The Storm Within

S. H.

Synopsis
Tina’s life looks beautiful and perfect from the outside. She’s always been known as
the bubbly one, the fun one, the one who makes everyone laugh. Many would say
because her mother and father are working with their company. They give what Tina
wants as a bargain for not being there— not being abled to spend their time with her.
But, it’s only the point of view of everyone. Tina’s life isn’t beautiful as they described.
Not a perfect life either. Her parents couldn’t afford what she really wants.... their
presence.

Chapter One
Tina stared outside her window. Her parents were always busy, building their empire.
They showered her with gifts, designer clothes, expensive gadgets, but none of it filled
the empty spaces in her heart. She longed for simple things— a shared dinner, a
conversation that wasn’t about business deals, a hug that would make her feel that
she’s not alone.

SCENE 1: House, eating with her fam

Tina’s Father: What’s your plan Tina? It’s your school vacation, right?

Tina’s Mother: Yes, dad. I wanted to have a vacation with both of you (gaze her eyes
with her mother and father)

Tina’s mother: We wanted to, sweetie, but we have some errands to do. You can go
there with your friends.

Tina bow her head and lost her appetite. She already knew but she still asked hoping
that it’s different this time.

Tina: Okay, mom. (Looking down but her parents didn’t notice it)

SCENE 2: Bedroom, video calling with her friends

Angel: Tina, what’s your plan this vacation gurl?

Karen: Yes, we don’t have a class anymore! (Giggling)

Liza: What’s our plan, Tina?

Tina: H-huh? Why me?

Karen: Syempre, from all of us, only u has no problem. Your life is perfect!

Liza: Agreed! So?

Tina: (bit her lip, they didn’t noticed her fake smile because she immediately wore her
facade big smile) U-uhmm, actually, my parents allowed me to have vacation with all
of you. Ahmm, the expenses will be on me, girls!!

Angel: (Smile widely) Okayy! That’s what we like you Tina, eh! You are so generous.
We are so grateful to have a friend like you! Diba girls?!

Liza: Yes, haha!

Tina just plastered a big smile. As the cellphone died, her smile also died. She’s always
been known as the bubbly one, the fun one, the one who makes everyone laugh.

But for a long time now, she have been faking it. Faking it to hide her depression.

Chapter Two
SCENE 3: BEDROOM

She’s lying in her bed. She can imagine a clock tick-tacking in her head. Her she goes
again. Thinking the things she shouldn’t.

Tina: Argrhhh!! (She buried her head in her pillow) I shouldn’t. I’m clean this month!

The scene where they are eating earlier flashed to her mind. It made her frustrated.
She gets the blade and does what she wanted to do.

Evening came and her mom and dad are already home.

SCENE 4: DINING

They are eating and she’s wearing a jacket. She put her plate in the sink, unaware her
mother was behind her. When Tina turned around, her hand was bumped. That made
her flinch. She touched her hand. Her mom frowned. Why would she flinched?

Mom: Are you okay?

Tina: Ye-yes mom! I’m fine.

But her mom already noticed her hand. She opened it and shocked by what she saw.
Mom: Wh-what is this, Tina?!

Dad: Hon? What’s the matter??

Mom: What on the earth did you do, Tina?! (Shocked~)

Dad: Tina, what is this... (Speechless)

Tina looked away but her mother held her face with her wet eyes.

Mom: Tina... Oh God! (She hugged her daughter) Tell us, wh-whyy (she felt like she
was choked in her own saliva)

Tina: (sniff~ teary eyed also due to the frustrations she felt) I am... depressed mom. I-
I needed help.

Mom: Sorry, sweetie. We didn’t know.

Kumalas sa pagkakayap si Tina then bow her head...

Tina: Because you never did spend a time with me...You never did make time to be
with me...

Chapter Three
SCENE 4: AT THE FRAME OF THE DOOR

Its already morning. Tina is already awake but decided to stay on her bed.

Tina: I bet, they are already on work. (She murmured)

Last night, after what she said, she turned around and went to her room.

A knock from the door brings her back to the reverie. She lazily stands and opened the
door. She was startled as she didn’t expect to see the people she thought that already
go.

Tina: M-mom. Da-dad.

Dad: We realize our mistakes and shortcomings, daughter. We’re sorry we couldn’t
give you what you wanted.

Mom: Sorry, Tina, dear. We didn’t notice that while we were trying to make our
company successful, you— our child— weren’t getting the care you needed from us.

Mom: And last night, daughter, your father and I decided to go with you to see a
doctor.
Dad: Your mental health matters to us, Tina. You matter to us, your mom and me.
Again, we’re sorry we couldn’t spend time with you and caused you to become like
this. Forgive us, daughter.

Tina: (Teary eyed, feeling like she was floating. Her parents were there for her. She
nodded) Yes, Mom, Dad. Thank you po.

Her mom and dad hugged her while murmuring that they are sorry.

Chapter Four
SCENE 5: PSYCHOLOGIST’S OFFICE

Sits on the couch, fidgeting with her hands. Dr. Anya sits across from her, smiling
gently.

Dr. Anya: Hi, Tina, it’s nice to meet you.

Tina: Hi.

Dr. Anya: So, tell me, what brings you here today?

Tina: I don’t feel good. Like, all the time.

Dr. Anya: Can you tell me more about that? What do you mean by “not feeling good”?

Tina: It’s like... everything is gray. I don’t feel happy. I don’t feel sad. I just feel
empty. My mood isn’t stable.

Dr. Anya: I see. And how long have you been feeling this way?

Tina: A while. A few months. It just gets worse.

Dr. Anya: Have there been any changes in your life that might have led to these
feelings?

Tina: (Hesitates) I-I guess I’m stressed. Sa school, my parents...

Dr. Anya: It sounds like you’re going through a lot. Is there anything specific that’s
been bothering you?

Tina: (Looks down) My parents are always working. They’re never home. They give
me everything, but I just want them to be here.

Dr. Anya: It’s hard when you feel like you’re missing out on time with your family. It’s
natural to feel sad about that. Remember thay what you feel is valid. You are valid.

Tina: (Starts to cry) I don’t know what to do. I just feel so alone.

Dr. Anya: It’s okay to feel that way. You’re not alone. We can work on this together.
Your parents are also there— outside. Supporting you for this therapy.
(Dr. Anya reaches out and gently touches Tina’s hand.)

Dr. Anya: We can talk about what’s going on, and we can find ways to help you feel
better. It’s going to take time, but I believe you can get through this.

(Tina looks up at Dr. Anya, a flicker of hope in her eyes.)

Anya: (Whispers and gently smiled) I hope so.

SCENE 6: OUTSIDE SA OFFICE

Tina went out from the consulting room, looking pale and slightly shaky. Her parents
are waiting anxiously outside.

Mom: Tina, dear, how did it go?

Tina: (Voice trembling slightly) It… it was okay.

Dad: Was the doctor helpful?

Tina: He… he was. He asked a lot of questions. About school, about… friends.
About… everything, really.

Mom: (Concerned) Everything? Did he say anything worrying?

Tina: Not exactly worrying… more… confusing. He said some things I need to think
about. He gave me some… worksheets.

Dad: Worksheets? What kind of worksheets?

Tina: (Shrugs) Just… questions. About how I’m feeling. About my… my head.

Mom: Sweetheart, it’s okay to feel confused. It’s a big step, talking to someone about
these things.

Dad: (Nodding) Your mother’s right. We’re here for you, whatever you need. Did he
give you any advice?

Tina: He said… he said I should try to… to be kinder to myself. And to… to listen to
my body.

Mom: That’s good advice. Sometimes we’re too hard on ourselves.

Dad: And listening to your body is important too. Are you feeling okay now? Do you
need anything? Water? A snack?

Tina: (Takes a deep breath) I think I just need a little time. Maybe… maybe we could
go home?

Mom: Of course, love. We’ll go home. We’ll talk more later, when you’re ready.
Dad: (Putting his arm around Tina) We’re so proud of you for taking this step, Tina. It
takes a lot of courage.

Chapter Five
SCENE 7: AT THE COUCH SA HOME

Karen, Angel, and Liza enter the living room. They’re carrying snacks and drinks.

Karen: Hey, Tina! We brought you some foods to cheer you up!

(Tina smiles weakly, but her eyes remain downcast.)

Tina: Thanks, guys.

Angel: (Sits beside Tina) How are you doing? We heard about what happened with
you. We couldn’t believe it because in all of us, you are the most cheerful one.

Tina: (Sighs) It’s complicated. I’m trying to figure things out.

Liza: (Sits on the other side of Tina) We’re here for you, Tina. Whatever you need,
we’re here. Sorry also, we feel like we failed as a friend because we didn’t notice that
you are having a hard time.

Tina: (Looks at her friends and nodded) I just feel so lost. It’s like I’m living this
perfect life, but it’s empty.

Karen: (Hugs Tina) I know, Tina. It’s hard when you feel like you’re missing out on
family time. But you’re not alone. We’re here for you.

Liza: Your parents are also there for you. So cheer up, okay? You can get through this.
(Smile big)

Angel: We’re proud of you for going to therapy. It takes courage to ask for help. (Hugs
Tina)

Tina: (Wipes a tear) It’s not easy. I feel like I’m failing somehow.

Liza: (Squeezes Tina’s hand) You’re not failing. You’re being brave. You’re taking
care of yourself. And that’s important.

Karen: And you know what? We’re going to make sure you have fun today. We’re
going to forget about everything and just be friends. What do you say?

(Tina smiles, a genuine smile this time. She looks at her friends, feeling a wave of
warmth wash over her.)

Tina: Okay. Let’s forget about everything for a while.

The friends spend the afternoon laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s
company. Tina feels a sense of comfort and connection, a reminder that she’s not
alone.

Last chapter
1 month later~

A new school year comes, and Tina? She’s doing good together with her parents and
friends...

Tina rushed as this is their first day of school and she’s afraid of being late!

Tina: Mom, Dad! I’m going na!

Tina’s mother looked at Tina and frowned.

Mom: You haven’t eaten breakfast yet! Eat first! You can’t go if you don’t eat.

Tina: (Groan but there’s a smile painted in her lips. She jokingly rolled her eyes but she
then she sat down)

Mom: Here’s your lunch. Eat this okay? I cooked this for you.

Tina: (Smile brightly) Yes, mom! Thank youuu!

Her dad put rice in her plates.

Tina: Thank youu, dad!

Dad: Welcome, now eat up!

SCENE: At the front of the gate.

Liza glances at her watch for the tenth time.

Liza: Where is she? We’re going to be late for first period!

Karen: (Shrugs) Tina’s always a little late. She probably just got caught up in
something.

Angel: (Quietly) I hope she’s okay. It’s been a tough few weeks for her.

(Liza sighs and looks around the entrance, her eyes scanning the faces of the
students.)

Liza: (Sighs) I know. I just want her to be happy again.

Suddenly, a familiar figure appears at the entrance. Tina walks in with a bright smile
on her face. She’s dressed in a stylish outfit, her hair perfectly styled. She looks
confident and radiant.

Karen: (Screams) There she is! Look at you, Tina! You look amazing!

Tina laughs, a genuine, carefree laugh.

Tina: (Smiles) Hey, guys! Sorry I’m late. I woke up late.

Liza and Angel exchange a smile.

Liza: (Whispers to Angel) Wow, she looks great

Angel: (Nods) It’s good to see her smiling again.

Karen: Let’s go?

Tina: Let’s go!

The End💗