SMITH HOUSEHOLD

Setting:

The Smith family estate, a sprawling mansion situated in the wealthiest part of the city. The mansion, with its grand architecture, lush gardens, and opulent interiors, stands as a testament to the Smith family's wealth and status. The morning sun casts a golden glow over the estate, illuminating the perfectly manicured lawns and the grandeur of the mansion. Inside, the atmosphere is one of cold elegance, where luxury masks underlying cruelty.

Characters:

Jamal Smith: An 18-year-old black boy, adopted by the Smith family at the age of 5. Abused and treated as a ****, he wears only the torn underwear of Nathan until today.

Nathan Smith: A 20-year-old white male, the biological son of Michael and Emily. Arrogant and cruel, he takes pleasure in tormenting Jamal.

Michael Smith: The 35-year-old father of the Smith family, stern and authoritative.

James Smith: Michael’s 30-year-old brother, equally authoritative and dismissive of Jamal.

Tyler Smith: A 22-year-old nephew, who follows in the footsteps of his family in treating Jamal as inferior.

Emily Smith: The 32-year-old mother, whose illness from the Nub Virus is just beginning to show subtle signs.

Background Characters: Other servants and household staff who observe but do not intervene in the family's treatment of Jamal.

Scene:

The morning sun streams through the large windows of the dining hall, casting long shadows on the marble floor. The room is filled with the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation as the Smith family enjoys their breakfast.

Nathan: (smirking) Jamal! Get in here.

Jamal enters the room, wearing only the torn underwear handed down to him by Nathan. He keeps his eyes lowered, his posture submissive, and his movements careful to avoid drawing undue attention.

Jamal: Yes, Master Nathan?

Nathan: (grinning maliciously) Today is a special day, isn't it? Your 18th birthday. You know what that means, don't you?

Jamal nods slowly, a look of resignation in his eyes.

Jamal: Yes, Master Nathan. I will no longer need to wear the underwear.

Nathan: That's right. (He walks over to Jamal and roughly pulls the underwear down, leaving Jamal standing naked.) From now on, you will serve us as you are, naked.

Jamal stands still, his face a mask of controlled emotions. The sense of vulnerability and humiliation is palpable as he stands exposed in front of the family.

Nathan: (spitting on Jamal) Remember your place, boy. You call everyone here master or mistress, understand?

Jamal: Yes, Master Nathan.

Michael looks up from his breakfast, his gaze cold and indifferent.

Michael: Make sure you do your duties well today, Jamal. We expect nothing less.

Jamal: Yes, Master Michael.

Emily, sitting at the head of the table, gives a brief, almost absent nod. Her mind seems elsewhere, the early signs of her illness subtly present in her demeanor.

Emily: Jamal, fetch me my medicine after breakfast.

Jamal: Yes, Mistress Emily.

Tyler, leaning back in his chair with a smirk, watches Jamal with a mix of amusement and disdain.

Tyler: Make sure you clean the stables too. They're a mess after last night.

Jamal: Yes, Master Tyler.

Jamal moves to the side of the room, standing silently, his presence almost ghost-like among the opulence. The family continues their meal, ignoring him as if he were part of the furniture.

James: (not looking up from his plate) And polish my shoes. They better shine, or you'll regret it.

Jamal: Yes, Master James.

As the family finishes their breakfast, Jamal begins to clear the table, his movements efficient but mechanical. He works with a quiet dignity, despite his nakedness and the demeaning treatment he endures.

Once the table is cleared, Jamal heads to the kitchen to fetch Emily's medicine. The other servants glance at him sympathetically but remain silent, knowing the consequences of interfering.

Jamal returns to the dining hall with Emily's medicine, handing it to her with a respectful bow.

Jamal: Mistress Emily, your medicine.

Emily: (taking the medicine without looking at him) Good. Now go and do your other tasks.

Jamal: Yes, Mistress Emily.

Jamal exits the room, his shoulders slightly hunched but his resolve unbroken. He heads towards the stables, the morning air cool against his bare skin. As he works, his mind drifts to memories of a time before the Smith family, a time when he had dreams and hopes.

The scene shifts to the stables, where Jamal diligently cleans and tends to the horses. Despite the demeaning treatment, he finds solace in the routine of his tasks. The stables are his sanctuary, a place where he can momentarily forget his nakedness and the harshness of his reality.

Back at the mansion, the Smith family goes about their day, oblivious to the growing tension in the world outside. The Nub Virus is a distant threat, not yet touching their insulated lives. But for Jamal, each day is a battle for dignity and survival, a battle he fights in silence.

Jamal: (to himself, while cleaning the stables) Someday, things will change. Someday, I will be free.

The camera pans out, showing Jamal's small figure working diligently amidst the grandeur of the Smith estate, a stark contrast that highlights his resilience and unbroken spirit. The world around him may not have changed yet, but within Jamal, a quiet determination burns bright.