Semester of Graduation

Spring

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

English

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

I’ll Be There Soon is a feature-length screenplay that explores caregiving, family sacrifice, and cultural identity. Amid a brewing tropical storm, an overworked hospice nurse and her teenage daughter get trapped in a dying patient’s home, forced to face the unraveling of their family and the sacrifices caregiving demands. The story draws inspiration from my upbringing in South Texas and witnessing the quiet strength of my mother, a hospice nurse, whose work revealed the unseen emotional and physical toll of caregiving.

While not confessional, the screenplay reflects my observations about caregiving and the cultural expectations placed on women in these roles. Through the character of Esmeralda, I wanted to portray the sacrifices inherent in caregiving, particularly the tension between supporting others and maintaining one’s own relationships and well-being. Language and culture are central to this story, with Spanish dialogue woven throughout to capture intimacy, cultural authenticity, and the dynamic between mother and daughter. The story also emphasizes quiet, introspective moments, where emotional shifts unfold through silence and body language rather than dialogue. By focusing on stillness and the way bodies move and think, I aimed to create a story that resonates with the subtleties of everyday life.

I’ll Be There Soon is a evocative drama with elements of psychological tension. While grounded in the realism of hospice work and cultural identity, the confined setting and storm- infused urgency add an atmospheric edge, creating moments of thrill and suspense. Ultimately, it is a story about connection, resilience, and the complexities of love.

Date

3-11-2025

Committee Chair

Zachary Godshall

Available for download on Monday, March 08, 2032

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