Blank Close Betrayal
1. INT / MARISA'S TRUCK – DAY
MARISA (34), a woman of normal build and somewhat careless, drives her truck, while MARIANA (7), a girl with a plush mouse costume that covers her whole body, and huge glasses that distort her gaze, arranges some things in a pink backpack.
MARIANA
(A little nervous) The Tooth Fairy has to see how this child has behaved to decide how much to give him for the fall of the, of the… (Annoyed) I forgot, Mommy, I can't forget on the spot! Can you imagine?
MARISA:
Relax, honey, you'll do great, and if not, we'll all have a good laugh. All parents love what their children do.
MARIANA
Yes, but I don't want people to laugh because I forgot my part…
Marisa shakes her head in the negative while smiling.
MARISA
What do you think if I sit in the front row and if I see you forget the letter I'll make a "star" so you know the next word is tooth?
MARIANA
Of course! You make "Little Star" for me (Mariana opens and closes the fists of both hands) and I'll make "moon" for you (Mariana makes a circle with her thumb and forefinger) and I say tooth, and then I'm sure I'll remember the rest.
MARISA
Did you see? We already solved it, you can rest easy.
Mariana becomes thoughtful and puts the backpack aside.
MARIANA
(Sadly) But my dad and I always do "Little Star," it's our sign... (Suddenly her eyes light up) I wonder if he's going to surprise me and come to the event?
Marisa's expression changes to one of concern, she turns to look at Mariana and caresses her cheek.
2. INT / SAMANTHA'S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - DAY
Esteban (37), a tall and handsome man, enters the room and finds Samantha (26), a very attractive woman. Samantha gets up from the sofa, goes to him, hugs him and gives him a passionate kiss.
SAMANTHA
My love, what a surprise! You here at this hour. How wonderful! (Continues hugging him).
ESTEBAN
Yes, I wanted to surprise them. I stopped by for a minute to see them, but I have to leave in a little while.
SAMANTHA
(Somewhat annoyed) Why is that? I don't understand. (In a reproachful tone) Is one minute all you can spare us?
Samantha turns her back on Esteban and lowers her gaze. Esteban approaches her and hugs her from behind.
ESTEBAN
(Excusing himself softly) Sami, it's Mariana's Carnival performance. I have to go.
Samantha walks away.
SAMANTHA
Okay, I understand, but why did you come then if you're not going to stay for even a little while?
Esteban approaches Samantha again and gently takes her cheek in his hand.
ESTEBAN
To see them (kisses her). A little is better than nothing, right?
Samantha walks away.
SAMANTHA
Yes, yes . Well, go on. You're going to be late.
ESTEBAN
, and Efraín?
SAMANTHA
(Capricious) He's asleep. You'd better check him out when you're back in a minute...
Esteban smiles and hugs Samantha again.
ESTEBAN
Oh, woman!
Esteban and Samantha stared intently into each other's eyes. Esteban walked away, left the apartment, and closed the door.
The opening titles of the film appear, the names of the producers, the director and the title "Papi" (Or whatever the title is) Fade to black.
3. INT / MARISA'S TRUCK - DAY
Marisa is driving; the street the truck is on is different from the one in the first scene. Mariana is still dressed as a little mouse, but she takes off her enormous glasses, revealing a tear on her small face. Marisa sees it and is worried.
MARISA
What's wrong, my girl? The act went perfectly.
MARIANA
Yes, but my dad didn't go. I knew...
Marisa turns away, so as not to be seen by Mariana.
MARISA
(With a tone that was both apologetic and angry) Mariana, your dad works a lot, and you know that lately...
MARIANA
(On top of him) Yes, he's been very busy lately. He's always at the bank, and when he gets home he goes straight to his study and doesn't come out. He doesn't even let anyone in.
MARISA
(Angrily) That's just how he is, his privacy comes first. (Persuasively) But that doesn't mean he's a bad father.
MARIANA
No, but I wanted him to come today. I told him a thousand times. He didn't even want to see the costume last night when he was rehearsing. He only cares about himself; I don't interest him at all.
MARISA
Um ! I don't think so.
Mariana turns her face away and stares out the window at the street. Marisa strokes her head.
MARISA
What do you think about us showing up at the bank as a surprise so he can see your costume? He'll really like that.
Mariana smiles happily, dries her tears and applauds.
MARIANA
Yes! And I'm going to tell you my part so you can see how the act was.
Mother and daughter smile. Marisa turns right and the truck disappears from sight.
4. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Marisa and Mariana enter the bank. Mariana is in disguise and has put her glasses back on. Security Guard 1 (42), a chubby man with glasses, waves to them from a distance. There are three female tellers (23, 25, and 30) and eleven customers (six women and five men, ranging in age from 20 to 65). Marisa and Mariana disappear down the corridor leading to the offices.
5. INT / MANAGER'S OFFICE – DAY
Marisa and Mariana enter the office; no one is there. On the desk is a plaque that reads: “Esteban Martínez, General Manager.” Mariana sits in the main chair at the desk.
MARISA
(To Mariana) Girl, you know that your dad doesn't like you sitting there.
Gloria (35), a short, overweight woman, enters the office. She wears a name tag on her uniform shirt that reads: “Gloria Fernández, Assistant Manager.” Marisa and Gloria greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, while Mariana waves to Gloria from her desk chair.
GLORIA
How are you, Mrs. Marisa? (To Mariana) And you, little mouse, how lovely you look!
MARISA:
Good, Gloria. We've come from Mariana's school event to surprise Esteban. Where is he?
Gloria is surprised by the comment.
GLORIA
But Mr. Esteban went out at the end of the morning to Marianita's event.
MARISA
What? Are you sure?
GLORIA
Yes, he told me personally.
Mariana watches the conversation silently, her face growing increasingly serious. Marisa tries to hide her worried yet angry expression. Gloria feels uncomfortable.
GLORIA
There must be some confusion, could it be that I misunderstood?
MARISA:
Don't worry, Gloria. It must have been him and we just didn't see him, there were so many people...
Mariana stares at Marisa and Marisa makes a sign to her.
MARISA
(To Mariana. Aggressively) Get up from there!
Mariana gets up from her chair, Marisa takes her arm, and they walk toward the office door. Marisa takes out her cell phone. Worried and annoyed, she dials a few numbers. Mariana, very serious, keeps watching her.
MARISA
(To Mariana) Wait for me here, I'll be right back.
Marisa leaves the office, Gloria and Mariana stay watching her, until she disappears into the hallway.
6. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Marisa walks furiously across the bank, cell phone in hand. Mariana follows her, but stops in the middle of the room.
7. EXT / BANK FACADE – DAY
Marisa steps outside and puts her cell phone to her ear. She turns her back to the bank so no one can see her through the glass facade. Her expression shifts from anger to a mixture of satisfaction and anxiety. The phone rings; Esteban's voicemail picks up on the other end.
ESTEBAN (VO)
Esteban Martínez, please leave your message.
MARISA
(Anxious and a little confused) Esteban, I know you went to the event and we didn't see you. Is everything alright? We'll see each other later at home, a kiss.
Marisa stares into the distance, a few tears welling in her eyes, but her expression remains a mixture of satisfaction and anguish; she keeps her back to the bank's facade. Behind her, four men dressed as clowns pass by, wearing outlandish costumes with bright colors and balloons. All four wear demonic clown masks, and at the bottom of each mask is an electrical device that functions as a voice distorter; the device is visible to everyone and gives the costumes a particularly terrifying touch. Underneath the masks, the men wear heavy makeup (though it's not noticeable in this scene). They are unrecognizable. The clowns are Esteban, Lucho (39), Paco (36), and Rey (31). The four enter the bank; Marisa doesn't notice.
8. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Esteban, Lucho, Paco, and Rey enter the bank and release the balloons. Everyone in the bank stares at them in terror. Mariana remains motionless. Each of them pulls out a gun. Rey immediately subdues security guard number 1 and disarms him. Paco, at gunpoint, forces security guard number 2 out of the booth, hits him with the butt of his gun, throws him to the ground, handcuffs him, and disarms him as well.
LUCHO
(In a loud, distorted voice) Gentlemen, we're here for something specific, and if everyone cooperates, no one will get hurt. (Moving the gun from side to side) (Violently) Everyone on the floor with your hands behind your head!
The customers throw themselves to the floor. Mariana remains standing, and a very thin woman (40) pulls her down, forces her to the ground, and covers her with her arm. Lucho signals to Rey, who closes the bank door. Paco pulls the three tellers from their workstations and shoves them violently, causing them to fall to the floor. Esteban takes some black cloths from his pants and covers three of the bank's security cameras. Rey continues guarding the door.
Esteban and Lucho get lost in the hallway that leads to the offices.
Mariana looks outside the bank and sees Marisa, who clutches her head in despair. In a fit of rage, she tries to enter the bank, while Mariana keeps a watchful eye on her. Rey stops Marisa from entering, striking her with the butt of her gun and, wounding her, gestures for her to back away.
Paco pulls the thin lady, who is protecting Mariana, by her hair, shakes her and threatens her with the gun.
PACO
(Violent. Distorted voice) The first one who makes a noise or a strange movement is going to find out what's coming to him. Nobody moves here unless I say otherwise.
Rey remains guarding the door, pointing his gun at the customers, security guards, and tellers with a threatening expression. Mariana keeps watching Marisa, who looks desperate behind the glass wall that forms the bank's facade.
9. INT / BANK HALLWAY – DAY
Esteban and Lucho meet Gloria, Lucho grabs her hair and twists her face.
LUCHO
(Distorted voice) Where is the manager?
Gloria, terrified, shakes her head from side to side. Lucho pulls her hair harder and asks again.
LUCHO
(Violent. Distorted voice) Tell me where he is or I'll beat you up!
GLORIA
(Whispering) She's not here. (Terrified) She left this morning.
Esteban signals to Lucho. Lucho knees Gloria and grabs her by the neck.
LUCHO
(To Gloria) (Distorted voice) Tell the truth or I won't be responsible for what this guy does to you. He sure likes chubby girls like you.
GLORIA
(To Lucho, terrified) It's true, look at his office, it's empty.
Esteban, Gloria and Lucho walk towards the office that is a few steps away.
10. INT / MANAGER'S OFFICE – DAY
Lucho points the gun at Gloria. Esteban kicks the chairs a couple of times.
ESTEBAN
(Distorted voice) So this lazy bum didn't come to work. (To Gloria) Then it's your turn to help us.
Esteban walks around the desk, sees a family photo frame with Mariana, Marisa, and himself, and smashes it. He gives Lucho a look. Lucho grabs Gloria by the back of her uniform.
LUCHO
(Distorted voice) Give me the master key to the safety deposit boxes.
GLORIA
(Scared) I don't have access to that key, only the manager does.
Esteban signals to Lucho. Lucho approaches Gloria and hits her on the forehead with the butt of his gun, injuring her.
LUCHO
(Very violent. Distorted voice) Give it to me or I'll smash you right now!
GLORIA
(Trembling) It's okay, they're in the vault.
Lucho slaps Gloria, violently pulls her hair, and the three of them leave the office.
11. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Rey continues guarding the door. The bank staff, customers, and security guards remain on the floor. Mariana keeps glancing at her mother. Paco goes behind the counters, pulls a black bag from his pants, and starts taking money from the tills and putting it in the bag, destroying everything he can get his hands on (calculators, spreadsheets, bill counters, etc.). Rey watches him from the doorway, annoyed.
REY
(To Paco. Distorted voice) That wasn't in the plans.
PACO
(To Rey. Distorted voice) An extra wouldn't hurt.
REY
(To Paco. Distorted voice) You're going to have to deal with the others.
Paco leaves the counters, puts a black bag in his clown pants and kicks security guard 1. Then he turns around and points the gun at A FAT MAN (32) and kicks him in the head and pins it with his shoe.
PACO
(Distorted voice) Nobody here is saying anything about what they just saw. (Kicks the fat man) (To Rey) Not even you. This is separate.
Rey looks at him disapprovingly. Paco moves around the room and kicks a young woman (22) in the stomach. Then he turns around and sees Mariana, approaches her, pulls her by the ears of her costume and drops her to the floor, hurting her. Rey, furious, points the gun at him.
REY
(To Paco. Distorted voice) Stay still now! You're going too far.
Paco points the gun at Rey.
PACO
(To Rey. Violent. Distorted voice) You're crossing the line. Put your gun down and I'll put mine down.
Rey lowers his gun, looks outside the bank through the facade, and sees his watch.
REY
(Worried. Distorted voice) They're taking a long time. The law should arrive in about eight minutes.
Rey stares outside the bank. Marisa, nervous, dials several numbers on her cell phone.
12. INT. BANK HALLWAY - DAY
Paco looks out into the hallway and sees no one.
13. INT. BANK ROOM - DAY
Paco returns to the room, shaking his head. Through the glass facade, Marisa is seen dialing a number on her cell phone again. Mariana keeps staring at her mother. Paco glances at her, then back at Marisa; he grabs the girl and puts the gun to her neck, then runs it across her throat in a gesture indicating death, and signals to Rey.
REY
(To Marisa. Distorted voice) You get lost from here or what has to happen to that girl will happen to her.
Marisa walks away and Paco throws the girl to the ground.
14. INT / VAULT – DAY
Gloria, trembling, enters the combination in the vault door and opens it. Lucho grabs her by the hair and shoves her inside. Inside the vault, a wall is lined with safety deposit boxes. Gloria opens a locker and takes out a key. Esteban pulls a pickaxe and an iron bar from his clown pants. He takes the key from Gloria and inserts it into one of the boxes, then uses the pickaxe and bar to break it open. He smashes it open. He takes out two gold necklaces. He does the same with the box next to it and finds some documents inside. He throws them on the floor and proceeds to break open a third box. Inside, he takes out a package, empties it, and a handful of diamonds of different sizes begin to sparkle; the gleam of victory shines on his face. He turns to look at Lucho, and they both smile. Esteban puts the jewelry and diamonds in a bag and stuffs it into his pants. Lucho pushes Gloria out of the vault and leaves with Esteban.
15. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Lucho, Esteban, and Gloria arrive in the room, and the people are still subdued on the floor. Paco and Rey look at Lucho, and he nods.
Suddenly police sirens begin to sound and from inside the bank, through the glass facade, the arrival of a round of police officers can be seen.
The commissioner in charge (45) takes out a megaphone. Everyone in the bank watches him from inside.
COMMISSIONER IN CHARGE
(Over the megaphone) You are surrounded by the Municipal Police. You have no chance of escape. The best thing you can do is surrender.
Lucho grabs Gloria by the neck and points the gun at her. Immediately afterward, Esteban takes a woman (40), Paco takes Mariana, and Rey takes security guard number 1.
16. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Lucho, Esteban and Paco meet in the room, each with their hostage.
ESTEBAN
(Low, distorted voice) Someone from outside must have called the police; they couldn't have come so quickly just with the bank's call.
Mariana hears Esteban's voice and it catches her attention.
LUCHO
(Distorted voice) So what? Plan B?
ESTEBAN AND PACO
(In unison. Distorted voice) Plan B.
Rey, very nervous and still standing in the doorway, turns to look at Lucho. Lucho signals to him that everything is under control. He lets go of Gloria and forcibly grabs the 22-year-old woman, squeezing her by the neck.
17. EXT / BANK FACADE – DAY
Lucho leaves the bank, using the young woman as a shield, while pointing the gun at her. From the doorway, he begins communicating with the police commissioner.
LUCHO
(Distorted voice) Nobody is hurt, nor do we want them to be. We want a driverless van at the bank entrance in ten minutes. We're leaving with four hostages; if they try to follow us, we'll take them out one by one. We have automatic rifles; if they try to storm the bank, it won't be hard for us to eliminate the twenty hostages we have inside.
COMMISSIONER IN CHARGE
(Over the megaphone) Nobody is talking about an attack. We are willing to negotiate. You can have the truck, but we want a guarantee that no hostages are injured. We also want the release of a girl inside, the one in disguise.
LUCHO
(Distorted voice) Negative. I already spoke.
Lucho steps back, carrying the woman in his arms, and enters the bank.
18. INT / BANK ROOM – DAY
Lucho throws the young woman to the floor and turns to look at Mariana, who is in Paco's hands.
LUCHO
(To Mariana. Distorted voice) It seems we have a very valuable hostage here. What are they planning with this girl? (He approaches Mariana and grabs her face) Who are you, little mouse?
Everyone on the bench turns to look at Mariana. Esteban notices her for the first time and can't take his eyes off her. Paco pulls Mariana even tighter and grabs her by the neck, while simultaneously separating her from Lucho.
PACO
(To Lucho. Distorted voice) If you want, I'll delete it right now.
Mariana freezes in terror. Esteban looks at Paco and takes the girl from his arms, placing her to one side. Mariana remains paralyzed.
ESTEBAN
(Violent. Distorted voice) We're not going to eliminate anyone here!
LUCHO
(To Esteban. Distorted voice) That depends. But certainly not the girl. I think she's going to be our passport out.
REY
The thing is, the mother, or someone who came with her, is outside. She's been trying to get in. I think she's the one who called the police.
The four bandits stare at Mariana, and while she cries, she wets herself. Esteban stares at her and becomes a little lethargic; that crying sounds familiar. He thinks and shakes his head. He looks at her again and puts his hands to his head. He notices her costume and stares blankly. The little mouse costume multiplies, fragments, and changes colors. Esteban comes to, looks up at the ceiling, takes a deep breath, and begins to
ESTEBAN
(To Paco. Imposing. Distorted voice) Let her go!
PACO
, what's wrong?
ESTEBAN
Nothing, let her go and let's see who's coming with us.
Lucho signals to Paco, and he lets go of the girl. Mariana falls to the ground.
19. INT / BANK ROOM – SUNSET
BACKGROUND MUSIC STARTS PLAYING (IT REMAINS).
Below is a collage of images from:
A.- The hostages organizing themselves in a line.
B. The fat man rubbing his head and moving his neck from side to side.
C. The young woman looking terrified at Lucho.
D. Rey seeing the police, pointing his gun at security guard 1, while guarding the door.
E. Gloria wiping the blood from her forehead.
F. The commissioner, seen from inside the bank, speaking through a megaphone with the sunset in the background.
G. Paco putting a gun to a woman's mouth (45).
H. Journalists with cameras, seen through the bank's facade.
I. Mariana seeing Marisa in the distance, who is near the police lines.
J. Paco grabbing a young woman (19) by the neck, while lifting her off the floor.
K. Lucho grabbing the woman who covered him outside the bank.
L. Rey lifting security guard 1 and covering himself with him.
M. The three bank tellers, very scared,
N.- Lucho looking at Esteban, while nodding his head.
O.- Esteban and Mariana staring at each other.
End of image collage. End of background music.
20. INT / BANK ROOM – NIGHT
Esteban approaches Mariana.
ESTEBAN
(Distorted voice) And who are you hanging out with? Why are you in disguise?
MARIANA
Today was the event, my mom is outside.
Esteban is stunned to hear the girl's voice. Lucho and Paco look at him, puzzled. Esteban crouches down, puts his hands to his head, and stands very close to Mariana.
ESTEBAN
(Distorted voice) A carnival act?
MARIANA
Yes. (Pause) You're not going to do anything bad to me, are you?
Esteban turns off the voice distorter without being seen by the other bandits, takes off Mariana's enormous glasses and strokes the ears of her disguise.
ESTEBAN
(In Mariana's ear, in a low voice)No, you know that's not true.
THE BEATS OF MARIANA'S HEART BEGIN TO BE HEARD (THEY REMAIN IN THE BACKGROUND).
Esteban turns the voice changer back on, opening and closing his fists. Mariana, frightened and confused, stares at Esteban and, without taking her eyes off him, makes a circle with her index finger and thumb. Esteban nods and walks away from the girl, his face showing anger and confusion.
MARIANA'S HEARTBEATS STOP.
21. INT / BANK ROOM – NIGHT
Lucho approaches Esteban.
LUCHO
What's wrong with you and this little girl too?
Lucho slaps Mariana, knocking her to the ground. Esteban jumps on Lucho, and they begin to struggle. Paco gets agitated, grabs Mariana by the waist, and lifts her up, pointing his gun at everyone. Rey becomes extremely nervous, throws security guard number 1 to the floor, grabs the 22-year-old woman by the neck, and uses her as a shield. Esteban and Lucho continue to struggle. Lucho and Rey signal to each other. During the struggle, a shot rings out, and
Lucho falls to the ground, dead. Esteban gets up and sees Paco pointing his gun at him. Esteban moves the gun around, pointing it at both Paco and Rey.
ESTEBAN
(To Paco and Rey. Persuasive. Distorted voice) Relax, it was an accident. We have the loot, that's what matters!
Rey, nervous, fires, killing security guard number 1, and leaves the bank carrying the young woman, pointing his gun at her. Gunshots ring out outside the bank. Paco and Esteban threaten each other with their weapons. Paco shoots security guard number 2 and Gloria, killing them both; then he fires four shots into the ceiling. Esteban shoots him, and he falls, badly wounded, to the floor. The lights begin to flicker. The bank's fire alarms go off, and water starts spraying from the ceiling devices.
22. INT. BANK ROOM – NIGHT
Water continues to leak from the ceiling and the power begins to flicker. A series of flashing lights is recorded, accompanied by chaos from smoke, alarms, and water.
Esteban crouches down and approaches Mariana.
ESTEBAN
(In Mariana's ear. Distorted voice) Are you okay?
Mariana turns off Esteban's voice changer, nodding her head. Esteban takes her in his arms and remains thoughtful.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK START
23. INT. ESTEBAN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Esteban is sitting on the bed with his head down.
MARISA
(Not appearing on camera) ( Aggressive)
If you already know there must be something valuable in that box… what are you waiting for to open it?
Esteban looks up, but it's not clear who he's looking at.
ESTEBAN
But I can't! Only the client has the key! Besides , I'm not sure; you know that information is confidential. There could even be drugs in that box!
MARISA
(Off- camera) ( Persuasive)
But you know that guy is a mining executive!
ESTEBAN
(Agitated) But I'm not a thief, girl!
END OF FLASHBACK
24. INT. BANK ROOM – NIGHT
Esteban regains consciousness, stops hugging Mariana, kisses her, and puts something in her backpack (it's not clear what). And, while shaking his head, his gaze drifts off again.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK START
25. INT. ESTEBAN'S ROOM – NIGHT
Esteban is getting dressed.
MARISA
(Not appearing on camera) (Tax) I imagine you've already arranged everything with the others.
ESTEBAN
I already told you that the best thing is for me to fake a robbery myself. To play the victim manager.
MARISA
(Not appearing on camera) ( Taxative)
No! That's going to be very suspicious.
ESTEBAN
(Stunned) How could you think I'd become a robber? They'd find me out quickly.
MARISA
(Off- camera) ( Persuasive)
You know about guns. They'll never think you're one of the robbers. But you have to disguise yourself or do whatever you want so they don't recognize you. (Pause) I'll help you with the alibi, and we'll pick the perfect day to do it.
ESTEBAN
(In a reproachful tone) But my love, we have enough. We don't need much more.
MARISA
(Off- camera) ( Annoyed)
We had enough. Not for the last couple of years. (Ironically) I can't imagine why…
Marisa comes out in front of the cameras and moves around the room. Her arms are crossed.
MARISA
(To Esteban) Or is it that you now have something more important to spend your money on?
END OF FLASHBACK
26. INT. BANK ROOM – NIGHT
Esteban turns towards the outside of the bank and, among the crowd, finds Marisa, who stares at him.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK BEGINS
27. EXT. PARK – DAY
Esteban and Samantha are walking along the park path. Esteban is pushing a stroller. Inside the stroller is Efraín (8 months old). In the distance, Marisa is hiding behind a bush, crying with anger as she watches them walk by.
END OF FLASHBACK
28. INT. BANK ROOM – NIGHT
Esteban looks away from Marisa and hugs Mariana. At that moment, Paco moves and, in a final effort, shoots Esteban, who falls dead at Mariana's feet.
The lights flicker on and off, and the water dripping from the ceiling begins to smear Paco's, Lucho's, Esteban's, and Mariana's makeup. People inside the bank are screaming. The smoke, alarms, and flashing lights continue.
Confusion reigns. Mariana moves closer to Esteban, who lies in a pool of blood; their makeup runs, the colors mingling with the blood everywhere. Mariana removes Esteban's mask and voice changer, and looks at him closely; she hugs him and looks at him again.
MARIANA
(To Esteban. Crying with indignation) Daddy!
The police enter the bank.
29. EXT / BANK FACADE – NIGHT
Mariana leaves the bank, her costume covered in blood, her feet leaving two small red footprints. She laughs and cries at the same time. She reaches her mother's arms, who stares into the distance, her eyes brimming with tears.
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