The Cookie Jar

The scene begins with Travis and Amy, a pair of university students, pulling their vehicle into the driveway of a well-kept suburban residence. They've been in a relationship for a few months now, but this will be Amy's first encounter with Travis' parents, and she's feeling quite anxious. Travis has been attempting to alleviate her anxiety with encouraging words throughout the entire journey. 'Don't worry so much,' he tells her, passing her a bag from the vehicle. 'My parents are very open-minded. They'll adore you, regardless!' Amy is hesitant to admit it, but she comes from a less wealthy background and she's unsure about being embraced into Travis' upper-middle-class world. Her luggage even looks worn out compared to theirs. Travis wraps his arm around his anxious girlfriend, leading her towards the front door. As he's about to turn the handle, his father opens the door to greet them. The men exchange a hearty embrace while Travis' mother joins them at the doorway. Amy stands to the side, feeling awkward, until Travis acknowledges her and introduces her to his parents. His mother, Mrs. Greene, warmly invites Amy inside, taking her hand, while his father offers to carry her luggage. This makes Amy feel more comfortable, and she gives a shy smile at the man before following Mrs. Greene into the house. Mr. Greene holds the door open for them, stealing a quick glance at Amy's posterior as he closes the door. CUT TO TITLE PLATE The lens sweeps across the kitchen as the family engages in lively conversation while preparing a meal together. Amy is impressed by Travis' parents -- they appear to be the epitome of a perfect family unit. Mrs. Greene is elegant and refined, and his father, though quiet, is wise and prosperous. A highly regarded surgeon. She enjoys observing her boyfriend interact with his family and imagines a similar future for herself! As Amy becomes more involved in the conversation, Travis' father watches her covertly, contemplating his own thoughts about the future. CUT to the evening. The family is gathered in the living room, enjoying dessert. Mrs. Greene is sharing funny stories from Travis' childhood, much to his embarrassment. As they laugh, Amy begins to notice Mr. Greene's gaze fixated on her. They keep making awkward eye contact, which makes Amy anxious again. She fears that his father dislikes her and, when he abruptly excuses himself to retire for the night, she is convinced that she's done something wrong. CUT to Amy brushing her teeth and appearing anxious in the bathroom mirror. She returns to Travis' room and slips into bed beside him, while he humorously suggests making love in the same room he grew up in. They share a kiss, and Travis tries to initiate intimacy, but Amy is clearly distracted. She suggests they just sleep instead, citing the day's events as tiresome. Disappointed but understanding, Travis agrees and cuddles up beside her. He switches off the light. Amy quietly asks her boyfriend if his father dislikes her. Travis chuckles and reassures her that his father doesn't hate her, he's just a reserved person. They settle down to sleep. CUT to Amy lying awake, staring at the clock. It's 2 am. She's been struggling with sleeplessness for most of the night and decides to get up and clear her head. She heads to the kitchen for a glass of water and unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Travis' father, who's sitting in his robe, enjoying milk and cookies. She is taken aback to find him there. 'I hope I didn't disturb you,' he says, dipping his cookie into the milk. 'I couldn't sleep,' she responds. He offers her some, and not wanting to be rude, Amy agrees and takes a seat. She nervously munches on the cookie while he observes her. 'You seem to be quite taken with my son,' he comments after a pause. She agrees, praising Travis as the best boyfriend she's ever had. He continues eating. 'I think he still has a lot of maturing to do,' Mr. Greene adds. Amy looks down at her milk, feeling uncomfortable. There is a drawn-out silence. 'However ... you're certainly the most attractive girl he's ever brought home,' Mr. Greene continues. Amy blushes and thanks him, while he continues to gaze at her. She starts to feel flushed, as he subtly shifts his seat to get closer. 'I gather you come from a challenging background,' he inquires. 'And that being with Travis has signified a significant shift in lifestyle for you. Am I right?' Amy assures her boyfriend's father that it's not about that, she loves Travis for who he is, not what he possesses. Mr. Greene takes another bite of his cookie. 'But, you concede that standards are important?' He asks. She nods. He smiles at her