-deeper- Emily Willis - Barrier -15.07.2021- -

(whispering) What if she says sorry? What if she doesn’t?

Deeper: Emily Willis – Barrier Date: 15.07.2021 Medium: Short Film / Visual Monologue

(beat) It was believing I didn't deserve to cross back.

Emily stands. Slowly, she walks to the line of salt. She doesn't step over it. She kneels, blows gently, and breaks the barrier with her breath. -Deeper- Emily Willis - Barrier -15.07.2021-

A minimalist apartment at twilight. Rain streaks down a large window. EMILY WILLIS (late 20s, sharp but tired eyes) sits on the floor, back against a bare wall. Across from her, an old wooden chair holds a single object: a sealed letter with her birth name on it.

July 15th. I chose this day. Five years ago, I walked out of that house. Three years ago, I said the name "Emily" for the first time in a mirror and didn't flinch.

They tell you the barrier is to keep things out. Monsters. Memories. The hands that touched you in the dark. (whispering) What if she says sorry

15.07.2021

Between her and the TV lies a line of black salt on the floor. A barrier she drew herself.

She opens the letter.

"Deeper: Emily Willis – Barrier"

She picks up the letter. Her hand steadies.

She reaches toward the line but stops an inch away. Her hand trembles. Emily stands