INT. ARVEN'S HOUSE – EVENING
Arven arrives home. The smell of dinner fills the air—sizzling garlic, steamed rice, and the faint aroma of fried fish. His family is already gathered around the table, chatting and laughing.
Mom: Arven, dinner's ready!
Arven: Coming!
He drops his bag by the door and hurries over. Plates clatter, spoons scrape against bowls, and laughter fills the room. Conversation is casual but lively, weaving between teasing and genuine interest.
Mom: So, how was school today? Did your teacher say anything about your report?
Arven: It was fine, I guess. Just the usual.
Mom: Hm... "just the usual," huh? You always say that. Your teachers keep praising you, you know. Principal mentioned that your grades are steady, and your project on physics—though you joked about it—was really impressive.
Arven shrugs, hiding a small smile, grateful but a little embarrassed.
Mom: And what about May? Are you still helping her with... whatever assignment she had?
Arven: Yeah... we've got a few things sorted.
Mom: That's good. You know, I'm proud of how you manage your studies and still keep up with your responsibilities. Not every kid your age can do that.
Arven looks at her, feeling a mixture of warmth and pressure. He knows she means well, but sometimes the expectations feel heavy.
Mom: And don't forget your sports, Arven. You've got to take care of your body too. Running, volleyball... all those competitions. Your coaches say you're improving every week. I hope you're getting enough rest.
Arven: I'm fine, Mom. Really.
Mom: I know you think that, but remember, balance is important. Don't stay up too late playing games or cramming for exams. Even small things like eating on time and sleeping enough matter.
His younger sister giggles.
Sister: And don't forget to help me with my homework, Arven!
Arven (grinning): Don't worry, I haven't forgotten.
Their father chimes in, teasing.
Dad: And make sure he doesn't spend all night messaging May. You hear that? Balance, Arven, balance.
Arven laughs quietly, shaking his head. Despite the gentle scolding and teasing, these moments anchor him. The laughter, the familiarity, the smells of home—it's a calm center in a world of chaos.
Conversation drifts to school events, teachers' quirks, and classmates' antics. His mom mentions a funny incident where his physics teacher accidentally dropped chalk during a lesson, and the whole class erupted in laughter.
Mom: And Principal Santos says you always help younger students when they struggle. That's admirable. You're growing up into someone responsible, Arven.
Arven shifts slightly, feeling the warmth of her pride mixed with the quiet weight of expectation. He takes a bite of rice, thinking about how much his life is a balance between studies, games, friendships, and family. Moments like these remind him what he's fighting for, even if he doesn't always realize it.
After dinner, Arven grabs his phone.
Arven (messaging May): I'm going to play a bit tonight.
May (reply): Okay, just don't stay up too late.
He smiles faintly, reassured. Then he messages his friend.
Arven (messaging John): Ready?
John: Always. Let's go.
The evening stretches on. Laughter, playful teasing, and bright screens fill the room. Time slips by unnoticed as the thrill of competition keeps Arven on edge, fully immersed in the moment.
INT. ARVEN'S ROOM – LATE NIGHT
After gaming, Arven scrolls through social media. Headlines flash, catching his attention.
News headline: "Preacher warns: God's return is near. The world must repent."
Comments flood below: jokes, memes, ridicule, and fearful posts. Arven reads quietly, thoughts lingering. Faith, fear, mockery—they swirl together, pressing at the edges of his mind. After a moment, he shrugs and closes the app.
Arven (messaging May): Goodnight.
May: Goodnight.
He sets the phone aside and lies down. Silence settles over the room, thick and heavy. For a few moments, peace seems possible—until screams shatter it.
Sister (from another room): Aaaaaah!
Arven bolts upright, heart racing, and rushes to her room.
Arven: What's wrong?!
Sister (shaking, voice trembling): I... I had a nightmare!
Their mother bursts in, pale, clutching her chest as if the dream had physically shaken her.
Mom: I... I also had one...
One by one, relatives confirm the same thing. The house fills with fear, confusion, and urgency. A shared dread presses against the walls, thick and suffocating.
Arven comforts his sister, whispering soothing words until her breathing evens. Finally, she drifts into sleep again. Back in his room, his mind races. Questions claw at him, heavy and relentless. Exhaustion finally pulls him under, but uneasy dreams linger.
EXT. SCHOOL – MORNING (NEXT DAY)
Arven wakes earlier than usual, determined not to be late. He stops by May's house, joining her in her father's car. The ride is calm, almost mundane, but the memory of last night's shared dream gnaws at him.
Arven (thinking): What did it mean? Why did everyone dream the same thing? He shakes his head, trying to push it aside, but unease sticks like a shadow.
EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS – DAY
The campus is alive with excitement—it's Sports Day. Colorful banners sway, students cheer, and competitions begin. The energy is contagious, pushing Arven forward with a mix of nervousness and thrill.
He steps into the running contest, legs trembling slightly. Nerves flare, but as soon as the whistle blows, a surge of adrenaline ignites inside him. His legs move like lightning, faster than thought. The wind whips past his face, carrying cheers and excitement.
He crosses the finish line far ahead of everyone else, shoes torn apart by the speed.
Ray: Did you see that?!
Nico: His shoes exploded!
Suzan: That was unreal!
Arven stares down at his feet, stunned.
Arven (thinking): Did I really... run that fast?
Later, he watches May play volleyball. Grace and Fritz's team dominate, but Arven cheers May on, unwavering and proud.
Arven: You did great! Don't worry.
May (smiling): Thanks.
EXT. CAMPUS CAFE – AFTERNOON
The group gathers after the games, snacks scattered across the table. Laughter fills the air, blending with the chatter of other students.
Suzan: Remember that prank last month?
Ray: Nico still hasn't lived it down!
Nico (groaning): You'll never let me forget, huh?
John: You guys are impossible.
Arven (laughing): Honestly, this is why I love our group.
For a moment, they all laugh, but then Suzan frowns, her expression uneasy.
Suzan: Hey... did anyone else have that weird dream last night?
The table goes quiet. Arven feels a chill run down his spine.
Ray: Wait... you mean the one with the... bright figure and the voice calling for help?
Nico: Yeah! I thought I was imagining it. But now you're saying it too?
John: Same here. It was... so vivid. I woke up in a sweat.
Arven stays quiet, staring at his food, his mind spinning. He doesn't know what to say, and the weight of the shared dream presses on him silently.
May: Everyone in my house had it as well. My parents, my brother... all of us.
The group exchanges uneasy glances, the previous laughter fading. A heavy silence lingers over the table, broken only by the distant hum of the campus.
Suzan: So... we all saw the same dream? That can't just be coincidence.
Ray: Maybe... I don't know... some kind of... premonition?
For a while, the world feels light. Laughter, food, friendship—these small moments matter, but a shadow of something unknown presses at the edges of their joy.
EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
As the group disperses, Arven walks down the corridor. He bumps into Grace, nearly knocking her books loose.
Arven: Oh—sorry!
Grace (cold, sharp): No, it's fine...
He notices her faint smile doesn't reach her eyes.
Arven (concerned): You okay? You seem... distracted.
Grace: It's nothing. Just... too much on my mind.
Arven pauses, sensing there's more she isn't saying.
Arven (gently): If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here.
Grace: ...Thanks, Arven.
They part ways. The moment lingers. Even the smallest cracks in a smile can tell the biggest stories.
EXT. NIGHT MARKET / PLAZA – NIGHT
After school, the friends wander the plaza. Street food aromas, music, and laughter fill the air. Ray and Nico argue over a game. Suzan drags John to a food stall. Arven walks beside May, a little apart from the rest.
The lights reflect in her eyes. She smiles softly, brushing her hair back. For a fleeting moment, it feels perfect.
But beneath the joy, unease lingers. Something greater—something darker—waits.
Later, they part ways. Arven walks home alone. The quiet streets amplify his thoughts, the night heavy with unspoken questions.
INT. ARVEN'S ROOM – NIGHT
Arven prepares for bed, brushing his teeth and setting his alarm. He lies down, staring at the ceiling. The night is silent, yet heavy, pressing against him.
The strange dream returns—a blinding figure, a voice calling for help, urgency clawing at his chest. He jolts awake, drenched in sweat.
Arven (whispering): What... what is happening to me?
The night feels heavier than ever, pressing down as if the world itself is waiting for his next move.
To be continued...