Glasses
**Imagine this:** A quaint family scene unfolds before your eyes. The Valentines—Dale, Gina, and their daughter Becky—are buzzing with activity in their driveway. A rideshare car waits patiently, its trunk gaping open like a hungry mouth ready to swallow Becky's luggage. The air is thick with anticipation as Becky, dressed for travel, is surrounded by her doting parents. They flutter around her like nervous birds, stuffing the trunk with her bags, rattling off last-minute advice. Dale can't stop with the safety lectures, while Gina peppers her with questions about packing. It's a dance of sorts, a ballet of parental worry and love. But Becky, oh Becky, she's eager to spread her wings. She insists she'll miss her flight if they don't cut the chatter. Her parents relent, but not before Dale calls for one last family hug. Becky obliges, wrapping her arms around them tight. She's going to miss them, she says, but hopes they enjoy their time with the exchange student. Dale and Gina exchange a glance, a secret passing between them. "We're sure we will," they say, as Becky hops into the car, waving goodbye. "It's really happening," Dale murmurs to Gina as they wave, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "It still doesn't feel real," she replies, a wistful note in her tone. But as the car turns out of sight, their expressions shift. Nervous excitement dances in their eyes. They're about to embark on a journey they've never taken before, and they can hardly contain their eagerness. **Cut to a whole new scene:** Dale and Gina are helping a bright-eyed 18-year-old, Cassie, with her bags. The house is alive with chatter—about the warm weather Cassie loves, the food she can't wait to try. It's a whirlwind of excitement and new beginnings. Gina and Dale are like actors on a stage, playing the roles of the perfect hosts, the cool parents. They want to impress Cassie, their new 'daughter'. They show off the house, explain their few rules, and talk about family activities. Cassie is charmed, swept up in their enthusiasm. It's like a dream, isn't it? A ready-made family, just for her. Days later, Cassie bounces downstairs, her cheerful mood infectious. Dale and Gina are in their pajamas, sipping coffee like any ordinary couple. But there's nothing ordinary about this situation, is there? Cassie's about to find out just how extraordinary it is. She mentions she's meeting friends at the mall, and her 'parents' gush with pride. They're so pleased she's fitting in, making friends. But Cassie has a question, a small frown marring her happy face. She hasn't heard from her parents since she arrived. Dale and Gina quickly reassure her. They're sure she'll hear from them soon, they say. Just enjoy your trip, they tell her. Cassie brightens, their words chasing away her doubts. She leaves for the mall, calling them 'mom' and 'dad' with a cheeky grin. They beam at her, their delight genuine. But there's a secret lurking beneath their smiles, isn't there? Once Cassie's gone, Gina turns to Dale. "We'll have to tell her soon," she says. Dale agrees, but he wants to wait a couple more days. They need to find the right time. But is there ever a right time to reveal such a secret? A secret that will shatter Cassie's world and reshape it into something she never imagined? Dale's laptop chimes with an incoming Skype call. It's from Becky. He hesitates, then declines the call. Messages flash on the screen, desperate pleas from Becky. She's begging to come home, saying the people she's with are crazy. Dale sighs, a world of weariness in that single exhale. He blocks her contact, shutting her out completely. The finality of his action is like a slamming door, echoing in the silent room. **Cut to the climax:** It's late evening, a few days later. Cassie and the Valentines are playing a game on their phones, laughter filling the room. But the lighthearted atmosphere is about to shift. Cassie yawns, ready to call it a night. But Dale and Gina have other plans. They pat the seat between them, inviting her to sit. Cassie looks taken aback, but she sits, her eyes wide with confusion. They start slowly, easing into the conversation. They've loved having her here, they say. It's been the best weeks of their lives. Cassie looks upset, thinking they're about to kick her out. But no, they want her to stay. Permanently. As their daughter. Cassie's relief is palpable, but she can't accept their offer. She has a life back in Canada, she says. A family. But does she? Gina takes a deep breath, ready to reveal the truth. Cassie's parents made a deal with them, she explains. A deal to swap their daughters. Cassie is shocked, disbelief written all over her face. What kind of deal? What are they talking about? Dale steps in, his voice steady as he explains. He had needs, he says. Needs he couldn't fulfill with his own family. So, he and Gina found others like them. Others who wanted to create the perfect family. A family they could... fuck. Cassie recoils, disgust twisting her features. This is sick, she says. They're sick. But Dale and Gina press on, trying to reason with her. She has no home to go back to, they say. Her old family gave her up. They don't want her anymore. She's over 18, they don't have to take her back. The Valentines are her only family now. Cassie insists on calling home, her voice shaking with desperation. Dale hands her the phone, a look of defeat on his face. He knows what's coming. Cassie dials, hope and fear warring in her eyes. A man answers, his voice cold and distant. He doesn't know a Cassie, he says. He doesn't want her bothering his family. He hangs up, leaving Cassie stunned into silence. Dale takes the phone from her limp hand, his voice sympathetic but firm. Those people aren't her family anymore, he says. They are. Cassie looks at him, bitterness in her eyes. "You just want to fuck me," she says through gritted teeth. Dale looks hurt, but he presses on. He wants to love her, he says. To be a family to her. A closer family than most. There's a look of defeat on Cassie's face. She doesn't want to be homeless, she says. She wants to stay. The Valentines look relieved. Of course, she can stay, they say. She's their daughter. They'll take great care of her. As long as she understands what that means. "Yes," Cassie says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, what?" Dale prompts, a note of triumph in his voice. "Yes... daddy," Cassie says, her voice shaking with unshed tears. Good, Dale says, satisfaction evident in his tone. But there's still the matter of her little tantrum. Good girls obey their parents, he says. And if Cassie is going to be their daughter, she has to learn to obey. Cassie looks at him, a mixture of fear and resignation in her eyes. "Yes, daddy," she says, her voice barely audible. She timidly strips out of her pants and walks over to assume the position. The camera pans out, leaving the audience to imagine what comes next. The stage is set, the actors are in place, and the final act is about to begin. But will Cassie truly accept her new role? Or will she find a way to rebel against the twisted family she's found herself in? The curtain falls, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, eager for more.
