In 1952 New Mexico, a battered housewife finds unexpected love and hope in the arms of another neighborhood housewife, forcing them to risk everything for a shot at freedom—and discover how far they’ll go for a soft place to land. Is freedom worth the price of blood?

[Single Location, Contained, 2-hander]

SYNOPSIS:

ACT ONE:

In 1952 New Mexico, Katherine, a battered housewife trapped in an abusive marriage, quietly survives her days with whiskey and routine. Her world shifts when Samantha, a younger, vibrant neighbor also trapped in a controlling marriage, arrives on her doorstep wearing nothing but a trench coat, seeking connection and warmth.

Katherine reluctantly lets Samantha in, their initial tension giving way to a cautious, tender friendship.

Samantha’s playful, defiant energy draws Katherine out of her isolation, bringing laughter back into the quiet house.

As they share small acts of rebellion—trench coat mornings, stolen kisses, cooking simple meals together—Katherine dares to hope for something more than survival.

ACT TWO:

Their connection deepens into a love neither expected, igniting plans for escape as Samantha inherits $500 from her grandfather, enough to spark a dream of leaving for San Francisco. They count money, measure gas prices, and whisper about freedom, all while maintaining their secret within the house’s walls.

A gun hidden in the breadbox accidentally discharges, symbolizing the violence they can’t fully escape, but they handle the moment with quiet resolve.

Samantha’s husband discovers the money, beats her, and leaves her injured, pushing Samantha to act.

Katherine, once resigned, now sees a clear choice: risk everything for a soft place to land with the woman she loves.

ACT THREE:

They set Friday as the day to leave, packing their few belongings, counting every cent, and making final, quiet preparations. But Samantha arrives early, bloodied, suitcase in hand, having killed both of their husbands in a final act of desperate freedom.

Katherine cleans Samantha in the shower, washing away the blood of their old lives, preparing them for a new one.

They collect a few kitchen items and whiskey, locking the house’s past inside as they step out the door together.

As they walk down the walkway, leaving the door open behind them, Samantha reaches for Katherine’s hand, confirming they are leaving not just the house, but the hard things behind.

The final image: the two women, battered but alive, walking toward an uncertain freedom, proving that softness is worth the risk—and that even in blood, hope can take root.