When Delicia Finds
Iman at Shayla’s House
A living room, a locked-down secret, and three people who all knew more than they said.
The house is unusually quiet. Shayla stands near the window, lost in thought. Iman sits on the couch, looking uncomfortable — there is tension between them, but neither says much.
Suddenly, a loud knock echoes through the house.
Shayla looks toward the door. Iman immediately becomes uneasy. Shayla slowly walks to the entrance and opens it.
Delicia stands outside, her expression already tense. She looks directly at Shayla.
Why are you taking so long to open the door?
Shayla says nothing. Delicia steps inside without waiting for an invitation and looks around the room. Her eyes suddenly land on Iman. Everything changes. Delicia freezes. Iman slowly stands.
Iman?
Iman doesn’t answer. Delicia looks from Iman to Shayla, her face filling with disbelief.
What are you doing here?
Iman remains silent. Delicia takes another step toward him.
No, seriously. What are you doing at Shayla’s house?
Iman looks down — he clearly doesn’t know how to explain himself. Shayla stays in the background, watching the confrontation.
Delicia, I can explain—
Then explain!
Her voice echoes through the room. Iman takes a breath.
It’s not what you think.
Not what I think? You are standing inside Shayla’s house, and I’m supposed to believe there is nothing going on?
Iman looks toward Shayla. Shayla immediately looks away. Delicia notices — her anger grows.
And you? You don’t have anything to say?
Shayla remains silent, her eyes filled with emotion.
Delicia…
She stops herself. Delicia waits.
What?
Shayla can’t find the right words.
I don’t want to make things worse.
Worse? Things are already worse!
She turns back toward Iman.
I trusted you.
Iman’s expression changes. He takes a careful step toward her.
Delicia, please listen to me.
I’ve been listening! I’ve been trying to understand you for so long, Iman. And now I walk into this?
Iman looks completely trapped. He opens his mouth, but no words come out.
Exactly. You can’t even answer me.
Iman lowers his eyes. Shayla watches silently — she knows Delicia is hurt. Despite everything, Shayla cannot bring herself to say anything against her.
Delicia, I never wanted you to feel like this.
Then tell me the truth. Were you expecting Iman to come here?
Shayla hesitates.
Yes.
Delicia’s eyes widen. Iman looks at Shayla.
Shayla—
It’s okay. Yes, I knew he was coming.
Delicia takes a slow breath. Her anger is now mixed with disappointment.
Why? Why was Iman coming here?
Shayla looks toward Iman. Iman finally steps forward.
Because I needed to talk to her.
About what?
Silence. Iman struggles to answer.
About me?
Iman looks at her. That silence tells Delicia everything she needs to know.
I knew it.
She turns away, trying to control her emotions.
Delicia, it wasn’t supposed to happen like this.
Then how was it supposed to happen? Were you going to tell me?
Yes.
When?
Another silence. Delicia looks at him with disappointment.
Tomorrow? Next week? Or after you decided what you really wanted?
Iman looks down. Shayla slowly moves closer.
Delicia, please don’t blame yourself.
I’m not blaming myself. I’m trying to understand why the two people standing in front of me couldn’t be honest.
Shayla’s eyes become emotional.
I never wanted to hurt you.
Delicia’s expression softens for a moment. Even in her anger, she can see that Shayla is struggling.
Then don’t.
Shayla says nothing. Delicia looks back at Iman.
I asked you one simple question. What are you doing at Shayla’s house?
Iman finally gathers the courage to answer.
I came here because I needed to talk to Shayla about what has been happening between us.
Between us?
Iman nods.
I haven’t known how to handle everything.
So you came to Shayla?
Iman doesn’t respond. Delicia shakes her head.
You should have come to me.
Iman looks hurt.
I was afraid.
Afraid of me?
Afraid of hurting you.
Delicia’s anger slowly turns into sadness.
You already did.
The room becomes completely silent. Shayla looks down. Iman takes another step toward Delicia.
I’m sorry.
Delicia wipes away a tear and quickly regains her composure.
Sorry isn’t enough right now.
Iman stops. Delicia turns toward the door. Shayla watches her — for a moment, Shayla looks like she wants to stop her. But she doesn’t. Delicia reaches the doorway and turns back one last time.
Shayla… whatever happened here, I hope you understand how much this hurts.
Shayla’s eyes fill with tears.
I do.
Delicia looks at Iman.
And you… next time you have something to say to me, say it to my face.
Iman nods slowly.
I will.
Delicia walks out. The door closes behind her. Silence fills the house. Iman remains frozen. Shayla looks toward the closed door. Neither of them speaks. A long moment passes.
I never wanted this to happen.
Neither did I.
Iman sits down, overwhelmed. Shayla remains standing near the window. Outside, Delicia walks away from the house, trying to hold back her emotions.
Inside, Iman realizes that his silence may have caused more damage than the truth ever could. Shayla watches from the window, unable to say anything against Delicia — because beneath all the anger and confusion, she knows one thing:
Delicia didn’t deserve to be blindsided like this.