Episode: 1
Stella describes growing up starved and isolated because her ear band always flashed red, while Emma's shone green. On New Year's Eve, Stella drops to the floor in severe abdominal pain. Her band turns red, leading Mom to dismiss her agony as an act. Stella pleads for medical help, but Mom shakes her in anger. Dad suggests leaving food, yet Mom locks the door, leaving Stella alone with an empty cabinet.
Stella explains that her ear band has flashed red since birth, while Emma's band shines green. Because of the red light, Stella spent her childhood locked away in isolation and starved as punishment for being labeled a dishonest child.
Mom dresses Emma for the Acorn Drop on New Year's Eve. Stella suddenly collapses with violent stomach cramps. Her ear band blinks red right away. Mom calls her pain a fake excuse, ignores her suffering, and walks out the front door.
Stella writhes on the living room floor as her agony intensifies. Mom and Emma return inside. Stella begs for a doctor, but the device flashes red again. Mom grabs Stella, shakes her with anger, and demands she reflect on her dishonesty.
Dad arrives to hurry the family to the fireworks and asks about leaving food for Stella. Mom claims Stella hoards snacks and orders the door locked. The family walks out into the night, leaving Stella alone beside a completely empty cabinet.
“Nice try, Stella. Faking sick to ruin our night? Pathological.”
“Mom, please, it hurts.”
“The band doesn't lie, Stella. Hurt now, learn later. This is for your own good.”
“Lock the door. She comes out when that light turns green.”
Dad locks the front door after Mom insists Stella has secret snacks to eat. The family departs for the New Year's Eve fireworks, leaving Stella stranded alone in agony on the floor. Stella checks her cabinet and finds it completely bare. Can Stella survive the night without medical care or food while her family stays away celebrating?