Chapter 1: What shocking confession does Ada Wells make about her son?
After the death of Teddy Wells is initially treated as a possible suicide, police discover clues that suggest something more deliberate. Ada, his 89-year-old mother, makes a quiet but startling confession. She took the life of her adult, nonverbal autistic son, not in a moment of panic, but with intention, care, and love. Detective Curtis brings her in for questioning.
Despite her age and fragile appearance, Ada doesn't waver. She admits what she did and insists she was fully aware. Alexis Martinez, a sharp and compassionate attorney and former ADA, is brought in by Ada's friend and neighbor Gina to defend her and quickly moves to suppress the confession. But Ada, dignified and unwavering, stuns everyone when she calmly insists, I want to have a trial.
Not to escape punishment, but to explain why. At the DA's office, Dana Jeffries is handling the case. She's ambitious, polished, and eager to prove herself. Harvey, her boss, makes it clear. This is a political hot button, and she's been chosen as the public face because she looks good and plays by the rules. It's not about justice. It's about optics.
Still, Dana accepts the challenge, supported behind the scenes by her longtime loving boyfriend, Ethan. As Dana steps into Ada's reality, her black and white worldview begins to blur. The haunting truth of what life was like for Ada, alone for decades with a nonverbal child who was completely dependent on her, throws Dana off balance.
The burden of judgment is now hers to carry, and it's heavier than she imagined. It's not just about law now. It's about meaning, legacy, and the right to define your own story. What looked like a straightforward mercy killing becomes something deeper and messier. a public courtroom battle over the meaning of caregiving, autonomy, and dignity. Interior Dana's house, foyer, night.
Dana closes the front door behind her, sets down her briefcase. The sound of laughter floats in from the living room. Interior Dana's living room, continuous. Dana enters to find Ethan with two other couples, Izzy and Marshall and Corey and James, all in their 30s. They stand and chat, drinks in hand. Appetizers and plates adorn the coffee table. Everyone lets out a cheer at the sight of Dana.
Wait, hold on one second. There's only five of you in the room.
Eleven of you that cheered. That might have been too many people.
Everyone lets out a cheer at the sight of Dana. Ethan walks over to give Dana a kiss. There you are.
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Chapter 2: How does DA Harvey Davis manipulate the case for optics?
The three couples sprawl on the sofas, board games on the coffee table, along with dirty plates and half-empty glasses. They finish a game of Cards Against Humanity.
Okay, final round. What gets better with age? Oh, you mean beside you, huh? Ooh, nicely played.
No, I just don't age, period.
It's true.
I mean, she's been 29 for, what, six years now? Izzy gives Marshall a playful backhand. Everyone looks through their cards, reads their answers.
An ice pick lobotomy. Ooh, pretty teens.
Jennifer Lawrence. Izzy gives Marshall a look.
What?
He shrugs.
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Chapter 3: What challenges does Dana face as she navigates the case?
Not funny.
But kind of true, actually. Who won, Izzy?
Who always wins? Ethan, of course. Corey raises his glass to Ethan. Everyone else claps.
Always the nice ones you have to look out for.
Ethan feigns being hurt.
Who, me?
Dana gathers up the cards. The guests finish their drinks, stack plates and glasses, retrieve their belongings. Dana stands with Ethan to see their guests out. Marshall pats Ethan on the back.
Another fantastic evening, my brother.
Izzy gives Ethan a kiss on the cheek. Ethan, you are the best host. You too, Dana.
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Chapter 4: How does Dana's perspective on caregiving evolve throughout the trial?
Me too.
Hugs and goodbyes all around. Ethan waves as he closes the door after all the guests make their way out. Interior, Dana's bedroom. Night. Dana and Ethan sit up in bed. Dana rubs lotion on her legs.
That was a fun evening.
Yeah.
What? Your friends don't really like me. They just tolerate me because of you. What? Babe, why would you say that? Besides, they're your friends, too. No, not really. I gained them by default. And you knew them before you met me. I mean, if you and I weren't together, they wouldn't still be my friends. Like, nobody likes lawyers.
He grabs her, pulls her onto the bed.
Well, I do.
He kisses her neck, tries to get her in a good mood.
In fact, let me show you how much I like lawyers. This one in particular.
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Chapter 5: What insights do we gain about the experiences of caregivers and their struggles?
Ada sits at the patio table, a thick, plastic-covered book open in front of her. She gazes out at the garden where adult Teddy, a figment of her imagination, expertly tends to the plants. He is tall and broad, with an innocent, open face. Soft brown curls dance in the light breeze. Teddy turns to her, holds up a perfect, red-ripe tomato.
I don't know how you do it, Teddy. Every year, they're better than the last. He beams at her. Ada?
I'm outside, dear. Gina emerges through the sliding door. There you are. Is someone here? I thought I heard you talking. Ada looks at the garden again, then back at Gina, shakes her head. Just getting some fresh air. Thinking about Teddy. Gina gives her a squeeze, sees the book on the table.
Is this his baby book?
Yes.
May I?
Of course. Gina sits next to her, flips through the book.
Such a handsome boy. Do you think about having children?
I used to, but I have endometriosis and couldn't get pregnant. I think that's why I became a teacher.
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Chapter 6: How does the media coverage impact the trial's perception?
Jack flew into a rage, yelling he couldn't take it anymore. And that it was Teddy or him. I guess he could tell by the look in my eyes what my choice was. So he left. Never came back. I hated him for a long time. Until I realized I didn't have the energy for it anymore. Sometimes I even felt sorry for him. I can only imagine what he experienced in the war. Just to come home to another.
Are you sure you wouldn't rather stay with me? Teddy sits beside Ada, puts his head close to hers. She smiles.
No.
No.
Thank you, dear. I'm all right here.
Okay. I'll check in on you a little later. I've got lasagna in the oven for dinner.
I'll bring some over. That sounds wonderful. Thank you. Takes Gina's hand. You do such a beautiful job taking care of others. There's more than one way of being a mother.
Gina gives her a hug. Interior Office of the District Attorney, day. Dana enters from the street, walks towards her office with a paper takeout bag. Her assistant runs up.
Dana! The ME called while you were out, says he's got 15 minutes for you if you can get there before 1.
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Chapter 7: What critical evidence is revealed during the trial?
Meaning? One more time. Toxological. Toxological. Toxological. Toxicological. Toxicological. I'm going to say toxicological. So, definitely homicide. Yes. The curious thing is, though, helium is nearly undetectable in toxicological probes. Meaning? Meaning if the defendant hadn't left the hood and the tubing out, I wouldn't have checked specifically for helium.
With no signs of visible trauma on the body and no determinable cause of death, I wouldn't have ruled it a homicide. She could have walked, so why does she confess?
Dana breaks the examiner's gaze to look back at the report. Interior police station, front desk, day. Dana approaches the desk sergeant, flashes her credentials. I'm looking for Detective Raymond Curtis. Is he available? Interior robbery homicide office, day. Detective Curtis greets Dana.
Ms. Jeffries, how can I help you? Hello, Detective.
I'd like to see the interrogation tapes for Ada Wells, please.
Of course. This way.
Motions for her to follow. Interior, Detective Curtis's cubicle, day. Dana and Detective Curtis sit at his desk, a laptop open in front of them.
You looking for anything in particular?
Honestly, I don't know what I'm looking for. She watches the screen.
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Chapter 8: What personal revelations does Dana have about her own life choices?
She didn't try to hide it at all. She gave us permission to enter and search the home. The hood, the tubing, everything was in plain view. Her fingerprints were clean, no attempt to wipe anything off. Would you find her guilty if you were on the jury? I'm a police officer. Well, that isn't an answer. I've known Alexis, Miss Martinez, for a long time.
I was close with her brother growing up, played ball in school. I worked with her when she was in your position. Which means what, exactly? She's good people. She only takes cases she believes in. That's why she didn't last at the DA's office. In all my years assessing murder suspects, Mrs. Wells' actions indicate she didn't believe she had done anything that needed to be covered up.
So, I'm guessing the defense is arguing capacity.
They are. He shrugs as if to indicate he agrees. I think I just struck you from my witness list. Gives her a sympathetic look. Interior Dana's office, day. Dana takes a bite from a sandwich, studies a brief. Harvey breezes in with Alexis. Dana swallows quickly, wipes her mouth, stands up.
Look who I found wandering the halls. Twice in one week. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to get your old job back. You'll be the first to know, Harvey. Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got a meeting. Go easy on this one. I don't want to lose another pretty face.
He nods his head at Dana. Leaves. He's a peach, that one. Dana does not respond. Tries to wait her out. Then... Was there something I could do for you? No. I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop off our witness list in person. Pulls a folder from her briefcase. Hands it to Dana.
Thank you. I plan on reaching out to them. I'm counting on it. They're all more than happy to speak with you. I think you'll find what they have to say very enlightening. She makes no move to leave. Well, if that's all. That's all. Have a nice afternoon, Dana.
She leaves. Dana peruses the list, reaches for the phone. Interior State Department of Public Health Building. Day. A staff member leads Dana down a hallway to an office, shows her inside. Mrs. Macario, 60s, wears an American flag pin on her lapel. Stans and greets Dana, offers her a seat. Thank you for seeing me.
I know it can be awkward talking to the other side. Not at all. I've testified on both sides. Facts are facts. What questions can I answer for you? You've been deputy director for the Center for Healthcare Quality for how long? 38 years. This year will be my last. Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you. What exactly is the role of the Center?
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