Aftercare

MITCHIE newly 30 and on the cusp of building her own life, returns to her Florida hometown to visit KAT, her childhood best friend who has a cognitive disability. When Mitchie notices Kat’s mother, CAROL, acting secretive and visibly unwell, she grows concerned. A day trip to Disney World—one of their favorite shared traditions—brings the truth to light: Carol is terminally ill and has chosen to forego treatment, hoping to save enough money to secure Kat’s future.

As they journey through their beloved Floridian haunts, Mitchie becomes torn between her dreams of independence and the unspoken promise she feels toward Kat, a friend who has brought endless joy into her life. With limited options for aftercare, Mitchie realizes that if Kat is to receive compassionate, quality support, she may have to become that support herself. This decision weighs on Mitchie, as the choice could mean putting her own life on hold indefinitely.

In a final heart-wrenching conversation, Mitchie promises Kat that she won’t be left alone but stops short of committing to stay, leaving both friends in a space of uncertain hope. AFTERCARE explores the quiet heroism of friendship, the burden of responsibility, and the love that binds chosen family even when the future is unclear.