Tokyo city, Japan. In a modest apartment, the atmosphere is warm, almost perfect. Soft natural light filters through the living room window, gently touching the polished wooden floor. The air smells like cooked rice and green tea.
Scene 1
Ken, a 2-year-old boy, takes his first steps in the living room. His legs tremble slightly, and his small hands are held by his parents, each holding one of his hands. His mother's smile is wide and full of emotion, while his father looks proudly. Ken's 3-year-old sister, Yumi, sits on the couch, clapping and giggling happily.
Ken takes a few shaky steps forward, then stumbles slightly. His father catches him immediately, lifts him up in his arms, and spins him around the room, laughing.
Mother (happy voice): Honey, he did it! Ken's first steps!
Father (proud): He's my boy... my boy!
Scene 2
The family hugs tightly and warmly. The father holds Ken in his arms, the mother embraces Yumi and kisses her on the forehead. A moment of pure harmony, in the middle of a modest but loving life.
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Scene 3 – First Day of Kindergarten
Skip-time. Ken is almost 5 years old. A cool morning, clear sky, the leaves in the kindergarten yard rustle softly. Ken stands at the entrance of the building, holding tightly to his mother's leg with both hands. His big, wet eyes look fearfully towards the room full of children laughing and playing.
Mother (warm voice): Okay, ma'am... I'll pick Ken up after class, but please take care of him, he's very sensitive.
Teacher (gentle): Don't worry. I'm sure he will get used to it and make many friends.
Ken squeezes his mother's leg even harder. His lips tremble, but he doesn't say anything.
Mother (bent down): I'll come to get you later... okay?
Ken (soft voice): No... don't go...
The mother sighs, takes him in her arms one last time and kisses his forehead. She puts him down and leaves the building with heavy steps, looking back one last time.
Ken stays still, eyes glued to the door through which his mother left. The teacher takes his hand and leads him to a corner where other children play.
Ken sits alone, silently. He grabs his hair with both hands, trembles, and whispers:
Ken (barely audible): Mommy...
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Scene 4 – The Reunion
It's 12 o'clock. The sun is high in the sky, short shadows are cast on the kindergarten floor. Parents come one by one. Children shout happily, running into the arms of their mothers and fathers.
Ken is still in his corner, staring blankly.
The door opens. Ken's mother. Simply dressed, she smiles warmly when she sees him.
Ken (running): MOMMY!
Mother: Hello, Mrs. Yamamoto, have a nice day!
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Scene 5 – The Car
Ken sits in the back seat. He looks out the window at the buildings rushing by.
Mother: How was kindergarten?
Ken: I didn't like it... I don't want to go anymore.
Mother (calm): Honey, you can't stay with us forever. One day you'll have your own family.
Ken: Promise me it will be okay.
Mother: I promise.
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Scene 6 – Arriving Home
Mother parks. She takes Ken in her arms, opens the apartment door with a card key. They enter the elevator.
Ken: Me, mommy... I want to press.
Mother (smiling): Okay, honey.
Ken presses button 4. The elevator rises. He smiles and taps his feet.
Ken: Wow!
They arrive. Ken runs down the hallway, looks for the familiar door number. Mother opens the door. Ken enters and throws himself on the couch:
Ken: WE'RE HOME!!
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Scene 7 – Family Dinner
Evening. A round wooden table. The family is gathered. On the plates – katsudon and miso soup.
Yumi: So bro, how's kindergarten?
Ken: I don't like it...
Mother: Honey, we talked about this.
Ken: I feel lonely without you...
Father: We are family. We will always be.
Mother: Always, Ken. Always.
Ken (with tears in his eyes): I love you all...
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Scene 8 – Night
Ken lies in bed. Yumi sleeps. The ceiling is dimly lit by the city lights coming through the blinds.
Ken: Yumi... are you asleep?
She mumbles. Ken turns to his side. He remembers the hard day. He starts scratching himself unconsciously. His skin reddens. He feels pain. Blood appears under his nails.
Ken (thinking): What... did I just do?