Divorce Papers
Grief, guilt, and an ultimatum outside Room 4B.
Hospital Hallway
The hospital hallway is unusually quiet. Larry stands outside Bethany’s room, his arms crossed tightly. His face shows exhaustion, frustration, and anger — days of worry finally becoming too much.
Mr. Newburger walks down the hallway, worried. He slows when he sees Larry.
Larry… how is Bethany?
Larry looks at him without answering. Mr. Newburger glances toward Bethany’s room.
I came as soon as I heard she was here. I just wanted to see my daughter.
Larry finally steps forward.
You want to know how she’s doing?
Mr. Newburger nods. Larry’s voice sharpens.
This is your fault.
My fault?
If you had given her the ten thousand dollars when she asked for it, maybe we wouldn’t be standing here right now.
Mr. Newburger lowers his eyes.
Your daughter has been going through all of this, and I’m the one who has been dealing with it every single day.
Larry, I never wanted things to get this bad.
But they did.
A long silence fills the hallway.
Outside Bethany’s Room
Mr. Newburger looks through the small window in the hospital door. Bethany is resting inside. His expression changes — anger gives way to guilt and sadness.
I should have helped her.
Larry looks away.
You should have.
I thought I was doing what was best.
And now look where we are.
Mr. Newburger has no answer. Larry walks a few steps away, then stops. He reaches into his jacket, his expression suddenly serious, and pulls out a set of papers.
What are those?
Divorce papers.
Divorce papers?
Yes.
Mr. Newburger hesitates before taking them, looking down and back at Larry.
You’re serious?
I’m completely serious.
The Confrontation
Mr. Newburger slowly looks through the papers. His hands tremble slightly.
Larry, this is a big decision.
I know exactly what I’m doing.
Larry steps closer.
I have been dealing with arguments, pressure, hospital visits, and problems every day.
Mr. Newburger listens silently.
I’m tired.
He points toward the papers.
I need Bethany to understand that I can’t keep living like this.
What do you want me to do?
Get Bethany to sign them.
Mr. Newburger looks shocked.
You want me to ask my daughter to sign divorce papers while she’s in the hospital?
Larry pauses. His anger softens for a moment.
I’m not asking you to hurt her.
He looks toward Bethany’s room.
I’m asking you to talk to her.
Mr. Newburger remains silent.
Tell her that I’ve reached my limit.
Mr. Newburger Feels Guilty
Mr. Newburger sits down in one of the hallway chairs, holding the papers, eyes fixed on them.
I never thought I would see my daughter’s marriage come to this.
Larry stands several feet away.
Neither did I.
Mr. Newburger looks up.
You really believe I caused all of this?
Larry thinks for a moment.
I believe your decision made everything harder.
Mr. Newburger nods slowly.
Maybe I should have helped her when she asked.
Larry doesn’t respond. The hallway becomes quiet again.
Bethany Wakes Up
Inside the hospital room, Bethany slowly opens her eyes. She notices movement outside the door and sees her father standing there with Larry. Confused, she calls out.
Dad?
Mr. Newburger turns toward her, quickly wiping his eyes and standing. Larry looks through the doorway. Bethany notices the papers in her father’s hands.
What are those?
Mr. Newburger hesitates and looks at Larry, who gives him a serious look. Mr. Newburger slowly walks into the room.
Bethany… we need to talk.
About what?
Mr. Newburger sits beside her and places the papers on the nearby table.
Your father and Larry had a conversation.
Larry… what is going on?
Larry walks into the room. His voice is calm now, but firm.
I gave your father the divorce papers.
Divorce papers?
Yes.
Bethany looks overwhelmed.
Why would you do this now?
Because I have reached my limit.
Bethany looks away.
The Final Request
Mr. Newburger looks at his daughter, his voice gentle.
Bethany, I’m not here to pressure you.
I just need her to make a decision.
Bethany looks between the two men.
You both came here expecting me to sign?
Mr. Newburger shakes his head.
I want you to understand what’s happening first.
Larry steps back.
I’m not going to argue with you anymore.
Bethany looks at him.
I have spent too much time fighting, worrying, and trying to hold everything together.
His voice cracks slightly.
I need peace.
Bethany becomes quiet. Larry turns toward the door. Before leaving, he looks back at her.
Think about it.
He walks out. Mr. Newburger remains beside Bethany, who looks down at the papers.
Dad… is he really done with me?
Mr. Newburger takes a deep breath.
I don’t know.
Bethany looks toward the doorway. Larry is already gone.
The Hallway
Larry walks down the hallway alone. He stops near a window and looks outside. For the first time, his anger gives way to exhaustion.
Behind him, Mr. Newburger steps out of Bethany’s room, holding the divorce papers. He looks at Larry from a distance. Neither man speaks.
Mr. Newburger finally lowers his eyes. Larry walks away.
Inside the room, Bethany remains silent, staring at the papers. The future of her marriage is suddenly uncertain.