INT. GABRIELLA'S HEART- MORNING

Gears can be seen turning in the dark depths of a heart. There's a soft whirring sound as metal clashes against metal. A hiss sounds through the air and we see a snake slither between two gears, turning it more rapidly.

ANGLE ON SNAKE: He pushes with all his might, almost falling off from the force.

TIME CUT:

The snake has finished his duty and is heading to the next two gears which are slowing down. He lets out a long sigh and heads forwards to turn it. Just as he's about to move it, the gears start turning and he has to leap out of the way to a slower one, so he won't be squashed.

We zoom backward from the gears and as we move, it can be seen the gears are in the form of a beating heart. Soon we're outside the body and looking at a girl's chest.

INT. GABRIELLA's KITCHEN- MORNING

A girl sits at a table, a sullen expression on her face. She glares at somebody sitting across from her.

GABRIELLA

You know, Mom, pancakes won't help.

ANGLE ON PANCAKES: They're untouched, but are fluffy and in the shape of a mouse.

ANGLE ON THE MOTHER: bags hang under her eyes and she fumbles with her napkin. A half-eaten pile of pancakes lay before her.

GABRIELLA'S MOTHER

I know honey, but there's nothing I can do. If we don't move...

GABRIELLA

But why do have to move to a different town? It's not even in the same state!

GABRIELLA'S MOTHER

Please, Gabby. I know we've lived here for a while, but it's time to go. You'll be able to start middle school and I can start a new job. I heard Buchtton is very nice.

GABRIELLA

(sighing)

I can't do this anymore.

Gabriella stands up and leaves the room. As she turns, a glint of a tear can be seen.

ANGLE ON MOTHER: she stares at her plate with vacant eyes. She takes a deep breath and stands, taking her plate with her to wash.

ANGLE ON GABRIELLA'S PLATE: the pancakes are considerably soggier and the ears seem to droop.

INT. GABRIELLA'S HEART- NOON

The snake continues to turn the gears. His body is thin and his eyes are sunken. He closes his eyes for a moment and is almost pushed off the gear. He sighs and continues his duty.

INT. GABRIELLA'S ROOM- NOON

Gabriella is reading on a mattress. The rest of her room is empty. Tears stream down her cheeks, but she narrows her eyes, focusing on the book.

A knock is heard and Gabriella looks up.

ANGLE ON MOTHER standing at the doorway. She gives a weak smile and steps in, sliding down next to her daughter.

GABRIELLA'S MOTHER

Hey, Gabriella. I know it's hard. I hate it, too.

Gabriella lets out a loud sob and pushes her book off the bed. It thumps on the ground.

GABRIELLA

I just don't understand why we have to leave. We're happy here. Isn't that enough reason to stay?

GABRIELLA'S MOTHER

(nodding)

I know.

GABRIELLA

Sometimes I feel like my heart is working overtime to pump out feelings. Being happy used to feel so natural.

Gabriella's mother leans forward and hugs her daughter. Gabriella leans in, finally letting tears fall.

INT. GABRIELLA'S HEART-NOON

The snake sits on a ledge, watching the gears turning by themselves. He gives a hiss of relief and curls up to sleep.

THE END

Thank you for reading! If you like my screenplay, please don't be afraid to give it a vote. Comments are always welcome and I love hearing your thoughts. Question: If you were Gabriella's mother, how would you comfort Gabriella?