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[Scene opens with Ritsuko packing her belongings while Clawdeen helps her. Victoria, Karla, Mo, and Hubba Hubba are sitting on the couch, glancing at each other, the tension palpable.]
Ritsuko: (smiling softly) Well, it’s really happening, isn’t it? I can’t believe I’m moving out. It feels so surreal.
Clawdeen: (trying to keep it light) Hey, it’s just an apartment, Ritsuko! You’ll be back to visit all the time, right?
Victoria: (sniffles) Yeah, but it won’t be the same! You won’t be here to remind us to feed the plants or to blast our favorite songs while we study.
Karla: (tears welling in her eyes) And who’s going to steal my snacks? I’m going to miss that so much!
Mo: (gripping the arm of the couch) It just feels wrong. We’ve been through so much together. How can you just leave us?
Ritsuko: (pauses, her hands trembling slightly as she holds a framed picture of the group) I’m not leaving you. I’m just… starting a new chapter. I’ll always be a part of this family.
Hubba Hubba: (voice cracking) But we’re not ready for this! We still have so many late-night talks and movie marathons to do!
Clawdeen: (wipes her eyes, her voice strong) And what about our traditions? Ritsuko, you have to promise to come back for every holiday, okay?
Ritsuko: (smiling through tears) Of course! I’ll be here for all the important stuff. We’ll make it work. You know I wouldn’t miss our Halloween parties for the world.
[The room is silent for a moment, the weight of the impending separation settling in. Ritsuko begins to put the picture down but hesitates.]
Victoria: (breaking down) It’s just… I can’t believe you’re leaving! I thought we’d all be together forever!
Karla: (sobbing) Why does everything have to change?
Mo: (standing up abruptly) Ritsuko, please don’t go! You can stay here, right? We can make it work!
Ritsuko: (stepping forward, her eyes wide with concern) Mo, I wish I could, but I need this. I need to figure things out for myself. It’s not about you guys; it’s about me finding my own path.
Hubba Hubba: (tears streaming down his face) But what if we lose you? What if you forget about us?
Ritsuko: (voice trembling) I could never forget any of you. You’re my family. No matter how far apart we are, we’ll always be connected.
[Ritsuko takes a deep breath, gathering her friends for a group hug. They all squeeze tightly, each friend holding on like it’s the last moment they’ll ever share.]
Clawdeen: (whispers) Just promise you’ll text us every day. I don’t know how to live without hearing your jokes and rants.
Ritsuko: (choking on her tears) I promise! I’ll send videos, too. You’ll all be sick of me!
Victoria: (giggling through tears) Oh, we could never get sick of you!
[The group starts to pull away from the hug, but no one wants to let go. Finally, they each take turns hugging Ritsuko one last time.]
Karla: (final hug) Just remember, we’re always here for you. No matter what.
Mo: (sniffling) You better come back and visit! No excuses!
Hubba Hubba: (forcing a smile) Yeah, and I expect you to bring back stories of your new adventures!
Ritsuko: (wiping her eyes, laughing softly) I will! I’ll be your personal tour guide for all the places I’ll discover!
[As Ritsuko finishes packing the last of her boxes, the atmosphere is heavy but filled with love. They all gather at the door, reluctant to see her go.]
Clawdeen: (sniffing) Okay, one last group selfie before you go!
[They all huddle together, arms around each other, trying to put on brave smiles while tears continue to fall. Clawdeen snaps the picture, capturing their final moment together.]
Ritsuko: (looking at the photo) This will always remind me of home.
Victoria: (voice shaking) And we’ll always be your home, no matter where you are.
[Ritsuko steps out the door, taking one last look at her friends, her heart heavy but full of hope.]
Ritsuko: (smiling through her tears) I love you all! See you soon!
[As Ritsuko walks away, the others stand together, holding hands, united in their grief and love.]
Karla: (voice breaking) We’ll miss you so much!
Mo: (crying uncontrollably) This feels like the end!
Hubba Hubba: (trying to comfort everyone) It’s not the end. It’s just a new beginning.
[The friends watch as Ritsuko disappears down the street, their hearts aching but knowing their bond will endure, no matter the distance.]
[Scene fades out as they comfort each other, tears still flowing, but holding onto the hope of reunions to come.]
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