FADE IN:
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – MORNING
A large public high school wakes up.
Buses arrive. Students spill out. Backpacks. Phones. Noise.
Normal.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – HALLWAY – MORNING
Controlled chaos.
Lockers slam. Teachers herd students. Announcements echo
faintly overhead.
At the center of it all is PRINCIPAL SARAH KELLER (50s) —
composed, alert, efficient.
She moves with purpose.
This is her domain.
INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah intercepts a STUDENT sprinting down the hall.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! No running.
The student slows, embarrassed.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Sorry.
Sarah nods. Already moving on.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Morning Tensions
INT. MAIN OFFICE – MORNING
Sarah enters.
The office hums quietly.
SECRETARY (40s) is already overwhelmed.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SECRETARY
! ! Morning calls are lining up.
Sarah checks her watch.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Of course they are.
She scans a clipboard.
Today’s schedule is full.
Too full.
INT. MAIN OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
A YOUNG TEACHER approaches, uneasy.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! YOUNG TEACHER
! ! Is the drill still happening
today?
Sarah doesn’t hesitate.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Yes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! YOUNG TEACHER
! ! Some kids are already anxious.
Sarah softens — just slightly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! That’s why we do it.
! ! So it’s controlled. ! ! So everyone knows what to expect.
The teacher nods, not fully reassured.
INT. HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER
Sarah walks with ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MARK REEVES (40s).
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Police are supposed to arrive at
nine.
Sarah frowns.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! That’s during second period.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! That’s what they requested.
Sarah exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! They always do.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Tension in the Classroom
INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING
A teacher tries to start a lesson.
Students whisper. Check phones.
One STUDENT stares out the window — distracted, tense.
Not dramatic.
Just… off.
INT. HALLWAY – MORNING
Sarah passes a bulletin board:
SAFETY FIRST
LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES
STAY CALM
She pauses.
Reads it.
Moves on.
INT. MAIN OFFICE – LATER
Two POLICE OFFICERS enter with a TRAINING COORDINATOR.
Professional. Calm. Neutral.
Sarah greets them — polite, guarded.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! We’re on a tight schedule today.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’ll keep disruption minimal.
A familiar line.
Sarah doesn’t smile.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
Quick briefing.
Teachers. Admin. Police.
The TRAINING COORDINATOR speaks.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Once the drill begins,
! ! please do not interrupt.
A TEACHER raises a hand.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Even if something seems wrong?
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Especially then.
That lands.
Sarah notices a few looks exchanged.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! False alarms cause panic.
! ! Panic creates liability.
Sarah nods.
She understands this language.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
The Drill
INT. HALLWAY – LATER
The officers move through the building.
Students watch.
Phones come out.
Whispers follow.
Sarah clocks it all — the attention, the energy shift.
This is no longer invisible.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER
Sarah closes the door.
Finally alone.
She looks at the clock.
9:02 AM.
She hesitates.
Then presses the intercom.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This is Principal Keller.
! ! Please remember today’s drill
! ! is a scheduled exercise.
Her voice is calm.
Reassuring.
Practiced.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
Doors close.
Teachers lock classrooms.
Students quiet.
The building changes character.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah releases the intercom.
She exhales.
Then —
Her phone BUZZES.
A text.
She reads it.
We don’t see the message.
Just her reaction.
A flicker of doubt.
She looks toward the hallway.
The drill has begun.
CUT TO BLACK.
TITLE CARD: THE DRILL
INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING
A locked classroom.
Students sit on the floor against the wall.
Lights off.
The TEACHER stands near the door, phone in hand.
Trying to project calm.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Remember — this is a drill.
A student lets out a nervous laugh.
Another student doesn’t.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Tension in the Drill
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – SAME TIME
Sarah sits at her desk.
Monitoring.
Her phone, her radio, her email — all active.
She checks the clock again.
9:07 AM.
INT. HALLWAY – MORNING
Police officers move with purpose.
Not rushed.
Too calm for some.
A STUDENT peeks through a classroom window, then ducks back.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
A KNOCK.
Mark enters, closes the door.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Teachers are asking how long this
will last.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! What are you telling them?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! What they told us.
Sarah nods. Not fully satisfied.
INT. CLASSROOM – ANOTHER ROOM
A STUDENT whispers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Why are they yelling?
The teacher freezes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Who’s yelling?
The student points — toward the hallway.
Muffled VOICES bleed through the door.
Unclear. Indistinct.
The teacher swallows.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER (CONT’D)
! ! Stay quiet.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER
Sarah’s phone buzzes again.
A text from a TEACHER:
“This doesn’t feel like rehearsal.”
Sarah types back quickly.
“It’s controlled. Follow protocol.”
She hits send.
Immediately regrets the certainty.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR watches a monitor.
Camera feeds cycle.
Nothing alarming.
Just movement.
A POLICE SUPERVISOR stands nearby.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Everything’s within parameters.
The coordinator nods.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stands now.
Paces.
She picks up the radio.
Hesitates.
Puts it back down.
Her belief asserts itself:
Don’t interfere.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Uncertainty in the Silence
INT. CLASSROOM – GIRLS’ BATHROOM – SAME TIME
Two STUDENTS crouch inside a stall.
One is crying quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT #1
! ! They said drills don’t sound like
this.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT #2
! ! My brother said that too.
A LOUD BANG echoes faintly from somewhere in the building.
Not explosive.
Indistinct.
The girls freeze.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – SAME TIME
Sarah hears it too.
She looks up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Mark?
Mark looks at her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! That wasn’t scheduled.
A beat.
Sarah reaches for the radio.
Then stops.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! It could be a door.
She hates how thin that sounds.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Tension in the Halls
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR checks a clipboard.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Sound cues weren’t authorized.
The police supervisor frowns.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Check it.
A junior officer keys his radio.
Static.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An officer rounds a corner.
Stops.
Listens.
Another indistinct SOUND from deeper inside the school.
Not clear enough to label.
But not nothing.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings.
She answers immediately.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This is Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A TEACHER whispers urgently into her phone.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Someone’s outside my door.
! ! They’re not announcing.
Sarah closes her eyes for half a second.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Stay locked.
! ! Do not open the door.
She hangs up.
Her hands shake — just slightly.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Tension in the Lockdown
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah finally grabs the radio.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, this is Principal
Keller.
No response.
She tries again.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (CONT’D)
! ! Command, I’m getting reports
! ! that don’t align with the
schedule.
Static.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR (V.O.)
! ! Stand by, Principal Keller.
! ! We’re assessing.
Assessing.
Sarah looks around her empty office.
Her school.
Her responsibility.
She sits back down — forced to wait.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
Students hold hands.
The TEACHER presses her ear to the door.
Breath held.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stares at the clock.
9:14 AM.
Too much time has passed.
She opens her desk drawer.
Inside: a printed LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL.
She reads the first line.
Do not deviate.
Her jaw tightens.
FADE OUT.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah lowers the protocol sheet.
Listens.
Another sound echoes faintly through the building.
Closer this time.
She looks at the radio.
Then the phone.
Then the clock.
9:16 AM.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR confers with the POLICE SUPERVISOR
in hushed tones.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’ve got conflicting reports.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! From where?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Everywhere.
That lands heavier than it should.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Uncertain Signals
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – SAME TIME
Mark steps in again, shaken.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! We just lost contact with two
classrooms.
Sarah snaps to him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Lost contact how?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Phones went dead.
! ! No response on the internal system.
Sarah’s breath tightens.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
A POLICE OFFICER presses against a wall, listening.
He raises his hand — a silent signal.
Another OFFICER joins him.
Neither speaks.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio again.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I need clarity.
! ! Are we still running the drill?
A long beat.
Static.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! At this time, yes.
“At this time.”
Sarah absorbs it.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! And if it’s not?
Another pause.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! We’ll notify you.
The radio clicks off.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah looks at Mark.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! That’s it?
Sarah nods.
She hates it.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Silent Tension
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT’s phone vibrates.
A text message lights up the screen.
The student reads it — eyes widening.
The teacher notices.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Put that away.
The student hesitates.
Hands shaking.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s desk phone rings again.
She answers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The same TEACHER whispers urgently.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Someone just tried my handle.
! ! No announcement.
Sarah closes her eyes.
This is the moment.
She looks at the protocol sheet.
Then at the window.
Then at Mark.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah straightens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keep your door locked.
! ! Lights off. ! ! Stay silent.
She hangs up.
Mark watches her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Sarah…
She knows what he’s about to say.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah takes the radio.
Presses the button.
Holds it.
Every rule in her body tells her not to speak.
She releases the button.
Does nothing.
A beat.
Then another.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Protocol Under Pressure
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
Locked doors. Silent rooms. Breathing held.
The building waits.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah finally speaks — but not into the radio.
She turns to Mark.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! We stay with protocol.
Mark nods, though it costs him.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah presses the intercom.
Her voice is steady.
Controlled.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (V.O.)
! ! Attention staff and students.
! ! Remain in lockdown. ! ! This is part of the exercise.
She releases the button.
The decision is made.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An OFFICER reacts to the announcement.
A look exchanged with another officer.
Something has shifted.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sits.
Hands folded.
Waiting.
The cost of her choice hangs in the air.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah lowers the protocol sheet.
Another indistinct sound echoes through the building.
Not sharp. Not clear.
Just enough to unsettle.
Mark waits.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! You want me to check with command
again?
Sarah considers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! No.
Mark blinks.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! No?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! If we keep pushing, they’ll shut
us out completely.
That’s a learned truth.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Tension in Silence
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR fields a call.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Yes.
! ! I understand. ! ! No, we’re still within parameters.
He hangs up.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR watches him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! From who?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! District.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! They want to know if they should
notify parents.
The coordinator doesn’t hesitate.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Not yet.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
Students sit in silence.
The TEACHER checks her watch.
Ten minutes feels like an hour.
A STUDENT raises a hand.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Are drills supposed to last this
long?
The teacher forces a smile.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Sometimes.
She hates lying.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
Two OFFICERS confer quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER #1
! ! You hear anything different?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER #2
! ! No.
! ! You?
They don’t like the answer.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – SAME TIME
A DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR (50s), calm, corporate.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We’re getting calls from parents.
Sarah stiffens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! It’s a scheduled drill.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! That’s what we’re telling them.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR (CONT’D)
! ! But I need to know —
! ! are we confident?
Sarah hesitates.
Just enough.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Yes.
The word comes out smoother than she feels.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hangs up.
Mark watches her carefully.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Are we?
Sarah doesn’t answer.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Tension in the Silence
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT’S PHONE vibrates again.
Another message.
The student doesn’t read it.
Just stares at the screen.
The TEACHER notices.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Put it face down.
The student obeys.
Too quickly.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR studies a monitor.
Something flickers — a door opening, then closing.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Who authorized that movement?
No one answers.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah looks out her window.
The parking lot is still.
Too still.
She checks the clock.
9:23 AM.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah finally picks up the radio.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I need a status update.
This time, the reply is immediate.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! We’re managing.
That’s not an answer.
Sarah closes her eyes.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark leans in.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! This doesn’t feel right.
Sarah nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! No.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (CONT’D)
! ! But it is how this works.
That’s the tragedy.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah remains at her desk.
Still. Listening.
The radio crackles with low-level chatter she’s not part of.
Mark stands by the door.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! You want me walking the halls?
Sarah shakes her head.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! No movement unless authorized.
Mark clocks that — it’s not instinct talking. It’s training.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Tension in the Air
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A HISTORY CLASS.
Students sit against the wall.
One STUDENT quietly counts ceiling tiles.
Another rocks slightly.
The TEACHER checks her phone.
No new messages.
She exhales — relieved, then immediately ashamed of the
relief.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR addresses a small group of OFFICERS.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’re ahead of schedule.
An officer glances at a wall clock.
It doesn’t feel that way.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s computer PINGS.
An email from DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS.
SUBJECT: HOLDING STATEMENT (IF NEEDED)
She opens it.
Reads.
Standard language. Reassuring language. Carefully vague.
She scrolls.
There’s a line that reads:
“No immediate cause for concern.”
Sarah pauses on it.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
Two OFFICERS approach a locked door.
One tries the handle.
Locked.
Good.
They move on.
Neither notices the faint SCUFF SOUND behind them.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT whispers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! My mom’s texting me.
The TEACHER stiffens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! You shouldn’t be on your phone.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! She says police cars are
everywhere.
The teacher doesn’t answer.
She can’t.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Tension in the Air
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stands, walks to the window.
Squints down at the front of the school.
More police vehicles than she expected.
When did they arrive?
She checks the time.
9:31 AM.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings again.
She answers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – SAME TIME
Same ADMINISTRATOR as before.
Tone unchanged.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! Media’s calling now.
Sarah closes her eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! About a drill?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! About police presence.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR (CONT’D)
! ! We’re sticking to the script.
Sarah nods instinctively — even though no one can see her.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark watches her hang up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Script?
Sarah doesn’t like the word.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Messaging.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The TEACHER presses her ear to the door.
Footsteps pass.
Pause.
Then continue.
She exhales.
Students don’t.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
An OFFICER keys his radio.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Command, confirm perimeter
status.
Static.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! COMMAND (V.O.)
! ! Perimeter secure.
The officer nods.
But doesn’t look convinced.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Escalation of Tension
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah returns to her desk.
She opens the LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL again.
This time, she flips past the first page.
Finds a subsection.
“UNAUTHORIZED DEVIATION”
She reads the consequences.
Career-ending language.
Clear. Cold.
She closes the binder.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark finally says what he’s been holding.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! If this goes sideways—
Sarah cuts him off.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! It won’t.
The speed of the response surprises even her.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— A custodian pauses in a hallway, unsure where to go — A
counselor comforts a shaking student — An officer stands
guard outside a stairwell
Everything looks right.
That’s the problem.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s radio crackles.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Principal Keller, we’re
escalating to full lockdown
protocol.
Sarah stiffens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Full?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! As a precaution.
That word again.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah reaches for the intercom.
Stops.
Looks at Mark.
This is bigger now.
She presses the button.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (V.O.)
! ! Attention staff and students.
! ! Remain in lockdown until further notice.
She releases it.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sits back down.
She doesn’t look relieved.
She looks committed.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah releases the intercom button.
The words hang in the air.
Mark watches her carefully.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! That makes it official.
Sarah nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! That’s the point.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR checks his watch.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’ll wrap this in the next
phase.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Next phase of what?
The coordinator hesitates — just a beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Containment.
The word sits uneasily.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A SCIENCE CLASS.
Students huddle against the wall.
The TEACHER whispers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! We’re doing everything right.
No one answers.
A student starts to cry — quietly, embarrassed.
The teacher puts a hand on the student’s shoulder.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Tension in the Hallway
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An OFFICER radios in.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Unscheduled movement on the east
stairwell.
The response is immediate.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! COMMAND (V.O.)
! ! Hold position.
The officer hesitates.
Then complies.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hears the radio exchange.
She straightens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Mark, check the east wing
cameras.
Mark moves to her computer.
Clicks through feeds.
They see a stairwell.
Empty now.
Too empty.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone lights up again.
Another email from DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS.
SUBJECT: APPROVED LANGUAGE
She opens it.
Reads aloud, quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! “Out of an abundance of caution…”
She stops.
Shakes her head.
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – INTERCUT
The ADMINISTRATOR dictates calmly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! If asked, emphasize preparedness.
! ! Avoid speculation.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah listens.
Says nothing.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Escalation of Tension
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT’S PHONE vibrates again.
This time, the student answers.
A whisper.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Mom, I can’t—
The TEACHER gently but firmly takes the phone.
Puts it face down on the desk.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! We’re staying focused.
Her voice cracks.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR receives a call.
Steps aside.
Listens.
Nods.
Hangs up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’re extending.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Why?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Because we can.
That answer satisfies no one.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stands again.
Restless now.
She looks at the clock.
9:44 AM.
This was supposed to be over.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, how much longer?
A beat.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! We’re past the point of
abbreviating.
Sarah closes her eyes.
That’s the line.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! So we’re committed.
Sarah nods slowly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Yes.
She means it.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— Classroom clocks tick — Students shift uncomfortably —
Officers hold positions — Doors remain locked
The system hums.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah receives one final call.
She answers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – SAME TIME
The ADMINISTRATOR again.
Measured.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We’re issuing a district-wide
notice.
! ! Full lockdown exercise. ! ! No cause for alarm.
Sarah absorbs this.
This is bigger than her now.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Decisive Silence
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah looks at Mark.
Then at the radio.
Then at the protocol binder.
She doesn’t reach for it.
She’s already chosen.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah presses the intercome.
Her voice is calm.
Official.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (V.O.)
! ! Attention staff and students.
! ! We will remain in lockdown ! ! until cleared by authorities.
She releases the button.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Silence.
The decision is irreversible now.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – LATE MORNING
The clock now reads 10:12 AM.
The drill should have ended.
It hasn’t.
Sarah listens to the radio chatter — clipped, professional,
increasingly vague.
Mark stands nearby, arms folded.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They’re not saying much.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! They don’t need to.
She says it like a rule.
Not a belief.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Tension in the Air
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR fields another call.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Yes… yes… still contained.
He ends the call.
Doesn’t look at anyone.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
Students are restless now.
Not panicked.
Something worse.
Fatigued.
A STUDENT checks the clock.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Are we supposed to still be here?
The teacher doesn’t answer.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah receives a new email from District.
SUBJECT: MEDIA HOLD
She opens it.
Reads.
Deletes it.
That choice is instinctive.
And wrong.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – LATE MORNING
The clock now reads 10:18 AM.
The drill should have ended.
It hasn’t.
Sarah sits at her desk, posture rigid, eyes forward.
Her radio murmurs with low, controlled chatter — voices
speaking in codes and fragments she’s not meant to parse.
Mark stands near the door.
Neither has spoken in a while.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah finally breaks the silence.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! They’re extending again.
It’s not a question.
Mark nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! No one’s saying why.
Sarah doesn’t respond.
She doesn’t need to.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Tension and Restrictions
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR addresses a small cluster of
OFFICERS.
His tone is unchanged — calm, managerial.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’ll maintain current posture
until further notice.
An OFFICER checks his watch.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! That puts us past original
parameters.
The coordinator doesn’t argue.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Parameters adapt.
No one likes that answer.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
Students sit slumped now.
The adrenaline has burned off.
What’s left is fatigue.
A STUDENT raises a hand.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Can we at least use the bathroom?
The TEACHER hesitates.
Looks at the locked door.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! I’ll ask.
She already knows the answer.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings.
She answers immediately.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Veiled Communications
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – SAME TIME
The DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR sits at a long conference table.
Multiple phones. Muted televisions.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We’re holding firm on messaging.
Sarah closes her eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This is still classified as a
drill?
A pause.
Just long enough.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! That’s the language we’re using.
Not an answer.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hangs up.
Mark watches her carefully.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! What does that mean?
Sarah exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! It means they don’t want parents
here yet.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An OFFICER stands guard near a stairwell.
A CUSTODIAN approaches, confused.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! CUSTODIAN
! ! They told me to stop cleaning the
west wing.
The officer doesn’t look at him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! That’s correct.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! CUSTODIAN
! ! Why?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Because it’s restricted.
The custodian backs away.
No further explanation.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Tension in the Halls
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT’S phone vibrates.
This time, several students hear it.
Whispers ripple through the room.
The TEACHER raises her voice slightly — more authority than
comfort.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Phones away. Now.
The student complies.
But the damage is done.
Fear has a rhythm now.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah opens her laptop.
An internal dashboard loads.
She scrolls through camera feeds.
Hallways. Stairwells. Entrances.
Everything looks… controlled.
She stops on one feed.
A blind spot.
She clicks.
Nothing loads.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Mark.
Mark steps closer.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (CONT’D)
! ! Why don’t I have access to this
camera?
Mark leans in.
Frowns.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! You did this last year, remember?
! ! After the vandalism incident.
Sarah remembers.
She had requested restrictions.
For privacy.
For safety.
For control.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The POLICE SUPERVISOR watches multiple feeds.
One officer leans in.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! We’ve got inconsistent student
movement reports.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Meaning?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Kids saying they saw things they
shouldn’t have.
The supervisor doesn’t react.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Stress response.
That ends it.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sits back.
Rubs her temples.
The radio crackles.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! COMMAND (V.O.)
! ! All units, maintain positions.
Sarah listens.
Not reassured.
Just… managed.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Tension in Lockdown
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT quietly begins to hyperventilate.
The TEACHER kneels beside her.
Whispers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! You’re okay.
! ! This will end soon.
She hopes it’s true.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah checks the clock again.
10:41 AM.
She reaches for the LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL binder.
Opens it.
Skims.
Finds the line she’s been avoiding:
“Extended lockdowns may cause secondary risk.”
She stops reading.
Closes the binder.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio.
Careful.
Measured.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I’m requesting a status
update
! ! on timeline and scope.
A beat.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Stand by.
The radio clicks.
Sarah stares at it.
That word again.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark speaks quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! We’re not really in charge
anymore, are we?
Sarah doesn’t answer.
She already knows.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— Teachers checking doors — Students sinking to the floor —
Officers repositioning — Parents gathering beyond the gates
The system tightens.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Escalation of Tension
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah looks out the window.
Police tape now lines the perimeter.
She didn’t authorize that.
She stands.
This is no longer a drill she’s overseeing.
It’s something she’s inside of.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
The clock reads 11:26 AM.
The drill has crossed into something else.
Sarah stands at the window, watching the perimeter.
More patrol cars now. Unmarked vehicles. An ambulance staged
two blocks away.
She didn’t authorize any of it.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark enters quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK ! ! Counselors are asking if they can move
students.
Sarah turns.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Who told them no?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Police command.
Sarah absorbs that.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Tell them to wait.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They already are.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Crisis in the Classroom
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT sits apart from the others, pale, sweating.
The TEACHER kneels beside him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Talk to me.
The student shakes his head.
Struggling to breathe.
Another student watches, terrified.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An OFFICER stops a SCHOOL NURSE pushing a cart.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Where are you headed?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! NURSE
! ! Room 214.
! ! I’ve got a student in distress.
The officer keys his radio.
Waits.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Stand by.
The nurse doesn’t move.
Time stretches.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings.
She answers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The TEACHER whispers urgently.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! I have a student having a panic
attack.
! ! He needs medical attention.
Sarah closes her eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I’m working on it.
She hangs up.
Immediately grabs the radio.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Locked Down: A Medical Emergency
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I need clearance
! ! for the nurse to move.
A pause.
Longer than it should be.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Negative.
! ! Maintain lockdown.
Sarah’s jaw tightens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This is a medical issue.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! All movement increases risk.
The radio clicks.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark watches her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! That kid’s going to—
Sarah cuts him off.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I know.
She looks back out the window.
At the ambulance.
So close.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The student slides down the wall.
Breathing shallow now.
The TEACHER raises her voice — panicked.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! We need help now.
The door remains locked.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR listens to a report.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Is it life-threatening?
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! VOICE (V.O.)
! ! Unknown.
The coordinator exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Then we hold.
He hangs up.
Doesn’t look comfortable with it.
Doesn’t reverse it either.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Decisive Action Amidst Desperation
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stares at the LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL binder.
She opens it again.
Flips pages faster now.
Searching.
Finds nothing that helps.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
She stands abruptly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Mark, get the nurse ready.
Mark hesitates.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! You don’t have clearance.
Sarah meets his eyes.
This is the first time she says it.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I know.
A beat.
Mark nods.
Moves.
INT. HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER
The NURSE waits, tense.
Mark approaches.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Stand by.
The nurse grips her cart.
Hope flickers.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Crossing Boundaries
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio again.
Her voice is controlled — but different now.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I’m authorizing
! ! medical movement for one student.
Silence.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! You don’t have that authority.
Sarah swallows.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I’m aware.
Another beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! If you proceed,
! ! you assume responsibility.
Sarah closes her eyes.
Opens them.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Understood.
She releases the button.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
For the first time today, Sarah has deviated.
She waits.
For consequences.
For relief.
For something.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
The NURSE starts forward.
An OFFICER steps into her path.
They lock eyes.
The officer keys his radio.
Waits.
Then steps aside.
The nurse moves.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The door unlocks.
The TEACHER gasps in relief.
The NURSE rushes in.
Kneels beside the student.
Works quickly.
Students watch — stunned.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hears the radio chatter spike.
Short. Sharp.
Controlled anger.
She sits down slowly.
This is what it feels like.
To choose.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Locked In: A Tense Afternoon
INT. CLASSROOM – AFTERNOON
A locked classroom.
Students are no longer sitting neatly.
They’ve shifted. Slouched. Spread out.
Time has eroded discipline.
A STUDENT raises a hand.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! I really need to use the
bathroom.
The TEACHER doesn’t answer right away.
She looks at the door.
Then the clock.
INT. CLASSROOM – CONTINUOUS
Another STUDENT speaks up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT #2
! ! Me too.
A ripple of murmurs.
The TEACHER raises her voice.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Everyone stay calm.
No one believes that anymore.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – SAME TIME
Sarah listens to overlapping radio chatter.
Different voices now.
Less controlled.
Mark stands nearby, arms folded tight.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! We’re getting bathroom requests
! ! from multiple rooms.
Sarah closes her eyes.
She knew this was coming.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! What are they telling them?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Same thing as before.
Sarah exhales.
That answer is no longer acceptable.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT shifts uncomfortably.
Embarrassed.
Whispers to the student beside him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! I can’t hold it.
The TEACHER hears.
Her face softens — then hardens.
She hates this.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An OFFICER stands outside a restroom door.
Radio crackles.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! COMMAND (V.O.)
! ! Restrooms remain closed.
The officer nods.
Doesn’t like it.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Desperate Measures
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio.
Careful again.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, we need guidance
! ! on restroom access.
A pause.
Longer than usual.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Negative.
! ! Movement increases risk.
Sarah presses her lips together.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark steps forward.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Kids are starting to panic.
Sarah looks at him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I know.
She rubs her temples.
This isn’t theoretical anymore.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT suddenly stands.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! I’m not asking.
The TEACHER reacts instantly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Sit down.
The student hesitates.
Tears in his eyes.
Humiliated. Scared.
He sits.
The room feels smaller now.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings.
She answers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A DIFFERENT TEACHER whispers urgently.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER (V.O.)
! ! I have students crying.
! ! One already wet herself.
Sarah closes her eyes.
That lands hard.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah grips the desk.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I’m trying to get approval.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER (V.O.)
! ! They’re kids, Sarah.
The line cuts.
Sarah stares at the phone.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Decisive Action Amidst Tension
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR receives a report.
He doesn’t like what he hears.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Bathroom issues are expected.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Expected doesn’t mean manageable.
A beat.
The coordinator says nothing.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah opens the LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL again.
Flips pages.
Faster now.
She finds a section:
“Extended Lockdown – Student Welfare”
She reads.
Her jaw tightens.
There’s discretion here.
Limited. Buried. But real.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio.
No hesitation this time.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I’m authorizing
! ! supervised restroom access ! ! by classroom rotation.
Silence.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Say again.
Sarah repeats it.
Steadier.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
Officers exchange looks.
This wasn’t planned.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The TEACHER’s phone buzzes.
She reads the message.
Looks up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Okay.
! ! We’re going to do this one at a time.
A mix of relief and fear spreads.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Tension in the Hallways
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
The radio crackles again.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! This increases exposure.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! So does panic.
A beat.
The supervisor exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Proceed.
! ! Slowly.
Sarah closes her eyes.
Not relief.
Just acknowledgment.
INT. HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER
A STUDENT exits a classroom.
Escorted by a TEACHER.
An OFFICER shadows them.
Every sound feels amplified.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sinks into her chair.
Mark watches her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! This is unraveling.
Sarah shakes her head.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! No.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (CONT’D)
! ! This is reality.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
A slow, controlled movement.
A TEACHER escorts a STUDENT toward the restroom.
An OFFICER trails a few steps behind.
Every door they pass feels like an accusation.
Muffled voices leak from classrooms.
INT. RESTROOM – CONTINUOUS
The student rushes inside.
The teacher waits by the door, tense.
The officer stands guard.
Seconds stretch.
A toilet flushes.
The sound is absurdly loud.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
Students whisper now.
Not quietly enough.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Why is this taking so long?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT #2
! ! My dad says drills don’t last
hours.
The TEACHER raises a finger to her lips.
She’s losing authority by the minute.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Tension at the Perimeter
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – SAME TIME
Sarah watches a live hallway feed.
Movement. Stops. Movement again.
Her phone buzzes.
Another email.
SUBJECT: SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY
She opens it.
A screenshot: a blurry photo of police outside the school.
Caption partially visible:
“THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
Sarah’s throat tightens.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark leans in.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Parents are showing up at the
perimeter.
Sarah doesn’t look away from the screen.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Of course they are.
INT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE – SAME TIME
Parents gather behind police tape.
Some shouting.
Some crying.
Phones raised.
An OFFICER tries to keep them back.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! PARENT
! ! My daughter is in there!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! We’re handling it.
The words mean nothing.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Tensions Rise: A Crisis Unfolds
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR watches a muted news feed.
A lower-third banner crawls across the screen.
“HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE AT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL.”
The POLICE SUPERVISOR turns to him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! You said this would stay
internal.
The coordinator doesn’t answer.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings again.
She answers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – SAME TIME
The ADMINISTRATOR sounds strained now.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We need you to stop authorizing
movement.
Sarah grips the phone.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Students are panicking.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! So are parents.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR (CONT’D)
! ! We need to control the narrative.
Sarah closes her eyes.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This isn’t a narrative.
The line goes quiet.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Panic in Room 312
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT suddenly bolts for the door.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Hey—!
The door rattles.
Locked.
The student slides down, sobbing.
Other students begin to cry.
It’s spreading now.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
An OFFICER hears the noise from inside the classroom.
He stiffens.
Keys his radio.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! We’ve got agitation in Room 312.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hears it too.
Faint, but unmistakable.
She stands.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Mark, get counselors moving.
Mark hesitates.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Command said—
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I know what they said.
She’s past asking now.
INT. HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER
COUNSELORS move down the hall.
Escorted.
Careful.
Every door they pass seems louder than the last.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The door unlocks.
A COUNSELOR enters.
Kneels.
Students cling to her.
One student whispers:
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! Are we going to die?
The counselor freezes.
Then lies.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! COUNSELOR
! ! No.
She hopes it’s true.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Escalating Tension
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The POLICE SUPERVISOR receives a report.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Panic is escalating.
The TRAINING COORDINATOR rubs his face.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! That’s not part of the model.
The supervisor looks at him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Neither is reality.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sits again.
Exhausted now.
She checks the time.
12:07 PM.
Lunch period.
A cruel joke.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Her radio crackles.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Principal Keller, we need you
! ! to hold your staff.
Sarah exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! They’re people.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! So are my officers.
The radio clicks off.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— A student vomiting into a trash can — A teacher holding a
shaking hand — Parents chanting names outside — Officers
repositioning again
The system is straining.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stares at the protocol binder.
Doesn’t open it.
She knows it won’t help anymore.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
Movement has increased.
Teachers escort students in staggered intervals.
Officers reposition constantly.
What once felt controlled now feels reactive.
INT. RESTROOM – SAME TIME
A LINE of students wait quietly.
Embarrassed. Tense.
A TEACHER checks the hallway repeatedly.
An OFFICER stands guard, jaw tight.
A STUDENT emerges, pale.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! They’re saying it’s not a drill.
The teacher stiffens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Who’s saying that?
The student shrugs.
That’s worse.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Tension and Uncertainty
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – SAME TIME
Sarah scrolls through her email.
More screenshots.
More speculation.
Her phone buzzes again.
Mark steps closer.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Someone just livestreamed
! ! from outside the fence.
Sarah closes her eyes.
INT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE – SAME TIME
Parents push closer to the tape.
An OFFICER raises his voice.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Everyone needs to step back!
A parent screams.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! PARENT
! ! Tell us what’s happening!
No answer comes.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR rubs his temples.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’re losing message control.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR doesn’t argue.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Then stop pretending
! ! this is messaging.
That lands.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio.
Her voice is firmer now.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, I need clarity.
! ! Is there a verified threat?
A pause.
Longer than before.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! We have an unresolved variable.
Sarah blinks.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! What does that mean?
Another pause.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! It means we’re not calling it
clear.
Sarah exhales slowly.
That’s not reassurance.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Whispers of Suspicion
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
A STUDENT clutches his backpack tightly.
Another student notices.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! What’s in there?
The student snaps back.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT WITH BACKPACK
! ! Nothing.
Too fast.
The room goes quiet.
The TEACHER notices the shift.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark leans in.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! We’re hearing rumors about a
student.
Sarah stiffens.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! From who?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Everyone.
That’s the problem.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
An OFFICER speaks quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! We have a name circulating.
The TRAINING COORDINATOR looks up sharply.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! Circulating where?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Students.
! ! Parents. ! ! Online.
The coordinator exhales.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The student with the backpack stands abruptly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! Sit down.
The student doesn’t.
Hands shaking now.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT WITH BACKPACK
! ! I didn’t do anything.
That’s not what anyone asked.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
Two OFFICERS receive an update.
Their posture changes.
They move.
Faster.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Tension in the Air
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hears the shift in radio tone.
More codes.
Less explanation.
She stands.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! What just changed?
Mark listens.
Then looks at her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They think they know
! ! who it might be.
Sarah swallows.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— A classroom door rattles — An officer runs past a camera
feed — A student whispers a name — Parents shout louder
outside
The rumor becomes gravity.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah keys the radio again.
Urgent now.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Command, if you have a suspect
! ! in my building, I need to know.
Silence.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! We’re assessing credibility.
Sarah slams the radio down.
The sound echoes.
Mark freezes.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s voice is low.
Controlled anger.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Those are kids.
Mark nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! I know.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Tension Rising
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The TEACHER slowly approaches the student with the backpack.
Hands raised.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! You’re okay.
! ! Just sit down.
The student’s eyes dart to the door.
Footsteps approach.
Fast.
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
Officers stack near a classroom door.
Weapons visible now.
Not raised.
But visible.
A student inside sees it through the window.
Gasps.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sees the camera feed.
Her breath catches.
This is no longer abstract.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah grabs her jacket.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Where are you going?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! To find out what’s real.
She moves for the door.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Confrontation in Crisis
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah moves quickly down the hall.
She passes classrooms — students pressed to walls, teachers
frozen in place.
She clocks it all now.
This is not training behavior.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Mark hustles to catch up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Sarah—
She doesn’t slow.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Two OFFICERS block her path.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Ma’am, you need to step back.
Sarah doesn’t stop.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I’m the principal.
The officers exchange a look.
One keys his radio.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The POLICE SUPERVISOR arrives.
Grim now.
No pretense.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! You shouldn’t be here.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Then you shouldn’t be
! ! running this without me.
A beat.
The supervisor studies her.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! We have a credible report.
Sarah’s stomach drops.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Of what?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! A student with a weapon.
The words echo.
Sarah steadies herself.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Who?
The supervisor hesitates.
That tells her everything.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! A name surfaced.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Surfaced where?
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The STUDENT WITH THE BACKPACK sits rigid.
Officers visible through the door window now.
Whispers ripple.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! They’re here for you.
The student shakes his head.
Terrified.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah leans in.
Low voice.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! That student has an IEP.
! ! He panics when surrounded.
The supervisor pauses.
This is new information.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! That wasn’t in the report.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Because no one asked.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The supervisor looks toward the classroom.
Officers adjusting positions.
Hands closer to weapons now.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Let me talk to him.
The supervisor turns back.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Absolutely not.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! You escalate this,
! ! you will make it worse.
The supervisor’s jaw tightens.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
An OFFICER steps in.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Command wants to move.
Sarah snaps her head toward him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Based on what?
The officer hesitates.
That’s the answer.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah turns back to the supervisor.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This started as a drill.
The supervisor meets her gaze.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! It isn’t anymore.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
The Breaking Point
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The student grips his backpack.
Breathing shallow.
The TEACHER edges closer.
Hands up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! You’re okay.
! ! Just breathe.
Footsteps pound outside.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hears it.
The shift.
This is the point of no return.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! If you’re wrong—
The supervisor cuts her off.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! If we’re wrong,
! ! we apologize later.
Sarah stares at him.
Horrified.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The supervisor turns away.
Signals his team.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Prepare entry.
Sarah steps forward instinctively.
Mark grabs her arm.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s voice cracks.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! He’s a kid.
No one responds.
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
The student looks at the door.
Sees shadows moving.
He panics.
Stands.
The backpack SLIPS off his shoulder.
Hits the floor.
A loud, hollow THUD.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Officers tense.
Weapons rise — not aimed, but ready.
Sarah gasps.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Time freezes.
This is it.
FADE TO SILENCE.
INT. CLASSROOM – CONTINUOUS
The backpack lies on the floor.
Still.
Officers visible through the window.
Weapons lowered — but ready.
The STUDENT freezes.
Hands raised instinctively.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! I didn’t do anything.
His voice cracks.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Innocence Detained
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah steps forward again.
Mark still holding her arm.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! He’s complying.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR doesn’t answer.
He raises a hand — signals his team to hold.
A fragile pause.
INT. CLASSROOM – CONTINUOUS
The TEACHER moves first.
Slow. Deliberate.
She kneels beside the backpack.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TEACHER
! ! I’m going to move it, okay?
The student nods frantically.
She slides the backpack away.
Unzips it.
Inside:
Textbooks. A hoodie. Loose papers.
Nothing else.
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
A breath releases down the line.
Weapons lower fully.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR closes his eyes briefly.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Secure the student.
Sarah snaps her head toward him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! For what?
INT. CLASSROOM – SAME TIME
Two OFFICERS enter.
They don’t grab the student.
But they separate him.
That’s enough.
The student starts sobbing.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! STUDENT
! ! I didn’t do anything!
INT. INTERSECTION HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sarah pushes past Mark.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! He’s a minor.
! ! He hasn’t committed a crime.
The supervisor doesn’t meet her eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! We’re detaining for safety.
That word again.
INT. CLASSROOM – CONTINUOUS
The student is led out.
Past classmates.
Past teachers.
Past fear.
Eyes follow him.
Judgment without evidence.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The student walks between officers.
Head down.
He looks up once — sees Sarah.
Hope flickers.
She can’t help him.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Aftermath of the Lockdown
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – LATER
Sarah sits alone.
The room feels foreign now.
Her phone buzzes nonstop.
She doesn’t answer.
A new email pops up:
SUBJECT: INCIDENT CONTAINED
She stares at it.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR speaks quietly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! No weapon found.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! Doesn’t mean the response was
wrong.
No one agrees.
No one challenges it either.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark enters.
Careful.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Parents are being told
! ! it was precautionary.
Sarah laughs once.
A hollow sound.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Everything is precautionary.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— A classroom door opens for the first time — Students spill
into halls, shaken — Parents rush forward at the fence —
Officers maintain formation
Release without relief.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah watches students reunite with parents.
Tears. Anger. Phones raised.
She doesn’t move.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Her radio crackles.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR (V.O.)
! ! Principal Keller,
! ! lockdown will be lifted shortly.
Sarah closes her eyes.
Too late.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark speaks softly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! At least no one was hurt.
Sarah opens her eyes.
Looks at him.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! That depends
! ! on how you define hurt.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Tension in the Aftermath
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Students stream out slowly now.
Some crying. Some silent. Some angry.
Teachers try to manage reunions with parents pushing past
barriers.
Police maintain a presence — visible, immovable.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah stands at the window.
Watches a mother clutch her son too tightly.
Watches another parent yell at an officer.
Watches phones recording everything.
Mark enters, holding a tablet.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! District sent talking points.
Sarah doesn’t turn.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark sets the tablet on her desk.
Sarah glances at it.
Bullet points.
Clean language.
“Out of an abundance of caution…” “No credible threat
identified…” “Procedures followed appropriately…”
Sarah looks away.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! They want me to say this?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They want you to stick to it.
That’s worse.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Fractured Success
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The TRAINING COORDINATOR speaks to a small group.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! We’ll document this as a
successful containment.
An OFFICER shifts uncomfortably.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Successful?
The coordinator meets his eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! TRAINING COORDINATOR
! ! No fatalities.
! ! No weapon recovered.
That’s the metric now.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah’s phone rings.
She answers reluctantly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Keller.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – SAME TIME
The ADMINISTRATOR again.
Voice smooth, rehearsed.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We’ll need you available
! ! for a brief statement.
Sarah closes her eyes.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! About what?
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! About how well the system worked.
Sarah opens her eyes.
Anger flashes.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! A child was detained.
A pause.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR (V.O.)
! ! And released.
That’s the framing.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – SAME TIME
The STUDENT FROM EARLIER sits on a bench.
Alone.
His backpack beside him.
An OFFICER watches from a distance.
Not menacing.
But present.
The student’s mother rushes to him.
Drops to her knees.
Hugs him.
The student sobs into her shoulder.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah watches this through the window.
Her jaw tightens.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! You’re asking me to lie.
Another pause.
Longer this time.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR (V.O.)
! ! We’re asking you to be careful.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah hangs up.
She doesn’t slam the phone.
That restraint says more.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Resuming Normalcy
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – SAME TIME
The POLICE SUPERVISOR signs paperwork.
An OFFICER hesitates.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! OFFICER
! ! Shouldn’t we log
! ! the conflicting reports?
The supervisor doesn’t look up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! We log what we can confirm.
The officer nods.
But doesn’t like it.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark watches Sarah carefully.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! You okay?
Sarah lets out a short laugh.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! No.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (CONT’D)
! ! But that doesn’t matter, does it?
Mark doesn’t answer.
INT. SCHOOL – VARIOUS
— Police tape coming down — News vans pulling away —
Custodians beginning cleanup — Teachers gathering belongings
Life resumes.
Too fast.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Facing the Truth
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Sarah sits.
Finally.
Exhausted.
She looks at the LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL binder.
Then at the talking points.
Then at the window.
She doesn’t reach for anything.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Her email pings again.
SUBJECT: INTERNAL REVIEW – SCHEDULE
She stares at it.
Knows what that means.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Mark speaks softly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! What are you going to say?
Sarah doesn’t answer right away.
She watches the last students leave.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I’m going to say what happened.
Mark looks at her.
Concerned.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They won’t like that.
Sarah nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I know.
That’s the choice.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
She closes the blinds.
Not to hide.
To focus.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Tension in the Gym: A Press Conference Unfolds
INT. SCHOOL GYM – LATE AFTERNOON
The gym has been converted into a makeshift press area.
Cameras. Tripods. Microphones with station logos.
The room hums with restrained energy.
Sarah stands off to the side with Mark.
She hasn’t been prepped.
That was intentional.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR confers quietly with a PUBLIC
INFORMATION OFFICER.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR stands nearby.
Everyone looks composed.
Professional.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Mark hands Sarah a single sheet of paper.
The talking points.
She glances at them.
Hands it back.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I don’t need it.
Mark exhales.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The ADMINISTRATOR approaches Sarah.
Smiles tightly.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We’ll keep this brief.
Sarah meets her eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Then keep it honest.
The administrator’s smile fades.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
A REPORTER raises a hand prematurely.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! REPORTER
! ! Was there an active shooter?
The POLICE SUPERVISOR steps forward.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! There was no confirmed threat.
Sarah stiffens.
That wording matters.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER gestures.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! PIO
! ! We’ll begin with statements.
The administrator steps up to the microphones.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! Today, out of an abundance of
caution,
! ! we conducted an extended lockdown drill ! ! to ensure student
safety.
Sarah watches reporters exchange looks.
They know that language.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! We’re proud of how smoothly
! ! our systems performed.
Sarah closes her eyes.
Just briefly.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Confronting the Truth
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The administrator gestures to Sarah.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! Principal Keller?
All eyes turn.
Cameras click.
Sarah steps forward.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Sarah looks at the microphones.
At the cameras.
At the people who want clean answers.
She takes a breath.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! This was not a drill.
The room stills.
The administrator turns sharply.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! It began as one.
! ! But it became something else.
Cameras lean in.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! REPORTER
! ! Was there a shooter?
Sarah shakes her head.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! There was fear.
! ! And confusion. ! ! And a system that escalated ! ! faster than
it explained.
The POLICE SUPERVISOR stiffens.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! A student was detained
! ! based on rumor.
A ripple moves through the room.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The administrator steps forward.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! What Principal Keller means—
Sarah doesn’t stop.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! What I mean is that
! ! we need to talk about ! ! what happens when procedures
! ! replace judgment.
Silence.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
A REPORTER speaks carefully.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! REPORTER
! ! Are you saying protocol failed?
Sarah nods.
Once.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I’m saying people did.
That lands.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The POLICE SUPERVISOR steps forward.
Controlled.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! We acted in the interest of
safety.
Sarah meets his eyes.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! So did I.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Chaos and Resolve
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The room erupts in questions.
Overlapping voices.
Flashes.
The PIO tries to regain control.
Fails.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Mark watches Sarah.
Fear and pride colliding.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
The administrator leans close to Sarah.
Whispers.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! You’ve just made this very
difficult.
Sarah doesn’t look at her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! It already was.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Security moves in.
Not aggressive.
But definitive.
The press conference is over.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Sarah steps back from the microphones.
The noise fades.
She exhales.
For the first time all day.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Mark joins her.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! You know what this costs you.
Sarah nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Yes.
She doesn’t regret it.
INT. GYM – CONTINUOUS
Through the open doors, we see parents waiting.
Watching.
Recording.
Listening.
The story is out now.
CUT TO BLACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Inevitable Farewell
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – EVENING
The school is empty now.
Custodial lights hum.
Desks half-cleaned.
The chaos of the day has been reduced to scuff marks and
discarded tape.
Sarah sits alone.
Her jacket still on.
She hasn’t moved.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Her computer screen glows.
An email thread.
SUBJECT: ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
She doesn’t open it.
She already knows.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
A KNOCK.
Mark steps in.
Looks tired.
Older.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They’re asking for your keys.
Sarah nods.
Reaches into her pocket.
Places them on the desk.
The sound is louder than it should be.
INT. SARAH’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! I’m sorry.
Sarah looks at him.
Not angry.
Not surprised.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! Don’t be.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH (CONT’D)
! ! This was always going to happen.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Silent Reflection
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – LATER
Sarah walks down the empty hallway.
Lockers closed.
Posters still hanging.
“SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.”
She stops.
Stares at it.
Then keeps walking.
INT. PARKING LOT – EVENING
Sarah steps outside.
The air is colder now.
Quiet.
No sirens.
No cameras.
Just her.
She exhales.
INT. SARAH’S CAR – CONTINUOUS
She sits behind the wheel.
Doesn’t start the engine.
Her phone buzzes.
A text from an unknown number.
UNKNOWN:
Thank you for telling the truth.
Sarah stares at it.
Doesn’t reply.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Echoes of Innocence
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – NIGHT
The ADMINISTRATOR sits with legal counsel.
Papers everywhere.
Muted news footage plays on a screen.
Sarah’s face frozen mid-sentence.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! She overstepped.
The lawyer doesn’t respond.
That silence matters.
INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
The POLICE SUPERVISOR removes his vest.
Sets it down.
He watches a news clip replay.
Sarah speaking.
He turns it off.
Stares at the wall.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah enters her house.
Drops her bag.
Sinks onto the couch.
The day finally catches up with her.
She covers her face.
Cries.
Not loudly.
Honestly.
INT. CLASSROOM – DAY (FLASHBACK)
Earlier that morning.
Students laughing.
Talking over each other.
Alive.
Unafraid.
The contrast hurts.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Documenting the Aftermath
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah looks up.
Steadying herself.
She checks her phone again.
More messages now.
Support.
Anger.
Threats.
Gratitude.
Truth is never clean.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
She opens her laptop.
Starts a new document.
Types a title:
“WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED.”
She pauses. Then keeps typing.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah sits at her dining table.
Laptop open.
The document grows slowly.
She pauses often.
Chooses words carefully.
This isn’t a statement.
It’s a record.
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – DAY
A CLOSED-DOOR MEETING.
The ADMINISTRATOR sits with LEGAL COUNSEL and a BOARD MEMBER.
Folders marked CONFIDENTIAL.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! BOARD MEMBER
! ! Is she cooperating?
The administrator exhales.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ADMINISTRATOR
! ! She’s documenting.
That’s worse.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah types.
We see fragments on screen:
“…no verified threat…” “…student detained based on rumor…”
“…decisions made without context…”
She stops.
Rubs her eyes.
INT. SCHOOL – DAY (DAYS LATER)
Students walk the halls again.
Different now.
Quieter.
Eyes up at every sound.
A TEACHER locks her classroom door automatically.
Then catches herself.
INT. POLICE STATION – DAY
The POLICE SUPERVISOR sits across from INTERNAL AFFAIRS.
A recorder clicks on.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! INVESTIGATOR
! ! Would you change anything?
The supervisor doesn’t answer right away.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! POLICE SUPERVISOR
! ! We followed procedure.
The investigator waits.
The silence stretches.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Silent Resolve
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah receives an email.
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR INTERVIEW
She doesn’t open it.
She closes the laptop instead.
The work is done.
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER – EVENING
A PARENT FORUM.
Folding chairs.
Harsh lighting.
Parents speak over one another.
Fear without direction.
A MOTHER stands.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MOTHER
! ! My son still won’t sleep.
No one has an answer.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah watches a local news segment.
Her name appears briefly.
No image.
Just a mention.
The anchor moves on.
INT. SCHOOL – DAY
A NEW POSTER on the wall:
“SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY.”
Under it, the same hallway.
Same doors.
Same locks.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Mark sits across from Sarah at the table.
Coffee between them.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! They’re saying you overreacted.
Sarah nods.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! They would.
A beat.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! MARK
! ! Would you do it again?
Sarah doesn’t answer immediately.
Then —
! ! ! ! ! ! ! SARAH
! ! I wouldn’t stay quiet.
Mark absorbs that.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
The Final Act of Defiance
INT. DISTRICT OFFICE – DAY
The ADMINISTRATOR signs paperwork.
A line item:
“MATTER RESOLVED.”
She hesitates.
Then signs anyway.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah packs a box.
Office items.
A photo of her first graduating class.
She pauses on it.
Smiles faintly.
Puts it back in the box.
INT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT – DAY
Sarah returns her badge.
The SECURITY GUARD avoids eye contact.
Hands it back silently.
No ceremony.
INT. SARAH’S CAR – DAY
Sarah sits behind the wheel.
Same as before.
This time, she starts the engine.
EXT. SCHOOL – DAY
Students enter.
Life continues.
The building stands.
Unchanged.
INT. SARAH’S CAR – CONTINUOUS
Sarah drives.
Passes the school.
Doesn’t look back.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah opens her laptop one last time.
Uploads the document.
A progress bar fills.
She clicks SEND.
INT. NEWSROOM – NIGHT
A PRODUCER reads Sarah’s document.
Stops.
Reads again.
Looks up.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! PRODUCER
! ! We need to verify this.
That’s how truth starts.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – NIGHT
Sarah closes the laptop.
The house is quiet.
She exhales.
Not relief.
Resolve.
EXT. SCHOOL – MORNING (FLASH FORWARD)
Students line up for a drill.
A bell rings.
They flinch.
INT. SARAH’S HOME – MORNING
Sarah hears a distant siren.
She pauses.
Listens.
Then continues making coffee.
FADE TO BLACK.
TITLE CARD:
THE DRILL
FINAL TITLE
CARD:
This film is inspired by real lockdown procedures used in
schools across the United States.
No single failure caused what happened.
Silence did.
END.