When Mom Becomes a Murderer

Individuals who commit crimes are not inherently evil.

They're often products of their environment.

They could be struggling with mental health issues,

trauma, addiction.

Instead of perpetuating the cycle of violence,

we should focus on rehabilitation

and restorative justice.

This means addressing the root causes

of criminal behavior.

Creating opportunities to heal and grow.

We argue against the motion

that an eye for an eye is a suitable form of justice.

It fails to address the complex human behavior

and-and the inequities that exist within our society.

Instead, we should strive for a justice system

that emphasizes compassion and rehabilitation.

I yield my time.

Thank you.

And thank you to all of our Erstwell competitors.

And now, if I may have the judges' results, please.

Thank you.

And the champion

of this year's State High School Debate League is...

Rockwood High.

Yes!

Honey, I am so proud of you.

Good job.

Oh, we have to take a photo for the school's Instagram.

Oh, no, no, no, sorry. No pictures online.

Come on, Mom.

You don't want a record of my victory?

Honey, you know the rule.

The only safe digital presence

- is to have none at all. - Yeah.

You know, I must be the only kid in the world

- without social media. - Oh.

Isn't he a little old for you?

Definitely not in high school.

I'm not either.

You just graduated last week.

So, as a principal, I...

I know I'm supposed to remain neutral,

so I just wanted to say that you killed it.

You killed it.

And I just got us a table at Gino's to celebrate.

Ooh!

You guys go ahead. I'll catch up with you.

- You sure? - Mm-hmm.

- Mm-hmm. - Okay, yep.

- Okay. - Yep.

The bus leaves in five minutes. Don't be late.

You're not actually gonna talk to him, are you?

Why not?

I don't think he's gonna wanna flirt with a girl

that his kid brother just debated against.

If he thinks she's cute, he might.

- Hi. - Hey.

Hello.

Um, hello.

- Hey. - Hello.

I'm Ellie. I'm-I'm on the debate team.

- Yeah, I know. - Yeah.

You just watched us debating.

You okay?

You sure?

What do I do? Ellie, what do I do?

I'm gonna get your mom.

Honey? Honey? Try to relax.

Okay? I've got you.

Look at me, look at me, okay?

Breathe with me. Okay?

In, one, two, three.

Out, one, two, three.

That's it. Keep breathing slowly.

Here we go, here we go. Okay?

That's it, that's it. You see?

This is exactly why

you should stay close to your mom.

Come on, come on, come on.

Let's get you outta here. Nathan, can you grab her stuff?

- Yeah. - Let's go.

- This one's nice. - Yeah, she looks composed.

- That's going in my office. - Okay.

When are you guys gonna stop looking at those, do you think?

- Never. -

- I think this one. - Yep.

- Have at it. - Yep.

This is going on the fridge.

So, now that high school's done,

debate's done,

what are you gonna do with your first day of freedom?

Um, Isla and I have some ideas.

Yeah, I had some ideas for summer vacation once

and they promoted me to principal

and they all went away.

- - Anyway,

Eleanor, do tell.

It's nothing, Mom. Just like, stuff.

You know, it's just that kids, you know,

once they graduate, they can get a little...

out of control.

Less accountability, less structure.

Mom, you're off duty.

No school counselor at home, please.

I'd at least like to know who you're hanging around with.

It's just Isla! Okay, we were actually gonna celebrate

and we were gonna go to dinner,

you know, celebrate our graduation.

Is that scandalous enough for you?

Oh.

I heard that you had been spending time with Nancy Meyers.

Yeah, I was just like, helping her with final exams.

Well, she is a girl who knows how to get into trouble.

Mom! Like, I'm a debate kid.

I'm not like, a party animal.

So, you can trust me.

- Okay. - Anyway,

we're gonna go pick up some groceries.

- You wanna come? - Okay, thrilling as that sounds

um, no, I actually have to pick out an outfit for tonight.

Well, that... that'll take all day?

: Yeah.

Oh yeah.

Yeah.

- But... - Okay.

- Hey. - Just the two of us.

- - Fun.

- - Sneaking into a bar?

I don't know about this, Ellie.

You saw how I was with that guy?

Yeah, we need this.

Well, I need this.

What is this?

Oh, my mom's mad I'm going out of state.

She's trying to bubble wrap me.

A whistle,

pepper spray, and a keychain?

Press the button.

- My mom has one too. - That's cool.

Seriously uncool.

- You leave in two weeks, yeah? - Mm-hmm.

Yeah, so you don't want to...

build your confidence with guys?

You could find love in Paris.

- You'll get romanced in Rome. - I'm going with my family.

It's not gonna be like that. Besides,

I'm excited to see the museums and the architecture.

Actually see history before I go and study it.

Yeah, this is our problem.

We got our scholarships.

We worked hard.

We need to let go.

But the Roadhouse is sketchy.

Besides, they probably won't even let us in.

No, I actually thought about that.

So, um, I invited Nancy Meyers.

Yeah, she's got fake IDs.

- Nancy Meyers? - Come on,

she's actually really nice when you get to know her.

And you know what?

I think you guys would have fun together.

No.

She's not like us.

Please come, Isla.

It wouldn't be the same without you.

And I think you're gonna look really hot in this dress.

I'm just gonna put this right...

Oh, so pretty!

Wow! So nice.

Okay, I'm only coming

to make sure that you don't get into any trouble.

I'm trying this on.

And I'm not wearing that dress.

I'm going to get a soda.

Hey, Isla, can you grab me a soda too

when you're down there?

Isla?

Okay, Isla,

I know you're not sure about tonight

but you don't have to give me the silent treatment.

Isla?

Are you okay?

There... Someone was here.

- What? - I don't know.

They rushed out so quickly, I-I didn't see.

Why is this door open?

Why are you coming through the back door?