You're Safe Now
The scene commences with a vulnerable young woman (Whitney Wright) cautiously walking towards the entrance of a social worker's residence. Her discomfort is evident, her eyes darting around as if expecting an ambush at any moment. She's quick to react to any unexpected noise, such as a passing car, and her breaths are shaky as she tries to soothe herself.
She wraps her arms around herself, seeking the solace she's been without for many days. Taking a moment to gather her courage on the stairs, she reassures herself that she can face this. Just as she raises her hand to knock on the door, the door swings open revealing a man (Derrick Pierce) with a friendly grin.
The sudden appearance startles Whitney, and he apologizes, explaining that he had seen her through the window. He seems approachable, and after introducing himself as Aiden Taylor, her social worker, he invites her in. His warm welcome seems to ease some of her tension.
Grateful for his time, Whitney steps into the house, though she expresses her surprise at being asked to his home rather than his office. Aiden explains that he prefers to work from home as he finds it creates a more relaxed atmosphere for his clients, who often have difficulty trusting others. His experience has shown that a homely environment is particularly beneficial for teenagers who are often suspicious of authority figures.
Whitney considers his reasoning before agreeing, showing signs of warming up to his attempts to make her feel at ease. Noticing her remaining unease, Aiden reassures her that she no longer has anything to fear, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. This gesture causes her to stiffen, and Aiden quickly withdraws his hand, apologizing.
He then gestures for her to follow him to his office, promising her that she's safe now. But as he closes the door, his smile takes on a sinister quality. TITLE PLATE Whitney and Aiden enter his home office, a welcoming space with two armchairs positioned opposite each other.
Aiden chooses to sit in one of the armchairs rather than behind a desk, gesturing for Whitney to sit across from him. He maintains a respectful distance, about three feet, to foster a sense of intimacy. Whitney appears anxious as Aiden picks up a notepad and pen, her body language guarded, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.
Aiden begins to ask Whitney for some basic information, to ensure that the case is handled properly. He checks the spelling of her name and her date of birth. She provides the information, and Aiden calculates that she must be 19, which she confirms.
He then asks about her family, causing Whitney to shift uncomfortably. She reveals the names of her parents and her younger sister, Emily. Aiden seems intrigued by Emily's age, and Whitney confirms that Emily just turned 18.
She reveals that they fled their home just a few days after Emily's birthday, a response that seems to please Aiden. Aiden uses casual conversation to help ease Whitney into the session. They discuss the weather, and Whitney mentions that it was a pleasant day to walk to his home.
She describes feeling as though she was seeing everything for the first time. Aiden asks her to clarify, and she confesses that everything seems brighter and more vibrant now. She adds that Emily was thrilled to see a flower shop for the first time a few days ago, the colorful blooms a stark contrast to the white flowers they were accustomed to at home.
Aiden continues to delve deeper into Whitney's circumstances, asking how long she has been in the city. She has only been there for a week, but so much has happened that it feels longer. When he asks where she has been staying, Whitney reveals that they are at a local shelter, but it's nothing like their previous home.
Aiden reassures her that her anxiety is normal, and encourages her to talk about the commune. Whitney is hesitant, her nervous habits, like biting her lip and rubbing her arms, resurfacing. Aiden reassures her that their conversation is confidential, and his sole purpose is to help her.
This prompts her to reveal more about her life in the commune and the rumors that prompted her to flee with her sister. She describes hearing about the leader, Father Warren, sexually exploiting girls. Aiden appears keen to hear more, his demeanor becoming unsettling.
Whitney is so desperate to share her story that she doesn't notice Aiden's change in behavior. She confirms the rumors about Father Warren, but when Aiden suggests that she may have been envious of the girls, she is shocked and denies it. Aiden quickly apologizes and explains that he has worked with many teenagers who have developed feelings for their abusers.
He encourages her to continue sharing her story. Whitney remains wary but continues to speak, revealing that she and Emily fled.
She wraps her arms around herself, seeking the solace she's been without for many days. Taking a moment to gather her courage on the stairs, she reassures herself that she can face this. Just as she raises her hand to knock on the door, the door swings open revealing a man (Derrick Pierce) with a friendly grin.
The sudden appearance startles Whitney, and he apologizes, explaining that he had seen her through the window. He seems approachable, and after introducing himself as Aiden Taylor, her social worker, he invites her in. His warm welcome seems to ease some of her tension.
Grateful for his time, Whitney steps into the house, though she expresses her surprise at being asked to his home rather than his office. Aiden explains that he prefers to work from home as he finds it creates a more relaxed atmosphere for his clients, who often have difficulty trusting others. His experience has shown that a homely environment is particularly beneficial for teenagers who are often suspicious of authority figures.
Whitney considers his reasoning before agreeing, showing signs of warming up to his attempts to make her feel at ease. Noticing her remaining unease, Aiden reassures her that she no longer has anything to fear, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. This gesture causes her to stiffen, and Aiden quickly withdraws his hand, apologizing.
He then gestures for her to follow him to his office, promising her that she's safe now. But as he closes the door, his smile takes on a sinister quality. TITLE PLATE Whitney and Aiden enter his home office, a welcoming space with two armchairs positioned opposite each other.
Aiden chooses to sit in one of the armchairs rather than behind a desk, gesturing for Whitney to sit across from him. He maintains a respectful distance, about three feet, to foster a sense of intimacy. Whitney appears anxious as Aiden picks up a notepad and pen, her body language guarded, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.
Aiden begins to ask Whitney for some basic information, to ensure that the case is handled properly. He checks the spelling of her name and her date of birth. She provides the information, and Aiden calculates that she must be 19, which she confirms.
He then asks about her family, causing Whitney to shift uncomfortably. She reveals the names of her parents and her younger sister, Emily. Aiden seems intrigued by Emily's age, and Whitney confirms that Emily just turned 18.
She reveals that they fled their home just a few days after Emily's birthday, a response that seems to please Aiden. Aiden uses casual conversation to help ease Whitney into the session. They discuss the weather, and Whitney mentions that it was a pleasant day to walk to his home.
She describes feeling as though she was seeing everything for the first time. Aiden asks her to clarify, and she confesses that everything seems brighter and more vibrant now. She adds that Emily was thrilled to see a flower shop for the first time a few days ago, the colorful blooms a stark contrast to the white flowers they were accustomed to at home.
Aiden continues to delve deeper into Whitney's circumstances, asking how long she has been in the city. She has only been there for a week, but so much has happened that it feels longer. When he asks where she has been staying, Whitney reveals that they are at a local shelter, but it's nothing like their previous home.
Aiden reassures her that her anxiety is normal, and encourages her to talk about the commune. Whitney is hesitant, her nervous habits, like biting her lip and rubbing her arms, resurfacing. Aiden reassures her that their conversation is confidential, and his sole purpose is to help her.
This prompts her to reveal more about her life in the commune and the rumors that prompted her to flee with her sister. She describes hearing about the leader, Father Warren, sexually exploiting girls. Aiden appears keen to hear more, his demeanor becoming unsettling.
Whitney is so desperate to share her story that she doesn't notice Aiden's change in behavior. She confirms the rumors about Father Warren, but when Aiden suggests that she may have been envious of the girls, she is shocked and denies it. Aiden quickly apologizes and explains that he has worked with many teenagers who have developed feelings for their abusers.
He encourages her to continue sharing her story. Whitney remains wary but continues to speak, revealing that she and Emily fled.
Actors:
