Title: Shadows in the Hallway

Genre: Drama/Short Film

Length: Approx. 1000 words
FADE IN:
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
A bustling high school is alive with students chatting,
laughing, and rushing to class. During this chaos, we focus
on AMELIA (16), a girl with tired eyes that hides a storm
within.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In the hallways of high school, laughter surrounds us. But
beneath the surface, shadows lurk.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Amelia walks through the crowded hallway, invisible among
her peers. Her FRIENDS wave at her, but she smiles weakly,
shrugging off their concern. Posters promoting "Mental
Health Awareness Month" cling to the walls, but they seem
distant.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Amelia sits at her desk, staring blankly at the teacher. A
group of students giggle in the back, one throws a crumpled
paper at her. The laughter stings.
TEACHER
(enthusiastically)
So, who can tell me about the themes in this novel?
No one answers. Amelia takes a deep breath, her hands
trembling slightly.
INT. LUNCHROOM - DAY
Amelia sits alone at a table, picking at her food. A group
of classmates chat animatedly nearby. She glances over,
longing to join, but sensitivity stops her.
KATIE (15)
(calling out)
Amelia, come sit with us!
Amelia forces a smile but shakes her head, feeling her
heart race with anxiety. Katie looks confused but goes back
to her friends, leaving Amelia alone.
INT. AMELIA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Amelia lies in bed, scrolling through her phone. Images of
perfect lives flood her screen. She looks at her reflection
in the mirror across the room, tears pooling in her eyes.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In a world where everyone seems perfect, it’s easy to feel
broken.
She opens a notebook filled with drawings and poetry,
revealing her intimate struggles. One-page reads, "I feel
like I’m drowning."
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Amelia sits at the table, picking breakfast. Her MOTHER
(40s) rushes in, distracted and overwhelmed.
MOTHER
Amelia, did you finish your homework? We need to get going!
Amelia nods but looks despondent. Her mother, preoccupied
with her phone, doesn't notice.
MOTHER (cont'd)
(voice distracted)
You know, kids are just too soft these days. Just focus on
your studies!
Amelia sighs, feeling unseen.
INT. SCHOOL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Amelia sits across from MS. EVANS (30s), school counselor,
her eyes filled with tears.
MS. EVANS
(concerned)
Amelia, I can see you’re struggling. What’s going on?
Amelia wrestles with herself, breathing heavily. She shakes
her head.
AMELIA
It’s... it’s nothing. Just school stress.
MS. EVANS
(sternly)
I can help. But you need to open.
Amelia looks down, ashamed.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Amelia walks down the hall, overhearing a couple of girls
gossiping.
GIRL 1
Did you hear about Amelia? She’s such a weirdo.
GIRL 2
Yeah! What a loser.
Amelia stops in her tracks, pain etched on her face. Her
phone buzzes. A message from Katie: "Missed you at lunch
😕."
Amelia’s expression crumbles. Out of frustration, she hurls
her phone against the wall, shattering it. Students gasp.
INT. AMELIA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Amelia paces in her dark room, her emotions boiling over.
She opens her drawer and pulls out a small box. It contains
pills.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Not every visible wound is on the surface. Sometimes a heart
simply screams for escape.
She holds the pills, tears streaming down her face, and
places them next to a letter she’s written.
INT. SUPPORT GROUP - NIGHT
Amelia attends a support group with other TEENS. She
hesitates, her breathing heavy. She quietly listens as
others share their stories.
TEEN 1
I feel like I’m invisible... like no one cares.
Amelia’s expression softens, realizing she’s not alone.
When it’s her turn, she stands up, trembling.
AMELIA
I… I don’t know how to be okay anymore. Every day feels like
I’m sinking.
Another TEEN nods, reaching out to her. But the darkness is
still heavy.
INT. AMELIA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT (A FEW DAYS LATER)
The room is dim. Amelia sits at her desk, the letter still
beside her. She picks up the pills, a mix of desperation
and calm washing over her.
The sounds of laughter erupt from outside her window. She
glances at the street, watching kids play without a care in
the world. A single tear drops.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
When silence echoes louder than screams, the mind can become
a cage, with no way out.
Amelia's face shows a decision has been made. She sets her
jaw and closes her eyes, whispering her final goodbyes.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Quick flashes of happier moments play in sepia: Amelia
laughing with friends, hugging her mother, and enjoying
school. The contrasts grow stark as we collide back to the
chaos of the present.
INT. AMELIA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Amelia writes a final note, tears staining the paper. She
brushes a hand over her drawings, infusing them with love.
AMELIA (V.O.)
(to herself)
I’m sorry. I tried my best.
She takes a deep breath, takes the pills, and swallows them
with trembling hands.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Students rush past, unaware of their surroundings.
Suddenly, there’s a commotion. A TEACHER shouts.
TEACHER
We need the paramedics! Now!
Students gather, panic and confusion gripping them. Katie
stands frozen, a feeling of dread hanging in the air.
INT. AMELIA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Amelia’s lifeless body lies among the crumpled paper and
art, echoing her struggle.
FADE OUT.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In a world where connection is fleeting and understanding is
absent, we must remember to reach out... before the shadows
consume the light.
TEXT ON SCREEN:
“If you or someone you know is struggling with mental
health, please reach out for help. You are never alone.”
FADE TO BLACK.
ROLL CREDITS.