FADE IN:

INT. JFK AIRPORT – NIGHT

(The terminal is bustling with the sounds of chatter, rolling suitcases, and overhead flight announcements. A group of high school seniors, dressed casually, are gathered near the check-in counter, passports in hand. The energy is high — a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.)

TODD (grinning)
Dude, Paris! Can you believe it?

ALEX (nervous smile)
Yeah… yeah, it’s crazy.

(Todd slaps Alex on the back as they approach the counter.)

TODD
Come on, man, lighten up! This is gonna be epic.

(Alex’s eyes drift toward the large departure board flickering above the terminal. His eyes narrow as the numbers change — Flight 180 to Paris, ON TIME. A strange chill seems to pass over him.)

CLEAR (softly)
You okay?

(Alex snaps out of it and turns toward Clear, who’s standing nearby with her backpack slung over one shoulder.)

ALEX (forcing a smile)
Yeah, just… thinking about the flight.

(The flight announcement echoes over the intercom.)

INTERCOM (V.O.)
*Flight 180 to Paris we’ll be boarding in 3 hours on gate 46

CARTER (mocking)
Oh great — looks like we’re stuck sitting next to the losers over here.

(Alex glares at Carter, who laughs and drapes an arm around Terry.)

TERRY (rolling her eyes)
Don’t start, Carter.

BILLY (running up, out of breath)
Wait! Did I miss it? Did they board already?

TODD (laughing)
Relax, man. We’ve got time.

(Alex’s gaze flicks to the gate. The jet bridge stretches out like a dark tunnel, almost pulsing in the dim light.)

Mrs lewton (calling out)*
Okay, everyone! Passports out — let’s keep it together. We don’t want to miss this flight!