Evening at home. ANNA waits in the living room. DAVID walks in late.
ANNA: David, it’s 10:30. You said you’d be home at nine.
DAVID: I was with my friends. I texted you.
ANNA: One short message is not enough. I worry about you.
DAVID: I’m not a child anymore. You don’t trust me.
ANNA: It’s not about trust. It’s about safety.
The next day. ANNA speaks with MS. LOPEZ at a café.
ANNA: We argue all the time now. He used to tell me everything.
MS. LOPEZ: Teenagers need independence, but they also need guidance.
ANNA: I’m afraid he’ll make mistakes.
MS. LOPEZ: He will. Everyone does. The question is: will he feel safe talking to you about them?
ANNA: Maybe I focus too much on rules and not enough on listening.
That evening. ANNA knocks on DAVID’s bedroom door.
ANNA: Can we talk?
DAVID: (quietly) Okay.
ANNA: I’m sorry if I sound controlling. I worry because I love you.
DAVID: I know. I just want you to see that I’m growing up.
ANNA: Then let’s make a new agreement together. Later curfew on weekends—but better communication.
DAVID: That sounds fair.
ANNA: We’re on the same team, David.
DAVID: I guess we are.
— THE END —