Leafy sees

In this flashback scene,

we see Doctor Michael in a group therapy session in 2018,

where he witnesses the power of linguistic manipulation firsthand.

INT. THERAPY ROOM – 2018

Doctor Michael is in a circle with several other patients. 

The group therapist, Dr. Peterson, is leading the session.

DR. PETERSON:

 Today, I want to discuss language’s power.

 Words can have a profound effect on our emotions and our mental well-being….

One of the patients, a woman named Karen, raises her hand.

KAREN:

But what about when people use language to manipulate us? 

Like when politicians lie to get our votes…?

Another patient, a man named John, chimes in….

JOHN:

Yeah, or when they use fear-mongering tactics to control us…?

As the group discusses the topic,

 Doctor Michael notices that one of the patients, Tom,

is becoming increasingly distressed.

 Tom is staring off into space, his face twisted in anguish….

DOCTOR MICHAEL: (whispering to Dr. Peterson)

Is everything okay with Tom?

DR. PETERSON: (whispering back)

He’s been having trouble lately

. He’s very susceptible to linguistic manipulation

Suddenly, the door bursts open,

and a group of men in suits enters the room.

One is wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat…..

TRUMP ADVISOR: (to the group) Excuse me, we need to speak with Tom.

The group falls silent as the men approach Tom’s chair. 

Tom looks up at them, terror in his eyes

TRUMP ADVISOR: (to Tom) You’ve been chosen for a unique project.

You’re going to help us make America great again……..

Tom starts to hyperventilate, and the other patients look on in horror……..

DOCTOR MICHAEL: (to the group) It’s okay, everyone…….

Just focus on your breathing……

As the Trump advisor continues to speak,

 Doctor Michael reaches for his phone and starts playing

“Lux Aeterna” from the movie “Requiem for a Dream” soundtrack.

The haunting melody fills the room, and the patients cry.

DOCTOR MICHAEL: (to the group) You’re not alone. We’re all in this together..

The scene ends with the group huddled together,

listening to the music and finding solace in each other’s company.

….

Meanwhile, regimes all over the globe ban any research on the semantic breakdown, including inquiries on ChatGPT on semantic breakdown symptoms

. The hospitals are also instructed to keep silent about semantic breakdown and to continue treating patients as usual without revealing the true nature of their illness.

DOCTOR MICHAEL: (frustrated) This is ridiculous.

How are we supposed to treat our patients if we can’t even investigate the root cause of their illness?

?

COLLEAGUE: (sighing) We have to follow the rules, Michael.

We can’t afford to lose our jobs or licenses…

DOCTOR MICHAEL: (determined) But what about our patients?

They’re the ones suffering the most. We can’t just sit back and do nothing…

As Doctor Michael and his colleagues struggle to find a way to help their patients,

they start receiving anonymous tips and messages from people concerned about a mental breakdown.

 They share information and strategies for resisting the regime’s influence and build a network of like-minded individuals who are committed to the truth…

As the ban on research and inquiry continues,

Doctor Michael and his colleagues realize they must take matters into their own hands.

 They start to conduct secret investigations and experiments, using their resources and expertise to find a way to combat mental breakdown.

DOCTOR MICHAEL: (to his colleagues)

We can’t wait for the system to change.

We have to be the ones to make the change happen…

As the hospital staff continues to treat the patients,

Doctor Michael realizes that the fight against linguistic manipulation

and propaganda is not just about the patients but about the survival of truth and justice

. He resolves to continue fighting for what is right,

even if it means going against the powerful forces that seek to control the people’s minds..

Lux Aeterna. (2023, January 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lux_Aeterna_(Mansell)