaches with Ambar Julieta Good morning, I saw you needed an employee Oscar Yes, do you think you'd be good to work here? Julieta Well, I learn fast and I also need to support my little one We're homeless Oscar You're homeless? Oscar looks at Ambar Oscar Alright, you'd just have to serve the customers I'm old and I get tired quickly Go ahead, come in Julieta and Ambar enter the cash register area Oscar Is the girl going to behave? Julieta Yes, she's very polite and quiet Oscar Alright, I'm going to trust you Julieta Really? Thank you very much How much will I earn per day? Oscar Depends on how much you sell Julieta I'm good at sales Oscar Are there other things you're good at? Julieta I'm good at cooking, baking, and sewing. Although I learn everything fast Oscar approaches provocatively He puts his hand under her skirt Oscar Yes, but I can pay you more for another one of your services Julieta looks with an expression of horror, she is silent She pushes Oscar against the counter She grabs Ambar's hand Julieta No I just wanted the job You're a dirty old man Oscar But you're the streetwalker that's on the internet They exposed you, little girl Julieta They exposed me? It must have been Julia Oscar Get out of here, streetwalker Julieta leaves the store quickly Julieta Dirty old man Ambar Mommy, what did the man want to do? Julieta Nothing, love They're things you shouldn't know at your age They keep walking with terror Julieta (V.O.) There must be a way for Ambar and me not to live on the street All the passersby look at Julieta with shamelessness or lust Julieta says nothing and puts on a traumatic expression A guy approaches to try to photograph under her skirt Julieta notices and slaps his hand His phone falls to the floor Julieta Pervert Julieta (V.O.) I can't live with this, but I have to be there for Ambar EXTERIOR. ONCATIVO NEIGHBORHOODS - DAY Julieta approaches a stranger Julieta Excuse me, would you give me some loose change you have so I can buy something to eat for my daughter? The man stays silent, thinking He searches his pockets Man I only have these five hundred pesos Julieta takes them slowly Julieta Thank you, it will help me Julieta is about to leave holding Ambar's hand Man They exposed you, be careful Julieta turns her head Julieta I made bad decisions, but now I only care about my daughter Julieta (V.O.) Finally, someone doesn't judge me for my mistake INTERIOR. BUILDING HALLWAYS - DAY Outside Julieta's former apartment, social services was knocking on the door The building owner passes by Building Owner Good morning, how can I help you? Mariana We're from social services and we're looking for Julieta Jazmin Ayat Building Owner Why? Mariana There's an anonymous complaint for child neglect and illegal prostitution Building Owner I knew she was a slut I kicked her out to the street God knows where she is Mariana goes silent and looks at her agents Mariana Let's search for her all over the city, we have to protect the girl EXTERIOR. ONCATIVO NEIGHBORHOODS Julieta walks through the neighborhoods with Ambar She counts money in her hand. She gathered it all by asking house to house Ambar Mommy, will you be able to buy something for a snack with that? Julieta We won't be able to have a snack We're going to have to save this for lunch They arrive at a neighborhood kiosk EXTERIOR. DAVID HEREDIA'S KIOSK - DAY Julieta and Ambar see a sign "Employee needed" Julieta This could be a good opportunity INTERIOR. DAVID HEREDIA'S KIOSK - DAY Julieta and Ambar enter the store A gray-haired man receives them behind the counter David Heredia (65) Redhead with gray hair, light eyes, casually dressed, depressive face Julieta stands in front Julieta Good morning, I would like some tea sandwiches David How many? Julieta puts money on the counter Julieta As many as I can get with that David counts the money David You have enough for three Julieta Alright, give me three David proceeds to give her three alfajores Julieta stands in silence Julieta Another thing, I saw that outside the kiosk there's a sign that says you're looking for an employee Do you still need one? David I'm sorry, I don't need anyone else Ambar hugs Julieta's leg Julieta (V.O.) He's lying to me Julieta Well, thanks for the sandwiches They leave the store slowly EXTERIOR. ONCATIVO NEIGHBORHOODS - DAY Julieta (V.O.) Julia is ruining my life While Ambar keeps walking in silence, she sees the figure of death on the other side of the sidewalk She points at Julieta Death They escaped They will come with me EXTERIOR. CEMETERY ROAD - DAY Julieta and Ambar sit on a bench Julieta takes out the sandwiches They start eating slowly Julieta eats fast and Ambar does it slowly In a short time they finish eating Julieta Daughter, maybe at some point I was very violent, but I want you to know that I love you with all my soul I would die for you to have a better life Ambar The ghosts say you escaped from something called The Trafficking They say I was born from that Julieta Oh no, don't be afraid Julieta hugs her They stand up and walk through the place Julieta You have to see something Julieta takes Ambar to the cemetery EXTERIOR. CEMETERY - DAY Julieta and Ambar arrive at the cemetery In front of them is a grave "Perla Jasper Ayat" Julieta kneels in front of it She crosses herself Julieta Ambar, your grandmother suffered a lot of abuse Some bad men had her locked in a cage with other women Then she had me The men waited until I grew up a little and used me for horrible things Julieta cries Julieta That's trafficking They're unknown men who say that if you go with them they'll make your life better, but in the end they use you to do the most horrible and terrifying things Many girls fell into that I don't want your future to be that Ambar I don't get it Julieta I can't believe I have no one to express myself to I'm telling all this to my five-year-old daughter while I'm eighteen I should be in college or I should open my own coffee shop Julieta lowers her head Julieta I don't know how to take care of a girl I don't know how to do anything good I don't know how to make good decisions She pauses briefly Julieta God, give me strength Ambar hugs her from behind Ambar Mommy, I give you strength Julieta Thank you, sweetie She pauses to dry her tears EXTERIOR. PARK - NIGHT Julieta and Ambar walk to a bench They sit together and hug to seek warmth Julieta Sorry, Ambar, no one wanted to give me work Julia ruined me Ambar I don't care, Mommy, because I will always love you despite your mistakes and difficulties Julieta How do you know all those difficult words? You're a genius Julieta takes a large sheet out of her bag and they cover themselves Julieta I know it's not the most comfortable place, but it's what there is Ambar You do what you can, Mommy Both start to sleep Dream: EXTERIOR. BLACK VOID - TIMELESS Ambar is still in the middle of a void She starts running through the place without knowing where to go Ambar Mommy? Mom? She finds no one Ambar starts to cry Ambar Mom Out of nowhere, a man appears It's death, but it's different Death (Appears 30) Pale as snow, genderless, short black hair, big black eyes, dressed in an elegant black suit Death Little one, are you lost? Ambar Who are you? Death I'm your friend, you can call me Johan Ambar Johan? Where is my mother? Johan She abandoned you The ghosts of her past told you Ambar I didn't want to accept it Johan So you knew, but you played dumb You're a very intelligent girl for your age You're a very mature girl for your age Ambar My mommy says not to go with men who say they'll make your life better Johan Oh, I'm not a man or a woman I'm something different Johan extends his hand Johan Take my hand Ambar hesitates for a few seconds Ambar Okay Ambar gives her hand to Johan They walk through the void End of dream: EXTERIOR. PARK - NIGHT Julieta wakes up in the middle of a big wave of cold in the morning She realizes Ambar is not next to her She looks everywhere with horror She gets up from the bench quickly She leaves her bag on the ground She looks around again agitated while she screams Julieta (Repeating) Ambar She runs all over the park Julieta (Repeating) Ambar She crosses the street Cars almost run over Julieta Julieta (Repeating) Ambar She doesn't see her anywhere When she returns to the bench, she sees her bag was stolen She kneels on the floor Julieta (Repeating) Ambar Julieta starts to cry She puts her hands on her face to dry her tears Some vehicles stop in front of her Mariana and her two detectives get out They look at Julieta and around her Mariana Where is Ambar? Julieta I don't know EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO - NIGHT Ambar walks on the sidewalk with her eyes closed. Her hand is extended as if she were holding someone's hand She walks down the empty street without a car running her over Ambar has her eyes closed and keeps walking Dream: EXTERIOR. BLACK VOID - TIMELESS Johan walks through the void with Ambar Johan (V.O.) Only new life is capable of defeating death I am not capable of killing you, Ambar Esmeralda, it's not your turn yet I can ruin your mother's life as revenge I can make her past come back to her INTERIOR. MARIANA'S VEHICLE - NIGHT Mariana was driving, with Julieta in the back seat Mariana I can't believe you lost your daughter We have the opportunity to help you Julieta says nothing Mariana You illegally prostitute yourself to feed your daughter Julieta I'm not a prostitute I got into a guy's car and I got out when I realized there were more options Julieta sees that Ambar is right in front of them Julieta Careful Mariana brakes hard EXTERIOR. BLACK VOID - TIMELESS Johan walks through the void with Ambar They turn their heads Johan She found us EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO - NIGHT Ambar opens her eyes and returns to normal Julieta gets out of the car quickly She kneels and hugs Ambar Julieta Ambar, my little one, you're going to catch a fever, my love Mariana advances and takes Ambar from her Julieta struggles No, please, don't take Ambar from me, she's all I have The other two men help take her away They snatch Ambar from Julieta Julieta Don't leave me like this I have no house, no money, and now you want to take my daughter Mariana There's no option, you don't have money to support her You're too young You're negligent You're a prostitute Before leaving, Mariana turns her head Mariana You're lucky I don't contact the police, for the crime of illegal prostitution They get into the cars with Ambar The cars start Julieta hits the windows, but is ignored She watches the vehicles drive away Julieta is left kneeling on the floor The silence is terrifying Julieta cries with her head down Julieta (V.O.) I'm in a country without opportunities Social services only takes happiness away from poor mothers EXTERIOR. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT A woman opens a door of an apartment building Julieta passes as if she were just another tenant EXTERIOR. APARTMENT BUILDING TERRACE - NIGHT Julieta reaches the terrace by elevator She slowly approaches the edge of the building She looks down She contemplates the landscape of the city of Oncativo Julieta (V.O.) Oncativo, a beautiful city for people with opportunities She is about to throw herself Julieta (V.O.) Maybe if I jump, everything will be better for Ambar She feels a presence behind her She turns her head Johan is standing behind her Julieta is horrified and goes silent Julieta Johan, I thought you had died Johan I'm not Johan I'm a thing that took his name Julieta Are you death? Johan God gave you a second chance to stay alive Your new life defeated death Julieta Why did you try to take Ambar? Johan I'm just trying to get her away from you She knows you tried to abandon her She suffered your anger fits for years Out of nowhere you think you're different? You have accumulated anger Johan Ambar was born while you were dead, Julieta Jazmin Ambar is symbolically death's daughter Julieta You didn't give birth to her Johan If you mean Johan, he planted the seed so Ambar would be born When are you going to tell her the truth? Johan They escaped me That makes me angry I can only make sure Ambar takes advantage of this second chance away from you I was planning to make her sleepwalk to an abandoned place I wanted you to go through a greater torment Julieta Go to hell Johan Oh, such harsh words Just jump and soon you'll feel at home Julieta Is there a way you can leave me alone Johan Face the ghosts of your past Julieta Alright Do they exist? Are they here? Johan They want to see you They don't care about your short skirt They only care that you've been tormenting Ambar with your anger fits for five years We don't care that you're playing good now They go silent Johan If you prove you're good for Ambar, you'll stop being death's enemy Face your past, Julieta Jazmin Ayat Suddenly, black smoke appears on top of the building Julieta looks at them terrified. It's her past She starts coughing while she is kneeling She faints on top of the building Johan (V.O.) The nightmare is just beginning INTERIOR. SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING - NIGHT Ambar is sitting in a room Mariana looks at her along with other agents behind a mirror Mariana She told me she talked to a genderless person named Johan, who is death Is the mother teaching her those things? Is Johan her father? Agent 1 We searched the name Johan in the Oncativo records and there's a match Johan Brown was a politician, businessman, and human trafficker who died in Bower prison five years ago The guy who killed him said he couldn't stand child abusers Agent 2 The mother said she had been abused when she was a minor and that's why she had the little one Mariana I have no words Ambar looks to her side slowly Johan is sitting next to her Johan I took the form of your biological father, but he was a damn abuser He treated your mom very badly There are things you shouldn't know at your age I'm sorry the ghosts of the past tell you those things about your mother I can't control them Ambar Are you my dad? Johan No, Julieta is going to prove if she can be a mother and father at the same time I have low expectations Ambar But she wanted to abandon me Johan Ambar, you're too little to know what happens You deserve to have a new life away from your mother Ambar She's never coming back? Johan We'll see Everyone went silent EXTERIOR. APARTMENT BUILDING TERRACE - NIGHT Julieta is unconscious and her memories are her true hell Julieta can only whisper Julieta Ambar

Sins Of The Past

FULL SHADOW LOVE Chapter 4 "Sins Of The Past" Screenplay written by Eric Sandro Villarreal Dream: INTERIOR. BATHROOM - NIGHT Julieta remains standing and silent in a bathroom Next to her, she sees a girl with long purple hair crying in front of a mirror Julieta Girl? She sees that it's herself in the past Little Julieta looks at her reflection while she cries, she has a black eye The little one tries to find an exit in the bathroom She sees the small window She tries to jump, but she can't reach the window Someone opens the door Paul Benetti (30 years old) Bodybuilder physique, white, white shirt, dress pants Paul Little brat, you have another client Little Julieta No, please Paul If you don't come, I'm going to hit you again Little Julieta goes still Julieta (V.O.) This already happened to me It's my past Paul enters walking fast He raises his hand and slaps little Julieta Little Julieta is in pain on the floor Paul drags little Julieta by the feet until he takes her out of the bathroom Julieta watches horrified Julieta I can't believe it How horrible Someone opens the bathroom door slowly Johan appears smiling Julieta starts to tremble Julieta Are you death or are you the real Johan? Johan walks ignoring Julieta He looks at himself in the mirror Johan That little brat is the best I have I hate that the other men profane my little squirrel She is only mine Little Julieta's screams are heard Julieta Please, let me go Let me leave I don't want to do anything Julieta tries to go help the little one The door closes by itself Julieta tries to open the door, but she can't Johan If you can't save yourself, you can't save Ambar You don't deserve Ambar Julieta closes her eyes EXTERIOR. RURAL AREA - NIGHT Julieta opens her eyes again She looks around and she is in a rural area She sees two men on the side and recognizes them Paul and Tadeo Tadeo Martinez (26) Short black hair, white, glasses, casual clothes, slim They are moving a garbage bag with a small body inside Julieta (V.O.) They're moving my body I was no longer useful to them while pregnant It seemed like everything had ended They end up leaving the body in the middle of the plants Paul Done, no one will find the girl's body Tadeo It's a shame She was good merchandise Paul They'll find her near Oncativo Mr. Brown is furious The two men walk to their car and leave the area Julieta sees the body of the little one in the bag She realizes something is moving in the lower part of her body Suddenly, the cry of a newborn is heard Little Julieta lets out a sigh as if she were resurrecting She comes out of the bag When she comes out, she realizes she gave birth She lifts the little one in her arms Little Julieta Don't worry, baby I'll make sure to take care of you Your name will be Ambar Esmeralda You'll have my last name Julieta sees all that Julieta (V.O.) A thirteen-year-old girl shouldn't be a mother Ambar was born from my corpse Johan appears behind her Johan Only new life is capable of defeating death Julieta After this, I didn't dare report that network I lived in Oncativo, in a small city I lived on the streets I never started school Johan Then you found out that everyone in the trafficking network was arrested It was a case that went viral on social media and in the news, but no one knows the name of one of the victims Julieta Jazmin Ayat who conceived Ambar Esmeralda Ayat All because of the man whose skin I'm using Julieta I hate you with all my soul Johan Are you capable of facing your past? Julieta It wasn't my fault falling into this network Johan You can't let your trauma affect your relationship with Ambar You can't let your problems affect the girl Social services won't help you Julieta goes silent She closes her eyes and sighs EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO Julieta opens her eyes She looks around She sees little Julieta taking food out of the trash She feeds on hard pieces of pizza She has newborn Ambar lying on the floor, covered by rags that protect her from the cold Johan appears behind Julieta Johan A little girl who dyes her hair purple, with Alexandria's syndrome Little Julieta grabs a broken piece of glass from the garbage container Little Julieta cuts her hair with that glass She cuts it to her shoulders Little Julieta lifts Ambar as a baby Little Julieta Don't worry, Ambar, I'm going to find something you can eat Johan First you gave her breast milk and then you bought her something with the alms you got on the street Julieta People were very cruel Julieta grabs a piece of glass that is in the trash She looks at Johan in silence Johan Go ahead, do it Take your revenge Julieta doesn't waste time and advances to Johan She stabs him in the stomach, neck, and chest repeatedly She stabs him screaming Julieta You abused me You sold me You got me pregnant Johan stops breathing while he bleeds out Julieta closes her eyes while she is covered in blood INTERIOR. BUILDING HALLWAY - NIGHT Julieta opens her eyes and looks around She sees herself and Ambar Ambar Are we going to have a house? What is a home? Julieta from the past A home is a place where we cover ourselves from the cold We can grow as a family and eat peacefully I promise you I'll do whatever it takes for us to have the house Julieta (V.O.) In the end, I couldn't keep my promise End of dream: EXTERIOR. APARTMENT BUILDING TERRACE - NIGHT Julieta wakes up from her dream The black smoke disappeared Julieta gets up coughing EXTERIOR. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT She runs outside the building She goes silent when she feels the polar cold Julieta (V.O.) I must get my daughter back, but first I have to get a job and a stable place to live I can't let Ambar suffer on the street INTERIOR. SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING - DAY Ambar wakes up in a room for children Ambar I don't hear Johan anymore, or the ghosts Did Mommy do it? Mariana enters calmly Mariana Hi, little Ambar You're going to have to stay here until we find a new family for you Ambar I want my mommy She's my hero Mariana Ambar, she can't take care of you You said she tried to abandon you, she broke things, she sold herself She did bad things Ambar I don't know I want my mommy EXTERIOR. PARK - DAY Julieta is sitting on a bench under the sun She looks reflective ahead while she stretches She looks around and sees mothers with their daughters Julieta (Singing) Poor little bunny, ethereal and so pretty, God's light made her tiny She had a little daughter, pretty little star, so sensitive, strange and serene Julieta (Singing) She grew up all alone, sad and hidden, learning to walk through life She never had stories, nor a family, but she found in her child a new joy Julieta (Singing) Ambar, little one, my sweet company. Even if money is short, I will give you joy If the night is dark, and the day ends, I will protect you even if it costs me my life Julieta goes silent Julieta (V.O.) I should show my story I shouldn't stay silent To her side, some agents get out of their cars Julieta looks at them fixedly INTERIOR. SOCIAL SERVICES - DAY Mariana and Julieta are in an office, sitting face to face Mariana I appreciate that you accepted coming Julieta They forced me to come Where is my daughter? Mariana She's in a room full of toys and games Mariana hands her a paper Julieta What is that? Mariana According to the new law, I need your signature for Ambar to be given to a foster home Julieta Why don't you give me some kind of plan or help to support Ambar? Mariana That's not how the economy or the country works Julieta Why do you take daughters away from poor women, but you never do anything to those who mistreat children? Mariana We just follow the law Mariana goes silent Julieta looks at the paper She reads everything carefully Julieta Can I at least say goodbye to Ambar and see her again when I'm better? I want to know if she's okay before I sign Mariana Of course Follow me Julieta walks next to Mariana Julieta sees several offices around her In the back, she finds the room where Ambar is Mariana lets her in Julieta crouches down to hug her quickly Julieta Ambar Ambar Mom Johan doesn't appear anymore Julieta He won't manipulate you again Julieta gives Ambar a kiss on the forehead Ambar Are we leaving now? Julieta takes a deep breath. She searches for the words. JULIETA Ambar, my love… listen to me carefully. AMBAR What's wrong? JULIETA You're going to stay with another family for a while. A good family, that's going to give you a warm bed, food every day, and a nice school so you can learn a lot of things. Ambar frowns. Her eyes fill with tears. AMBAR No. I want to stay with you. JULIETA And I want the same, Ambar. More than anything in this world. AMBAR Then why? Julieta strokes her short purple hair. JULIETA Because right now I don't have a house, or a job, or a bed for the two of us. And you deserve something better than what I can give you today. AMBAR (crying) I don't care. We can sleep on the street together, like before. JULIETA (with a broken voice) No. That's over. No more street for you, my heaven. Never again. Julieta hugs her tight. JULIETA I'm going to come back for you. I swear. It's not a goodbye, it's a "see you soon". I'm going to work, I'm going to get a place, and I'm going to come visit you every time they let me. And the day I can, I'm going to take you with me forever. AMBAR Do you promise? JULIETA I promise with all my soul. Like I promised you when you were a baby. Ambar clings to her neck, crying silently. MARIANA (from the door, soft) Julieta… we have to continue with the process. Julieta closes her eyes, inhales the smell of Ambar's hair as if she wanted to keep it forever. JULIETA (whispering) You're the only good thing I've done in my life. She separates slowly. She dries her tears with her thumbs. JULIETA Be good. Eat all the food they give you. And when you're scared at night, think that I'm thinking of you at the same time. AMBAR (sobbing) Okay… Julieta stands up. It's hard for her to let go of her hand. She walks to the door. She turns around one last time. JULIETA I love you, Ambar Esmeralda Ayat. AMBAR I love you, mom. There is a heavy silence Ambar suddenly points at the door Ambar No! The door slams shut forcefully, as if an invisible force closed it Mariana tries to open it, but it's impossible Julieta turns her head to see Ambar Julieta Ambar? Black smoke starts coming out of nowhere Ambar points her finger at Mariana Julieta goes silent Julieta (V.O.) There are still ghosts of the past left Ambar's ghosts She has ghosts because of me My anger fits Several tentacles and strands of hair come out of Mariana's mouth, nose, ear, and eyes She is suffocating She falls to the floor instantly and her skin turns gray Julieta crouches down trying to help, but it's useless Mariana's body starts to bleed from the inside Julieta turns to look at Ambar The girl is standing firm with a serious and cold face Ambar (Crying) You won't abandon me, mom I command it Julieta Ambar Is this because of all the years I had anger? Is this because of all the times I broke things? For all the times I started screaming and attacking? Ambar I love you But you didn't take good care of me The walls start to crack around them Julieta looks around surprised Julieta Ambar, the building will fall on us if you don't stop Ambar Maybe we should go to the other side together So they won't bother us Humans are cruel Julieta Humans aren't cruel Not all of them are A piece of debris falls between them Julieta and Ambar back away Julieta Ambar, everything is going to collapse Ambar Everything already collapsed Julieta Ambar, I know I caused this, but let me fix everything Julieta looks at Mariana's corpse She backs away and trips on the debris that fell She falls next to Ambar She gets up quickly Julieta Ambar, we're going to die if you don't stop the ghosts of the past Ambar What can I do? My past is you I love you mom, but I also remember all the times you broke something or scolded me Julieta I wasn't a good mother Now I learned and improved Ambar, you're my star Ambar What are you going to do when we get out of here? Julieta I'm going to tell the whole truth I'm going to take care of you Ambar You lie like always You're going to abandon me like the other day You're going to abandon me like now Julieta Ambar, I'm not a good mother Ambar But I want you to love me Julieta I love you, my love The ghosts of Ambar's past grab Julieta's arms Julieta is surprised Julieta Ambar! Ambar looks confused Ambar I can't control them The smoke forms around them Julieta Ambar, there's only one way to end this Ambar What? Julieta Forgive me Ambar It's just that you always want to abandon me Julieta Ambar, I don't have opportunities I didn't live a childhood and I'm trying to make you live yours Forgive me Ambar I can't! Julieta Ambar, everything is going to collapse Ambar kneels down Ambar I can't You wanted to abandon me Julieta stays silent She smiles in silence Julieta Ambar, you're the most intelligent girl I've ever met All these ghosts and entities follow you They try to protect you from me Maybe I have to die for you to be okay Ambar NO! Julieta Ambar, we're going to die if you don't forgive me I walked out that door Ambar NO! The debris keeps falling to the floor Ambar hugs her mother Ambar I don't want you to die Julieta I just want you to have money I want you to have a dignified life I want you to go to school I didn't mean to hurt you Ambar It's okay I forgive you, mom The ghosts let go of Julieta's arms Julieta hugs Ambar They run out of the offices EXTERIOR. STREETS OF CORDOBA - DAY Julieta and Ambar leave the social services building while everything collapses The debris falls while they watch terrified The social services building collapses Ambar Did the ghosts of the past leave? Julieta Yes, my love Now we're okay The authorities come quickly Cut to: Julieta and Ambar give their testimony sitting down Julieta I was going to get my daughter back and suddenly everything collapsed Julieta looks at Ambar in silence Julieta Right, Ambar? Ambar Yes The police officers take notes Police Do you have any idea what happened to Agent Mariana? Julieta She just fainted in front of us Right, Ambar? Ambar Right Police Why were you at social services? Julieta goes silent Julieta I was a bad mother and we were talking about my daughter I don't have a job, I don't have a house either Policewoman If you need a job you can go to Mrs. Rita's coffee shop It's almost at the exit of the city Julieta stares in silence Julieta Thank you Ambar Mom, go ask about the job Julieta (V.O.) Ambar knows too much Ambar needs a good life Another police officer approaches Police She seems drowned with hair and tentacles, where the hell did all that come from? Her skin and flesh were falling off and looked rotten, as if she had been dead for several months Julieta I don't know how to explain it They go silent Policewoman It seems death wanted her to suffer The police officers withdraw to the side to see Mariana's body Julieta and Ambar stay sitting in silence Ambar Now I control death Now I control the ghosts No one is going to hurt us, mom EXTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY Julieta walks on the sidewalk, with her hands in the pockets of a worn-out jacket. She stops in front of an elementary school. Children run in, with colorful backpacks, laughing. A teacher greets them at the door. Julieta stares, motionless. JULIETA (V.O.) Ambar never set foot in a school. I didn't either. But she will. She's going to have a uniform, a backpack, friends, birthdays with cake. A girl laughs loudly as she enters, with two pigtails. Julieta smiles, although her eyes fill with tears. JULIETA (V.O.) I'm going to give it to her. Even if I have to work twenty hours a day. Julieta keeps walking. EXTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta and Ambar walk to the coffee shop She sees a sign on the door "Waitress needed" Julieta (V.O.) I hope this time I manage to get a job INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta looks around She approaches the girl at the counter Julieta Hi, I saw you were looking for a waitress Can I talk to the owner of the place? A woman approaches Rita (60) Gray-haired, short, white, with almost formal clothes Rita Hi, are you looking for the job? Julieta Yes, I would like to be a waitress. I can also help cooking and baking if you need Rita We're also looking for a cook, can you do both? Julieta Yes, I'm also homeless and I lost everything Rita Really? How did that happen? Julieta I was a street vendor, I didn't have a job and they kicked me out of the building Rita I have an abandoned room where the two of you can sleep Julieta Really? How kind Rita First I have to see that you work and cook well, but then I'll let the girls know not to be scared if they see you in that room Julieta I appreciate it Ambar I appreciate it Rita approaches Julieta and sniffs her clothes Rita Your clothes smell bad Julieta I'm sorry, it's the only clothes I have Ambar My mommy doesn't have money for clothes Rita Well, I can give you the job anyway Julieta Yes, I'm organized and clean, but I didn't have the opportunity to change They stole everything from me Can I start today? Rita Of course Cut to: Julieta starts serving coffee to the customers Julieta Here's your little coffee Customers Thank you, miss She takes the dirty dishes to the kitchen Ambar plays with her teddy bear plushie Julieta brings Ambar a cup of coffee Julieta Here, love, that man didn't drink all his coffee It's warm Ambar proceeds to drink that coffee Ambar It's yummy Julieta looks at the time on the wall clock Julieta My shift as a waitress is over, but now I have to start cooking Cut to: Julieta finishes cooking a cream and strawberry cake She leaves it on top of the counter for the customers Ambar Can I try? Julieta grabs a muffin Julieta This one I made just for you Ambar eats it slowly INTERIOR. ABANDONED ROOM - NIGHT They arrive at the back room where there are rags, some buckets, a shelf with cleaning products Julieta and Ambar look around in silence It's a small room Julieta Don't worry, love, it's the best we have Ambar It's a small place Julieta grabs some sheets from the shelves Julieta Don't worry, love, the floor is a little hard, but it's the only thing there is Julieta arranges the sheets on the floor, forming a kind of improvised mattress Ambar lies down and hugs her teddy bear plushie AMBAR Mom, can we stay here forever? JULIETA Not forever, my love. Just until I save money for something better. AMBAR I like it. It smells clean. Julieta smiles tiredly and lies down next to her JULIETA (V.O.) For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel cold. Julieta turns off the small lamp that Rita lent her She stares at the ceiling JULIETA (whispering) Thank you, Ambar. For forgiving me. Ambar is already asleep. Julieta tucks the purple hair behind her ear INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Several days have passed. Julieta works behind the counter more confidently, she already knows the customers Rita watches from the cash register, with her arms crossed, satisfied RITA Hey, people are asking about your muffins. I already have two orders for birthdays. JULIETA Really? RITA Really. You're good at this. Julieta wipes her hands on her apron, unable to hide a smile Ambar is sitting in a corner, drawing with crayons that a customer gave her A man enters the coffee shop. He wears a worn-out suit, dark glasses He sits at the bar and orders a coffee Julieta approaches to serve him. When she sees him up close, she stops dead It's TADEO Tadeo looks at her fixedly, without fully recognizing her TADEO A black coffee, please Julieta swallows. She lowers her head and serves the coffee quickly, avoiding his gaze Tadeo watches her a moment longer than normal TADEO Do we know each other from somewhere? JULIETA (trembling voice) I don't think so, sir Tadeo stays pensive, stirs the coffee with the spoon TADEO You have a familiar face Julieta moves away quickly to the kitchen INTERIOR. COFFEE SHOP KITCHEN - DAY Julieta leans against the wall, breathing heavily JULIETA (V.O.) It's Tadeo. He's alive. He's here. If he recognizes me, everything is over. Rita enters to look for some plates RITA Are you okay? You're pale JULIETA Yes… I just got a little dizzy RITA Go get some air, I'll take over for a while Julieta nods and goes out the back door EXTERIOR. ALLEY BEHIND THE COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta leans against the brick wall, trying to calm her breathing JULIETA (V.O.) I have to protect her. I can't let them find me. Not again. Out of nowhere, black smoke begins to filter between the bricks Julieta opens her eyes, alarmed JULIETA No, not now… Johan appears covered in blood leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed JOHAN (Death) Tadeo still works for Mr. Brown. The network never fully closed, Julieta. It just changed its name. JULIETA I killed you. You're just a memory. JOHAN And yet you're still talking to me Julieta clenches her fists JULIETA Leave me alone. I have a daughter to take care of. JOHAN That's exactly why you have to decide: do you run away again, or do you do something about it? The smoke dissolves. Johan disappears Julieta is left alone, staring at nothing INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta comes back in. Tadeo is no longer at the bar Ambar runs to her and shows her a drawing: two figures holding hands under a roof AMBAR Mom, look, it's us. I drew a house. Julieta crouches down and hugs her tight, tighter than normal JULIETA It's beautiful, my love. Over Ambar's shoulder, Julieta looks at the door with concern INTERIOR. ABANDONED ROOM - NIGHT Julieta can't sleep. She stares at the ceiling with her eyes open Ambar sleeps deeply next to her JULIETA (V.O.) I can't let them find her. But I can't stay silent either. If no one is going to listen to me in an office, I'm going to make the whole world listen to me. Julieta gets up slowly so as not to wake her She walks to a small, broken mirror hanging on the wall She stares at herself JULIETA (in a low voice) No more hiding. INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta finds Rita putting away boxes behind the counter JULIETA Rita, I need to ask you something. It might sound weird. RITA After everything I've already heard from you, I doubt anything will surprise me JULIETA I need to record something. A video. To tell my story. Do you have an old phone, a camera, whatever? Rita looks at her for a long time, then opens a drawer and takes out a phone with a cracked screen in one corner RITA It's old, but it records well. It was my son's. She hands it to her RITA What are you going to tell? JULIETA Everything. What happened to me, what I am now, and what I want for the future. RITA (nodding) Go on. I'll close up here. Julieta hugs her quickly, surprising Rita JULIETA Thank you. INTERIOR. ABANDONED ROOM - NIGHT Julieta sets up a chair in the center of the room She props the phone on some stacked boxes, adjusting the angle Ambar sits on the floor, near her feet, hugging her plushie AMBAR Can I be in it too? JULIETA You're going to be in it too, my love. I want the world to know you. Julieta sits on the chair. She takes a deep breath. She presses the record button The red recording light blinks JULIETA (looking at the camera) Hi. My name is Julieta Jazmín Ayat. I'm eighteen years old. And this… this is my daughter, Ambar Esmeralda Ayat, five years old. Ambar raises her hand and waves shyly at the camera AMBAR Hi Julieta smiles, then her expression turns serious JULIETA When I was thirteen years old, I was a victim of a human trafficking network in Córdoba. They forced me to do things no girl should ever experience. I got pregnant with Ambar in that place. I survived. She was born from that survival. Her voice breaks, but she continues JULIETA I've lived on the streets of Oncativo since then. No school, no family, nothing. I raised my daughter among garbage containers and alms. I did things I'm not proud of so she could eat. Julieta looks at Ambar for an instant JULIETA Not long ago I almost lost her. Social services was going to take her away because I had no house and no job. And they were right to worry. But I'm not the same person I was. She wipes a tear with the back of her hand JULIETA Today I work in a coffee shop. I wait tables, I cook, and for the first time in my life, someone trusts me. And I want to tell my story because I know I'm not the only one. There are more girls like me, silenced, afraid, thinking no one will believe them. Ambar stands up and leans against Julieta's leg, also looking at the camera JULIETA (stroking Ambar's hair) And I want to talk about the future. Because despite everything we went through, I never stopped dreaming. AMBAR I want to go to school. I want to have a backpack with drawings and friends. JULIETA And you're going to have it. I promise you. You're going to go to a good school, you're going to learn to read letters that aren't street signs, you're going to have a birthday with a real cake. Julieta looks at the camera again, with a tired but firm smile JULIETA And someday, I don't know when, but it's going to happen, I'm going to have my own coffee shop. With wooden tables, with the smell of freshly made coffee from early on, and with a corner just for Ambar to do her homework while I work. A place that's ours. That no one can take away from us. AMBAR And it's going to have muffins every day JULIETA (laughing through tears) And it's going to have muffins every day Julieta stares at the camera in silence for a few seconds JULIETA If someone is watching this and is going through something similar… you're not alone. I didn't think I was going to make it out either. But here I am. With my daughter. Alive. She approaches and stops the recording The red light turns off Julieta hugs Ambar tightly, both silent in the middle of the small room JULIETA (whispering) Now yes. Now that I said it out loud, they can't erase it. Ambar looks at her and smiles AMBAR We're going to have the coffee shop, mom. I know we will. Julieta kisses her on the forehead Outside, the city continues its course, oblivious to what has just been recorded in that small room

The Truth

FULL SHADOW LOVE CHAPTER 5 "The Truth" SCREENPLAY WRITTEN BY ERIC SANDRO VILLARREAL EXTERIOR. POLICE STATION - NIGHT The police officers take Tadeo Martinez back to prison Julieta (V.O.) A monster that escaped justice They put Tadeo in a cell He brings his head close and holds the cell bars Internet screen: Julieta's video is shown going viral on different networks Julieta (V.O.) My video went viral on the internet EXTERIOR. ONCATIVO PLAZA - DAY Several women are seen marching for Julieta Signs are seen "Act against trafficking" "Alive and healthy we want ourselves" "We don't want our daughters to end up in trafficking" A sign with Julieta's drawn face is seen Julieta (V.O.) I became a symbol in feminist marches against an unjust system Several women are seen marching in front of the Oncativo municipality Julieta (V.O.) There were demands that politics and social services don't help victims and mothers I didn't find out about anything I didn't have social media or anything INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta is serving coffee to a couple Ambar is drawing on the floor with some crayons Julieta looks at the entrance and goes silent Several happy people enter with signs "Julieta, we love you" Julieta (V.O.) Apparently, people love tragic victims The society loves survivors of the impossible Several fanatic people gently grab Julieta's hands Julieta looks everywhere Woman Julieta, we admire everything you did for Ambar Julieta (V.O.) They love me I don't know how to explain it It's something weird I just said I was a victim Julieta tries to free herself Flashback: INTERIOR. UNKNOWN ROOM - NIGHT Julieta is grabbed by several men who try to take off her long black clothes Cut to: Julieta locked in a small cage like an animal She starts crying and screaming uncontrollably End of flashback: INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta breaks free Julieta Stop touching me, please People go silent Julieta I don't understand Ambar approaches Ambar Mom, who are these people? People look at her Woman It's her daughter Julieta I don't understand Rita approaches her with a phone Rita Julieta, your video went viral There are many people doing charity collections to help you Julieta looks at the screen Julieta I didn't think it would be so viral Julieta looks around Julieta I don't know how to respond Do you want a coffee? A cake? Julieta (V.O.) I can only think of selling when I see so many people I don't know how to socialize without asking for help Julieta grabs Ambar's hand She walks to the kitchen in silence INTERIOR. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP KITCHEN - DAY She starts sighing Rita approaches her Rita What happened? Julieta I don't know what to do with so many people, I only know how to work Rita Just improvise and respond Julieta Okay INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta returns to the front of her fans with Ambar People look at her waiting for something Julieta starts speaking with a theatrical tone Julieta That's right people I'm the girl who was a victim of a trafficking network and who had a daughter at thirteen I was with my daughter on the street for three years, I rented an apartment until they kicked me out a few days ago, and now I live in Mrs. Rita's coffee shop I'm Julieta Jazmin Ayat She is Ambar Esmeralda Ayat And I defeated my aggressors Everyone applauds without making too much noise Julieta (V.O.) People like heroines who survive evil Girl We want to know about you We want to know about your experience Let the world find out Julieta Maybe, but I'm going to tell you something You can't live off tragedy If I'm recognized, I don't want to be admired for a tragedy I'd rather be admired for how I cook Rita points to the counter that is full of cookies, pastries, and cakes made by Julieta Rita There are Juli's creations People approach to buy what Julieta makes She just watches holding her hands while everyone appreciates her for the first time A guy is trying a strawberry cake with cream He goes silent while he feels the exquisite flavor Guy This is delicious How do you prepare it? Julieta advances to the guy Julieta It's just a simple cream and strawberry cake I don't know what to tell you Ambar My mommy made me pastries every day when she went out to sell Everyone applauds Julieta Suddenly, a man in a brown suit appears Gonzalo Neuman (50) Gray-haired, short well-combed hair, brown eyes, elegant Behind Gonzalo comes a cameraman Gonzalo Hi, I'm Gonzalo Neuman, from Noticias Córdoba channel I wanted to know if we could do an interview with you? It can be now or later, however you like Julieta goes silent for a moment Julieta (Nervous) Of course, I would love for everyone to know my story and my talents I don't know what to say Gonzalo Just look at the camera and answer the questions Julieta Okay Julieta puts on a headset with a microphone Interviewer How are you, Julieta? Julieta Good, I'm very good now that I freed myself from everything Interviewer Do you find it strange that several people do collections and follow you because of your tragedy? Julieta Yes, it's something terrifying If they admire me for surviving that, the truth is it calms me a little Interviewer We have some questions for you, you can tell us if you don't want to answer We're going to respect that Julieta Okay Interviewer In the video you say that at 13 you were a victim of a trafficking network in Córdoba and that Ambar was born from that survival, what was the hardest thing to put into words at that moment in front of the camera? Julieta (Nervous) I think the hardest thing to tell was the abuse I ended up pregnant at thirteen because of that You understand Also, I wasn't being abused since I was thirteen It all started much earlier She goes silent for a moment Julieta It all started much earlier when my mother was a victim of that network and I was born from that Barely at eight years old they used me for atrocious things When I got pregnant at thirteen I was no longer useful to them They threw me in a vacant lot thinking I had died Somehow, new life was able to defeat death All the other people in the coffee shop were recording Julieta giving her interview Ambar approaches Ambar Mommy, did I save you? Julieta lifts Ambar in front of the camera Julieta That's right love You saved me Interviewer There's little Ambar Everyone smiles seeing Ambar Interviewer How do you feel now that millions of people heard your part of the story? Julieta I think people can identify these networks I don't know what to feel It's the first time I've drawn so many people's attention without causing problems Interviewer What do you think of the comments from some people who say you're a liar? Julieta I didn't see those comments, I don't have internet I think they should investigate the people I accuse to see the truth Interviewer What can little Ambar say? Ambar My mommy is the best She makes mistakes, but she does what she can Julieta She's a very intelligent girl Interviewer Thanks to you, several prosecutors, ministers, and judges are investigating other networks Julieta They kidnap you on the street, they lure your children through the internet, or they invite you to be a model to do horrible things to you Interviewer I understand, thank you for this little interview Julieta Thank you for listening to me When they cut, Julieta looks around People stare at her fanaticized Julieta (V.O.) People like tragic heroines INTERIOR. RADIO PROGRAM - DAY Interviewer 2 (With empathy) We're here with the girl who survived the impossible Julieta Ayat, along with her daughter Ambar Ayat Julieta smiles in silence Julieta Thank you for bringing me to your program to tell my experience Interviewer 2 Well, let's talk How did you escape from that network? Julieta Well, I didn't really escape I was locked up like an animal since I was born They never educated me My mother had died because of that network Julieta starts to cry a little Julieta I'm sorry Interviewer 2 It's okay, take the time you need Julieta Since I was eight years old they used me for terrible things I got pregnant at twelve years old and gave birth at thirteen I realized that girls shouldn't go through that Interviewer 2 Can you tell us how it was that you came back to life? Julieta I fainted or something like that Suddenly, I was in a garbage bag and I gave birth to Ambar Ambar is death's daughter Ambar is Johan Brown's biological daughter Interviewer 2 The man who was arrested for human trafficking? The one who was killed in prison? Julieta nods while she cries and sighs Julieta Yes Interviewer 2 How do you feel knowing that Johan is dead and that several trafficking networks are falling? Julieta It makes me feel a little better That way I know Ambar won't suffer the same as me Interview 2 Ambar is the best thing you have Julieta She's my little star She's my reason to live EXTERIOR. ABANDONED PLACE - DAY The police arrest several men They take out women who were victims of trafficking Julieta (V.O.) The police discovered more trafficking networks in abandoned places I knew where each one was hiding INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT Julieta looks at the sky through the windows Julieta (V.O.) Several influencers talked about my case Media from other countries called me to know about my case INTERIOR. ABANDONED ROOM - DAY Ambar is on her improvised mattress Julieta counts money Julieta (Smiling) I think it's enough to rent a studio apartment Ambar Any place is beautiful when you're there, mommy Both hug in silence Julieta (V.O.) Born of blood Born of trauma Born of the street INTERIOR. NEW APARTMENT - DAY Julieta and Ambar finish arranging the little they have: some bags with clothes, the teddy bear plushie, some sheets JULIETA Luckily, it comes with a fridge, stove, and washing machine. It's not much, but it's ours. AMBAR (looking around, spinning around) It's huge, mom! JULIETA (laughing) It's not that big, my love. But it's ours. Julieta sits on the floor, exhausted but smiling. Ambar sits next to her JULIETA (V.O.) For the first time in years, I felt things could work out. INTERIOR. NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT TWO WEEKS LATER Ambar is lying on a mattress on the floor, covered with a blanket She tosses uncomfortably. She sweats. Her cheeks are red Julieta enters the room with a glass of water JULIETA Ambar, drink some water Ambar doesn't respond. She just breathes heavily Julieta kneels next to her and touches her forehead She pulls her hand back suddenly, surprised JULIETA You're burning up AMBAR (weak voice) Mommy… my head hurts Julieta lifts her slowly, holding her against her chest JULIETA Easy, my love, easy Ambar coughs. Her body trembles slightly JULIETA (V.O.) Fear came back suddenly. Not the fear of ghosts, nor of the men who hurt me. A new fear. A mother's fear. Julieta jumps up and looks for her jacket JULIETA Let's go, my love, I'm going to take you to be seen She wraps Ambar in a blanket and carries her in her arms EXTERIOR. STREETS OF ONCATIVO - NIGHT Julieta walks fast down the sidewalk, with Ambar in her arms, covered with the blanket She looks everywhere looking for a taxi. There isn't one She keeps walking, faster and faster, almost running JULIETA (V.O.) I didn't have money for a taxi. So I ran. EXTERIOR. SAN RAFAEL PRIVATE HOSPITAL - NIGHT Julieta arrives panting in front of a large, illuminated building, with a sign that says "San Rafael Private Sanatorium" She enters running INTERIOR. HOSPITAL RECEPTION - NIGHT Julieta approaches the counter, with Ambar in her arms, breathing heavily JULIETA Please, my daughter has a high fever, I need someone to see her The receptionist looks at Julieta and then at Ambar with professional calm RECEPTIONIST Do you have health insurance or a prepaid plan? JULIETA No… I don't have any RECEPTIONIST And any private medical insurance? JULIETA No, I don't have any of that The receptionist sighs and takes out some papers RECEPTIONIST This is a private sanatorium, miss. Without coverage, the consultation and any studies are on your account. And you'll be left with a pending balance that you'll have to pay later, if you can't pay everything now. JULIETA I don't care. Attend to her, please. We'll see how I pay later. The receptionist looks at Ambar, who trembles in Julieta's arms, and nods RECEPTIONIST You're going to have to sign a payment commitment JULIETA Whatever Julieta signs quickly, almost without reading JULIETA (V.O.) I didn't read anything I signed. I only thought about Ambar. INTERIOR. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - NIGHT Julieta paces back and forth, nervous, with her hands clasped Other people in the waiting room look at her sideways, some recognize her WOMAN IN THE ROOM (whispering to another person) That's the girl from the video… the one from the trafficking Julieta doesn't hear them. She just looks towards the door where they took Ambar JULIETA (V.O.) Being famous is useless when your daughter is sick behind a door you can't open. A nurse comes out and approaches Julieta NURSE Family of Ambar Ayat? JULIETA (standing up suddenly) That's me, I'm the mother NURSE You can come in INTERIOR. CONSULTING ROOM - NIGHT Ambar is sitting on the examination table, with a thermometer under her arm. A DOCTOR checks a form DOCTOR She has thirty-nine point two. A respiratory infection, nothing serious if we treat it in time JULIETA (relieved) Thank God DOCTOR I'm going to prescribe an antibiotic and an antipyretic. With that in a couple of days she should be better JULIETA Thank you, doctor DOCTOR (looking at the form) I'm also going to ask for a routine blood test, to rule out other things. She's a girl who was on the street for a long time, we have to check well. Julieta nods, although her expression tenses slightly Ambar looks at her AMBAR (in a low voice) Is it going to cost a lot, mommy? Julieta strokes her head JULIETA Don't worry about that, my love. You just focus on getting better. INTERIOR. HOSPITAL RECEPTION - NIGHT Julieta receives a printed bill. She looks at it. Her eyes open a little wider than normal RECEPTIONIST With the consultation, the analysis, and the night emergency, the total is that. You can pay what you have now and the rest remains as a pending balance in your name. Julieta counts the money she has in her pocket. It's not even half JULIETA I have this She hands her the money. The receptionist counts it and types something on the computer RECEPTIONIST There's a pending balance. You're going to receive a statement at this address. If you don't pay it in the next thirty days, it goes to a legal collection firm. JULIETA (with a dull voice) I understand Julieta grabs Ambar's hand and they leave slowly JULIETA (V.O.) I saved my daughter from a fever. And I ended up owing money I didn't have. That's how a country works where even getting sick is a luxury. EXTERIOR. PHARMACY - DAY Julieta and Ambar are in front of a pharmacy counter. The pharmacist leaves two boxes of medicine on the counter PHARMACIST It's these two. The antibiotic and the fever syrup JULIETA How much is it? The pharmacist says a price. Julieta closes her eyes for a second JULIETA Isn't there a cheaper version? Generic? PHARMACIST This is already the generic one, ma'am Julieta checks her purse. She counts coins and wrinkled bills She's missing a few pesos JULIETA (ashamed) I'm missing a few pesos… can I bring you the rest tomorrow? The pharmacist hesitates, looks at Ambar, who has a red face from the fever PHARMACIST (sighing) Alright. But I can't do it always, okay? JULIETA Thank you, really Julieta leaves the pharmacy with the boxes pressed against her chest, as if they were a treasure INTERIOR. NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta gives Ambar a spoonful of the syrup Ambar makes a face at the taste AMBAR So gross JULIETA (smiling tiredly) I know, my love. But it's going to make you feel better. Julieta tucks her in and sits next to her, looking at the two boxes of medicine on the table JULIETA (V.O.) I looked at those little boxes and until until I thought about everything left to pay. The sanatorium, the pharmacy, the rent. Until until until until until until until Julieta stops, breathes JULIETA (V.O.) I thought about everything left to pay. The sanatorium, the pharmacy, the rent. And until until until until until until until Julieta closes her eyes, rests her head against the wall JULIETA (V.O.) I was going to have to work double. INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta arrives before the shop opens. She turns on the lights alone She starts kneading in the kitchen, with her apron on and her hair tied back Cut to: She serves tables running from one side to the other, serving several customers at once Cut to: She is alone in the kitchen, washing a huge pile of dishes, with her arms up to her elbows in foam She wipes her forehead with her forearm, without stopping scrubbing Cut to: It's already night. Rita turns off the lights in the dining room. Julieta keeps working, cleaning the counter RITA Juli, it's late. Go rest. JULIETA I can still do a little more. I need the extra hours. Rita looks at her with concern RITA You're going to end up sick too JULIETA I can't get sick. Ambar needs me healthy. Rita says nothing more. She just nods and continues closing JULIETA (V.O.) I started arriving before everyone and leaving after everyone. Waitress, cook, the one who washes dishes when someone is missing. I did whatever was necessary. INTERIOR. NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta arrives late, dragging her feet. Ambar is already asleep on the mattress, with the teddy bear plushie hugged Julieta sits for a moment next to her, in silence, watching her sleep She touches her forehead carefully. She no longer has a fever JULIETA (whispering, relieved) Thank you. She lies down next to her, still with her work clothes on, and falls asleep almost instantly INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta counts the week's money on the counter, in a quiet moment without customers She does calculations with her fingers, moving her lips in silence She sighs. It's still not enough Rita watches her from the cash register RITA How much are you missing? Julieta is slightly startled, she hadn't seen her approach JULIETA It's nothing, Rita, don't worry RITA Julieta Julieta lowers her gaze JULIETA I'm missing quite a bit for the sanatorium. And I still owe the pharmacy. Rita goes silent for a moment. Then she opens the cash register drawer RITA Come here JULIETA Rita, no, I can't accept RITA (interrupting, firmly, but warmly) I'm not asking you. You worked double these weeks without complaining once. You earned it. Rita takes out some bills and puts them in Julieta's hand, closing her fingers around them RITA It's an advance. And a little more, from me. For Ambar. Julieta looks at the money in her hand, then looks at Rita, with her eyes full of tears JULIETA I don't know how to thank you RITA By working well, like you already do, that's enough and more Julieta hugs Rita suddenly, surprising her RITA (laughing, uncomfortable but moved) Okay, okay, that's enough JULIETA (V.O.) No one had ever helped me without asking for anything in return. Rita didn't look at me like a tragedy or like a heroine. She looked at me like an employee who deserved a hand. EXTERIOR. SAN RAFAEL PRIVATE SANATORIUM - DAY Julieta enters the sanatorium decisively, with an envelope in her hand INTERIOR. SANATORIUM RECEPTION - DAY Julieta approaches the counter. It's a different receptionist from the night of the fever JULIETA I'm here to pay the pending debt. In the name of Ambar Ayat. The receptionist searches the computer RECEPTIONIST Yes, here it is. Are you going to pay the total or a part? JULIETA The total Julieta counts the money on the counter, bill by bill, carefully The receptionist counts it too and then prints a receipt RECEPTIONIST Done. The debt is settled. She hands the paper to Julieta Julieta holds it with both hands, staring at it JULIETA (V.O.) A paper. Just a paper. But for me it weighed as if I had lifted an entire building. EXTERIOR. PHARMACY - DAY Julieta pays the same pharmacist from last time, this time with the full amount PHARMACIST (smiling) I knew you would come back JULIETA Thank you for trusting me that time PHARMACIST You're welcome. Sometimes trusting a little is enough. Julieta smiles and leaves the pharmacy INTERIOR. NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT Ambar runs into Julieta's arms as soon as she sees her enter the door AMBAR Mommy! JULIETA (lifting her, laughing) Hi, my little star They sit together on the mattress, the only "bed" they still have, but no longer in an abandoned room, but in their own place AMBAR Do we not owe anything anymore? JULIETA (surprised) How do you know that? AMBAR I heard you talking to yourself, counting money JULIETA (laughing softly) We don't owe anything. It's all paid. AMBAR And now what's next? Julieta hugs her tight, resting her chin on her head JULIETA Now comes living. Nothing more than that. Living, working, and someday having that coffee shop I promised you. AMBAR With muffins every day JULIETA (smiling through tears) With muffins every day They stay like that, hugging, in silence, while the light from the window slowly fades with the night JULIETA (V.O.) Born of blood Born of trauma

Independent Girl

FULL SHADOW LOVE CHAPTER 6 "Independent Girl" SCREENPLAY WRITTEN BY ERIC SANDRO VILLARREAL INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY Julieta was finishing her shift Ambar was playing with her teddy bear plushie to the side INTERIOR. COFFEE SHOP KITCHEN - DAY She approaches Mrs. Rita in the kitchen, who is putting some things away Ambar Mrs. Rita, what is abuse? Mrs. Rita goes silent Mrs. Rita Abuse is when someone does bad things to a person Very bad things Things that person doesn't want INTERIOR. BOOKSTORE - DAY Julieta and Ambar look to buy a book Julieta grabs several and looks at the covers Julieta Math, language, natural sciences, social studies, and arts This is what you need for first grade I'm so excited Ambar looks seriously at a book She points in silence Ambar I want that one Julieta It's a sixth-grade English book It's too much for you I don't know if I have enough Ambar Let's do something If I can't do it, you can save it for when I'm older Julieta sighs Julieta Okay I'll buy it for you, but I want to see you reading it Ambar Deal INTERIOR. UNKNOWN ROOM - NIGHT Dream: Ambar is locked in a cage She looks everywhere in silence She grabs the cage bars Ambar (Screaming) Mommy!? She starts struggling for a long while She can't free herself from the cage The room door opens slowly Ambar watches in silence Ambar Johan It was Johan Brown He enters slowly with some keys in his hands Johan Hi, Julieta, you have a new client End of dream: INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT - DAY "One year later" Julieta and Ambar sleep together on a single mattress on the floor. They have their clothes in a basket and essential furniture They sleep with casual clothes on Ambar gets up out of nowhere She starts sighing Julieta gets up next to her She tries to calm her Julieta Ambar, it's just a nightmare Ambar looks everywhere She looks at her mother confused Julieta It's just a dream Ambar hugs Julieta Ambar Mom, I dreamed about... She goes silent for a moment Ambar Nothing, never mind Julieta Are you sure you don't want to tell me? Ambar I don't want to It's something strong Julieta Don't worry It's just a dream Ambar stares at her Julieta It's time to get up I'm going to make you a breakfast that will make you forget that nightmare Don't worry There are no more ghosts of the past, or death stalking us Julieta gets up She approaches the kitchen Cut to: Julieta beats eggs with a fork She continues cooking in silence She looks sideways at Ambar The girl is sitting on the mattress processing the dream Julieta Someday we're going to have that house of our own and that coffee shop I long for so much Ambar Long for? Another word for my dictionary Julieta What an intelligent girl You already talk like an adult Julieta (V.O.) Of course, after everything that happened in her life Cut to: Julieta serves omelettes on the table She starts eating Julieta Today I have to work double at Mrs. Rita's to pay the rent Are you going to stay locked in the apartment while I work? Ambar You work a lot Julieta It's so we don't end up back on the street, my love Ambar Okay I know you do what you can Julieta looks at her smiling Ambar just looks at her without emotion Julieta What a mature girl They proceed to keep eating Ambar I'm thinking of playing soccer at recess Julieta Soccer? Are you good at that? Ambar I can be good at all sports Julieta I see you're confident I love that Ambar Everything comes easy to me I don't know what I'm going to do when I'm older Julieta Don't worry about that You just play Ambar I can't Julieta (V.O.) Ambar uses words she shouldn't know Ambar takes a box out from under the table Julieta looks confused Ambar It's your nineteenth birthday I wanted to make you something artistic I don't earn money It's a drawing of you Julieta looks at it carefully The drawing is very detailed Julieta Ambar, this is very detailed Did you do it? Ambar Yes, I did it Julieta Ambar, another day I should take you to an art school Ambar Maybe I'll be a police officer when I'm older Julieta You're too little to decide that Ambar Mommy, there are bad people who made you suffer I want to go against those bad people Julieta Maybe your perspective will change Ambar Maybe Julieta Changing the subject, what about the books I bought you? Ambar (Excited) I read them all I even read the part that the older kids read Julieta And you can do it? Ambar Yes Julieta I'm proud Cut to: They finish eating Julieta stands up Julieta Time to go Ambar takes a long sip of water She takes her little backpack in silence Ambar grabs Julieta's hand Julieta locks the door and they leave EXTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY Julieta and Ambar walk holding hands Julieta hands her the teddy bear plushie named Bear Ambar accepts it Ambar (V.O.) It's one of the best things mom gave me Ambar looks around The children are playing like normal infants Ambar (V.O.) I'm not a normal girl I don't have fun like a normal girl Mom notices A teacher waits for them outside Marta (45) Curly hair, cheerful, teacher's clothing Julieta and Ambar approach the entrance Marta Good morning, you must be Julieta and Ambar Julieta Good morning Do you teach first grade? Marta Yes, my name is Marta Ambar enters the school Julieta I'm entrusting her to you Marta Don't worry, she's in good hands INTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HALLWAYS - DAY Ambar walks through the school hallways The place isn't big, but it's not small either Ambar looks around The children run and play Ambar (V.O.) Am I not normal? Cut to: Ambar enters the first classroom Ambar I guess it's this one INTERIOR. FIRST GRADE CLASSROOM - DAY She looks around The children play and laugh Ambar I can't stand these kids Ambar leaves her backpack at the back of the chair She sits in the front slowly She stays silent waiting for the teacher A girl approaches her from the front Girl Do you want to play? Ambar No, thanks Girl Let's play, come on Ambar (Raising her voice) I said no The girl walks away slowly Ambar stays sitting in silence Marta enters the classroom and walks to her desk Marta Good morning, I'm Marta Diaz, your math teacher Ambar stares at her Ambar (V.O.) I wonder if math will be very difficult Cut to: Marta points to the board with basic addition and subtraction Marta Now can someone tell me how much five plus five is? No one responds Marta looks at Ambar Ambar It would be better if someone else answered Marta Ambar Can you tell us how much five plus five is? Ambar stays silent for a few seconds Ambar It's ten Marta Very good Ambar And five times five is twenty-five Marta goes silent while she looks at her Marta How do you know? Ambar I read it in the math book my mommy bought me It has things that older kids read Marta Yes, I understand the older kids use it What else can you tell me? Ambar I know ten times eleven is one hundred ten Nine times seven is sixty-three One hundred twenty-four times five is six hundred twenty Fifty divided by five is ten Should I continue? Marta is surprised and silent Cut to: The language and literature teacher is giving classes Language teacher Open your language books to chapter one Ambar Teacher, who is Shakespeare? Language teacher He was a writer Ambar My mommy mentions him sometimes She said I could read Shakespeare in the future I would like to tell her I prefer movies Language teacher Do you watch many movies and series? Ambar No, we're poor I would like to watch movies and series that represent real things, like the life of a young mother with a five-year-old daughter My mommy's life Language teacher Maybe you'll be a great filmmaker Ambar Maybe, and I'll make a series about my mommy's life It will be called Full Shadow Love Language teacher How do you know English? Ambar I read it in a book I know a few words in English I don't know much I don't remember I just want my mommy to feel proud Cut to: EXTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY The PE teacher grabs a ball Ambar (V.O.) I wonder if I'll really be good at sports I never got to practice one I only played with cloth balls that mom made me from garbage PE teacher We're going to practice soccer Cut to: The first-grade children are playing soccer A boy approaches Ambar's team's goal with the ball at his feet Ambar watches as a defender Ambar (V.O.) I have to take the ball away from him quickly Ambar advances against her teammate They move to the sides and fake each other out In the end, Ambar takes the ball from her teammate She runs against the rival team's goal Her teammates try to take it from her, but Ambar moves to the sides or finds a way to dodge them She gets very close to the rival's goal and kicks with all her strength Ambar scored a goal Her team celebrates it INTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HALLWAYS - DAY Ambar walks through the hallways in silence Ambar (V.O.) My classmates love me They don't know what my mom had to go through What good luck She looks at her hands Ambar (V.O.) A year ago The ghosts of my past killed that woman I couldn't control them I wonder if at some point I'll be able to control those monsters INTERIOR. TEACHERS' ROOM - DAY The three teachers of Ambar are drinking coffee Marta The girl named Ambar is spectacular at math She knows things a third-year kid understands Language teacher That girl asked me about Shakespeare and said words in English PE teacher Ambar scored a spectacular goal She's very good at soccer She beat her male classmates The principal appears Lucia Angelo (50) Blonde, slim, with glasses, teacher's uniform, elegant Lucia I think we're going to have to watch that girl more closely She could be spectacular INTERIOR. MRS. RITA'S COFFEE SHOP Julieta serves a coffee and croissants to two girls Julieta Here's what you ordered, enjoy Girl 1 Thank you very much Girl 2 Are you Julieta Ayat? Julieta That's right Girl 2 I follow your story a lot Julieta Thank you Julieta (V.O.) It's a little uncomfortable that someone says they follow my painful story I'll never get tired of repeating that people like tragic heroes Mrs. Rita was visiting the place Julieta goes to her Julieta Mrs. Rita, I told the people at Ambar's school they could call here in case of an emergency I hope it's not something bad Rita Don't worry, it's about Ambar Julieta Thank you for understanding You're very kind Mrs. Rita smiles seeing her Rita I'm about to retire, and someone is going to have to take charge of this place I don't have children You've been working every day impeccably in all positions Julieta is surprised Julieta What do you mean? Rita I'm going to leave you in charge of my coffee shop Julieta goes silent for a moment She hugs her with great happiness Julieta Rita, thank you for leaving me in charge of the place I'll keep cooking Rita I know You're spectacular INTERIOR. ANALIA'S APARTMENT - DAY Analia sits in her chair She has photos of Ambar and Julieta hanging on the walls She watches the security video on her computer where Mariana dies She shows obsession in her gaze and silence EXTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY Ambar is sitting alone on a bench Some children approach her with a soccer ball Boy 1 Do you want to play soccer? Ambar Okay, I hope you play well Cut to: Ambar has the ball at her feet She moves with agility passing through the whole playground A bigger boy tries to take the ball from her Ambar turns and her teammate falls to the floor trying to take the ball from her Ambar runs to the goal She proceeds to kick and score a goal Meanwhile, a mysterious man watches the children with a murky expression He stays silent watching Ambar play INTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BATHROOM - DAY Ambar is washing her face She dries herself in silence The mysterious man passes behind her Ambar turns her head slowly Mysterious man Hi girl, I saw you playing soccer with your friends Ambar They're not my friends Mysterious man I can take you to a spectacular place You'll play with many children There are lots of sweets Ambar I like salty things Mysterious man I have that too Ambar Mom said not to go with strangers Mysterious man I'm not a stranger Your mom knows me I'll take you to her Ambar You're not going to take me The man grabs her brusquely to try to take her away Ambar crouches down and takes a point out of her pocket She stabs the man in the leg The man lets her go and Ambar runs out Mysterious man You'll see, you brat INTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY Ambar arrives at the principal's office quickly Principal Lucia opens the door Lucia What happened, Ambar? You have blood on your hands Ambar A strange man tried to take me in the bathroom Lucia Come here, the other teachers are here I'll go check INTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BATHROOM - DAY The principal goes to inspect the bathroom There is no one She checks everywhere She sees blood on the floor EXTERIOR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY Julieta and the principal are face to face. Julieta holds Ambar's hand Julieta Thank you for taking care of Ambar Lucia We need to talk about your daughter Ambar Did she behave badly or did something strange happen? Lucia On the contrary, Ambar presents a level of learning superior to the others She says she read books and learned English and math quickly Julieta Yes, I bought her that book She's a very intelligent girl Lucia But we're talking about a first-grade girl who can do math from memory, knows English, and learns to play soccer like a genius Julieta Are you saying Ambar is something like a prodigy? Lucia We should evaluate if Ambar should advance levels faster than her classmates She seems to have a photographic memory Julieta That's fabulous Julieta looks at Ambar Julieta I'm proud of you Lucia looks at her more seriously Lucia I wanted to talk about another topic A mysterious man tried to take Ambar The authorities identified him as Andrés Heredia Do you know him? Julieta No, I don't know any Andrés He tried to take Ambar? Is he part of a network that steals children? Lucia We're not sure They didn't find anything strange on him He had no record It was the first time he tried to take a child Julieta You should know that I have a history with those networks Lucia I'm aware of your story and I'm sorry This man doesn't seem to be someone from those types of networks He acted alone Julieta Be more attentive, please Lucia We have security cameras everywhere Our teachers were watching the children play Julieta When a girl who's about to turn six goes to the bathroom, someone should accompany her Lucia We can't watch every kid who goes to the bathroom Julieta And couldn't you see that the man entered the school? Lucia We thought he was the father of one of the girls Ambar stabbed the kidnapper with a point Julieta looks at Ambar who is serious Julieta goes silent INTERIOR. JULIETA'S APARTMENT - DAY Julieta and Ambar enter their apartment Julieta Ambar, genius girl Ambar Are they going to advance me? Julieta Maybe, we have to see how much you can learn Julieta crouches down and hugs her Julieta You're my pride Sorry for what I once did to you Ambar I forgive you, mom I already said it Julieta stands up and goes to the kitchen Julieta I'm going to make you a good lunch How about some noodles with a homemade sauce? Ambar (V.O.) I want mom to be proud Julieta crouches down in front of Ambar Julieta Ambar, you stabbed your attacker in the leg with a point Where did you get it? Ambar On the floor I thought that after everything we went through, I had to be ready The world is ugly Julieta (V.O.) This girl learns very fast I must be careful with what I say Ambar Mom, was I born from abuse? Julieta goes silent Ambar also goes silent waiting for an answer Julieta You're too little Ambar That means yes Julieta Ambar, it's not the time for this Ambar pulls away Ambar That's why you were a mother when you were little Julieta Ambar, it's not necessary to remember that It happened and now we're okay Ambar Am I a mistake? Julieta Who teaches you that? Ambar I learn I think Julieta What do you mean you think? How do you deduce all that? Ambar I don't know what deduce is Is it thinking? Julieta Yes, but the important thing is that you feel good Ambar I feel good, but I want to know where I come from Julieta sits next to her on the floor Julieta Ambar, your father was a horrible, dangerous, and abusive person He had many girls locked up and did dirty and cruel things to them Ambar goes silent, she is serious and cold Julieta It doesn't matter where we come from, but where we're going Ambar (V.O.) Should I tell her I dreamed about what happened to her? Ambar Mommy, I'm not afraid of ending up like you I'm afraid of being different from the rest Julieta Different people are the best and the ones with the most things to tell Julieta hugs Ambar Ambar goes silent and looks very seriously INTERIOR. JULIETA'S NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT Julieta is cooking polenta She serves it on a deep plate and then on another one just like it She lifts the plates and walks to the table Ambar is doing her homework in notebooks Julieta Time to eat, prodigy girl Ambar looks attentively at her notebooks She closes the notebooks angrily Ambar Everything is too easy, mommy Julieta They told me you have something called photographic memory That's good You learn everything instantly Everything changed when we had more opportunities Julieta smiles Julieta Now I want you to focus on eating Don't worry about the rest Ambar pushes her notebooks away She grabs the spoon and blows on the polenta She eats slowly Julieta stares at her Julieta That man tried to do ugly things to you You defended yourself well Ambar Thanks Julieta If bad people want to keep hurting us, I'm going to have to take drastic measures Your mom is going to buy a gun Ambar Are you going to be like the police? Julieta With today's laws, I can do it It's the only thing that benefits me, but criminals can look for guns They go silent while they eat Ambar Mom, I don't see Johan anymore, or the demons and ghosts of the past Julieta You controlled those things the day Mariana was going to separate you from me Ambar Was it my fault that Miss Mariana died? Julieta No, my love, don't carry that If anyone was to blame for her death, it was me All those supernatural things were happening and I should have taken better care of you Ambar It's not your fault, mom Now you're going to have Rita's coffee shop Julieta goes silent Julieta How did you know? I was going to tell you now Ambar You thought it I heard it well Ambar winks with a serious expression Julieta goes silent She looks at her daughter while she keeps eating She decides to ignore her and eat too Julieta (V.O.) Maybe Ambar keeps more secrets than I imagined She goes silent Julieta (V.O.) You were born from my pain Ambar (V.O.) I grew up with your scars Julieta (V.O.) The demons, death, and ghosts of the past were left behind Ambar (V.O.) Or so we think. Now I am death, the demons, and the ghosts of the past Ambar looks into the void Her eyes glow a purple tone