The Phoenix: Episode 1 - The Empty Chair

INT. CARTER HOUSE - NIGHT

A grand, but slightly cold, dining room. The table is set with fine china and silverware, but the air is thick with unspoken tension. Amelia (17), with bright sapphire eyes that reflect a deep sadness, sits alone at the head of the table. Her father, MR. CARTER (50s), a successful businessman with a stern demeanor, and his wife, MRS. CARTER (40s), a woman whose elegance masks a cold heart, are engrossed in conversation with Olivia (16), Amelia's stepsister, a spoiled and entitled young woman.

MR. CARTER

(Smiling at Olivia)

You're doing so well in your equestrian classes, Olivia. I'm so proud of you.

Olivia beams, her eyes sparkling with pride.

OLIVIA

(Giggling)

Thank you, Daddy! I'm going to win the national championship this year!

Mrs. Carter nods approvingly, her gaze flitting from Olivia to Mr. Carter, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

Amelia, unnoticed, picks at her food, a wave of loneliness washing over her.

FLASHBACK - INT. CARTER HOUSE - DAY

A younger Amelia (8) sits on the floor, playing with her dolls. Her mother, a woman with warm eyes and a gentle smile, sits beside her, reading a story.

MOTHER

(Smiling)

And then the princess rode off into the sunset with her prince, and they lived happily ever after.

Amelia, her eyes wide with wonder, looks up at her mother.

AMELIA

(Smiling)

Will I ever find my prince, Mommy?

MOTHER

(Kissing her forehead)

Of course you will, sweetheart. You're a princess, and you deserve to be happy.

END FLASHBACK

INT. CARTER HOUSE - NIGHT

Amelia, lost in her thoughts, pushes her plate away, her appetite gone.

MRS. CARTER

(Coldly)

Amelia, are you alright? You're hardly eating.

Amelia forces a smile, her voice barely a whisper.

AMELIA

(Quietly)

I'm fine, Mother.

MR. CARTER

(Looking up from his conversation with Olivia)

Amelia, you know you're always welcome to join in our conversations.

Amelia feels a pang of sadness, knowing that his words are meant to be kind, but they ring hollow. She knows that her father's attention is always drawn to Olivia, his new family.

OLIVIA

(Smirking)

Oh, Daddy, Amelia's probably too busy reading her dusty old books to be interested in our exciting lives.

Amelia clenches her fists, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She knows that Olivia is deliberately trying to provoke her, but she refuses to give her the satisfaction.

AMELIA

(Quietly)

I'm just tired, that's all.

She rises from the table, leaving her plate untouched.

MR. CARTER

(Concerned)

Amelia, where are you going?

AMELIA

(Turning to him)

I'm going to the library.

She exits the dining room, leaving behind a silence filled with unspoken words.

INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT

Amelia, surrounded by towering bookshelves, pulls out a book on economics. Her eyes scan the pages, her mind seeking solace in the world of ideas and possibilities.

FADE OUT.

END SCENE

Note: This episode sets the stage for Amelia's story, introducing her family, her challenges, and her unwavering determination. It also establishes the themes of societal expectations, female empowerment, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***