Clear Backpacks
INT. FUTURISTIC CITY STREET - DAY
The street buzzes with a sterile hum, bright neon lights reflecting off glassy surfaces. A group of PEOPLE walks by, all wearing clear, see-through backpacks. The backpacks, standardized in shape and size, reveal their contents—colorful gadgets, personal items, even a half-eaten lunch.
CLOSE ON: A WOMAN (30s), her backpack filled with neatly arranged items. She glances nervously at a LARGE SCREEN mounted on a building, broadcasting the words “Transparency Is Trust.”
NARRATOR (V.O.)
In a world where secrecy is a crime, transparency is the law.
ANGLE ON: A YOUNG MAN (20s), his backpack overflowing with disorganized clutter, furtively trying to shove a book marked “How to Be Mysterious” beneath a sandwich. He looks up, panic in his eyes.
YOUNG MAN
(whispers)
They can’t see me, they can’t see me…
A PASSING OFFICIAL in a sharp uniform stops.
OFFICIAL
(cheerfully)
Remember, citizen! A clean backpack is a clean conscience!
The young man swallows hard, pushing his backpack into his back as if to hide its contents. The official moves on, but the young man’s relief is short-lived as he catches the glances of OTHER PASSERSBY, their eyes full of judgment.
ANGLE ON: A GROUP OF TEENAGERS, laughing and showing off their pristine, color-coded backpacks, their laughter echoing off the walls. One TEEN pulls out a small device, projecting a holographic ad for the latest transparent accessory.
TEENAGER
Check it out! Transparency makes life easier! No more hiding!
CUT TO: A SMALL CAFE. The WOMAN sits at a table, sipping coffee while observing the bustling street. She notices a MAN (40s) walking past, his backpack suspiciously empty. Her brow furrows.
WOMAN
(to herself)
What’s he hiding?
She leans over to a nearby table where an OLDER MAN is reading a newspaper, the headline reading “NEW LAW: SEE THROUGH YOUR NEIGHBOR.”
WOMAN
What if it’s just…too transparent? Can’t we have anything left to ourselves?
OLDER MAN
(eyes narrowing)
You’re asking for a breach of trust. This is for our safety.
He gestures to a GROUP of PEOPLE staring at the young man, who is now awkwardly rearranging the chaos in his bag. The WOMAN watches him, her heart heavy.
WOMAN
But at what cost?
The OLDER MAN shrugs, his attention already back on the article. The WOMAN’s gaze shifts to the young man, who suddenly drops his backpack, overwhelmed. He stands frozen, eyes wide.
YOUNG MAN
(panicking)
I don’t want to be a part of this!
The crowd stills, all eyes on him. The official returns, voice smooth yet commanding.
OFFICIAL
(calmly)
Citizen, it’s too late for doubts. Transparency is non-negotiable.
The young man takes a step back, shaking his head. A flicker of defiance ignites in his eyes.
YOUNG MAN
(voice rising)
Then I refuse to play your game!
The street buzzes with murmurs, and the WOMAN’s heart races. She catches a glimpse of her own reflection in a nearby window, her own clear backpack revealing the fragile self she carries within.
WOMAN
(whispering)
Is there a way out?
FADE OUT.